On the hot days you have your air conditioner turned on. While it should kick on to get to the desired temperature, you notice that it isn’t kicking off. Instead, your AC is running constantly. While it is normal for your AC to stay on non-stop when the temperature is extremely high – such as in the 90s and higher so it can keep the house comfortable despite all the heat – there are times when you should be concerned.

You need to familiarize yourself with your unit and be able to recognize problems. If you have a problem, you will want to call for service right away before the problem worsens. Your technician will be able to recognize any changes in the unit and address the issues promptly and properly. When you have a dependable HVAC technician that you can count on, you can make sure your unit is working up to speed and you can make sure that you get the maximum lifespan from the unit.

If your AC is running non-stop and the room temperature isn’t comfortable, then you need to call your HVAC repair service. When the unit keeps running and your home hasn’t reached the desired temperature, you have an issue that is keeping the system from properly delivering the desired results. There are several different causes for such problems. Here are some of the possibilities:

• Your AC system requires a certain level of airflow to properly cool your home. If the airflow gets restricted or blocked, the AC unit will run longer and work harder. If you have cool airflow, but at weakened amounts coming from the vents, then it could be a sign of restricted airflow. This could be the result of a dirty air filter, disconnected or leaking ducts, or blocked and closed air vents.
• Another common cause for these problems is a dirty evaporator coil in the inside unit. This makes it challenging for the coolant or freon to absorb the heat from the hot air. You an also have the same problem if you have dirt building up on the condenser coils on the outside unit. Either of these situations will leave your AC struggling to remove heat from your house. Check to see if there is visible dirt on the coils and if the air coming from the vents is either warm or not as cool as it should be. Make sure you schedule routine maintenance so an AC professional can make sure the coils are cleaned.
• If your system’s refrigerant level is lower than it should be, the AC unit will struggle to reach the desired temperature and then it will run non-stop. You can check for the signs that are associated with this issue, such as a hissing or bubbling noise, warm air from the AC vents, and ice buildup on the unit’s exterior or on the refrigerant line. You will need an AC technician to check the unit, find any leaks and repair them, then add more refrigerant.
• And yet another problem is having an AC unit that is too small for your home. Having an undersized unit is an issue because the system will run non-stop and still not meet the cooling demands of your residence. If you have an evaporator coil that is frozen because the pressure on the inside unit is too low, or if you have normal airflow expelling from your vents but your home never reaches the desired temperature, it may mean that need that you need a larger unit.

Routine Maintenance is a Necessity

You need to establish a relationship with a dependable AC repair company that serves your community. When you schedule routine maintenance, you can help prevent problems and avoid situations that can be stressful and uncomfortable. Your technician can catch many problems before they worsen and will also be able to tell you if you need a larger unit, or if your unit has about reached the end of its lifecycle.
A qualified HVAC technician will be able to check your system thoroughly, determining if it needs repairs, and if it needs to be recharged with freon. By thoroughly inspecting your system and cleaning it, you can rest assured that your unit is in the best operating condition and that it will provide you quality results. If your system isn’t operating as it should, or if it is time for your routine maintenance for your HVAC unit, call to schedule an appointment today.

Your home needs a dependable HVAC unit that efficiently uses energy to keep your family comfortable. Before you replace your HVAC unit, or have repairs made to your existing HVAC system, you will need to have some questions answered. When you talk with your HVAC professional, he or she will be able to help you get the answers that you need to make the best decision for your specific needs and your home or business.

What Does HVAC Stand For?

First things first, what does HVAC stand for? Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. Usually, when the term HVAC is used, it is referring to the entire heating and cooling system. This could be either outdoor or indoor units, duct work, controls, air filters, and registers. There are several different kinds of HVAC systems and they can accommodate different sized houses or businesses. There are several different manufacturers of HVAC units, and an HVAC technician will be able to tell you the differences and the specifics about your options.

When Should I Replace My HVAC System?

If your HVAC unit needs repeated repairs, it’s probably time to replace the unit. A system that is functioning properly should only need occasional work. If you have tried to fix the system on many occasions and it isn’t properly cooling and heating your home, it may be time to replace the unit. Older systems are not as energy efficient, and you can save yourself a lot of money in the long run by replacing your unit.

Should All HVAC Equipment Be Replaced At Once?

It is suggested that all HVAC equipment be replaced at the same time. If a part of the system breaks and needs to be replaced, you do have the option to replace just the broken part, but you may find that replacing the entire system is more efficient and cost-effective. If one major part fails, you should consider that the rest of the unit is the same age and is much more likely to fail soon.

What Size HVAC Unit Is Best For My Needs?

The size of the space that you are cooling and/or heating determines the size of the HVAC unit that you need. The larger the size of the space that needs to be heated and cooled, the larger the unit you need to purchase. As an example, a 5,000-square-foot house will need a much larger unit than a small 1,000-square-foot dwelling. Some larger two story homes even have 2 units. One for upstairs and one for downstairs.

Which Type Of HVAC System Should I Buy?

The energy requirements, space, environment, and your heating and cooling needs must be taken into consideration when you decide which HVAC unit to buy for your home or business. When you call an HVAC professional, they can come to your place and do an assessment to determine which kind of unit will work best for your specific situation. They will consider all the details of your specific situation then help come up with an effective solution for your needs. At Golden West Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning, we’ve replaced thousands of furnaces and AC units over the years so we’ll have some answers for you.

How Much Does An HVAC System Cost?

When determining the cost of an HVAC system there are several things that come into play. Larger systems are more expensive than smaller systems. The location of the building, the space in which the unit will be located, and the features of the HVAC system. The difficulty that it is to replace the unit also plays a role in the cost as well. The cost of the unit, its components, labor, and any other parts and materials all add to the investment. At Golden West, we give estimates of how much everything should cost before doing the work.

What Is The Average Lifespan Of An HVAC Unit?

Most HVAC units have a 10-to 20-year lifespan. However, many professionals recommend replacing the unit every 12 years to ensure you have a system that runs efficiently and effectively. With proper installation of the unit and routine maintenance your system could last for as long as 20 years.

If My HVAC System Is Working Okay, Should I Replace It?

You should only replace an HVAC unit if it is in your best interest. Talk with an HVAC expert if your unit is older than 12 years old because you may still be able to save money by getting a new energy efficient unit. While a new unit may be a large investment, you could save as much as 50 percent on your energy expenses and that can add up to a significant amount.

How Often Should I Have Maintenance Done To My HVAC Unit?

You should have your HVAC system inspected at least once a year. The technician will tell you how often your air filter should be replaced. If you have pets in your home, you may have to change it more often. Feel free to call Golden West Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning at any time. We’ll have a technician ready to help you out!

Noticed your AC leaking? Before you start frantically searching the internet for solutions to a leaking AC, consider where the leak is located. If your AC is leaking outdoors, you might not need to worry. Some water leaking from the outdoor unit is normal. In fact, this actually indicates your AC is working as intended!

On the other hand, if your AC is leaking water indoors, you’ll need to call in a Denver AC repair specialist. Here are a few reasons why your AC might be leaking (and how to fix it).

Clogged air filters

This is one of the most common causes of a leaking air conditioner. You should change your air filters at least every 3 months. If you have pets, you may need to change them as often as every month.

Clogged air filters make it harder for air to flow over the evaporator coil, which absorbs heat from the air in your home. Clogged filters reduce the efficiency of your AC and may also increase energy costs at the same time.

Changing your air filters is an easy DIY job, but if you need a hand, don’t hesitate to give us a call.

Low refrigerant levels

Refrigerant leaks are rare, but they can happen, particularly in older AC units nearing the end of their lifespan. If you notice a hissing or bubbling sound coming from your AC, call us ASAP. We respond quickly to Denver AC emergencies, often within 1 to 2 hours of your call.

Broken or malfunctioning condensate pump

If your indoor HVAC unit is located in the basement of an older home, it likely contains a condensate pump. This part pumps out the condensation that builds up in your AC.

Condensate pumps can last about as long as a furnace or AC unit itself — 15 years on average. When you book a Denver AC tune-ups with Golden West, we’ll inspect your condensate pump annually to ensure it’s in working order.

Over time, algae and mold can build up in the condensate pump. If this occurs, you’ll need to flush it out. Failing to clean and maintain the condensate pump properly can shorten its lifespan. Algae prevention tablets can help if it’s a recurring problem.

Condensation from the condensate pump flows outside through the condensate drain line. This line can become clogged with dirt and debris. Although you can clean out the drain line yourself with a wet or dry vac, we don’t recommend it. Here at Golden West, we have sophisticated tools made especially for cleaning your AC drain line.

Is your AC leaking? Call Golden West, the Denver AC repair experts

Indoor water leaks usually indicate the need for a repair. Remember, annual AC tune-ups can diagnose and treat problems early, saving you money on extensive repairs. While some repairs are simple enough for homeowners to handle, we recommend seeking professional help for indoor AC leaks, especially if your AC is leaking despite you recently changing the air filters. Got questions or need help fixing a leaking air conditioner? Contact us to book your AC repair appointment