these Archives - Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning

Indicators the Old AC Needs Repair or Replacement

Summer is one of the worst possible times to have a broken AC. Unfortunately, due to the heavy usage during the hottest months, that is when they tend to break down. If homeowners know the symptoms that point to a need for AC repair, they can get the problem dealt with before it becomes an emergency. The signs below indicate a home may need air conditioning repair or AC replacement.

Sign #1: The House is Too Warm

This symptom can be disguised by or attributed to the heat outside. Sometimes when it is exceptionally warm, an air conditioner may have trouble keeping the home at optimal temperature. Still, it should not be hot in the home, no matter the temperatures outside. If an air conditioning unit is having significant trouble keeping the home at a comfortable temperature, there may be a need for air conditioning replacement. Even if the whole unit does not need to be replaced, several things could be wrong.

Clogged or dirty air filter
Air duct damage or obstruction
Malfunctioning blower
Coolant leak
Short cycling

Sign #2: Energy Bills are Through the Roof

Just how long has that HVAC unit been there? As any appliance or machine ages, it gains wear and tear and loses efficiency. This means the machine will work much harder to reach the same comfort level within the home. More energy use means that utility bills will spike. The unit may experience overheating issues, which can lead to other problems. Though pieces can be replaced, there is sometimes so much use that replacing all the necessary parts is more expensive than replacing the whole unit. If a homeowner has seen a significant increase in their bills without a significant increase in usage, then there is likely a problem with the system’s efficiency.

Sign #3: Unpleasant Sounds or Smells

Another indicator of a problem with the unit is when it starts making strange noises or strange smells coming from the vents. Many problems like this can be fixed by a professional fairly easily, while others may require a more significant repair or complete replacement.

Banging: A banging sound can indicate that something has come loose within the unit and may be caught in a moving part. If not dealt with, it can cause more damage within the unit.
Whistling or Hissing: This can be a sign of a leak. This can be in the air ducts or, more seriously, in the coolant tubing.
Musty Smells: If the unit is not draining properly, it can lead to moisture buildup, and mold or mildew may begin to grow. This can stem from several problems, including dirty air filters and ducts.
Burning Smells: This can be due to an electrical issue and should be dealt with immediately.

About Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning

Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning offers professional, fast service in Sun Prairie, WI, and the surrounding areas. Call today for 24/7 emergency AC service. Learn more about the author here.

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Solve These Heaters Issues Now, Before Winter Is in Full Swing!

For many homeowners, the days slide past quickly. Summer turns to autumn, and then autumn turns to winter before they’ve had a chance to prepare. Unfortunately, all sorts of problems can come with heating systems that have been collecting dust all year. This is why it’s a good idea to check for common heater issues before the cold sets in. Read on to discover what to look for as the days start to grow colder.

Blowing Cold Air When the Heater’s On

One of the easiest (and most unpleasant) ways to know that a heater is malfunctioning is a lack of hot air from the vents. The first thing homeowners should check if this is the case is the thermostat. The fan control should be set to “auto,” the heater on, and the temperature at the appropriate number.

Another common issue that can cause cold air to blow when the heater is on involves the flame sensor. If this part becomes dirty, it can malfunction. Often, homeowners will turn the heat on, feel warm air for a few moments, and then only cold air. A dirty flame sensor usually causes this, and could lead to air pollution in the home.

Mysterious Noises

No heaters operate silently. But, there are normal noises and abnormal ones. It’s the latter that homeowners should look out for. These can range from squealing, rumbling, bumping, hissing, grinding, rattling, and popping. The severity of the issue depends on the specific sound. For instance, grinding often means a motor problem, while rattling may signal a loose panel.

Below are some common sounds and the issues that may be causing them.

Squealing - Usually an issue with a belt. Belts can slip and cause noise, or they can get old and need replacement.

Popping - When heard near vents, this is usually caused by vent expansion as they heat, which is normal.

Thumping - Often a sign that the blower wheel or the motor has become unbalanced.

Pilot Lights Should Be Blue, Not Yellow

Another common cause of home heater issues is a problem with the pilot light. Those homeowners experiencing trouble should visually inspect their pilot light. A blue pilot light is normal, while a yellow one is not. Pilot lights can also turn green and red, none of which are normal. This is typically caused by a dirty air intake valve or contamination of the gas in a furnace. A yellow pilot light may mean a carbon monoxide leak, which needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

Homeowners who notice that their pilot light is not blue are advised to immediately shut off their gas and furnace and call an HVAC technician. It may be caused by something as simple as dirt or too much air, but it’s better not to take chances in these situations.

About Cardinal Heating and Air Conditioning

Cardinal has been serving homeowners with pride since 1984. They provide honest, upfront pricing on every job. Their techs are clean, professional, friendly, and expertly trained. They’ve also been voted the best heating and cooling company in Sun Prairie five times in a row. Call them now for excellent heater services!