Posts Tagged ‘Air Conditioning’

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Spokane, WA Air Conditioning FAQ: What’s the Best AC for My Home?

Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013

New homeowners investing in their first air conditioning system, or those homeowners looking to replace their existing AC, may be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of air conditioning system options available to them. Choosing the right home cooling system can be a daunting task, but it is much easier to make an informed decision about your air conditioning options when you work with a qualified Spokane air conditioning professional. The Spokane air conditioning technicians at ACI Northwest have the knowledge and experience necessary to ensure that you get the right air conditioner for your home. Call today to discuss your air conditioning installation options in Spokane, WA.

Split central air conditioning systems are still the most popular AC option, and with good reason. Modern central air conditioners are able to cool homes with outstanding efficiency and effectiveness, and their durability allows you to keep cool with the confidence you deserve. However, traditional central air conditioners also rely on ducted forced air distribution systems in order to circulate conditioned air throughout your home. While ductwork can be quite efficient, poor design, installation and air duct condition can lead to energy losses resulting in reduced efficiency.

With a ductless mini split air conditioning system installation, you can enjoy the convenience of central air conditioning without risking the energy loss commonly associated with poor air duct condition and performance. Ductless mini splits connect and outdoor condenser to individual, wall mounted blowers using a simple conduit containing power and refrigerant lines. This design eliminates the risk of energy loss via air ducts, allowing for great efficiency and zone controlled cooling for outstanding comfort.

Should you be interested in an alternative cooling option, a geothermal system may be right for you. By using an underground geothermal loop system and a geothermal heat pump, you can transfer heat between your home and the ground outside. This allows for year round comfort and an incredibly efficient, environmentally friendly air conditioning performance.

For more information about your air conditioning options, contact the Spokane air conditioning professionals at ACI Northwest. We are always happy to answer any questions that you may have. Call today to get started.

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Spokane, WA Air Conditioning FAQ: What is a Ductless Mini Split?

Thursday, May 16th, 2013

If you are in the market for a new air conditioning system, remember that it is always a good idea to consider all of your options. Just because you have always used a traditional ducted split central air conditioner does not mean that you cannot try something new. There are a lot of air conditioning options available for installation in your home, and the Spokane, WA air conditioning professionals at ACI Northwest can help you sort through them all. One great system to consider for installation in your home is a ductless mini split air conditioner. Contact us today to learn more.

When properly installed and professionally maintained, ducted forced air distribution systems can be a very efficient and effective way to circulate air throughout your home. Of course, it is difficult to know when there is a problem with a ductwork system, and in many homes air ducts are a serious cause of energy loss. By eliminating the need for air ducts altogether, ductless mini split air conditioning systems also eliminate the risk of this energy loss.

Ductless mini splits feature an outdoor unit much like central split systems. Rather than using ductwork to distribute cooled air throughout your home, though, ductless mini splits instead rely on individual, wall mounted blowers to do so. This means that you can cool different rooms in your home directly, without the use of air ducts. In doing so, you can cool your home more efficiently. All that is needed to connect the indoor and outdoor components of this type of system is a conduit containing refrigerant and power lines.

The individual wall mounted blowers used by ductless mini splits also make zone controlled air conditioning quite simple. This allows you to different areas of your home to different temperatures, increasing comfort while reducing the amount of energy that you use. With a ductless mini split installation, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort in order to cool your home with great efficiency.

To learn more about the operation of ductless mini splits and the many benefits they have to offer, contact ACI Northwest today. We are happy to answer any questions that you may have. Call us for any Spokane, WA air conditioning services you need completed.

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Spokane WA Air Conditioning FAQ: AC Systems Available

Monday, March 4th, 2013

Keeping your home cool is a huge priority for every homeowner. If you’re interested in replacing your current AC system with a new one there are several different options from which to choose. ACI Northwest provides comprehensive air conditioning services in Spokane, WA, including installation and air conditioning repair.  We thought it would be helpful for our customers if we put together some of the most popular air conditioning systems. If you have any questions about air conditioning system installation or repair, call the Spokane air conditioning specialists at ACI Northwest today!

Central Air Conditioning in Spokane WA

Probably the most popular air conditioning system is the traditional central air conditioning system. This type of system is basically a heat pump that can only provide cooling. These offer consistent and efficient air conditioning in Spokane, WA for homes of all different sizes.

Ductless Split Systems

Ductless mini split cool your home in a similar to central AC systems. Their three main differences are the use of individual room units, the lack of ducts and their ability to also provide heating. Ductless mini split systems have individual units mounted to the wall of each room in your home. This allows you to only heat or cool only the rooms that you are using. Depending on how you use this feature it could reduce the amount of energy that you use in your home.

Spokane WA Geothermal Air Conditioning

For people who are interested in seriously reducing the amount of energy that you have to buy to cool or heat your home, a geothermal system is the next step. Heat pumps are able to provide cooling by moving heat out of your home and exhausting it into the air. With a geothermal system, the heat is actually exhausted into the ground or into a water source (like a river, lake or pond). Geothermal air conditioning in Spokane, WA is one of the most efficient.

Spokane WA Air Conditioning Services

For all your Spokane, WA air conditioning repair or installation, contact ACI Northwest. Our technicians have years of experience working with all types and brands of air conditioning systems. We can help you pick out the system that’s right for your home and then install it for you. If you need air conditioning repair in Spokane, WA call us too.

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Coeur d’Alene Air Conditioning Tip: Save Money with AC Maintenance

Monday, August 20th, 2012

Regular air conditioner maintenance can help save you money and keep your AC system working effectively.  Over time, the mechanical parts in your air conditioner can wear out or break.  When one piece has a problem it can easily begin to affect the other components, so it’s important that any issues be addressed as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your air conditioner. During a professional AC maintenance inspection, any air conditioning problems that are present will be found and fixed before they can get worse.

Air conditioning maintenance will keep your home cooling system working efficiently and operating at its highest performance levels.  This will result in monthly savings with lower energy bills.  You can help your air conditioning maintain its energy efficiency with regular, professional maintenance.

Regular air conditioner maintenance will keep the vital parts working as they were designed to, and they will not wear out as quickly as they would if they were forced to operate when damaged or in any way compromised.  When the internal parts of your air conditioning system are all operating together properly you will enjoy longer life expectancy from the AC, putting off the costs of an eventual replacement for longer.

AC maintenance in Coeur d’Alene from the air conditioning technicians at ACI Northwest consists of a full inspection of the air conditioning system: the coils and fins are cleaned, bearings get lubricated, filters are replaced, mechanical systems are checked, and electrical wiring is inspected and tightened.  Each system will be checked independently as well as a final check to ensure the air conditioner works as it was designed to.  Contact ACI Northwest for your professional AC maintenance today and ensure efficient, reliable operation of your home air conditioning system.

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Coeur d’ Alene Air Conditioning Guide: Common AC Electrical Problems

Monday, August 6th, 2012

There are a number of quite common AC electrical problems which can occur at any time immediately after an AC installation or after years of air conditioner.  ACI Northwest is an air conditioning company in Coeur d’ Alene that understand the electrical systems of air conditioners and can help to determine which AC electrical problem you are encountering..

Common Air Conditioning Electrical Problems

A loss of power could mean electrical controls have failed after years of use and electrical wiring could need to be replaced.

Unusual odors such as a burning smell could indicate faulty wiring where the insulation has come off internal wires, leaving them exposed and unsafe.  Exposed wiring can result in short circuits or even the potential for an electrical fire.

Thermostat sensors can be knocked out of place and can malfunction, causing the AC to cycle constantly or turn on and off in an unpredictable manner.

The AC compressor must have the proper amount of electricity running to it in order to function adequately.  If improper electricity amounts continue to flow to the compressor it can eventually seize up and stop working.  Restoring this balance is essential.

Tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses can also be the reason for an air conditioning to stop running.  However, the root cause of this type of electrical problem should also be addressed so that the breakers are not tripped on any sort of regular basis.

Each of these air conditioner electrical problems is something that the skilled Coeur d’ Alene air conditioning technicians at ACI Northwest can diagnose and resolve.  Contact ACI Northwest today and have the electrical system in your air conditioner running properly once again.

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Coeur d’Alene Air Conditioning Repair Question: What Are Limit Switches and How Do They Work?

Monday, July 30th, 2012

We use our thermostats and air conditioning systems all the time without wondering how they actually work.  But the time will come when you need a repair and might want to know about limit switches and how they work.  ACI Northwest has well-trained AC technicians that handle all sorts of air conditioner repairs in Coeur d’Alene, even with something as simple as a limit switch replacement.

Limit switches are found in a wide range of devices throughout industrial and home applications.  Limit switches are designed with two main functions: to activate or deactivate an electrical circuit.  They begin and stop specific electric currents, allowing certain functions to occur only under very specific circumstances, so that electronic appliances or device remain safe and are only in use when needed.  Limit switches are like the light that turns on only when you open the fridge door and then shuts off again when the door shuts.

In air conditioning systems, the limit switch is the link between the blower of the air handler and thermostat.  When the thermostat reaches the desired indoor temperature it stops, the AC from using energy to create more cold air, while also flipping a limit switch that shuts off the air handler as well.

It is amazing how one of the smallest pieces of an air conditioning system could have such a big impact on maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures, as well as how efficiently our AC system operates.

ACI Northwest provides quality air conditioning services in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and Spokane, Washington.  Our certified technicians have years of field experience working with every aspect of air conditioning systems, including limit switches.  If your AC shuts off before your home reaches the desired temperature, or if it cycles on and off too often, call the professionals at ACI Northwest to schedule a routine air conditioner inspection. We can determine whether it is an easy limit switch repair, or some other problem with your system.

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Spokane AC Tip: Troubleshooting Cooling Problems – Is it Your Thermostat?

Monday, July 9th, 2012

While we often overlook our thermostats, they are an essential part of any Spokane air conditioning system. If the thermostat in your home is having problems, it can cause your home to be too warm or even shut off your AC system completely. Here are some common problems that you can run into with your thermostat:

  • Thermostat Placement: If your home is frequently too hot or too cold, it can be a result of a badly placed thermostat. Your thermostat should be located far from drafts, direct sunlight, and any heat producing appliances (such as an oven or a TV). If it controls the cooling of a large space, it should be located toward the center and away from any doors. Proper placement will prevent your thermostat from sensing the wrong temperature.
  • Thermostat Mode: Most thermostats have separate modes for heating and for cooling. If your AC isn’t working at all, double check to make sure your thermostat is set to Cooling mode. If this part of your thermostat is malfunctioning, it can cause your AC to stop cooling completely, and you will need to call a Spokane AC professional to take a look.
  • Thermostat Calibration: Your thermostat needs to be calibrated on a regular basis to accurately detect the temperature in your home. If the calibration is off, your AC won’t be able to keep your home the desired temperature.
  • Wrong Type of Thermostat: There are many different types of thermostats, and some work better with different types of HVAC equipment. For instance, most heat pumps work better with a thermostat that has multi-stage functions. A professional can help you pick the right thermostat to work with your system.
  • Programmable Thermostat Problems: Programmable thermostats can be a great way to save energy, but they can also cause their own unique problems.  If they lose power and reset the time for any reason, your programmed changes in temperature will not happen during the right times of day. If it seems like your AC is cooling erratically, check to make sure your programmable thermostat has the correct time.

These are just a few common thermostat issues. If you are having any problems with your Spokane air conditioning system or your thermostat, give ACI Northwest a call!

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Hope Air Conditioning FAQs: How Do I Determine the Cooling Capacity of My Central AC or Heat Pump System?

Monday, July 2nd, 2012

For any type of air conditioning system in Hope, the cooling capacity is measured in BTU’s. This is important to know if the system doesn’t seem to be adequately cooking your home, and there are many different ways to check the cooling capacity of your AC system.

1. Air Conditioning System’s Age and Serial Numbers

An air conditioner’s age will usually give you a general idea for its cooling capacity, and if you aren’t sure, you can always check the serial number. Because serial number formats vary by the year the equipment was made, you can check to see how old an air conditioner is from looking at the serial number.

The first four digits of every serial number is the week and year the unit was manufactured.  For example, the serial# 1188E53294 on a compressor unit tells us that it was made between 1980 and 1990, and to be more exact, week 11 in 1988.

2. Air Conditioner’s Model Number

You should also look at the model number for your specific model because some manufacturers also vary how they assign each number in the serial number; however, they usually stand for tonnage or MBTUH. You can always call us if you aren’t sure how to read the serial number or model number.

3. AC Equipment’s RLA Numbers

RLA stands for “Rated Load Amps,” which means that it’s the manufacturer’s rate of the cooling capacity (also known as the draw) or load while it’s operating (minus the draw when you start the system). Most air conditioning compressor or condenser units will draw 5 to 6 RLA per ton of cooling capacity. You can check the data tag on the compressor for the RLA rating; however, this will need to be translated into BTUH for the total cooling capacity.

Feel free to call one of the Hope air conditioning experts at ACI Northwest if you have any questions how to calculate your AC system’s cooling capacity.

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Your Spokane HVAC System and Ventilation

Monday, June 25th, 2012

The vent system in your home is vital to the operation of your Spokane HVAC system. Without successful ventilation, your home won’t have the necessary clean air to keep you and your family healthy. So, what does proper ventilation require and how can you ensure your home has it? Here are some quick tips.

Install the Right Parts from the Start

Proper ventilation should result in even air pressure in your home to avoid problems with gas pilot lights. It should also be as energy efficient as possible and provide clean air through proper filtration and cleaning of the air that comes in. The best way to ensure your home has the ventilation needed to stay comfortable and safe for your entire family is to check the total size of the home and then measure the concentrations of certain pollutants like dander, pollen and smoke. A contractor can provide these services for you.

Energy Loss

Another major ventilation issue to keep in mind is energy loss. Ventilation tends to remove heated or cooled air from your home, forcing your furnace or air conditioner to work harder to replace it. As a result, you pay more for energy and it’s never quite comfortable inside.

To avoid this problem, ask about an energy recovery ventilator. These devices are designed to transfer heat from one environment into another. So, in the winter, heated air inside is kept inside and in the summer, cooled air is kept inside. The result is a much lower energy bill without a disruption to your ventilation sources.

Supplements to Ventilation

Proper ventilation should not only provide fresh air, but it should also ensure your home has clean air. The air outside may be fresher, but it can be filled with pollutants like pollen, dander and smoke. These should be removed before they get inside and into the lungs of your loved ones. To do this, you need a full sized air cleaning system that removes particles from the air down to 0.3 microns.

HEPA filters can do this, as will electronic air cleaners which can ionize and remove smoke and gas particles. Make sure you discuss filtration and cleaning with your Spokane HVAC contractor when they visit your home. To learn more ways to improve your home’s ventilation, give ACI Northwest a call!

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Coeur d’Alene Air Conditioning Guide: Quick Tips to Save Energy

Monday, June 18th, 2012

You’ve probably heard once or twice that the cost of running your Coeur d’Alene air conditioner is more than that of any other single electrical device in your house. That means you’re spending hundreds of dollars each and every year to stay cool. It’s well worth the investment as the risk of not having air conditioning is much too high, but there must be ways to cut the costs, right? With careful attention to how your AC operates and when you use, there are some things you can do to slash those costs. Here are a few of the easiest:

  • SEER Matters – What is this magical acronym you hear so much? SEER refers to how many BTUs your air conditioner can produce with a single watt of electricity. A low SEER device therefore uses a LOT more electricity to produce the same volume of cooling as a high SEER device. Since current devices offer SEER of 13 or higher (some are up to 20+), just about any upgrade will save you money relatively quickly if your current air conditioner has a rating of 8 or lower.
  • Program Your AC – If you have a single point analog thermostat, you’re wasting a LOT of electricity. You’re either paying to cool your house while it’s empty or you’re coming home to a roasting hot living space. Purchase a programmable unit and set the system to 85 degrees when you’re not home. With timers in most digital units, you can tell it when you’ll be home so that you walk into a cool, comfortable space without having to keep it cool all day long.
  • Use the Landscape to Your Advantage – Instead of relying solely on your air conditioner to keep the house cool in the summer, plant some trees and shrubs around the house to block the sunlight. Simply adding some shade to your property can directly reduce how much heat your home absorbs throughout the day and reduce how much your AC unit needs to work to keep you cool.
  • Ventilate Your Roof – A good third of the heat in your home is absorbed directly through the roof. To keep this heat from affecting the rest of your home, install a roof fan that ventilates the excess energy and keeps the attic at a steady temperature. Less heat up top means less cooling needed down low.

A good Coeur d’Alene air conditioning system is effective no matter what the temperature does, so it’s easy to forget how big your bill will soon be. To avoid an overblown bill, keep an eye on your cooling and follow these simple tips to cut back on use. For more information about how to efficiently cool your home this summer, give ACI Northwest a call!

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