Tag: air conditioner maintenance

3 Common Problems Air Conditioner Maintenance Prevents

Posted on by Larry & Sons

No one wants to deal with a broken down air conditioner in the middle of the summer, especially during a cookout or other gathering. While not all repairs are avoidable, keeping up with routine maintenance could help you prevent some of the most common problems we see here at Larry & Sons.

Properly maintaining your cooling equipment keeps it in excellent condition and helps prevent a number of common issues. Still not convinced that annual AC maintenance is worth the investment? Just consider these problems you could avoid just by giving you AC a bit of TLC.

Leaks

air conditioner maintenance in hagerstown
AC flickr photo by dslwc shared under a Creative Commons (BY-NC-ND) license

Each summer, we get several calls from homeowners who think they have a plumbing leak. When we get there, though, we quickly realize that all that water is actually coming from the air conditioner. Whether water comes from a plumbing pipe or an air conditioner, it can cause thousands of dollars in damage and cause problems like mold that are difficult to remedy.

When your air conditioner is working like it should, condensation collects and exits your home through the condensate drain. This drain can become clogged, though, leaving water nowhere to go. Eventually it starts leaking inside your home. When you have your system maintained, the condensate drain is inspected and cleaned to help you avoid this all-too-common problem.

Frozen Coils

Having an air conditioner freeze up may not seem like a big deal, but it is a serious problem that could cause permanent damage to your system. When the coil that is responsible for cooling the air inside your home freezes up, it loses the ability to properly circulate refrigerant and remove heat from the air inside your home.

Several problems, including a dirty air filter, low refrigerant or issues with the fan motor, can cause the coil to freeze. Having your system maintained means that they problems will be detected before they can cause serious issues.

Premature System Failure

One of the main reasons to keep up with maintenance is that it helps prevent premature system failure. Modern cooling systems are built to last for several years, but without maintenance, parts begin to wear out. If they are not repaired or replaced, the entire system could eventually fail long before it should.

At Larry & Sons, we offer professional air conditioning services in Hagerstown, Frederick and the surrounding areas. Our technicians are here to help your cooling system run at peak efficiency and keep you and your family comfortable all summer long. If you are overdue for AC maintenance or if you need a hand with minor or major AC repair, contact us today by calling 310-733-5428.

5 Ways to Beat the Heat

Posted on by Larry & Sons

5 Ways to Stay Cool When Temperatures Soar

According NASA, 2016 is on track to be the hottest year on record, and if recent temperatures are any indication, they’re definitely right. In the summertime, temperatures can soar and in some instances, they can be deadly.

It’s hard to believe that just eight short months ago we were dealing with a massive snowstorm!How to Stay Cool

Though the heat and humidity can be miserable, there are several things you can do to stay cool and beat the heat.

  1. Stay Hydrated. Drinking plenty of cold water is one of the best ways to stay cool. You lose a lot of water when you sweat, and if you’re dehydrated, you won’t be able to cool yourself down. Keep a bottle of cold water with you during the summer, and fill it up several times throughout the day.
  2. Close Your Windows and Blinds. Bright, sunny days are undoubtedly beautiful, but all that sun heats up rooms in a hurry. Draw your blinds to keep the room shaded, and close the windows – especially if you’re running your air conditioner.
  3. Run Your Fans. Hot air naturally rises, and cooler air falls. Running fans – including ceiling fans and the fan in your HVAC system – circulates the air to maintain a more consistent temperature throughout your home.
  4. Dress Light. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and light colors that reflect the sun.
  5. Crank Up the AC! Your best bet to stay cool on scorching hot summer days is running your air conditioner. However, it will only help if it’s running properly. We recommend having your cooling system inspected at least once each year to ensure that it’s running at peak efficiency and won’t leave you sweltering in the heat.

Staying Cool in Hagerstown

If you need help staying cool in Hagerstown, Larry & Sons can help. From annual AC maintenance to the best air conditioner repair in Hagerstown around, we do it all! For assistance from a trusted Hagerstown HVAC technician, give us a call at 301-733-5428 now.

Avoiding Heat Stroke

Posted on by Larry & Sons

The official first day of summer has finally arrived, and temperatures are expected to be in the high 80s and low 90s in the Hagerstown area for the next several days.

In this weather, heat stroke is a major concern. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to prevent heat stroke.

How to Prevent Heat StrokePrevent Heat Stroke

Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are serious conditions that can occur any time the body becomes overheated. It can happen anywhere – indoors or out – and it requires immediate medical attention. Without prompt treatment, heat stroke can cause hear, brain, kidney and muscle damage, and in extreme situations, it can be deadly.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is crucial whether you’re spending your day indoors or out, especially if you don’t have an adequate cooling system. You could be dehydrated even if you don’t feel thirsty, so it’s important to drink throughout the day. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as they can make dehydration worse.

Understand the Symptoms

Despite your best efforts, indoor heat stroke can strike. Learning the symptoms can help you recognize the signs right away and seek prompt medical attention. The symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke include:

  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Chest pain

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, seek air conditioning. If the symptoms do not subside within 30 minutes or if you’re experiencing chest pain and difficulty breathing, call a doctor or go to the emergency room right away.

Have Your Air Conditioner Inspected

Being proactive and having your cooling system inspected and serviced is a good way to prevent a breakdown during the hottest days of summer. Annual inspections allow technicians to identify and correct problems before they result in cooling emergencies. Your technician will also clean and tune the unit to ensure that it functions at peak efficiency, keeping your home safe and cool.

Hagerstown, MD AC Repair

Do you need Hagerstown, MD AC repair? If so, trust Larry & Sons for the help you need. From cooling system inspection to AC repair and new air conditioning system installation, we do it all. Give us a call now at 301-733-5428.