7 Common Air Conditioner Noises and What They Mean
If you've ever been in a room with an air conditioner before, you know that a completely silent air conditioner is a rarity. But this prompts an important question - how do you know when a noisy air conditioner is worth worrying about?
You may be surprised to find the range of noises your AC unit is capable of making, and not all air conditioner noises are created equal. Fortunately, we're here to break down the 7 most common types of air conditioner noises and what they might signify.
1. Humming Noise
Perhaps the most common sound coming from your air conditioner is a humming noise. This isn't usually a serious problem, and a light humming noise can be completely normal.
However, if the humming noise is getting increasingly loud, it is possible that there is something loose within your unit. These loose parts can cause extra vibration, which might lead to problems later on.
2. Clanking Noise
Speaking of loose parts, one of the biggest signalers that there is something loose in your unit is a clanking noise. This could also mean that that the indoor blower or outdoor fan blades are hitting other parts of the unit.
3. Buzzing Noise
Buzzing is another common noise that can have several different causes. These can include loose or out of balance fan blades, loose parts or debris, and dirty or old condenser coil or air filter, among other potential causes.
A buzzing noise could also be caused by a refrigerant leak, so it is crucial to pay attention to this sound and hire a technician.
4. Clicking Noise
A clicking noise when your AC unit first turns on or shuts down is relatively normal. However, if there is an incessant clicking noise, there might be a problem.
This constant clicking could be a sign of a failing thermostat or a defective control. This is almost always an electrical issue, so it's a good idea to call a technician.
5. Gurgling or Bubbling Noise
A gurgling or bubbling noise coming from your air conditioner can definitely catch you off guard. This likely means that your drainline is clogged or cracked.
It is possible for you to inspect the drainline yourself while the unit is off. However, if you aren't comfortable with this, you can always call a technician as well.
6. Chattering or Rattling Noise
Similar to a clanking sound, a chattering or rattling noise means that there are loose parts in your AC unit, or some parts are beginning to loosen.
The best way to evaluate is to disassemble your unit and check for any loose parts or debris. However, if this doesn't resolve the issue, there might be deeper electrical issues.
7. Hissing or Whistling Noise
A high-pitched hissing or whistling noise is not usually a good sign. This likely means there's a refrigerant leak or at least an air duct leak in your home.
In this scenario, it's best to turn your air conditioner off right away and call a technician.
Air Conditioning Noises You Should Know
Hopefully, now you can familiarize yourself with the full range of air conditioner noises. With just a little bit of knowledge, you can know when not to worry and when it's time to call a technician.
Contact us at Perfect Climate Heating & Air to schedule an appointment in Southern Indiana today!
The Common Types of Thermostats for Homes
As the cold weather continues to strike across Indiana, HVAC systems are an essential feature of our homes. The freezing temperatures outside are cause to turn up the thermostat and enjoy the feeling of warmth and comfort indoors.
If you are in the market for a new thermostat device, understanding your options is an important first step. As with all items of technology, thermostats are becoming smarter and more practical, with a range of useful added features.
With a thermostat, you can easily control your home's heating and cooling.
In this blog post, we'll look at different types of thermostats that you can have in your home, as we all strive to stay warm at this time.
Manual Thermostat
Also known as a mechanical thermostat, these are the basic thermostats that have long been on the market. As the name suggests, they are manually operated.
Once the operator sets the thermostat to a certain temperature, it will remain at that temperature until it is changed or switched off manually.
Manual thermostats typically feature:
- Buttons or a slider to control the temperature
- An LED display to hight the current temperature
Programmable Thermostat
A step up from a manual thermostat, programmable thermostats are a popular and useful device that allows you to preprogram the temperature in your home. Users can select a program of their choosing. The thermostat will then automatically adhere to this selection for the duration of the program.
This type of thermostat allows you to have different temperature settings for different hours of the day and different days of the week. Programmable thermostats are useful for reducing home energy bills, given that temperatures are set lower when you are sleeping or away from home.
Turning back your thermostat by around 7°-10°F during the day can save you as much as 10% on your energy bills.
Touchscreen Thermostat
Touchscreens are everywhere nowadays. Our phones, laptops, microwaves, and much more all embrace touchscreen technology. Having a touchscreen thermostat makes setting your thermostat a breeze. While there can be a learning curve with them, over time they will make your daily tasks simpler and more streamlined.
Smart Thermostat
Famed for their practicality, functionality, and ability to save on energy costs, smart/wireless thermostats are gaining popularity everywhere. Imagine you are on the commute home from work and would like to have your home warm for when you arrive. With a wireless thermostat, you can easily achieve that through a smartphone app.
Having access to your thermostat, even when you aren't at home, makes it easy for you to set your desired temperature. While expensive to purchase, they are a great investment in the longer term. They are quickly becoming one of the most popular thermostat types.
We Install and Repair All Types of Thermostats
As we have seen, there are various types of thermostats that you can choose for your home. For the best installation, repair, and maintenance of thermostats in Haubstadt, Indiana, and surrounding areas, choose Perfect Climate Heating & Air. Call our experienced team today.
5 Essential Thermostat Troubleshooting Tips You Should Know in Haubstadt, IN
Are you a homeowner? If so, then you are fully aware of the importance of maintaining the ideal temperature inside your house.
After all, if it's too hot or too cold, you're going to be miserable. That's why it's crucial to keep your HVAC system in top working condition, including your thermostat.
Why? Well, because the thermostat is the heart of your heating/cooling system. When that small electronic device on the wall isn't working properly, you'll notice fast.
Fortunately, you've come to the right place for help. This article takes a look at thermostat troubleshooting tips that will help keep you toasty in the winter and cool during the summer months in Haubstadt, IN. Keep reading to get the inside scoop.
1. Dead Batteries
When troubleshooting your thermostat, the easiest thing to check is the batteries. That's because the majority of programmable thermostats installed in homes operate on batteries.
And guess what? Batteries don't last forever. In fact, your batteries could go bad within a matter of months. That's why it's wise to get into the habit of checking your batteries regularly, and go ahead and put in fresh batteries at least once a year just to be on the safe side.
Simply remove the thermostat cover, pop out the old batteries, and replace them with brand new quality batteries that will last as long as possible.
2. The Fan Is Turned Off
Next, make sure that the fan is set to AUTO. Believe it or not, many homeowners make the simple mistake of leaving their fan set to ON or OFF. When this happens, the heating/cooling system either won't stop running or will never kick on regardless of what temp you set on the thermostat.
Checking the fan setting is another quick way of eliminating potential problems when troubleshooting your thermostat. And if you notice the fan is set to OFF, simply switch it to AUTO and see if that solves the problem.
3. Problem With the Wire Contacts
When you remove the cover from your thermostat cover, you'll notice several wires inside. It's not uncommon for one or more of these wires to come loose, especially if you live in an older home.
You can check your owner's manual to assess the wiring issue to see if this is something you can fix yourself or just go ahead and replace it with a new one.
4. Check the Breaker Box
The problem could also be traced to the breaker box. Just like any other appliance in your home, a thermostat that's wired into the electrical system relies on the breaker box for its power supply. Thus when the breaker is tripped, the thermostat won't have the power to function.
5. Thermostat Is Dead
Thermostats aren't designed to last forever. Sometimes one or more of the various components simply fail for whatever reason, and the device will need to be replaced as soon as possible.
A Guide to Thermostat Troubleshooting Tips
Keeping your home comfortable doesn't have to be complicated. Fortunately, these tips for thermostat troubleshooting will help keep every room in your house at the right temperature throughout the year.
Please contact us to learn more about our HVAC services in Haubstadt, IN.
Hot Air: Why Is My AC Blowing Hot Air?
Should you ever experience the heart-stopping moment of "Why is my AC blowing hot air?", remember that Perfect Climate Heating & Air offers 24/7 emergency services in Gibson county and surrounding areas. We know that there are few things more panic-inducing in the dead of a muggy Indiana summer.
Why Is My AC Blowing Hot Air?
There are some simple checks that you can carry out determine the potential cause for the hot air. We have listed 5 of the most common causes below, starting with the simplest, to the more complicated, requiring the expertise of licensed technicians:
Wrong Thermostat Setting
If you are lucky, this will be the simplest fix that you will never forget: double check that your thermostat is set to 'heat' instead of 'cool', and that the fan is set to 'auto' instead of 'on'. The latter setting runs the fan all the time, even when the AC unit is not on a cooling cycle.
Loss of Electricity
This is another easy check to conduct on split systems: if the outdoor unit has lost power, the indoor unit will be blowing warm air from your home's vents. You can check your circuit breaker and the emergency switch on the outdoor AC unit to verify it is set to 'on'. If your AC circuit breaker repeatedly trips, you should contact a technician or an electrician to verify that your breaker can handle your AC’s current draw.
Dirt in Your Unit
Your AC needs a clean path to deliver cool air. Dirt or debris anywhere in the system will restrict that movement of cool air. For split systems, you should keep the area around your outdoor unit clean and clear. You should also check that the air filters are clean. Dirty air filters can be replaced or cleaned, depending on which type your AC uses.
Frozen Evaporator Coil
We are now entering more technical territory: Air conditioners need good airflow to wick off the condensation that has cooled on its evaporator coil. When the airflow across the evaporator coil is reduced, the coil's temperature drops, causing it to freeze. A frozen evaporator coil cannot absorb heat out of the air, and your AC will blow warm air.
There are several causes for this, from low refrigerant levels to mechanical issues. The investigation may involve shutting off power to your AC unit to check the coils for frost or ice. This is best done by a licensed technician.
Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant is the substance that carries heat out of your home. Leaking refrigerant means that the air conditioner does not have enough 'charge' to carry the heat out. So, the air being blown into your house will be warm. Refrigerants can be dangerous to handle. You should contact a licensed technician if you suspect a refrigerant leak.
Regular AC Maintenance Is Key
Regular maintenance is the best way to prevent the dreaded "Why is my AC blowing hot air?" moment. Contact us online or call us at (812) 506-4358 to schedule a maintenance schedule for your AC. Perfect Climate Heating & Air has been tending to troublesome ACs in and around Gibson county since 2009. Our technicians will keep your AC working at optimum performance, and keep your home comfortable in the Indiana heat.
What to Do When You Need Emergency Furnace Repair
With winters as cold and bitter as Indiana's, when your furnace stops working, it's not just an inconvenience - it's an emergency.
But what happens if it shuts off at 10pm? Or on a holiday? Or a Sunday morning? Is there anyone who will come and fix it outside of the typical business hours?
Fortunately, for those in Gibson County, the answer is yes. Perfect Climate Heating & Air will perform emergency furnace repair 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Let's walk through everything you need to know about what to do when your furnace unexpectedly quits.
What To Know About Your Home Furnace
Firstly, if you ever hear any strange noises like thumping or banging coming from your furnace for a prolonged period, you should ask a repair service to take a look. Even if the unit is still functioning, those noises can indicate serious problems in need of repair.
But once it actually shuts off, your options are more limited. One useful step is to check the air filter to see if it is clogged with dust or other debris. If that's the case, swapping in a new filter is an easy DIY project.
However, if the filter is already clean, or if a new filter doesn't fix the issue, you should call in an expert right away.
Emergency Furnace Repair in the Haubstadt Area
Perfect Climate Heating & Air offers a range of services to heat and cool your home. But in the middle of a Midwestern winter, emergency furnace repair is crucial.
PCS offers 24/7 repairs to keep you and your family warm. All you have to do is call the number on our website, and we'll arrive in as little as an hour, even on Christmas Eve.
Because PCS is family owned and operated and headquartered locally, each staff member is personally familiar with the region and the problems homeowners in Gibson County face.
Furthermore, we never cut corners with our staff. Even after they are certified, employees undergo training on a regular basis so that their knowledge remains up-to-date. That's why our team is always ready to service any and all makes and models.
How Much Does Emergency Furnace Repair Cost?
You're probably thinking that for such a convenient service, it has to break the bank. But that's not the case.
While competitors make take advantage of your misfortune to line their pockets, Perfect Climate Heating & Air doesn't charge extra for an emergency repair. We'll come and fix your furnace just as if you made an appointment during business hours.
Furthermore, PCS works with you, the client, to make sure you can get the quality service you deserve without going broke. We offer financing options to ease the burden of your necessary home repairs.
Keep Your Family Safe and Warm This Winter
Taking preventative measures is important, but you can't predict the future. If you suspect your furnace needs a tune-up, we're here for you. And if it breaks down and you need emergency furnace repair, we'll be there too!
Please contact us today to explore our full range of home maintenance services. We look forward to making your home a safer, cozier space for the winter.
How to Improve the Indoor Air Quality in Your Home: Easy Methods to Try Today
Americans spend up to 90% of their time indoors, especially during cold winter months. While it may feel all warm and cozy, there are negative consequences on your health. With today's modern construction and insulation, indoor air is often more polluted than the air outside!
When windows and doors are always closed, respiratory and allergy problems tend to increase. Commercial spaces like shopping malls and office buildings are culprits for poor indoor air too. They generally lack fresh air flow at all times.
Read on to learn about the primary sources of indoor air contamination and how to improve indoor air quality in your home.
What is Sick Building Syndrome?
Sick Building Syndrome is a result of poor indoor air quality. It causes building occupants to experience acute health effects and discomfort. They arise from frequent and regular intervals of time spent inside a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified.
The most common symptoms include cough, chest tightness, nausea, fever, chills, dizziness, and muscle aches. Studies also show that prolonged exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in the indoor environment increases the risk of cancer.
How to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Some of the main contributors to poor indoor air quality are asbestos, carbon monoxide emissions, VOCs, mold, inadequate ventilation, and tobacco smoke.
Try these methods to improve the indoor air quality of your space.
1. Keep Your Home Clean
Mop frequently to capture dust and allergens left behind by the vacuum. Ask guests (and family members) to remove their shoes before coming inside. Don't forget about Fido either - pet dander is a big contributor to indoor air pollution so keep them brushed and bathed.
2. Increase Ventilation
Opening windows works wonders. Even when it's cold, try to air out your home daily and turn on attic fans. A filtrated air-conditioning system also works for those with severe allergies.
3. Eliminate Mold
Lower humidity levels to prevent mold from forming in the first place. If exhaust fans aren't enough, buy a dehumidifier or two to place in areas most susceptible to moisture. If a serious mold problem has taken hold in your home, it is vital to contact a professional.
4. Plants
Not only great for aesthetic appeal, there are plants that improve indoor air quality by minimizing the effects of pollutants.
Plants like peace lilies, ferns, aloe, English ivy, Chinese evergreen, and rubber plants detoxify and purify air naturally.
5. Get a New Paint Job
Traditional paints and protective coatings contain high levels of VOCs. These chemicals have a high vapor pressure at ordinary, room-temperature conditions. The result is something referred to as off-gassing.
Fortunately, there are now low-VOC and zero-VOC paints available. Try one out and give your home a facelift at the same time!
6. Consult an HVAC Specialist
Heating and Air-Conditioning professionals can clean your air ducts and equip your home or office with the latest air filtration technology. They remove contaminants such as pollen, mold, and pet dander.
HVAC specialists can also install ultraviolet lights to stop the growth of mold and bacteria throughout your ductwork.
There's No Place Like (a Healthy) Home
Now you are armed with the knowledge of what is contaminating the air in your home, and how to improve indoor air quality. These methods will have you on your way to breathing easier and staying healthier.
Contact our team at Perfect Climate Heating and Air for a free in-home consultation with an indoor air quality specialist!
Don't Get Left in the Cold: 7 Signs You Need HVAC Repair
Whether you're enduring a sweltering summer or a frigid winter, your HVAC system is an essential part of making sure your Indiana home or office is comfortable. It's easy to take your heating and cooling systems for granted until there is a problem.
HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning. Regardless of the type of system you have, it's important to work with a professional who can provide inspection and maintenance to keep it running well. A preventive maintenance plan can protect against unexpected failures or malfunctions.
Here are seven signs you might need HVAC repair right away.
1. Too Hot or Too Cold
If your HVAC systems powers on, but your home or office isn't as cool or as warm as it should be, this could be an early sign you need repair service.
Sometimes the problem is a blockage in the ductwork, but it could be a more serious problem like a failing compressor.
2. Strange Sounds
You've probably become accustomed to the sound of your HVAC system. You might not even notice when it cycles on or off. But if you hear strange noises or loud sounds coming from the system, that's an indication you need to have someone inspect the unit.
3. High Humidity
A working HVAC system cools your home or office and controls humidity.
If you are experiencing a sudden increase in your indoor humidity, your system may need an adjustment or repair. A trained HVAC professional can determine if the problem is with your HVAC system or if there is some other cause for the extra humidity.
4. Weird Smells
Some smells from your HVAC system are expected. When you turn on your unit for the first time in the summer or winter, you may smell dust particles that have collected in the system.
If strange odors are coming from your system for a prolonged period or smell like mold, it's time to call a professional. Waiting can result in low or hazardous air quality.
5. Leaky Units
If you see moisture around an HVAC unit, contact a repair professional immediately. Leaking fluids, especially refrigerant, can be dangerous to people and pets.
6. Frequent Switching
Your HVAC system is designed to turn on and off throughout the day and night, depending on the conditions outdoors. If your heating or cooling system is constantly switching on and off, this could be a sign of a more severe problem. Have it checked right away.
7. Low Flow
Sometimes an air duct gets clogged. In some cases, a fan or motor in your system fails. In either instance, airflow from your vents will be lower than usual, and you'll experience diminished or unequal cooling or heating.
Don't Wait Until It's Too Late for HVAC Repair
Your HVAC system may be showing signs of distress right now. If you're experiencing any of the issues above, schedule an inspection of your system. Waiting usually results in more significant failures and more expensive repairs.
If you live in southern Indiana and need commercial HVAC repair or service of any kind on your residential HVAC system, contact us. We'll schedule a visit and prepare a quote to keep your home or office comfortable year-round.
When to Replace an AC Unit and What to Expect From the Installation
It's 100°F outside and you're hiding away in your home to cool off when suddenly your AC goes out!
You know that the heatwave is supposed to last for the rest of the week, so what should you do? Should you have the AC unit serviced or replace it entirely?
Keep reading to learn more about when to replace AC unit as well as what to expect from your installation!
When to Replace AC Unit
Working AC is essential for the health of you, your family, and your pets on those scorching summer days. To avoid an emergency AC unit replacement and being without AC for an extended period of time, it's important to know when you should think about replacing the unit.
Here are some signs that it's time to plan for a new ac unit:
The AC Isn't Running Efficiently
If you notice that you have the airconditioning on but the house doesn't seem to be cooling off much, it may be time to plan an ac installation.
While you may be able to repair the problem with the help of a professional, if the AC is consistently working inefficiently, you may want to consider a replacement.
The Unit Is Over 10 Years Old
If your AC isn't showing any signs that it needs to be replaced, you may want to look at the amount of time you've had it as a reference.
Any AC unit over 10-years-old should be replaced soon. If time is the factor you're looking at, you have the luxury of saving up for a new unit over the course of a few months or a year.
Constant Problems
If your AC unit is breaking down or experiencing mechanical issues over and over, it's time for a new AC unit installation.
If you have to have a professional come over and fix it repeatedly, the cost of labor for the service will add up. By the time you calculate the money you spent, you'll realize you could have bought a new unit for the same cost.
What to Expect From the Installation
While the professional you hire for the installation can take care of the entire installation, there are ways that you can help to make the process go quicker.
To save your professional some time and get your AC working faster, clear out the area by the AC. Clean the area by moving any furniture, twigs, tools, or anything else that may get in the professional's way. Also, put any pets away that may get in the professional's way.
Once your AC technician has installed the new ac unit, they'll walk you through how it works. They'll take some time to go over the manual with you and answer any questions you may have.
Are You Ready to Replace Your AC Unit?
Perfect Climate Heating and Air has been in business since 2009.
As a locally-owned and full-service heating and cooling company, we'll service any make or model that you have as well as perform emergency repairs. Now that you know when to replace AC unit, contact us today to get started!
Don't Duck Your Ducts: How Often Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?
In this day and age, people are more and more conscious of their health and the choices they make. But more times than not, indoor air quality goes overlooked.
What happens when you neglect to clean your air ducts?
If you suffer from allergies you may notice an increase in seasonal irritants, especially dust. This is why central air duct cleaning is so important.
Dust, debris, and mold spores are removed from your home, leaving you with clean air ducts. You'll see less dust accumulation on your furniture and notice an improvement in allergies.
The next time you go to dust your home, remember that air duct cleaning can help improve air quality and reduce the amount of dusting you have to do. Keep reading to discover how often you should have an HVAC duct cleaning done in your Mount Carmel, Haubstadt, or Poseyville, Indiana home.
Central Air Duct Cleaning in Your Home
Depending on how often you use them, aim to clean air ducts every three to five years. This depends on whether or not you use your air ducts for central air, have forced hot air, or rely on baseboard heat during the winter months.
If you suffer from allergies, it's best to have an air duct cleaning done more frequently.
While the time in between each cleaning varies from family to family, figure out a schedule that works for you. Just make sure to have your ducts cleaned in order to benefit from this service.
Benefits of Clean Air Ducts
Clean air ducts do more than keep your home from being overrun with dust. Routine HVAC duct cleaning eliminates other harmful substances lurking within your vents.
Removes Air Pollutants
Mildew and mold spores can hide in air ducts. These dangerous pollutants need to be removed before they take root in your home and cause health issues, especially for allergy and asthma sufferers.
Other irritants that accumulate in air ducts are pet dander and pollen. Every time your air ducts are used, these pollutants can cause your allergies to flare up.
Have your air ducts cleaned every three to five years and remove these irritants and toxic substances, helping you to breathe better.
Odor Removal
Another benefit to air duct cleaning is the removal of odors in your home. Different smells become trapped in your HVAC system, and every time it's used these smells waft through your entire home.
Schedule routine duct cleaning to help rid your home of unpleasant odors and smells.
Lower Utility Bills
When dirt and debris accumulate in your air ducts, you'll notice a decrease in airflow. This means your HVAC system will have to work harder to get air from room to room, causing your energy bill to increase.
Air duct cleaning should be part of routine service for your home, helping to keep your furnace working without unnecessary strain on the system. Undue stress to any major appliance can lead to costly repairs.
Schedule Your Air Duct Cleaning Today
Whether you're looking to rid your home of unpleasant odors, reduce common irritants, or help your HVAC system run more efficiently, make sure to have your air ducts routinely cleaned.
Don't let poor indoor air quality get the better of you. Contact us today and a member of our dedicated staff will schedule your next central air duct cleaning.