Landry Mechanical Inc Plumbing HVAC & Electric Blog: Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category

Upgrade Time: When to Replace Your Old AC

Monday, March 18th, 2024

Deciding when to replace your air conditioner isn’t always straightforward. It’s about keeping your home comfortable, knowing the right time to say goodbye to your old unit, and saying hello to a new, efficient model. Since 2008, Landry Mechanical has been helping families like yours navigate these decisions with ease. Let’s explore what you need to know about AC replacement, and rest assured, we are here for your air conditioning service needs in Middlesex, MA.

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A Guide to Professional AC Motor Replacement

Saturday, September 3rd, 2022

If you are like most homeowners, you probably give little thought to the parts that keep your AC running until something goes wrong. Whether you’re dealing with weak airflow, no airflow, or an AC that isn’t turning on at all, the problem could be caused by an issue with an AC motor. In fact, your air conditioner has several motors that must all be working to ensure proper functioning.

Although some motor issues are easier to fix than others, finding the source of the problem and getting it repaired requires extensive HVAC knowledge and training and is not a task for a DIYer. At Landry Mechanical Inc Plumbing HVAC & Electric in Sutton, MA we are available to repair and replace AC motors. The following covers the different types of AC motors, what motor replacement and repair entail, and why you should always leave the task up to the pros.

Condenser Motor

Regardless of which motor appears to be the offender, a professional will always follow a specific diagnostic process to determine the problem. Performing an electrical diagnosis can help a technician find the cause of the issue and decide whether a repair or replacement is necessary. For suspected condenser motor issues, we will electrically test both the capacitors and the motor.

Your condenser motor sits outside year-round, so it is exposed to the elements and can get very hot. Often, a capacitor that has overheated and failed is the cause of condenser motor issues. If the condenser motor and capacitor need to be replaced, our technician will take note of several things, including the motor’s:

  • RPM
  • Mount
  • Voltage and horsepower
  • Shaft size
  • Motor diameter
  • Proper fan rotation direction

It’s important that the replacement motor matches these specifications or the AC will not function properly and other issues could occur. To replace the motor, the technician will first shut down all electricity to the AC for safety. Then, they can remove wiring, supporting bolts and screws, and fan blades, taking note of the placement of all components so that they can be properly connected to the replacement motor. Once the motor is removed, its replacement can be installed by simply reversing the removal process. After installing the new motor, the technician will restore power and check to ensure that the AC is operating correctly.

Blower Motor

The blower motor is another crucial AC component that must be operating correctly for the AC unit to function. During the diagnostics phase, the technician will check for issues that commonly lead to blower motor failures. One of the main causes is overheating due to clogged motor vent holes. A capacitor failure can also cause the fan to turn backward and eventually fail.

Regardless of the issue, the motor replacement process is largely the same and typically involves capacitor replacement as well. As with all replacement jobs, the first step is to shut off power to the AC. Then, the technician will discharge the capacitor and sketch a diagram or take a picture of wiring connections and placement before disconnecting the motor wires. To remove the motor, the technician will remove the nuts connecting the blower motor to the fan guard grille and then loosen the set screw securing the fan blade to the condenser motor. At this point, the blower motor can be removed and replaced by reversing the steps above. Once in place, the system will be tested for proper operation.

ECM Motor

ECM motors run blowers in higher-end air conditioning units with variable-speed motors. Because they are located in the same place as a traditional blower motor, physical replacement typically involves the same steps listed in the previous section. However, ECM motors have a computer that controls the fan speed, and the computer requires proper programming. At times, HVAC companies must send out to a supply house to have a new ECM motor programmed, but some can be programmed by a smartphone with a corresponding app. Due to the technical aspects of proper ECM programming and the cost of these motors, specialized training is needed to work on them, so more experience HVAC techs typically perform these replacements.

Compressor Motor

The compressor motor, which is actually two motors in one, is the most difficult of all the AC motors to diagnose and replace. First, it’s in a sealed housing, so it isn’t possible to simply determine visually if it is operating. There are three terminals sticking out of the motor that the technician will check using a voltmeter to ensure that each one is within the proper range and sending a charge to the ground. If there isn’t any power, it could mean that the motor has failed. However, compressor motors have an internal safety switch that cuts off power to the motor if it overheats, so it’s important that the technician checks to see if the switch has been activated before moving on with a replacement.

Replacement involves removing the refrigerant from the system, cutting refrigerant lines, disconnecting electrical connectors, and unbolting the motor from the unit. Because the process is somewhat complicated and compressor motors are quite expensive, the technician may recommend having the entire AC unit replaced instead of just the compressor motor, especially if the AC is 10 years old or older.

Why Leave AC Motor Replacement to the Professionals

While you may be tempted to watch a few YouTube videos and read some guides online and then replace an AC motor yourself, this is never a good idea. First of all, DIY replacements put your safety at risk. In addition to significant amounts of electricity, AC units use refrigerants that can cause severe respiratory issues if inhaled. Saving a few bucks is not worth risking injury or even death.

Without the proper knowledge and training, it’s also highly likely that you will cause more damage. This means that you’ll end up having to pay for professional repairs anyway, and they’ll likely be much more expensive than they would have been if you had called a pro in the first place. Reaching out to a professional for motor replacement also ensures that your system gets the proper diagnosis and that the root cause of the issue is addressed. Often, a professional will find other minor issues that can be fixed before they turn into costly repairs.

Air Conditioning Repair in Worchester County and the MetroWest Area

At Landry Mechanical Inc Plumbing HVAC & Electric in Sutton, we are your local experts for air conditioning repair in Worchester County and the MetroWest area. We provide heating and air conditioning installation, repair, and maintenance. We also provide a full range of heating, plumbing, and electrical services. We have been serving our local community since 2008, and we’re proud to have a reputation for exceeding our customers’ expectations. The Better Business Bureau has accredited us and given us their highest rating due to our top-notch services. We offer installation financing on approved credit, and we also work with you to help you get rebates, especially ones offered here in Massachusetts.

Call Landry Mechanical Inc Plumbing HVAC & Electric in Sutton for all of your air conditioning repair needs.

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7 Reasons to Service Your AC Unit More Often

Thursday, August 18th, 2022

Even the best air conditioning units need maintenance from time to time. Lack of maintenance will make your AC struggle to function, leading to durability and energy efficiency problems. Cooling experts recommend servicing your home’s air conditioner at least once a year during spring. This way, you’ll ensure the unit is clean, all its parts are in great shape, and it’s operating optimally. During the fall season, your HVAC technician will mainly focus on your furnace or heater to ensure it’s ready for the cold season. Therefore, you should schedule AC maintenance when the weather warms up in the spring. During maintenance calls, your HVAC contractor will service your air conditioner, so it’s as ready as possible for the summer heat and humidity.

If your air conditioning unit gets serviced regularly, it’ll operate optimally and keep your living space comfortable. Even if the unit works properly, getting the service done annually is important. Your AC accumulates dirt and dust, which impacts its efficiency. During maintenance, the HVAC technicians will inspect, clean, and service all your air conditioning system parts. Here are reasons why servicing your air conditioner is important.

1. Better Energy Efficiency

Servicing your air conditioner will ensure it runs more efficiently. Dirty condenser coils, clogged air filters, and other problems will force your AC unit to work harder to cool your living space. As a result, the unit will use more energy during the process. Having an inefficient air conditioner will only increase your monthly electricity bills. According to statistics, your air conditioner can lose up to 5% of its efficiency yearly if you skip regular maintenance or fail to service it properly. Scheduling routine maintenance will boost AC efficiency, so your unit will consume less energy and perform better. Besides, it’ll also warm or cool your space much quicker.

2. Identify AC Problems in Time

You need to know that it’s not easy to identify air conditioner problems by looking at the system. During maintenance calls, your AC contractor will open up your system and perform a comprehensive inspection. This way, they’ll easily identify any internal issues before they worsen and cause more major and expensive AC repairs. Better still, by performing maintenance on the AC, there will be little to no room for problems to occur.

3. Improved Air Quality

AC air filters accumulate dirt, dust particles, and other air pollutants over time. Humidity issues can also encourage mold growth inside your AC unit, leading to the circulation of contaminated air in your living space. Poor air quality and allergens can lead to health problems, especially if some of your family members are asthmatic or suffer from allergic reactions. A well-maintained air conditioner will keep your house more comfortable and safer by maximizing cooling and controlling humidity. Get your unit serviced annually to eliminate impurities in your indoor air. This way, you’ll ensure your family breathes fresh air free of bacteria and other pollutants.

4. Enhanced Performance

There’s no point in investing in the best AC unit on the market if it’ll not run at maximum capacity. But regardless of the type of AC you have, it needs regular servicing. Performance and efficiency go hand in hand with minimizing your energy expenditure. The fewer problems your system has, the better it’ll work. Investing in a maintenance plan will enable your AC technician to identify and resolve minor problems, enabling your system to run at its full capacity. This way, you’ll increase system efficiency and lower energy expenses while cooling your home effectively.

5. Longer Lifespan

Like any other home appliance, regular maintenance will extend the service life of your air conditioner. The average lifespan of a good home AC unit is between 10 and 15 years. However, you must schedule regular maintenance to get the unit checked, cleaned, and serviced to get the most out of your system. Remember that one malfunctioning or faulty part in your AC can lead to stress on the other components. A qualified HVAC technician will help check your air conditioner, replace the damaged parts, make the necessary repairs, and lubricate the unit. This way, you’ll ensure the AC is running in good condition, extending its service life.

6. Saves the Environment

Air conditioner problems such as refrigerant leaks can create greenhouse gases or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HFCs), which destroy the ozone layer. These gases are extremely dangerous to the environment and contribute significantly to global warming. HVAC technicians can help recycle such gases from your machine. However, in most cases, some people are unaware that their air conditioners are leaking refrigerant if they don’t have air conditioner maintenance plans. Such leakage problems rarely happen when your air conditioning unit is timely and properly serviced. Besides, maintaining your AC system more often will minimize your carbon footprint.

7. Saves You Money and Time

While you may think cleaning and servicing your air conditioner is costly, you don’t know how costly it can get if you don’t identify and solve problems in time. Minor damages can become big problems if you fail to service your AC and replace or repair components soon enough. These issues will cost you a lot of money in the future. Therefore, invest in a good AC maintenance plan if you want to save money. Remember that preventive AC maintenance minimizes the need for unit repairs in the long run. It can help you avoid permanent AC damage that would cost you more since you’ll replace the entire unit.

Additionally, AC manufacturers and technicians require you to enroll in an AC maintenance program to keep your warranty valid. Therefore, you must schedule maintenance yearly to have your unit checked and well-maintained. Failure to comply will only void your warranty, which means more costs if your air conditioner fails or experiences performance issues due to a manufacturing flaw.

Lastly, an air conditioner consumes more power than other mechanical appliances in a home. When not serviced, air conditioning units can draw more power, increasing utility bills. Scheduling regular maintenance will go a long way in reducing your unit’s energy consumption. According to statistics, you can save up to 25% on monthly energy costs with an efficiently serviced unit.

Partner With the Cooling Experts Today!

Make sure you get your air conditioner serviced at least once a year. Servicing your AC can help you avoid operational problems and premature breakdowns. However, the frequency at which your cooling system is maintained will depend on many factors, including its age, model, environment, and how often you use the unit. A properly serviced unit will enhance your air quality, increase efficiency, improve AC performance, and save money and time. Contact our cooling experts at Landry Mechanical Inc Plumbing HVAC & Electric if you are looking for an AC maintenance plan that will keep your unit in good working condition while keeping your living space comfortable. These professionals have the training, expertise, tools, and industry experience to conduct a comprehensive inspection and service your AC to ensure it runs optimally and efficiently.

We are also known for exceptional heating, electrical, ductless, and plumbing services throughout Worcester, MA, and the surrounding areas. Contact Landry Mechanical Inc Plumbing HVAC & Electric today to learn more about how often you need to service your AC or schedule your appointment.

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Five Reasons Why Air Conditioners Squeak and What to Do About Them

Monday, August 8th, 2022

The air conditioner in your Sutton, Massachusetts home should never be so noisy that it becomes disruptive. A well-designed and well-maintained AC unit really shouldn’t produce more than a gentle humming sound. Thus, if your cooling equipment starts to squeak and squeal when you turn it on, it’s important to identify the source of the problem. Following are five reasons why air conditioners squeak along with strategies for troubleshooting them.

1. Acclimating to the Summer Season

Although air conditioners in some areas are subjected to year-round demand, residents of Worcester County typically use their cooling systems from late spring to early autumn and then turn them off. This means that this equipment lies dormant for months at a time. As a result, it’s not uncommon for air conditioners to make a few surprising noises when they’re first turned on.

When they’re both moderate and short-lived, squeaking noises aren’t a cause for major concern. They’re an indication that your cooling equipment is waking up and getting into gear. After just 10 to 15 minutes of air conditioner use, these sounds should disappear on their own. However, if they last much longer or if they increase in volume and intensity, turn your air conditioner off and call a licensed HVAC technician in. Loud squeals are an indication of distress and they may mean that your air conditioner has a serious and potentially progressive problem.

2. The Fan Belt Has Slipped

In some AC units, the motor and fan are connected by a belt. This belt is subjected to constant friction during AC operation and thus, it has a tendency to wear down faster than other components. This is especially true in times of high humidity. As temperature and humidity levels rise and fall, fan belts naturally expand and contract. Excess humidity and heat can cause an already well-worn fan belt to slip or snap.

You may have an issue with a slipped or worn fan belt on your hands if you have an older air conditioner or a low-cost, newer model. However, before tampering with this component, be mindful of your manufacturer’s warranty. Although there are a few minor maintenance-related issues that homeowners can handle on their own, attempting to repair or replace moving components can instantly void your warranty agreement.

When scheduling a service to have a worn belt replaced, take some time to consider the age of your air conditioner and the length of its remaining lifespan. Although your air conditioner might be rated to last as long as 20 years, its fan belt will likely wear out long before this time. For most models, this happens after the 10-year mark when much of a unit’s efficiency has already been lost and other areas of performance have already started to decline. If your energy bills are rising and your air conditioner isn’t quite able to cool your home like it used to, it may be more cost-effective in the long run to replace the entire unit instead. This is all the more true if you’ve already paid for other parts replacements or repairs within recent months or years, or if you’ve fan belt has already been replaced before.

3. The Condenser Fan Needs New Bearings

If you’ve got a newer air conditioner that doesn’t have a belt connecting its fan to its motor, the condenser fan is connected with bearings instead. Just like fan belts, these components can get worn out over time. As their integrity is lost, worn bearings will make increasingly loud noises whenever the air conditioner is on. Unlike the mild squeaking sounds that your air conditioner might produce during its first cooling cycle of the summer season, the sounds of worn bearings are virtually impossible to ignore. They can be heard both inside and outside of the home.

It’s important to note that an air conditioner with worn bearings or a slipped fan belt may continue cooling the home at an acceptable rate despite the noise it’s producing. However, continuing to use your cooling equipment in spite of squealing sounds is always a bad idea. Worn bearings that aren’t dealt with right away will eventually damage the air conditioner motor. It’s far cheaper to fix this problem than it is to ignore it.

4. Pest Problems

Sometimes squeaking noises from AC units has a far more distressing cause. If these noises are intermittent and occur whether or not your air conditioner is on, it may be that rodents or other small-sized animals have found their way into your HVAC system. Whenever pests have a way into central HVAC systems, they take advantage of it. For small animals, these spaces offer shelter, warmth, and protection. As with all other possible causes of strange air conditioner noises, it’s best to leave this issue in the hands of trained professionals.

The likelihood of pest problems being the source of your air conditioner’s squeaking is high if you’ve already been dealing with infestations of rodents or other small animals on your property. You can call either a pest control service or a licensed HVAC technician. Although pest control companies can remove small animals from HVAC ducting and other areas of these systems, only an HVAC company can make sure that all possible points of ingress are sealed off so that the problem doesn’t recur.

5. You Need HVAC Duct Repair or Cleaning Services

Most problems with squeaky air conditioners are the result of worn bearings or fan belts. These are the most common causes of high-pitched squeaking sounds and they’re usually age-related. However, there are rare instances in which squeaky ducts can be attributed to excess stress within the cooling system or insufficient HVAC maintenance. Pest problems aren’t the only source of squeaking noises at the interior of HVAC ductwork. If you haven’t had your ducting inspected or cleaned in a while, it may be time to have this portion of your home heating and cooling system professionally assessed and maintained.

With air conditioning and heating equipment, different sounds typically indicate specific problems. To the trained ear, squeaks and squeals are a sign that things have gone awry at the fan motor. Banging and clanging noises are commonly associated with damaged ductwork or loose components that are rattling around within the AC condenser. Although you might define the noises that you’re hearing as squeaks, a licensed HVAC technician may describe them differently. As such, having an HVAC company check the problem out is always far better than trying to both diagnose and repair it yourself.

Scheduling annual AC maintenance is one of the easiest ways to catch and correct problems like these before they wind up causing serious damage. During your air conditioner’s yearly inspection and tune-up service, your technician can swap out worn components, make sure that the fan belt is in position, and determine whether or not the service life of your cooling unit is at its end.

Landry Mechanical Inc Plumbing HVAC & Electric is proud to serve residents of Sutton, MA, and the surrounding area. We offer fast and friendly heating, cooling, electrical, and plumbing service. We’re always working hard to help our clients save money and enjoy optimum levels of home comfort. If your air conditioner is making strange sounds, we can find out why and solve the problem.

Get in touch with Landry Mechanical Inc Plumbing HVAC & Electric today to schedule service.

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