Air Conditioning, Heating & Electrical Services Blog

What Are the Different Parts and Functions of an Air Conditioner?

July 26th, 2021

For many homeowners, air conditioner parts and functions feel like a mystery. You know that big metal cabinet located outside cools your home, but you don’t know what’s inside it or how it does its job. In our most recent blog, Douglas Cooling & Heating explains the key components of an air conditioning system and how they work to create the cooling that keeps your home nice and comfortable.

How Does the Cooling Process Work?

Before we get into specific air conditioner parts and functions, let’s first walk through the steps of the cooling process. Below is how your air conditioning unit or heat pump cools your home.

Warm air from the home flows into the cooling system.
Heat from the air is absorbed, cooling the air.
Cool air is sent back into the home while heat is moved outdoors.
The system releases heat into the atmosphere, expelling it from your home.

Air Conditioner Parts and Functions to Know

With the basic gist of the cooling cycle down, let’s get into air conditioner parts and functions and discuss how they make that process possible.

Ductwork is a part of the distribution system that carries warm air to central air conditioners and carries cooled air from air conditioners to the living areas.
The air filter allows air to pass through from the ducts into the indoor unit and captures airborne pollutants in the process to keep them out of the cooling equipment.
The indoor unit contains the evaporator coil as well as the blower equipment.
Refrigerant is a substance that flows through the indoor and outdoor air conditioning equipment to absorb and transfer heat.
The expansion valve regulates liquid refrigerant flow into the evaporator coil.
The evaporator coil receives incoming cold, liquid refrigerant, and as air flows over the coil, the refrigerant held inside absorbs the excess heat to leave the air nice and cool.
The blower motor and fan distribute air cooled from the evaporator coil, pushing it through supply ducts and out of vents to fill your living areas.
The condensing unit is the outdoor portion of the air conditioning system that holds the compressor, condenser coil, and condenser fan.
The compressor receives warm refrigerant gas flowing from the evaporator coils to the outdoor unit, placing it under pressure to convert it back to liquid form and increasing its temperature for heat transfer.
The condenser coil receives refrigerant from the compressor, allowing the substance to release the heat it holds into the surrounding air as the refrigerant then cools back down.
The condenser fan draws heat away from the condenser coils and out of the condensing unit.
The thermostat is the control module that controls the operation of the air conditioning system from inside the home.

Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating for Air Conditioner Services in Birmingham, AL

All air conditioner parts and functions are important to the cooling process. When one isn’t functioning properly, system-wide performance suffers, which leaves homeowners displeased. If any air conditioner parts and functions aren’t working as they should, call Douglas Cooling & Heating for Birmingham air conditioner repair right away!

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Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Cooling Enough?

July 26th, 2021

An air conditioner that’s not providing enough cooling creates serious discomfort in your Birmingham, Alabama home. Don’t sweat through the summer months with insufficient cooling from an air conditioner that can’t meet your needs! In our most recent blog, Douglas Cooling & Heating explains why air conditioners may not provide enough cooling and what you can do to correct it.

Why You Have an Air Conditioner That’s Not Providing Sufficient Cooling

When a central air conditioner produces some cool air but not enough to maintain comfort, there is something up within your AC system. The issues below are commonly to blame when homeowners experience an air conditioner that’s not cooling enough and what can be done to fix them.

Dirty air filter
Dirty condenser coils
Dirty condenser unit
Low refrigerant
Bad compressor
Incorrect thermostat settings
Malfunctioning thermostat
Old HVAC system

Dirty Air Filter

When your air conditioner’s filter is filled with contaminants, the filter turns into a roadblock for air passing through the system. The dirty filter stops enough air from reaching the evaporator coil for heat removal, so your air conditioner won’t provide enough cooling because not enough air is making its way through the unit! Check your filter monthly, and change it when it becomes full to avoid this possibility.

Dirty Condenser Coils

The condenser coils in the outdoor unit can become covered in dirt and grime. This layer of yuck blocks the coil’s ability to release heat from the home’s air supply. With the heat transfer process blocked, the air conditioner won’t be able to remove as much heat from the air, and your room air will feel warmer.

You can clean the coils yourself by shutting off power to the AC unit, removing the top grille and fan, and scrubbing the coils with a mild soap. Or, call your heating, cooling or indoor air quality pro to take care of it for you.

Dirty Condenser Unit

The outdoor condenser unit can become dirty and clogged with weeds, grass clippings, mulch, leaves, and other bits that stick along its fins, as well as shrubs and nearby vegetation growing up against the unit. These debris and plants obstruct the unit so air cannot freely flow through, which is needed for the heat transfer process. Your air conditioner cannot release the heat it pulled from the indoor air, so it’ll just have to go back into your air supply.

The solution here involves cleaning the outdoor unit regularly. Pull weeds, brush off debris, prune trees and shrubs, and don’t store stuff up against the unit.

Low Refrigerant

When system refrigerant levels fall due to a refrigerant leak, the air conditioner doesn’t have enough to extract heat from indoor air or move heat between the indoor and outdoor unit. So you’ll have an AC that’s not cooling enough. This problem should be addressed by your trusted HVAC pro.

Bad Compressor

The compressor in the condenser unit makes refrigerant the right pressure for absorbing heat and transferring it. When the compressor starts to go bad, it is unable to maintain correct refrigerant pressure so the cooling system doesn’t do as good of a job. Your HVAC technician will also need to examine this component and perform the replacement if needed.

Incorrect Thermostat Settings

If you leave the system fan ON instead of setting it to AUTO, it’s going to run 24/7. In between cooling cycles, it will be pushing hot, humid air from the ducts into your living spaces – which doesn’t feel comfortable. Simply flip that switch to AUTO and you’ve solved the problem!

Malfunctioning Thermostat

Once thermostat sensors wear out, they won’t accurately read room temperatures. This could cause the thermostat to signal short cooling cycles thinking the room is properly cooled while it still feels quite warm to you. If this occurs, thermostat replacement is in the cards, so consult your HVAC technician to find a new model.

Old HVAC System

When heating and air conditioning systems are on their way out, they gradually lose their ability to keep comfort levels where they should be indoors. If you have a central air conditioning system that’s not cooling enough and it’s worsened over time, this might be your problem. Unfortunately, system replacement is the solution here.

Cooling Repairs in Birmingham, AL

If your air conditioner isn’t providing enough cooling and you can’t seem to fix it with the above tips, give Douglas Cooling & Heating a call! Our technicians will diagnose your system and perform needed repairs so you can enjoy the full effects of your air conditioner.

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“Why Isn’t My Air Conditioner Working?”

July 19th, 2021

Discovering that your air conditioner isn’t operating properly is a pain; discovering that your AC isn’t working well during a summer that is slated to set record high temperatures is worse.

You need your AC to be able to keep your home at a livable temperature. So, what are you supposed to do?

If you’ve found yourself asking, “Why isn’t my air conditioner working?” we want to help. We know how vital this system is right now and how important it will still be in the months to come. Let us help you identify what is causing problems for your cooling system and provide the AC repair in Hoover, AL to get it running again.

Tags: AC Repair, Hoover
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Why Your AC Is Leaking

July 5th, 2021

While there are air conditioners that use water to cool the air in your home (these are known as evaporative coolers) this isn’t the standard method used by most systems. And we really don’t see many evaporative coolers in Alabama. Most air conditioners use refrigerant to transfer heat out of the air in your home. So if your system uses refrigerant in a closed-loop system, then why are you seeing signs that it is leaking?

A leaking air conditioner is never a good thing. In fact, it is an immediate sign that you need to reach out for AC repair in Mountain Brook, AL. Let’s look at some of the main causes behind a leaking air conditioner so you understand why prompt professional repairs are a must.

Tags: AC Repair, Mountain Brook
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5 Signs Your AC Needs to Retire

June 21st, 2021

Do you have an air conditioning system that doesn’t seem up to par anymore? Maybe it runs but it can barely emit cool air let alone keep your home cool. Summer is around the corner and things are heating up so this isn’t good news by any means. If you’ve noticed this drop in performance, it could be time to act. There are several factors that can hinder your air conditioner’s performance, and recognizing them early can help you decide whether repair or replacement is the best next step. Maintaining high-quality service standards is essential for ensuring your HVAC system operates efficiently. Customers can get a free quote for a new system. Air conditioning and heating systems provide superior efficiency and comfort during harsh climates, ensuring your home remains a haven regardless of the weather outside. Heating cooling systems are vital for maintaining comfort during extreme temperatures.

If you have an AC unit that needs to be retired and replaced, it is best to come to our team to get the job done right. The question you may be having is whether you truly need a replacement or not. We can help you figure this out and get your home set up with a working system again. A reliable HVAC system is crucial for both heating and cooling needs. Professional installation is crucial for optimal performance. HVAC technicians are trained to handle complex heating and cooling challenges in both residential and commercial settings, ensuring reliable and efficient service. All you need to do is stay on the alert for these warning signs and then reach out to us to get started.

AC Retirement: When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

An air conditioner that is on its last leg can be a big problem for your comfort and your budget. An older system that is struggling to perform will drive up your energy bills and compromise indoor air quality. Maintaining and servicing cooling systems is essential to ensure efficiency and longevity. Keeping up with your semi-annual HVAC maintenance is essential for efficient system performance. Regular maintenance can extend the life of HVAC units and keep manufacturer warranties intact, making it a crucial step in preserving your investment.

Tags: Air Conditioner Replacement, Vestavia Hills
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How Your Air Conditioning Can Affect Your Home’s Air Quality

June 15th, 2021

Did you know that the air inside our homes on average is two to five times more contaminated than the outdoor air? That’s a pretty staggering fact considering the average American spends about 90% of their time indoors.

In our most recent blog, the heating and cooling technicians at Douglas Cooling & Heating discuss how air conditioning systems can affect your home’s air quality and steps you can take to improve indoor air quality in your home.

Understanding the Color Alert System

The Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, uses a color alert system to notify citizens of air quality issues outside. For Birmingham residents, this guide helps those who live with allergies, asthma, COPD or other respiratory issues. Attention to the color alert system will help you stay healthy outside and inside when using your air conditioning.

How Ozone Affects Your Health

Many people misunderstand ozone. There is ozone in the stratosphere. This shields the Earth and you from dangerous ultraviolet rays coming from the sun.

A different type of ozone at ground level is a colorless gas you breathe and is harmful to your health. Ozone is caused by power plants, vehicles, industries, solvents, and paints. Ground-level ozone creates or impacts health issues, such as:

Difficulty breathing
Coughing
Lung damage
Infections
Increased asthma attacks
Aggravated lung disease
Increased risk of death due to heart or lung disease

Ozone affects anyone, even healthy adults. Those who live with allergies, asthma or lung disease are at a greater risk of ozone exposure. Children and teenagers are at higher risk because their lungs are still developing. They breathe in more air compared to adults.

The same goes for elderly adults, who have weaker lungs. Another group is anyone with a compromised immune system due to chronic illness or a medical regimen.

Another group of people susceptible to ozone hazards are those who work outside or live a generally active lifestyle outdoors. So in short, practically everyone.

How Your Air Conditioning Helps and Hurts

Shutting yourself indoors to escape the heat outside can do more harm than good if your air conditioning system is neglected. Clogged HVAC system air filters and air ducts prevent your air conditioning unit from fresh air delivery throughout your home.

Instead, indoor air pollutants and contaminants, such as pollen, pet dander, dirt and other debris circulate from room to room while your AC system operates.

The easiest way to ensure your cooling system will protect you when the color alert system is not green is to schedule air conditioning service with Douglas Cooling & Heating. We understand the hazards of ozone on Birmingham residents.

We know what steps to take to keep your indoor air quality healthy and prevent indoor air pollution. Our NATE-certified technicians will inspect and clean your air conditioning system. This includes changing your air filter.

The air filter in your air conditioner is responsible for trapping and eliminating particulates before they seep into your indoor air. When the filter is dirty or clogged, the particulates escape and move throughout the ductwork.

This eventually compromises your indoor air and health. You can go a step further when you install an ultraviolet air cleaner in your air conditioning unit. This creates better indoor air quality and reduces the number of particulates which escape filtration.

Installing a Whole Home Dehumidifier

Your air conditioner helps control relative humidity in your home. It can’t remove all moisture, however, especially when the levels are high outside. A great way to help your air conditioning unit is to install a whole-home dehumidifier.

Excess moisture allows dust mites to multiply and creates a breeding ground for microbes like mildew. A dehumidifier connected to your air conditioning system helps remove moisture your air conditioner misses and allows your unit to operate more efficiently in the future. Aside from removing excess moisture, the installation of a whole house dehumidifier can:

Prevent water damage around your home
Restrict household allergens
Improve comfort and fewer health problems
Create healthier air and good indoor air quality
Create energy savings and lower energy bills

Call Douglas Cooling & Heating for Air Quality, Air Conditioning Solutions

Pay attention to the ozone levels outside, EPA color system warnings and stay indoors when it’s hazardous to your health. Air conditioning units maintained on a regular basis help counteract harmful pollutants outside and indoors.

Call Douglas Cooling & Heating to schedule service or to learn more about air cleaners and dehumidifiers for your cooling system. Ready to upgrade or replace? We offer financing!

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Common HVAC Repairs You Need to Know About

June 15th, 2021

Your heating and air conditioning system is essential for your comfort indoors throughout the year. When you need HVAC repairs, it can be stressful, overwhelming and potentially a financial nightmare. Investing in a preventative maintenance plan will reduce the number of HVAC repairs needed throughout the year on your HVAC system.

Below are the most common HVAC repairs and their causes. Call Douglas Cooling & Heating early if you notice something is wrong with your heating and air conditioning system. We will stop the problem before it escalates into a full-blown HVAC system failure.

Learn More About Your Heating and Cooling System

The most obvious sign your heating and air conditioning unit is malfunctioning is when your home isn’t the right temperature, or your energy bill is rising when the thermostat isn’t moving.

It’s hard to diagnose the problem on your own, which is why it’s best to call an HVAC professional as soon as you notice something wrong with your heating and cooling equipment. Call Douglas Cooling & Heating for:

Refrigerant Leaks

A common problem with air conditioners are refrigerant leaks. Your air conditioner system uses refrigerant to create the cool air flowing into your home. When the refrigerant is low or empty, your unit can’t function properly.

A sign that your refrigerant may be leaking is if your cooling system is blowing warm air, which can be a disaster in the summer. When a refrigerant leak isn’t dealt with immediately, it can cause the condenser to work harder, resulting in unnecessary wear and tear on your cooling system.

Schedule HVAC repairs with our NATE-certified technicians soon so we can fix the leak and get your cooling system operating efficiently for the summer.

Thermostat Issues

Your heating and cooling system depends on your thermostat to communicate accurate readings throughout the year. A malfunctioning thermostat forces the HVAC unit to operate more often to keep ideal temperatures in your home.

You can start by checking the batteries. If that’s not the issue, you will need to schedule a heating or air conditioning repair with a licensed professional. The sensor inside your thermostat might be broken, and our NATE-certified technicians are trained to repair your thermostat functions quickly.

Airflow Restrictions

Throughout the year, your heating and air conditioning system depends on adequate airflow to deliver ideal temperatures to every room in your house.

When dirt, dust and other debris accumulate inside your HVAC equipment and ductwork, it prevents your unit from operating efficiently and forces it to work harder. Dirty air filters are the most common reason for airflow restrictions. Furnace filters should be replaced every few months.

If a dirty air filter isn’t the problem, schedule professional duct cleaning services with Douglas Cooling & Heating. We will clean and remove any obstructions in your ducts so your heating and cooling system can operate smoothly year-round.

Electronic Control Failure

Over time, the compressor and fan controls wear out, leaving you with air conditioning problems. If you notice your HVAC unit cycles on and off frequently, call Douglas Cooling & Heating to schedule an HVAC repair.

It might be that your cooling system is too large or the terminals and wires are corroding. Either way, our licensed HVAC technicians will assess the situation and provide you with a solution to keep you comfortable in your home.

24/7 Club Membership from Douglas Cooling & Heating

The best way to keep your HVAC system operating properly year-round is with proper maintenance. We recommend regular maintenance twice per year; once in the spring for your AC and again the fall for your heating system. Preventative maintenance will check to make sure all of your system’s components are in good working order and will catch any HVAC problems before they grow into more serious problems and expensive repairs.

When you sign up for Douglas Cooling & Heating’ 24/7 Club Membership for a low monthly cost, you’ll receive several perks, including two HVAC visits and one plumbing visit per year. You’ll also receive a 10% discount on new system installation, among the many benefits.

Call Douglas Cooling & Heating for HVAC Repairs – You’ll Be Glad You Did

Don’t let a small problem with your heating and cooling system escalate into an expensive problem in the future. Schedule HVAC repairs early with our NATE-certified technicians.

We do “whatever it takes” to ensure your unit is operating efficiently without causing you more stress. Call Douglas Cooling & Heating to schedule preventive HVAC maintenance early or to schedule HVAC repairs for your system.

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5 Things That Can Hinder Your Air Conditioner

June 7th, 2021

When our area is hit by a heatwave you are going to rely on your air conditioning in Vestavia Hills, AL to be able to keep you reasonably comfortable. That said, if you are noticing that you are having trouble with keeping your home cool already, you may be in trouble.

The good news here is that this may not necessarily mean your AC is breaking down. Issues with your cooling system can have more than one cause and sometimes they are easy to address. Our team is here to help when your AC issues require repairs or other professional services.

Tags: Air Conditioning, Vestavia Hills
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What To Know When Choosing an AC System

May 24th, 2021

When the summer season gets into full swing around here, most of us would be willing to pay just about anything for a system to keep us cool. Almost anything. You shouldn’t have to wipe out your life savings to keep your home cool.

When you are on the hunt for a system for air conditioning in Birmingham, AL it is important that you find the best possible one for your specific needs. We can help you determine what type of air conditioner is the best fit for your home and we can provide the professional installation to give it a great start!

Tags: Air Conditioner Installation, Air Conditioning, Birmingham
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Do Smart Thermostats Save Money in the Long Run?

May 14th, 2021

For several years, homeowners were told that using a programmable thermostat was the gold standard for cutting your home’s heating and cooling bills. Recently, advanced technology has brought the smart thermostat to the market, and many say this tool is a great improvement over programmable models. In our most recent blog, the heating and air conditioning experts at Douglas Cooling & Heating discuss the benefits of smart thermostats and whether they save Birmingham residents money.

Smart Thermostat Basics

Smart thermostats allow homeowners to connect their heating and cooling systems with their home automation equipment. Smart thermostats connect to the home’s Wi-Fi and can be controlled by using other connected devices like your cell phone, tablet, or smart home speaker for voice control.

The smart thermostats on the market today offer a range of high-tech features. Most use integrated sensors and also connect to external sensors to read humidity levels, outdoor temperatures, and more.

The information collected allows the thermostat to provide guidance regarding efficient temperature settings for your home. They also allow you to program temperature adjustments just like a programmable thermostat, but some models take a step above with learning capabilities – the thermostat will learn your temperature preferences and perform automatic temperature adjustments to create a comfortable home environment around the clock.

Do Smart Thermostats Save You Money?

All the high-tech features are attractive, but do smart thermostats actually save homeowners money on their energy bill? Let’s take a closer look.

Smart thermostats save money by only heating and cooling your home as needed. While programming schedules into a programmable thermostat can cut down on energy waste, there’s no way to make adjustments if you’ll be coming home later than usual one day. Smart thermostats use geofencing technology to see your location via your smartphone to intuitively adjust the temperature to provide a comfortable home exactly when you arrive. This connectivity allows the thermostat to limit any energy usage that could occur when your personal schedules are disrupted.
The use of occupancy sensors further limits heating and cooling an empty home. A programmable thermostat won’t realize when you’ve stepped out and will continue to run the HVAC system as if you’re there. A smart thermostat uses these sensors and your cell phone location to see you’re not at home and set back temperatures to conserve energy.
Many smart thermostats monitor your HVAC system for spikes in energy consumption, which could indicate the need for repairs or maintenance. The thermostat also sends you alerts via your connected device so you know to resolve the issue right away. Running an HVAC system with performance issues leads to excess energy consumption and higher utility costs.
Many smart thermostats collect data regarding your home energy consumption, which can be accessed through the device’s mobile app. You can evaluate this data and use it as a guide for planning further energy-efficiency improvements around the house or to make adjustments to your routines that will generate additional savings.

Added Bonuses of Switching to a Smart Thermostat

Do smart thermostats save money? Yes, but that’s not the only great thing about them! In addition to energy-saving features, some other great perks of using one include:

Stylish design
Digital full-color and customizable displays
Weather forecasts and other information displayed on the thermostat for your convenience
Control it from anywhere using your phone or voice control – you don’t even have to leave your seat
Extremely easy to use, which means you’re more likely to use it

Choose Douglas Cooling & Heating for Smart Thermostat Installation

Are you ready to install a new smart thermostat in your Birmingham area home? Getting a smart thermostat is a great way to cut energy costs. Work with the pros at Douglas Cooling & Heating to find the smart thermostat model that offers the features you want while fitting your budget. Contact us today to learn more about this great energy-saving technology.

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