Leonard Splaine Air Conditioning Systems In Northern Virginia
Having your home at the right temperature at any time of the year is not the easiest of tasks, but it’s something we all try to achieve. During the summer especially, your home can easily become unbearably warm and sometimes, opening windows and doors simply don’t provide enough relief or comfort. You want to make sure you stay cool throughout the day and sleep comfortably at night – and that starts with choosing the right air conditioning system.
Not so long ago, air conditioners weren’t even common in most homes as they are right now. They were often considered as luxury household addition in most of the American’s houses. But time has changed, the climate is getting hotter, and air conditioners have now become an integral part and a necessity for every family and office.
An air conditioner is more than just a cooling unit; it can offer you and your family relief in extreme conditions and safeguard you from the harsh environment. Additionally, it can work wonders when it comes to your home, health, and general wellbeing. With proper maintenance, it is capable of delivering even greater results.
But where do you start? Selecting the right air conditioning system can seem like a daunting task. In this piece, we are here to help you navigate through the complex decision making process and provide you with helpful information to help you select the right AC for you and your family.
What is air conditioning and the different types of air conditioners?
Air-conditioning is that process used to create and maintain certain temperature, relative humidity and air purity conditions in indoor spaces. This process is typically applied to maintain a level of personal comfort.
Types of air conditioners
There are many great types of air conditioners available, but choosing the right option comes down to whichever best suits your family’s needs, living space and budget. The most common residential cooling options include:
- Central AC Systems
- Ductless Units
- Portable Air Conditioner
- Heat Pump
We'll look at each type in turn, below.
Central Air Conditioners
A central air conditioning system is the most frequently used appliance to cool a home. It cools the air at a central location and circulate this cooled air throughout the home via ducts and fans. The key to making this process possible is the work of the air conditioner compressor, which compresses the refrigerant gas to release heat from the dwelling and produce the desired chill.
Our recommended pick for central air conditioner is the Lennox’s SL28XCV AC unit. This AC from the company’s Signature Collection is Energy Star-certified and has a SEER rating of 28. It comes with a 10-year limited warranty on covered components, including the compressor. You can power it via solar panels if desired.
How Does Central Air Conditioning Work?
- The entire process of cooling commences with the thermostat. Whether you lower the setting manually or the thermostat picks up the indoor temperature is higher than the set temperature, it will send a signal to the air conditioning unit to switch on.
- When the air conditioner begins the cooling process, an internal fan will draw in hot air from inside the house through the return vents. This air will then be passed through a filter to collect any harmful particles, dust, and allergens. The evaporator coils the air passes over contain a substance known as refrigerant, in a liquid form. As the hot air passes over the evaporator coils, the heat from the air changes the refrigerant liquid into a gas, helping to cool the air that passes over the coils.
- Once the refrigerant has been cooled off by the evaporator coil, the blower fan inside the home distributes it around the living areas. For this process to be repeated, the refrigerant needs to be changed back into a liquid state. This occurs in the outdoor unit.
- The gas refrigerant travels through copper tubing and enters the outdoor unit, where it passes over the condenser coils. Air from the outside is then drawn over these coils by a fan, allowing the heat energy in the refrigerant to be released into the external atmosphere.
- The heat being discharged causes the refrigerant to become liquid again, which is then sent back inside via the copper tubing. An expansion valve in the indoor unit regulates the amount of refrigerant entering the evaporator coils.
- Once in the outdoor unit, it’s turned back into a liquid. The refrigerant is transported back inside, and the process starts all over again.
Ductless Air Conditioners
A ductless mini-split system is an efficient unit intended for heating and cooling just a certain part of your home. This system does not require any ducts, so there is no need for enlarging your existing ducts. The setup for this type of system includes an outdoor unit combined with an internal wall-mounted one. The only adjustment necessary to your property is a small opening through your wall, just wide enough for a flexible tube that supplies air and power to the indoor unit, which is only a few inches in diameter.
How Does Ductless Air Conditioning Work?
- A compressed refrigerant in liquid form (low pressure) flows from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit via refrigeration lines.
- When liquid refrigerant arrives in the evaporator cooling coils (located in the indoor air handler), it expands and turns from liquid to gas. Thermodynamically, this is an endothermic process; this means that the coils are cooled in this process.
- Indoor air blower sucks in warm indoor air and pushes it over these cold coils. This cools the air and removes humidity as well (air moisture is condensed on these cold coils). This cool and dry air is expelled into our home; this is what we experience as the indoor air handler blowing cold air.
- Gaseous refrigerant (high pressure) now travels back to the outdoor unit via refrigerant lines connecting the two units. This is denoted as a pink line on this sketch (cold vapor):
- In the outdoor unit, the refrigerant is compressed (by the mini split compressor) and turned back into liquid. This is an exothermic process; it generates a lot of heat. That’s why outdoor units can be so hot. The job of the compressor is basically to squeeze all the gathered heat from this refrigerant.
- Once the refrigerant is again in cool liquid form, it travels back into the indoor unit via refrigerant lines.
- We are again at the beginning of the mini split refrigeration cycling. This cycle repeats itself over and over again unit we get to the set indoor temperature.
Heat Pump
A heat pump provides an efficient way to heat and cool your home throughout the year, as it is able to reverse its direction and transfer heat in either direction. During the summer, it functions as an air conditioner, while during the colder months, it extracts heat from the outside air and brings it inside the home. Your furnace will kick in only when the temperature outside is too cold for the heat pump to work properly. Heat pumps, which were traditionally used in milder climates, are now being utilized in colder climates thanks to the latest advancements in heat pump technology.
Our best pick is the EL22XPV Heat Pump, which comes with a 10-Year Limited Warranty on compressors and a 5-Year Limited Warranty on covered components.
How Does Ductless Air Conditioning Work?
- The principle behind heat pumps is based on the unique power of refrigerants, which have low boiling points and can easily be manipulated.
- A refrigerant is a liquid that can transition from a liquid to a vapor and back to a liquid again, while also absorbing and releasing heat.
- Heat pumps make use of this process by forcing refrigerants to move heat between two units - the indoor and outdoor condensing units - within a closed system.
- In cooling mode during the summer, warm air from the home is drawn in by a fan and passed over the evaporator coils, transferring heat to the refrigerant. This refrigerant then travels outside and releases the heat, before returning and repeating the process until the desired temperature is achieved.
- During heating mode, the opposite occurs, with the refrigerant drawing heat from the ambient air outside and bringing it into the home.
Portable Air Conditioners
A portable, or 'windowless', air conditioner can be moved from one room to another, but it usually needs to be vented in order to get rid of the hot air and moisture produced.
Such mobile air conditioning units are generally installed on the floor and the hot air is typically released through a window vent kit provided with the unit. These portable AC units are also generally noisier than other types of ACs as the evaporator fan runs constantly in order to evaporate the condensed moisture inside the unit.
Additionally, these portable ACs are not the most visually pleasing cooling option, as the unit itself will take up some floor space and may interfere with the look and function of a window.
Looking for a New Air Conditioner or Need AC Service?
Are you interested in air conditioners and how they can make your home or office environment more comfortable during the hot summer months? Do you need your Air Conditioner repaired or serviced? Then give our team of experts at Leonard Splaine a call today. We will find the best solution for your needs!
Benefits of Air Conditioning
It is no secret that individuals are more efficient when working in an air-conditioned facility. However, the advantages of a complete home air conditioning system go far beyond providing comfort. In fact, many activities that occur in the summer season would not be feasible without air conditioning.
Air conditioning is important in both the workplace and the home environment. Here are the benefits of having an air conditioning system:
Reduce High Humidity
Air conditioning is key to reducing the humidity in your home, which not only creates a drier atmosphere, but also helps to keep you healthy. High humidity can contribute to dust mites, mold growth, heatstroke, and dehydration, so maintaining lower humidity levels is vital.
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Reduce Asthma and Allergies
Air conditioners can help to purify and disinfect the air we breathe, which can help lower the risk of asthma episodes and allergies caused by pollen and dust, as well as inhibit the spread of mold. Since we keep our windows closed when using air conditioners, it prevents the entry of environmental allergens, bacteria, and dirt. It is vital to change your air filters regularly. Failing to do so can lead to dirt being circulated back into your house by your air conditioner. Generally, air filters should be changed every thirty to sixty days.
Cleaning your air filter also helps keep your air conditioner running smoothly. A dirty filter can cause the AC to freeze up or blow out hot air.
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Better Air Quality
Having air conditioning set up in your home can be a great way to help ensure the air you're breathing is clean and healthy. The appliance can filter out dust, pollen, bacteria and other allergens, making it easier to avoid suffering from coughs, colds, headaches and fatigue. In addition, the reduction in humidity through the use of an air conditioner can help to prevent the growth of mildew and mold. So, installing an air conditioner can be a great way to keep your indoor air quality safe and your health free from risk.
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Improves Concentration and Mental Wellbeing
If you have an exam coming up soon or need to put together a crucial presentation for a meeting at work, it can be hard to stay focused when it is hot outside. An air conditioner helps to keep the temperature cool, so that regardless of the amount of stress, your mind can remain concentrated rather than becoming overwhelmed by the heat.
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Enhances Home Security
Air conditioners provide a sense of added security. By keeping windows and doors closed, you're not only cooling your living space, but also preventing potential intruders from entering your home. This can be especially beneficial for those who don't have additional security measures in place. Shutting out all means of entry can be a great way to ensure safety and peace of mind.
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Fewer Insects and Parasites
People are desperately searching for different ways, instruments, and potions to put an end to mosquito bites, infestations, and houseflies. Surprisingly, few people know that your air conditioning can help minimize the presence of insects and parasites. These pesky creatures are not only bothersome to cope with, but they can also spread diseases.
A few ways air conditioners stop insects and parasites are by:
- Cooling your house to create a cool atmosphere for insects, who desire a warm climate.
- Cooling your body temperature make you less desirable for mosquitos, who enjoy warm body temperatures.
- Creating a dry atmosphere for insects, who desire damp atmospheres.
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Protects Your Furniture and Personal Belongings
When the heat is high, humidity follows suit. This humidity can be hard on our hair and skin, but it's even worse for furniture, belongings, and appliances. Particularly leather items that absorb moisture and become prone to rotting, molding, and spoiling clothes and jackets.
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Prevents Your Devices from Overheating
The intense heat can not only adversely affect your body and mind, but it can also take a toll on your electrical appliances. Items like mobile phones, microwaves, and toasters are particularly vulnerable to overheating. To ensure your health and the condition of your devices remain in good shape, opting for air conditioning services can be an effective solution.
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Better Quality of Sleep
Getting quality sleep when the weather is scorching is definitely not a breeze. Despite pushing yourself to the brink of exhaustion and managing to doze off, you will still awaken covered in perspiration. Moreover, the heat of your body will lead to an unacceptable sleep quality.
Air conditioning units offer a golden answer to this predicament. With a more chill atmosphere inside your home, you will sleep better and more likely wake up in a cheerful mood.
How Often Should You Get Your Air Conditioner Checked?
Ted at Leonard Splaine Explains...
How Often Should You Get Your Air Conditioner Checked?
What Causes Your Air Conditioner to Stop Working?
If your air conditioning unit has stopped functioning, there could be a multitude of potential causes. Most likely, it is either your thermostat, air filter, condenser or compressor that is at fault, though it could also be that it is time to replace the unit (especially if it is over ten years old).
Leonard Splaine is the company to call if you require a repair or replacement - We will make all possible efforts to get your air conditioner functioning again and, if we are not able to do so, will assist you in selecting a suitable replacement unit to fit your home and budget.
Here are some of the possible reasons why your air conditioner may not be operating properly:
Low Refrigerant
If not monitored and addressed, insufficient refrigerant levels can eventually cause the evaporator coils to freeze, resulting in a range of potential problems.
Signs your AC Unit is likely too low on refrigerant:
- Your electric bill rapidly increases
- Ice appears on refrigerant lines
- Water leaks around the heater
- Your home won’t cool
- Your vents blow warm air
- The programmed temperature is never reached
- You hear hissing or bubbling noises in the AC unit
Frozen Evaporator Coils
Insufficient air circulation over a prolonged period of time can lead to condensation forming on the evaporator coils and ultimately freezing, resulting in a cycle of more and more ice accumulating until the coils are completely encased.
Fortunately, it is possible to prevent frozen evaporator coils by taking proactive steps, such as:
- Checking refrigerant levels
- Changing your air filters
- Keeping supply vents open
- Increasing fan speed
- Checking for thermostat failure
- Inspecting the condensate drain
- Making sure window units are angled correctly
Dirty Condenser Coils
When dirt and dust build up on condenser coils, the heat transfer is hindered, resulting in the evaporator coils becoming frozen. This decrease in heat released to the outside air will cause the cooling system to be less effective. As it can be difficult to fix sealed evaporator coils, we strongly advise you to contact us to have one of our experienced HVAC technicians take a look at it.
Fan Problems
If the evaporator coils become frozen, the blower fan could potentially become overheated from having to push air through the frozen coils.An AC unit’s fan motor can also malfunction. Give us a call if:
- The AC fans won’t start or stop
- The blades rotate slowly
- You notice loud rattling, humming, or buzzing noises
- Your AC turns off erratically
Leaking Ducts
At Leonard Splaine, we employ the latest, top-of-the-line tools to repair leaky ducts. If you're having issues with inconsistent air flow from your heating or cooling system, higher-than-normal energy bills, or stuffy air in your home, give us a call. We are able to access attics and crawlspaces to investigate any holes, insufficient insulation, or warped segments in your ductwork.
Pools of Water Forming Around AC Unit
When condensation builds up around an air conditioner, it could be an indicator of a more serious issue. Possible causes for the accumulation of water include a damaged condensation pump or a plugged drain hole. If the moisture is unable to leave the unit as designed, it could result in overflows and leaks. This can cause mold and mildew buildup as well as obstructions in the AC system.
Thermostat Problems
A malfunctioning thermostat can lead to a variety of issues. If stuck in the 'on' position, it can cause your HVAC system to overwork by constantly sending coolant through the radiator. Additionally, it may not respond to your settings, short-cycle on and off, display incorrect temperature readings, or cease to function. If your thermostat is outdated, our specialists can help you upgrade to a smarter, more reliable model and even guide you through the installation process!
Clogged Drains
When a drainage pipe becomes blocked, water and condensation will accumulate in the waterline and drip pan, raising the humidity levels within your home. Excessive moisture can create muggy conditions and provide a breeding ground for mold. Additionally, stagnant water near an AC unit can lead to corrosion and rust.
Our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
We're so confident you'll find us to be a company you can rely on for all your heating and air conditioning needs that we guarantee your complete satisfaction! Contact us today and experience the difference for yourself.
Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs to Be Repaired
If you notice any of the following symptoms related to your air conditioning system, turn it off to prevent any further damage to the unit and contact us to book a service call:
- Your AC is blowing warm/hot air
- Your AC is not simply producing air from the vents
- Your AC is abnormally noisy
- Your AC smells musty
- Your electricity bill skyrocketed
Let's take a look at what each of symptoms is and why it could be occurring in turn:
Warm Air
If you're experiencing warm or hot air coming from your air conditioner, it is likely due to either low refrigerant levels or an issue with the compressor unit. It may also be caused by a disconnected or broken return duct, which is bringing in hot air from the attic or crawl space.
Insufficient Airflow
When the motor of a fan fails, the belt loosens, or the blades become blocked with dirt and debris, the blower may not be able to blow air correctly. This will lead to a lack of airflow and an inability to cool down the house. Fortunately, Leonard Splaine Air Conditioning is well-versed in diagnosing inadequate airflow and supplying swift solutions!
Frequent Cycles
Short-cycling is a frequent and detrimental malfunction of air conditioners, where the system turns on and off rapidly and prematurely. This may be a sign of further issues, for example:
- Low refrigerant due to leaks
- A leaky ventilation system
- Defective thermostat readings
- Clogged air filters
- An oversized or undersized air conditioner
High Humidity
High levels of humidity can lead to the growth of mold, mildew, and even respiratory illnesses. Additionally, humid air can be sticky and uncomfortable. To help your air conditioner reduce indoor humidity levels, it is recommended to get professional assistance.
Water Leaks
The most common cause of indoor air conditioner leaks is a blockage in the condensate drain line. This obstruction can prevent the flow of water, leading to a build-up of water behind the blockage, resulting in leaks. This can have serious consequences, such as property damage, mold growth, musty odors and high levels of humidity indoors.
Bad Smell
Inadequate air conditioning can lead to stale, musty air in a space. The cause of this smell is often sitting water that may collect in the AC drain pan, ducts, or drip lines, creating the perfect environment for fungus and mildew to grow.
Unusual Noises
The loud buzzing sound is an unmistakable indicator that something is wrong with your air conditioner. It could be caused by a loose component, a technical issue with the compressor, defective or missing isolation feet, or a refrigerant leak. Our team can quickly inspect and identify the problem.
Higher Energy Bill
If you are seeing a sudden or unexpected rise in your electricity bill, it could be an indicator of an inefficient Air Conditioner. Old AC units can start to wear out and cause inefficiency, as well as unclean filters, air duct leaks, broken motors, faulty capacitors, and low refrigerant. Leonard Splaine Air Conditioning can carry out regular maintenance to evaluate all components and make sure your AC is running effectively, which will ultimately help to lower the cost of your utility bills.
Should I Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner?
Due to increasing repair costs, EnergyStar advises that any air conditioning system older than 10-years should be replaced. Simple repairs, such as a worn fan belt or a clogged condenser, may be possible but replacing the unit is generally more cost-effective. Furthermore, finding compatible mechanical parts can be difficult or even impossible as the unit ages, making future repairs even more difficult and expensive.
How Much Does an Air Conditioner Repair Cost?
Multiple factors determine the cost of air conditioner repairs, including:
- The type of repair
- Whether or not there’s a warranty
- The condition of your AC unit
- The difficulty of the repair
- The parts needed to perform the repair
- The labor involved
Following a thorough inspection and assessment, we will provide you with a clear and transparent price estimation. You can be certain that no extra fees will be added at any time.
We understand that financial constraints can make getting the HVAC help you need a challenge. We offer a variety of financing options, credit lines, and payment plans that can accommodate your budget.
Leonard Splaine is Ready to Quickly Resolve Your AC Repair & Maintenance Issues!
At Leonard Splaine, we understand that having a broken air conditioning system can be a hassle. Nevertheless, we make the process of restoring your home to a pleasant, cool temperature as stress-free as possible.
Contact us to get in touch with our NATE Certified, licensed, and insured HVAC specialists. We can visit your home or business and inspect your system so that any problem areas can be identified. Our pricing and rates are fair and made with integrity. We have the experience to make repairs and get the cold air flowing again. Contact us today!
We Are the Expert Solution to All Your HVAC & Home Comfort Needs
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