Design Comfort Blog

When To Have A New Air Conditioning System, Professionally Installed

August 28th, 2013

Knowing when it’s time to replace your air conditioning system can be difficult. We often see homeowners that hang onto their dying AC system because they don’t want to go through the process of buying a new one. But there are several advantages to replacing your AC system and we wanted to help our customers understand when that time has come. Give us a call here at Design Comfort if you have any questions or if you’re ready for air conditioning system installation services in Salt Lake City.

When Do You Need Air Conditioning Installation Services?

Here are a few of the signs that you need to have a new air conditioning system installed in your home.

  • Not enough cooling – If your air conditioning system isn’t able to provide you with the amount of cooling that you need it could be time to replace it. It could be that your AC system is too small for your home but it could be another type of problem like a broken compressor, a bad fan motor or low refrigerant.
  • Frequent repairs – Your air conditioning system should be able to go long periods of time without needing repairs. If you have to call for frequent repairs for your air conditioning system it could mean that your AC is on its way out.
  • Inefficiency – Most homeowners want to be able to stay comfortable in their home but they don’t want to have to pay through the nose in order to do so. If your air conditioning system is using more energy than it normally does it could be a sign that you need Salt Lake City air conditioning installation services.

Benefits of Getting Professional Air Conditioning Installation

There are a few tremendous benefits to having a new air conditioning system installed.

  • Greater comfort – Obviously, if you get a new air conditioning system installed you will be able to better cool your home.
  • Efficiency – New air conditioning systems are designed to use as little energy as possible.
  • Reduced repairs – When you have a new air conditioning system installed you will likely be able to reduce the amount of repair that you need.

No matter what kind of problems you’re having with your AC, call the Salt Lake City air conditioning installation professionals at Design Comfort. We can work with you to determine if replacing your AC is the best idea or if you just need to repair it.

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How Dirty Coils Create Air Conditioning Problems

August 21st, 2013

Your air conditioning system is a complex piece of equipment whose main goal is to remove heat from your home and exhaust it outside. Two of the most important components of the system are the evaporator coils and the condensing coils. We wanted to take a minute to describe what these coils do and some of the problems that can happen when they get dirty. Call us here at Design Comfort if you need any air conditioning repair services in Salt Lake City. We can fix any type of issue that you might be having.

Salt Lake City Air Conditioning Repair: Dirty Coils

If you have a central AC system then you likely have an indoor evaporator unit and an outdoor condensing unit. In order to cool your home, the evaporator pulls in warm air from your home and passes it over a series of very cold evaporator coils. A refrigerant inside the coils absorbs the heat and carries it outside to the condensing unit where the condensing coils exhaust the air. If either of these coils get very dirty, it can cause significant problems for your home’s comfort.

Dirty Evaporator Coils

If the indoor evaporator coils get dirty it will first restrict the flow of air through your system. This can cause your fan motor to have to work harder to push air through the coils which reduces your AC’s efficiency. Also, because there is less air moving through the coils there is less cool air moving into your home which reduces your comfort. Sometimes, the dust on the evaporator coils can mix with condensation on the coils and allow for the growth of bacteria.

Dirty Condensing Coils

The condensing coils are there to exhaust heat so if they get clogged they won’t be able to do that. This can sometimes cause your air conditioning system to run almost constantly because it can’t get rid of the heat that it has. Similar to the evaporator coils, this will reduce the efficiency and comfort of your home.

If you need any repair services, call the Salt Lake City air conditioning repair specialists at Design Comfort.

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Why Air Conditioning Maintenance is Right for Your Home

August 14th, 2013

There are a lot of expenses that come with homeownership. Anyone that has ever dealt with a leaky roof or burst pipes knows how unpleasant such issues can be. Anything that you can do to save money in your home helps, and air conditioning maintenance is right at the top of that list. Do not let poor air conditioning maintenance practices put the condition of your system or, for that matter, your budget at risk. Contact Design Comfort today to schedule service. Our professional Salt Lake City air conditioning technicians have the training and experience necessary to ensure that you cooling system is in the best working condition possible.

There is no avoiding the general wear and tear that air conditioning systems incur during regular operation over the course of the cooling season. Just because you cannot avoid its development, though, does not mean that this wear and tear must have a serious impact on the condition of your air conditioning system. That is why routine air conditioning maintenance in Salt Lake City is so important. It helps to keep your air conditioning system in great working condition by allowing your professional ac maintenance technician the opportunity to tune-up your entire system thoroughly. It is also a great way to catch problems with your air conditioner early on so that they can be resolved as soon as possible.

The longer that these problems with your air conditioning system are left alone, the more serious they are likely to become. Most serious problems do not suddenly develop overnight. They start off small and, as your AC is forced to operate in a compromised condition, they worsen. The extra strain that they put on your air conditioning system and its other components can allow the problem to spread, and before you know it you have serious issues on your hands.

Do not let your air conditioning system fall into disrepair.

Call the Salt Lake City air conditioning professionals at Design Comfort today for professional routine air conditioning maintenance services. You can get the great performance you want from your air conditioning system while keeping costly service and repair needs at bay.

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How a Thermostat Impacts Your Air Conditioning System

August 9th, 2013

While small and compact, your thermostat is your primary user interface, the way by which you adjust the comfort levels of your home. As such, it is an incredibly important part of your HVAC system, and needs to be kept in great working condition at all times. There are numerous types of thermostats on the market today, from simple digital models to the latest in wifi-enabled “smart” designs. Most importantly, your thermostat needs to be professionally installed so that it integrates with your HVAC system in a way that allows you to make subtle adjustments and program the system to operate automatically. Call Design Comfort today for all of comprehensive air conditioning services in Salt Lake City.

Let’s take a look at 3 ways your thermostat impacts your AC:

  • Cooling performance. You need to make sure that your AC gives you the cooling performance you deserve at all times. But it simply cannot do so if your thermostat is not sensing the temperature adequately. When it comes down to the amount of cool air that your system delivers, much of that is dependent on the thermostat’s ability to read the temperature and communicate the discrepancy to the control board. Whether your thermostat is faulty or simply needs to be calibrated, make sure that it works well at all times.
  • Energy efficiency. Energy costs are high enough as it is. You need to make sure that your thermostat is helping your to reduce costs, not increase them. A programmable thermostat allows you to create a schedule of indoor climate adjustments so that you don’t have to cool your home when you’re not there.
  • System longevity. Like any other mechanical system, your AC is subject to a certain amount of wear and tear every cooling season as it attempts to keep up with the outdoor heat and humidity. With that in mind, the less your AC operates, the less wear and tear that it endures. A programmable thermostat allows you to schedule your AC to turn off at certain times of day and days of the week. While a “smart” thermostat can allow you to control the temperature or on/off switch remotely, which can come in handy if you leave the house to go on vacation with your central air on.

Call Design Comfort today for quality air conditioning and thermostat services in Salt Lake City.

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Tell-tale Signs that You Need Professional Air Conditioning Repair Services

July 30th, 2013

Of the various things that can go wrong with an AC, some are less subtle than others. Loud, grinding sounds, major water or refrigerant leaks, and failed compressors are all obvious problems when they occur because the result is often a total lack of system functionality. But others are far more subtle. Most of the problems with your HVAC system begin as very minor issues, which are more within the realm of maintenance than repair, but when neglected, they can develop into costly repairs and premature replacements. At Design Comfort, we have seen plenty of HVAC problems and have been offering solutions for years, and we’d like to share with you some telltale signs indicating that you need professional air conditioning repair services in Salt Lake City. Call us today to learn more about what we can do for you.

Catching problems early is important. Here are some things to look out for.

  • High electricity bills. We know that you have probably already keep a close watch on your energy bills, but pay close attention to your electricity bill during the cooling season to monitor any spikes in usage. If you haven’t changed your cooling habits from one  month to the next, then you shouldn’t see an increase in cost, all other things being equal.
  • Frozen coil. If you find that your indoor evaporator coil has frozen over and continues to accumulate ice, then it’s an indication that your system needs professional repair. When this occurs, it leads to all sorts of problems, from a lack of cooling to an overheated compressor. While defrosting is the logical step, it may not get to the root of the problem, which could be low refrigerant or blocked air flow.
  • Hot spots.When you walk throughout your home, is the cooling even and continuous? If not, then you have hot spots, which are often an indication that something is wrong with your AC. There could be an isolated problem to do with your ductwork in a certain part of the home, but it could also be a problem with the actual components of the AC.

Call Design Comfort today for professional air conditioning repair services in Salt Lake City. We’re here to help.

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How to Upgrade Your Air Conditioning Installation

July 24th, 2013

Getting a new air conditioning system installed in your home is a big decision and one that will affect you for a long time. If you’re like many homeowners then you want to make sure that you get the best possible installation for your new air conditioning system. Here at Design Comfort we are dedicated to the level of service that we provide and we wanted to put together a quick guide to how you can make sure that your new AC system gets installed right and works well for as long as possible.

Salt Lake City Air Conditioning Installation Services

One of the most common mistakes that homeowners make is to go out and just buy the biggest air conditioning system that they can afford. The thinking behind this is that the larger the unit then the more comfort they will experience. But what usually happens is that your home will be less comfortable, you may experience high humidity in your home and your AC system may experience more wear and tear. The first step of upgrading your air conditioning system is to make sure that you get the right-sized system for your home.

The next way that you can upgrade your air conditioning system is to make sure that it gets installed by a professional Salt Lake City air conditioning installation technician. One of the most common causes of AC repairs is bad installation. There are many different components that need to be connected and your professional HVAC company will be able to make those connections to ensure that your AC works well. Here are a couple benefits of getting professional installation.

  • Speed – One of the benefits to getting professional Salt Lake City air conditioning installation services is that it will get done much faster. No one wants to have to wait to have their AC system installed and having your system put in by a pro will make sure that it gets done as soon as possible.
  • Quality – Homeowners spend a lot of money purchasing and then running their air conditioning systems. That’s why getting professional installation is so critical. It will help ensure that your investment is operating as efficiently and effectively as possible.

For air conditioning installation services make sure that you call the Salt Lake City air conditioning professionals at Design Comfort today.

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What to Consider During Your Air Conditioning Installation

July 18th, 2013

Are you in the market for a new air conditioning system for your home? There are numerous system types and brands available to homeowners today and it can be difficult to figure out which one to select for your home. Fortunately, it’s absolutely necessary to have your new AC installed by a professional Salt Lake City air conditioning technician, and this process includes finding the right AC for your home and budget. This stage is especially important, and at Design Comfort, we’re proud to be able to provide excellent air conditioning installation services throughout the Salt Lake City area. Call us today to discuss what we can do for you.

Let’s take a look at some factors to consider during the installation of your new AC:

  • Size. Perhaps the single most important factor that determines the effectiveness and efficiency of your cooling system is its size. It needs to be appropriately matched to the size of your home. During installation, a technician performs a load calculation, which gives him an indication of how much cooling you need. This number is matched against prospective systems. If your system is too small, it may endure additional wear and tear as it tries to cool your entire home. This can lead to overheating and may cause your system to fail prematurely. If it is too large, then it may be difficult to control. Your system could short-cycle frequently, and this constant turning-on and turning-off results in energy inefficiency.
  • SEER. Another factor to consider is the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating of your air conditioning system. This number estimates the ratio between electrical energy input and cooling output over the course of a single cooling season. While it is only an estimate, it’s important to select a system with a high SEER if you want to save on energy costs in the long-term.
  • Professional quality. There are three good reasons to consider a professional for the installation of your new cooling system: reliability, performance, and energy efficiency. If you want to get the cooling experience and minimal energy costs that you deserve, find a reputable company whose technicians have technical expertise, experience, and knowledge of the industry.

Make sure you contact a professional Salt Lake City air conditioning installation specialist from Design Comfort today. We can make sure your home is comfortable and convenient no matter what the temperature is outside. Call us today.

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What to Consider for Your Next Air Conditioning Installation

July 10th, 2013

Whether you are investing in your first air conditioning system, or the time has come to schedule a professional air conditioning replacement, there are many different factors that must be considered prior to the installation itself. Being prepared for your AC installation is important, and the Salt Lake City air conditioning installation professionals at Design Comfort have the information you need to make sure that all the right steps have been taken. Here are a few helpful tips to ensure that you get the right air conditioning system for your home and personal cooling preferences. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.

First of all, it is important that you thoroughly explore your air conditioning system options before deciding how you wish to cool your home. Split central air conditioning systems, which use a system of ductwork to circulate heated and cooled air throughout your home, are still the most common style. Not every home can accommodate the installation of bulky ductwork, though. If ductwork is not a good option for your home, or if you are looking to avoid the energy efficiency problems that sometimes develop with air ducts, a ductless mini split system may be a good choice. These systems use wall mounted blowers to cool rooms in your home directly, eliminating the need for ductwork. A heat pump is a great way to cool your home while using far less energy than other systems demand. Do your homework and make sure that you get the right system for your home.

It is also important that you consider the efficiency of the air conditioning system that you invest in. All air conditioners are assigned a SEER, which stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio. This rating indicates how efficiently your system will work to cool your home. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the system. By purchasing an air conditioner with the highest SEER you can afford, you can cool your home with the greatest efficiency possible.

To learn more about what to consider prior to your air conditioning installation service, call Design Comfort. We are happy to answer any questions you still have about your air conditioning options in Salt Lake City. Let us help you keep your home cool in the most appropriate way this summer.

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Happy 4th of July!

July 2nd, 2013

There are few things more “American” than baseball, apple pie and Independence Day. On this day over 200 years ago the second Continental Congress voted to approve the Declaration of Independence. The document, which was primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson, was a written explanation of why America wanted to be free from Great Britain. This bold move by the American colonies would start the Revolutionary War where many brave women and men would give their lives for the freedom that we now hold dear.

Over the years, our celebration of Independence Day has remained largely unchanged. John Adams, the 2nd president of the United States, said this about celebrating Independence Day: “It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.” We all remember going to family barbecues, watching fireworks, attending parades, picnics and fairs, building bonfires, and playing baseball.

However you celebrate this 4th of July, make sure that you take a moment to remember why we’re celebrating.

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Warning Signs that Indicate Air Conditioning Replacement

June 26th, 2013

Is it time to retire your AC? It can be difficult to know how to tread the line between continuing repairs and replacement. At times, continuing to repair your AC may be the most cost-effective option for your home, especially if you’re not yet ready for a comprehensive system replacement. At other times, continuing to repair an old unit can often feel like a losing battle as you constantly put more of your hard-earned cash into a declining system. At Design Comfort, we believe in assisting customers to help them make the best possible decisions for their comfort and their budget. Call us today when you’re ready to learn more about your next air conditioning installation options in Salt Lake City.

Let’s take a look at some warning signs that indicate an air conditioning replacement might be right for you.

  • Old age. Your AC is not getting any younger. At a certain time, it may be worthwhile to retire your AC and get yourself a new system. Today’s air conditioning systems are highly energy efficient and boast incredible cooling performance, when compared with the technology of even just 15 years ago. You may find that your AC no longer gives you the cool air you need.
  • Frequent repairs. Another reason to consider replacing your air conditioner is frequent repairs. You need to make sure that you’re not paying more in repairs than it would to pay for a new system. While some repairs are inevitable and necessary to keep your AC running, consult with your AC technician if you feel as though the repairs are too constant for your liking. It might be time to invest in the future of your comfort.
  • Energy efficiency. While energy efficiency alone may not be enough to make you consider replacement, if you’re paying what seem like astronomical sums on your energy bills every month and your AC is old, then you should probably consider replacing your AC. If not now, then keep in mind that the time may come soon, and it’s better to know your options now than to wait until your system breaks down in the middle of summer.

Call the Salt Lake City air conditioning installation professionals at Design Comfort today to learn more about our installation services.

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