Dalton Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Fireplaces, Inc. Blog: Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category

Should I Consider Ductless Air Conditioning?

March 28th, 2022 | Written By Billy Pierce | Reviewed By William Pierce

With temperatures dipping back down after seemingly warming up, it can seem a little early to talk about air conditioning installation. But if you’re in need of a new cooling system, there’s no denying that springtime is here, and soon enough those warmer temps will be here to stay until next fall.

Plus, the great thing about a ductless air conditioning system is that it functions as both an air conditioner and a heater, which we’ll get into more below. Ductless systems are great for climates that have winters that are relatively “mild” and summers that are hot. This makes them a great option for many homeowners in our service areas. Read on to learn more!

Tags: Cedar Rapids, Ductless AC Installation
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AC Leaks: A Common Problem

August 16th, 2021 | Written By Billy Pierce | Reviewed By William Pierce

Sometimes, we get a phone call from a homeowner who is worried that they have a major plumbing leak in their home–only to discover that the issue is actually a leaking air conditioner. AC systems can leak water, but not because your plumbing system is malfunctioning. Instead, it’s the result of condensation building up within the system, and spilling out due to there being a problem with the drainage system.

Depending on where in your home the air conditioner’s indoor unit is, the results of a leak can become a huge problem, causing property damage and more. So, what should you do if your air conditioner springs a leak? And is it possible to prevent this from happening in the future? Read on as we uncover the answers to these questions.

Tags: Air Conditioning Services, Waterloo
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Tips for Keeping Your Home Cooler

August 2nd, 2021 | Written By Billy Pierce | Reviewed By William Pierce

It’s no secret that we’re dealing with an especially warm summer this year. If you’ve been outside at all, you already know that temperatures are stifling. This means your air conditioner is going under a lot of stress to do its job, right? If you had maintenance done this past spring, you don’t likely have much to worry about. Maintenance helps your air conditioner work as effectively and efficiently as possible, for as long as possible–especially if you keep up on any repair recommendations we make during this service.

Having a great air conditioner installed is also a good step in keeping your home cool. This means working with a professional to ensure your home is properly matched with the right air conditioner and a correctly sized air conditioner as well. Too big of an AC can be just as detrimental to your comfort and the system itself as too small of one.

So when you’ve got professional installation and professional maintenance under your belt, there’s nothing more you can do, right? Wrong! There are plenty of additional steps you can take to make sure your household stays cool this summer–potentially even cooler than you thought possible. Read on to learn more!

Tags: Air Conditioning, Waterloo
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Can AC Maintenance Be Too Late?

July 5th, 2021 | Written By Billy Pierce | Reviewed By William Pierce

There is only one scenario where it would be too late for you to schedule air conditioning maintenance and that is if the air conditioner has completely broken down, to the point that it is beyond repair.

Maybe your 15+-year-old system had a compressor failure. Or maybe you let a refrigerant leak go on too long and the system has died as a result.

Chances are, this actually isn’t the case for you. But if you skip maintenance consecutively each year, this could be your story. And consecutively is the magic word, here. Consistency with maintenance is much more important than the time of year you actually have maintenance done. Yes, we do generally recommend this service in the spring, before temperatures rise and you actually need the system on an hourly basis. This lets you get your tune-up on our schedule right away and lowers your risk of facing AC trouble when you need your system the most.

However, if you at the very least commit to getting air conditioner maintenance done once a year, it’s never too late. Here’s why this is so important:

Tags: AC Maintenance, Cedar Falls
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Unique Ductless Needs to Be Aware Of

June 21st, 2021 | Written By Billy Pierce | Reviewed By William Pierce

woman-sitting-on-couch-using-remote-to-turn-on-ductless-air-handler

When it comes time for you to replace your outdated air conditioner, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by all the options available to you. After all, there are many! You might find it easier to go with the same cooling system you’ve always had–but what if this isn’t the most efficient way to go about it? In other words, what if it’s cheaper for you to go with another option?

It might very well be time for you to consider going ductless for your cooling (and heating) needs. Ductless HVAC systems are made up of a single outdoor unit, which is connected to up to four indoor air handlers. Each air handler can be controlled independently, making for a highly efficient and powerful option for homeowners looking for year-round comfort.

If not properly installed or serviced, however, you might run into a few repair needs that are unique to ductless systems.

Tags: Air Conditioning, Ductless, Waterloo
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What Can Go Wrong with your Air Conditioner’s Capacitors?

June 7th, 2021 | Written By Billy Pierce | Reviewed By William Pierce

two-technicians-working-on-air-conditioner

Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a magic wand for your air conditioner–if no matter what was wrong you could wave that wand and have the issue immediately fixed? Unfortunately, this isn’t reality. Your air conditioner is a complex electronic appliance with various wires, switches, capacitors, and more. And when something goes wrong, it requires a qualified and experienced team to get the system back up and running.

Fortunately, that’s what we are here for! Whatever the issue is, our team can resolve it. In most cases, air conditioning system problems can be attributed to one of two things–lack of maintenance or natural wear and tear. Either one of these can lead to problems with your air conditioner’s capacitors, which are vital to the performance of your AC. Never heard of them? Read on to learn more!

Tags: Air Conditioning Services, Waterloo
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Are You Using Your Cooling System Efficiently?

April 27th, 2020 | Written By Billy Pierce | Reviewed By William Pierce

Any air conditioning system in our area is going to get a workout during the summer. Fortunately, air conditioners are built with efficiency in mind.

However, what if you aren’t using your cooling system as efficiently as possible? There are Waterloo air conditioning services that will help with this, like routine AC maintenance, but even with maintenance, there are a number of ways an AC system could lose efficiency and start raising your utility bills.

Read on as we uncover some of the top tips for using your cooling system as efficiently as possible.

Tags: Air Conditioning Services, Waterloo
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Now Is the Time: Schedule AC Maintenance Today!

April 13th, 2020 | Written By Billy Pierce | Reviewed By William Pierce

Temperatures may be relatively mild for now, but we all know that when summer hits, it hits hard. It’s imperative that your air conditioner be ready!

Understandably, when an HVAC pro suggests maintenance for your air conditioner, it can be an easy recommendation to dismiss. Unless you need emergency AC repair in Evansdale, IA, you may be tempted to put off service to save money, especially if your cooling system is working “just fine.”

We encourage you to change your perspective! Just like maintenance for your vehicle, routine AC tune-ups are essential to the overall performance of your climate control system in preventing repairs, improving efficiency, and extending the system’s lifespan. How so? Read on!

Tags: AC Repair, Evansdale
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Paying Too Much for Cooling? Consider Going Ductless!

July 3rd, 2018 | Written By Billy Pierce | Reviewed By William Pierce

Mini split air conditioner installation cost concept with outdoor AC unit surrounded by cash.

There’s a cost to damaged ductwork.

“Well, yes, if my ductwork is damaged, I’ll eventually need to pay to have it repaired, right?” you may be thinking.

That’s not the only factor we’re talking about though. When we say there’s a cost to damaged ductwork, we mean that it causes you to lose conditioned air. And the bigger problem is that you don’t always know when your air ducts are damaged. They might have loose joints due to poor installation, or they may have tears in them due to old age or being exposed to extreme heat in your attic.

Of course, there are a number of benefits to using central air conditioning and heating, and duct repair and sealing are available services. But, what if you never had to worry about this type of Waterloo, IA air conditioning repair ever again?

How can ductless mini split installation help lower cooling costs?

Ductless mini split installation can lower cooling costs by eliminating energy loss through ductwork and allowing homeowners to cool only the rooms they use. These systems provide zoned temperature control and high efficiency, helping reduce energy consumption while maintaining consistent indoor comfort.

Tags: Air Conditioning Repair, Ductless System Benefits, Waterloo
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How to Make Your Life Easier with Smart Home Additions

June 11th, 2018 | Written By siteadmin | Reviewed By William Pierce

Do you want to know the quickest way to make your life a little easier? Installing smart home technology! In the past few years, smart home upgrades have become more accessible and more affordable. Here are few upgrades that the Dalton team recommends to make your home in the Cedar Falls and Waterloo area more comfortable.

Save Your Air Conditioning

Smart thermostats aren’t new to the market, but changes in their technology have made them more convenient and easier to use. New smart thermostats take the guesswork out of maintaining your home comfort. They can sense when you’re at home or away and adjust the temperature accordingly. Additionally, you can control them remotely, so no more returning home to an overheated house. Instead, you can lower the temperature while you are in commute and enjoy the cooled air when you arrive.

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