Oasis Heating, A/C & Refrigeration Blog : Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category

Air Conditioning Repair in Fairfax, VA: AC Constantly Running

Tuesday, June 27th, 2017

There are a few sure signs that an air conditioning system is in trouble, and an AC that runs constantly is definitely one of them. There are many different reasons why your air conditioner may be running constantly, and it is always necessary to contact a professional Fairfax, VA air conditioning repair technician if you experience this problem in your home. During the hot summer months you cannot afford to take any risks with the condition and performance of your air conditioning system. Call OASIS Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Inc. at 703-339-3877 at the first sign of trouble with your AC. Protect your comfort and the condition of your air conditioning system during the hottest time of the year.

Why is My AC Constantly Running?

One reason that your air conditioning system won’t stop running is simple user error. If you have set your thermostat incorrectly your AC may be struggling to reach a temperature it cannot attain. Make sure that you have not accidentally set your thermostat too low and that you have it set to “auto”. If you have the fan set to “on” then it will continue to run until you adjust the setting. Of course, not all problems with your AC will be as simple to resolve. It is also possible that your thermostat is faulty. If it is not able to read temperatures accurately then your system will not operate correctly.

Another problem that could lead to this issue is leaky ductwork. If your air conditioner is producing cold air but it is being lost en route to the different areas of your home through air leaks, it will continue to replace that lost energy. This not only has a negative impact on the comfort level in your home but can also put unnecessary strain on your system, leading to further problems and high cooling costs.

Contact Oasis Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Inc.

To learn more about possible system failures that could cause your AC to run constantly, call the Fairfax, VA air conditioning repair professionals at OASIS Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Inc. Our skilled technicians will be able to determine with certainty what the issue is and how best to repair the problem.

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When to Schedule Air Conditioning Repair

Monday, June 19th, 2017

Sometimes it can be difficult to know when you need to call for air conditioning repair – homeowners start to notice problems with their system, but they just ignore them and hope they go away. This usually just results in the problem getting worse. Call the Alexandria, VA air conditioning repair professionals at OASIS Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Inc. for you think something is wrong with your system. We have years of experience working with countless homeowners to help them get their AC system back up and working again fast. Check out some of the common signs that could mean that you need to call for repair.

Strange noises – This is one of the best ways that you can tell if you need AC repair. Your AC unit has a number of moving parts that should make some noise during operation, but pay attention if you AC gets louder or starts making a sound you haven’t heard before. Hissing can be a sign of a refrigerant leak, squealing could be a problem with your fan belt, and gurgling could be a problem with your condensate drain.
Inefficient operation – If you notice that your utility bills are going up even though you haven’t been running your air conditioner more often, it could mean that your AC is having problems cooling that are causing it to use more energy. This likely means that you need to call for air conditioning repair.
The air filter – One of the easiest to prevent air conditioning problems is a clogged air filter. Your AC’s filter is there to make sure that any dust and dirt don’t get into the internal moving parts. If the filter isn’t changed regularly it can get clogged and cause inefficient cooling or a frozen evaporator coil.

For air conditioning repair in Alexandria, VA, just call the friendly specialists at OASIS Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Inc..

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What Issues Does Air Conditioning Maintenance Address?

Tuesday, June 13th, 2017

Air conditioning maintenance isn’t the same as air conditioning repair. A repair session is designed to address a single specific problem or issue. Maintenance, on the other hand, is a bit of a catch-all, designed to keep the unit clean and efficient, as well as noting potential trouble spots for later repair. Ideally, you should plan for such a session at least once a year, and when it comes to air conditioning maintenance, Fairfax has the experts you can count on. But what issues does air conditioning address? Read on for the answers.

Cleaning. Dust and dirt are the enemy of an efficient air conditioner. They increase friction between moving parts, clogged filters and lines, and generally lead to more wear-and-tear on the system. A maintenance session is designed to clean off the dust and help your system operate more efficiently.
Refrigerant. Refrigerant makes your air conditioner function, but when leaks occur, you can lose a great deal of its cooling power, as well as running the risk of further harm to other components in the system. A maintenance session can recharge refrigerant levels to their prescribed amounts.
Air filters. Filters become clogged over time, which reduces their efficiency and causes problems for the entire system. A technician can exchange old filters for new ones, and keep the air flowing smoothly.
Bolts and fasteners. Individual components can sometimes rattle in their housings when their bolts are loose, using a lot of unnecessary energy in the process. Tightening those bolts as a part of a regular maintenance session will prevent a lot of wear and tear.

All of that comes on top of the most important part of a maintenance session: spotting big problems while they’re still little ones and setting up an appointment to treat them without the fuss and cost of waiting for a breakdown. When it comes to air conditioning maintenance, Fairfax residents can turn to the experts at OASIS Heating, A/C & Refrigeration, Inc.

We have the skills you need to perform a first-rate air conditioning maintenance session and address the issues that prevent your system from being as efficient as it could be. Give us a call today. You’ll be glad you did!

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Ways to Stay Cool During an Air Conditioning Emergency

Tuesday, June 13th, 2017

We offer 24/7 emergency repair service for air conditioning when our customers need it. We understand that when the temperature rises, it’s vital to keep your home cool—especially if there are elderly people or young children indoors. When an air conditioner suddenly ceases working, or it won’t blow out cool air, it’s has to be repaired as fast as possible.

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Fairfax, VA Air Conditioning: Benefits of Cleaning Your AC

Monday, June 5th, 2017

The importance of keeping your AC clean from the negative effects of dust and debris can hardly be overstated. Your AC is a complex machine with various components that make up the refrigerant cycle. Considering how much you have come to depend on its operation, it’s no wonder that maintenance is so important. In today’s post, we’d like to look at some of the benefits of having your AC maintained by a professional. Call OASIS Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Inc. today for excellent Fairfax, VA air conditioning services, including maintenance.

Performance: Put simply, you need your AC to perform well every day during the cooling season. On those really hot and humid days, you’ll need it to operate for hours on end. Over time, your system endures a lot of wear and tear, and much of that comes in the form of dust and debris accumulating on sensitive mechanical components and coils. This disrupts the ability of your AC to perform well.
Energy efficiency: Cleaning also improves the energy efficiency of your AC. While we can’t control the cost of energy, we can control how we use it. But your AC cannot be efficient the blower motor is caked in dust, or the condenser coils are caked in organic debris like leaves and twigs. You don’t want to have to pay for more cooling than you’re getting.
System lifespan: An AC is a major investment, and keeping your system clean is part of protecting your investment. Cleaning is not cosmetic, but directly related with the performance, energy efficiency, and, ultimately, system longevity of your AC. You can’t expect your AC to last as long as it should, if it is not kept clean.

Call OASIS Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Inc. for comprehensive Fairfax, VA air conditioning services.

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Zone Air Conditioning: Ducted vs. Ductless

Tuesday, May 23rd, 2017

Zone control is a method of receiving air conditioning (and heating as well) from a forced-air system. Instead of cooling down an entire home at once whenever the AC comes on, zone control allows a homeowner to decide which rooms (or “zones”) receive the conditioned air.

Installing zone control for a home has some obvious advantages: energy savings from reduced use (you don’t need to cool down unused guest rooms), temperature tailored to the needs of separate rooms (keep the kitchen cool, a baby’s bedroom warmer), and individual comfort for each resident (people can set the zone they are in to suit them).

However, not all zone control systems work the same way. There are two broad options: you can have zone control installed into the ventilation system of a pre-existing HVAC system, or you can have a ductless mini split heat pump installed, which by default work as zone control systems because it uses separate blower units throughout a house. Which is the best choice for zone control?

You can find out your best options for zone air conditioning in Arlington, VA with a call to OASIS Heating, A/C & Refrigeration, Inc. We specialized in installing ducted and ductless zone control in homes.

If you already have an HVAC system in your home that uses ducts and you don’t plan to do major renovations in the future, you should probably consider going with a zone control system retro-fit into the ductwork. This involves professionals placing dampers connected to zone thermostats into the ductwork, then hooking the individual thermostats into a central control panel.

However, people looking for an option that will save space, fit into an older home without vents, or as part of new home construction, should give the advantages of ductless mini splits serious consideration. Zone control is only one of the benefits of going ductless: you won’t lose efficiency through leaky ducts, nor will you need to worry about a drop in indoor air quality due to ductwork becoming dirty and dusty.

The choice will come down to your home and your own future plans. Ductless is a larger change, but sometimes the one that will pay off the most. Zone control in ducts is easier to install and requires less drastic changes. Which one is better is something you’ll need a professional installer help you decide.

You can trust to our more than 15 years of experience providing local homeowners with quality comfort.

Call OASIS Heating, A/C & Refrigeration, Inc. today and we’ll look into how best to provide you with zone air conditioning in Arlington, VA.

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Arlington, VA Air Conditioning Question: Why is My Air Conditioner Blowing Warm Air?

Sunday, May 21st, 2017

The effectiveness and efficiency of your air conditioning system are of paramount importance during the summer months. With professional installation and routine maintenance, you can ensure that your AC works well for the years to come. But eventually due to general wear and tear and the strain and stress of the summer heat, your AC may need professional repair. One common problem that you may face during the service life of your AC occurs when your air conditioner blows warm air.

Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why this could happen:

Low refrigerant: The refrigerant that circulates through your coils and components is chemically designed to produce radical fluctuations of temperature under different pressure conditions. This allows it to be an effective conductor of thermal energy, thus enabling it to efficiently remove the heat from your home as well as cool your home with conditioned air. However, if the level of refrigerant in your AC is low, then it cannot work efficiently or effectively. The most common cause for this is a leak, which should be repaired before your system can be recharged.
Dirty condenser coils: If your outdoor condenser coils are caked in dust and debris, then they cannot perform their essential function of dissipating heat into the outdoor air. Because of their location, they are subject to higher levels of debris than your indoor coils. Your AC should be professionally maintained on a regular basis to ensure that your condenser is safely cleaned.
Overheated compressor: Your compressor is the engine of the AC, and as such, it undergoes a lot of wear and tear, especially during the summer months. If there are airflow or low refrigerant issues, then your compressor may overheat, and not be able to work as effectively.

The cause of the warm air in your home needs to be diagnosed in person by a qualified technician. Call OASIS Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Inc. today for comprehensive Arlington, VA air conditioning services.

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Fairfax, VA Air Conditioing Guide: What to Do if Your Air Conditioning Makes Strange Sounds

Wednesday, May 17th, 2017

Do you hear a subtle hissing sound coming from your outdoor unit? Or perhaps a banging noise from your indoor air handler? If you’re unsure what do if your AC is making a strange sound, then you need only get in touch with your local Fairfax, VA air conditioning technician. AC’s are complicated machines, full of various electrical and mechanical systems and a wide variety of components. There are numerous things that can go wrong with your air conditioner, no matter what type or brand it is. In this post, we’d like to share with some explanation about what these sounds can indicate. While you should expect a certain amount of sound from your AC during operation, unusual or loud sounds that suddenly arise should be taken as an indication that something’s not right. Call OASIS Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Inc. today for comprehensive air conditioning repair services.

Hissing: If you notice a hissing sound around your ductwork, then there’s probably an air leak in your ductwork somewhere. This will probably have to be professionally sealed in order to restore your lost energy efficiency and cooling performance. But if you hear hissing around your coils or compressor, then it could mean you have a refrigerant leak. This can cause serious problems with the operation of your AC, including compressor overheating.
Banging: If it sounds like there is a banging sound coming from your AC, there might be a loose part knocking around inside the system. Alternatively, there could be a damaged fan blade that is banging against another part of the system. This is probably causing significant damage to the interior of your AC unit, so you should get it fixed as soon as possible.
Grinding: This is a disturbing mechanical sound that may indicate a serious issue. Turn off your AC and call for professional repair. The bearings in your blower motor may have dried out, and further operation may cause serious damage.

We hope this gives you some idea about what sounds can mean for the operation of your air conditioner. Call OASIS Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Inc. today for air conditioning repair services in Fairfax, VA.

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The Difference That a Quality Air Conditioning Installation Makes

Tuesday, May 16th, 2017

The only type of air conditioning system that you can install on your own is a simple window unit (although you may want a friend to help you balance it). If you live in a home that requires the power of a central AC, you cannot take on its installation as a DIY project. You must have qualified professionals to handle this service from the start—preferably technicians who have many years of experience.

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Air Conditioning Trouble: Is It the Thermostat?

Thursday, May 11th, 2017

There are different reasons for an air conditioner to malfunction during the period each spring and summer when it does the most work. Basic wear and tear is one common cause. Another is electrical troubles. Leaking refrigerant can trigger multiple serious problems that require fast repair before they grow worse.

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