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Common AC Issues In The Summer

As summer rolls around, the condition of your indoor space becomes all the more pertinent. After all, you need an area to escape the heat outdoors. However, summer often reveals issues in the AC system or with maintenance habits, leaving you stuck in the heat.

Rogers Heating & Cooling technicians have collected over 25 years of AC repair, replacement, and installation knowledge. Halifax County residents call our trusted team for faulty air conditioners, and we’ve noticed a few consistent causes for their issues. In this article, we list common AC issues in South Boston, VA and how Rogers can provide reliable AC solutions.

Reasons To Call For AC Repair

As temperatures rise, homeowners turn to their air conditioners for comfort. Unfortunately, many homeowners realize a problem with their air conditioner when utilizing the system. Paying attention to common AC repair signs can help avoid a breakdown in the middle of summer. Below are warning signs you need AC repair in South Boston, VA and surrounding areas:

  • Warm or no air
  • Poor temperature control
  • Banging or clanking noises
  • Vastly increased energy bills
  • Wet spots in or around the unit
  • Foul odors from your AC system
  • Constant system shut-offs or jittering
  • Smoky smells coming from your system

While we encourage homeowners to perform maintenance tasks such as changing the air filter, we recommend leaving unknown AC problems to the professionals. If you are experiencing air conditioning issues, attempting to fix the problem yourself can make matters worse and risk your safety.

For example, air conditioners use a pressurized chemical that could cause injuries and illness without proper handling. The issue could easily involve that chemical and harm your health and safety, along with causing more damage to the system. Give a local HVAC company in South Boston, VA, such as Rogers Heating & Cooling, a call to handle all air conditioning malfunctions.

Common Causes For AC Issues

After over 25 years of providing HVAC services in Clarksville, VA, our technicians have seen it all. No matter the cause, the Rogers team is well prepared to find a solution before leaving your home. We will arrive with proper equipment, perform a thorough inspection, and find the source of the air conditioning issue. Below are common causes for AC repair in Clarksville, VA.

Dirty Air Filter

When cooling your home, the air runs through an air filter to catch harmful pollutants such as dust and pollen. Over time, debris fills up in an air filter and will need to be replaced about every three months. However, many homeowners either forget or are unsure how to replace the air filter.

A dirty air filter can increase strain on your air conditioning system by making it harder to push air through the filter pores. The air conditioner uses more energy and puts more stress on various components, which will eventually lead to an AC breakdown in South Boston, VA. Air filters are a common cause of air conditioning repair, so we suggest checking the status of your air filter before calling our professionals.

Low Refrigerant

Refrigerant is a complex chemical substance that can change form under pressure. Air conditioners use refrigerants to circulate heat out of the property. If refrigerant levels are low, it can cause various problems for an air conditioner, such as a broken compressor and frozen coils.

If the cause of your air conditioning issues is refrigerant related, it should only be handled by a certified HVAC technician in South Boston, VA. Refrigerant is a toxic substance and dangerous for nonprofessionals to handle.

Worn Fan Controls

HVAC systems use electrical connections to control the inner parts that allow them to function. However, these connections can wear down over time, leading to false starts or spotty AC service. In more detrimental cases, worn wiring can react with condensation inside the system and start to spark. If you smell a smoky scent from your AC, you should shut it off and call a technician.

Clogged Drain Line

During the cooling process, an air conditioner can also reduce the humidity of your property, collecting moisture as condensation in the system. The condensation falls into a condensate pan that drains outside.

The water often contains dirt and other debris that can clog the drain line. Without consistent cleaning, mold, mildew, and other pollutants can start to accumulate in the pipe. The clog can cause moldy smells, standing water near the unit, and water damage. A clogged drain line can result in several AC repairs in Danville, VA.

Worn Unit Components

As you use any machine or appliance, the parts begin to wear down over time and usage. Constant use can lead to loose bolts, wobbling connections, and faulty service. If you are experiencing problems with your air conditioner, it could be due to worn down components. It is likely unusual AC noises, such as banging, are due to a worn component becoming loose.

In most cases, we can replace the worn AC component and your air conditioner will continue cooling your home. Depending on the severity of wear and tear, our team may suggest AC replacement in South Boston, VA.

Malfunctioning Thermostat

The thermostat helps regulate the electrical connections controlling the fans. Once you set the thermostat, it should follow your directions and change the indoor air to the requested temperature.

If the thermostat has an issue, it could cause increased or decreased temperatures, inconsistent service, and higher electric bills. You could also have a setting on your thermostat that prevents it from being energy-efficient, such as cooling below 70 degrees when you are not home.

Why You Should Schedule AC Repair In South Boston, VA

The moment you notice a problem with your air conditioner, we encourage you to call a Rogers technician immediately. Ignoring AC repairs in Danville, VA can cause further damage to your system and raise repair costs. Additionally, scheduling air conditioning repairs can provide the following benefits:

  • Lower Utility Bills
  • Improved Air Quality
  • Fewer Future Repairs
  • Increased Energy Efficiency

We understand AC repairs in Danville, VA and surrounding areas can be costly upfront, which is why the Rogers team offers financing options. We work to make home comfort affordable and accessible in a timely fashion to ensure that the work is done on your schedule and budget.

How To Avoid AC Repairs

The majority of air conditioning problems can be avoided by scheduling regular AC maintenance in South Boston, VA. Air conditioning maintenance allows a technician to examine each component of your AC system for malfunctions such as low refrigerant. If a part starts to wear out, our team can identify it and suggest if it needs replacement. We can also find components in disrepair and give them the care needed to keep running as efficiently as possible.

Annual AC maintenance boosts the lifespan of your system, ensures its consistent functionality, and improves its energy efficiency. If you have professional eyes on your system, it becomes less likely to break down at inopportune times.

Rogers Heating & Cooling serves South Boston, VA and nearby cities with high-quality HVAC repairs, installations, and maintenance. Our person-first approach ensures you understand the process in a friendly, respectful manner that doesn’t conceal fees or costs. To get a dedicated team to work on your AC, call 434-230-0093 today.

Does My AC Unit Need Repair?

If you aren’t experiencing any comfort problems, it can be easy for internal air conditioning issues to go unnoticed until your unit breaks down. As a homeowner, it’s important for you to make sure that your air conditioner is working properly. We know this can be tricky, so we have provided 4 of the most common signs that indicate your AC unit needs repair.

Warning Signs

Your air conditioner will likely show signs it needs repair soon, and it is up to you to be able to catch them! Below are four common signs to pay attention to before your unit breaks down.

  • Weak Airflow
  • Unusual Noises
  • Strange Odor
  • High Utility Bill

Weak Airflow Coming From Your Vents

If your thermostat settings are correct and there is still little air blowing through your vents, you likely need air conditioning repair. There could be many causes to your vents blowing little or no air, and some may be a simple fix. First, check your air filters. If your air filters are clogged, your air conditioner can not push air through resulting in weak airflow. A blocked or dirty outdoor unit could be another cause of weak airflow. Ensure your outdoor unit is free of debris to strengthen airflow. Give your Rogers technician a call if the problem doesn’t appear to be air filters or your outdoor unit to ensure your comfort remains.

You’re Noticing Unusual Noises From Your System

It is normal for most units to be silent or to produce a low and steady blowing noise. However, if your unit sounds like it’s working extra hard or is making a sudden and loud noise, this might indicate there is something wrong with it. When inspecting your unit, keep in mind that every noise can be associated with a particular issue. Some unusual noises to look out for include:

  • Buzzing can indicate a loose part
  • Hissing can be a sign of high internal pressure
  • Shrieking points out to a broken fan motor

Although this might all sound too technical, our expert technicians can inspect your unit and help you figure out what is causing this unusual sound.

There are Strange Odors Being Produced

Like your food or your car, your AC unit can produce a strange smell when something isn’t right. If there is a strange odor emanating from your unit, give your technician a call to ensure your safety. Some bad smells to look out for include:

  • Burning
  • Chemical
  • Rotten eggs
  • Gas
  • Exhaust fumes

Some of these smells can be harmful, especially the ones that indicate there is a release of toxic fumes or chemicals circulating around your home. When this happens, we strongly recommend calling one of our expert technicians to diagnose the severity of the situation and provide you with the next steps.

High Utility Bill

If your utility bill has been higher than normal, your air conditioner could be to blame. An unusually high electric bill can point out an underlying problem with your AC unit and shouldn’t be overlooked. As a South Boston resident, you’re familiar with how muggy the weather gets around this time of the year. The combination of high temperatures and rain can increase the humidity levels inside your home. When excessive humidity is present, your air conditioner has to work extra hard to remove moisture from the air. Not only can an overworked air conditioner increase your utility bills, but increase the chance of a breakdown. A fast and affordable solution would be to invest in a dehumidifier to help absorb unwanted moisture and decrease the workload for your AC system.

Contact The Pros at Rogers!

We are here to help you figure out whether your AC unit needs repair and clear any doubts you may have. Taking into consideration all of these important signs that might indicate something is wrong will save you time and money in the future. Give us a call at (434) 230-0093 for any questions or air conditioning help today!

How To Keep Your AC Healthy

Your AC system needs proper care to stay healthy, much like a checkup at the doctor and an oil change for your car. The health of your air conditioner determines many factors about your home in the summer, such as:

  • Air Quality
  • Humidity Levels
  • Cooling Bills
  • Overall Comfort
  • Repair Costs

Maintaining your unit’s health can help save you money and preserve the life of your air conditioner. In this blog, we will share a few ways to keep your AC healthy this summer to help keep your energy bills low and your home a comfortable temperature.

Healthy AC = Happy Home!

Below are five easy ways you can ensure that your air conditioner stays healthy for the rest of the summer season.

  1. Perform Regular Maintenance
  2. Increase The Temperature While Away
  3. Regularly Change Air Filters
  4. Utilize Ceiling Fans
  5. Clean Outdoor Unit

Perform Regular Maintenance

Your air conditioner needs preventative maintenance at least twice a year to ensure its health and efficiency. We recommend scheduling a maintenance appointment with your Rogers technician once in the fall and once in the spring to ensure your system is ready for the harsh temperatures summer and winter bring. When proper maintenance is neglected, the performance of your air conditioning unit will gradually deteriorate, causing energy levels and utility bills to rise. Your Rogers technician can help catch a proper before it results in a breakdown, which preserves the health of your unit. A few benefits of regular maintenance include:

  • Preventing costly breakdowns
  • Saving you money on energy bills and repairing costs
  • Extending the life of your AC

Increase The Temperature While Away

The heat summer brings causes your air conditioner to run frequently to keep up with cooling demands. If you and your family members are away for most of the day, consider increasing the thermostat’s temperature by a few degrees to give your unit a chance to rest. Altering your temperature will prevent your unit from overworking itself and help save on cooling costs.


Related Article: Does My AC Unit Need Repair?


Regularly Change Air Filters

To ensure you are regularly changing your air filter, we recommend switching them every 90 days or 3 months. A dirty air filter harms airflow and reduces the efficiency of your system. If you have indoor animals, consider replacing your filters sooner due to pet dandruff. If your AC unit can not push air through your air filter due to dust and debris, it will work harder and is at risk of a breakdown. At Roger’s, we specialize in various long lasting HVAC accessories, including air filters that supply homeowners with the highest quality available.

Utilize Ceiling Fans

Did you know your ceiling fan has a certain setting for the summer? Ensure that it is rotating counter clockwise to help air circulate more efficiently. Your ceiling fan helps rooms feel cooler due to the cool breeze it blows on your skin. To help your air conditioner’s work load, turn on ceiling fans when you are in the room. This will allow you to turn up your thermostat setting without feeling the difference. Ceiling fans can help lower utility bills, and your air conditioner will thank you for the cooling break!

Clean The Outdoor Unit

The cleanliness of your outdoor unit can affect airflow and production. If your outside unit is surrounded by trash and plants, it won’t function as effectively. Spending time each week clearing out any dirt and debris obstructing your condenser’s path will ensure it is running to its full capacity. We recommend clearing leaves and trimming overgrown plants to improve efficiency and allow proper circulation around the unit.

Contact The Pros at Rogers!

We are here to make sure your AC has a long life ahead and answer any questions you may have. Reviewing all of these quick tips to give your AC a healthy and long-lasting life will save you trouble and money in the future. Give us a call at (434) 230-0093 for any questions or air conditioning help today!

How To Pick The Right AC For Your Home

Whether you’re in the process of building a new home or simply looking to replace your old AC unit, choosing the right system can be stressful because there is no one size fits all. With so many different options out on the market, we understand that picking out the right air conditioner takes lots of careful planning. Below are factors you should consider when shopping for the ideal air conditioning unit.

  • Calculate Your Budget
  • Determine The Function
  • Requirements
  • Consider Energy Efficiency

1. Calculate Your Budget

The first step in picking the right AC unit is to clearly define your budget. Deciding how much money you’re willing to spend will help you narrow down your options. Keep in mind that purchasing an air conditioner for your home is an investment, because it supplies the air you breathe and the level of comfort you and your family experience.

2. Determine The Function

When shopping for a new air conditioning unit, most homeowners are looking to buy one that provides a whole-house solution. This is known as a central air Conditioning system. This system replaces warm air with cool air, which effectively cools down the temperature of the entire home. On the other hand, if you’re wanting to focus on a particular room such as your work office, studio, or bedroom, a smaller unit would be your go-to option. Here are two very common options:

Window Air Conditioners

Window Air Conditioners are suitable for this situation, because they are designed to cool down a single room. This type of AC unit uses two air cycles. To cool the living space, a fan blows air over the evaporator on the inside of the device. A second fan located on the outside of the window unit blows outside air over it, aiming to keep it cool. Window air conditioners are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. All you need is a window!

Ductless Mini-Split Systems

Ductless mini-split systems include both an indoor and outdoor unit. These units are connected through refrigerant tubing and electrical wiring. The indoor unit is mounted on a wall and directly delivers heating and cooling into your living space. This system has many benefits such as high energy efficiency, an easy installation process, and room flexibility.

3. Requirements

Although some AC units simply need a window to be installed, some can be quite complex. If you are currently renting a house or apartment, or are thinking about selling your home in the future, you should review the HVAC requirements per your local building code. Doing so can save you from legal trouble and it will ensure that you’re up to date with building code standards. If this is something you’re not familiar with, the technicians at Rogers can help you figure it out.

4. Consider Energy Efficiency

When considering energy efficiency, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is a great resource as it standardizes star-rated energy efficiency ratings (EER). Before you buy an air conditioner, check to see whether it has an energy efficiency star rating. Higher numbers of stars indicate greater efficiency. So, why is energy efficiency so important? An air conditioner with better energy efficiency consumes less energy and helps you save money on your energy bills. Lower energy costs equate to cost savings, therefore an energy efficient unit is the way to go!

Contact The Pros at Rogers!

We are here to walk you through this exciting purchase and clear any doubts you may have.
Taking into consideration all of these important factors before making a decision will help you get started on the right path. Give us a call at (434) 230-0093 for any questions or air conditioning help today!