We all love a DIY job; it can save you money that you can spend elsewhere, and you don’t need to hire people to come do the work, which is a real bonus. However, sometimes these jobs can be a little more complicated than they seem. After all, who has time to complete a lengthy research job into home repairs? That’s why we’ve compiled a list of why you should not perform a DIY repair on your air conditioning and leave it to the professionals.

Reasons You Shouldn’t Do a DIY Repair on Your AC

Safety Risks

The first reason why you shouldn’t attempt to fix your own AC is that it’s dangerous. You may think that you know what you’re doing, but there are many things that can go wrong and cause injury to yourself or others. For example, if you’re working on a gas-powered compressor, it could explode if you don’t know how to properly hook up the lines.

The same can be said if you don’t know how much refrigerant is needed for your system or if there are any leaks in your system. If too much refrigerant is added, then it could explode and cause further damage to the inside of your house or building.

There are many other safety risks involved with doing repairs yourself, such as electrical shock or electrocution due to improper wiring or grounding; burns from hot parts; cuts from sharp edges; falling through open floors; and more.

Lack of Proper Tools and Equipment

A lack of proper tools and equipment can affect you in a number of ways. In some cases, it may just result in a poor-quality repair that will need to be redone in the near future. In other cases, it could put your family at risk by making the HVAC system less safe. Professional AC service providers use many tools and equipment to ensure your AC is fixed properly. Some of these tools include:

Torque Wrenches: This tool ensures that bolts are tightened properly.

Screwdrivers: There are several types of screwdrivers, like flathead and Phillips head, that are needed for AC repair jobs.

Pliers: They come in handy when working with wires and other small air conditioner parts. They can also be useful for removing stubborn screws or nails from walls or floors where they may have been accidentally dropped during installation or repair work.

Inability to Accurately Diagnose the Problem

Air conditioners are complex machines with many moving parts and a wide range of issues that can cause them to break down. If you try to diagnose your air conditioning problem, there’s a good chance you’ll misdiagnose the issue and spend more on repairs. Professional air conditioning service providers have been doing this for years, and they know exactly what they’re looking for when diagnosing any problems with your system.

Difficulty in Finding and Obtaining the Correct Replacement Parts

If you’re going to be repairing your AC system, then you’ll need to find replacement parts that are compatible with yours. This is no easy feat as there are different types of air conditioning units, and each one has its own part numbers. If you don’t know what unit you have, finding compatible parts won’t be easy either.

Voiding Warranties

If you try to replace or fix your AC yourself, and something goes wrong, then you may void any warranty that comes with it. This is because the manufacturer will not be able to determine whether you did the work correctly. If they see signs of tampering or improper installation, they will likely refuse to honor any warranty claims against them.

Costly Mistakes

When you do a DIY repair on your house’s air conditioning system, there is no way to know if you have made any mistakes until it is too late. However, if you hire a professional air conditioning service provider, they can go over everything with you and explain exactly how the system works so that there are no surprises when the job is complete. Professionals will also be able to fix any mistakes that were made during the process and ensure that everything runs smoothly from start to finish.

Time-Consuming

A DIY AC repair can be time-consuming. It requires a lot of effort and expertise to perform the repairs and make sure that everything works properly. The process involves dismantling parts and reassembling them back. If you’re not familiar with all these things, then it can take a lot of time and effort. When a professional does it for you, they have all the tools that they need at their disposal, and they also know exactly what needs to be done; this will reduce the repair time tremendously.

Lack of Insurance Coverage

When you hire an air conditioning service contractor for your AC repair, they’ll have workers’ compensation insurance to cover them in case something goes wrong during the repair process. This means that anyone who gets injured while working on your AC unit will be covered under their insurance policy until they recover from their injuries and return to work. If you try to perform this type of repair yourself, however, there is no protection if something goes wrong and an accident occurs during the process.

Improper Repairs Can Lead to Poor Air Quality

If you are not properly trained to perform air conditioning service, you can end up spoiling the system, which can lead to poor air quality. Not only will this affect the air in your home, but it will also be a major health hazard. Improper repairs can lead to moisture or mold build-up in your ducts which can cause respiratory problems and other illnesses.

Before you pick up that screwdriver and look at your air conditioning unit, consider the risks of DIY AC repair. What happens if you break something? What will you do if you can’t figure out how to fix it? It’s probably for the best to leave your AC repair to the professionals; get in touch with Pitzer’s One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Mohave County to have your AC fixed.

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Variables That Determine How Much It Will Cost To Have An AC Repair Technician Fix Your Dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers are an important part of keeping our homes comfortable and healthy by controlling humidity levels in the air. Unfortunately, if your dehumidifier isn’t working properly, it could be time to call a professional AC repair technician. To alleviate some of the stress around repairing a dehumidifier, it is helpful to understand what factors determine its repair costs so that you can prepare yourself financially before taking on the task. Let’s look at some of the most important factors influencing the price you’ll pay for repairs.

Brand and Model

There are different models and brands of dehumidifiers. Each model has a different design, components, and features, which can influence the cost of repairs. Some brands might use high-quality components and materials that can make them more expensive to repair, while other brands may use more common components that are less expensive. Furthermore, some brands offer better warranty coverage, which can impact the overall cost of repairs. It is essential to consult with your air conditioner repair technician about the brand and model of your dehumidifier to get an accurate estimate for repairs.

Type of Dehumidifier

There are different types of dehumidifiers available on the market. They include desiccant, refrigerant-based, and whole-house dehumidifiers. The operation mechanism and components vary from one model to another, affecting the repair cost. For instance, refrigerant-based dehumidifiers have a compressor and refrigerant system, which is more costly to repair in case of any issues. On the other hand, desiccant dehumidifiers use a chemical drying agent to remove excess moisture from the air, which can be less expensive to repair. Whole-house dehumidifiers are also more expensive to repair than portable dehumidifiers. This is because of their complex mechanism, which requires specialized knowledge from a repair technician.

Availability of Replacement Parts

When your dehumidifier malfunctions, it’s not uncommon for an AC services technician to diagnose the issue and discover that certain internal components must be replaced. If the required parts are easily accessible and readily available in the market, you can expect a relatively lower cost for the repair. On the other hand, if the components are scarce or no longer in production, sourcing these crucial parts can be time-consuming and costly. In such cases, AC repair technicians might have to search extensively for the required parts, significantly driving up the overall repair cost. Hence, it’s always a good idea to consider the availability of replacement parts for your dehumidifier before finalizing a purchase. It can directly impact the expenses you’ll incur in maintaining the device in the long run.

Age

Age is often considered an essential factor when estimating the cost of hiring an AC services technician to fix your dehumidifier. As dehumidifiers grow older, their parts may wear down or become outdated, leading to a higher likelihood of breakdowns or malfunctioning. Consequently, older units might require more expensive repairs or even the replacement of hard-to-find components. Moreover, experienced technicians and specialists may charge a premium for their services when dealing with older models due to the added complexity and time consumption that these repairs often entail. Therefore, if your dehumidifier is old, it’s best to prepare yourself financially before engaging with a repair technician.

Warranty Coverage

The cost of having an AC repair technician fix your dehumidifier can be significantly influenced by the warranty coverage offered by the manufacturer. A comprehensive warranty can provide peace of mind, as it may cover the potential expenses associated with unexpected repairs, ensuring that any damage or malfunction will be addressed at little or no cost. In contrast, without sufficient warranty coverage, you may face hefty repair bills that could have been avoided.

As you consider hiring a technician to fix your dehumidifier, take the time to thoroughly review your warranty coverage and understand exactly what it entails. This valuable information will help you make an informed decision and save you money in the long run. If you are not sure about the warranty coverage of your unit, contact your manufacturer for more information.

The Severity of the Repairs

The nature and severity of the problem with your dehumidifier will also play a role in determining its repair costs. When faced with minor issues, such as a clogged filter or a malfunctioning sensor, the expenses are generally more manageable and may only require a quick visit from a skilled professional. However, as the complexity of the problems increases – encompassing electrical faults, damaged coils, or even a complete system failure – the financial burden can escalate accordingly. In these instances, you might find yourself weighing the merits of investing in a brand-new system versus dedicating considerable resources to restoring your existing dehumidifier.

Ultimately, understanding the extent of the required repairs helps you grasp the potential costs involved and enables you to make informed decisions about your home’s air quality solutions. You can also work with your AC services technician to come up with an effective solution that meets your budgetary requirements.

How much you can expect to pay for an AC repair technician to fix your dehumidifier largely depends on several critical factors, including the cost of parts and components, the age of the unit, warranty coverage, and the nature of the problem. By being aware of these elements, you can decide whether investing in a replacement system or repairing your existing dehumidifier is more cost-effective. Get an estimate from your technician and weigh the costs of both options before committing to a solution.

Hire Us Today for Dehumidifier Repair and Maintenance

If you’re experiencing issues with your dehumidifier and need an AC technician to assess the damage, contact our team at Pitzer’s One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Mohave County. We specialize in repairing and maintaining all air quality systems and offer competitive service rates. Our highly skilled technicians deliver exceptional workmanship and superior customer service. Call us now to schedule an appointment and get fast, effective repairs for your dehumidifier.

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Increasing Airflow To Sections Or Rooms Of Your Home: Advice From An AC Repair Company

Proper airflow in your home is critical to ensure your indoor temperature and humidity remain consistent. Additionally, enough airflow keeps your home less stuffy and fresh. If any rooms in your home feel stuffy, that is a sign that they might need to receive more airflow. So, how can you increase airflow into such areas? How can you ensure that a room in your home receives more airflow? If one or more rooms of your home have insufficient airflow, how do you fix it without impacting other parts of your home? For an overall airflow improvement at your home, you can try things like maintaining your HVAC system through actions like filter change and better air duct design. But you need help to get airflow into a single room. If you are wondering how to increase the airflow into such a room, your trusted AC repair company has several ideas.

Ways of Increasing Airflow into a Single Room

Do you want to increase the airflow into a single room of your home?

Enlarging the Return Vents

If your room doesn’t have doors or windows, you should have an AC repair company help you enlarge the size of the return vents in your room. These vents supply your room with air; larger vents mean more air can flow. But why not increase the vents yourself, you might be asking. Well, you cannot just enlarge the return vent sizing. You also have to consider the velocity of the incoming air from the ductwork. Since sizing the vents could prove tricky, it is recommended that you enlist a qualified professional. With their training and experience, they can determine exactly by how many feet or inches the vent can be enlarged.

Ensure You Clean or Change the HVAC Air Filters

The air filters are designed to ensure dirt, dust, pollen, and other particles from reaching indoors. Doing this helps to maintain a healthy and clean-living space. However, the accumulation of dust and dirt on the air filter clogs it, preventing the conditioned air from reaching the rooms. When did you last clean or change the air filters? If you cannot recall and have noticed a reduced airflow or stuffiness in a particular room, you should clean or change the air filters. Although this affects all the rooms of your home, it means that even your target room will have better airflow.

Closing the Air Vents to Some Zones or Rooms at Your Home

In learning how to increase airflow into a single room, options might be more effective or easier than others. In such a case, you may close vents to some rooms, especially ones that aren’t used. While this has other impacts on the air conditioner, it certainly will improve the airflow into the intended rooms.

The air circulating throughout your house comes from a single source, the air conditioner or furnace. Closing some vents means that airflow through other vents will increase. Hence, if you aim to increase the airflow in certain rooms so that more air will reach the target room, formulate a plan to close vents in some areas. This way, you can increase the airflow to certain rooms without interfering with the structural layout of the air ducts.

Use a Fan

Rather than crank up the air conditioner to improve your home’s air quality, installing a fan can improve the airflow. It is better and cheaper. In most instances, trying to enhance the airflow means higher energy bills. Fortunately, installing a fan can be highly energy efficient. A fan will help you cool your home, allowing ample air circulation in the room. The fan will move the conditioned air around, increasing the airflow rate. Talk with your AC repair company about installing a quality fan and witness improved air circulation.

Opening the Doors and Windows to the Room

You can increase the airflow into a room by opening the windows and doors. However, this isn’t recommended if you have an air conditioner installed. This is the quickest and fastest method of achieving this goal. This will help increase the airflow as the air from the outdoors and other rooms will enter the particular space, increasing the airflow. Proper circulation of air indoors is critical. Besides preventing mold and bacterial growth, it also allows dust and other pollutants to move out of the room. It also helps remove stale or stuffy air from such a room. However, if you have an air conditioner, this will result in higher energy utility bills and increased wear and tear as the unit tries to compensate for conditioned air loss outside.

Unblock the Vents

Are you trying to determine how to increase the airflow rate in one room? The reason for the reduced airflow could be b due to clogged vents. Do you have a maintenance plan with a reputable AC repair company? When did they last send a technician to clean the ducts and vents? If you cannot recall, then you should have a technician take a look. The vents may be blocked by debris and dirt, minimizing the airflow. If, after checking the inside of the vents, you determine this to be the case, you should have professional conduct further inspections. However, there are some blockages that you can address yourself. For instance, the vents might be blocked by furniture, and that is something that you can easily get out of the way.

Your Room Need Not Be Stuffy

Have you noticed that your room is suddenly too stuffy? That could be because there is poor airflow. If you have determined this, there are various ways through which you can enhance the airflow to the affected room. For more information on improving airflow to the affected room or any air conditioning service, contact us at Pitzer’s One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Mohave County.

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What Is The Right Time For Air Conditioner Installation?

Consider purchasing a replacement unit if your HVAC system has seen better days. However, purchasing a new heating and cooling system when your existing system completely taps out isn’t necessarily a great idea. Since the air conditioner is a critical appliance, you should approach the purchase more thoughtfully. Carefully timing the purchase and air conditioner installation cans save you a fortune. So, what is the best time to purchase and install an air conditioner? There is no single time that perfectly works for everybody, and there certainly are factors that will impact the best season. The right time to purchase and install an air conditioner depends on a homeowner’s objectives.

What Is The Best Time To Get Great Deals?

This is an apt way to ask when air conditioning units are the cheapest. Like any other technology, air conditioning systems usually follow a cycle. However, on average, most air conditioning units are usually cheapest in the early days of spring. Occasionally, you could get impressive sales near or around Black Friday. However, the best time to shop for air conditioners is in early spring unless you work with a company known for blowout sales on holidays.

There are many reasons for the savings. To begin with, there are fewer people purchasing air conditioners in spring. Hence the manufacturers normally offer awesome deals to generate additional sales. Additionally, most new air conditioner models are usually released at the start of the year. Therefore, companies offer deals on slightly older models to clear inventories. Further, you will likely get a great deal regarding air conditioner installation as the technicians aren’t as busy at that time of the year.

The likelihood that your AC works well is another advantage of shopping in the early spring. Most breakdowns occur when individuals use their air conditioners 24/7 in the early summer. When you try to buy an AC right away after your unit breaks, you put yourself in a difficult situation and are prone to pick the type you can acquire the quickest. There is less of a hustle when you purchase in the spring. You have time to look around for the best offers. You may compare the prices of various pieces of equipment and request installation quotes from several air conditioning repair companies.

Most Convenient Time For Installations

Huge savings are great, but other considerations exist for purchasing an air conditioner. Many homeowners choose a time that is more convenient for them. An air conditioner installation is a great undertaking. It could take 4-8 hours and includes multiple technicians all over your home. During the installation exercise, your home will be without air conditioning for hours.

You must carefully plan the timing of your installation if you don’t want this to be a hassle. Choosing a period when you won’t overheat while your heating and air conditioning system is off is the first thing you should do. This suggests that the best times to have an installation are in the late winter, fall, or early spring. If you choose a multi-use AC unit, remember that many also come with heaters, so you should forego a winter installation.

The next step is to choose a time when your preferred heating and air conditioning repair company or technicians won’t be busy. The off-season installation of your system gives you more flexible scheduling alternatives. Heating and AC repair companies are more likely to have open appointments at times that work for you because they are less busy. During fall and spring, AC repair companies are more relaxed. Hence, they can even spare a couple of technicians for your installation.

What Is the Right Time To Cut Utility Bills

Proper timing of when to purchase and install an air conditioner can more than ease your life and save you a fortune. It also has the possibility of saving you money in the long run. The unit’s efficiency is another consideration before an AC installation. Systems about 10-15 years old are quite inefficient and can almost use double the energy of the newer systems. Although you may be tempted to continue to use your old system, it will cost you more. Modern units are usually highly efficient and use less energy, saving you a fortune. Hence, you should purchase the most recent unit if you need a replacement.

The Ideal Time To Prevent Unpleasant Surprises

Most air conditioner breakdowns happen in summer. After several months of not using the system, you might turn it on to suddenly realize that it is not cooling your indoor air properly. Additionally, most old air conditioning units break down in summer after many hours of cooling overtax their mechanisms. You might be left scrambling for a replacement unit whenever this happens as your entire family sweats.

Do you want to avoid this kind of problem? Then it is good to have a professional inspect the present air conditioning unit, and if a replacement is needed, get a new air conditioner installation before summer. This means shopping for one in spring. However, installing a system in the winter or fall also helps to avoid unexpected failures. How do you tell if your air conditioner will fail this summer? Typically, age has an impact on this. Your system can begin to have problems once it is above ten years old. As you start to have a few minor problems, such as diminished cooling capacity or odd noises, it may be time you start thinking about a replacement.

Do you want assistance choosing a new air conditioning system? Pitzer’s One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Mohave County is here to help. Besides installing your air conditioner, our technicians can also help you choose the right unit for your home, among other air conditioning services like repair and maintenance. Contact us today for quality repairs, installations, maintenance, and replacements.

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Tackling Dehumidifier Issues With An AC Repair Expert

Do you have a tough time getting your dehumidifier to work properly? Is it leaving your home feeling stuffy, damp, and uncomfortable? If so, there’s no reason to tear out your hair in frustration. There is an expert solution – looking into AC repair services that can help ensure you find the right fix for these dehumidifier problems. Working with a trained and certified technician who specializes in air conditioners can provide invaluable assistance in diagnosing issues and providing the best possible solutions. Read on as we discuss various reasons why your dehumidifier might not be working and how an expert can help.

The Humidistat is Broken

Have you noticed that your dehumidifier doesn’t seem to do its job? Before you rush out to buy a new one, take a quick moment to check your humidistat. This small but important component detects the air’s humidity level and triggers your dehumidifier to turn on and remove excess moisture. If the humidistat is broken, your dehumidifier won’t be able to measure humidity levels accurately and won’t know when to kick into gear. Humidistats can be tricky to diagnose, but if you call a repair technician, they will offer a quick fix to get you breathing easier in no time.

Refrigerated Fluid is Too Low

If you’ve noticed that your dehumidifier isn’t working as well as it used to, one possible reason could be that the refrigerated fluid is too low. This fluid allows the dehumidifier to cool the air and remove excess moisture, so the unit won’t function properly if there isn’t enough. It’s important to address this issue as soon as possible, as prolonged use of a dehumidifier with low refrigerated fluid can lead to damage and costly repairs. An AC services expert can easily check and refill the refrigerated fluid, allowing your dehumidifier to resume its important role in keeping your home comfortable and healthy.

Electrical Connections or Parts Have Gone Bad

When it comes to keeping your home dry and comfortable, a dehumidifier can be an essential tool. However, if your unit suddenly stops working, it may be because electrical connections or parts have gone bad. The electrical components within your dehumidifier, such as the control board or capacitor, can wear out over time or become damaged due to power surges. Similarly, the compressor or fan motor can also fail, causing the unit to stop functioning. If you suspect bad electrical connections or parts are the culprits behind your dehumidifier’s malfunction, contact an AC repair expert to fix the issue quickly and effectively.

The Dehumidifier’s Compressor is Overloaded

The dehumidifier’s compressor is the core part of the unit and circulates refrigerant liquid through the coils. If your compressor has difficulty operating or heavy frost develops on the coils, it can make the compressor overheat. Most dehumidifiers with an overload switch will shut down an overheating compressor to keep it from damaging. If you switch on your dehumidifier and it does not make a sound, the overload switch might have flipped. Contact an AC services expert to fix it. Or if your compressor is overheating due to frost buildup, the overload switch can be reset once the frost melts. Unfortunately, other problems, like short-circuiting appliance wiring, can lead to the overload switch flipping. If this is the cause, it will still flip even after resetting. However, you must consult an AC services professional to pinpoint and fix the problem.

Airflow Blockage

Something blocking the airflow could be the reason your dehumidifier is not working. If the dehumidifier’s fans are in good shape, something could block the airflow into the unit. It can be things like dust, lint, or pet fur that build up on the grill covering the fans. Also, placing the dehumidifier next to an upholstered chair or against the wall could hinder it from drawing enough air in. Positioning the dehumidifier at least a foot away from furniture, clothing, curtains, and other items is advisable.

The Humidity Level is Set Too High

Do you find that your dehumidifier isn’t quite doing its job? The culprit could be a humidity level that’s set too high. While keeping your home’s humidity level within a healthy range is important, setting it too high can hinder your dehumidifier’s effectiveness. When the humidity level is already maxed out, your dehumidifier has nothing else it can do to remove moisture from the air. So, if you’re finding that your dehumidifier isn’t quite up to par, it may be time to check that humidity level and ensure it’s not hindering your appliance’s performance. Call an AC repair expert to ensure you get the settings right.

The Tank is Full

You’ve checked the power cord, ensured it’s properly plugged in, and given your dehumidifier a good cleaning, but it still isn’t working. One reason could be that the tank is full. Your trusty dehumidifier works hard to remove excess moisture from the air, but all that water has to go somewhere. If you don’t regularly empty the tank, it can quickly fill up and cause the machine to shut off.

Always Talk to a Professional When in Doubt

A faulty dehumidifier can be a real headache. Several potential culprits can cause your unit’s malfunction, from damaged electrical wiring to an overloaded compressor. To ensure the problem is sorted out correctly and quickly, consult an AC services professional when your dehumidifier isn’t working as expected. With the right tools and knowledge, a qualified AC repair technician can help you get your dehumidifier back in action quickly and safely – so don’t wait any longer to get it checked out.

We are the AC Professionals to Call

When it comes to AC services, our team of experts at Pitzer’s One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Mohave County is here to help. We have the skills and qualifications to handle any job, from solving dehumidifier problems to providing routine maintenance and seasonal tune-ups. Call us today to schedule an appointment and get your dehumidifier working like new again.

See our most recent blog on this topic here.

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