Why Is My AC Not Turning On?

An AC that won’t turn on is a frustrating experience that most homeowners have had to deal with or will at some point. If you experience an AC that won’t turn on, it is usually a good idea to contact a local HVAC technician. A professional will be able to spot the underlying issue quickly and correct it in a reliable manner. With that in mind, let’s explore the most common problems and what could cause them. Thermostat Troubles The thermostat is the first thing to check because it is what controls the air conditioner. If your thermostat runs on batteries, the first step is to change them. Also, check that the brightness level is high enough to see the display. Next, ensure that the thermostat is on and in cool mode. Additionally, check the temperature setting. You can turn it down a few degrees to see if your AC turns on. If your cooling system engages, it could mean your thermostat is working but needs to be recalibrated. If none of these solutions work, it is probably time to call a professional to diagnose the issue and fix your thermostat. On and Off Switch Many AC systems have a...

View Article

Surprising Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning

If you have a home HVAC system, it’s likely that you know it’s wise to schedule spring and fall maintenance. But did you know that you need to call for regular air duct cleaning service as well? Experts recommend having this done every few years. If you haven’t been requesting this service, there are many reasons to consider doing so. Get Rid of Unwanted Odors One of the first reasons that homeowners tend to look into getting their air ducts cleaned is because they’re dealing with a constant unpleasant odor coming from their vents. If you find yourself frequently cleaning your home and still dealing with this smell, it’s likely that it’s coming from airborne particles that are stuck inside your ductwork. Fumes from tobacco or mold can attach to them. Having a professional clean your ductwork will help to remove that unwanted smell from your home. Reduce Allergy Flare-Ups Another common reason that many homeowners look into air duct cleaning is that their allergies constantly flare up while they’re at home. Over time, your ducting can collect allergens and irritants like pet dander, dust, and even pollen. Every time your HVAC system kicks on, these allergens and irritants are...

View Article

Signs That Your Septic Tank Is Full

As a homeowner, you rely on your septic tank to drain wastewater and sewage from your home. Knowing when the tank is full can be quite puzzling, and you need to call your local plumbing experts to help manage the septic. Let’s discuss common signs indicating the need to drain your septic tank. Your Toilet Can’t Flush A clogged toilet is one of the most common signs that you need to drain your septic tank. A toilet that can’t flush indicates your drainpipes are blocked and need to be drained. A sewage backup in your toilet suggests that you need to empty your septic tank. Gurgling Sounds From Drainpipes A gurgling sound from your septic’s drainage system when you use the bathroom, flush the toilet or use the sink is a sign the septic is full. When the drainpipes push out air instead of water, debris may build up, blocking waste from draining into the septic tank. In addition, when water drains slowly from your toilet, kitchen sink or bathroom pipes, you must empty your septic tank. Water or Sewage Pools A full septic tank can cause wastewater or raw sewage to push out from the pipes connected to your...

View Article

HVAC Options for Humid or Dry Interior Air

Comfort and air quality from climate control systems rely on more than temperature. How dry or damp the air is in a home also plays a role. Healthy interior air depends on HVAC systems properly cycling and controlling air moisture. Keep Humidity Controlled Elevated humidity levels in the home can create many problems, like increasing the risk of mold and mildew. The dampness in the air can worsen allergies and cause people to feel uncomfortable. Air conditioning systems help reduce humidity levels in the summer. An air exchanger will also reduce humidity. An air exchanger does what its name suggests. It cycles out the damp air in the home and brings in fresh, drier air. It can work alongside an air conditioner and a heating system to keep the interior air fresher. Also beneficial is the use of a dehumidifier in an HVAC system. This device regulates the air to remove excess moisture. Multiple options for dehumidifiers exist, so homeowners can choose a model that works best for their home. Prevent Dry Air Dry air often becomes an issue during the colder months when heating systems run consistently. Overly dry air can make people more susceptible to colds and other...

View Article

3 Tips to Save Energy With Your HVAC System

Having an HVAC system in Aitkin, MN that runs efficiently has numerous benefits, including a comfortable home and lower energy bills. However, if you fail to properly look after your system, you could end up with poor performance and unnecessarily high utility bills. Consider the following three energy-saving tips for your HVAC system. 1. Have Regular Maintenance Done In the long run, regular maintenance helps you extend your system’s life span. As your unit works to keep your home comfortable, dirt can collect inside it, and the usual wear and tear of operating it can start taking its toll. When you have a preventive tune-up performed on a regular basis, technicians from will clean your system, lubricate moving parts, and address any other problems, even those that haven’t fully manifested yet, helping ensure your system’s efficiency. An energy-efficient system will run optimally and help keep the bills down. 2. Address Repairs Promptly Don’t wait for your HVAC system to shut down entirely before reaching out to our technicians. Even if it still runs, if you notice any signs that it requires repairs, including strange sounds, unusual smells, short cycling, and uneven temperatures, seek prompt repair services. Ignoring minor problems can...

View Article

Signs You Need to Clean, Repair, or Replace Your Air Ducts

Your air ducts play a crucial role in heating and cooling your home. Unfortunately, damaged ductwork not only renders your HVAC system inefficient but also leaves your home uncomfortable. If you notice any of these symptoms, you may have a problem with your ductwork. Dusty Home If the surfaces in your home seem to always have a layer of dust on them, especially soon after you clean them, your ductwork may be to blame. You may also notice dust and dirt around your vent registers if your ductwork needs cleaning. In addition to the inconvenience caused by the dust, you may also notice allergy symptoms worsening. Increased Energy Bills Damaged air ducts cannot efficiently transport air throughout your home. If you have ductwork with damaged connections or tears in it, your system will work harder to try to heat and cool your home to no avail. Cold and Hot Spots If you notice a drastic change in temperature levels when you move around your house, your ductwork may have a leak or be incorrectly sized to heat or cool your home efficiently. In this case, you may have to replace or repair the affected sections. Unusual Noises Certain sounds are...

View Article

4 Easy HVAC Maintenance Tips to Avoid Costly Repairs

During the coldest and hottest months of the year, nothing in your Aitkin, MN home is as important as your HVAC system. In the interest of maintaining the health and comfort of everyone living in your household, you’re probably willing to pay a veritable fortune to keep your heater and air conditioner running. The good news is that you don’t have to. The following are four HVAC maintenance tips to prevent costly repairs. 1. Regularly Change Your HVAC Air Filters Surprisingly, one of the least expensive components in your HVAC system has the greatest impact on its well-being. Best of all, you can swap this component out all by yourself. Changing your HVAC air filters on a regular basis will prevent airflow obstructions that cause your heater and air conditioner stress. With consistently clean filters, your HVAC equipment will have a far lower likelihood of icing over, overheating, or malfunctioning in other ways. 2. Keep Your HVAC Air Ducts Clean and Well-Maintained Your HVAC air ducts need regular maintenance, too. You should have your ductwork professionally cleaned at least once every three to five years. Professional duct cleaning eliminates all dirt, dust, and other debris that’s been blown off of...

View Article

Leaving Your Windows Open While Your AC Is on Is a Huge Mistake

In summer, the air conditioner in your Aitkin, MN home has a complex, continuous job. In addition to regulating your indoor temperature, it also regulates your indoor humidity and filters your air, improving your home’s overall indoor air quality. Although leaving your windows open might feel like an effective and energy-efficient way to help it along, it can actually cause far more problems than it solves. Opening your windows is a great way to ventilate your living space, but you should always maintain an airtight living environment when your AC is on. Read on to find out why. Opening Your Windows Can Increase Indoor Humidity and Pollution On a temperate, low-pollen day, opening your windows allows fresh, outdoor air to flow in, and stale, stagnant air to flow out. However, during summer, this same tactic could bring outside allergens into your living space and leave the building interior heavy with excess moisture. After all, it’s not uncommon for Aitkin locals to see days with humidity levels as high as 92%. Your Air Conditioner Will Struggle to Regulate Your Indoor Temperature Central air conditioners provide uniform cooling throughout entire buildings. If you open windows in one or more rooms, your AC...

View Article

The Pros and Cons of Ductless AC Split Systems

Ductless air conditioning split systems, or mini-split systems, are becoming increasingly popular for those looking for an energy-efficient cooling solution for their homes. They are easy to install and quiet. But like any cooling system, there are pros and cons to consider when deciding if a ductless AC split system is right for you. The Pros Easy to Install Unlike conventional cooling systems, which require extensive ductwork to be installed, a ductless AC split system consists of an outdoor unit and at least one indoor unit. This makes them very easy to install as long as the outdoor and indoor units are positioned in a way that allows the tubing to connect the external unit with the various indoor air handlers. Very Quiet One of the major benefits of a ductless AC split system is that they are very quiet. The noise from the indoor air handler is no louder than a whisper. The Cons Can Be Expensive Ductless AC split systems are usually more expensive than other traditional cooling systems. The cost can vary greatly depending on the size and type of system you choose. However, if you are looking for an energy-efficient cooling solution, the long-term savings may...

View Article

How a Professional Measures Indoor Air Pollution

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air quality (IAQ) should be a concern for homeowners because concentrations of air pollutants can often be two to three times higher inside your home than outdoors. In addition, they have stated that while home air monitors are available, no reliable research indicates these devices accurately measure indoor air quality. If you are concerned about your IAQ, the best course of action may be to hire an HVAC professional to test the air quality in your home. Here are some of the ways professionals measure indoor air pollution. VOC Meters VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds, which are emitted by many household materials and liquids as a gas. During an assessment, professionals can use a VOC meter to measure the concentration of these gases in your home. They use the device to detect things like formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene, which are chemicals shown to lead to health issues. SO2 Meter Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a common pollutant found in the air both indoors and outdoors. It’s produced from burning fossil fuels and can be a significant health problem in enclosed spaces. SO2 meters give a real-time readout, so a technician can give you...

View Article