Taking the time to go over the basics of your heating and cooling systems can help save you the hassle of an unneeded service call. Martens Plumbing & Heating is happy to share our favorite HVAC troubleshooting tips to help you do so. Read them over below, and if they don’t solve your problem, don’t worry–you can give us a call and we can come out and take a look in person.
Our Top HVAC Troubleshooting Tips
Check Your Power Sources
If you can’t seem to figure out why your heating or cooling system won’t turn on, first check the very obvious issues. Are the batteries in your thermostat working? If not, you won’t be able to turn your systems on. Check and replace them if needed. Next, be sure to check for a tripped breaker or a blown fuse. Flip the breaker and wait a few moments before you turn it back on.
These issues might sound silly, but they can prevent your heating and cooling systems from powering on.
Check Thermostat Settings
If your heating or cooling system isn’t running the way you’d like, it’s worth checking your thermostat settings to be sure they’re correct. They can be accidentally changed, especially if there are children in the home that like to play with the thermostat.
Set your thermostat at least three degrees above or below the current temperature in the room to get your heat or air conditioning to kick in. Your systems will not turn on if they are set to the same temperature in the room.
Check Air Filters
You should be changing your air filters regularly, but if you’re not, or can’t quite remember the last time you changed it, now’s the time to check. If the filters become extremely clogged, they can limit the circulation of cool and warm air throughout your home. Sometimes they get so dirty that they can force your system to shut down completely. Keep an extra supply of filters at home so that you can switch them out more frequently. Plus, replacing them will also help improve your indoor air quality, helping you breathe easier at home.
Check Outdoor Vents
Debris can build up in the vents outside of your home, which can prevent your system from running. Check outside vents and around your air conditioner for leaves, snow, or anything else that’s in the way and remove them. It helps ensure optimal heating and cooling performance.
Martens Can Help With Your HVAC Issues
No home comfort problem is too big or too small for Martens Plumbing. If these HVAC troubleshooting tips aren’t doing the trick, let us know. Sometimes a repair or replacement is unavoidable, but we make the process simple. Our Bryant® experts will come to your home and pinpoint the issue and a solution for you right away. Call us or contact us online.
The moment has arrived—you’re finally getting that much-needed air conditioner replacement. While no one looks forward to making a major update to such a crucial home system, Martens Plumbing and Heating is here to make the installation process as smooth as possible. Discover below what to expect when the time comes for a new AC (and call us today to start looking into a new system).
How Do You Know When Your Air Conditioner Needs Replacing?
Before you determine that it’s time to replace your air conditioner, you’ll notice a few telltale signs, such as:
- Warm air blows out of your air conditioner rather than cold
- Your energy bills are high
- The unit rattles, scrapes, or grinds when it runs
- You notice ice outside the unit
Many of these signs begin to appear once the unit is about 20 years old. The best thing to do is replace your air conditioner once you notice issues. You don’t want to wait for it to completely break down during a heat wave.
Determine Your Cooling Needs
Instead of looking at your air conditioner replacement as a costly repair, think of it as an opportunity to greatly improve the comfort of your home. Chances are that your home’s new AC will run more efficiently than the one you had before, leading to greater cost savings and added benefits for you.
Once you’ve confirmed that air conditioner replacement is required, the next step is to call the professionals at Martens Plumbing to find the perfect-size unit and set up installation. The right size AC is critical to the comfort of your home. If you install a unit that’s too small, your home won’t be as cool as you’d like. If you choose one that’s too large, it might cycle on and off, wasting energy and wearing out the system. It also might not dehumidify properly if it’s too big. Count on Martens Plumbing to measure the square footage of your home and note any unique structural challenges to figure out what size unit you’ll need.
Next, we’ll recommend an energy-efficient Bryant® air conditioner as well as any promotions we have so that you can get the best price. Then we’ll schedule installation so you can get back to being cool and comfortable as soon as possible.
Installing Your New Air Conditioner
When we perform your air conditioner installation, we’ll check each and every detail and connection to make sure you get up and running immediately. Once installation is complete, we will show you how your system works so you can stay cool all summer.
Installation Is Just the Start
Once your new air conditioner is installed, you can rely on Martens Plumbing to properly service it with meticulous annual maintenance. Regular cleaning and repair will ensure your new investment will provide you and your family with years of cool comfort to come.
Ready for an air conditioner replacement? Give Martens Plumbing a call or contact us today for information. We’ll visit your home to help you with the next steps in the process.
Summer is great, with its clear skies and beautiful weather. But it can also bring those hot, muggy days we all dread. Martens Plumbing & Heating is here with good news — annual AC maintenance can help put an end to your discomfort. How? Read on to discover the ins and outs of air conditioner service, then call us at 262-363-7146 to set up an appointment.
What Happens During Air Conditioner Maintenance?
In short, our experts make your AC as good as new. We’ll clean and tune the entire system, checking everything from performance to the condition of its working parts. Our team also checks and solves minor issues before they worsen and potentially cause more serious problems. In the end, what you get is an air conditioner that operates almost as if it’s straight out of the box.
How Annual AC Maintenance Can Save Your Summer
Keeps the Cool Air Flowing
By tuning every working part inside your system, routine service helps ensure cool air when you need it most. So even if it’s scorching hot outside, it’ll be perfectly pleasant inside.
Helps Control High Humidity
While not nearly as effective as a dehumidifier, cool air from your AC naturally helps curb high moisture levels. Scheduling preventive service makes sure your system can keep up with your needs even on the most humid of days.
Reduces the Chance of a Breakdown
There’s nothing worse than coming inside after a hot day in the sun only to discover that your AC is broken. But when you schedule air conditioner maintenance, you won’t have to worry about it. We’ll catch and fix potential problems on the spot so you can do what you’re supposed to at home—relax.
Call the Pros at Martens Plumbing for the Best AC Service
Homeowners in the Mukwonago area know that Martens Plumbing is the best team for all their heating, cooling, and plumbing needs. We maintain, install, and fix cooling systems of all kinds, including energy-efficient Bryant® ACs. So, if you’re ready for routine maintenance, give us a call at 262-363-7146 or contact us online to schedule an appointment today.
Coming home to crisp and cool air after a hot day in the sun is one of the best feelings in summer. The pros at Martens Plumbing & Heating are committed to doing whatever it takes to make sure you never lose that feeling. We’re sharing some of our favorite AC troubleshooting tips below—check them out, then call us at 262-363-7146 for more help.
Replace Your Air Filter
Many problems with airflow can be solved by simply swapping out your air filter. These handy devices help prevent airborne contaminants from flowing through your house. In the process, however, they get dirty, blocking air from flowing through ductwork, putting extra stress on your AC, and even causing your energy bills to skyrocket.
By changing your air filter every one to three months, you can ensure proper operation and better comfort.
Double Check Your Thermostat
Believe it or not, the wrong setting on your thermostat can prevent your central air from cooling your home. Check that the device is working—set it to “Cool” and turn down the temperature a few degrees. If the thermostat itself is blank or not working, it could just be a simple matter of replacing the batteries.
Open All Vents and Registers
Go around your house and make sure all vents and registers are open and unblocked. This goes for rooms you don’t often use, too—closing vents in these areas can actually cause your AC to work harder than normal to push air through them. Open registers promote proper airflow and comfort throughout the house and help ensure energy efficiency.
Schedule Preventive Maintenance
Regular air conditioner maintenance is one of the best troubleshooting techniques out there. This service:
- Cuts down on the need for AC repair
- Cleans and tunes your entire system
- Extends the system’s life
- Ensures all parts run exactly how they should
The experts at Martens Plumbing can help—we’re just a phone call away.
For More AC Troubleshooting Tips, Trust Martens Plumbing
If you’ve taken these central air troubleshooting steps and are still having issues, call our pros right away. With years of experience working with cooling systems of all kinds—including Bryant® units—our air conditioner repair expertise is second to none.
Call us today at 262-363-7146 or get in touch with us online.
Now more than ever, spring is one of the best times of the year—the weather is warming up, which means shutting off your furnace and getting outside for nice, fresh air. But your house and home comfort systems need a little bit of help getting ready for the change in seasons. Thankfully, the experts Martens Plumbing & Heating have what you need. Use our spring HVAC checklist to get prepped properly, then call us at 262-363-7146 for assistance.
Swap Your Air Filter
To keep your indoor air as clean and healthy as possible, it’s important to change your air filter every one to three months. That filter catches airborne contaminants like viruses and bacteria as they cycle through your heating and cooling systems, preventing them from flowing through the house. Replacing it regularly keeps it from dirtying up and ensures it’s able to catch those airborne pathogens.
Schedule Routine AC Maintenance
This yearly service does wonders for both your cooling system and your budget. The pros at Martens Plumbing come out and clean every working part in the unit, making sure everything operates as it’s supposed to. That means a more energy-efficient system, which can help you save on your monthly bills. It also helps the system last longer—and lets you put off having to worry about replacing it in the near future.
Clean and Dust the House
While this may have already been on your spring-cleaning to-do list, it can help your heating and cooling system operate more smoothly. It’s easy for dust, dirt, and mold to accumulate in places like ceiling fans, vents, and windows. Start by cleaning ceiling fan blades, vents, and registers to clear dust, pet hair, and other debris that’s built up—this will cut down on the amount of contaminants that circulate through your house. Don’t forget to dust your windows, either, which can easily build up mold and allergens.
Consider a Whole-Home Air Purifier
Opening windows works well to freshen up stale indoor air, but it also enables outdoor allergens and germs to work their way inside. An air purifier takes care of both those problems—it can capture and kill up to 99 percent of airborne pathogens that can make you sick while providing fresh, clean air. If you’re wondering what they can do to create healthy air in your home, give Martens Plumbing a call.
Install a Wi-Fi Thermostat
You may not have to turn on the furnace every day anymore, but that doesn’t mean you won’t need it at all in the spring. Temperatures can swing wildly this time of year, forcing you to keep adjusting your thermostat. Consider upgrading your system to a Wi-Fi-enabled model—it lets you set a custom temperature schedule to battle varying weather forecasts. There’s less playing with the settings to find your perfect conditions, which can save you money on energy costs, too.
Call Martens Plumbing to Get You Ready
The last item on our spring tuneup checklist is to call us for help getting ready. We work with Bryant® systems of all kinds and can help get your cooling system and house prepared, whether it’s regular maintenance, or installing indoor air quality solutions and Wi-Fi thermostats. Call us now at 262-363-7146—we’re here to help.
Ice is perfect for keeping beverages and freshly caught fish cold in the summertime, but the one place you don’t want it is on your AC unit. An icy air conditioner can cause problems for your home comfort—such as keeping your home warmer than it should. If that happens, trust that Martens Plumbing & Heating has all the tools you need to keep your home comfort levels where you want them.
Three Things That Cause Ice to Form on Your Air Conditioner
The AC’s evaporator coil transfers heat from inside your home to the outside. When that evaporator coil fails, it drops below freezing, allowing the surrounding humidity to collect, freeze, and form ice on the AC unit. There are three main reasons why your evaporator coil may stop working:
- Improper airflow—less air gets to the evaporator coil when the air conditioner has inadequate airflow, causing it to freeze.
- Low refrigerant levels—when your AC is low on Freon or another refrigerant, it causes the evaporator coil to become too cold, thus resulting in an icy air conditioner.
- Faulty thermostat—if your thermostat fails or is set too low, your AC may run nonstop and cause your condenser’s temperature to eventually drop below freezing.
Take Outdoor Temperatures Into Account
Air conditioners are meant to work only in a specific temperature range. Most of us don’t think about this—we only turn it on when it’s too hot outside. But if you use your AC when it’s below 62 degrees outside, you’re asking for trouble. The pressure inside the air conditioner drops, which can also cause it to freeze.
Regular Maintenance Is Key
From cleaning filters to catching other issues before they break your air conditioner, routine maintenance is your best friend. In fact, it’s key to ensuring you get an AC unit that breaks down less frequently, lasts longer, and is more energy-efficient.
Icy Air Conditioner Repair Service in Southeast Wisconsin
If you’ve experienced any of these issues, don’t sweat it—our professional and knowledgeable staff has your back. As a certified Bryant® dealer, we can service all AC makes and models, and can even make recommendations on new systems. Our expert repair and installation will have your home feeling more comfortable in no time. We even offer 24-hour emergency service, so you don’t have to wait for normal business hours. Call us today at 262-363-7146 or contact us online for all your comfort needs.
Spring has sprung, which means it’s time for air conditioner maintenance. And if your air conditioner still uses R-22 Freon refrigerant, it might be time to get a new unit. Why? Because the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has prohibited the manufacture and installation of new R-22 appliances since 2010. It’s also gradually reduced the production of this ozone-damaging refrigerant. Starting January 1, 2020, companies will no longer be able to manufacture or import R-22 into the U.S. This regulation will impact millions of homeowners—keep reading to find out how it impacts your air conditioner.
Deciding Whether to Repair or Replace Your Air Conditioner
Some homeowners worry that if their air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant, then they can’t use it anymore. This isn’t true. If your A/C runs safely for another 10 years, that’s great. The repair or replace question comes into play once your aging system breaks down. Or if it requires a refrigerant recharge because R-22 is very expensive and not readily available.
Rather than paying an arm and a leg for an R-22 refrigerant recharge, we often recommend that our customers consider a replacement. We know the cost of a replacement is hard to swallow but sometimes it makes more sense to put your money toward a new energy-efficient system than an expensive recharge. Your trusted Martens Plumbing & Heating technician can help you decide which makes more sense.
Trust Us for An Honest Recommendation
Over half of the energy used in your home goes to your heating and cooling. That’s why we focus on maintaining a high level of efficiency and saving you as much money as we can. When your system is no longer safe or a repair isn’t worth the cost, count on us for an honest recommendation and installation. We train our pros to do what’s in your best interest and that’s exactly what happens at every appointment. Count on us for a tailored Bryant® system recommendation and professional installation that fits your budget and keeps your family comfortable for years to come.
Let the Pros at Martens Plumbing & Heating Get You Set for Summer
For help with the most important systems in your home or business—from an energy-efficient air conditioner to sump pumps and plumbing services—trust the company that understands urgency, integrity, fast response, and value: Martens Plumbing & Heating. We can also help with your next bathroom and kitchen remodel. Contact us anytime for more information or get a free estimate from the plumbing and HVAC team that’s here for you.