Now that summer has arrived, signs you need AC repair are likely much more obvious. Particularly in states like Utah, where the summer can really sizzle, you depend on your air conditioner like you depend on clean drinking water. However, the signs that something’s amiss, repairs are needed or maintenance is due were likely there for a long time. Unfortunately, it’s easy to put some chores on the back burner. Many air conditioner repair contractors are incredibly busy this time of year, but they could have easily made these repairs during the cooler months, if they had been reported then.

Do you think you need A/C repair? If you suspect it, you probably do (or at least a thorough inspection). If your HVAC system isn’t performing like you think it should, don’t delay. Call in the professionals immediately. The longer a potential problem persists, the worse it can become. What could be a minor electrical issue can turn into a full-blown fire or breakdown if you ignore the red flags.

Here are some of the biggest signs you may need A/C repair:

1. It’s not as cool as it used to be. Is your air conditioner actually running warmer, or is it all in your head? There’s only one way to find out. Even if it turns out you’re the one running warmer than usual, if it’s been more than a year since your last HVAC inspection, it’s still better to play it safe. There may be ways to get cooler air, or to insulate your home better in order to trap that cold air for longer.

2. It’s making a weird noise. The older the system, the more likely it is to make noise. However, you shouldn’t be hyper aware of your A/C operating, no matter its age. If you notice a noise, call in the experts. It could be a minor repair, or it could be a sign of a much bigger problem. You get used to noises in your home, so take a moment to listen carefully. If a noise sounds off, it probably is.

3. Your electric bill is through the roof. It’s normal to have a higher electrical bill in the summer, since you’re operating your A/C. However, there’s such a thing as too high. If you suspect your bill is unnecessarily high, especially compared to last year’s at the same time, something’s wrong. It might not be your air conditioner, but that’s a good place to start looking.

4. There’s a strange smell. If you notice a smell coming from your air conditioner, that’s a huge red flag. Call a professional immediately, since this could be a sign of refrigerant leaks or a power issue. If possible, keep your HVAC system turned off until the technician arrives.

Prevention is the best approach with your HVAC system. Call Sandy Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule a maintenance check or repair.

As warm weather makes its debut, furnace installation is likely to be put on the back burner for many homeowners. But just because the weather is warm, do not forget about the importance of heat — particularly if you are switching from a boiler to a furnace.

Installing a new furnace in the spring rather than waiting for the cold, damp winter months has many benefits. As an added bonus, you will enjoy peace of mind come autumn knowing that your pending winter heating solution is reliable, high quality and primed to keep you cozy. Following are a few reasons to choose a spring furnace installation.

1. You could get it on sale.

Most people shop for new furnaces and boilers during the autumn and winter, so shopping during the offseason may save you money. Check your local retailers for sale items, clearance furnaces and special deals. Make the most of holiday specials, such as Memorial Day sales and Fourth of July events to save even more.

2. You can upgrade your A/C at the same time.

If you previously used a boiler for heat but want to install A/C and a furnace, you’re in luck. A furnace and A/C can share ductwork and vents, but of course a boiler and an A/C unit cannot (a boiler relies radiant heating, not ducts). If you are already upgrading your home with forced air for cooling, it makes sense to upgrade to forced heat, too.

3. You won’t be rushed.

It is easy to look over sales and rush to make a purchase when winter is coming and you’re chilly at night. Spring is also the season when many homeowners spring for boiler/furnace maintenance. If you already know you want to upgrade and replace your heating source, skip the maintenance (this time around) and get your new system installed. It’s spring cleaning on a grander scale.

4. Allergies are lurking.

A furnace that’s about to kick the bucket can stir up allergies that mimic hay fever. If red, itchy, watery eyes, a sore throat and an ill feeling have become the norm in your home, it might be due to allergens, thanks to a subpar furnace. These appliances do not last forever, and upgrading yours can lead to a big allergy relief.

5. You’re not out of the woods yet.

There is no guarantee that nothing but warm days are ahead. Spring can get chilly in some parts of the country. Do not suffer through a cool spring just because you want to wait until next winter for a new furnace. Upgrade today and segue comfortably into the warmer months.

Homeowners who need a little help finding the perfect furnace for them can call Sandy Heating & Air Conditioning for all their installation and maintenance needs.

When air conditioning installation goes wrong, who’s to blame? Of course it’s the contractor, who’s in charge of providing a certain level of service (and leaving the homeowners with a functional A/C system), but it’s also the responsibility of the homeowners to ensure they hire a reputable air conditioning installation and repair company.

All aspects of an HVAC system are an investment, and a shoddy installation can ruin a brand-new system before you even get to enjoy it. Sometimes the signs of a bad installation are obvious (like a strong smell, loud noise or simply a system that doesn’t work). Other times homeowners don’t realized something’s awry until a reputable, honest installer tells them so during a routine call.

Since so many air conditioner makes and models are on the market, an installation can easily go off course. If the installer doesn’t use a supply duct that’s the right size and fit, it can cause airflow problems and waste energy. Many A/C models today use a ducted system, which means the tech needs to match the supply duct to the rest of the system. Here are a few more ways air conditioning installation can go in the wrong direction:

• Subpar check valves: Check valves, even new, can get wonky if they’re put on used cases in the wrong place. It can make hot gas stick around post-defrost, which means the system slows down. In some cases, it can take hours after a defrost just to get enough liquid to fill up the compressors correctly. This will make your A/C work overtime unnecessarily.
• Suction lines gone wild: Various situations can cause leaks, and one of them is a suction line split. This most often happens when the piping is cheap (it should be able to withstand high demands). Signs that the suction line might be the problem include low airflow in the heat pump and previous issues with valve wiring.
• Filter door blockage: This is one of the easiest situations to avoid, and unfortunately one of the most common. If the filter area/doors/vents aren’t allowed to “breathe,” they can’t do their job. That’s why you should never block A/C vents with furniture, drapes and the like. Just like you, your air conditioner could use some fresh air.
• No filter changes: All HVAC systems have a filter that needs replacing on a regular basis. During installation, your technician should show you where filters are and recommend how often they’re changed. A new system can go kaput in just a few months if filter swaps aren’t done.

A quality air conditioning installation technician should help educate homeowners if they’re open to it. After all, this is a complex and expensive system.

Call Sandy Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule an air conditioning installation, repair or inspection and keep your cool this summer.