Douglas Cooling & Heating Blog : Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category

Will New Refrigerant Laws Impact My Air Conditioning?

Monday, October 7th, 2024
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Change is on the horizon. HVAC manufacturers are always improving what technology is available with a particular eye to making systems more efficient. This decreases environmental impact and reduces the amount that you have to pay for the energy needed to cool and heat your home. And as the available technologies change, laws change, too.

There’s a law that will be going into effect at the start of 2025 which will have an impact on HVAC manufacturers and thus on anyone who owns or purchases an air conditioner. It’s a specific portion of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act. How will this new law affect your access to air conditioning? What should you do about it? Here are the facts. If you have more questions about your best options regarding the 2025 refrigerant mandate in Birmingham, AL, we’re happy to help you navigate these changes.

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Do You Have a Strange, Surprising Air Conditioner Problem?

Monday, July 1st, 2024
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When you work on air conditioners every day, like we do, you see a lot of the same issues over and over. Problems with airflow cause overheating in the blower fan motor. Refrigerant leaks make ice develop on the evaporator coils and force the compressor to start short cycling. None of this is surprising to us at all, even if it’s the first time a homeowner has experienced it.

But there are also air conditioner problems that don’t occur very often. Still, we’re prepared to handle them, because it’s what we do. Even the oddest AC issue is something we’re ready to tackle. How strange and surprising can an air conditioner problem get? Here are some weird ones. If they happen to you, don’t hesitate to reach out. We can help!

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Are You Ready for Your AC Installation Appointment?

Monday, June 3rd, 2024
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It’s an excellent plan to have your new air conditioner installed before the heat really hits! After all, the average daily high temperature in our area in July and August is 92 degrees. Now that you’ve chosen your new AC system and made an appointment to have it installed, you’re all set, right? Well, you might need a little more information.

Before the date of your appointment arrives, you’ll want to know exactly what to expect. What will the installers have to do? How long will the AC installation take? Is there anything you can do to make sure it goes well? We’ve got the answers.

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The Importance of AC Maintenance in Summer 2024

Monday, May 6th, 2024
Image from the National Weather Service

On this blog, we’ve talked in general about air conditioning maintenance a lot. We’ve explained some of the benefits you’ll enjoy when you schedule AC maintenance each year. And this basic information is very important. However, you might not understand just why it’s so critical to get your AC maintenance done. Benefits are great, but would lack of maintenance really be a disaster?

During this coming summer, having an air conditioner that’s not in tip-top condition really could lead to disaster. In 2024, it’s predicted that we will get weather that will truly challenge your AC system. Let’s go over this predicted weather pattern for 2024 and why it’s essential to schedule AC maintenance as soon as possible.

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Do This Before You First Turn On Your AC This Spring

Monday, April 22nd, 2024
Latin descent repairman works on a home's air conditioner unit outdoors. One foreground is using a digital tablet. Other man in backgroud is checking unit using the tools in his tool bag. They both wear uniforms. Repairmen, electricians, inspectors, service workers.

When the time comes to turn on your air conditioner for the first hot weather of the season, you want to know for sure that it will work, and work well. You also want it to work efficiently, so you won’t be surprised by a sky-high electric bill. And you’d like to avoid needing any AC repairs this summer, wouldn’t you?

We’ll tell you exactly what to do to make sure your summer is as cool and comfortable as possible, without alarming utility bills or air conditioner breakdowns. What’s the most important thing to do before you first turn on your AC this spring? Have maintenance done by a qualified professional! Here’s why.

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Are Ductless Mini Splits Good for Alabama?

Monday, September 11th, 2023
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These days, there are a lot of options for cooling your home. There are central air conditioners if you have ductwork, and if you don’t, you might have a window unit. There are even heat pumps to consider. But what if you’re tired of window units, and your home doesn’t have ductwork? Ductless AC systems, also called mini splits, are an option. But are they a good choice for our climate in Alabama? Yes! Here’s why.

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Don’t Wait! These AC Sounds Warrant Prompt Repairs

Monday, August 28th, 2023
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Air conditioners have limited avenues of communication. They can’t speak to you with words, and there’s no digital read-out that gives details of everything an air conditioner might be struggling with. Often, the first sign of an AC issue is a strange sound. Here’s what to listen for, so you can get it fixed before a small problem becomes a huge one.

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Is a Central AC or Heat Pump Better?

Monday, July 3rd, 2023
brand-new-heat-pump-indoor-and-outdoor-units

If it’s time to think about replacing your old air conditioner, it might be easy to just choose the same type you’ve had in the past, simply out of familiarity. But you should definitely take the time to consider your options.

You want to do what will work best for you, and the only way to know is to do a little research. One thing to consider is whether you want a central air conditioner or a heat pump. They both offer benefits, so it’s a matter of which meets your needs. Let’s look at some details.

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Energy-Efficient Options for Your Next AC Replacement

Monday, June 19th, 2023
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Perhaps you’ve heard that the requirements for air conditioners have changed, and that all newly manufactured air conditioners installed in the US must meet a higher standard for energy efficiency. But did you know that a lot has changed in how air conditioners are made? New AC models can achieve extraordinary efficiency, which could mean much-lower electric bills once you replace your system. Here’s how they do it.

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Understanding SEER2 and the Benefits of Upgrading Your HVAC System

Monday, May 15th, 2023
efficiency

If you’re in the market for a new HVAC system, you may have heard about SEER2. But what is it, and why should you care? In this post, we’ll explore what SEER2 is, the benefits of upgrading your HVAC system to SEER2, and the new standards being implemented this year.

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