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Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning - Furnace & HVAC Repair St. Louis

Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning - Furnace & HVAC Repair St. Louis

Air Conditioner

3 Common Signs of Air Leaks in Your St. Louis Home

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Air leaks can compromise the efficiency of your HVAC system, leading to discomfort and higher electricity bills.

With summer here, you want your HVAC system to be in top shape so that it can keep your home cool and comfortable. In addition to replacing or cleaning the filters and doing a test run of the whole installation, you should also check if there are any air leaks that could compromise the efficiency of your HVAC system and affect the indoor air during the summer. 

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What Are the Signs of Air Leaks?

There are some signs that will warn you that you have air leaks in the air duct system. Observe how your air conditioning unit is behaving and how well it cools down the air. If the unit has been out of use during winter, turn it on for a day and see how it performs.

You Pay More than Usual for Electricity

Your HVAC system should consume as little energy as possible. It does that by keeping the temperature at a constant, ideal level. That way, the walls keep cool and it doesn’t have to make an extra effort to bring the air to the desired temperature. If your HVAC system is the cause of your high utility bills, then you can suspect an air leak, amongst other causes.

Cool and Hot Spots

If you have cool spots or hot spots around the house, it means that the air is not circulating well. It’s either a clog in the duct system or an air leak, causing the air to go in the attic or to stay mostly in one part of the house. Install thermometers in all your rooms and check if there are significant differences that cannot be explained by exterior walls, drapes, or other external factors. 

You Dust More Often Than Usual

Sure, any housekeeping involves a little bit of dusting, but when you notice that your home seems invaded by dust particles, they might come from your attic through a leaky duct system. 

What Can You Do to Locate the Leaks Precisely?

If you observe one or more of these signs above and you suspect an air leak, it’s time to investigate further. Get in touch with an experienced HVAC professional who can check your ductwork and make any needed repairs to ensure your system is running at peak performance.

24/7 SERVICE. FIVE STAR REVIEWS. 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE.

CALL (314) 471-7625

What Should I Do If My Air Conditioner Is Running but Not Cooling?

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If you notice that your air conditioner is running, but has stopped cooling the air, you should start investigating the possible causes.

Having an HVAC malfunction during the summer can be really uncomfortable. If you notice that your air conditioner is running, but has stopped cooling the air, you should start investigating the possible causes. This symptom can be attributed to a list of issues that may or may not require professional attention. 

Here is what to start looking for and what to do when your unit stops cooling. 

Create the Proper Conditions for a Diagnosis

Before you can identify the possible causes of your HVAC malfunction, make sure you create good conditions for testing it. 

  • First of all, close all your windows to prevent hot air from coming inside. 
  • Check the current room temperature and set your thermostat to a cooler value, it may simply not be set correctly.
  • If you are using other air processing appliances like humidifiers or air purifiers, turn them off.
  • Check the vents and make sure they are not obstructed.

Once you have created these conditions, it’s time to find the culprit through elimination. It’s possible that after taking these steps, you may notice that your system is actually working correctly. If not, here is a list of the most common causes for an HVAC unit that is running, but not cooling. Get in touch with an HVAC technician who can help identify and resolve any issues with your air conditioner.

Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant is the substance used in air conditioning units and refrigerators to cool the air or fluid that circulates through them. If there are any refrigerant leaks in your HVAC system, it will simply not be able to cool the air, but it will still circulate it. Some units are capable to self-diagnose low refrigerant, but without such a feature, only an HVAC professional will be able to measure the level of the refrigerant. 

Clogged HVAC Interior

Air not cooling can be a sign of improper maintenance of the HVAC unit. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for routine maintenance and clean the air filters, coil, condenser, evaporator, etc. Clear any debris or vegetation around the outdoor unit and make sure the unit is not flooded with water. 

Insufficient Airflow

Another cause for the HVAC not cooling down your house is that the cool air never gets to the interior. Fortunately, this means that the unit itself works perfectly, but you need to investigate the airflow before the problem worsens. Check the cold air returns to see if there is any suction (try using a paper tissue to check the movement of the air). All the vents in your house should let the air flow properly.

Thermostat Malfunction

Your HVAC unit may be working perfectly, but the thermostat is having some sort of issue. Make sure it works properly by checking the display if it’s blank you might want to try replacing the batteries or calling an HVAC expert to check the wiring. 

Electrical Malfunction

Most issues that HVAC repair teams deal with are caused by electrical malfunctions. If you notice that your HVAC unit has stopped cooling the air, check the electric panel to see if any of the breakers were tripped. They should be labeled for easy identification. Try flipping them in the off position and see if that solves your problem.

If you notice that your air conditioner is running but not cooling your home, give our team a call today and we’ll get to the bottom of your issue!

24/7 SERVICE. FIVE STAR REVIEWS. 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE.

CALL (314) 471-7625

Air Conditioner Running Constantly – Is That Normal?

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Have you recently noticed that your air conditioning never seems to take a break? Is it normal for it to run constantly?

It may be normal for your air conditioner to run all the time during hot summer days, especially in areas where it gets scorching hot. However, what if you have noticed recently that your air conditioning unit never seems to catch a break; it just runs all the time. Is it really normal for it to do so?

If by “running all the time” you mean it spends a lot of time cooling the air, but with some breaks, it may be normal, depending on how hot it is outside that day. If you literally mean that your AC unit is on all the time, around the clock, then it may not be normal and you may need to investigate further.

air conditioner running constantly

Cooling Efficiency

When you use an air conditioning unit that is properly sized for the space you are cooling down, it will run for long periods of time, ensuring that the temperature remains constant and that it is kept at the level you desire all the time. That means that it will turn on and off by itself, regulating the temperature along the way.

Why the Size of Your Air Conditioner is Important

If a unit cools down a room too quickly, it might be just too big for that space. An oversized air con unit will not only increase your electricity bill, but it will not be very efficient at keeping a constant temperature and humidity in the room. You would need to constantly turn it on and off because it makes you feel either too cold or too warm all the time. 

That said, it is normal for a properly sized air conditioning unit to have longer running periods when it is warm outside. The warmer it is outside, the longer it will stay on, working to keep the temperature constant and cool.

When a unit is too small for the space it is mounted in, it will run constantly, trying to reach the thermostat temperature. There is only one solution to this problem, and it is replacing the whole unit with a bigger one. One simple way of figuring out if the unit is too small is by looking at the temperature: the indoor temperature won’t match the one you set on the thermostat. Get a simple room thermometer which helps you check the real temperature in your house. 

Other Possible Issues That Can Cause Your AC to Run Constantly

If you are sure that your air conditioning unit is properly sized for your space, but you started noticing changes in its performance lately, there may be other issues to investigate. For example, you could be dealing with: blocked air ducts, refrigerant leak, dirty filters, etc.

24/7 SERVICE. FIVE STAR REVIEWS. 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE.

CALL (314) 471-7625

Should I Leave My Air Conditioner on All Night?

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The goal of most homeowners is to keep their energy bills down while staying cool and comfortable during the hottest summer days and nights.

When the weather is hot and humid, your air conditioner comes to the rescue and processes the outdoor air by cooling it down, getting rid of excess moisture, and making your indoor environment comfortable again. AC units are used all across America and are regarded as a needed feature, as the climate can go to extremes in many parts of the country.

Nowadays, there are plenty of modern AC units to choose from, and the extra features they pack are impressive, starting with the ability to use a smart thermostat and going through purifying functions or self-programming according to the weather predictions.

Whether you are using an old AC unit or you just bought a new model, you probably will be interested in keeping your energy bills down while still making sure that you will feel comfortable at home even in the hottest days. 

A common “money-saving” tip that many people hear is to leave your AC running 24/7. Many people think this reduces the energy costs by keeping a steady flow and not allowing your home to get hot again. Is it a myth or a fact?

Should You Leave Your AC Unit on All Night?

The answer is: it depends. Essentially, it depends on the temperatures outside during the night. If the outdoor air gets cool enough for you to feel comfortable without the AC, then obviously there is no reason to turn it on. 

However, if the outdoor air is too humid, your air conditioner can act as a dehumidifier. It is important to note that much of your comfort level will rely on the relative moisture in the indoor air. If the air outside is indeed too humid, then you might want to turn your AC on at night as well. Many air conditioning units today also have a dehumidifying function.

In most cases, you don’t really need your air conditioning unit to run the whole night, and it won’t necessarily make your energy bills lower. So what can you do to prevent your bills to skyrocket, while still feeling comfortable at night this summer? 

Here are a few easy tips:

  • Only using the fan function of your AC unit
  • Installing ceiling fans in your bedroom
  • Adjusting the cooling level and raising it up at night

Speak With a St. Louis HVAC Specialist

You need to consider other solutions too before deciding whether leaving your AC unit on for long periods of time is a good idea. 

If you are interested in saving on energy costs because of unusually high energy bills, also have your AC unit checked for potential malfunctions. A faulty AC unit can make you try anything in order to keep the indoor air cool without spending a fortune on electricity. Hiring an HVAC expert to do an inspection is worth it. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment or discuss your cooling needs.

24/7 SERVICE. FIVE STAR REVIEWS. 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE.

CALL (314) 471-7625

Is Your HVAC System Ready for Summer?

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There are some important HVAC maintenance tasks to perform before summer comes.

As the temperature is rising, you can already paint the picture of the summer that’s about to come, with its scorching heat. Your HVAC unit will surely be working hard to keep your home, a cool and comfortable haven. Is yours ready for the task ahead?

There are some important maintenance tasks to check before summer comes. Here is what you need to do to ensure it will work properly all season long.

sweaty St. Louis man in front of fan

Protect Your Air Conditioner While You’re Doing Lawn Maintenance

If you are planning on refreshing your lawn and garden when spring comes, you must remember to properly protect your air conditioner during the process.

Trim the bushes and trees around the condenser unit and check the drainpipe, making sure it is clear and above the ground. Once lawn maintenance is done, you can move on to the HVAC unit. 

Consider Planting Shrubs Near the Condenser If It’s Hit by the Sun Directly

If your condenser unit is exposed to direct sunlight for more than two hours a day, especially during the afternoon, then you might want to consider planting shrubs or little trees next to it to provide some shade. But be careful not to have anything obstructing the unit’s vents or pipes. 

Remove Covers and Make Sure All Pipes Are Clear

It’s time to remove the lids, carpets or blankets you’ve been using to protect your outdoor unit from the harsh winter. Check the unit for debris and clear the motor blades with a vacuum cleaner. Clean your outdoor unit is best done by a professional.

Change the Filters

Spring cleaning is the best moment to replace the air filters or clean the reusable ones. Even if you already changed them in the last three months, it’s best to have fresh new filters when the cooling season starts. Also, winter tends to come with more dust and debris accumulations, so changing the filters is essential.

Test the Thermostat

Testing your thermostat is a good idea if you want to ensure it works properly once the unit’s function changes. If your thermostat controls different areas through zoning, make sure the air ducts of unused areas during winter are cleared out and clean. 

Call a Professional for an Annual Maintenance

Even if you prepared your unit thoroughly for the spring, it is best if you call a professional to take a look at the whole system. There are some operations that you cannot perform yourself, and that could affect your system’s performance.

You want your system to be working at its best when summer heat comes. Proper maintenance can actually save you money by keeping the unit working as efficiently as possible. 

24/7 SERVICE. FIVE STAR REVIEWS. 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE.

CALL (314) 471-7625

Is a Ductless Air Conditioning System Worth It?

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When you decide what kind of air conditioning system to use in your home, you must think ahead for years to come, weighing in the benefits and disadvantages it has for your lifestyle.

At first glance, choosing a certain system is mostly about the budget and the size of the space you want to cover. However, air conditioning units these days are quite complex, meaning you have more variables to take into account.

Split units are becoming more popular in people’s homes, dethroning the duct system that was the norm back in the day. Let’s see what makes so many households choose to go ductless.

st. louis family discussing hvac options

It Is Less Expensive

Installing split units in your home can easily be cheaper than having a duct system fitted into your walls. The latter is a big project that affects the whole house and may require demolition work to put everything together. It also means a lot of ducts, materials, and piping which will cost quite a lot. If you make a calculation, you will be surprised to see that having split units in each room can be cheaper than having a unitary system.

Installation Is Significantly Quicker and Non-Invasive

Besides being expensive, the hassle of installing a duct system in a home that doesn’t have it is quite large. You would have to take time from work or other projects to supervise the team that will work in your home, breaking the walls, making noise and mess. Your life is significantly more affected by installing a duct system than by getting split units, which typically can be fitted in less than a day.

Better Zoned Temperature Control

Having ductless air conditioning units means that you decide how to control the climate in each separate room. Not all duct HVAC systems have the zoning function, and being forced to cool down the whole house is not cost-efficient or comfortable. Split units allow you to only use the HVAC system where and when needed.

Less Maintenance Is Needed

A ductless air conditioning unit is easier to maintain than a huge system that goes through your entire home, hidden in the walls. Maintaining a ductless unit means replacing or cleaning the filters from time to time and having a professional perform maintenance. This also lessens the probability of malfunctions.

It Can Be Healthier Than Duct Systems

Getting fresh air in your home is easier with a ductless system, and you will avoid running the air through so many tight, inaccessible places that are hard to keep clean and safe. This will lessen the chance of triggering allergies or having health hazards like mold and dangerous bacteria in your indoor air.

24/7 SERVICE. FIVE STAR REVIEWS. 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE.

CALL (314) 471-7625