Picture Rocks Cooling Heating & Plumbing

Short Cycling AC: Why It Happens & What to Do

October 7th, 2024

Your air conditioner runs in cycles. When the thermostat gives the signal that your home has gotten too warm, the compressor kicks on and the refrigerant starts circulating, carrying the heat out of your house. Once it gets cool enough, the thermostat signals for the compressor to shut off again. The air conditioner then enters a resting state, waiting for the next signal to turn on.

These cycles should only happen a handful of times per hour. But what if your air conditioner is coming on and shutting off over and over, every few minutes? It’s called short cycling. It’s a sign that something is wrong with your air conditioner. It can also cause more problems to occur! Here’s what’s going on.

All About Ductless System Maintenance

September 23rd, 2024

All air conditioners require maintenance!

All heat pumps require maintenance!

This is true whether they are central systems which lead to ductwork or mini splits, also known as ductless systems. But these systems are not the same—and if you’re considering one for your home, here’s what you should know when choosing an AC system.

Do ductless systems have different maintenance needs from central air conditioners? What does ductless maintenance involve? Here’s the lowdown.

What maintenance does a ductless mini split need after installation?

After mini split installation, keep your ductless system efficient with these basics:

Clean the outdoor unit: Remove leaves, dust, and debris around the condenser.
Protect the compressor: Schedule professional cleaning, inspection, and testing yearly.
Service each indoor head: Clean components and verify electrical operation in every zone.
Check drainage: Flush and inspect each air handler’s drain to prevent leaks and mold.
Keep a routine: Service cooling in spring, heating in fall, and heat pumps twice yearly.

Amazing Advances in AC Efficiency

September 9th, 2024

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As you look around today, you see hybrid cars that get more than fifty miles per gallon of gasoline. There are electric school buses. Light bulbs now use a fraction of the energy of the incandescent bulbs of days gone by. Technology keeps improving, and it is helping us to cut our energy use and thus our bills. This is also true in HVAC technology.

Today, air conditioners are required to be more efficient than ever before. And this is possible because manufacturers can make them more efficient now! What amazing advances in AC efficiency have made it possible for air conditioners to use less energy while working better than ever? Check this out!

Iced-Up AC? We Can Help!

August 26th, 2024

Air conditioners should not be covered in ice! It’s a common misconception that ice on an air conditioner is nothing to worry about. After all, it’s supposed to be extremely cold, right? But air conditioners with ice on their coils are actually in pretty serious trouble. The ice is a sign that there’s already a problem—and beyond that, the ice itself is causing problems!

Don’t ignore an icy air conditioner. There are some steps you can take to try to resolve the issue on your own. If those don’t work, you’ll need AC repair to address the root of the problem.

What should you do about an iced-up air conditioner? Here’s a straightforward checklist for you to follow.

Could Your Kids Be Causing Your Plumbing Problems?

August 12th, 2024

Slow drains. Clogged drains. Frequent attempts to clear them with plungers and drain snakes. Kids complaining that the sink is blocked again. Does this sound like your house? If so, we’ve got some helpful pointers for you. Those kids could be causing the problems with your plumbing! Here’s how to get those drains cleared up and keep them that way.

Don’t Forget About Your AC Air Filter

July 15th, 2024

We’re in the thick of summer now! Your air conditioner is working hard and it will continue to for quite a bit longer before things start to cool down out there again. Have you had your maintenance done? Good. Affordable and efficient AC maintenance is essential for keeping your home cool and comfortable, especially during the hottest months. Are you remembering to change your AC air filter? Do you know how to do it, or how often it needs to be done? If you have any questions, we’ve got you covered. Our focus is on your comfort, and our streamlined process makes scheduling maintenance or installation easy and stress-free. There are various types of air conditioning systems available for installation, and our comprehensive heating cooling services ensure all your comfort needs are met year-round.

How often should you change your AC air filter for proper air conditioning maintenance?

Most homes should change the AC air filter about once a month during regular use. Replace it sooner if you have shedding pets, high dust, nearby construction, or allergies. A clean filter helps maintain airflow, prevent short cycling, and keep energy bills from rising.

A professional AC tune-up includes a thorough inspection of your cooling equipment. AC tune-up procedures typically include checking and replenishing refrigerant levels as needed, as well as checking electrical connections and components. Regular, energy-efficient maintenance can prevent many common system failures, save you money on monthly energy bills, and help you avoid the daunting costs of installing a new unit. Routine maintenance can prevent many common system failures in air conditioning systems. Scheduling regular maintenance is key to staying ahead of breakdowns and costly repairs, ensuring your home remains comfortable and cool all summer.

How to Get Ready for Your AC Installation Appointment

July 1st, 2024

What a great choice, getting a new air conditioner! The rest of the summer you’ll be living a life of luxury, reveling in the cool comfort of your home.

But wait! Before you can do that, you have to get that new air conditioner installed. Have you made the appointment? Good. But do you know what to expect?

Because getting a new air conditioner and having it installed isn’t an everyday occurrence, it can be reassuring to get some more info about what will be happening. Then you can take some steps to be extra-prepared, which will help your AC installation appointment to go as smoothly as possible.

Big News: One of Our Employees Has Backflow Certification

June 17th, 2024

Hello to all our family of customers (and future customers)! We’ve got some exciting news to share with our Picture Rocks family! Our very own Frank Lundin has just become backflow certified!

What does this mean for you? Well, Frank can now test residential and commercial backflow assembly units, ensuring that your water supply remains clean and safe. It’s a big deal, and we’re thrilled to be able to offer this important service to our community.

What’s That Smell? Your Air Conditioner Needs Repair

June 17th, 2024

Sometimes, an indication that your air conditioner needs repair will be obvious. For example, if it’s simply not turning on, or if it turns on but shuts off almost immediately, you’ll be overheated and desperate for a qualified technician to figure out what’s wrong. And if you hear a terrible grinding or clattering sound, you’ll be certain that something needs repair, even if you don’t know what.

One odd indicator of AC problems that’s often overlooked is odor. Your air conditioner should never make a noticeable smell. If you do smell something, it’s a sign of a problem. What’s wrong? Here are some clues.

AC Problems Your Pets Could Be Causing

June 3rd, 2024

Having pets can be great for your quality of life. If you have a dog, you’re likely to go for more walks and get more exercise and fresh air. And miraculously, the sound frequency at which cats purr can accelerate your body’s healing process! But not everything about having pets is exactly all fun and games, as anyone who’s ever wrestled a stressed pet to the vet or cleaned a litter box can tell you.

Your pets can cause a lot of mess and damage to your home. They don’t mean to cause harm! But if you’re not aware of the issues they can cause, the damage can get pretty bad before you realize it needs to be stopped. Did you know that pets can wreak havoc with your HVAC system? Here are a few AC problems your pets could be causing and how to prevent them.

Picture Rocks Cooling Heating & Plumbing Blog