Enclosing A Condensing Unit

Some homeowners think it is a good idea to build a structure around their outdoor condensing unit. NOT! The condensing unit needs to breath and if there is an enclosure around it, it cannot circulate the air properly. Enclosing your outdoor condensing unit can cause problems with the function of your system and it can also cause higher electric bills.

CLOSING OFF VENTS

To save on cooling costs, is it recommended to shut the air-conditioner vents in rooms that are unused and closed?

If designed correctly, the air delivery system in your house has been sized according to the flow requirements of the unit and each room. Closing off vents can create a pressure imbalance within the system that can reduce the effectiveness of your cooling system. By closing off registers, the increased pressure within the ducts can also cause increased duct leakage, especially in a duct system that is not properly sealed. Give us a call if you think you have duct leakage.

CONDENSATE DRAIN

Residential central air conditioning systems that need to cool and dehumidify use a condenser, evaporator coil, and refrigerant piping to operate. The means of moving the air might differ (furnace, air handler, etc.), but the principal is the same for all split systems. The term "split" refers to the physical separation of the condenser and the evaporator. This is in contrast to a window or wall air conditioner in which they are "packaged" together. The refrigerant is compressed and run through a series of tubes to remove as much heat as possible, then piped to an evaporator coil as a warm liquid. Expansion of the compressed liquid causes it to cool, and as the air passes over the coil, heat is extracted. The cool liquid becomes a cool gas as it gathers heat from the air, and is drawn back to the compressor to start the procedure again. As the air passes over the evaporator coil and cools, moisture in the air condenses and drains off as condensate. Thus, water out your drain line. Make sure you see water coming from your main drain. If it is coming out of your emergency drain, then you know your main drain is clogged and should call us.

CONDENSER NOISE

Why does my Air Conditioner make so much noise when starting?

Sometime it is perfectly normal for air conditioning condensing units to make noise above normal when starting. This is due to factors similar to a car engine starting; the oil must travel before it starts to lubricate the moving parts. The other factor is that the compressor is not under pressure for the first few seconds of operating and this tends to make it louder in operation. This condition should only last for a few seconds and no more than say 10 seconds. If it is suddenly making more noise than usual or it lasts beyond a few seconds this is more than likely a symptom of another issue. You should then give us a call and schedule service.