Author: Roy Booker

Insulation

Types of Insulation

Roy Booker

Insulation Perth is an important part of any home or building. It helps to control the temperature, reduce noise and save energy.

Insulation

The most popular insulation for existing homes is fiberglass, which comes in blankets (also known as batts or rolls). It can be blown in using a hose or installed by laying it over existing walls.

Fiberglass is one of the most popular options for insulating homes and businesses. Its thin, lightweight fibers help to keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer, reducing heating and cooling costs, while also reducing noise pollution. Fiberglass is also fire-resistant and moisture-resistant, adding another layer of protection to your home. It can be installed in attics, crawl spaces, walls and basements.

While fiberglass may have gotten a bad reputation for its toxicity in the past, it’s far less toxic than spray-in foam insulation made with antiquated chemicals such as asbestos or formaldehyde and is still used in a wide range of products including fishing rods, sports cars and bullet proof vests. As long as standard safety precautions are followed, it can be a safe choice for homeowners and commercial building owners.

When properly installed by a professional, fiberglass is a durable and effective option that can be a good fit for many homes. It comes in a variety of forms including batts, rolls and loose-fill, and can be custom-cut to suit your project’s needs. Fiberglass is relatively easy to install, and does not require any special tools or equipment.

However, it is important to note that if improperly installed, fiberglass insulation can cause a number of problems, especially if it gets wet or is exposed to moisture. The presence of moisture will reduce the insulation’s effectiveness, and can cause mold growth. Additionally, if the fiberglass is in contact with the skin, it can cause irritation and lead to respiratory illnesses such as coughing, sneezing and nosebleeds. This is why it is important to take precautions to avoid contact with fiberglass, including wearing gloves and protective clothing.

Cellulose

Cellulose is an eco-friendly insulation made of recycled paper products and treated with fire retardants. It’s thick and dense, which helps it fit well in nooks and crannies of walls and attics. It’s also flexible enough to fit around wires and ducts, making it ideal for retrofitting older homes.

It can be blown loose-fill into attics or dense-packed into walls. In loose-fill form, cellulose insulation is typically used in attics and wall retrofits, and is also installed when new homes are built. It’s a popular choice in both commercial and residential insulation, due to its low cost and effective R-value that reduces energy bills.

Because cellulose is made from recycled paper, it reduces waste in landfills and conserves natural resources. It is also a healthier option than fiberglass, as it does not contain harmful chemicals that can cause respiratory problems. It has been tested to withstand fire and is highly resistant to moisture. Its ability to fill small cracks and crevices makes it an excellent sound barrier, too.

Unlike fiberglass, which can deteriorate and lose its R-value over time, cellulose does not. It also retains its shape well, a benefit for homeowners who want to save money by not having to replace it as often as other types of insulation.

While cellulose insulation is not as environmentally friendly as fiberglass, it does use less energy to produce and install. The cellulose manufacturing process uses up to 85% post-consumer recycled newspaper and depletes fewer natural resources than fiberglass, which is made from more raw materials. It also requires less water and petro-energy to manufacture, according to the Cellulose Insulation Manufacturers Association. This reduces the need for additional raw material and reduces carbon emissions.

Foam Boards

Foam board insulation is a robust tool for enhancing the energy efficiency of residential and commercial structures. Its thermal resistance and moisture protection make it an ideal choice for homes, new construction projects, and retrofit applications. Foam board insulation is available in a variety of thicknesses and R-values, which allows it to meet specific building requirements.

Foam boards are rigid insulation panels that can be used in place of traditional fiberglass batts and blown-in cellulose. They are typically installed between wall studs to reduce air infiltration, which is a common source of energy loss. Foam boards also provide a layer of moisture resistance that helps reduce the risk of mold and mildew.

There are three common types of foam board insulation: expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), and polyisocyanurate (polyiso). EPS is generally cheaper, but has a lower R-value per inch. XPS offers a higher R-value, but is prone to moisture damage. Polyiso has a high R-value and is less susceptible to moisture damage, but it is made from petrochemical materials, which increases its embodied energy footprint.

Before installing a rigid foam insulation board, it’s important to prep the area. You’ll need to sand down the edges of the board with a sander, as well as use a face mask to protect yourself from dust and fumes. Once the boards are prepared, they can be installed between wall studs or above the slab.

To install the insulation between studs, you’ll need to first measure the spacing of the studs. It’s recommended to keep the distance between studs consistent, which will help ensure that your finished wall has a uniform look. Once you’ve determined the stud spacing, you can either nail or glue the boards in place using furring strips.

Reflective Foil

Foil insulation is an effective way to slow down the transfer of heat and energy. It reflects radiant heat, keeping your building cooler in summer and helping you save on air conditioning costs. It also reduces moisture build-up and condensation, reducing the risk of wood rot and mould growth in your roof structure.

If you’ve ever browsed the insulation aisle of your local home center, you may have come across a product called Reflectix. It comes in tightly spooled rolls of shiny, foil-looking material that resembles bubble wrap. Unlike the large bales of fiberglass or rigid foam that fill up your shopping cart, this thin and compact product appears to be a quick and easy solution for your insulating needs.

The reflective surface of the radiant barrier reflects up to 97% of the radiant heat from the sun, preventing it from entering your building. This type of insulation works well alone or in combination with other insulating materials like fiberglass and foam board. It is typically installed on frame walls and ceilings for a low-cost and effective insulating solution that helps you improve your HERS rating and optimize your energy efficiency.

While reflecting radiant heat is its main function, this insulation can be used in a variety of ways to enhance the thermal performance of your metal building. It can be placed in the walls and ceiling of your building, as a sarking under steel tiles, or between roof trusses and rafters.

If you choose to install foil insulation in your building, it is important to leave a minimum of 3/4” of enclosed air space. This will allow the reflective surface to function as designed and increase the R-value of your building. It’s also essential to keep your reflective insulation clean, as dust particles can dramatically decrease its effectiveness.

Spray Foam

Spray foam insulation, or polyurethane foam (SPF), is a popular insulation material for both residential and commercial applications. It serves as a comprehensive solution, managing thermal, air and moisture control within a building’s envelope. As a result, it helps to keep a property warm and comfortable in the winter and cool and comfortable in the summer without straining your heating or cooling system.

The cells of spray foam are filled with a low-conductivity gas that blocks the flow of thermal energy, providing an R-Value of up to R-6 per inch. Spray foam is also effective in blocking vapor and water, which helps to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. This is especially helpful in homes and commercial buildings where moisture can cause damage to the structure.

Like cellulose and fiberglass, spray foam offers sound dampening properties as well. It can be used in walls, attics, floors and ceilings to reduce noise, increase efficiency and make your home or business a more comfortable space to live or work.

In addition to keeping the indoor temperature comfortable, spray foam insulation can help lower energy bills. It reduces the amount of work needed for heating and cooling systems to maintain a stable indoor temperature, saving you money throughout the year.

While cellulose and fiberglass insulation need to be replaced after a few years, the cellular nature of spray foam means that it will last as long as your structure does. This cuts down on waste and makes the investment in spray foam a wise one. Spray foam insulation can also improve the overall durability and strength of your steel or metal building. It can provide extra structural support, helping to resist dents and dings that would otherwise weaken the integrity of your metal roof or siding.

Solar Companies

Exploring the Services Provided by Solar Companies

Roy Booker

Choosing the right solar company is essential to ensure your experience with solar is positive and hassle-free. Ask your prospective installers about their history, training, and how they bill customers.

Solar Companies

Solar companies are illuminating the path to a sustainable future, and it is important that they do so effectively. They should provide their clients with comprehensive maintenance and financing options. Find out more about Rooftop Solar Company as you continue through the article.

A solar company should be able to provide customers with financing options that make it easy to invest in a renewable energy system. These options include loans, solar leasing programs and power purchase agreements. These companies also help customers navigate incentive, rebate and tax programs that can lower installation costs and increase the returns on their solar investments.

Financing options can be secured through the solar installer or through specialized financing companies. Many of these companies work closely with a specific solar installer and offer special rates to attract new customers. Some offer a pre-qualification process to determine whether the customer will qualify for a loan without doing a hard credit pull. However, this can be a disadvantage for consumers who prefer not to have their personal information accessed by multiple lenders.

Another option for financing a solar power system is through a home equity or mortgage loan. These loans typically require a high minimum credit score and may have higher interest rates than other options. However, homeowners who already have a substantial amount of equity in their homes may find these loans easier to secure than other financing options.

When choosing a solar company for financing, it is important to consider their longevity and stability. Many national solar companies come and go. They appear when the incentives are attractive and then disappear when they are no longer advantageous. In contrast, local solar companies are more likely to be around to install and repair your system when it is necessary.

EPC solar companies have a full range of services for customers and typically have in-house engineering and design teams to ensure quality and timeliness. They can also provide customers with an upfront cost estimate and help them select a project that fits their budget.

Additionally, EPC solar companies can assist their clients with the permit application process, reducing the likelihood of delays and ensuring that the process is done correctly. They also have experts on staff who can help with other issues that might arise during the construction and installation process.

Design

Solar companies are more than just installers, as they offer a wide range of design services to help businesses maximize their ROI. These include designing PV systems, performing feasibility studies, and conducting energy audits. They also assist in obtaining permitting, interconnection, and monitoring services for commercial solar projects. Additionally, they can provide technical support and back-office services for EPC companies.

Choosing the best solar company is an important decision for any business looking to go green and save money on electricity costs. Look for a business that offers integrated design and installation services to ensure consistency from start to finish. Having one point of contact can make the process easier for you and your team, as well as give you a comprehensive warranty covering both the design and maybe even the installed system. It is also worth finding out whether the business prioritizes using recycled materials in their products and operations, as this will demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.

Some solar companies specialize in providing 3D modeling services for customers. This allows solar sales consultants to show customers realistic models of their potential solar system and the energy savings they can expect, helping them close a deal on the spot. It can also help with overcoming customer concerns about inviting contractors into their homes or offices.

With a fast turnaround time, this service can be an invaluable tool for a solar sales consultant to have. A reputable 3D modeling service can help ensure that the model is accurate and detailed, making it easy for a sales representative to impress customers and win their trust.

Another important consideration when evaluating solar companies is their experience with designing large-scale solar projects. Having an in-house engineering team can streamline the entire project, from the initial consultation to securing permits and permissions. This can reduce both the amount of time and cost required for a solar project.

In addition to the technical aspects of PV system design, it is crucial to have a thorough understanding of local energy laws and requirements when developing a PV project. This can reduce the risk of legal issues and ensure that the project is built to code.

Installation

If you’re thinking about solar energy, it’s important to learn how your potential installers will perform the installation. Many solar companies offer a full package of services, which includes a feasibility study, engineering design, and construction of your system. This is called an EPC solar company, and they are often the best choice if you want to avoid dealing with multiple contractors. However, the one-size-fits-all approach can be frustrating if you’re looking for something specific from your solar system.

The best way to determine what type of installation experience you’ll have is to find out if your potential installers are local or national. Large national solar companies typically have a more standardized process and can provide you with a lower price because they have a larger purchasing power. But they may lack a nuanced understanding of New York’s unique regulations and requirements for solar installation. In addition, they may subcontract the work of your installation to other companies and contractors, making it hard to know who you’re working with when you need help or have a problem.

In contrast, local solar companies like Forme Solar Electric are better able to provide personalized service and to communicate clearly about the installation process. They can also help you navigate New York’s specific incentives and tax credits, which will further reduce the cost of your solar system. In addition, they can help you decide between cash purchase, a loan, or a lease or PPA for your residential solar system.

When you’re exploring the options for your solar installation, look for a local company that can demonstrate their reputation through testimonials from previous customers. You can also find out how long they’ve been in business, which is a good indicator of their reliability. Finally, beware of high-pressure sales tactics or vague contracts. If a solar company is pushing you to sign quickly, that could be a red flag that they’re not interested in building a lasting relationship with you. Also, be wary of third-party solar sales companies that use aggressive and intrusive door-knocking techniques to sell their products. These companies typically have sales quotas they need to meet, and they may not stick around once their job is done.

Maintenance

The services of solar companies go beyond just selling and installing PV panels. They also provide maintenance services and help consumers make informed choices about what type of energy to use in their homes or businesses. They also offer financing options for those interested in switching to green energy. They may also promote solar technology to other businesses and organizations as a way to cut costs.

A solar EPC company is a one-stop shop that provides everything a customer needs for their PV plant. It can engineer the system, procure the components required, and construct it on site. This saves customers time and money and gives them peace of mind knowing they have a single point of contact.

Solar companies that offer maintenance services can help you deal with any problems that arise with your photovoltaic system. They can also monitor your system for peak performance and detect any potential issues before they become major problems. In addition, they can clean your solar panels and remove or reinstall them as needed. This helps reduce your electricity bills and makes it easier to meet your climate goals.

When exploring the services provided by solar companies, it is important to keep in mind that they are not all created equal. Some are primarily structured for sales and will subcontract out any installation or service work to third parties. This can lead to confusion about who is responsible for the work and may impact the quality of the finished product.

It is essential to find a company that has in-house design and engineering departments. A good EPC company will have these departments in-house which would ensure they can deliver projects quickly and effectively. They should also have experience in the field and be able to take into account the local conditions when designing a PV plant.

One should also pay attention to the safety measures that a solar company takes while working on a project. This is a crucial factor that can help you determine whether they are a trustworthy company or not.

Solar power systems are very durable and don’t need much maintenance, but they will require cleaning twice a year to be effective. They are also easy to dismantle, which reduces their environmental impact.

Plumbing

The Importance of Sewer Maintenance

Roy Booker

Sewer maintenance is crucial for ensuring the proper function of your plumbing and drainage system. Talk to a professional to develop a program that works for you.

Sewer Maintenance

In their search for oxygen and moisture, roots will penetrate the tiniest cracks in a sewer line pipe. Calling a plumber before the problem becomes serious is the best way to avoid costly repairs and prevent sewage backups. Visit Website to learn more.

Sewer pipes are designed to take waste away from your home and into the sewer system, where it is transported to the city’s wastewater treatment plant for cleaning and reintroduction into the water supply. They are very important, and it is critical to keep them in good condition. If a crack or break occurs, it can cause extensive damage to your property and threaten your safety and health.

There are several things that can lead to a cracked or broken sewer pipe, including age, ground movement, and improper construction. Over time, metal pipes corrode due to continuous exposure to moisture and harsh chemicals. The resulting corrosion can make the pipes brittle and weak, which in turn leads to cracks. Poor construction, such as pipes being installed too close together or having a back-pitched slope, can also cause cracking.

A common sign of a cracked or damaged sewer line is the appearance of sewage in your yard. This is caused by a clog in the line, which prevents wastewater from flowing through your pipes. You may also notice gurgling in your drains, which is caused by water bubbles inside the pipes. If left untreated, the gurgling will eventually lead to a full-blown sewer backup.

Cracks in the pipe are a serious problem because they can affect how your sewer lines work and can even expose your home to sewage leaks. The most severe cracks can be a complete structural failure that requires immediate open trench or trenchless sewer repair.

Minor fractures in a pipe are not as severe, but they should be inspected every three to five years to determine whether the crack is getting worse. Any crack that exposes aggregate or is causing root intrusions should be considered moderate or severe, and you will need to have the pipe replaced.

There are several options for sewer repair, including cured-in-place pipe lining (CIPP), which involves inserting an epoxy-coated liner into the existing pipe. This option is the most cost-effective and least invasive. Other options include traditional trenching and spin casting. These methods involve digging up your flooring and trenching through the yard, but they can be effective for pipes that have completely failed or are severely leaking.

Tree Roots

Tree roots are one of the most common causes of clogged sewer lines. They grow quickly and can invade and damage your pipes, leading to costly repairs. Luckily, you can prevent this problem by having a professional plumber inspect your line and perform regular root removal services. You can also use products like foaming root killer to prevent the problem before it starts.

Roots often invade sewer lines because they are seeking moisture. They can find this through small leaks in the line, which leave your pipes vulnerable to the moisture and nutrients found inside of them. Once the roots enter the pipe, they can block the flow of sewage and other wastes, which leads to a messy and smelly sewer clog.

When you’re able to identify a problem, it’s important to call a plumber for help right away. They have the skills and equipment necessary to kill the roots and repair your pipe, which will save you a lot of money in the long run. Plus, they’ll know how to handle the situation safely and effectively.

You may be tempted to try and save money by killing the root growth yourself, but it’s not worth the risk. These DIY solutions are often ineffective and can actually cause more damage to your pipes. The best way to protect your sewer line is to plant trees far away from it, and if you must have them close by, be sure to select species with shallow or noninvasive root systems.

Another option is to have a professional use a drain cable machine to chop the root and clear out the line. This is a powerful piece of machinery that consists of a stiff, flexible rodder with a razor-sharp blade that rotates and cuts through the root. You’ll often see this equipment used by plumbers who specialize in clearing and cleaning sewer and drain lines.

Once the roots have been cut, a plumber will flush out the line to make sure no debris is left behind. This will likely take a day or two, but it’s a much better solution than dealing with a costly pipe repair bill down the road.

Faulty Pumps

If your pump is not working properly it can be due to a number of factors. A faulty electrical system can result in the pump shutting off after a few seconds of operation or not starting at all. Using a multimeter and a test light to check the voltage on the wires is helpful. If you find that the wires are corroded, have an electrician replace them. Also, make sure that the pump is plugged into its own circuit breaker and not shared with any other outlets or appliances. Having the pump in direct sunlight can also cause it to overheat.

A rattling noise from the pump is an indication of loose fragments within the pump impeller. This can occur due to wear and tear, excessive stress, or foreign objects being pumped into the pump. It is easy to fix this by replacing the impeller.

If the motor overload breaker keeps tripping, this could be due to overheating or a poor cooling system. Have the pump checked by an electrician and compare the line voltage to its manufacturer’s specifications. Consider changing the receptacle to one that can handle a higher load or by having the power company install an outlet in your pump box so it has its own branch circuit.

Another common reason for a pump to fail is a mechanical seal leakage. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including thermal distortion, misalignment, and inadequate lubrication. A good preventive maintenance program will include a checklist for visual inspections and the use of technical manuals with details such as tolerances and pressures. It will also involve the use of general shop tools and a range of wrenches, sockets, and screwdrivers as well as packing pullers and grease guns.

A seized pump shaft is another common cause of failure. A simple way to check if your pump shaft is seized is to place a small flathead screwdriver into the end of the shaft and attempt to turn it. If it turns easily this is fine, but if you cannot turn the shaft at all then your pump shaft has seized.

Faulty Pipes

Pipes break for several reasons, but minimal or poor maintenance is a major cause. Pipes aren’t designed to be stationary, and if they are not maintained properly, the constant movement of water, ground tremors, or even vibrations from the plumbing system itself can cause them to crack. This damage can lead to leaking, flooding and other serious problems.

Faulty pipes are also more likely if you live in an area that experiences extreme weather. Temperature changes can cause ice to form inside the pipes, and when this ice expands, it puts tremendous pressure on the walls of the pipe, which can make them crack or break. These breaks can also happen if the pipe was installed incorrectly.

Other common causes of faulty pipes are rodents and bugs. Rats and mice love to hide in crawl spaces and attics, where they can chew on piping or create blockages with their waste. Insects can also infest a sewer line, as they seek out food and moisture in the pipes. Rodents and insects can also damage a sewer line by creating holes in the piping, which can allow outside materials to enter and contaminate your home.

Probably the most worrying of all sewer problems is when sewage backs up into your house. This is a sure sign that your sewage line has clogged and you need to call in a plumber. Sewage backflow can create gag-inducing odors, and it can wreak havoc on your plumbing system and the interior of your home.

When it comes to preventing sewage problems, there are many things you can do. Check the piping in your home often, and pay special attention to the connections for washing machines, dishwashers, toilets, and other appliances. Keep an eye out for rust, leaks, corrosion, and other signs of trouble. These steps can help you nip problems in the bud and avoid costly repairs in the future. In addition, consider investing in a professional sewer inspection and cleaning service to ensure that your pipes are working well. Keeping up with these maintenance steps can help your piping last longer and keep your family healthy and happy.

Heating

Heating Maintenance – How to Keep Your HVAC System Running Smoothly

Roy Booker

Heating maintenance involves a variety of tasks that keep systems running smoothly. One of the most basic is to change out the air filter. This will help prevent it from becoming clogged and restricting airflow, straining the blower motor and making the system less efficient.

The best way to get the most out of your heater is to have a professional tune it up twice a year. Preventative maintenance minimizes energy bills, prevents outages, and extends the lifespan of equipment. Click  https://www.onpointplumbingandheating.com/ to learn more.

heating

Keeping the air filter clean is one of the easiest and most important things you can do to maintain your heating system. Dirty filters restrict airflow, causing the system to work harder and cost more to operate. The clogged filters also circulate dust and allergens throughout the home, affecting everyone’s breathing, especially those with respiratory issues such as asthma.

Most systems have a filter access door in the return air duct close to the indoor unit. Some have a grille installed in the wall or ceiling, swinging open to reveal the filter. Other systems have a filter in the furnace next to the blower motor, while others have a central filter access panel in a basement, crawl space, or utility closet.

You can usually tell it’s time to replace the filter when caked-on dust and other debris fall off when you pull the old filter out of its holder. You can also look at it: a dirty filter will have a clear color to the netting, while a new, clean filter should be completely transparent.

When you install the new filter, please take a moment to write the date in large letters so you can remember when it was replaced. Remember that a filter needs to be replaced every month, though some homeowners can go up to four months.

Make sure the filter is oriented correctly, too. Most filters have arrows indicating the airflow direction; they should point forward toward your furnace and not backward toward your home.

If you feel uncomfortable cleaning the filter, a professional will often do it as part of a heating maintenance check. The pro will also examine the air vents and ductwork, cleaning if needed and clearing blockages to ensure proper airflow.

An annual heating maintenance inspection is the best way to prevent costly repairs or replacements. It’s not only good for your wallet, but it helps to prolong the life of every component of your system and will help you avoid major out-of-pocket costs should anything fail.

Over time, dust can build up in your thermostat and interfere with how it reads the settings that you have set. To ensure proper heating maintenance, it is a good idea to remove the thermostat cover gently and use a cloth to wipe away any dirt or dust that may be stuck underneath it. Also, you will want to ensure that nothing is blocking the vents so the system has an unimpeded airflow.

Another common reason your home might not get warm enough is if the thermostat settings don’t match the actual temperature in the house. This is a very easy problem to fix, but it can lead to frustration if you constantly try to reach a certain target temperature that your system doesn’t seem to hit.

Fortunately, this type of problem is typically caused by a simple error. Programmable thermostats are designed to maintain their programmed settings over long periods, so if yours suddenly shows a different reading than you had it set at, this could indicate that the unit has gone awry for one reason or another.

Before you start panicking about a broken thermostat, it’s always a good idea to swap out the batteries and check for any other potential power sources like tripped breakers or blown fuses. If everything seems okay, there may be a simple solution, such as cleaning the screen or replacing the batteries.

If all of these steps fail to solve the problem, you should open up the thermostat and look at it to see if any corroded wiring needs to be replaced. You will also want to ensure that no dust or dirt has built up in the mechanical contacts and that they are properly aligned. If so, a professional can help you replace the parts and restore the thermostat to working condition. If it looks beyond repair, however, the team at Hutchinson can help you find a new replacement thermostat that will suit your needs.

During a heat pump maintenance visit, an HVAC technician thoroughly inspects the unit and cleans all components. They will ensure that the refrigerant level is adequate and repair or replace faulty parts. They will also provide the thermostat to be calibrated to optimize energy efficiency and system operation. This will save you money on energy bills and extend the lifespan of your unit.

The HVAC technician often finds that the evaporator and condenser coils are covered with dirt and debris, which can hinder efficient heat transfer. The technician will clean these coils and remove any obstructions to improve airflow. Then, they will inspect the electrical terminals and controls to make sure they are tight and not prone to loosening or breaking. This step is important because faulty controls or switches can lead to various issues, including incorrect heating and cooling operation, inefficient operation, and even safety hazards.

The technician will also check the refrigerant level and replenish it as needed. This is essential because low refrigerant levels force the system to work harder, resulting in higher energy bills.

If the refrigerant level is leaking, the professional will conduct tests to identify the source of the leak. They may use a vacuum pump to help locate the leak and perform the necessary repairs.

In addition to checking the refrigerant level and repairing or replacing faulty parts, the HVAC technician will test the airflow in the system. They will look for duct leaks, blower and fan speed problems, and other issues that can reduce airflow and cause the heat pump to work harder to compensate.

One final point to note is that the heat pump’s outdoor unit should be at least four to eight inches off the ground. This will help prevent it from becoming clogged with snow and ice, which can cause damage. A professional can raise the unit to the proper height for optimal function and performance if the unit is too low.

The outside unit performs a vital function in your air conditioning system. It extracts heat from indoor air, compresses the refrigerant, and facilitates the transfer of that heat to the environment around it. Without it, your cooling process wouldn’t work. However, like the inside components of your air conditioner, it needs regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance.

The outdoor unit has a switch that shuts off the power to the compressor in case of a problem. It typically looks similar to a standard light switch and is easily turned off during routine maintenance. To reset the switch, find and flip it to the “on” position.

The fan in your outdoor unit needs an unobstructed path to blow air through it. Regularly clear away leaves, branches, debris, or dirt blocking the airflow. This should be done twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring.

The coils in your outdoor AC unit can collect a layer of dust that prevents the proper transfer of heat. This can lead to overheating, forcing the system to shut down. Regular cleaning of the coils should help to prevent this from happening, but if you notice a sudden drop in cooling efficiency or hear hissing noises near the unit, it could be a sign of a refrigerant leak. This requires a professional technician to locate and repair.

Inspecting the venting system regularly for damage, especially to the chimney that connects to the outside unit, is also important. If this is damaged or deteriorating, it may need to be replaced with a new one. An experienced heating system professional can help you determine the best option for your home.