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Putting effort into maintaining your air conditioner is vital to maximizing the efficiency of your unit and the comfort of your property, but it can be a bit overwhelming if you’re just starting to learn how. So, to help you out, we’ve put together a simple list of things you can do to help maintain your air conditioner and avoid costly repairs and efficiency issues.

Maintain Your Air Filters

Your air filters are the lungs of your air conditioner. When your air filters get clogged up with dirt, dust, and other irritants, it can reduce the efficiency of your entire unit and potentially blow debris throughout the rest of your system’s internal structure, costing you a lot in inevitable repairs. Check to see what kind of filter your air conditioner needs and switch it out at least every month or so for the best results.

Maintain Your Coils

It’s completely normal for evaporator and condenser coils to get dirty through regular use, which means they need a good cleaning every once in a while. The cleaner you keep your air filter, the less you have to worry about your evaporator coil, but you should still check up on it at least once a year before the cooling season starts. Condenser coils are a bit different. Because condenser coils are outside, they can get dirtier much faster. To minimize problems, keep the area well-maintained and give your unit plenty of room to breathe.

Maintain Your Coil Fins

Coil fins are thin aluminum sheets stacked together to form what almost looks like a vent inside your unit. The most common problem with coil fins is that they’re fragile. Bend just a few, and you risk a significant loss of airflow, compromising the efficiency of your system. A simple “fin comb” can gently brush these fins back into place.

Maintain Your Condensate Drains

Condensate drains can be prone to clogs. Snake your drain channels once in a while to ensure proper humidity control.

Maintain Your Window Seals

If you have a window unit for a single room, make sure you’re inspecting the seal around your window at the start of every season. If there isn’t an airtight seal between your unit and window frame, there’s a good chance you’re losing cold air all summer long.

Prepare For Winter

If your unit is not in active use, make sure you cover it or put it away. Leaving it out during the winter will only open it up to debris and potential damage.

Need help maintaining your air conditioner through the long summer season? Do not hesitate to reach out to our skilled heating and cooling specialists at Tru Comfort Heating and Cooling and ask about Tru Comfort Advantage, our incredible preventative maintenance plans. Our Tru Comfort Advantage maintenance plans can catch problems before they grow out of control and extend the life of your air conditioner.

For more information on maintaining your air conditioner or investing in your property’s HVAC health, we encourage you to connect with our talented heating and cooling technicians at Tru Comfort Heating and Cooling by calling (602) 499-7855, or simply fill out the form in the sidebar.

Your air conditioner isn’t going to last forever. Over time it will need repairs, and eventually, no matter how well you take care of it, it will need replacement. That’s why the best thing you can do to save yourself as much time and money as possible is to know how to spot the signs of a weary, run-down air conditioner – so you know exactly when to call our skilled HVAC pros at Tru Comfort Heating and Cooling for help!

Blowing Warm Air

Blowing warm or hot air instead of cool is a huge warning sign that something might be up. If you have a clean air filter and double-checked that your thermostat is displaying the correct settings, you may want to consider inquiring about potential repairs your unit might need.

Weird Noises

Scraping, grinding, and squealing noises coming from any HVAC system are never good signs. It usually points to a problem with your HVAC system’s internal components, which means calling in the pros.

Reduced Airflow

Reduced airflow may not be a super noticeable sign at first, but eventually, you’re going to stop feeling the cool air circulating and know something’s wrong. The problem is, the reason could be anything from a faulty compressor to inefficient ducts, which means you need to invite someone to come and figure out the right restoration strategy.

Thermostat Not Working/Responding

Usually when someone says their thermostat isn’t working it’s a matter of replacing the batteries or giving it a gentle tune-up, but if your thermostat is fine and still doesn’t seem to be working or responding to your demands, the problem might just be your air conditioner.

Funny Smells

Your air conditioner should never really have too much of a smell, which is why if you are catching a whiff of a foul odor coming from your air conditioner, you might want to have a technician come out and have a look. You might have some mold somewhere or even some burnt electrical components.

Too Humid

Although humidity isn’t much of a problem for residents in Arizona, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Home bathrooms, commercial kitchens, and other common spaces all produce plenty of moisture for air conditioners to remove. The moment you notice excess humidity left behind, it’s time to seek repairs.

Frequent Concerns/Repairs

If your unit seems to always be in a state of disrepair, the best thing you can do is seek a replacement. Repairing your system over and over will only work for so long. It will be much more cost-effective in the long run to just replace it instead.

Visible Leaks

If you see any kind of puddling around your unit, whether it looks like water or like it may be freon, do not wait to contact one of our technicians. Some chemicals your unit uses are toxic, which means only seasoned specialists should handle them.

Higher Utility Bills

An easy way to tell if your air conditioner isn’t functioning to its full capacity anymore is to check out your utility bills. If your energy costs are way higher than they used to be, it’s a pretty good indication that you might have some problems or inefficiencies with your HVAC.

Your Unit Is At The End Of Its Lifespan

Finally, one of the easiest ways to tell if your air conditioner needs repairs or replacement is to consider its age. If your unit is so old that you can’t even get the same make and model anymore because of increased efficiency standards, you should really let it go. There’s no point in wasting your money on frequent repairs when a new, more efficient unit can start saving you money!

Think you may need HVAC repairs or a full unit replacement? Do yourself a favor and get ahold of our team at Tru Comfort Heating and Cooling to schedule a time for one of our extraordinary technicians to have a look by calling (602) 499-7855, or simply fill out the form in the sidebar.

Even if you’re not paying too close attention when you’re driving around, it’s still fairly noticeable that a lot of properties throughout the region have AC units installed on their roofs. You may have even wondered once or twice what the appeal was and perhaps whether a rooftop AC installation is a good fit for your home or business. Well, good news; Tru Comfort Heating and Cooling has your answers!

Rooftop AC vs. Central AC

The first thing to note is that whether you choose a rooftop AC or central AC, your cooling experience should be roughly the same. The main difference between the two is the initial design. Central AC units are typically split systems, with components located inside and outside your property. A rooftop AC is a completely self-contained system with all its components tucked neatly inside a single unit equipped to your roof.

Is A Rooftop AC Installation Right for You?

As with any HVAC system, there are pros and cons to installing a rooftop AC unit. The advantages include greater efficiency with less space used. If you don’t have a yard or a lot of clearance around your property, you might prefer to have your unit on your roof. And you can’t beat its efficiency. Central AC units have to have extremely powerful fans to force cool air down and collect the hot air. Hot air naturally rises, and cold air sinks, which means a rooftop AC unit works better with nature to keep your property cooler for less!

There are still some drawbacks, though. Rooftop AC units typically cost more to install than simpler central AC units because of the additional installation and labor requirements, and not everyone can have them. If you live in a neighborhood with an HOA, they may decide a rooftop AC is too much of an eyesore and forbid it, so it’s definitely something you want to look into first.

Get All the HVAC Support You Need At Tru Comfort Heating and Cooling

Whether you decide a rooftop AC is right for you or not, the most important thing you can do to guarantee the efficiency of your new unit and your satisfaction is to trust the right HVAC professionals to take care of your installation and future maintenance. Here at Tru Comfort Heating and Cooling, we are always eager to show home and business owners precisely what it means to us to be one of the most trusted HVAC service providers in the region. We can’t wait to help you determine if a rooftop AC is right for you and so much more! To learn more about rooftop AC, reach out to our talented heating and cooling technicians at Tru Comfort Heating and Cooling by calling (602) 499-7855, or simply fill out the form in the sidebar.

As temperatures across Arizona continue to climb higher and higher, maintaining a cool, air-conditioned home has become non-negotiable. But what happens when your air conditioner isn’t effectively cooling down your house? Before you start sweating bullets, here are seven things you should check on to troubleshoot the issue.

Thermostat Settings

The first thing you are going to want to check is your thermostat. Make sure you correctly set your thermostat to “cool” and that your settings reflect your desired temperature. If your thermostat is battery-operated, replace the batteries to ensure it’s functioning correctly.

Dirty Air Filter

A dirty air filter will eventually begin to restrict airflow and cause your AC system to work harder than it needs to. If your AC is suddenly not cooling your house appropriately, you will want to check your air filter. If it’s dirty, replace it. A clean filter can help your AC unit run more efficiently and cool your home more effectively.

Clogged Coils & Condenser Units

Your air conditioner’s outdoor condenser unit is responsible for releasing heat outside of your home with the help of specially-made coils. If your coils or condenser unit become dirty or obstructed by leaves and other debris, however, they cannot effectively disperse heat and keep your house cool. Ensuring your condenser unit stays free from debris, such as leaves, grass clippings, and dirt will keep it clean and your house cool.

Low/Leaking Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the substance that cools the air in your AC unit. If your system is leaking or low on refrigerant, it won’t be able to cool your home effectively. A refrigerant leak is a serious issue that only professional repair technicians should correct.

Obstructed/Damaged Ductwork

Your air ducts are responsible for distributing cool air throughout your home. When your ductwork has obstructions or damage causing leaks, cool air can’t reach certain areas of your home. Check for obstructions or damage to your ductwork and have it repaired right away if necessary to help keep your house cool all summer long.

Blocked Vents

Blocked vents can prevent cool air from circulating throughout your home. Make sure all vents are open and clear, and that furniture or other objects aren’t blocking the airflow.

Undersized/Aging AC Unit

If your AC unit is old and outdated or simply too small for your property, it will not be able to cool your home as effectively as a newer or appropriately sized model. Upgrading to a larger, more energy-efficient system means that you can save money on your energy bills and keep your home cool and comfortable.

When your air conditioner is not effectively cooling down your house, it’s important to take action to troubleshoot the issue. Don’t suffer through an unbearably hot and uncomfortable summer – let our pros at Tru Comfort Heating and Cooling ensure your AC system is functioning properly, so we can help keep your house cool and comfortable all year!

For more information on AC repair when your AC is not cooling your home or investing in your property’s HVAC health, we encourage you to connect with our talented heating and cooling technicians at Tru Comfort Heating and Cooling by calling (602) 499-7855, or simply fill out the form in the sidebar.