Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Air Conditioning Repair’

Air Conditioning Repair in Arlington, VA: Why You Need a Professional Technician

Monday, August 5th, 2013

It may be tempting to attempt air conditioning repair yourself instead of calling in a professional. This is especially true in Arlington, VA, where hot summers make waiting for a service technician uncomfortable and inconvenient. However, the prudent homeowner will always eschew do-it-yourself projects in favor of a skilled professional technician. The reasons for doing so may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Speed: Professionals know what to look for when an air conditioning unit malfunctions. They can usually spot the problem quickly and implement a solution with a strong understanding of the right steps. A person without any training may find themselves lost in the air conditioning system’s technical specifications, wasting time and energy without knowing what exactly needs to be done.
  • Accuracy: Without the experience and know-how of a professional technician, a do-it-yourselfer may exacerbate the problem instead of solving it. For example, if ice forms on the condenser coil and a layman simply attempts to get it off, he may end up damaging the coil without solving the original problem at all. A specialist can address the cause, not just the symptoms, and make sure the issue gets properly resolved.
  • Expertise: Many people undertake do-it-yourself projects as a way of saving money. But time and effort can add up, as can the cost of doing the job without the proper know-how. Certified professionals can ensure that the problem doesn’t recur. They can also provide routine maintenance service, helping you spot smaller problems before they turn into bigger ones. Not only does that save money in unnecessary repair costs, but it can extend the life of your air conditioning system.

Everyone wants to save money where they can. But when you weigh all the options, using a certified expert will spare you excessive costs and a lot of wasted time. If you need a professional technician for air conditioning repair in Arlington, VA, call Polar Bear Air Conditioning to set up an appointment. We pride ourselves on customer satisfaction, and are dedicated to doing the job right the first time, every time.

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Alexandria, VA Air Conditioning Repair Question: Why is My AC Blowing Warm Air?

Thursday, August 1st, 2013

It doesn’t take an expert to figure out that something’s wrong when your AC blows warm air. An air conditioning unit is supposed to cool your house, not warm it. In Alexandria, VA, air conditioning repair is no laughing matter; no one wants hot air blowing into their homes in the middle of a Virginia summer heat wave. But why would an AC blow hot air in the first place? Why is it that the fan seems to work fine, but the cooling process is ineffective?

In some cases, the explanation may be very simple. Your thermostat may have been set to a “fan” or “heat” setting, which blows plenty of air around, but doesn’t cool it (check on this before you contact a service professional). Another common – and more serious – cause of warm air flow is a low level of refrigerant in your air conditioning system. Without enough refrigerant, the air won’t be cooled properly, and a leak in refrigerant lines means that a service technician will need to hunt down the source of the leak and recharge the system.

Similarly, if the air conditioning system isn’t properly maintained, then dust may build up on key components like the condenser coils or evaporator coils. That can impact the system’s ability to cool the air. You may also be facing a dirty air filter or damaged ducts, which impede the overall flow of air and may affect the flow of cool air into your home.

Unless the thermostat has been set incorrectly, all of these issues mean opening up the air conditioning system and checking for problems, a task best performed by a professional.When your AC starts blowing warm air, call the experts at Polar Bear Air Conditioning. Contact us today and set up a service call; we’ll be there to do the job right, and are committed to your 100% satisfaction.

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Signs You Need to Schedule Air Conditioning Repair: An Alexandria, VA AC Tip

Tuesday, July 23rd, 2013

Homeowners expect their air conditioning system to function effectively, and in Alexandria, VA, they need a reliable system to help combat those humid summers. When something goes wrong, a prudent homeowner needs to schedule air conditioning repair as soon as possible to get it back on track. But when should you schedule a repair, and what signs should you look for to indicate that a repair is necessary?

In general, it’s a good idea to avoid do-it-yourself repairs to air conditioning systems. Most AC units contain complex components, and refrigerants need to be handled by qualified professionals with training. Beyond changing the air filter and keeping the outside of the unit free of dirt and debris, it’s wise to refrain from tinkering with the air conditioning yourself. That means you should call in an expert whenever signs of trouble appear. Such signs can include, but aren’t limited to, the following:

  • The air conditioning system refuses to turn on, or doesn’t blow cool air when it does turn on.
  • The air conditioner exhibits strange noises, or sounds unusually loud when it runs.
  • The air conditioner “short cycles” or turns on and off very quickly with less than ten minutes passing between the two states.
  • Ice forms on the evaporator coils or elsewhere on the system.
  • Electric bills are unusually high, even when you don’t use a lot of extra energy in your home.
  • The air conditioning heats the house unevenly, with some areas feeling cooler or more comfortable than others.

Whatever the reason, you want to schedule air conditioning repair that fixes the problem effectively and ensures that you don’t waste money on higher costs and future repair bills. If you suspect that your AC unit is in need of repair, and want it fixed promptly, then call on Polar Bear. We specialize in air conditioning repair in Alexandria, VA, and pride ourselves on diagnosing potential problems quickly and accurately. If you suspect your air conditioning system may not be functioning at peak capacity, trust our trained experts to find the best possible solution.

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Getting to Know Your Air Conditioning System: 3 Basic Components

Wednesday, June 26th, 2013

It is important that homeowners contact a licensed, qualified professional for any Northern Virginia air conditioning services they may need. However, it is also a good idea to get to know the way in which your AC operates a little better. You should never attempt to service your system on your own, but having a basic understanding of the components that make up this system is a great way to ensure that you are able to recognize any problems with its performance. Here are a few components of your air conditioning system that you may not be familiar with, but which are absolutely necessary for its successful operation. Contact Polar Bear today with any questions you may still have.

Compressor

The compressor is located in the outer unit of your air conditioning system, generally speaking. It is the compressor’s job to squeeze the refrigerant when it arrives in order to pack the molecules closer together, increasing its energy and temperature. From here the refrigerant makes its way to the condenser.

Condenser

The condenser, also housed in the outside unit of your air conditioner, is the part that has metal fins. These fins allow heat to dissipate fairly quickly, which in turn allows the refrigerant to reach a much cooler temperature. When the refrigerant leaves the condenser it is no longer a gas but a high-pressure liquid. From here, through a very tiny opening, this liquid enters the evaporator.

Evaporator

The evaporator in your AC system is where the pressure of the refrigerant drops, turning it into a gas. Heat is extracted from the air surrounding it as it evaporates, and a fan is used to circulate the air in your home blows air across the evaporator fins.  When refrigerant leaves the evaporator it heads back to the compressor to repeat the whole process.

To learn more about the components of your air conditioning system or to schedule any AC service, call the pros at Polar Bear. We are happy to help you better understand the way in which your air conditioner cools your home. Contact us today to speak with a Northern Virginia air conditioning expert on our team.

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How AC Maintenance Can Minimize Repairs

Wednesday, June 12th, 2013

As the temperature starts to rise here in Virginia, more homeowners are starting to turn on their air conditioning systems. But all this sudden usage can cause a number of undesirable issues for your air conditioning system. Getting regular maintenance for your air conditioning system is a great way to potentially reduce the need for air conditioning repair. As your air conditioning system operates, it will develop small problems. These issues will likely grow and develop into larger, more costly repairs. Maintenance will not only save you money by reducing these repairs, but it can also help your AC run more efficiently.

  • Find problems early – Probably the most obvious way that regular maintenance might be able to reduce the need for repair is by allowing you to find problems early. During regular maintenance visits, our technicians thoroughly inspect and clean all of the he components of your air conditioning system. They will specifically look for any worn out, loose or dirty parts.
  • Find problems before they start – By getting regular air conditioning maintenance you could be able to find problems even before they start. During regular maintenance visits from Polar Bear, our experts will change and replace parts that often break. We’ll replace your air filter, your fan belt and any other parts that need to be changed. This could be able to keep them from ever developing problems.

For any McLean, VA air conditioning repair service you need, make sure that you call Polar Bear. We are passionate about our customers’ satisfaction and the level of workmanship that we do. 

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Air Conditioning Repair in Alexandria, VA: Common Problems with Packaged Systems

Wednesday, June 5th, 2013

A packaged air conditioning unit is unique because all of the system components are packaged together in a single unit. A typical split system, on the other hand, keeps the indoor air handler/evaporator and the outdoor condenser/compressor separate. A packaged system often sits on the roof or outside away from the home. Like all AC units, however, your packaged system may encounter problems during operation that will need to be fixed by a trained professional. While professional installation and routine, preventive maintenance go a long way towards ensuring that you stay cool and comfortable during the summer, some problem are inevitable. Call Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating today for quality air conditioning repair in Alexandria, VA.

Let’s take a look at a few common problems with packaged systems:

  • Compressor fault: Your compressor is the engine of the packaged system. It is responsible with pressurizing and circulating the refrigerant through the coils and valve. This is what you hear kick on during start-up. However, because it is so essential to effective operation, it is vital that any problems with its operation be professionally inspected and taken care of.
  • Thermostat miscalibrated: The thermostat is the user interface of the air conditioning system. Without it, the AC would not be able to sense what temperature it is—it would simply be an on/off operation. The thermostat allows you set a desire point for the AC, but if the thermostat is not calibrated to read the temperature accurately, then it will not work properly.
  • Dirty condenser coils: The condenser coils are responsible for dissipating the thermal energy absorbed from the indoor air. The exhaust fan assists with this. But if the coils have dirt or debris on them, then this dissipation process cannot possibly be efficient. It may lead to inadequate cooling and even warm air.
  • Low refrigerant: Your refrigerant charge should remain the same throughout the service life of your AC. But if there is a leak in the coils, your refrigerant level could decline, and this leads to higher energy expenditure as well as possible system damage.

Call Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating today for thorough air conditioning repair in Alexandria, VA.

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3 Common Air Conditioning Repairs in Arlington, VA

Monday, April 29th, 2013

As we gear up for the summer here in Arlington, VA, homeowners throughout the area are making sure that their air conditioning systems work well. During the off-season, your AC may have developed a few quirks, or perhaps you managed to stave off a problem at the end of the last cooling season that will now need to be dealt with. Whatever your situation, it’s critical that you hire a professional to make any necessary repairs on your AC, be it a central split or packaged system. We’d like to share with you 3 common air conditioning problems, with the hope that it might help you identify a minor issue before it balloons into a serious problem, or causes an inconvenient breakdown during the hottest days of summer. For air conditioning services in Arlington, VA, call Polar Bear Air Conditioning today!

  • Frozen evaporator coil: Your evaporator coil cools the warm air in your home. As it cools the air, the water vapor in the air condenses on the coils. If your AC has air flow problems or low refrigerant, that water vapor can freeze on the coils instead of draining, which prevents your AC from cooling effectively.
  • Overheated compressor: If there is any disruption of the airflow within your AC, then it can cause serious problems in other areas of the system, not to mention poor energy efficiency. For example, if your air filter is clogged with dust and debris, it can cause your system to work harder, so much so that your compressor may overheat. Your compressor is the major engine of the cooling cycle; it pressurizes the refrigerant, causing it to circulate throughout the coils. If it overheats, you may have to be replace it.
  • Condensate drain leak: There is a condensate drain pan fitted beneath your evaporator coil that catches the water vapor condensation on the external surface of the coils. Over time, or because of physical damage, it may begin to leak into your air handler, or outside the indoor unit.

Whatever your AC problem, we are here to help. When you need excellent air conditioning repair in Arlington, VA, call the experts at Polar Bear Air Conditioning.

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Washington DC Air Conditioning Guide: Why Won’t My AC Turn On?

Monday, April 22nd, 2013

As the cooling season approaches in Washington, DC, homeowners and tenants throughout the area are turning on their air conditioning systems to ensure that they are ready to go for the hot months. We rely a lot on our air conditioning systems, and it’s no wonder that with all the use they get over the years, that there may come a time when they need professional repair. One of the most common problems that we encounter is when a client’s AC won’t turn on. In this post, we’d like to review some possible causes for this problem. For Washington, DC air conditioning service, call the experts at Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating today!

  • Thermostat fault: First, you should double-check your thermostat. Make sure it’s set to a temperature that calls for cooling, and that the fan is on. If this doesn’t change anything, then there may be a connectivity issue between it and the air handler, which sends cool air into your ductwork to be distributed into your living spaces. The thermostat may also be improperly calibrated, so that it’s not sensing the temperature of your indoor air properly.
  • Electrical problem: If your AC won’t turn on, the problem is likely electrical in nature. There are various control switches to your AC, both at the air handler and the outdoor condenser/compressor. Make sure that both are in the on position. You should also check for a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker, both of which can affect the power supply to your AC.
  • Condensate drain pan overflow: Often, air conditioners have a water overflow shutoff switch that cuts off the power should water leak into the air handler. This is to prevent electrical damage. Because your evaporator coil causes water vapor to condense on the surface of its coils, there is a condensate drain pan located just beneath them to catch and drain any water away from the mechanical parts of the air handler. If this overflows because of a clog in the drainpipe, then your AC may automatically shut itself off.

We hope this gives you some idea as to the range of problems that can cause an AC to fail to turn on. For more information, or to schedule Washington, DC air conditioning service, call Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating today! 

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Washington D.C. Air Conditioning and Air Quality Issues

Monday, April 15th, 2013

Air conditioning and air quality often go hand in hand, just like heat and humidity. In Washington D.C., we rely on our air conditioning to provide crisp, cool air so that when we come home after a long day, we can enjoy respite from the hot sun outside. Your air conditioner provides some dehumidification in the process, and its air filter does remove some of the pollutants that can find their way into your home living space, but in order to improve your total comfort, you need to ensure that your indoor air quality is high during the cooling season. In this post, we’d like to address this relation by recommending some ways you can improve both your air conditioning and your indoor air quality. For Washington D.C. air conditioning services, call the experts at Polar Bear Air Conditioning today!

  • Air filtration: Your air conditioner’s air filter is designed to prevent dust and debris from ruining the mechanical parts of your air conditioning system. While this provides some air filtration for your indoor air, it is not designed to provide comprehensive air filtration, which may be necessary if your home suffers from contaminants and pollutants, such as pollen, dander, bacteria, and dust mites. Consult with an air filtration and air cleaner expert to see which whole-home option would be best for you.
  • UV germicidal lights: Ultraviolet light destroys microorganisms before they enter your ductwork. UV germicidal lights are a relatively simple device, although they require professional installation to work correctly. They are installed directly into your air handler.
  • Enroll in a maintenance program: Professional inspection, cleaning, and tune-ups are the best ways to keep your air conditioning working well and your air quality high. By enrolling in a preventive maintenance program, you are ensuring that your system is always working as efficiently and effectively as possible.

While our modern homes are energy efficient, they often prevent adequate ventilation. The EPA lists indoor air pollution as one of the top 5 environmental risks to our health. For Washington D.C. air conditioning and indoor air quality services, call the experts at Polar Bear Air Conditioning today!

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Washington DC Air Conditioning Repair Guide: Air Conditioning Condensate Problems

Tuesday, September 4th, 2012

The beauty of air conditioning in Washington DC is that we don’t have to do anything to live in a cool climate even when it’s boiling outside.  Programmed to adjust automatically, modern thermostats make it even easier.

Air Conditioning 101

The process of conditioning air to a cooler temperature involves rapid evaporation and condensation of chemicals called refrigerants.  These are compounds having properties that allow them to change from liquid to gas and back at low temperatures.

When the liquid evaporates and transforms into gas it absorbs heat.  Compressed tightly together again, the matter condenses back into liquid with a residue of unwanted moist heat that must be released to the outdoors.

Over the course of handling the air to cool it, air conditioners are able to filter dust and dehumidify the air as well.  This release of moisture is why air conditioners have drains.

Condenser Coils

As the heat is removed from the gas, it forms condensation that must be drained from the system.  Tiny particles accumulate along the path, prone to shifting and resettling until they become lodged and can form a significant enough blockage to hamper the efficiency of the unit.  If the drain line becomes blocked, the unit drips or overflows the pan and works its way back into the house, causing damage and potentially mold.

Easy Fix

A simple act of maintenance performed twice a year and requiring no tools can eliminate the problem.  To check and maintain your condensate drain, these are the steps your AC technician will perform:

On the interior side, they will remove the panel of the unit and find the drain line, usually a plastic tube.  If the pan is full of water, there is a blockage.  On a whole house system, they then find where the plastic tube exits the house, making sure that it is above ground and clear to drain away. Flush the line with a short burst from a hose.

Regular maintenance is simply a 1/2 cup of warm water poured down the tube to ensure a clean and free flowing pipe, which can be taken care of during your annual maintenance visit. Call Polar Bear Air Conditioning and Heating today if you need heating or air conditioning service in Washington DC and the surrounding area!

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