When temperatures are high in Callao, your utility bills can rise due to your air conditioner battling the temperatures. High air conditioning costs can be inconvenient for many homeowners, especially during the back-to-school season and summer festivities. At Pritchard and Fallin, we strive to ensure your home remains comfortable and affordable. In this blog, we will discuss tips and tricks to keeping your cooling bills low during the hottest months of the year.

Strategies For Keeping Down Your Cooling Bills

As the scorching heat of summer settles in, homeowners often battle rising cooling costs. While keeping your home cool and comfortable is essential, it doesn’t mean you have to break the bank on energy bills. Adopting a few simple strategies allows you to maintain a refreshing indoor environment without draining your wallet. Here are several practical ways to keep cooling costs low, from using ceiling fans to scheduling routine AC maintenance in Callao, VA.

• Use ceiling fans
• Close blinds and curtains
• Seal cracks around doors and windows
• Avoid using heat-producing appliances
• Clean your air filters
• Install a programmable thermostat
• Schedule AC maintenance
• Upgrade your HVAC system

Use Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are a fantastic energy-efficient alternative to air conditioning. They circulate air throughout the room, creating a cooling effect that can make you feel more comfortable even at slightly higher temperatures. Using ceiling fans strategically reduces your reliance on air conditioning and saves electricity.

Close Blinds and Curtains

During peak sunlight, the sun’s rays can turn your home into a virtual oven, making your air conditioner work harder to combat the heat. By keeping blinds and curtains closed, especially on the south- and west-facing windows, you can minimize the heat entering your home and maintain a cooler indoor climate.

Seal Cracks Around Doors and Windows

Gaps and cracks around doors and windows can lead to leaks, causing cool indoor air to escape while letting hot air seep in. Ensure you have weather-stripped doors and caulked windows to adequately seal your home. This prevents energy wastage and contributes to a more consistent and cost-effective cooling experience.

Avoid Using Heat-Producing Appliances

Appliances such as ovens, stoves, and clothes dryers emit heat, adding to your air conditioner’s workload. During the hottest parts of the day, try to limit the use of these heat-producing appliances. Instead, opt for outdoor cooking or use them during the cooler evenings.

Clean Your Air Filters

A dirty air filter restricts airflow, forcing your air conditioner to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. Regularly clean or replace your air filters to ensure optimal airflow, improve indoor air quality, and keep cooling costs in check. If you prefer a hands-off approach, hire a professional for routine AC maintenance in Callao, VA.

Install A Programmable Thermostat

Investing in a programmable thermostat allows you to schedule temperature adjustments based on your daily routines. You can set higher temperatures when you’re away from home and lower temperatures when you’re present. This smart approach ensures you only cool your home when necessary, leading to substantial energy savings.

Upgrade Your HVAC System

Consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient model if your current HVAC system is outdated or inefficient. Modern systems are designed to consume less energy while providing better performance, resulting in significant long-term savings on cooling costs.

Schedule AC Maintenance

Regular air conditioning system maintenance is vital to its efficiency and longevity. Schedule professional inspections and maintenance at least once a year. Well-maintained AC units operate more efficiently, consume less energy, and help you avoid costly repairs. This way, you don’t have to worry about scheduling expensive maintenance or AC repair in Callao, VA.

AC Energy Efficiency Is Important For Utility Bills

AC energy efficiency is crucial for utility bills because air conditioning can be one of the most significant contributors to high energy consumption in homes and buildings. Inefficient AC systems can lead to excessive energy usage and soaring utility bills. Here are a few reasons why AC energy efficiency is vital for managing utility costs:

• Reduced Energy Consumption
• Cost Savings
• Environmental Impact

Reduced Energy Consumption

An energy-efficient air conditioning system consumes less electricity to achieve the desired cooling effect. By using less energy, homeowners can significantly lower their overall electricity consumption during hot months, leading to substantial savings on utility bills.

Cost Savings

Energy-efficient AC systems help to control and manage utility costs effectively. Since cooling is one of the significant contributors to high electricity bills, investing in an efficient air conditioner can lead to noticeable cost savings over time.

Environmental Impact

High energy consumption from inefficient air conditioning systems can strain power plants and contribute to increased greenhouse gas emissions. Homeowners can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to environmental sustainability by opting for energy-efficient AC units.

The Importance Of AC Maintenance, Repair, and Replacement: Ensuring Comfort and Efficiency

Maintaining a properly functioning air conditioning system ensures a comfortable indoor environment and maximizes energy efficiency. This involves AC maintenance, AC repair, and AC replacement in Callao, VA. Each of these plays a significant role in preserving the performance and longevity of your cooling system.

• AC maintenance: A routine health check-up for your AC unit. You can enjoy numerous benefits by scheduling regular AC maintenance in Callao with a professional service like Pritchard and Fallin. Firstly, it helps keep your AC running at its peak efficiency, reducing energy consumption and lowering utility costs. In addition, a well-maintained AC unit has a longer lifespan, providing reliable cooling for many years.
• AC repair: Despite regular maintenance, AC systems can sometimes experience malfunctions. When issues arise, timely AC repair in Callao, VA becomes essential, restoring comfort in your home during hot weather and preventing further damage to the cooling system. AC repair services from Pritchard and Fallin ensure swift solutions for malfunctions, ensuring your AC operates efficiently and effectively.
• AC replacement: As AC units age, their efficiency may decline, and repair costs can become frequent and substantial. When this happens, AC replacement in Callao, VA becomes a viable option. Upgrading to a new AC system offers numerous advantages, including higher energy efficiency standards that result in significant energy savings and reduced utility bills.

Pritchard and Fallin with its skilled professionals, offers comprehensive AC maintenance and prompt, reliable AC repair in Callao, VA. We also provide expert guidance for AC replacement if needed. We understand the importance of a well-maintained and efficient AC system for your home’s cooling needs. Contact Pritchard and Fallin to enjoy a comfortable indoor environment while optimizing energy efficiency and minimizing costs.

Selecting the perfect air conditioner for your home requires careful consideration of various factors. From understanding your cooling needs to evaluating available options, finding the right air conditioner can significantly impact your comfort and energy efficiency.

In this article, we will explore the essential factors to consider when purchasing a new air conditioner and delve into the common types of air conditioners suitable for different home setups. The Pritchard and Fallin team of experts uses our expertise and experience to guarantee unmatched AC replacement in Callao, VA!

Assessing Your Cooling Needs

Before delving into the world of air conditioners, assessing your cooling needs is crucial. Consider the following factors to determine the appropriate capacity and cooling requirements for your home:

Square Footage

First, measure the square footage of the area you wish to cool. This will help you determine the cooling capacity needed to achieve optimal comfort. Consulting with a trusted HVAC company in Callao, VA, such as Pritchard and Fallin, can provide accurate calculations tailored to your needs.

Climate

Additionally, take into account the climate in your region. Hotter climates may necessitate higher cooling capacities to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Similarly, evaluate your home’s insulation, as it affects energy efficiency. Well-insulated homes require lower-capacity air conditioners, while poorly insulated ones may benefit from higher-capacity units.

Understanding Air Conditioner Types

There are different types of air conditioners available, each with its unique features and suitability for specific home setups. Below we have listed the most common types of air conditioners in Callao, VA and surrounding areas.

Central Air Conditioning Systems

Central air conditioners cool the entire home using a ductwork system. They consist of an outdoor unit, an indoor evaporator coil, and ducts that distribute cooled air throughout the house. Central AC systems are best for homes with existing ductwork and consistent cooling needs throughout the entire residence.

Ductless Mini Split Systems

Ductless mini splits in Callao, VA provide zoned cooling without the need for ductwork. These systems comprise an outdoor unit connected to one or more indoor air handling units. They are ideal for homes without existing ductwork, specific zones within a home that require individualized temperature control, or areas where installing ductwork is impractical.

Window Air Conditioners

Window AC units are self-contained and designed to fit into windows or wall openings. They cool individual rooms by drawing in warm air and expelling cooled air. Window air conditioners are well-suited for cooling single rooms or apartments with limited space.

Factors To Consider Before AC Installation

Once you have determined a suitable air conditioning type for your home, consider the following factors during the purchasing process:

• Energy Efficiency
• Noise Level
• Budget

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is a key consideration. Look for units with high ratings, such as SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), for central systems. Opting for energy-efficient models minimizes energy consumption and helps save on utility bills.

Noise Level

Consider the noise level produced by the air conditioner. Quieter models are desirable, particularly for bedrooms and living spaces, as they provide a more peaceful environment.

Budget

Set a budget range and explore air conditioners that best balance cost and features. Finding an air conditioner that fits your budget while meeting your cooling needs effectively is important.

Signs It’s Time For AC Replacement

Air conditioning systems are an investment for your home and can be costly upfront. Homeowners should carefully consider AC replacement in Heathsville, VA and only replace their unit if necessary. Below we have listed three signs you need to upgrade your air conditioner:

Frequent Breakdowns And Repairs

If your air conditioner is experiencing frequent breakdowns or requiring constant repairs, it may indicate it’s time for AC replacement in Callao, VA and surrounding areas. Continuing to invest in repairs for an aging system can become costly and inefficient in the long run.

Inconsistent Cooling

If you notice that some rooms in your home are consistently hotter or colder than others, or if you’re experiencing uneven cooling throughout your living space, it may be a sign that your AC is struggling to distribute cool air evenly. This can result from a worn-out or improperly sized system that needs replacement.

Rising Energy Bills

A sudden increase in energy bills without changing usage patterns often indicates an inefficient air conditioner. Older units consume more energy as they lose their efficiency over time. Upgrading to a new, energy-efficient model can help you save significantly on your cooling costs.

Why Professional AC Installation Is Vital

While you may find a DIY AC installation video online, we encourage homeowners to leave replacement and installation services to trained professionals. AC installation in Callao, VA involves working with electrical wiring and other dangerous tasks. If a non-professional incorrectly installs an air conditioner, it can prematurely damage your new AC unit, risk your safety, and malfunction frequently. Below we have listed reasons why AC installation in Heathsville, VA and surrounding areas is important to leave to a Pritchard and Fallin technician.

Expertise and Experience

Professional HVAC technicians have the expertise and experience to handle AC installations precisely. They understand the intricacies of different systems and can ensure proper AC installation in Callao, VA, maximizing efficiency and performance.

Proper Sizing and Load Calculation

An appropriately-sized air conditioner can lead to efficiency and adequate cooling. Professional installers conduct load calculations to determine the appropriate size for your home and cooling needs, ensuring optimal performance and energy efficiency.

Compliance With Regulations and Safety Standards

HVAC professionals are familiar with local codes, regulations, and safety standards in Northern Neck, VA. They will ensure that your AC installation meets all the requirements, keeping you and your home safe.

Warranty Protection

When you hire a professional for AC installation, you often receive warranty coverage on the equipment and the installation itself. This provides peace of mind, knowing you are protected if any issues arise with your new system.

Quality AC Installation In Northern Neck, VA

Choosing the right air conditioner for your home involves considering cooling needs, size, budget, and energy efficiency. Understanding the different types of air conditioners available and how they operate is crucial for making an informed decision. Following these guidelines, you can select an air conditioner to ensure a cool and comfortable home during the hot summer.

If you are in Northern Neck, VA and require AC replacement, Pritchard & Fallin can provide expert assistance. Our experienced HVAC technicians in Callao, VA can guide you through the decision-making process. Give the Pritchard and Fallin team a call for AC replacement and installation services!

Picture this: It’s the hottest day of the year in coastal Virginia, and you arrive home after a long day with visions of relaxing in your cool home. However, you walk into a wall of hot, sticky air once you open the front door. At some point, the air conditioner stopped working, but why?

The AC repair experts of Pritchard & Fallin have seen it all when it comes to HVAC malfunctions, and we are standing by to get your system up and running again when it stops working. In this article, we explain the most common reasons that AC units suddenly stop running and how our expert technicians can solve the problem.

How Do Air Conditioners Work?

To understand why your air conditioner stopped working, it is important to understand the process of how air conditioners operate.

Refrigerant is the key component for cooling your property. Your AC uses a compressor to change the refrigerant’s temperature and pressure and a condenser to turn the refrigerant into a liquid. From there, the liquid refrigerant is sent through the evaporator coil. An internal fan pulls hot, humid air from the building into the system and across the evaporator coil; the refrigerant cools the air and evaporates. The cooled air is sent back out into your home, and the refrigerant is cycled back through your system. The process is repeated until the thermostat setting is met.

Common Problems AC Problems

Air conditioners have various components all working together to cool your home. If even one malfunctions, the whole system can face the effects. Below we have listed common air conditioning problems that lead to AC repair in Callao, VA and surrounding areas.

Compressor Failure

When something goes wrong with the compressor, you might notice warm air or strange sounds. A compressor problem can also cause the circuit breaker to trip and short-cycle, which is when the AC continually turns on and off.

The only way to know the exact problem with the compressor is to call an AC repair technician in Northumberland County, VA to investigate. In many cases, it’s both difficult and expensive to repair compressor parts, and replacing the entire unit is a more economical option. Sometimes, such as when the compressor has a clog or minor electrical issue, simple repairs can get it working again.

Refrigerant Leaks

If there’s a leak in the refrigerant lines or a problem with the control valve, the system will struggle to keep rooms cool. If you noticed a hissing noise before the air conditioner stopped working, there’s a good chance the issue is low refrigerant.

Fixing these leaks and recharging the air conditioner is a job for certified professionals for many reasons, but mainly because refrigerant is a toxic substance. If you suspect this is the reason for your AC problems, a Pritchard & Fallin technician can locate and repair the leak and refill the refrigerant to restore cool air.

Thermostat Malfunctions

The first thing to check when the air conditioner isn’t working is the thermostat to make sure no one inadvertently changed the settings. If the settings are correct, it’s possible that the air conditioner stopped working because of an issue with the thermostat. It may not be communicating with the AC unit correctly, have an electrical problem, or need recalibration.

You’re more likely to have a thermostat issue when you have an older model. A repair professional will check on the thermostat and recalibrate or replace it if necessary. Consider investing in a programmable smart thermostat that can help you save energy and money on power bills.

Dirty Air Filter

Do you know when you last replaced the filter in your air conditioning unit? If you can’t remember, there’s a good chance that the dirty filter is causing your cooling issues. A clogged air filter blocks cool air from flowing out of the AC unit, so it cannot cool your home.

Not only will this make your home hot, sticky, and uncomfortable, but the extra strain a blocked filter puts on the system can lead to total failure and AC repair in Warsaw, VA. Because the cold air can’t flow into the vents, it backs up into the evaporator coil. Eventually, this can cause the coils to freeze over, and you may need to replace the entire unit.

At the very least, a dirty air filter makes your air conditioner work harder than necessary, driving up utility bills and shortening its lifespan. If your air conditioner stops working, check the filter first and replace it if it’s dirty. We recommend homeowners change their air filters at least every 90 days to maintain an efficient unit and good indoor air quality.

Improperly Sized Unit

Would you believe it if a technician told you that your air conditioner stopped working because it’s not the right size for your home? It’s actually common for homeowners to have air conditioner problems because of installation mistakes.

If our AC repair technician determines that the unit isn’t the right size for your home, we can help you select and install a more appropriate one to eliminate cooling problems. Pritchard and Fallin technicians have been providing reliable AC installation in Callao, VA and surrounding areas for over 43 years, so we can guarantee to get it right the first time.

Electrical Problems

If your air conditioner won’t turn on at all, we recommend checking the circuit breaker for a tripped switch. Sometimes, the switch trips because of an unexpected power surge from outside your home, and just turning it back on will turn the air conditioner back on. If the switch repeatedly trips, there’s a problem with your home’s wiring or the electrical components inside the unit that requires professional assistance.

Clogged Drain Lines

If the drain lines or pan that collects condensation clog for any reason, your air conditioner may switch to safe mode and stop working. You won’t be able to turn the AC on again until you address the drainage issue. This service could include clearing the blockage, repairing damaged components, or replacing the drain lines altogether.

Let Pritchard & Fallin Get Your Air Conditioner Working Again

If you come home to a sweltering home because the air conditioner stopped working, save yourself time and frustration by calling Pritchard & Fallin for professional AC repair in Callao, VA, and the surrounding area. Our friendly certified AC technicians can quickly troubleshoot the issue and make expert repairs to restore comfort to your home. We work quickly and provide honest, upfront pricing.

Don’t risk your safety or warranty protections on your HVAC equipment by trying to make AC repairs yourself. Leave the work to the licensed and insured professionals of Pritchard & Fallin. Call us at (804) 529-7838 for AC services throughout the Northern Neck.

Preparing for the summer is about more than getting the pool floaties out or heading to Garden World to get your garden ready. It’s about finding new ways to enjoy the weather while escaping the heat, but nothing beats an AC cooled room at the end of the day. However, what happens if you come home after a long day in the summer heat to find your air conditioner has broken down? The temperature in your home is rising and becoming extremely uncomfortable. A Pritchard & Fallin technician identifies the problem as low refrigerant, which could have been avoided with AC maintenance.

We are here to help when your air conditioner malfunctions or breaks down, but we never want our customers to feel uncomfortable in their homes. In this blog, we discuss the importance of AC maintenance and additional ways homeowners can prepare their air conditioners for summer.

Why Is AC Maintenance Important?

Similar to a doctor’s appointment or oil change for your car, your air conditioner needs to be seen by a professional to ensure it runs efficiently and effectively all summer long. AC maintenance is crucial for ensuring your unit starts when you prompt it to, providing clean, crisp air that keeps your household functioning. The summer season can present a large cooling workload for your air conditioner, and the smallest malfunctions or obstructions can result in costly repairs or breakdowns. A Pritchard & Fallin technician can thoroughly inspect each component of your AC system, perform preventative tasks, and provide repairs when needed.

These preventive maintenance tasks can provide peace of mind while also:

• Ensuring all parts are efficient so your unit pulls less energy from your utility grid, leading to lower utility bills and a smaller carbon footprint
• Catching minor issues and allows technicians to remedy them immediately before they become heftier, costly repairs
• Reducing breakdowns and premature deterioration that requires a replacement unit sooner

What Is Included in AC Maintenance?

During AC maintenance, our team conducts a series of checks. Preventative tasks can vary slightly depending on the AC unit type, model, and age, but we will perform the following inspections on each air conditioning system:

• Lubricate all moving parts
• Calibrate thermostat
• Clean inside and outside of the unit
• Check refrigerant levels
• Change air filters
• Tighten electrical connections
• Clean drain line

4 Ways To Prepare Your Unit for Use

While scheduling AC maintenance in Callao, VA and surrounding areas is the best way to prepare your air conditioner for summer, we also encourage homeowners to perform their own preventive maintenance tasks. If you take care of your air conditioner, it will take care of you in return. Below we have listed five tips to ensure your air conditioner will function properly this summer.

• Regularly Change Air Filters
• Clean Air Vents
• Remove Debris From Unit
• Maintain Thermostat

Change Air Filters

Air filters determine many aspects of a home, such as airflow, comfort, air quality, utility bills, and unit efficiency. If your air filter is dirty or clogged, it can harm all of the above factors about your home. Clogged filters cause air conditioners to work harder to push air through the filter pores, which increases the unit’s workload and can result in a breakdown or broken component. Additionally, the more energy used, the more it will reflect on your monthly bills. We recommend changing your air filter at least every 3 months or sooner depending on factors such as indoor animals.

Clean Air Vents

Debris and pollutant buildups also restrict airflow on the air vents around your home. As dirty air filters let pollutants such as dust slip by, the allergen can build up on your air vents. Cleaning air vents not only improves the aesthetics and cleanliness of your home, but also decreases airborne pollutants, allergy symptoms, and the workload on your air conditioner. Similar to a dirty air filter, your air conditioner must work harder to push air through dirty air vents.

To clean air vents, simply wipe down or remove the vent covers and clean them with soap and water. Before placing the vent covers back on, we recommend taking a vacuum and removing built up debris inside the air ducts. We encourage homeowners to add cleaning air vents to their weekly home to-do list to maintain an efficient air conditioner and good indoor air quality in Callao, VA and surrounding areas.

Remove Debris From Unit

Another way to maintain your air conditioner this summer is to regularly remove debris from the outdoor condensing unit. The outdoor unit contains copper or aluminum coils, a compressor, and a fan that stops working if clogged. Being exposed to all weather conditions can result in debris such as tree branches, leaves, grass clippings, and trash on and lodged inside the unit. While homeowners should leave cleaning inside the air conditioner to the professionals due to safety reasons, we encourage homeowners to remove accessible debris and trash weekly. This allows the air conditioner to breathe and function properly each time it turns on.

Maintain Thermostat

Your thermostat sends signals to your unit to power on when temperatures rise. It also manages the unit’s cooling output throughout each cycle, telling it what temperature to create for optimal controlled air and when to shut off after creating a uniform feel across your home. If your thermostat is unresponsive, it will either depict incorrect readings or refuse to power on.

First, check that you set your thermostat for the summer. Since summer and winter settings differ, some residents forget to alter them as the seasons change. Next, replace the batteries and check for a blown fuse or tripped breaker before calling a professional to inspect the wiring. But if you need a replacement thermostat, take this opportunity to upgrade to a programmable or smart one.

Trust Pritchard & Fallin To Take Care Of Your Air Conditioner!

For over 40 years, Pritchard & Fallin has upheld integrity, service, and excellence, always striving for new ways to introduce indoor comfort and improve air quality. Our always-evolving HVAC company separates us from our competitors, making us industry leaders since 1980 in Callao and Northumberland County. Trust us to get you through the next heat wave and keep your home at peak efficiency.