Why Does My Air Conditioner Need Refrigerant?

October 8th, 2018
hvac-technician-recharging-refrigerant

Now, don’t misinterpret that headline. We don’t mean to suggest that your air conditioner needs refrigerant like a car needs gasoline. However, that’s exactly how most homeowners assume it works! But this leaves them vulnerable to some shady practices from less than reputable HVAC contractors.

Don’t worry, though. We’ll clear up all the misconceptions and tell you everything you need to know about refrigerant. And if you’ve ever considered handling these issues yourself, it’s worth reviewing whether DIY AC repairs are actually safe or best left to the pros.

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Some Air Conditioning Symptoms of Bigger Problems

September 24th, 2018

air-conditioner-repairIs your air conditioner acting weird? Some air conditioner problems are more subtle than others, so we understand why some AC problems go on longer than they have to. Not knowing any better, you might think that the symptom your AC is experiencing will disappear after a few hours. More likely, you end up forgetting about it until it becomes too big of a problem to ignore. In that case, we want to inform you of a few big issues that can save you from having to call for an AC catastrophe.

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Give Your Furnace a Quick Test Before the Cold Season

September 10th, 2018

furnaceThe cold season is approaching, and it will soon be time to turn your furnaces back on. Before that happens, though, you should consider turning your furnace back on now. It’s a great opportunity to see if things are still working properly, and if there is something wrong, there will be no rush when you schedule the repair.

There are a few things to look out for before and during your furnace test, and we’ll list them below.

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How to Make the Most of Your Duct Cleaning

August 27th, 2018

air-duct-cleaning-before-and-after

We won’t try to tell you that your AC’s air ducts are the most filthy and unclean things in the world, but let’s look at the facts. The average home is said to collect 40 lbs of dust yearly. Of course, we actively clean and dust our home as part of our weekly chores, or even when we have time to do it. But can you say the same for your air ducts? Just think of how much dust is collected in your ducts after a few years of neglect.

If it’s time for you to get a professional air duct cleaning, you can call up for a basic cleaning, or you can go all out. In this post, we’ll show you how to make the absolute most of your duct cleaning.

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Why Bother With a Maintenance Plan?

August 13th, 2018

hvac-technician-maintenance-on-outdoor-unitIf you read every air conditioning repair blog on the internet, you’d be convinced that your air conditioner was going to break down tomorrow due to a leak you didn’t know about, or some complication with your compressor that you never saw coming.

Our goal isn’t to make you paranoid that every day you turn on the AC is a new day for a potential problem. At the same time, in our hearts, we can’t neglect to inform HVAC system owners that maintenance is a crucial responsibility.

At the very least, a good maintenance plan is going to make maintenance worth your while by throwing in some good benefits.

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Why Choose a Dual Fuel System?

July 30th, 2018

hot-and-cold-house-iconsFor the ultimate in heating and cooling comfort, a dual fuel system might be just the thing you need. However, it is a system that was made with a very particular type of homeowner in mind. You wouldn’t want to invest in one if it didn’t make sense for your personal needs. To learn more about dual fuel systems and how they work, read on.

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Benefits of a Dehumidifier

July 16th, 2018

man-suffering-from-humidity-uses-electric-fanThere’s nothing quite like walking into your home and sinking into that sticky, humid feeling. It might only be 75 degrees outside, but a humidity of 80% is going to make it feel so much worse. Humidity will even bring us discomfort late into the night when we’re trying to sleep. At that point, humidity is no longer a mild discomfort—it’s becoming a detriment to your quality of life.

Your best defense against humidity is, of course, a dehumidifier! The way it works is pretty simple—it reduces the humidity in your home by removing moisture. Below are just a few ways that dehumidifiers in Riverside, CA are helping homeowners.

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3 AC Efficiency Issues That Call for Repairs

July 2nd, 2018

air-conditioner-repair-technicianWhen you think “AC repair,” you might think of refrigerant leaks, busted fans, and other tell-tale signs that something is terribly wrong with your unit. However, our expertise extends beyond just air conditioning system issues—we specialize in air conditioning heating solutions, providing comprehensive service for air conditioning systems and cooling systems to ensure your comfort year-round. We also offer installation services for new systems, so you can upgrade to a new system for improved comfort and efficiency.

But some AC issues are much subtler. It’s not uncommon that these problems simply go unnoticed by AC owners. All the same, they will need professional attention before becoming a problem. These problems will cause your AC efficiency to suffer, and you might not realize it until you see an increase in your next energy bill. Our commitment to our customers means we always strive to ensure your satisfaction with every service we provide. During diagnostics, we perform a thorough assessment to accurately identify and resolve any issues.

Here are three common efficiency issues that need air conditioning repair in Riverside, CA.

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How to Choose the Right Water Heater for Your Home

June 18th, 2018

tank-water-heaterPerhaps your water heater has suddenly quit working. Maybe the bottom rusted out, and you suddenly have 30-60 gallons of water on the floor. Then again, you may want to replace the one you have before it’s a crisis, or you need one for a new home. No matter what, there are a variety of factors which contribute to choosing the right water heater. We’ll look at some different options and features below so you can determine which one is best for you.

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Why AC Maintenance Is So Important

June 4th, 2018
Technician in uniform using pliers to perform air conditioning repair on an outdoor AC unit.

Even though modern technology is often viewed with awe and admiration, it’s still prone to error. Air conditioning (AC) systems are especially imperfect, regardless of their quality or the precision of their installation.

At RKM Heating and Air Conditioning, we specialize in preventative services centered around heating and air conditioning systems, including central air conditioning systems as a key part of whole-home comfort. By employing us, you can ensure that the air temperature in your home is always ideal with help from professional AC maintenance services.

In this article, we discuss 4 reasons why AC maintenance is so important for modern homeowners, emphasizing how preventative care is critical for avoiding undesirable consequences.

Introduction: The Role of AC Maintenance in Your Home

When it comes to keeping your living space comfortable, few things are as essential as a well-functioning air conditioner. Regular air conditioner maintenance is the key to ensuring your air conditioning system delivers cool air efficiently, especially during the hottest months of the year. By taking care of your AC unit, you not only improve its performance and extend its life, but you also reduce the risk of unexpected repairs and high energy costs. A properly maintained air conditioning unit helps maintain the desired temperature in your home, keeps your air clean, and ensures your system runs smoothly. In this article, we’ll explore why air conditioner maintenance matters, share practical maintenance tips, and explain how regular maintenance can save you money while keeping your home comfortable all year long.

Understanding How Your Air Conditioner Works

To truly appreciate the value of air conditioner maintenance, it helps to understand how your air conditioning system operates. At the heart of your AC system are several critical components: the compressor, condenser coils, evaporator coil, and blower motor. The compressor pressurizes the refrigerant, which then travels through the condenser coils in the outdoor unit, releasing heat to the outside air. The cooled refrigerant moves to the indoor evaporator coil, where it absorbs heat from your home’s air, creating that refreshing cool air you rely on. The blower motor then circulates this cooled air through your ductwork and into every room. Each of these parts must function properly for your system to deliver efficient cooling. Regular maintenance ensures that coils stay clean, refrigerant levels remain optimal, and the entire system operates at peak efficiency, preventing heat buildup and keeping your home comfortable. Experts recommend two maintenance checks per year, in spring and fall, to ensure your air conditioning unit is ready for peak usage seasons.

Essential AC Maintenance Tasks Every Homeowner Should Know

Keeping your air conditioning system in top shape doesn’t have to be complicated. There are several essential air conditioner maintenance tasks every homeowner should be familiar with. Start by changing your air filter regularly, this simple step helps maintain good airflow and improves air quality. Dirty filters reduce airflow and system efficiency in air conditioning units, making it harder for your system to cool your home effectively. Don’t forget to check and replace the batteries in your thermostat to ensure accurate temperature control. Inspect the condenser coils in your outdoor unit and clean away any debris or dirt that could reduce efficiency. It’s also important to check refrigerant levels and look for any signs of leaks or water damage around your AC system. For more thorough care, schedule annual AC maintenance with a licensed HVAC professional. A trained technician will inspect electrical components, test the compressor, and make sure your system is running at peak performance. By staying on top of these maintenance tasks, you can address issues promptly, avoid costly repairs, and keep your air conditioning system working efficiently all season long.

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