The Most Common AC Maintenance Mistakes

itsjustplumbsmart | February 13, 2023April 11, 2023

Owning a home takes a lot of work. Regular maintenance is necessary if you want your house’s systems to function properly for as long as possible. Your air conditioning unit is no exception. You should ensure that you are taking care of your HVAC systems. The last thing you need is for something to go wrong because you need to check your filter sooner. You can do several different things to maintain your air conditioning unit. Many common mistakes involve neglecting to check on something or ignoring a sign that your unit might need to be serviced. Take a look at these six most common air conditioning maintenance mistakes so you can avoid them with your unit in the future, courtesy of PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air.

Ignoring Out-of-the-Ordinary Noises

If you hear noises that seem strange or out of the ordinary, they should not be ignored. It can be easy to go about your day and promise to pay attention to something later. However, with the business and the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives, you will likely forget all about it the second you are not focused on the noise. A strange noise can indicate damage that needs to be addressed. You do not want to ignore a strange noise and find out later that it is something serious. It could lead to irreparable damage, causing you to need a whole unit replacement instead of a repair. If you hear strange noises, call a professional to check it out as soon as possible.

Forgetting to Clean Your Air Vents Regularly

Cleaning your air vents regularly is vital to the functionality of your air conditioning unit. Debris and dirt can get stuck in the air vents around your house. If you don’t clean them often enough, your air conditioner will send that dust through the air in your home. It can eventually lead to enough build-up to block the airflow into any room. If your vent is not blowing air like it used to, you probably need to clean it. Set a schedule for yourself to do this once a month or so. This will help to keep your air conditioning unit healthy.

Not Scheduling Regular Inspections

Regular inspections might not seem like a priority, especially if there is nothing wrong with your air conditioning unit. However, preventative care is one of the most important things you can do to keep your air conditioning systems in good working condition. Make sure you are regularly scheduling a technician to inspect your systems. Having a technician inspect your unit will inform you of any parts that look like they might be worn out or need to be replaced soon. Getting ahead of problems like this will help you avoid unexpected emergencies.

Not Checking Your Filters Often

Air filters are the least expensive part of your air conditioning system to replace, but ignoring them could be detrimental to your unit. It would be best if you replaced your air filters every few months and cleaned them thoroughly every few weeks. This might seem excessive and time-consuming, but air filters are responsible for filtering out all the debris in your air. They can get full and clogged, which will eventually mean they will not work at all. A clogged air filter will prevent unrestricted airflow into your home. Set a reminder to clean your air filters every few weeks and replace them every few months.

Waiting Too Long for Repairs

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make with their air conditioning units is waiting to have repairs addressed. A damaged part does not always mean that your unit is not functioning. You can still be getting cool air and need air conditioning repair. It can be easy to put repairs off until you have time, especially if you are busy daily. You don’t want to wait to get repairs on your unit. Putting off maintenance can lead to damage that is not repairable. Repairing various parts is far less expensive than replacing your entire unit. If you wait too long to repair whatever needs to be fixed in your unit, you could cost yourself thousands of dollars for a whole unit replacement.

Working Your Unit Too Much

Overworking your unit can be harmful. Setting your thermostat as low as possible in the hottest months can be tempting. You want to be comfortable in your home when it is too hot to be outside. However, setting your home’s temperature too low can stress your air conditioning unit. This will lead to unnecessary wear and tear, which will cause you to need repairs or replacements much sooner than you should. You can use other methods to help cool your home. Lower your blinds throughout the day to block the sun, or get fans to help circulate the air in your home. Avoid setting your thermostat too low, especially when it is the most tempting.

Final Thoughts

You should do everything you can to avoid these common AC maintenance mistakes. Neglecting the needs of your unit can be detrimental. You do not want to wait too long to service parts, neglect cleaning your vents, ignore strange noises, or overwork your unit. All of these things can lead to damage that could have been avoided. You can prolong the life of your air conditioning unit by taking proper care of it. Take preventative measures and call a technician with PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Cooling today so we can help you get your regular inspections started!

How We Can Help

For a limited time, we are offering our 1-Year HVAC Maintenance Agreement – or – 1-year Plumbing Maintenance Agreement at no charge. This is a $300 value and includes two semi-annual inspections of your home’s HVAC or Plumbing systems, and it’s absolutely free. You’ll also get 10% off repairs and priority service. It’s our way of introducing ourselves and letting you know we are here at your service, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

For more details on our 1- and 2-year maintenance plans, contact us or visit us online!

A Breakdown of Service Fees for Most Air Conditioning and Plumbing Companies

admin | August 15, 2019

If you suddenly find yourself in need of the services of a professional plumber or heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) contractor, you may feel slightly trapped. After all, you can’t simply ignore your broken air conditioner or leaky pipes—they’ll have to be dealt with, and they’ll have to be dealt with soon.

This may leave you feeling like you’re at the whims of the HVAC or plumbing company that you end up calling. Many plumbing companies in Mesa, AZ, for instance, charge exorbitant service fees before they even begin working on your pipes. For example, they might charge an $89 fee to travel to your home, and then an additional $69 fee to run diagnostics. Before you’ve even identified the source of the leak, you’ve already spent nearly $200.

Unfortunately, many companies specializing in AC repair in Mesa, AZ operate on a similar principle—they use opaque pricing schemes to nickel and dime their customers, who likely feel desperate, and simply want to return their homes to good working order.

Fortunately, identifying a contractor that uses clearer pricing and more upstanding business principles is possible. Here are just some of the things you can do to ensure you’re working with a trustworthy HVAC or plumbing contractor:

Ask for pricing details: The first thing you should do prior to working with any contractor is ask to see a breakdown of their service fees and product pricing. If they’re charging a lot of money to purchase a replacement part, you should check to see if you could buy the part online for significantly less.
Check with the BBB: The Better Business Bureau (BBB) offers a lot of resources for customers to educate themselves about selecting the best contractor for a given job. The BBB awards different ratings to businesses depending on their customer reputation and the number of customer complaints the business has.
Examine online reviews: You should also check online reviews for the business that you’re thinking about hiring. While reading reviews on Google or Yelp, be wary of companies that have reviews that all use similar language—they might not be legitimate.

PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air is one of the most trusted plumbing companies in Mesa, AZ. We pride ourselves on using a clear, easy-to-understand pricing structure that doesn’t leave customers with any unpleasant billing surprises. We offer free house calls throughout the Valley of the Sun, and we provide same-day service. We won’t perform any services until you’ve seen and approved a breakdown of the costs.

We’re proud to maintain an A+ rating with the BBB. With more than a decade of experience and hundreds of positive online reviews, we’re comfortable with our position as the region’s premier plumber and HVAC contractor. To learn more about how we can help with AC repair in Mesa, AZ, or to call for HVAC or plumbing service, contact one of our friendly representatives today. We look forward to working with you soon to keep your home operating safely and comfortably!

Things to Look for When Hiring a Company for AC Repair in Mesa, AZ

admin | June 12, 2019

Homeownership can be rewarding, but it does come with its fair share of headaches. For instance, home improvement projects—like kitchen remodels and room additions—are exciting, and oftentimes necessary. Home maintenance, on the other hand, can be a big drain on your bank account and your energy. Your home’s air conditioning system is one feature that needs regular care and maintenance—otherwise, it cannot cool your home efficiently. But how can you be sure the professionals working on your air conditioner are the right people for the job?

Here are some things to look for when hiring a company for AC repair in Mesa, AZ:

Offers free estimates: Before choosing an air conditioning repair company, make sure you get quotes and cost estimates from a few places. Most businesses offer free estimates and some—like PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air—provide same-day service after performing a thorough inspection of the system and offering a thorough estimate. Avoid companies that charge for basic estimates and hit you with trip charges to come to your home or business.
Provides affordable services: Everyone wants to save a buck, but you shouldn’t compromise your comfort for savings. That said, there’s a difference between “affordable” and “cheap.” Cheap repair services could cause more damage to your air conditioner or require another company to come in to do damage control. On the other hand, you can choose a service that is affordable from a reputable company. These establishments get a lot of business through word of mouth from happy customers.
Includes warrantees and guarantees its work: Never sign any contracts without first finding out the company’s service guarantees and parts warranties. A company that backs up its work and goods will return to fix any problems that may pop up after they leave your home or office. This is to your advantage, especially if your particular AC repair job was complex or expensive.
Has good ratings: Take to the internet and see what people have to say about an AC repair company. How are their service charges? How would they rate their customer service? Did they honor their guarantees to all customers who needed them? Also, it’s not a bad plan to check and see if they have an A rating with the Better Business Bureau and home improvement service sites like Angie’s List.
Has proven experience: A company that has been in operation for decades is likely in good standing with the community—otherwise, they wouldn’t still be around. If their website doesn’t tell you their number of years in business, contact them and ask. In addition, find out the experience level of the AC technician assigned to your work order.
Local business: When you seek out a local company for air conditioning repair services, you’re supporting a small business and your community. There’s a better chance that the money you spend will stay in the local area.

For reliable air conditioning repair in Mesa, AZ, look no further than PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air. Ask us about our PlumbSmart guarantee and free diagnostic service with any repair!

How to Properly Care for Your AC Unit

admin | May 29, 2019

Your central air conditioning system can be a lifesaver during the hot summer months. When temperatures begin to rise, simply turn the AC on, then sit back and relax in cool comfort. But you must take measures to ensure the cold air keeps coming. No homeowner wants to hear they need expensive AC repair in Mesa, AZ! Luckily, a little preventative maintenance every now and then can save you money in the long run. Here’s a closer look at how to properly care for and maintain your home’s air conditioning unit:

Check and change the air filter: One of the most important steps in AC maintenance is changing the air filter on a regular basis. It’s one of the easiest things to do each month (or as recommended by the filter manufacturer), and can be done in about a minute. The filter is in place to trap unhealthy particles in the air, like dust, dirt, pet dander and pollen, keeping it all from floating freely in the air you breathe. However, a dirty or clogged filter will not work as efficiently as it should—it puts strain on your AC and compromises indoor air quality.
Clean the coils: Air conditioners have many important components, including the coils. They function to help refrigerant absorb heat and cool down your home, but too much dirt on the coils can reduce the amount of heat they can absorb. Cleaning the coils keeps your AC system from having to overwork to cool your house, and clearing the area around the condenser unit of debris helps avoid placing unnecessary strain on the system.
Vacuum ducts and vents: Removing dust and debris buildup from inside ducts from time to time keeps gross stuff from being blown into your living spaces. So, a couple times a year, it doesn’t hurt to vacuum the air vents in your house and clean out the ductwork a couple feet in. Alternatively, you can consider hiring a company that specializes in professional ductwork cleaning.
Look closely at the condensate drain: Another crucial part of any air conditioning system is the condensate drain, which allows the condensation inside the system to drain to the outside. Unfortunately, it’s not unusual for the condensate drain to become clogged over time. Checking for proper drainage is key to ensuring this part functions efficiently. Call an AC expert for help unclogging any obstruction that’s causing drainage issues.
Inspect the fins: Every air conditioning system has a condenser and an evaporator, each of which has fins. With age, the fins can bend and inhibit airflow, which is why they need to be checked regularly and repaired or replaced if bent.
Schedule professional AC services: Yes, when it comes to AC maintenance, there’s a lot that homeowners can do themselves, but this is not a must. You work and have family obligations and other responsibilities that may keep you from keeping up on maintenance. Schedule seasonal professional AC checkups instead.

To reserve a time for annual AC tuning in Mesa, AZ, contact PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air. Reach out to us today with questions!

Reasons to Buy an AC Unit with PlumbSmart!

admin | May 15, 2019

Warmer temperatures are already here, which means you’re probably thinking about your home’s AC unit. Will it be up to the challenge of another year of desert heat? Have you been sinking money into AC repairs in Phoenix, AZ year after year? Will your family be comfortable when the sun’s blazing hot rays are beating down in August?

Maybe it’s time to work with PlumbSmart for a new AC unit! New units are considerably more energy efficient and can lower your bills by 33 percent. They also use less Freon, meaning they’re cheaper to refill.

While the initial investment might seem like a lot, a new AC unit can save you money over the long run, especially when it’s still humming several years down the line without needing repairs. Read on to find out why our AC repair company in Phoenix, AZ offers clear advantages over the competition.

Reputation and service

Over the years, PlumbSmart has earned a reputation as the region’s leader in air conditioning units because of our commitment to our customers. This dedication to quality service shows up in our more than 500 five-star Google reviews. We also have zero complaints with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors and an A rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Warranty

All of our work and products are backed by strong warranties. Plus, we offer our services 365 days a year to ensure that your AC unit keeps chugging along no matter what. Here are the details of our warranty:

3 years labor
Always free estimates
5-year parts
Never a trip charge
12-year condenser
24-hour service

We show our commitment to our loyal customers by offering extensive emergency services. We’re available 24/7 to repair any make or model air conditioner, furnace, heat pump or split system, and we offer reliable service that goes above and beyond other heating and air conditioning companies. And best of all, every trip to your home or business is free of charge—even on major holidays!

Savings

When you choose PlumbSmart, you can save thousands of dollars in the long run with a new high-efficiency AC unit. We offer plenty of deals and convenient, well-priced financing packages that fit your budget.

The next time you need an AC repair company in Phoenix, AZ consider this: With all things being equal in cleanliness, experience and service, why pay more for your plumbing, heating and air conditioning?

The PlumbSmart difference

Are you looking for the best warranty in the industry at the lowest possible price? Then you’ve come to the right place. PlumbSmart has served the region’s plumbing, heating and air conditioning needs for years by offering outstanding customer service. Our knowledgeable technicians are ready to go to work to keep your home or business cool and comfortable all year long.

We offer discounts on services and can get you into a new AC unit for $3,995. Don’t suffer in the heat any longer. Call us right now to learn more about our services and receive a free estimate!

5 Signs Your AC Needs Repairs

admin | April 24, 2017

5 Signs Your AC Needs Repairs
The weather is starting to warm up, and air conditioning season is here. There are some signs you can watch for that will let you know your air conditioner is in need of repair or even replacement. The earlier in the season that you catch these problems, the less likely you will face extreme temperatures without a working unit.

Poor air flow

It feels like the fan is not moving air like it should. This can mean that your compressor is failing, or your duct work might be to blame.

Parts of your home are getting cooler and others are not

This could be a problem with the thermostat, or with the AC unit.

Odd or loud sounds

Anytime your unit is making odd or excessive noises, it is a sign of a problem, it may mean that your unit is getting ready to fail. Sometimes it is something simpler, and getting your unit serviced quickly could prevent failure.

Strange odors

Odors are a sign of a problem. Musty smells are of sign of moisture in your unit or duct work, and are a sign that moisture is getting someplace it shouldn’t. This is not only bad for your air conditioner, it is bad for the health of your family. Acrid or pungent smells are a sign of something getting hot that really shouldn’t.

Ice build-up

If you can see ice on your AC unit, this is a sign that your unit is seriously having problems.

Under any of these circumstances, it is time to call for repair and possibly replacement of your air conditioner. When it is a minor problem, getting the unit repaired can prevent your needing to replace it. When it is time to replace your AC, there is financing available, and we can help you with that. We will also help you get rebates that will cut your cost. At PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning, we always offer you quality service, the best warranty in the industry, and the lowest possible prices.

Please feel free to leave a question or comment and we’ll get back to you as quickly as possible. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!