How to Save Money on Air Conditioner Cleaning Service

How to Save Money on Air Conditioner Cleaning Service

How to Save Money on Air Conditioner Cleaning Service

3 Simple tips

Jerry’s Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning
1 May 2019

Summer is just around the corner. That means cookouts, ball games and trips to the shore.

It also means running the air conditioner to keeps things cool inside so you can be comfortable during the day and you can sleep at night.

But nothing is worse on a hot summer day than sweltering in your home because the air conditioner stopped working.
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Air Conditioner Cleaning Service

Here are three simple tips about how you can save money on air conditioner cleaning service –

  1. Change the filter
  2. Get a maintenance inspection
  3. Install a programmable thermostat

In addition, check here for Federal Air Conditioning Tax Credits.

Avoid AC Failure this Summer
Stay Cool – ACT NOW!

Filters are relatively inexpensive but they are vitally important for the safe, effective operation of your air conditioning system.

Air Conditioner Cleaning Service

Change the Filter

The first tip is the easiest and the cheapest but is often overlooked and can have a huge effect on your air conditioning budget. Make sure you periodically change your filter.

Filters are relatively inexpensive but they are vitally important for the safe, effective operation of your air conditioning system. Filters trap dust and dirt and keep your delicate coils from getting clogged and freezing.

Those coils transfer heat by passing hot, humid air over the coil’s colder cooling fins. This process is most efficient when there is plenty of unimpeded air flow over those cooling fins.

But if the filter is dirty and clogged, air flow can be almost completely blocked. This leads to freezing of humid air on the cold coils.

When that happens, not only will the air conditioner not cool your home, but eventually the built-up ice on the frozen coils will melt and flood your basement.

Avoid AC Failure this Summer
Stay Cool – ACT NOW!

Get a Maintenance Inspection

The next tip in you air conditioner cleaning service is a thorough inspection by a license HVAC specialist. The technician can find any problems before they turn into a disaster and costly repairs.

At the scheduled date and time, the technician will arrive at your home and review the issues you are having with your air conditioning system. They will then inspect and diagnose those issues and present you with what needs to be done to resolve them along with a pricing quote to complete the work.

Often the technician will actually discover developing issues and suggest repairs before they become major problems. And sometimes, they can find problems with the original installation that may soon cause a breakdown or worse.

For example, on a recent inspection of a customer’s air conditioning system, a technician found that a coil duct was improperly installed. Moreover, the original installation technician attempted to repair the damage with duct tape.

Over time, this could have led to catastrophic failure and a big repair bill. This inspection tech was able to repair the damage at a fraction of the cost.

Now the system works perfectly.

Air Conditioner Cleaning Service

Install a Programmable Thermostat

Finally, one sure way to save on A/C spending is to raise the cooling temperature during peak use hours. This can easily be accomplished with a programmable thermometer.

That way, the temperature can automatically be adjusted during the day when you’re at work and overnight when you’re asleep. You can set it and forget it – and save money at the same time.

To learn more about thermostats, check this article by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Avoid AC Failure this Summer
Stay Cool – ACT NOW!

If you want to save money this summer and make sure your A/C works when you need it, change your air conditioning system filter, get a maintenance inspection and install a programmable thermostat.

Find a reputable company that has a current special offer on air conditioner cleaning service and give them a call. The tech can make sure your filter is changed, make sure your system is in tip-top shape and make sure you have the right thermostat to save you money and keep you cool.

Call NOW!

Jerrys Plumbing

Jerry's Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning

Call Us for All your Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning Needs

(240) 530-0458

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Address:
11822 Pika Drive
Waldorf, MD 20602

Phone:
(240) 530-0458

Business Hours:
24/7

R22 Refrigerant Replacement – 3 R’s You Should know

R22 Refrigerant Replacement – 3 R’s You Should know

R22 Refrigerant Replacement

3 R’s You Should Know

Jerry’s Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning
1 April 2019
Spring may have just arrived but it’s not too early to starting thinking about the summer cooling season and whether your current air conditioning system is up to the task. It’s time to start thinking about R22 refrigerant replacement.
But you have one HUGE decision to make – and you have until the end of 2019 to make it. You have just one more summer season – the one THIS year – before the refrigerant that’s probably in your air conditioning system right now becomes permanently banned.
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R22 Refrigerant Replacement

So you have 3 choices to make about R22 refrigerant replacement –

  1. Recharge
  2. Retrofit
  3. Replace

You may have already heard that R22 refrigerant will no longer be legal in the US after December 31st of this year. Since the early 90’s, R22 refrigerant (sold under the brand name Freon) has been phased-out because it’s harmful to the ozone layer.

Most air conditioning units that are older than 7 years use R22. In 2010, R22 was no longer manufactured or imported into the US. That means your R22 system is obsolete and can’t be repaired.

If you want to know all about air conditioner refrigerants, check out our article, The Secret About Air Conditioner Maintenance That’ll Keep You Up at Night.

Avoid AC Failure this Summer
Stay Cool – ACT NOW!
“R22 refrigerant will no longer be legal in the US after December 31st of this year”
R22 Refrigerant Replacement - R410A
R22 Refrigerant Replacement - R410A

Here’s what you can do.

Recharge

You may be fortunate that your R22 air conditioning system still works, keeping you nice and cool during those hot summer days.

Still, doing nothing about your R22 system is not really an option.

Here’s why.

Age eventually catches-up with an air conditioner. That’s why we recommend an annual air conditioner system inspection to repair any possible leak issues.

However, wear and tear at multiple joints in the system inevitably lead to a refrigerant leak. And when leaks do happen, they can be very expensive to fix. R-22 refrigerant is expensive – adding just 7 lbs of it could easily cost you $700.

And by the end of the year, you won’t be able to recharge your R22 system AT ALL, for any price.

R22 Refrigerant Replacement - Expensive Repairs
Avoid AC Failure this Summer
Stay Cool – ACT NOW!

Retrofit

The industry has changed from refrigerant technology from R22 to R410a, which you may know as Puron. R410a has a higher safety rating and doesn’t affect ozone at all. And it’s even more energy-efficiency than R22.

Unfortunately, you can’t just replace R22 with R420a without upgrading the equipment as well. A licensed HVAC tech has to replace the compressor, evaporator and condenser.

In addition, they must insure that the copper lines and seals can withstand the pressures of R410a. They may have to replace seals or re-braze connections.

And once that’s completed, they still have to painstakingly vacuum even last drop of moisture from the system. R410a breaks-down quickly if any trace of water is present.

In the end, most HVAC techs would not recommend spending the money to retrofit an old R22 system. Retrofitting a system, when done properly, can cost the homeowner as much, or more, than just buying a new unit that uses R410a. And in most cases, retrofitting an R22 system voids the warranty.

R22 Refrigerant Replacement - Professional HVAC Service

Replace

The most straightforward option is to buy a new R410a air conditioning system.

By installing a new air conditioning system with R-410A, you’ll enjoy some extra benefits:

You may qualify to take a deduction on your federal tax. In addition, many city governments offer tax credits toward property tax.

Since R410a is more efficient, you could save money on your monthly electric bill. Newer systems are also cheaper to maintain, adding even more savings.

If your system is older than 10 years, then you’ll likely benefit from just the efficiency improvements alone. Today’s technology requires far less electricity, and you’ll see the difference in your energy bill.

You can also feel better knowing your AC is environmentally friendly.

R22 Refrigerant Replacement – Not “If” But “When”

By December 31st of THIS YEAR, R22 refrigerant will no longer be available in the US. That leaves you with a decision to make:

Recharge, Retrofit or Replace.

You can cross your fingers and hope your old R22 system keeps working a little longer. But eventually, it will fail. When it does, you may not have time to shop around for the best replacement deal. That means you could end up spending more money than you have just to keep cool.

You can upgrade your current system to 410a. But that can be even more expensive and time-consuming than merely replacing it with system specifically designed to use 410a.

Replacing your old system means you can start enjoying the efficiency and energy savings of a modern air conditioning system today. Why wait?

Call NOW!

Jerrys Plumbing

Jerry's Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning

Call Us for All your Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning Needs

(240) 530-0458

Contact Us

How did you hear about us?

Consent

9 + 5 =

Address:
11822 Pika Drive
Waldorf, MD 20602

Phone:
(240) 530-0458

Business Hours:
24/7

What the World Would Be Like If Air Conditioning Repair Didn’t Exist

What the World Would Be Like If Air Conditioning Repair Didn’t Exist

What the World Would Be Like If Air Conditioning Repair Didn’t Exist

Hint: It’d Be HOT
Air Conditioning Components Most Likely to Break Down this Summer And Make You Hot, Tired and Cranky

Jerry’s Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning
12 July 2018

Summer’s here and that means getting ready for a lot of things – cookouts, ball games, and hot weather. Record high temperatures mean using your air conditioning more than ever. If it’s not working, you may be calling someone for air conditioning repair faster than a toupee in a hurricane. But first you should know what the compressor is and what it does.

Air conditioning systems may seem complex – and they are! In this series, we’re going to talk about the five main components: the compressor, fan, condenser coil, evaporator coil, and the refrigerant. If you want to avoid AC failure, you need to know how these components interact and how to guarantee a functioning system.

In the fourth and final installment of the series, we’ll review the most important aspect of air conditioning repair: the compressor, the heart of your AC system. We’ll tell you about the two features you need to ask for when getting a new compressor.

 

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air conditioning repair - Hot, Tired and Cranky

Fix My Compressor – The Heart of Your AC System

The compressor resides in the middle of the cooling process between the condensing and evaporating coils. Ideally, it takes the evaporated refrigerant from the evaporator coil and “compresses” it so that it can more easily give up that heat in the condenser coil.

Modern AC compressors use what’s known as a “scroll” compressor. It works in a circular motion to compress the refrigerant instead of an up-and-down, or reciprocating piston used in older, less efficient systems. Scroll compressors tend to be more reliable and efficient than reciprocating types. They have fewer moving parts than reciprocating compressors. This results in a smoother and quieter operation.

air conditioning repair - Old AC Unit
This AC Unit is Ready to be Replaced
air conditioning repair - Payne AC Unit
Payne AC Unit
air conditioning repair - Carrier AC Unit
Carrier AC Unit

“Scroll compressors tend to be more reliable and efficient than reciprocating types”

Air Conditioning Repair – Two is Better Than One

Another feature to look for in AC compressors is two-stage operation. Single-stage compressors found in older cooling systems operate at only one speed. Two-stage compressors, as their implies, operate at two different speeds. This more closely matches the exact cooling needs of the home.

The two-stage compressor runs at a lower speed to remove excess humidity from the air when cooling demands are low. As the temperature rises, however, it can switch to its full capacity to keep you cool. Thus, two-stage systems operate more efficiently than single-stage systems, saving you money.

air conditioning repair - Carrier

Carrier

air conditioning repair - Payne

Payne

As in many devices, the component that has the most moving parts, is subjected to heat and is cycled on and off frequently, is the component that will very often fail first. In your AC system, that component is the compressor.

When you decide to begin air conditioning repair, have your compressor checked-out by a licensed professional to see if it’s working as well as it should. He’ll be able to guide you in the right direction for repair or replacement to keep you cool this summer.

 

We’ve discussed the compressor – the “heart” of your AC system – in this article. Here are two important features to look for when replacing your old, inefficient, money-wasting compressor:

  1. Make sure you select a unit that uses a “scroll” compressor – it’s quieter and saves money.
  2. Get a two-stage compressor – it’s more efficient.

Replacing your AC system very often costs over $10,000 – so be sure to choose the right pro, the right equipment and the right thermostat.

The licensed technicians at Jerry’s Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning are available to deliver quick and friendly service. Call Us Today!

Call NOW!

Jerrys Plumbing

Jerry's Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning

Call Us for All your Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning Needs

(240) 530-0458

Contact Us

How did you hear about us?

Consent

9 + 10 =

Address:
11822 Pika Drive
Waldorf, MD 20602

Phone:
(240) 530-0458

Business Hours:
24/7

Forgotten Heroes of Air Conditioning Service

Forgotten Heroes of Air Conditioning Service

Forgotten Heroes of Air Conditioning Service

Coils and Fans – They’re Important, too
Air Conditioning Components Most Likely to Break Down this Summer And Make You Hot, Tired and Cranky

Jerry’s Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning
9 July 2018

Staying cool in the summer heat means making sure every part of your AC system is working properly.  While some components seem more important, all parts need to work together to keep you cool. Your air conditioning service must include a review of the often overlooked parts that work in the background – until the fail.

Air conditioning systems may seem complex – and they are! In this series, we’re going to talk about the five main components: the compressor, fan, condenser coil, evaporator coil, and the refrigerant. If you want to avoid AC failure, you need to know how these components interact and how to guarantee a functioning system.

In part three of the series, we’re reviewing the fan, the condenser coil and the evaporation coil. These parts are simple and don’t cause problems – until they do.

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Air Conditioning Service - Oriental fan

Air Conditioning Service – Keep the Air Moving

Your AC system has a fan. No, not like that one. Like this one.

But both types of fans move air and moving air is vitally important to keeping you cool this summer.

Air Conditioning Service - Carrier fan

Yeah, that’s more like it!

The fan moves air through you air condition system. We probably don’t need to explain much about how a fan works. They’re pretty simple and usually last for the life of your system. Even if they do fail, replacement is pretty easy for a pro.

Air Conditioning Service for your fan is easy, really. Just keep leaves and other debris away from it. And there’s no need to cover the AC unit, ever – even in winter. If fact, covering the unit may attract rodents that will build nests under there. A cover can also cause mold and mildew to build-up.

The truth is, your AC unit is built to withstand both hot summers and harsh winters – right out of box! No cover needed.

“Covering the unit may attract rodents that will build nests under there. A cover can also cause mold and mildew to build-up”

Air Conditioning Service - Condenser Coil
Condenser Coil
Air Conditioning Service - Evaporator Coil
Evaporator Coil

All About Heat Exchange

The next two components are pretty simple as well. The condenser coil and evaporator coil are essentially long finned tubes that act as heat exchangers. The condenser coil sits outside while the evaporator coil is located inside your home.

When cooled liquid refrigerant flows through the evaporator coil, hot air from inside “evaporates” that refrigerant, turning it into a vapor. It’s just like when liquid sweat evaporates on your skin and makes you cooler. The heat from you home has now “transferred” to the evaporated refrigerant.

On the other end of the cooling cycle, the fan blows relatively cooler outside air across the condenser coil transferring heat from the compressed refrigerant to the outside air. Because heat is lost from the refrigerant, it “condenses” back into a liquid.

Air Conditioning Service - Carrier

Carrier

Air Conditioning Service - Payne

Payne

In this article, we’ve discussed the three parts of your AC system that often get overlooked – the fan , the condenser coil and the evaporator coil. They’re all pretty simple and usually don’t cause many problems. But looking over each of these components must be part of normal air conditioning service.

In the next and final article in this series, we’ll review the compressor, the heart of your AC system. And we’ll tell you about the two features you need to ask for when getting a new compressor.

The licensed technicians at Jerry’s Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning are available to deliver quick and friendly service. Call Us Today!

Call NOW!

Jerrys Plumbing

Jerry's Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning

Call Us for All your Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning Needs

(240) 530-0458

Contact Us

How did you hear about us?

Consent

15 + 5 =

Address:
11822 Pika Drive
Waldorf, MD 20602

Phone:
(240) 530-0458

Business Hours:
24/7

The Secret About Air Conditioner Maintenance

The Secret About Air Conditioner Maintenance

The Secret About Air Conditioner Maintenance

That’ll Keep You Up at Night
Air Conditioning Components Most Likely to Break Down this Summer And Make You Hot, Tired and Cranky

Jerry’s Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning
4 July 2018
When it gets hot, it’s vitally important to focus your air conditioner maintenance on the single most frequent cause of AC failure. Refrigerant – the life-blood of your system – is often the culprit when AC systems fail.
Air conditioning systems may seem complex – and they are! In this series, we’re going to talk about the five main components: the compressor, fan, condenser coil, evaporator coil, and the refrigerant. If you want to avoid AC failure, you need to know how these components interact and how to guarantee a functioning system.

In part two of the series, we discuss the refrigerant, what it does and what you need to know to stay safe and in line with environmental regulations. Knowing the important facts of what refrigerant does can help make sure you’ll be cool all summer long.

Watch the Video
Air Conditioner Maintenance - Girl in the snow

Air Conditioner Maintenance Step #1 – Check for Leaks

The most common reason an air conditioning system fails is that the refrigerant has leaked out. You may know that evaporation is a cooling process. Think about how your body cools itself when it’s hot outside. When you perspire, your sweat “evaporates” and cools you down.

In an air conditioning system, refrigerant replaces sweat in this example. Evaporating refrigerant cools the hot air in your home. Without refrigerant, there’s no evaporation. No evaporation means no cooling, leaving you hot – perhaps in more than one way.

“If your AC unit is more than seven years old, you should consider an upgrade to one that uses R-410A”
Avoid AC Failure - Condenser Coil
Avoid AC Failure - Evaporator Coil

R-410A Refrigerant

Recently, refrigerant R22 (also known as Freon), used in older AC units, has begun to be phased-out in favor of more environmentally friendly R-410A, sold under the trademarked names Suva 410A, Forane 410A, and Puron. If your AC unit is more than seven years old, you should consider an upgrade to one that uses R-410A. Find out why you should upgrade your AC refrigerant here.

R-410A absorbs and releases more heat than R-22 so your newer air conditioning compressor runs cooler, reducing the likelihood of overheating, burnout and failure. And because R-410A functions at a higher pressure than R-22, new compressors need to be built stronger so they’re more durable and therefore last longer.

Efficient & Environmentally Friendly

Compressors made for R-410A use synthetic lubrication. R-22 compressors use mineral oil.  Synthetic oil is more soluble, lasts longer and maintains its operating viscosity under load. All that adds up to a system that operates more efficiently, reducing wear and tear on the compressor.

In addition, R-410A offers greater efficiency, saves money in energy costs, and is much better for the environment.

4 Reasons to Select R-410A Refrigerant

In this article, we discussed the first step in your air conditioner maintenance schedule, the refrigerant. More specifically, R-410A refrigerant, why it performs much better than its predecessor, R22, and why you should consider upgrading your compressor to one that uses R-410A. Here’s a recap of R-410A’s features:

  1. R-410A compressors run cooler.
  2. R-410A compressors operate more efficiently.
  3. R-410A compressors are more durable and last longer.
  4. R-410A saves money, and is better for the environment.
In the next article in this series, we’ll discuss the fan, the evaporation coil and the condenser coil, the forgotten heroes of air conditioner maintenance.

The licensed technicians at Jerry’s Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning are available to deliver quick and friendly service. Call Us Today!

Call NOW!

Jerrys Plumbing

Jerry's Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning

Call Us for All your Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning Needs

(240) 530-0458

Contact Us

How did you hear about us?

Consent

2 + 7 =

Address:
11822 Pika Drive
Waldorf, MD 20602

Phone:
(240) 530-0458

Business Hours:
24/7

How to Avoid AC Failure

How to Avoid AC Failure

How to Avoid AC Failure

In 3 Easy Steps
Air Conditioning Components Most Likely to Break Down this Summer And Make You Hot, Tired and Cranky

Jerry’s Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning
28 June 2018

Summertime means high temperatures returning once again and if you want to avoid AC failure, it’s as easy as 1-2-3.

Air conditioning systems may seem complex – and they are! In this series, we’re going to talk about the five main components: the compressor, fan, condenser coil, evaporator coil, and the refrigerant. If you want to avoid AC failure, you need to know how these components interact and how to guarantee a functioning system.

In part one of the series, we discuss three things you should do to make sure your air conditioning system continues to run at its best. Make sure you have a trained pro look over your system. Make sure you only use top quality components. And make sure you use a modern thermostat to properly control everything.

Watch the Video
Avoid AC Failure - A Fine Line

Avoid AC Failure – Use a Pro

When it gets hot, everyone becomes an air conditioning expert. Beware of the guy who shows up at your door because he’s “working on your neighbor’s AC” and offers to “check out your system while he’s here?”

Have your current AC unit inspected by a licensed professional. They will be able to size-up your system quickly and tell you honestly whether your system is adequate or if it should be upgraded.

Before you let anyone into your house and especially before you hire anyone to work on your AC system, check out their credentials, experience and background. Ask them about the licenses required in your area. And check out online reviews.

Often there’s only a fine line between a real pro and someone that only appears to be professional. And that line can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing and haven’t properly prepared to walk on it.

” Before you hire anyone to work on your AC system, check out their credentials, experience and background. “

Avoid AC Failure - Old AC Unit
This AC Unit is Ready to be Replaced
Avoid AC Failure - Jerry Deason

Jerry Deason

Avoid AC Failure – Quality First

If you do need a system upgrade, be sure the new system is from a company known for quality. There are many “bargain” units out there that have a higher-than-average failure rate. Find out which units have the best ratings, choose one you like and have it installed.

Older units often show signs of diminished efficiency which may mean that it’s more economical to upgrade your system.

Here’s a list of signs that you might need a replacement cooling unit:

  • The cost of repairing your old unit is half of the cost of a new, more efficient one
  • Your old unit needs frequent repairs.
  • Humidity isn’t controlled properly, signaling operating issues
  • Your old system is out of warranty
  • Your old AC system is more than 10 years old
Look for a system with a SEER rating of 16 or higher, is built for durability and operates quietly (quieter than a common hair dryer).
Avoid AC Failure - Payne AC Unit
Payne AC Unit
Avoid AC Failure - Carrier AC Unit
Carrier AC Unit

Avoid AC Failure – Thermostat

Make sure your thermostat is the equal of your new AC Unit. Older thermostats don’t have the newest technology to help you save money when the AC is running.

New thermostats “learn” your cooling habits over time to save you money. Energy-saving features save an average of 15% on cooling bills.

Look for a thermostat that turns itself down when you leave, using your phone’s location to know when you’re away. And get one that can be controlled remotely from your phone, tablet or laptop so that you’re always in charge no matter where you are.

Avoid AC Failure - Hi-Tech Nest

Hi-Tech Nest

Avoid AC Failure - Nest at Home

Nest at Home

We’ve discussed the three steps you must consider to make sure you stay cool all summer long:

  1. Make sure you have a trained pro look over your system.
  2. Make sure you only use top quality components.
  3. Make sure you use a modern thermostat to properly control everything.

    In the next article in this series, we’ll discuss the life-blood of your AC system – the refrigerant. Recent changes have made even relatively new systems obsolete.

    The licensed technicians at Jerry’s Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning are available to deliver quick and friendly service. Call Us Today!

    Call NOW!

    Jerrys Plumbing

    Jerry's Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning

    Call Us for All your Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning Needs

    (240) 530-0458

    Contact Us

    How did you hear about us?

    Consent

    8 + 4 =

    Address:
    11822 Pika Drive
    Waldorf, MD 20602

    Phone:
    (240) 530-0458

    Business Hours:
    24/7

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