Category Archives: Repair

Air Conditioner Parts and Components Most Likely to Need Replacement

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When purchasing a used automobile, buyers check the mileage first. Registration papers disclose the model year and how long a car has been in operation. However, it’s the odometer that reveals actual usage, which usually gives the best indication of what kind of shape a vehicle is in. Manufacturers use mileage as a guideline for routine and major service checkups. Motorists understand that the more miles you put on your car, the sooner you’ll need service to replace worn out parts. With automobiles, running time, regular service and maintenance tend to matter more than the chronological age of a motor vehicle. The same applies to air conditioners.

Running Time – Air Conditioners Log Heavy Usage in Arizona

Though most Arizona air conditioning units log heavy usage, they are not equipped with a mileage indicator. In fact, due to sustained population growth in the area, many Phoenix residents are new to their homes and have little or no information as to the age of their air conditioning system. To further complicate matters, AC systems are extremely complex and made up of various components, each with its own life expectancy. Depending on wear and tear, some parts will need to be replaced sooner than others. Here’s a list of AC components which may require replacement during the typical lifespan of a conventional air conditioner in Arizona:

  • Air Filters – Though not a moving or electrical part, air filters are a crucial element to providing clean air in your home and require constant replacement. Air filters should be replaced at least six times per year and more frequently if you have pets. Also, if you have a family member who is dealing with asthma or a chronic respiratory condition, air filters should be replaced once a month.
  • Contactor / Capacitors – Electrical parts, such as the contactor or run/start capacitors, motors, fans and wiring are responsible for more than 80 percent of all air conditioner service calls. Your air conditioner’s contactor and capacitors are some of the most heavily used parts in your AC system. With all the wear and tear on these electrical parts, they will most likely be replaced more than once during the lifespan of your AC system. It’s best to let our experienced professionals handle electrical problems as DIY mistakes can be costly and dangerous.
  • Blower Motor / Fan Motor – The fans in your AC system run at full tilt for the better part of six months each year during Arizona’s extended summer. It’s only natural that at some point, the fan blades may experience some form of fatigue or obstruction, or the motors may simply burn out due to extreme use. During a spring tune up, our friendly service technicians will check the blower motor, fans and other components for indications of impending failure.
  • Evaporator Coils – The dirty secret and most common problem with the evaporator coils is they get covered with dust and debris, which reduces their effectiveness. Cleaning the evaporator coils is frequently the solution to the problem. Occasionally, evaporator coils can become damaged due to corrosion, which causes tiny pinholes in the sealed system which unfortunately releases refrigerant into the air. This is not readily apparent to homeowners or handymen. Leaks are detected with special equipment which our service techs use during an AC inspection.
  • Compressor – Your air conditioner’s compressor handles a heavy workload and is one of the most expensive components in your AC system. The most common reasons for compressor failure, which would necessitate replacement, are dirty coils, which cause the compressor to over work and constantly run at a high temperature. Clogged refrigerant lines that can lead to an increase in internal pressure, placing a strain on the system, and incorrect refrigerant levels, which again, place an added burden on the compressor which may ultimately lead to it burning out. The good news is that most compressor problems are preventable. With regular maintenance and twice-yearly service inspections, problems can be detected and remedied before a compressor replacement is required.

Let Us Handle the Complexities of Your AC System So You Can Enjoy Cool Comfort This Summer

Spring is just around the corner. It’s a great idea to schedule an AC system inspection in February or March before the temperatures get too hot. A spring tune up means you’ll be ready to enjoy summer with peace of mind and cool comfort in your home. Call us today.

Watt’s Up: Understanding Air Conditioner Electrical Problems

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Seventy-five years ago, Phoenix was a sleepy agricultural town of 65,000 residents. The phenomenal growth of Phoenix (current population 1.6 million) is often attributed to three factors; perfect winter weather, accessible electrical power and two magic words – air conditioning. As home air conditioning units became more affordable in the 1960’s, home sales took off. Powered by multiple electric motors, air conditioning units make scorching Arizona summers bearable. Did you know that almost 80 percent of all air conditioning service calls are related to electrical issues?

Common Air Conditioner Electrical Problems

Air conditioners have many electrical circuits, wires and parts as well as two fans (powered by electrical) and the compressor motor. Over time, all these components are subject to normal wear and tear and may eventually break down. However, a word to the wise – if you’re not an electrical expert (and let’s face it, most of us aren’t), please do not do attempt to fix your own electrical problems. The advice we give our customers is don’t do anything more complicated than resetting the breaker switch. Electrical issues can cause serious damage to your air conditioning unit and more importantly, to you. Please be safe and call us immediately when you notice air conditioner electrical problems

Air Conditioning Breaker Switch

Air conditioning systems draw a fair amount of power, especially during the summer months when your AC unit is running full tilt for weeks at a time. There are many reasons your breaker switch might be tripped such as power grid failure, power surges or electrical issues due to storms. If your air conditioner stops working, always check the breaker switch first. If your breaker switch is constantly going off, that is an indication of a problem. You may have an undersized breaker, a faulty breaker switch or a loose breaker, all of which will require replacement.

What Are Capacitors?

Capacitors are essential to the electrical motors in your air conditioner. Capacitors regulate the “start-up” and “run” energy for the electric motors. Capacitors are found in virtually all electric motors and come in many shapes and sizes. Used mainly to store and release electric charges (similar to a short-term battery) capacitors regulate the motors in the compressor, blower and fan. If you have a faulty capacitor, you may notice a clicking sound upon start up or a loud hum if the motor can’t get going. Both sounds mean you should call for service immediately.

Electrical Wiring and Your Air Conditioner

Depending on when your home was built, the electrical wiring may not have been replaced or even inspected for decades. Years of intense heat, constant vibration and overall use can take quite a toll. In our years of providing great AC service to countless Phoenix homes, we have seen it all, including wires chewed raw by critters, wires damaged by power surges or lightening, and sadly, faulty wiring improperly installed when the home was originally constructed.

Electrical Problems Are Best Left to Professionals

Electrical problems are serious and require trained professionals. These are not do-it-yourself issues. At Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating, we have the experienced technicians who can recognize small electrical problems before they become big issues. If you’re AC unit and wiring has not been checked in the last calendar year, why not give us a call?

What If Your Air Conditioner Stops Working in the Middle of the Night?


Get 24/7 AC Repair in Chandler, Gilbert and Phoenix Valley Cities Call (480) 968-5652 any time for immediate service!

Have you ever been awakened in the middle of the night by the uncomfortable feeling of perspiration on your neck and the alarming realization that your room is much warmer than it should be? It usually takes about three seconds for the panic to enter your brain, “OMG, it’s 3:00 am, and my air conditioning is not working!” There’s an old saying that Arizonans are born with five senses and quickly develop a sixth; sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, and temperature. Desert dwellers have an infallible inner-thermostat that immediately detects the slightest increase in room temperature due to a drop-off in air conditioning – even in a deep sleep! What should you do if your air conditioner has stopped working in the dead of night?

Air Conditioning Quick Reference Checklist

If your air conditioning stops working or you notice warm air coming out of your air conditioner vents, there are some handy troubleshooting steps you can take to possibly remedy the situation. Here’s a quick reference guide to midnight air conditioning repair operations:

  • Midnight Emergency Tool Kit – To prepare for a late-night AC repair adventure, you might want to create a midnight emergency tool kit which can be a lifesaver not only for air conditioning problems but other issues, as well. Establish a convenient place for your storage kit nearby, so you don’t have to go searching in the darkness. You should include various items, including a working flashlight, a few basic tools, a pair of gloves, some rags, an extra set of batteries for your thermostat, a notepad and a pencil in case you need to write down information or model numbers. It’s helpful to have the phone number of your HVAC repairman and other emergency numbers (plumber, utilities, etc.) on a contact sheet in your kit. It might seem like overkill, but it will be extremely useful to have everything together in one location, so you don’t have to waste time rummaging around in the middle of the night.
  • Check Vents and Airflow – The first thing you’ll want to do is to check your vents and establish if you are getting any cool air, warm air, or no air at all. Check more than one vent to confirm the airflow and temperature throughout the house.
  • Thermostat – Check the thermostat to see that it is on, and the display is lit. If your thermostat is dead, it’s possible that the batteries have worn out or your thermostat is not getting power. Obviously, if the thermostat is inoperable, it cannot signal the air conditioner to cycle on. If the thermostat is working, but you don’t hear anything, try switching the fan from “auto” to the “on” position. If the fan comes on that indicates your thermostat is communicating with your HVAC system. If it does not come on, and if you have no air coming through your vents and you don’t hear the usual air conditioner sounds, it’s time to check the power.
  • Electric – Always check the electric power box and the AC circuit breakers before you proceed with any other troubleshooting. Unfortunately, many service calls have been performed only to find out the HVAC unit was not getting power. Sliding the breaker switch to the “off” position, waiting 10 seconds then resetting the breaker switch to the “on” position maybe all the repair needed. Why might you lose power to your air conditioner? Sometimes, the power grid simply shuts down during the night or after a storm. Power surges can cause your breakers to be tripped. Your AC unit could have its own electrical issues.
  • Evaporator Coils Freezing Up – A common cause of warm air coming out of AC vents has to do with the evaporator coils icing up. If this happens, you’ll notice reduced airflow or the air will not be as cool as it normally is. If you see ice on your AC unit, shut it down and let the ice melt.

Choose an Expert in AC Repair and Service

Experiencing air conditioning issues in the middle of the night can be upsetting. One of the wisest decisions you can make is to call the best air conditioning service in the Phoenix area. Call Bruce’s Air Conditioning and Heating.

What Defines an Air Conditioning Emergency?


Nearly every air conditioning service provider offers 24/7 emergency service. Yet, not every air conditioning problem is an emergency. Many homeowners are uncertain when a problem falls into the category of a true air conditioning emergency. Here are a few guidelines to help you determine if you are experiencing a situation that warrants emergency service.

A System Failure at the Worst Possible Time

It’s the perfect storm of air conditioning problems. You discover that your air conditioner stopped working on a Friday evening. It’s supposed to be the hottest weekend of the year. And, you have company coming to stay with you tomorrow! We’ve all been there, and yes, this is a true air conditioning emergency.

Vulnerable Family Members

In the greater Phoenix metro area, temperatures frequently exceed 110 degrees in the summer. This means that indoor temperatures can quickly get above 90 degrees if there is no air conditioning. High temperatures inside a home are not just uncomfortable. They can also be dangerous to young children, pets and the elderly. In any situation when high temperatures pose a health threat, you have an air conditioning emergency.

A Safety Issue

In some cases, an emergency air conditioning repair may be more to do with safety than your home’s comfort. For example, refrigerant may be leaking or the unit may have sparked, started smoking or even caught on fire. This isn’t a problem to take a “wait and see approach” with. Call for help day or night if you are worried about the safety of your family or home due to an air conditioning problem.

What’s Not an Air Conditioning Emergency

While no one enjoys a malfunctioning air conditioner, not all problems are emergencies. The vast majority of issues can be handled during normal business hours. These include:

  • Routine maintenance
  • General repairs when the outdoor temperatures are manageable
  • Installations
  • Unit failures due to power outages

Before Calling for Emergency Service

Not sure you need emergency service? You’ll want to check out the following before making that call:

  • Check to see if the circuit breaker tripped. If so, return the lever to its on position.
  • Inspect the thermostat to see if it has shut off.
  • Defrost any buildup of ice on your air conditioner by shutting off the unit and operating the fan to melt the ice.

Hopefully, you never have an air conditioning emergency. But, if you do, call Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating at 480-968-5652. We’re here for you 24/7 with expert repair service.

Should I Replace or Repair My Equipment? 5 Questions to Ask Yourself

Repair or Replace - 5 Questions to Ask Yourself - BrucesAC.comIf your heating or cooling unit is not functioning properly, you may have asked yourself “should I replace or repair my equipment?” Before deciding to repair or replace your heating or cooling unit, there are a few questions you should ask yourself.

By answering these questions, you will be able to determine what the best course of action is.


 
 

Questions To Ask Yourself To Determine If You Should Replace Or Repair Your Equipment

 

1. Age Of Your Unit

Older units can be difficult to acquire replacement parts for repairs. As manufacturers design and market newer more energy efficient models, they begin to phase out older models and their parts. If your home has an older unit that needs repairs, it may be more cost effective to replace the unit rather than searching for much needed parts.

2. Efficiency Of Unit

If your air conditioner or heater is older than 10-15 years the best idea is to usually replace the entire unit rather than attempting to have it repaired. Many people choose to replace older units before repairs are even needed. This is due to the inefficiency of the overall unit. While your heating and cooling unit may seem to be working fine, chances are it is not functioning to its full potential. A newer unit will heat and cool your home while using less overall energy.

3. Overall Condition Of Unit

While an older unit may warrant replacement, you should always consider the condition of the existing unit. In many case, your unit may only need to be fine-tuned or cleaned up. Not every issue within your heating and cooling system requires parts to be replaced. Having a heating and cooling specialist that can repair and fine-tune your older unit, like us here at Bruce’s AC, may save you money in the long run.

4. How Often Is Your Unit Running?

Is this the home you live in all year or a vacation home that is used only on occasion? If your unit is beginning to show signs of trouble but is not used all the time, you may be able to have it repaired and buy yourself some time. If you rely on your heating and cooling unit on a regular basis, you may find that replacing it is a more convenient option. This will help you to avoid the air conditioner going out on the hottest day of the year.

5. How Long Do You Plan To Stay In Your Home?

Whether or not you are planning on staying in your home for many more years is a big factor in deciding whether to repair or replace your heating and cooling units. If you are planning on moving soon, you can save money by having the unit repaired. If you are looking at residing in the home for many more years, a replacement will be a better option as you won’t have to worry about a possible failure down the road.
 

Need A Repair Or Replacement Or Not Sure? Call Us Now – We Are Here To Help!