Air Conditioning Archives - Brennan Heating & Air Conditioning

Should I Replace a 20-Year-Old AC Unit?

September 5, 2024

Maintaining a high-functioning and highly efficient air conditioner in your Seattle, WA home is increasingly important. Once known for rain spells that stretched for weeks, Seattle is now seeing more triple-digit summer temperatures than ever before. Unfortunately, turning your AC on and listening to it hum isn’t a good gauge of its actual condition. This is especially true if your air conditioner has already supplied over two decades of service. Hanging onto an air conditioner you purchased and installed 20 years ago could lead to unfortunate surprises. Read on to find out why you should replace your old air conditioner,

Reasons Your Air Conditioning Unit May Smell Strange

March 6, 2024

Have you started noticing unpleasant odors whenever your AC is running? Bad smells coming from an AC are a common problem and can be due to something minor or potentially indicate a more serious issue. The good news is that determining what is causing the odors is often fairly easy, and most of the causes are also fairly easy to prevent and overcome. 1. Dirty Evaporator Coil If the cool air flowing out of your air conditioning smells moldy or musty, it most commonly indicates that the AC evaporator coil is dirty. The evaporator coil

AC System Comparison: Central AC vs Ductless Mini-Split

August 3, 2023

For decades, homeowners in the greater Seattle, WA, area had only one viable choice for efficient residential air conditioning. It was to install a ducted central AC system. However, that could be an expensive proposition for homes that lacked preexisting ductwork. As a result, even by 2021, only 53% of area homes had air conditioning at all — and only 21% of that total had central air. But central AC isn’t the only option these days. Homeowners can also opt for a ductless mini-split AC system. But how should you choose between the two? Here’s everything you need to know

9 Ways to Save Money on Air Conditioning Bills This Summer

July 13, 2023

During the sweltering summer months, most of us try to find ways to keep our homes cool and comfortable. And while cranking up the air conditioning might bring a welcome relief from the heat, it can also bring an unwelcome spike in energy costs. But fear not! There are plenty of ways to keep your cooling bills down without suffering through sweltering days or sticky nights. The following are simple and affordable tips for keeping your bills low as temperatures rise. So, whether you’re looking for an energy-friendly way to stay cool during the hottest part of summer or just

Benefits of Ductless Heating and Cooling Systems

February 10, 2023

If you’re in the market for a new heating and cooling system, a ductless one may be worth a look. Ductless systems have become increasingly popular due to their energy efficiency, flexibility, and convenience. They are usually quieter than traditional central HVAC units, can reduce indoor humidity levels, provide precise temperature control, and offer up to 30% higher energy efficiency ratings than conventional systems. Here are ten top reasons why some people opt for ductless heating and cooling systems. 1. Energy Efficiency Energy efficiency is an essential factor to consider when choosing a heating or cooling

6 Possible Reasons Why Your AC Unit Is Short Cycling

October 18, 2022

Air conditioning problems are always frustrating. And when the Seattle, WA summer is in full force, you most certainly need your AC unit to be doing its job effectively. However, if your cooling system is short cycling, it can affect your comfort, energy bills, and the overall health of the appliance. When an air conditioner is short cycling, it will typically only run for a few minutes at a time before shutting off prematurely. As a result, it takes significantly longer for your home to reach your preferred temperature, which uses more electricity and puts extra wear and tear on

How R401a Outperforms R22 and Why You Should Upgrade Now

September 13, 2022

Refrigerant is often referred to as the lifeblood of home cooling systems. Without it, air conditioners would simply be moving air around rather than lowering its temperature. Refrigerant is the magical addition that transforms residential ACs from glorified fans into veritable powerhouses that can create and maintain comfortable living environments. While you probably don’t think much about the refrigerant that moves through the air conditioner in your Seattle, Washington home, now is definitely the time to do so. This is especially true if your current air conditioner was manufactured before 2010. What Is R401a Manufactured under

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

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

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

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