It’s the first warm day of the year. You flip on your AC only to find it won’t turn on. As the temperatures rise, a well-maintained air conditioner becomes a necessity, not a luxury. Don’t wait until the first heat wave hits to discover your AC isn’t working correctly! Below, our team will share some helpful tips to get your air conditioner in the best shape possible before the warm weather strikes.

Prepare Your Indoor Unit

One of the most crucial components of your unit is the air filter. A clogged filter restricts airflow, making your AC work harder and less efficiently. This can lead to higher energy bills, uneven cooling, and system breakdowns. Here’s how to keep your filters clean and maintained:

• Check, clean, and replace – Inspect your air filter monthly during peak cooling season (typically summer and early fall). Most filters need changing every 1-3 months, depending on usage and household factors like pets. 

• Choose the right filter – Not all filters are the same. Look for a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating between 8 and 14 for optimal performance and dust capture. Check the filter’s size (usually printed on the side) to ensure a proper fit. Most filters list their length, width, and depth in inches.

• Easy access – Ensure your filter is easily accessible and clear of obstructions. If you’re struggling to find or remove it, consult your AC’s manual or call an expert for professional air conditioner services. 

Replacing your air filter is a simple yet essential step in AC system maintenance. It can improve efficiency, extend the lifespan of your unit, and improve indoor air quality. 

Conquer the Outdoor Unit 

The outdoor unit is the heart of your air conditioner. It expels hot air from your home, keeping you comfortable inside. However, this unit is exposed to the elements all year, making it susceptible to dirt, debris, and pest infestations. Here’s how to keep your condenser unit maintained: 

• Clear the area – Before starting anything else, turn off the power to your AC unit at the breaker box. Once safely shut down, remove any leaves, branches, or debris from the unit. Aim for around a one-foot clearance on all sides for the best airflow.

• Clean the coils – The condenser coils are responsible for releasing heat. Over time, they collect dust, dirt, and grime. Use a hose with a gentle spray setting to remove debris from the fins. The coils are delicate, so avoid using pressure washers or stiff brushes to clean them. 

• Inspect the drain line – A clogged drain line can lead to water buildup, causing rust and damage. Locate the drain line, usually at the base of the unit, and ensure it’s clear of debris. You can also pour a cup of white vinegar down the drain line to clear any clogs if you notice that no water is dripping out of it. 

Remember that while most of these tasks are manageable for homeowners, if you don’t feel comfortable working on your AC unit, don’t hesitate to call a residential AC service professional like Clay’s Climate Control. 

Test and Tune

Once you’ve checked off the cleaning tasks, it’s time to test the unit and ensure it’s running smoothly. Here’s how to do it:

• Power up – Turn your AC unit back on at the breaker box. 

• Thermostat check – Set your thermostat to cool and a comfortable temperature. 

• Listen – Pay attention to any strange sounds coming from your unit. Banging, grinding, or screeching can indicate potential problems. 

• Airflow assessment – Walk around your home and feel the air coming from your vents. It should be cool and consistent throughout your house. Uneven airflow could signify blocked vents or ductwork issues. 

If you notice issues during your testing, don’t attempt to fix them yourself. Call a qualified residential AC service professional for diagnosis and repair. 

Feeling Warm? Check This First

It’s normal for your AC to work hard during the summer when temperatures reach well over 90. Even if your home feels a little warmer than usual, as long as cool air is coming from your vents and it cools down at night, your system is likely working fine. We recommend you call us for help when:

• No cool air – If warm air or no air is coming from the vents, your AC has stopped cooling. Turn the system off immediately to prevent further damage. This will help the technician diagnose and fix the problem quickly. 

• Cool air, but still warm – After repairs, it may take some time for your home to reach your desired temperature. It can take about an hour for the system to cool down even one degree. If your home hasn’t cooled down significantly within 24 hours, contact Clay’s Climate Control for further assistance. 

Schedule Professional Maintenance

While regular cleaning and DIY maintenance are crucial, professional air conditioner services from Clay’s Climate Control are the best way to ensure your system is running at its highest efficiency. Ideally, schedule a professional service call once a year, preferably before the peak cooling season. To schedule an AC tune-up, call 609-653-2295 today.

There’s nothing better than walking out of the scorching summer heat and into your refreshingly cold home to bask in the air condition. As pleasant as it all sounds, cooling your home can become costly trying to beat the outside heat as you head deeper into the summer months. Instead of dreading the warmer season, there are a few tips and tricks you can perform before breaking the bank. The team at Clay’s Climate Control is sharing how to keep the house cool all summer long while staying within your budget!

Let the AC take a night off 

While AC units are made to be used at any hour of the day, they use a significant amount of energy to keep your house cool 24/7. To keep your home cool on a budget, turn the AC off at night to save some money in your pocket. Temperatures outside typically drop at night, so open the windows and let the cool summer breeze in! 

Become a fan of fans 

Fans are an affordable and easily accessible gadget to keep your house cool in extreme heat without breaking the bank. Whether it’s turning on your ceiling fans or plugging in a portable fan, you’ll begin to cut costs on your electricity bill. And when the hotter day arrives, grab a bowl of ice cubes and place them in front of the fan to create a cool ocean-like breeze that’ll be sure to cool you off! 

Blinds and curtains 

As much as we all love the natural lighting in our homes, your windows could be the culprit for the rising heat within your home. If there is nothing shading the windows, the sunlight will stream through your home, causing it to feel like a greenhouse, hot and toasty. Blinds and curtains are the perfect and cost-effective solution to keeping your house cool in extreme heat by allowing your AC unit to run less and inevitably saving you money. There are thousands of options to choose from when shading your windows, so find blinds and curtains that work best for your needs.

Furniture readjustments 

As obvious as it will sound, moving furniture that is blocking air vents within your home is an easy solution to keep the house cool on a budget. When having your home AC unit on, there should be nothing obstructing the airflow. If there are objects blocking the vents, it’s best to move them or purchase air vent redirectors to move the position of the airflow for a better quality of use. This simple task can create an evenly cooled home, so you never have to worry about freezing in one room and feeling warm in another.

Why Choose Clay’s Climate Control for Your Air Conditioning Services? 

Is the summertime heat wearing you down more than ever? Here at Clay’s Climate Control, we are ready to work with you for all your AC Services needs! We provide several AC services, including maintenance, installation, and emergency repairs. When you choose to work with our team, you can expect timely, affordable, and efficient service. No matter what type of air conditioner service you are looking for – just make the call, and Clay’s Climate Control will handle it all! Contact us today at 609-916-1106.

When you live in an area like New Jersey that experiences all four seasons, then your air conditioner is usually your best friend. One day the temperature could be cool and comfortable, then the next it is sweltering hot. Since we can experience warm temperatures even into the fall season, you never know when you’ll need to crank up the AC in your home. It is important to be aware of the most common air conditioning problems to prevent yourself from suffering through a hot day without cool air. 

A Lack of Cool Air Blowing

There’s nothing worse than running your air conditioner and not feeling that cooling sensation. Unfortunately, a lack of cold air is one of the most common AC problems. This issue is usually caused by a dirty air filter that is blocking the flow of cool air. Fortunately, all it takes to fix this frequent problem is to change the air filter in your air conditioner.

Your AC Won’t Turn On

Even more frustrating than a lack of cool air is a lack of air at all. When your air conditioner won’t turn on, try flipping your circuit to restart it. If that does not fix the issue, then loose wiring or a faulty thermostat is likely the underlying issue. When this occurs, professional air conditioning service is needed, as the wiring is not something that should be handled by someone who is inexperienced.

Strange Noises Are Coming From Your AC

Noises other than the usual hum of your air conditioning are a cause for concern. The type of sound your AC is producing relates to the root issue, which can be deciphered by an HVAC technician. Whether it’s your belt or motor bearing, once the issue is fixed, you can go back to enjoying the soothing white noise of a properly functioning air conditioner. 

Air Conditioning Leaks

Another one of the most common AC problems that people experience is refrigerant or water leakage. Leaks can lead to a number of issues in your air conditioning, ranging from low efficiency to coil freezing. Unfortunately, refrigerant leaks are hard to spot, so frequent inspections and regular air conditioning maintenance can keep those pesky leaks at bay. 

Frozen Condenser Coil

Although you may think ice on your air conditioner is making your home cooler, a frozen condenser is actually a sign that something is off. Dirty air filters, blocked ducts, and obstructed condensers can all cause an icy reaction, which needs to be addressed immediately to prevent your AC from failing. 

Clay’s Climate Control

If your air conditioner has been showing any of the signs above, then you’ll need to contact a professional for air conditioner repair service. Since 2001, the HVAC technicians at Clay’s Climate Control have been providing South Jersey with unmatched air conditioning repair service in a timely and efficient manner. Contact Clay’s Climate Control to fix your air conditioning issues so you’ll be prepared for warm weather, no matter the season!

The world of HVAC just got a lot more advanced with the introduction of ductless heating and cooling systems. Although this innovative system has been around for many decades in Asia, it has just recently hit the market here in the United States. As the name suggests, ductless HVAC systems involve no ductwork. These indoor systems are mounted on the wall and directly deliver heating and air conditioning to a desired room or area. However, the specifications for ductless HVAC technology may not be suitable for every type of house or room. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of ductless systems to help you determine if this HVAC option is right for you and your home.

The Pros of a Ductless System

Arguably the greatest advantage of a ductless system is its energy efficiency. With the absence of ductwork, you are losing significantly less energy. This means that ductless systems are easy on the environment and your energy bill. Ductless HVAC systems have a small design, which makes them perfect for smaller spaces and new additions to your home. When you add a ductless system to your home, you can expect a fast and easy installation process. This heating and cooling technology only requires a small hole to be drilled into your wall with no intensive ductwork. The unique installation process also makes them less likely to have air leaks and security issues. Last but not least, ductless systems provide you with personalized comfort. Each system comes with its own thermostat, which allows you to control the temperature in different rooms. 

The Cons of a Ductless System

While there are many pros to a ductless system, they inevitably come with a few cons as well. To begin, ductless HVAC systems come with an expensive price tag. This technology is about 30 percent more expensive than traditional centralized air systems. However, some find the initial cost worth it due to the system’s energy efficiency. Some people do not enjoy the look of an indoor air system in their home, but that is based on personal preference. Ductless systems actually come with more design options compared to central HVAC systems or window units and usually blend in with the wall. 

Revolutionary Ductless Systems at Clay’s Climate Control

Considering the pros and cons, whether a ductless system is right for you is based on the individual needs of you and your home. If you believe that a ductless system is of interest to you, then choosing HVAC technicians who know how to correctly install them is crucial to proper function. Luckily, the technicians at Clay’s Climate Control are professionally trained in installing Mitsubishi ductless HVAC systems – the innovative leaders of ductless climate control. We are proud to provide our clients with the revolutionary Mitsubishi ductless HVAC system, which cuts down on wasted energy thanks to its zoning capabilities. If you’re interested in having your own Mitsubishi ductless system installed at home, contact Clay’s Climate Control today at (609) 916-1106.  

Photo credit: Shutterstock

There comes a time with every air conditioner that it’s time to invest in a new unit. When it starts becoming expensive with repair costs, you know it’s time to begin to think about replacing your system. How long do most air conditioners last you may wonder? Most good quality air conditioners can last between 10-15 years, however, salt air can drastically shorten that time.  We always recommend purchasing quality products so that you can depend on them for a longer period of time. They may cost a bit more upfront, but end up saving you money in the long run because of their durability.

The experts at Clay’s Climate Control have put together a list of signs your air conditioner needs to be replaced below.

Age Of Unit

As we mentioned above, most good quality air conditioning units should last up to 10-15 years. However, if your primary residence or vacation home is located along the Jersey shore and is exposed to salt air, the longevity of your unit will be affected and will typically deteriorate much faster.

Noises

Certain noises are common with air conditioning units such as a little pop when it turns on. You know the sounds of your home that are common and your air conditioning unit is one of them. When you start to hear other noises such as loud pops, grinding, squealing, or scraping, these could all be signs that your air conditioner is nearing its end. 

Odd Smells

An air conditioner that is working well should release neutral-smelling air that you do not really notice. If you start smelling something smoky or musty, this could mean that something is not functioning properly within your air conditioner. What can happen is a buildup of mold or mildew within the machine. As you can imagine, this is not good! If you begin to smell any of these smells, you will want to get a professional expert from Clay’s Climate Control out to your home right away! 

Energy Bills Creeping Up

One of the most telling signs that your system is not functioning properly is your energy bill starting to creep higher and higher. Well-functioning units should not cause your energy bill to continuously increase. In fact, that is one of the biggest benefits to purchasing a new machine as newer systems are made to be more energy-efficient and therefore can make your bill go down as opposed to up. 

Air Quality

The amount of dust and humidity in your home actually can be a result of your air conditioner as it provides ventilation for your home. If it’s not working properly, the air quality will undoubtedly go down which can cause countless other issues in your home as well. 

If you’re experiencing any of these signs that your air conditioner needs to be replaced, call the air conditioning replacement contractors that you can rely on at Clay’s Climate Control. We can answer any questions you may have about how long air conditioners last to what type of air conditioning unit would make the most sense for your home. 

When you’ve got questions about your air conditioner, give us a call at 609-916-1106!