It is one on the warmest days of the year and my a/c is not blowing cold air. I actually see a buildup of ice, why is this happening? And what can I do? The first step is to shut off the a/c at the thermostat. Turn the fan setting to auto on. This will unfreeze your evaporator coil (inside) and you will be less likely to further damage the compressor (outside). The thawing process can take up to 24 hours. 


POSSIBLE REASONS FOR THE FREEZE UP


1. Blocked air flow, air is not getting through the system properly

Check the furnace filters, if dirty change them
Make sure the condensate line is not blocked
Check the inside coil, a dirty evaporator coil can restrict air flow
Check the vents, the return air vents can’t be covered or blocked. The supply air vents need to be kept open for airflow. 
Call or Email Us for a maintenance of your system.


2. Faulty motor

check this by determining if the outdoor condensing unit is running. If outside is running but nothing is happening inside Call or Email Us.

3. Leak in Refrigeration 

Refrigerant collects the heat in your home and moves it outside. Over time with wear and tear and vibration a leak can develop.

For this to be diagnosed you will need to Call or Email Us. They will check the refrigeration levels with gauges. If levels are low, the source of the leak will need to be determined. The system will need to be evacuated to locate the leak, once located the leak needs to be fixed, the system will then be pressure tested, refrigeration levels brought up to the manufacturer’s specifications, then a/c started up.             

Repairing a leak most likely is only temporary fix, it may be time to replace/upgrade your system.

Air-Conditioning Operating Costs

If you are interested in purchasing an air conditioner, chances are that comfort is the main reason. However, cost is also a major factor. You may want to calculate the annual cost of operating an air conditioner to determine whether it is worth the investment. 

FACTORS AFFECTING COST

geographical location of the house
variance of weather conditions from year to year
efficiency rating of the air conditioner (SEER or EER)
size of the air conditioner relative to house cooling load
thermostat setting
number of occupants in the house
habits of people in the house (if windows are open or closed; if window shading is used; and appliance, cooking and lighting use)
local cost of electricity

METHOD OF CALCULATING ANNUAL ENERGY COST

The output of an air conditioning unit is conventionally measured in tons. 1 ton = 12000 British Thermal units (BTUs). So, a 2-ton unit produces 24000 BTUs, a 2.5-ton unit produces 30000 BTUs, a 3-ton unit produces 36000  BTUs, etc.

The SEER rating is defined as the total cooling output of an air conditioning unit in British Thermal units divided by its total energy consumption in watt-hours

You can estimate the yearly cost to operate your central air conditioning system. In the Smiths Falls area the estimated cost of operation is calculated by:

(24 x DDc·18 / TOD – 18) x (CAP/ SEER) x (Cost/kW/1000)

Where,

DDc·18 = number of cooling degree-days (base 18°C) is 200
TOD = summer outdoor design temperature (°C) for location (SMITHS FALLS IS 30°C)
CAP = the capacity of the air conditioner (in Btu/h)
SEER = the rated seasonal energy efficiency ratio (Btu/h/W)
Cost per kWh = local electricity cost (in $/kWh) 

ESTIMATED COST PER YEAR FOR A 13 SEER 2 TON CENTRAL AIR: 
(24 x 260/(30 – 18) x (24000/13) x (.18/1000) = $173 
ESTIMATED COST PER YEAR FOR A 14.5 SEER 2 TON CENTRAL AIR:
(24 x 260/(30 – 18) x (24000/14.5) x (.18/1000) = $155 
ESTIMATED COST PER YEAR FOR A 16 SEER 2 TON CENTRAL AIR:
(24 x 260/(30 – 18) x (24000/16) x (.18/1000) = $140 
ESTIMATED COST PER YEAR FOR A 18 SEER 2 TON CENTRAL AIR:
(24 x 260/(30 – 18) x (24000/18) x (.18/1000) = $125 

The actual energy consumption can vary depending on several factors, including those listed in the previous section entitled “Factors affecting cost.” these are estimated yearly costs, based on .18 kWh. Your cost could be significantly higher if you choose to set your thermostat lower for example lower than 75°F (24°C).

How many times has your air conditioning unit been a saving grace at the end of a long, hot day? Don’t you owe it to the air conditioner to keep it in top working order?  Without a properly installed and operational unit, the dog days of summer can seem everlasting and unbearable. Instead of waiting for disaster to strike, why not just keep your air conditioning unit maintained thanks to Denoco Energy Systems so you can relax? 

1. Maintained Air Conditioners Are Better for Your Health

Outdated or broken air conditioners can do more than make you sweat; they can actually make you sick. Air conditioning units use chemicals and electricity to work, meaning that they require proper maintenance. An adequate air conditioning system can prevent heat stroke, stop mould from growing, get rid of foul smells, and make life a lot more comfortable.

2. Sudden Problems Can Be Costly

When you don’t take the time to maintain your air conditioning unit, you might end up paying for problems that shouldn’t ever have been an issue in the first place. Preventative maintenance on any appliance is key and your air conditioner is no different. Paying for upkeep is a lot less expensive than handing over large sums of cash for big breaks. Save yourself some headache and some of that hard-earned money and stay on top of things instead.

3. Well Maintained Air Conditioning Increases the Value of Your Home

If you ever plan on selling your home then you may want to start taking your air conditioning maintenance more seriously. Almost all homes have air conditioning these days, which means nobody wants to buy a house that has a system in need of serious repair. A well-maintained air conditioning unit increases the equity of your property and can even boost the resale value when it’s time to sell. However, a broken air conditioner can cost you a potentially lucrative offer. Maintaining your unit is pretty inexpensive when you do it throughout the years instead of trying to fix everything in a pinch as you attempt to move. 

Tip: Hire a professional like Denoco Energy Systems to maintain your air conditioning unit. Some systems are rather complicated and require the knowledge of an expert. As a general rule, never try to tamper with your air conditioner on your own unless you have received proper training. You could hurt yourself or damage the AC unit beyond repair.

If you are lucky enough to have air conditioning in your living space, then it would be in your best interest to know ways that you can make the most of it.

1. Close Off Unused Rooms

Your air conditioner can only work so hard, which is why forcing it to cool down rooms in your home that are seldom used is a bad idea. This habit can make the rest of your house balmy, especially if the workload is too heavy for the air conditioning unit you have. Instead, try closing the doors and windows in those unused rooms. While you’re there, shut off the air returns and close the vents if you can. You will not only enjoy a much cooler common living space, but you will also save a bit of money in the process. However, beware if that if you close too many vents, your AC could freeze up.

2. Ensure You Have Proper Insulation

The air in your house has finally cooled down and you want to sit and enjoy it for a little while. That means you need to have a home that is properly insulated. Otherwise, the crispness that your air conditioner has created will go right out the window – literally. Be sure that there are no cracks or holes around your windows and doors and if so, block them with something while your air conditioner is running. You will find that your home stays cool for much longer this way.

3. Maintain Your Unit

Air conditioning is nice, but don’t get too used to it if you’re not willing to maintain your unit. Keeping your machine or system in good working order is one of the best ways to make the most of your air conditioning. Call Denoco to come and look things over once a year just to stay on top of any issues that may become a problem. Unless you have the means to dress incredibly light while in your home, air conditioning on a hot day is a necessity. Add maintenance and repair into your budget to ensure your continued enjoyment of your Air Conditioning system!


If you follow these three tips, you’ll be able to make the most of your air conditioning.

If your air conditioning unit zonks out in the middle of a heat wave, this is a clear sign that it needs to be repaired or replaced, but you never want to be caught in that position. Scheduling an AC inspection from Denoco at the first sign of trouble could save you a lot of sweaty nights. Here are six signs that your AC unit needs to be inspected:

1. It Doesn’t Produce Cool Air

If you have your AC running at full blast and it’s only emitting mildly cool or room temperature air, it’s time to schedule an inspection. Your system’s compressor may have failed, or the Freon levels may be too low. If you don’t take quick steps to repair the unit, you may have to go with a costly replacement instead.

2. There Are Moisture Leaks

Do you notice moisture leaking around the AC unit? Schedule a service call because this could be caused by two big problems. For one, the refrigerant could be leaking, which will put the health of your family at risk, so you need to get it solved immediately. Alternatively, the drain tube that takes care of condensation in the unit may be broken or blocked. Though it is not as concerning as a refrigerant leak, it could lead to mould growth if you don’t address it.

3. It Has Weak Air Flow

Feel the air coming from the AC vents. If the air flow is weak or – even worse – if there is no air flow, schedule an inspection. There could be many causes of this problem. The compressor may be failing, there may be trouble with the ductwork, or there could be debris stuck in the vents obstructing airflow. Alternatively, it may be that you need to change your filter, so try this first.

4. You Hear Strange Sounds

Does your air conditioner squeal, squeak, and rattle? These noises are a sign that something is amiss inside the unit. It may be as simple as a small component needing more lubrication. Grinding sounds usually indicate that the motor’s bearings are in need of repair. No matter the sound, strange noises mean it’s inspection time.

5. You Smell Strange Odours

If you smell a burning or off-putting odour coming from your AC, the wire insulation may have been burnt out. Musty smells mean mould, so get it taken care of ASAP with an inspection to identify the problem.Remember, you want to spot a warning sign and get it inspected before your AC breaks when you need it most. Contact Denoco Energy Systems today to schedule an AC inspection and nip any problems in the bud.

Let’s say you make it a point of pride to tough it out and endure the hottest days of summer in all their sweaty, sticky, melty glory. Whether you’re trying to cut down your energy bill or just want to prove a point, it can be done. But if you have small children, live with elderly parents, or have special equipment that can’t endure scorching temperatures and high levels of humidity, sometimes air conditioning is a must. Here’s how to cool off your air conditioning bill and keep your energy consumption low even in summer:

1. Hotter When You’re Gone

If no one is home all day, do you really want to waste money cooling an empty home? If you’re out of the house all day, set the temperature on your AC to about 78°F (25.6°C), and keep the windows and drapes closed. If you have a programmable thermostat, you can set it to ramp back up to a comfortable temperature when you walk in the door in the evening. Your AC unit won’t have to work too hard to get the home back to a cool temperature.

2. Become a Fan of Fans

Fans circulate cool air, which means less air needs to be pumped into the room to make it feel comfortable. Though fans do use energy, it’s a lot less than an AC unit pumping on full blast. For ceiling fans, make sure air is blowing downward. If you are investing in a new fan, make sure it is energy efficient.

3. Lights Off

Interior lighting not only adds to your energy bill, but it also creates heat. Avoid turning lights on if you can – rely on natural light from outdoors instead. Yet remember that opening the blinds and drapes allows hot sunlight to beam in, so it’s definitely a balancing act.

4. Close Off Vents

You’re just throwing money away if you have vents pumping cool air into a room that doesn’t get used. First off, the basement is noticeably cool anyways, so it likely doesn’t need the extra cool air. Shut those basements vents. Then close off any vents found in closets, a storage room, or an unused guest room. You have to be careful with this one. If you close too many vents, your AC will freeze up.

5. AC Inspection

If your AC unit isn’t operating at the optimal condition, it can be a huge waste of energy (and by extension, money). Contact Denoco Energy Systems to inspect all components of the AC system, including the condensing unit and ductwork. Our friendly and professional team has https://www.denoco.com/contact-us/the experience and expertise to spot any problems and get everything running at peak condition to put money back in your pocket.

Stay cool this summer, folks!