Month: July 2021

Heat pumps can be expected to make some noise. Unusually loud noises point to a problem in the brewing. If your system is reaching decibels impossible to ignore, you should turn it off to prevent further damage.

Give ACS Air Conditioning Services here in Oro Valley a call to schedule a repair visit. We will be able to quickly identify the issue and give you a fair and honest quote.

When Things Go Bump in the Night or Day

Because we like to help educate our customers, here are five heat pump noises to keep an ear out for:

1. “Bam! Bam! Bam!”––Metal Rapidly Hitting Metal

If you hear a metallic clang repeating in a cycle, there is probably something going on with your fan. What you are hearing is the sound of the blades hitting another hard object. Immediately turn off your heat pump’s power if you believe this to be the case.

Under this type of stress, the fan will become bent or chipped. Once the machine is off, inspect the inside for any foreign objects, then give one of our experienced heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professionals a call to fix your fan if necessary.

2. “Sssss . . . ”––Hissing

There is really not much chance a snake with unlimited lung power has inhabited your heat pump. So the more likely possibility is you have a refrigerant leak.

You are hearing the sound of gas escaping. In this instance, you should contact one of our trained professionals to repair the leak and replenish the refrigerant supply.

If the sound is related to your refrigerant, keep in mind the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandated regulations about the use of R-22 refrigerant. Speak to one of our knowledgeable team members about which refrigerant your heat pump uses and how the regulations relate.

3. “Reeeeeee . . . ”––Screeching/Squealing

If you hear high-pitched screeching or squealing, there is a good likelihood the motor is having trouble. When your motor’s bearings become dirty, shrill noises can result.

You should schedule routine maintenance to help prevent this from happening in the first place. If the issue is not related to the bearings, it may be the motor itself giving out. Either way, our ACS Air Conditioning Services HVAC pros are always on hand to inspect things.

4. “Hmmmm . . . ”––Loud, Low-Pitched Droning

A low-pitched hum is usually benign, unless it is significantly louder than usual. You could think of this uptick in sound as the heat pump grumbling with hunger.

It likely needs its oil refilled, its refrigerant refilled, or quite possibly a new compressor. You might be tempted to fix it yourself. However, keep your distance, and let one of our experienced professionals handle things.

5. “Clink! Clank!”––Rattling

This sound can be particularly annoying. It usually indicates a loose, detached, or poorly balanced part.

This could be a motor mount that has become unfastened. Or it could be your fan is poorly aligned and now rattling against another component in the heat pump. Yet another possibility is worn-down compressor bearings.

One of our HVAC professionals can remedy all of these problems through a quick tune-up or, if necessary, a part replacement.

ACS Air Conditioning Services Is Your Heat Pump Expert

Restore the peace in your Oro Valley, AZ, home now! Our highly trained and experienced professionals are just a phone call away at 520-230-5668 or request service online instead. In addition to heat pump repair, we offer installations, replacements, and seasonal maintenance. Get in touch with ACS Air Conditioning Services today.

It’s the first really hot day of summer when open windows, sun-blocking shades, and the ceiling fans just can’t cut it anymore. You resign yourself to finally turning on your air conditioner (AC)—only to find it blowing warm air, making funny noises, or simply not cooperating at all. It’s a scenario we all dread, and one that our professionals at ACS Air Conditioning Services want to prevent.

If you are a homeowner in Marana, you will want to understand the top causes of air conditioner failures and what to do to prevent or address them.

Bad Circuit Breaker or Fuse

One common cause of air conditioner failure is a faulty circuit breaker or fuse. Although some customers may be comfortable changing a fuse or blown breaker on their own, it can be somewhat dangerous because you are working with your electrical system. Be sure you have clear, complete, and reliable instructions on what to do, be sure your system is completely cooled down, and ensure your electricity is turned off.

You can also contact one of our professional heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) specialists to handle the problem for you. A trained technician may be able to inspect related problems, such as a tripped high-pressure limit switch, and repair those items during the same service call.

Leaking Refrigerant

Most air conditioners require toxic refrigerants to operate properly. And while this refrigerant is contained and perfectly safe in a well-running air conditioning system, a refrigerant leak can be a significant problem.

Not only will a leak affect your air conditioning system’s performance, but it is also bad for our Arizona environment. Our highly trained and knowledgeable technicians can help find and repair the refrigerant leak as well as recharge your air conditioning system so it’s working properly once again.

Frozen Evaporator Coil

It’s always a bit disconcerting if you notice frost and ice building up on your air conditioner evaporator coils. Even if you are not an HVAC professional, you probably realize that’s a problem.

One way to fight against freeze-ups is to ensure your air filter and ductwork are clean. Good air circulation is key to keeping frost off your coils and keeping your air conditioner functioning well. Another possibility is your system is low on refrigerant, causing your system to much work harder to keep your home cool. If changing your air filter does not thaw your system, call one of our professionals to diagnose the cause.

Worn-Out Parts

Time and wear-and-tear will slowly affect the performance of your air conditioner. If your system is several years old, it may be more critical to arrange for a professional inspection on integral components of your air conditioner. Parts like your compressor and fan blades as well as electrical connections can malfunction due to regular use. If a trained technician can replace worn-out parts before they actually fail, you may be saved an emergency repair call.

Damage Resulting From Poor Maintenance

If you have been neglecting regular maintenance on your air conditioner by skipping its annual inspection and cleaning, you may void your air conditioner unit’s manufacturer warranty and be shortening its lifespan. According to the US Department of Energy (DoE), the most important maintenance item is changing your air filter regularly.

Damage can result from failing to do so or from something as simple as allowing plant growth to block your outdoor condenser unit. Take the time to care for your air conditioner on a regular basis, and have a professional come out to check and clean your air conditioner once a year.

Bad Thermostat

In some cases, your air conditioner may not be at fault for poor performance. If your thermostat is not operating properly, it is not providing the information your air conditioning system requires to turn on or off correctly. This may mean your air conditioner fails to work or cycles too frequently, which can be damaging to your unit in the long run.

If you are in the market to replace your thermostat, take some time to explore the different options. Many affordable options can help you reduce your energy bill by adjusting automatically, and some can be controlled remotely through your smartphone.

Call Us for Your Air Conditioning Needs

If you require more than a very basic air conditioner repair or prefer not to address any air conditioning problem on your own, you can always turn to our professionals at ACS Air Conditioning Services here in Marana, AZ.

Our trained and experienced experts are familiar with various makes and models of air conditioners and can help you service and maintain them to keep your home cool all summer. We are also here if you are thinking of replacing your current system and are always available to discuss it with you. Call us at 520-230-5668 or request service online today.