Category: Blog

During the hotter summer months, your air conditioning system may account for a considerable percentage of your entire yearly home energy expenditures. Most homes’ heating and air conditioning systems are the largest sources of consumption. If you are like the majority of households, you are undoubtedly looking for ways to increase the efficiency of your air conditioner while also lowering your expenses. Improving the efficiency of your unit may help you save money while also extending its life.

Here are some ways to make your air conditioner more efficient: 

1. Clean the Area around the Condenser Unit from the Outside

Cleaning and clearing away any dirt from your outdoor unit will ensure that it performs at its highest level of efficiency and effectiveness. On the other hand, cleaning the condenser may be difficult, so be sure you understand what you’re doing and how to do it before you begin. 

Consider leaving the more detailed cleaning and other AC services to the professionals. They can guarantee that the correct procedures are followed to avoid any kind of lasting harm that could leave you with hefty repair bills in the future.

2. Vents Should Be Unblocked and Vacuumed

The ability to maintain your air conditioner’s vents clear of obstructions is one of the most effective methods to increase its performance. Take some time to go around your home and look into the vents to see what you can find. 

Take a little time to clean out any debris that has accumulated in your interior air supply vents. That is very necessary if you want to ensure that the airflow through your system remains constant. Even if you clean and sweep your home regularly, your vents may still be obstructed by blinds, carpets, toys, or other pieces of furniture. Check to ensure that each of the vents is free of obstructions. Even if you have to change the furniture in a space, this is critical.

3. Close All of the Doors and Windows in the House

The conditioned air in your house can escape to the outside if you leave the doors and windows of your home open. That has the potential to result in significant inefficiencies. 

If you want to air out the room, ensure that your air conditioning equipment is turned off. Keep in mind that it is not your responsibility to chill the whole street.

4. Ensure That Your Windows Are Covered

Lower your curtains or shut your blinds to keep the heat of the day out of your room. When you are attempting to increase the efficiency of your system, this is very advantageous. 

It is possible to decrease the overall heat that enters your house by covering your windows with drapes. Consequently, your system will not be forced to work as hard as it otherwise would. When you leave for work in the morning, it’s a good idea to shut your blinds and drapes to keep the heat out. 

5. Replace the Air Conditioning Filter

When your air conditioning system reaches maximum airflow, it implies that it will run at maximum efficiency rates and vice versa. A clogged filter, on the other hand, may have a considerable effect on this. 

A dirty filter may not only decrease the quality of air in your house, but it may also limit the flow of air, making the work of your air conditioner that much more challenging to complete. 

Performing regular upkeep on your filters is a simple and reasonably priced method of preventing air conditioner efficiency issues. Without handling this issue, you may find yourself needing to spend a lot of money on costly repairs.

6. Increase the Temperature of Your Home on Your Thermostat

Consider raising the temperature of your home by a few degrees. A change in temperature of five to eight degrees, up in the summer and down in the winter season can help you save both resources and costs in the majority of cases. You can also invest in a programmable thermostat, and your smart device will be able to adjust the temperature on its own. Many systems even allow you to make these modifications from any location—even while you’re still traveling home!

Final Thoughts

If you are ready to increase the efficiency of your air conditioner, be sure to put the suggestions and advice you have read here into action. You will save money while also prolonging the life of your unit if you follow these instructions.

Mainline Heating and Air is the company you want for everything AC-related. Whether you need an entirely new AC unit or just want to check on your heating and air conditioning system, you can rely on us to do the job! Call us today to learn more.

Are you dealing with asthma? Even if you or your family members do not have asthma, ensuring that the home’s indoor air quality is excellent is vital. Poor indoor air quality is a one-way ticket to worsened asthma problems, and the last thing you want to face is a health problem caused by poor air quality.

Apart from asthma, you deal with many other issues when faced with poor indoor air quality, such as allergies and respiratory diseases. Regardless, the point is that you need to make sure your indoor air quality is excellent, and in this article, we’ll share tips on how you can do precisely that:

1. Open the Windows 

One of the best things you can do to improve air quality is to open your windows. This allows fresh air to come in and replace any old and stale air hanging around in the home. As such, if you haven’t opened your windows in a while or are going to participate in an activity that will generate a lot of dust or fumes, open the windows. This will help to maintain good indoor air quality, keeping you and the family safe!

2. Clean the Home Often

A lot of dust generated in the home is mostly from you shedding your skin. However, said skin flakes wouldn’t disappear by themselves. They can easily stay on your carpets, sofas, blankets, mattresses, tables, and the like, causing allergic reactions, heightened asthma problems, and more. 

To combat this issue, all you need to do is spend the time cleaning your home. Consider cleaning the house thoroughly at least once every week, and you will soon enjoy not only much better air quality but a tidier home as a result!

3. Buy Some in Indoor Plants

If you live in urban areas, chances are that there aren’t many plants outside to help produce fresh air. If this is the case, your indoor air quality may not be any better than the outdoor air quality. To fix this problem, try and go green!

Indoor plants come in all shapes and sizes, but they are all great at improving your indoor air quality. Apart from this, they can also visually enhance your home, which can help to boost your concentration, reduce stress, and increase productivity. In other words, they are a fantastic investment to make that benefits you in many ways, and you can’t go wrong adding a little green to your home interior.

4. Invest in an Air Filter System

There may be only so many things you can do to improve your indoor air quality in an older home. Solutions like indoor plants and opening the windows will help boost air quality, but sometimes, it may not be enough.

If that’s the case for your situation, you should consider investing in an advanced air filtration system. Older homes may not have such systems installed or are dealing with old systems, so investing in one can help to improve indoor air quality. Keep in mind that there are different price ranges for the air filtration system, so do your research before picking a solution.

Conclusion

If you find yourself often dealing with respiratory issues and allergic reactions for seemingly no reason in your home, there’s a high chance the indoor air quality is poor. As such, do follow the tips we’ve shared above to try and improve your indoor air quality. Good air will only lead to good health and will ensure you live a happy and satisfying life within the comforts of your home.

Mainline Heating & Air offers reliable heating and AC service and quality products to ensure all HVAC needs in Alabaster are adequately met. If you are looking for help to improve your indoor air quality, reach out to us today!

If it’s your first time being a homeowner, there are some details that you may overlook in your house, especially if it’s the first time you’re encountering it. Take your air conditioning unit, for example. It’s not always evident when your unit may need air conditioning repair, especially if you didn’t notice anything that’s currently wrong with it. You won’t actually realize it’s broken until it just stopped working. Well, this guide should help you be more mindful of the warning signs. Here are some quick troubleshooting tips you can do if your air conditioning unit isn’t working properly.

1. Check the Power

If your air conditioner suddenly stops working or isn’t turning on, you might simply have a tripped circuit or a blown fuse, which could have nothing to do with your AC. Try to locate your electrical panel and look to see if any switches have moved to the center position. If you see one that’s been tripped, try turning it off and on again. If that didn’t solve the problem, then you might have blown a fuse. You’ll be able to tell it’s burned out by a dark spot in the glass portion of the fuse.

2. Turn on the Fan

One effective way of finding out whether or not your central air system is getting power is to turn on the fan. You’ll find it right next to the “auto” switch. Turn it on, and if the fan works, then the blower is still getting power. The next thing you need to consider should be your thermostat. That could be the issue why your air conditioning unit stopped working.

3. Thermostat Troubleshooting

Central air conditioners run off of your home’s thermostat. Check the settings and the temperature to make sure someone didn’t tamper with it or changed the settings. If you notice that the settings have been switched to “auto” instead of “cool,” then someone might have changed the settings without you knowing it. If your AC unit is relatively new, then your thermostat might be running off on batteries. Simply changing the batteries could solve the problem.

4. Disconnect Switches Might Be Off

Building codes mandate that switches be installed next to your AC’s indoor and outdoor units. There’s a possibility that your outdoor switch might have been turned off for any number of reasons. On the other hand, this could also happen to your indoor switch. Someone may have bumped it or accidentally leaned onto it. Whatever the case may be, try locating both switches and if they’ve been turned off. Just switch it on again and see if your AC’s working again.

5. Checking the Starting Components

A typical air conditioner depends on at least two capacitors inside the outdoor unit. One is the “start” capacitor, and the other is the “run” capacitor. If one of them becomes faulty or damaged somehow, then your AC can start malfunctioning and not run at all. Those capacitors hold power, so it basically means your AC is dead without them working properly. Unfortunately, there’s only one way to check them, which is by calling an HVAC repair specialist.

Conclusion

Those are just some quick troubleshooting tips you can do whenever you suspect something’s wrong with your AC. However, if there are multiple signs that your AC is on the fritz, then it’s still best to ask for help from professionals.

Mainline Heating and Air is always on standby to serve you whenever you have problems with your heating and air conditioning units. Our team is uniquely qualified to help you repair any broken HVAC components as well as find the right system that fits your needs and your budget. For emergency heating and cooling repair in Alabaster, AL, call our technicians at (205) 664-4751.

Your heating and air conditioning units serve as your lifeline, especially in harsher weather like winter or summer. Imagine how uncomfortable you and your family will be if your AC started malfunctioning and wouldn’t turn on during summertime. Without your AC, how are you going to survive the stifling Alabama heat and humidity? If your AC refuses to turn on, here are some probable causes to help you fix the issue as soon as possible.

Dirty Evaporator Coils

An air conditioner’s evaporator coil is designed to hold the chilled refrigerant that cools the air supply. Over time, the coil can accumulate dust and debris due to extensive usage. That buildup of dust, if not cleaned, could cause some problems to your air conditioning unit. For one, it can greatly decrease the effectiveness of your AC and could eventually lead to it breaking down and not turning on. 

Clogged Filter

An AC’s air filter is perhaps the part of the unit that’s most vulnerable to dust buildup. That’s mainly because the filter is responsible for catching all the dust and debris from the air. When an air filter becomes clogged, that’s when various problems start to arise. The worst-case scenario is the AC’s performance could be weakened or even stalled. The easiest way to prevent this from happening is to replace your air filters regularly.

Condenser Lines Need Cleaning

Aside from filters and evaporator coils, an AC’s condenser line could also become dirty over time. What’s worse is having some mold and algae growth on them. Try to look for your air conditioning unit’s condenser outside your home for some cleaning. Lift the lid and use a wet/dry vac along with some distilled white vinegar to get rid of all the debris inside. Remember to turn off the power first before doing this.

Faulty Motor

The problem could also be just a faulty motor. If your AC is a bit old and has been working nonstop for many years, then a faulty motor might be the likely cause of your problem. An AC fan motor is designed to circulate cool air evenly throughout your home. Even if your AC is producing cool air, without the motor, your fan won’t be able to distribute it all around the house. When a faulty motor prevents your AC from turning on or working properly, it’s time to call an AC repair specialist.

Tripped Circuit Breaker

Circuit breakers are designed to protect you from fires, electrical surges, and more. Despite all that, circuit breakers aren’t immune to tripping. When that happens, it can be very frustrating and confusing, especially if you don’t know what’s causing it. Every time your circuit breaker trips while connected to your AC, it’s quite likely that your air conditioner is very old and is using too much electricity, which is what’s causing the tripping.

Electrical Wiring Issues

If your circuit breaker isn’t the problem, then a wiring issue might be what’s preventing your AC from turning on. In fact, a constantly tripping circuit breaker could be caused by an electrical wiring issue. Flickering lights, discoloration on the outlets, and other electrical issues are usually signs of a wiring problem. You may want to call in an electrician and have the wires fixed or replaced.

Conclusion

There are many problems that could be the cause as to why your air conditioner isn’t turning on. This list should give you an idea of what those problems are and how you can identify and fix them. However, the best solution to most of these problems is to ask for help from a professional.

Mainline Heating and Air provides quality products and complete HVAC repair services to clients in the greater Birmingham area. Since 1989, our team has served the community with our repair, installation, and maintenance work for all types of heating and cooling systems. Whenever you need emergency air conditioning service in Alabaster, AL, give us a call.

Water heaters are an invaluable part of any home. This is why we here at Mainline Heating & Air offer a slew of different types of water heaters to accommodate any and all of your needs. While water heaters are beneficial and incredibly important, they don’t come without drawbacks. One notable drawback comes in the form of the energy consumption attached to water heaters. Indeed, your home water heater is a pretty significant contributor to your home’s total energy usage. 

Luckily, there is something that you can do about this. If you’re looking to cut down on energy costs and take a step towards energy efficiency, then we’ve got just the thing for you. Here are five effective ways to cut down on your water heater energy costs.

Tweak Your Tank’s Thermostat

One simple change you can make is to turn down the temperature on your tank’s thermostat. By default, water heaters are set at around 140 degrees. This temperature needs to be maintained, which in turn utilizes a significant amount of electricity. Now, we aren’t saying to drastically change its temperature to the point where the water isn’t hot anymore. All you need to do is to turn it down a couple of degrees and you should notice a significant change in your electricity bill.

Lessen Your Hot Water Usage

Aside from lowering the temperature on your tank, you can also cut down on energy costs by using less hot water. If you can manage it, we suggest limiting your hot water usage. You can do this manually or make use of tools such as low-flow showerheads. By cutting down on your hot water usage, you’ll effectively reduce the costs that are associated with reheating the water in your tank.

Drain the Sediments From Your Tank

Sediments in your tank can make heating incredibly energy inefficient. To add to this, the sediments can also end up damaging your tank if left unchecked. We suggest regularly draining your tank of the sediments to ensure that your tank is working optimally at all times. For the best results, try to drain your tank at least once or twice a year. 

Insulate Exposed Hot Water Pipes

A lot of energy is wasted due to exposed pipes. If you want to improve your home’s energy efficiency, we recommend insulating any exposed hot water pipes in your home. Luckily, this is something that you can do yourself. All you need is to purchase self-sealing pipe sleeves that can easily be installed on any of the pipes in your home.

Insulate the Water Tank

While some tanks are insulated, this isn’t always the case.  This is especially true for older water tanks. If your tank isn’t insulated, you’ll need to insulate your water tank to prevent unnecessary energy usage. This is especially true during the colder months of the year, as keeping the water in the tank warm will require more energy during winter. All you really need to do is to wrap an insulating blanket around your tank. This will help reduce the total amount of heat lost, which in turn will lead to a reduced electricity bill.

Conclusion

We hope these tips prove to be useful when it comes to helping you reduce your overall energy consumption.  You don’t need to do everything we mentioned, but we do recommend making use of the tips that best apply to your lifestyle. While some of the things we mentioned on this list may require you to put in a little bit of work, it will all be worth it in the end due to the amount you’ll be able to save on your electricity bill.

If you are ever in need of quality products, Mainline Heating & Air has got you covered. Our quality products include air conditioners, heat pumps, gas furnaces, air handlers, package units, home generators, tankless hot water heaters, UV lights, humidifiers, filtering systems, and dehumidifiers. For more information, check out the rest of our website!

While most, if not all homeowners understand that the AC is built solely to cool down the home, not many know how to utilize the machine efficiently. Some end up overworking the machine, causing it to eat up a lot of energy and run into many issues, while others may underutilize them in the fear that pushing it any harder will cause it to break. These misunderstandings can significantly hurt the comfort levels of a home, and this is something that we do not want to happen to you!

To ensure that you maximize your AC usage, we are going to tackle a few mistakes people make when operating their HVAC systems:

Mistake 1. Turning On the AC Only When It Is Too Hot

It sounds logical, doesn’t it? After all, we switch on the AC because the house is getting too warm in hopes that the machine will soon push the internal temperatures down. While this will work, it puts a lot of stress on the system.

Many people make the mistake of thinking that the AC should only be on when the temperature is hot. However, this ends up eating more power than normal, and it can strain the system. The correct way of using the AC is to switch it on before temperatures start to rise far beyond a comfortable level.

Mistake 2. Thinking That Maintenance Is Not Required

All machines require maintenance sooner or later, simply because under stress, their components start to deteriorate. However, some components will deteriorate much faster than others. In an AC system, the filters are the one thing that will be dirtied quickly and needs to be cleaned. Not replacing or cleaning the filters will hurt the AC’s efficiency, which also causes it to cool the home more slowly.

The fix to this is simple: hire a technician to come and service the AC system regularly. Consult with them on how often the machine needs to be maintained so that you can schedule the appropriate times to keep your system in optimal condition.

Mistake 3. Believing a Lower Number on the Thermostat Means Cooler Air

It is true that the lower the number on the thermostat, the cooler the air you will enjoy. However, it is a mistake to believe that you will automatically get the air to the temperature you specified simply because you have a lower number on the thermostat. The AC doesn’t work that way. 

Your cooling system is designed to drop the temperature slowly. Even then, the cool air will still mix with unconditioned air, which pushes the temperature slightly higher than what you’ve set.

With that said, if you do find that the AC is struggling to create the atmosphere you are used to and notice that the temperature isn’t dropping incrementally, you may need to hire a technician to look for problems. Chances are that something is inhibiting its efficiency, and a professional fix may be necessary to restore it to proper condition.

Conclusion

Are there any mistakes above you’ve committed in the past, thinking that you were doing yourself a favor? Now you know better! Make the necessary changes to how you treat your AC, and you will soon find your experience to be much more positive and enjoyable than it ever was. 

That being said, if you notice that your AC simply isn’t cooling your home to what you expect it to be, don’t hesitate to hire an HVAC technician. They will drop by to analyze your AC system, look for any possible problems, and fix them to ensure you enjoy the fresh, cool air!

Mailing Heating and Air provide quality AC and heating services and products to those looking to create comfortable, safe homes. If you are looking for air conditioning services in Birmingham to maximize your AC’s potential, contact us today!

We here at Mainline Heating & Air have already gone in-depth about why dehumidifiers are important to any home. Indeed, their ability to deter mold and mildew growth is particularly useful when it comes to keeping your basement in good condition. Considering how important they are, you’ll want to make sure that you pick the best one possible. So how do you go about doing this?

There is a multitude of different factors to consider when choosing a basement dehumidifier. So much so that it can be quite difficult to choose from the vast number of options. This is especially if you aren’t really that familiar with this type of technology. To help you out with this, we’ve put together a list of the most important factors to take into consideration when buying a  basement dehumidifier.

Type of Dehumidifier

The first thing you’ll want to consider is the type of dehumidifier. There are only two main types: portable units and whole-house systems. For the most part, you will rarely ever need to use a whole-house system dehumidifier for your basement. A commercial or industrial-strength portable dehumidifier should be enough even for the biggest basements.

Basement Size

Speaking of big basements, the size of the space will dictate what dehumidifier you should get. A good rule of thumb would be to have a dehumidifier that holds 10 pints of water for a 500 square foot space. For every additional 500 square feet of space, just increase the capacity by 4 pints. So if your basement is 1,500 square feet, then you will need a dehumidifier that can hold 18 pints of water. Take note that basements that are more damp than usual will need dehumidifiers that can hold more moisture.

Drainage

All that moisture has to go somewhere. This is why you’ll want to be particular when it comes to the drainage system of the basement dehumidifier. The most common type of drainage is manual drainage. This means that the water collects in a bucket that needs to be regularly emptied. If you don’t want to be inconvenienced, you’ll be glad to know that there are some dehumidifiers that have an automatic draining feature. 

Dehumidifier Features

Aside from the drainage system, you’ll also want to choose a dehumidifier with features that best suit your needs. Here are a few significant features that you may want to consider for your basement dehumidifier:

• Automatic Humidistat: This is a great feature if you’re trying to maintain a specific level of humidity as it gives the dehumidifier the ability to automatically turn itself on and off to achieve the optimal humidity levels. 
• Automatic Restart: Similar to the automatic humidistat, this feature automatically restarts the dehumidifier in case of power failure. This can be quite useful if you aren’t home and the power cuts out. 
• Air Filter: Air filters reduce the allergens and particles in a room. This filter also keeps the components of the dehumidifier in good condition as it prevents dust and debris from getting inside.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this article helps you make a more informed decision when it comes to choosing the best basement dehumidifier. This shouldn’t be too difficult, as all you’ll really need to do is to gauge how well the dehumidifier will perform in your space.  Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to dehumidifiers as it will all depend on the space that you’ll be putting it in.

If you are ever in need of quality products such as dehumidifiers, Mainline Heating & Air have got you covered. Our quality products include air conditioners, heat pumps, gas furnaces, air handlers, package units, home generators, tankless hot water heaters, UV lights, humidifiers, filtering systems, and dehumidifiers. For more information, check out the rest of our website!

Changing a furnace is always a challenging endeavor. After years with your current one, you might start to notice that your heating bill is steadily increasing or simply isn’t producing enough heat anymore. This may indicate that it needs replacing. However, with all the furnaces in the market today, how do you identify which one is best for you and your family’s needs?

Energy Efficient

Did you know those old furnaces are only 65% efficient? As the furnace ages, this efficiency rating will drop even more, increasing your monthly energy costs.

There are furnaces with a 98% efficiency rating. However, it does not mean that you need those high-end products. There are furnaces with only a 95% efficiency rating for significantly less, and they still do a great job of keeping your bills at bay. 

On top of that, it is easy to control the inefficiency by installing programmable thermostats or regularly replacing your air filter.

Quiet Operation

There are furnace models that are too noisy during operation. Many create a loud, blowing noise which is hated even by pets. While you might think you can get used to this noise, this might result in restless and low-quality sleep./ Look for a furnace that performs quietly for comfort and peace of mind.

Humidity Control

Buyers have two options for furnaces. They can purchase a furnace with a built-in humidity control system or buy a model with a humidifier and a dehumidifier. Either way, humidity control is vital as it provides homes with comfort.

It can be helpful depending on the seasons. For example, during winter, the air can be dry and cold, forcing the furnace to work harder. Humidity control ensures your air contains the proper amount of moisture to encourage a better-functioning HVAC system and healthier air.

Great Warranty

Much like any appliance, try to ask if the furnace you’re considering comes with a warranty. Never buy a furnace without a warranty. It is a way to ensure that buyers don’t end up paying for defects in the furnace and proof that the company is confident in its product. If a furnace is well-made, the manufacturer should have no trouble providing a warranty.

Durable

Above all, the furnace should be durable. It should be able to withstand minor breaks and last a long time. Choose a well-known brand with a good reputation and good reviews. You can even ask your local HVAC installers for references from other satisfied customers. That way, you would have first-hand accounts of their service.

Conclusion

All things must come to an end, including your old furnace. But replacing it should be easy as long as these specifications are checked before buying. After all, a furnace is a vital appliance to have, especially during the coldest days and nights. Before buying, make sure to check if the product is the best for your needs, budget, and specifications.

Mainline Heating and Air is a heating and air conditioning service company serving clients since 1989. With more than 30 years in the industry, we are still serving customers in installing, repairing, and maintaining HVAC systems. Our technicians are available from 7 am to 5 pm, from Monday through Friday. Call us through our hotline (205) 664-4751 to schedule an appointment today.

A broken AC is not something you would like to have, especially during the hot summer season. However, if you’re not properly taking care of it and not scheduling it for checkup and maintenance, then do not be surprised if your unit breaks down any time soon. 

In the summertime, homeowners mostly overuse the AC, and sometimes because of the non-stop use and excessive heat, the unit would work harder than they usually do. 

That is why we will never get tired of reminding you to schedule your regular unit check-up and tune-up. If you remain consistent with those, here are some problems that you could avoid:

AC Unit Breakdown

The worst thing that you can get is the entire unit breaking down. Unfortunately, the only way to solve your problem is to get a new one. Sometimes, it is due to the unit’s inefficiency or the need to face expensive and repetitive repairs each time. Getting frequent breakdowns is also another sign that it would be best to spend on a new one instead of having the same problem over and over again.

The Minor AC Breakdown

If you have been using your unit for a while now and you did not bother to have it checked once in a while, your AC could also experience minor breakdown incidents. This problem usually occurs when the airflow in the unit is restricted in some ways. It could be due to blocked vents, clogged filters, leaky ducts, and the like, which could have been prevented should you have scheduled your regular cleaning and maintenance.

The Coolant Needs to Be Replenished

Without regular maintenance, you would not know the current condition of your AC’s coolant. The coolant is the liquid that enables your system to cool down the air that comes inside it. That is how you get cold air when you turn on your AC. This coolant is meant to be replenished every now and then. However, the lack of coolant could also take place because of a leak in your unit. When leakage is indeed the problem, refilling the refrigerant is not enough to solve your unit problem.  

You Get Low Quality of Air 

The air quality that your AC unit blows off into your home also depends on how well it is taken care of. Even if you are not using your AC unit during wintertime, the wind still blows, and they carry a lot of allergens, dust, and debris that could get stuck on the fans and coils of your unit. You need to have your unit cleaned first before you run it again during the summertime. 

The filter also affects the quality of the air your unit produces. When it is not replaced every three months, the same thing will happen. Dust, dirt, and pollen would accumulate in these fillers, and they could be blown off around the house, becoming part of the air that you breathe.

Shorter Life Span 

If not maintained well, your AC unit would not function appropriately and would have a hard time performing its duties. Instead of lasting for more than 10 years, it might experience regular breakdowns that could affect its lifespan. 

Conclusion

During the summer season, the last thing you would want is to have a broken AC. Keep this in mind throughout the year and schedule regular maintenance to check how it is performing. Maintenance does not need to happen every month; twice a year is already enough. By doing this, you lessen the risk of your unit not performing as it should.

If you need an air conditioning service in Alabaster, AL, Mainline Heating and Air is here for you. Since 1989, we have provided dependable heating and AC service and quality products to Birmingham, Pelham, Alabaster, and Jefferson/Shelby county area customers. We also make ourselves available if you have emergency service needs during evenings or weekends. Contact us today to request a service!

Summer is the best time of the year to go on beach trips and relax under the sun. But if you’re spending most of your time at home, the heat can get old pretty fast. This is why it’s important to make sure that your air conditioner is in great shape long before the peak summer months arrive. After all, you wouldn’t want to be left in the lurch when the heat is scorching!

At the tail end of spring, turn on your air conditioning system to see how it has endured months of inactivity. Here are five things you should check before summer rolls in:

1. Poor Air Flow

Several things can lead to poor airflow. Sometimes it can simply be a clogged filter or a broken motor. Other times, it might be something more serious. To ensure that your air conditioning unit is functioning at full capacity, you might want to get an energy-recovery ventilator as well as zoning systems. This will help it get the right amount of airflow and give it the cooling power it needs.

If you aren’t getting the airflow you need, it’s time to call in reinforcements!

2. No Cold Air

If you turn your AC on and feel nothing but warm air, don’t panic. It could just be the thermostat. Check and make sure that you have it in cooling mode and set to a low temperature. If the problem persists, then it might be due to restricted airflow or a malfunctioning compressor.

Now, instead of DIY-ing this, it might be best to get a professional to help you fix the issue. The last thing you want is to upset the machine even more.

3. High Humidity Levels

At the peak of summer, you can expect hot and sticky weather whenever you step outside. This is why many people prefer to stay where there’s air conditioning. Your AC unit should keep every room cool and comfortable throughout the day.

If your indoor humidity levels remain high even with the AC on, you should call in professionals immediately to diagnose and fix the problem. You may need anything between a simple repair or a dehumidifier.

4. Leaking AC

You might have noticed that a lot of condensation tends to form on your air conditioner, that’s fine. It’s normal. However, if that water pools in your unit or any active leak happens around your unit, that can put a damper on your air conditioner. This can be a sign that your cooling system might be broken. 

Lingering leaks can cause severe damage to your home structures, so a leaky AC unit should be seen to immediately!

5. Bad Smell

A sure sign that you need to call for an AC repair is a bad smell coming from your air conditioning unit. The smell may be due to contaminants in your air ducts or a problem with the AC unit itself. If there’s any funky odor coming from your ac, give us a call. We can make quick work of figuring out the problem. 

Conclusion

Whether it’s summertime or not, air conditioner maintenance is important for your home. So be on the lookout for these warning signs that your AC unit may not be working correctly. It’s nothing a little help from Mainline Heating can’t fix.

We’re here to help not just stay cool for the summer to keep your HVAC unit in tip-top shape. We provide quality air conditioning service that you can rely on, so give us a call!