What Types of Air Conditioning Systems can be Installed in my Home?

May 6th, 2013 by Lance Fernandez

If you’re in the market for a new air conditioning system, there are a few things to consider: energy efficiency, performance, cost, and your overall cooling needs. There are many brands and different types of systems on the market today, and there is an increasingly attractive range of systems that save you energy and keep you cool. There are also auxiliary considerations such as zone control systems and thermostats. In this post, we’d like to review two of the most popular types: central air and ductless mini split air conditioning systems. The most important aspect of this process, however, is ensuring that your new air conditioner receives professional installation. For exceptional Las Vegas air conditioning installation, call the pros at Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing today!

  • Central air conditioning. This is the most popular type of air conditioning system in the country. Like other air conditioners, it is “split” between an indoor air handler/evaporator and an outdoor condenser/compressor. The lifeblood of the cooling cycle is a chemically designed refrigerant that offers much greater temperature fluctuation than ordinary water. This refrigerant is circulated by the compressor through the system of coils, where it removes the heat from your home, and sends cool air through an extensive system of ductwork.
  • Ductless mini split air conditioning. As its name suggests, the ductless system does not use an extensive system of sheet metal or flexible ducts to remove hot air from and distribute cool air to your home. Instead, the compact air handler/evaporator sits directly in the living space, typically suspended high on the wall or recessed in a ceiling. These units connect to the outdoor unit by a relatively small group of refrigerant and electrical lines. They offer some unique benefits. For example, because of the design of the indoor air handler, they offer a built in system of zone control. Each of these air handlers (typically up to four per each outdoor unit) can be individually control, so that you can change the temperature in different areas of your home.

We hope this brief guide gets you started. For more information about Las Vegas air conditioning installation, call the experts at Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing today!

Las Vegas Air Conditioning: What Happens During AC Installation?

May 6th, 2013 by Lance Fernandez

If you’re in the market for a new air conditioning system to replace your existing system or installed in your new home build, then you may be wondering what actually happens during air conditioning installation. While installation processes vary according to the type and model of the AC, as well as the size and layout of each home, there are some general considerations that we’d like to share with you. The most important aspect of the process, however, is the quality of the installation. Remember to choose a reputable company with certified technicians. For superior Las Vegas air conditioning installation, call Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing today!

No matter what type of air conditioner you have, it must have four basic components: refrigerant, evaporator, condenser, and the compressor. These make up the basic formula of the refrigerant cycle, although they are much more complex in practice. In order to understand a little bit more about air conditioning installation, let’s divide the process:

  • Outdoor unit. The outdoor unit is comprised of a condenser and compressor; it connects to the indoor unit by either a copper line set, or a set of refrigerant, drainage, and electrical lines, if you have a ductless mini split. The outdoor unit of the latter type can also be placed at a further distance than is conventional. The compressor is a cylindrical-shaped motor that controls the flow of refrigerant, and sits in weatherized housing surrounded by the condenser coils.
  • Indoor unit. If you have central air, your indoor unit will sit somewhere within the house, and be connected to a system of ductwork that extracts warm air from, and distributes cool air into, the living space. It’s comprised of an evaporator coil and air handler. If you have a ductless mini split system, then your indoor unit will sit directly within your living space and operate without the use of extensive ductwork.

Professional installation ensures that your new AC will perform efficiently and effectively for years to come. Combine that with a routine maintenance program, and you will always have professional service within close reach. To schedule a consultation about your Las Vegas air conditioning installation, call Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing today!

When Should I Call for Air Conditioning Repair in Las Vegas?

May 3rd, 2013 by admin

We need to stay cool and comfortable during the summer, and our comfort depends upon the performance and efficiency of our air conditioning systems. They are complex machines, and require certified and specialized repairs when they are malfunctioning. Problems do not tend to go away on their own. But identifying a serious problem and knowing when to call for professional help is not always so straightforward. We’ve compiled a few common air conditioning repairs that you may need to address during the life of your AC system, although the list is by no means all inclusive. For more information about when to call for air conditioning repair in Las Vegas, call the experts at Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing today!

  • Frozen evaporator coil. Your evaporator coil is a vital organ of the AC system. When it freezes over, it’s usually because of an airflow problem. The cool air that occurs as a result of the interaction between cold refrigerant in the coils and the hot air pulled from your home needs to move. If your air filter is clogged or even excessively dirty, it can block the flow of this cool air into your ductwork distribution system. If enough of this air is blocked, it can cause the coils to freeze up, which reduces your energy efficiency and comfort.
  • Hissing sound. If you hear hissing, it’s probably coming from one of two places: a refrigerant leak somewhere in the refrigerant line circuit, or a crack or small hole in the surrounding ductwork. It’s critical to ensure your AC has the correct amount of refrigerant (known as its “charge”) so that it operates well.
  • Inadequate cooling. This can be the result of several different major problems, but it’s a common indication that you need AC repair. If you feel as though your AC is not performing as well as it should, or as well as it once did, then make sure you get it taken care of. The longer you delay repair, the more you exacerbate the problem.

For more information about air conditioning repair in Las Vegas, contact the experts at Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing today!

Las Vegas Air Conditioning: 3 Problems Caused by a Clogged Air Filter

May 3rd, 2013 by Lance Fernandez

We rely heavily upon the efficiency, solid working condition, and effectiveness of our air conditioners to get us through the long hot summer. One of the most important duties of every homeowner concerns the air filter within your air conditioner. It’s absolutely essential that this air filter is checked, cleaned, and replaced when necessary, in order to ensure that dust and debris do not accumulate on the mechanical components of the AC. It’s one of the few tasks that does not require an AC technician’s expertise to perform. For comprehensive air conditioning repair in Las Vegas, call the experts at Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing today!

Let’s take a look at a few air conditioning problems caused by a clogged air filter:

  • Frozen evaporator coil. If your air filter has been left unchecked during the busy time of the cooling season, then when it becomes clogged, it will block the flow of air out of your air handler. As the cold air builds up inside the evaporator coil housing, then it can cause the coils to frost over. They may eventually become a large frozen block, and this may cause your AC to shut down completely.
  • Overheated compressor. Your compressor is the engine of the AC; it’s responsible for pressurizing and controlling the flow of refrigerant. However, if there is a significant airflow problem, like one caused by a clogged air filter, then your compressor will attempt to overpower the blockage, and this may result in overheating.
  • Inadequate cooling. This is perhaps the most common indicator of a clogged air filter, although it’s a symptom of many other problems as well. To put it simply, your AC will not perform as well as it should with even just a thin layer of debris on the air filter. Routinely changing your air filter (about once a month) will help you keep your AC in good working condition.

For more information about how air filters can impact your air conditioning system, as well as exceptional air conditioning repair in Las Vegas, call the experts at Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing today!

How Does an Air Conditioning System Remove Humidity From The Air?

May 2nd, 2013 by Lance Fernandez

While you depend on your air conditioner’s distribution of cool air during the hottest days of the year, you may not have realized that it also provides dehumidification. As part of the process of cooling, your AC removes humidity from the air; this is one reason why conditioned air feels crisp and refreshing. But while you may have experienced the results of this dehumidification process, you may not understand how it works. We’d like to share how air conditioning removes humidity from the air. For more information about this process, or to schedule air conditioning services in Las Vegas, call Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing today!

To understand how air conditioning removes humidity from the air, you must first understand how the refrigerant cycle works. Refrigerant is a chemical designed to produce radical temperature fluctuations under pressure. As it circulates through the system, it undergoes a change from gas to liquid, and liquid to gas. The compressor receives a low-pressure gas from the evaporator coil, and compresses it, causing the gas to become highly pressurized and hot. As it exits the compressor and moves through the condenser coils, the thermal energy dissipates with the assistance of a vertical exhaust fan. Thus, the refrigerant condenses and turns into a cool liquid.

When it reaches the evaporator coil, it is so cold as to be able to cool the warm air recently extracted from the inside of your home. This is where the humidity is removed. As the temperature of the air drops and the refrigerant inside the coils evaporates, moisture begins to condense on the surface of the coils. In order to ensure that such moisture does not damage the components within the air handler, there sits a condensate drain pan below the evaporator coil that catches the water and sends it into a drain.

Those are the basics of how your air conditioner reduces the humidity of the air. For more information about air conditioning in Las Vegas, from installation to maintenance, call the experts at Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing today!

Las Vegas Air Conditioning: 3 Easy Ways to Improve AC Performance

May 2nd, 2013 by Lance Fernandez

Every cooling season, homeowners throughout the Las Vegas area are looking for ways to improve their air conditioning performance to reduce energy use and still keep cool. While we cannot control the cost of energy, we can control how we use it. Fortunately, energy efficiency goes hand-in-hand with system performance. Short of installing a new high-efficiency air conditioner, what can you do to improve your air conditioning performance?

Here are three simple steps you can take:

#1: Regularly replace your air filter. You should replace your air filter at least once a month during peak cooling times to ensure that the dirt and debris it collects does not block airflow. This should be part of your monthly maintenance tasks around the house, because a clogged air filter can result in more than just poor performance. It can cause your evaporator coils to freeze over, as well as other problems.

#2: Install a programmable thermostat. Still operating with a manual thermostat? Go digital with a programmable thermostat! Programmable thermostats not only sense the temperature more accurately, they also allow you to create a custom schedule of cooling. It can turn your AC of shortly after your leave for work, and then turn it on 45 minutes before you get home. You don’t have to sacrifice your comfort to improve your energy efficiency.

#3: Enroll in a maintenance program. This is by far the best step you can take to improve your air conditioner performance. Routine professional inspection, cleaning, and tune-ups offer the best protection against major repairs and costly premature replacement, and they can extend your system life and performance. Some programs also include preferred treatment, lower repair costs, and price protection.

BONUS step: First, if you need exceptional air conditioning service in Las Vegas, contact the experts at Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing today!

We hope this helps you improve your air conditioning system performance this cooling season. Call the Las Vegas air conditioning professionals at Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing to schedule service today!

How Insulation Can Impact Your Air Conditioning System

May 1st, 2013 by Lance Fernandez

It would seem that cool air and insulation would not go hand-in-hand. It may be difficult to imagine insulation somehow contributing to keeping your home cool, but it has a major impact on the ability of your air conditioning system. It helps to reduce energy loss, helps to maintain the desired cooling temperature, and improves performance. There are some great improvements you can make with regard to your home’s insulation, including attic insulation and radiant barriers. We’d like to show you some ways in which insulation impacts your air conditioning system. Call Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing for excellent Las Vegas air conditioning and insulation services today!

  • Improved energy efficiency. Energy efficiency is incredibly important in our area. While we cannot control the cost of the electrical energy that we use every day, we can control how we use that energy. Installing or replacing insulation in your home is a great way to improve the home’s overall energy-efficiency, not only during the summer when your AC is responsible for the lion’s share of the electricity bill, but also during the colder months.
  • Better cooling performance. When your attic is properly insulated, your AC will perform better. During the winter, insulation keeps the heat from moving outside; during the summer, it keeps the heat outside. Moreover, attic insulation also prevents the cool air from drifting into unoccupied space, which does not require air conditioning. This allows your AC to work less for the same amount of cooling. Fortunately, attic insulation will also help during the cold months when your hot air wants to go dissipate through the roof.

If you already have attic insulation, or are looking for something a little different, then consider a radiant barrier, which sits below or in-between the roof rafters. They can redirect about 75% of the sun’s heat, and therefore make an excellent improvement during the cooling season. For more information about how attic insulation and radiant barriers can improve your home comfort, call the Las Vegas air conditioning and insulation experts at Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing today!

Installing the Right Type of Programmable Thermostat for Your Air Conditioning System

May 1st, 2013 by Lance Fernandez

While small in stature, your thermostat is one of the most important features of your air conditioning system. It’s certainly the primary user interface for the homeowner, and as such needs to be compatible with all the components. If you’re in the market for a new air conditioning system, or are considering a thermostat upgrade, make sure you consult with a professional to ensure that your thermostat will perform efficiently and effectively. For more information about thermostats, or to schedule AC service, call the Las Vegas air conditioning professionals at Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing today!

The conventional manual thermostat has been replaced by digital technology and there are several options to choose from:

  • Programmable thermostat. Digital thermostats are not only more accurate than their conventional predecessors, they also offer a wide range of customizable features. Why cool your home all day with 8 hours or more of unnecessary energy usage? A programmable thermostat allows you to set a schedule of on and off times so that you can make sure your home is nice and cool when you get home, while improving your energy efficiency. Some programmable thermostats offer other features such as air filter reminders.
  • Wireless thermostat. Wireless thermostats take programmable thermostats a step further by communicating with your air handler wirelessly. The lack of electrical wiring makes the installation simple and straightforward. Check with your local contractor to see if they offer WiFi-enabled control, so that you can adjust the temperature of your home from the convenience of your smartphone or tablet.
  • Emerson BLUE Easy Reader. This is the Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing preferred thermostat. It’s easy to use, easy to read, and cost-effective. For Las Vegas air conditioning customers concerned about transitioning to digital technology, the Emerson BLUE Easy Reader makes it easy. It’s truly “one button, one function” technology that will improve your energy efficiency and give you accurate readings of the temperature inside your home.

For more information about what type of thermostat would be right for your air conditioning system, make sure to contact a certified technician. For Las Vegas air conditioning services, call the professionals at Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing today!

Why Is My Air Conditioner Blowing Warm Air?

April 30th, 2013 by Lance Fernandez

We rely heavily upon our air conditioning system to perform well all summer long. While we enjoy the climate here, we also like coming home to a cool living space where we can find relief from the sun. However, due to the amount of wear and tear that your air conditioner goes through over the course of its service life, it’s no wonder it may need professional repair at some point. One common complaint we hear from customers is that their AC is blowing warm air. We’d like to share some possible causes as to why this happens. If you experience this, call the Las Vegas air conditioning repair experts at Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing today to schedule service.

  • Low refrigerant. The operation of your AC relies upon something called the refrigerant cycle, whereby a chemically designed refrigerant circulates through a pressurized sequence of compressor and coils in order to absorb and dissipate heat from the interior of your home. However, when your AC refrigerant is low, whether because of a leak or some other issue, it can severely disrupt this process and cause warm air to blow through the ductwork.
  • Compressor overheating. The compressor sits in the weatherized outdoor unit. It is responsible for pressurizing the refrigerant and controlling the flow of the refrigerant through the coils. It is essential to the operation of your AC. However, if your components become dirty, or if your air filter becomes clogged with debris, it can seriously impinge upon normal operation. When this happens, your compressor is at risk of overheating, which can lead to warm air blowing through your air ducts into your home.
  • Thermostat fault. If you feel warm air coming out of the ducts in your home, make sure to check your thermostat first to ensure that it hasn’t been switched to heat mode by accident.

These are just a few reasons why your AC may be blowing warm air into your home, instead of taking it out. To schedule exceptional Las Vegas air conditioning repair, call the experts at Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing today!

Las Vegas Air Conditioning Repair: Staying Cool When Your AC Breaks Down

April 30th, 2013 by Lance Fernandez

We rely on our air conditioning systems every day during the hottest days and evenings to stay cool and comfortable. Even professionally installed and routinely maintained air conditioners may require repair at some point. During this season where you are using your air conditioner the most, you should be prepared to stay cool in case your AC suddenly breaks down. After you call the Las Vegas air conditioning repair professionals at Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing, here are some tips on keeping cool while you wait for us to arrive!

  • Call for AC Repair. The first step in repairing your AC is to call an air conditioning repair technician, no matter what day or time. While it may be “the busy season” for AC technicians, make sure you don’t have to wait longer than you have to. Want priority treatment? Consider enrolling in a Las Vegas Home Service Plan with Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing.  We offer expert Las Vegas air conditioning repair, including 24-hour emergency response!
  • Cover windows by day, open them by night. If you have blinds, shades, or curtains, make sure you cut down on the sun’s rays by keeping your windows covered during the hottest parts of the day. When it cools at night, use fans to blow the cool air indoors.
  • Wear light clothing. Wear light clothes indoors so that your body can cool itself. Avoid heavy clothing and dress comfortably.
  • Drink cool beverages. Drinking cold liquids during periods of intense heat helps the body to cool down faster.
  • Rest. Take a load off while you wait for your AC technician. Reducing physical activity allows your body to adapt to the temperature.

If your air conditioning system breaks down during the heat and humidity, it can be stressful. We hope this brief checklist helps you to stay cool in the event of a problem. If you want to reduce the need for such repairs, then consider enrolling in a maintenance program. For exceptional Las Vegas air conditioning repair, contact the experts at Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing today!