What Is an AC Capacitor and Can It Be DIY Replaced?

August 10, 2022

Most folks have a good understanding of what an air conditioning unit is and how to use it. In fact, most people couldn’t live without the creature comforts of temperature-controlled air. But when it comes to the inner workings of an AC unit, many people are left in the dark. If your air conditioner has stopped working and you are trying to troubleshoot the problem, you may have come across the term “capacitor.” But what is an AC capacitor, and can you replace it yourself? Brennan Heating & Air Conditioning has been proudly servicing the Seattle area in all things heating

Brennan Heating & Cooling icon

What Can I Do When My AC Unit Freezes Up?

July 19, 2022

You may be surprised to see your AC unit freeze up. Can it really do that in the heat of the summer? It happens more frequently than one would think. You can do something about the situation. It’s important to find out why your AC unit froze up so you can prevent it from happening again. Thaw It Out If you see your AC unit frozen over, the first step is to turn the unit off at the electrical breaker box. You then need to let the ice thaw. It can take up

Brennan Heating & Cooling icon

Reasons Your Home Feels Humid When Your AC Is Running

July 15, 2022

Seattle is one of the most humid cities in the country, and this can make it extremely difficult to properly manage your home’s humidity level. High indoor humidity can create numerous problems. For starters, it will make your home feel hotter and more uncomfortable. It also forces your air conditioner to work much harder, which can lead to increased wear and tear, more frequent need for repairs, and higher energy costs. High humidity can also potentially lead to water damage and allow mold to grow inside the home. The good news is that you don’t have to suffer with high

Brennan Heating & Cooling icon

Ways of Reducing HVAC Noise

June 20, 2022

An HVAC system is designed to keep the entire building cool or warm, depending on the time of the year. To do this, it pumps out a large volume of air. When the air is circulated through the ducts and vents in the ceiling, it is sometimes accompanied by a lot of noise. This noise can come in all shapes and sizes from fans whirring to high-pitched squeaks and whistles as air escapes. The amount of noise your HVAC produces is directly proportional to the amount of air it pumps out, so the more heating or cooling you want, the

Brennan Heating & Cooling icon

Do Air Conditioners Create Air Pollution?

June 4, 2022

Having adequate air conditioning in your home is a necessity. However, more and more homeowners are becoming concerned about the possible environmental impact that comes with running their AC almost constantly for a large part of the year. Specifically, many people wonder about how much air pollution their air conditioning system might be causing. Here is everything you need to know about air conditioning and how it can contribute to air pollution. The Impact of HFCs One potential impact of air conditioners is that they can release HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons) into the atmosphere. The refrigerant used

Brennan Heating & Cooling icon

Why Is Your AC Leaking Water? 6 Potential Causes

May 18, 2022

Air conditioning units are relatively complex, and for them to effectively cool down your Seattle, WA household, it requires many different components working together harmoniously. With so many parts collaborating to keep the appliance running, there are a variety of things that can potentially go wrong with the equipment. When an AC unit does malfunction, you may notice several different symptoms, but one of the most common occurrences is the appliance leaking water. Not only is a leaking AC unit a clear red flag that something’s wrong with the system, but it can also cause major water damage in your

Brennan Heating & Cooling icon

Cleaning Your Window AC in 6 Steps

May 7, 2022

The window AC is one of the simplest air conditioning systems you can have in your home. This devise is convenient for individuals who live in apartments or other dwellings that do not have a central HVAC system installed to effectively cool the entire property. Like the other types of air conditioners, a window unit needs regular maintenance to function effectively throughout its service life. One of the ways to maintain the system is by cleaning it to get rid of any dirt. When the window AC is kept clean and properly maintained, it becomes more efficient,

Brennan Heating & Cooling icon

Does My Thermostat’s Location Matter?

April 18, 2022

You use your thermostat to make sure your home is at a comfortable temperature. It’s more than just a switch or dial, though: thermostats read the temperature inside your house and use that to adjust your HVAC accordingly. Your thermostat’s location may prevent it from working properly, keeping your home too hot or too cold. Read on for information about where thermostats should go and why. The Thermostat’s Job First, consider the important job your thermostat performs for your HVAC system. Initially, it measures the temperature in the room. The theory is that the air around

Brennan Heating & Cooling icon

Can I Save Energy by Sleeping With My Windows Open?

April 14, 2022

Updated: February 16, 2024 It can feel refreshing to open your windows in the evenings and let the cool outdoor air in. Fresh air, especially during the evening in Seattle, is conducive to a good night’s sleep. As the outdoor air gets cooler, you may wonder if it is best to open your windows at night and turn off your air conditioning. While opening your window at night does improve natural ventilation and might reduce your energy bill, there are several factors to consider before ditching your AC for open windows. The Pros and

Brennan Heating & Cooling icon

Springtime HVAC Preparation Tips

March 16, 2022

As the warm weather starts to break through the winter chill, it’s time to start undertaking some of those seasonal household maintenance tasks. One of these is preparing your HVAC system for its long summer run ahead. Change Your Air Filter Your HVAC system has an air filter that works to filter out harmful airborne particles. As the filter reaches the end of its useful lifespan, it will be clogged full of debris. The spring is the perfect time to change out your used air filter and replace it with a fresh one. If persons in

Brennan Heating & Cooling icon