Boehmer Heating & Cooling Blog: Archive for July, 2013

How Programmable Thermostats Work With Your AC

Monday, July 29th, 2013

The thermostats in your home often go unnoticed because of how small they are. However, they are actually one of the most powerful components of your air conditioning system. We wanted to assemble a short explanation of why thermostats are so important and how programmable thermostats interact with your air conditioning system.

Most homeowners are familiar with digital thermostats—which are essentially the digital version of the old, round manual thermostats. But programmable thermostats offer homeowners a much higher level of control over their home’s air conditioning system . Basically, these thermostats will automatically adjust the temperature of your home during different parts of the day, such making your home warmer during times it is usually empty, which allow you to save energy without sacrificing comfort.

Programmable thermostats come in several different types and homeowners should look over each one to determine which one is best for them. If you have a consistent schedule where you work 5 days a week and then stay at home on the weekends, then a 5-2 or a 5-1-1 thermostat might be best for you. These allow you to set one schedule for the work week and then another schedule for the weekend. However, if you have a schedule that changes often, you may want to think about a 7 day programmable thermostat. This allows you to set a different schedule for each day of the week.

Programmable thermostats come with a variety of different functions depending on the model and brand that you get. Some can access the internet and others have a remote control which allows you to adjust the temperature of your home from anywhere in the house.

When you get a new programmable thermostat, many of them will start with a comprehensive on-screen interview that will allow the thermostat to determine your schedule and your energy usage goals. This kind of personalization is one of the main reasons why homeowners decide to get a programmable thermostat.

If you need help with any services for your air conditioning in Pittsburgh, just call the friendly experts at Boehmer Heating & Cooling.

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Pittsburgh, PA Air Conditioning FAQ: Why Your System Short Cycles

Tuesday, July 23rd, 2013

Air conditioning systems are designed to turn on when the temperature rises to a certain level, and then turn off again after the temperature drops. Normally, an air conditioning unit will run for at least 10 minutes before turning itself off. In some cases, however, your air conditioner may “short cycle,” turning on and off more frequently than it should. If your system short cycles, you need to address the issue lest it result in higher electric bills or additional damage to your unit. A number of factors may cause short-cycling, most of which can be diagnosed and fixed by a trained technician.

  • Size: If your air conditioning system is too large for the space it needs to heat, it may short cycle very quickly. The best way to avoid this problem is to have a load calculation performed on your home to determine exactly what capacity air conditioning system that you need.
  • Refrigerant leak: Air conditioning systems use refrigerant to absorb the heat in your home and carry it outside. The refrigerant is supposed to be in a completely self-contained system; and short cycling may mean that that a leak has sprung up somewhere.
  • Icing: The evaporator coil may develop ice on its surface, which can cause your AC to turn off and on very quickly until the ice melts. Icing on the coils suggests a larger problem with the system, and again requires the attention of a trained expert.
  • Control board: Though unlikely, a control board or control switch might be damaged or broken, which is causing short cycling. In such an event, the control board will probably need to be replaced.

For over 80 years, Boehmer Heating & Cooling has handled air conditioning problems in the Pittsburgh, PA area. Our knowledgeable staff is fully certified and dedicated to customer satisfaction. If your system is short cycling and you need to pinpoint the cause, give us a call to set up an appointment immediately. We’ll root out the source of the problem and make sure it gets fixed the first time every time.

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Pittsburgh, PA Air Conditioning Repair Tip: Spotting a Refrigerant Leak

Monday, July 15th, 2013

The level of refrigerant that circulates through your compressor, coils, and expansion valve is vital to the effectiveness and energy efficiency of your air conditioning system, no matter what type it is. You simply cannot expect your home to stay cooling during the summer months without the correct refrigerant charge. In today’s post, we’d like to examine this issue a bit more closely.

Because your system does not expend refrigerant during the cooling cycle, there are really only two reasons why it is low. Either it was not installed with the correct amount of refrigerant to begin with, or it has developed a leak, due to either a puncture or corrosion. Let’s take a look at a few signs indicating you may have a refrigerant leak:

  • Inadequate cooling: One of the most common indications that you have a refrigerant leak, and thus low levels of refrigerant, is inadequate cooling. If you recognize a drop-off in your system’s ability to keep your home cool, then it may not have enough refrigerant to complete the cycle effectively. .
  • Warm air: If you feel warm air coming through the ductwork and you’re calling for cooling, then you know something is not right. One of the causes behind that warm air could be low levels of refrigerant. Your condenser coils simply cannot be effective if there is not enough refrigerant. Likewise for your indoor evaporator coils, which are responsible for cooling your air.
  • Hissing sound: Do you hear a hissing sound at or near your AC components? If so, the sound you might be hearing is not air but gaseous refrigerant. Not only is this harmful to the environment, but it can be devastating to your cooling performance and energy efficiency.

Call Boehmer Heating & Cooling today should you have any issues with your AC’s refrigerant level. We can assist with all of your air conditioning repair needs in Pittsburgh, PA.

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Pittsburgh Air Conditoining Question: How Can I Keep My AC Working Dependably?

Monday, July 8th, 2013

During the summer you likely rely on your air conditioning system to keep your home comfortable. But like any other piece of equipment your air conditioning system will eventually break down on you. So how can homeowners make sure that their AC operates as consistently as possible? Here at Boehmer Heating & Cooling Company, we offer fast and reliable Pittsburgh, PA air conditioning services. We wanted to put together a quick list of some of the ways that our customers can keep their AC systems working well.

Schedule Regular Maintenance

Probably the best way for you to increase the consistency of your air conditioner’s performance is to get it regularly maintained and inspected by a professional. As your air conditioning system operates it will develop small problems that will eventually turn into full-blown repairs and cause a disruption in its performance. However, if you get your air conditioning system regularly inspected your AC technician will be able to find those types of small issues and fix them before they turn into larger, more costly repairs. In addition to increasing the dependability of your air conditioner, regular maintenance could also increase efficiency and extend the life of your air conditioner.

Change the Air Filter

Probably the most common cause of  air conditioning repair that we see is caused by a clogged air filter. Your AC system has an air filter in it that keeps dust, dirt and insects from getting sucked into the mechanical parts of your equipment. But if that air filter isn’t changed regularly it can get clogged and restrict the flow of air into your system. Not only does this greatly reduce the efficiency of your air conditioner, but it can also case more repairs because of the added strain on the system.

If your air conditioning system is breaking down a lot or if it has started to operate inefficiently, call the Pittsburgh, PA air conditioning repair and maintenance professionals at Boehmer Heating & Cooling today.

 

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Have a Safe and Happy 4th of July!

Tuesday, July 2nd, 2013

The 4th of July will forever hold a very special place in the history of the United States of America. On this day in 1776, the second Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence.

Not only is Independence Day an important day in our nation’s history, but for many people it is a day that is filled with memories from celebrations of years past. Fireworks, barbeques, baseball games, fairs, carnivals, patriotic music and ceremonies are all scattered through our memories as we’ve participated in annual parties, get-togethers, picnics and family gatherings throughout the years. John Adams, our 2nd president, was right when he said that our Independence Day “…ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

The 4th of July is truly a day to enjoy but also to remember and respect the sacrifice that many brave men and women made over 200 years ago to give us the freedom that we cherish today. However you celebrate Independence Day, make sure that you take a moment to remember what this day is really about.

We wish you a safe and happy 4th of July!

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