Why Do Air Conditioning Units Freeze Up?

August 20, 2018

Many homeowners experience issues with their air conditioning units freezing up. If your air conditioner is freezing up, chances are the Freon in your system is expanding more than it should. This increased expansion causes the coils of the system to be colder than usual, freezing up the unit. Another possibility is that something is stopping the air in your home from transferring its heat to the AC unit. Here are a few reasons why air conditioning units freeze up. 1. Insufficient Air Flow A common reason air conditioning units freeze up is due to insufficient air flow. Air conditioning units function by removing heat from the home to reduce the temperature. If an air conditioning unit is failing to blow the air from the inside of your home over the evaporator coil, then this heat exchange will not take place. This means the Freon won’t be removing heat from the home as it should. With time, the temperature will drop until your AC unit freezes up. 2. Low On Refrigerant Another reason air conditioning units freeze up is due to being low on refrigerant. If your air conditioning unit doesn’t have enough refrigerant, then the pressure within the system…...

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Top Careers In HVAC

August 10, 2018

HVAC professionals make it possible for people to keep the temperatures in their homes comfortable in summer and winter. Heating and air conditioning systems take away the need to pile on warm clothing during winter and in summer when iced drinks are not enough to stay comfortable, they keep a room cool. HVAC technicians perform installation, maintenance, and repair services for the systems. The profession is growing steadily as does the construction industry. More people are realizing the importance of efficient systems and seeking the services of HVAC technicians. The following are some popular HVAC careers. HVAC Technician HVAC technician performs the services of installation, maintenance, and repairs for different HVAC systems. Different technicians may choose to specialize in different areas. Some HVAC technicians work independently while others work for companies. HVAC Engineer An HVAC engineer is in charge of planning and monitoring the installation of various systems. They make sure that a system can perform well depending on the needs of a home. They may also evaluate existing systems and point out weakness. An HVAC engineer may provide advice and recommendations. HVAC Installer The primary job of an HVAC installer is to set up different systems including air conditioning…...

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Indoor Air Quality And Health

July 17, 2018

With the improvements in home and office design that securely seal structures to resist weather effects has come an increase in awareness of indoor air quality and its effects on the human body. From an increasing understanding of secondhand smoke to the awareness of toxins that leach into the environment from paints and artificial fibers, we have learned how to decrease invisible (and not so invisible) hazards that affect our breathing. Since breathing is an essential body system what affects it obviously affects the overall health. This is why it can be a critical mistake to ignore or neglect home or office HVAC systems. These systems are significant first-line defense systems against ill health. Let us at General Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. help you keep your HVAC systems, and thus your air, in top condition. Health Issues and Toxins Some health issues that are often caused by or made worse by poor indoor air quality: Asthma Allergies Delayed Childhood Development Secondary Infections Some toxins that can exist in our indoor air include: Radon Mold Allergens Smoke and Secondhand Smoke Lead Fumes How General Can Help Here at General Heating & Cooling, Inc. we have experience and the most up-to-date…...

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Can Air Conditioning Trigger Asthma?

July 16, 2018

Do you regularly experience asthma attacks? If the answer is yes, you probably know the asthma triggers including pets, pollen, dust mites, and mold. People suffering from asthma have sensitive airways, and then they are exposed to any of the above triggers their airway will swell up, tighten and then stimulate the production of excess mucus. They will then have trouble breathing and start wheezing and develop nasal congestion and itchy eyes. In the summer heat, spending hours in air-conditioned rooms might feel like what you need, but it can trigger an asthma attack. How Do Air Conditioners Trigger Asthma Attacks? Mold often grows unnoticed in the air conditioner, and it will be spread throughout the house once you switch on the unit. Mold is one of the worst triggers of asthma, and you can have an asthma attack when you use the air conditioner. Mold requires a wet environment to thrive, and air conditioners allow moisture and other debris to accumulate in the air handler. Mold growing in the air conditioning is blown out of the vents and then settles on other surfaces and starts a new colony. Identifying Mold in Your AC Most people will not realize they…...

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Advantage of a Zoning System

June 10, 2018

Central heating and cooling was a big deal when it first came out. Not only did this type of heating and cooling help save money on energy bills, but it also provided people with a way to maintain a more comfortable temperature all throughout the home. And even though this type of heating and cooling does come with several advantages, there are a few aspects where it is lacking, and this is especially seen when comparing it to the advantages of a zoning system. What Is a Zoning System? A central heating and cooling system can keep the temperature throughout your entire house at the same level using efficient forms of temperature regulation. It cannot, however, vary the temperatures in one room to the next. Take for example you want to keep the temperature in your kitchen and living room at a comfortable 72 degrees during the day because that’s where you and the kiddos hang. You would prefer for the bedrooms to stay at 65 degrees since you won’t be in them until around 8 p.m. at night. With a zoning system, you can do this. The Advantages of a Zoning System The most notable advantage of a zoning…...

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What to Look for in an Air Conditioning Company

June 7, 2018

Whether you´re new to the San Gabriel Valley, or just looking for a better fit for air conditioning service, you may be wondering what traits or characteristics signal you’re on the right track. Here is a brief list of clues to look for when comparing local AC service companies. 1. A Solid Reputation in the Community Building a good reputation isn’t easy. Gaining community trust requires a relationship attitude, one that respects and values the customers’ time, budget and needs. Look for positive online reviews, articles in local media that highlight community engagement, reasonable social media response times and recommendations from your friends and family. 2. A Commitment to Excellence An air conditioning company pursuing excellence invests in professional development. Look for recognition by third-party agencies, such as designation as an authorized dealer of HVAC manufacturing companies. Providing proof of NATE certification is another sign the air conditioning company keeps their technicians up to date on regulations in the heating, air conditioning, ventilation, and refrigeration world. A commitment to excellence means technicians are fully trained, certified, licensed and bonded. 3. A One-Stop, Full-Service operation Look for a range of services and products that include preventative maintenance plans, warranty service for…...

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What Are the Benefits of a Ductless AC System?

May 21, 2018

An AC system is one of the most important equipment in your home since you depend on it year after year to give you comfort through the hot season. For this reason, the ductless AC system should be your first choice since it works better and can serve you longer than the traditional models. The ductless AC systems have found their way into several homes and commercial buildings, including offices and restaurants. They come with significant advantages such as: Save money Constant cooling through the hot seasons can spike the energy bills, and instead of enjoying a comfortable environment, you will be busy worrying about your utility bills. A ductless AC system allows users to create zones. This means that you can cool specific rooms that are occupied, thereby reducing energy loss that would otherwise be used in rooms that you don’t occupy. The system is also small in size and operates on low power. Quality air Most of the time, outdoor air is of higher quality than indoor air. Over time, a traditional AC system picks up dust, pollen, bacteria, dirt, and other particles that often lower the indoor air quality. This means that they have to be cleaned…...

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When is a Good Time to Get AC Maintenance?

March 29, 2018

Air conditioning keeps you comfortable when it’s hot and humid. When it’s hot, and your AC system breaks down, you will call for service. But the best time to contact us is in the spring when we can perform a maintenance check to keep your system up and running. Let one of our experts check your system before summer to make sure it’s ready for the heat. Among the parts of your cooling system our expert will check are: The air filter Evaporator coils Condenser coil Most air filters are relatively easy for you to change. If they aren’t changed regularly, however, dirt builds up, causing your cooling system to work harder than it needs too. Energy efficiency goes down, and some expensive parts of your system are in jeopardy. The evaporator coils, which take in heat and humidity, could break down. The same is true for the condenser coils, which transfer heat from your home to the outside. It pays to be proactive. When you have your AC system checked, our experts can detect small problems to prevent you from having to call for service. You don’t want to be stuck dripping wet with sweat because of a system…...

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Should I Insulate My Attic?

February 27, 2018

It has taken you half the winter to realize why your energy bill is so high.  Insulation turns out to be the culprit stealing money from your pockets. You are not alone. Insulating Your Attic The two ways to insulate your home both have pros and cons. You maintain indoor insulation by pulling out walls to install the new installation. Outside insulation consists of creating holes and injecting loose insulation. Both ways seem like an enormous undertaking. The methods are both expensive and not overly easy. However, insulation is a necessity for many reasons, and it starts in the attic. Insulating your entire house not only more expensive, but it also takes longer to achieve. Why The Attic? Attic insulation is not only easier to do yourself, but heat also rises which makes the attic the point of attack when insulating. Plugging up holes and gaps in the insulation saves you money while being energy efficient. The more substantial holes are easy to find and wrap. Do not worry about the small ones that go unseen without a professional eye. However, for optimal insulation, you will prefer having a professionally trained technician do air draft checks and close all holes, even those…...

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Why You Need a Home Energy Audit

January 17, 2018

A home energy audit is an assessment done on your energy consumption. It helps you in pinpointing where you are losing energy and outlines solutions to any problem encountered. It is recommended that energy audits be regularly and professionally done to maximize efficiency and reduce bills. Doing Energy Audit Yourself The simplest way of doing an energy audit for your home is by comparing current energy bills with previous ones.  It is suitable for someone who keeps records of water, electricity and heating bills. You simply examine the amount you used to spend on energy a year or two ago and compare with the current one. If you notice significant differences in them, then you know something is cooking. You may need to examine each bill further to identify the culprit. It may be your heating and cooling system that is taking in a lot of energy because you have not serviced it or has a malfunction. Home Energy Audit by Specialists  The do it yourself way comes with demerits. You need to look beyond bills to matters healthy and safety. Also, the size of your family will be taken into consideration among other factors. Some of the electrical appliances you…...

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