Author: Ivy Stanton

How to Know If You Need AC Repair Or Replacement

AIR CONDITIONING REPLACEMENT LOVELAND OH

When AC issues arise, it’s important to act quickly. DIY repair kits and online videos make AC repairs look easy, but any major fixes should only be performed by trained professionals.

A sudden lack of cooling could mean a thermostat or circuit breaker issue. Loud or strange sounds signal fan problems. Sharp burning smells indicate wiring or overheating issues. Contact AIR CONDITIONING REPLACEMENT LOVELAND OH for more information.

1. Your AC isn’t cooling as well as it used to

A well-performing AC should deliver icy cold air throughout the entire home, not just in one room or area. If your system isn’t providing consistent cool air, it may be time to call in a professional to diagnose and fix the problem.

It could be a simple problem like a dirty air filter, clogged coils or refrigerant leak. You can often take care of these problems on your own if you follow some basic troubleshooting steps.

Changing your air filter regularly and keeping the outdoor unit clear of debris are important maintenance tasks that can greatly improve your cooling efficiency. Similarly, getting your system inspected and cleaned by a pro can reduce energy bills and extend the life of your AC.

If you’ve done all of the above, it could be a sign that your system is simply outdated and requires an upgrade. A new high-efficiency AC can significantly lower your cooling bills and help you get the most out of your investment.

A common reason for a cooling problem is that the system is undersized for your home. An HVAC professional can accurately measure your home and its optimum cooling capacity to determine the best size unit for your needs.

The evaporator and condenser coils in your air conditioner play an essential role in cooling by transferring heat from the air in your home to the refrigerant. If these coils are covered in dirt and grime, or if they’re damaged by corrosion or physical damage, they can’t do their job. In addition, a clogged or frozen coil can prevent the transfer of heat, which can cause your system to shut down or not turn on at all.

Depending on the severity of the issue, it may be possible to repair these coils or a related component such as the compressor. However, in many cases a refrigerant recharge is needed, and this can be a costly process. This is why it’s always a good idea to have a licensed professional perform a refrigerant inspection and recharge as part of your annual maintenance visit.

3. Your AC isn’t removing moisture like it should

The AC’s job isn’t just to cool, it’s to dehumidify as well. Moisture in the air condenses into water when it passes over the cold evaporator coil inside the AC unit, draining away through ductwork or in the home’s plumbing system. If the air feels sticky despite the AC running, something is interfering with this process.

High indoor humidity is a common problem that results from a number of different issues. These include clogged filters, dirty components, and refrigerant leaks. If you notice moisture or a musty smell in your home, it’s likely time to call an HVAC professional for a checkup.

Dirty evaporator coils prevent the AC from properly removing humidity. These coils are prone to mold and algae, which can reduce the efficiency of the cooling process. Regular cleaning with a chemical cleaner that’s safe for aluminum fins can help keep the coils clean and smelling fresh.

A faulty thermostat or an oversized AC unit can also cause the system to short-cycle, turning on and off too frequently without completing a cooling cycle. This can interfere with dehumidification, resulting in an uncomfortable indoor environment and increased energy bills.

Refrigerant leaks can also make it difficult for the AC to remove humidity from the air, causing the unit to work harder to cool the home. Look for oily spots around the outdoor unit or a faint chemical or sweet smell near the unit to spot signs of low refrigerant.

To increase your AC’s ability to dehumidify, set the thermostat to a higher setting and use the fan switch to AUTO instead of ON. This will ensure the fan runs only during cooling cycles, giving it enough time to remove moisture from the air before the next cycle begins. Check the ductwork for leaks, which can pull humid air from attics or basements into living spaces, raising humidity levels. Professional duct sealing can improve a home’s energy efficiency and dehumidification capabilities, as well as lowering cooling costs.

4. Your AC is older

When it comes to deciding if you need AC repair or replacement, your system’s age is an important factor. The average air conditioning unit has a lifespan of about 15 to 20 years. But in the sweltering Alabama climate, your AC may not last as long as you would hope.

Over time, even well-maintained units start to degrade in efficiency. This can lead to higher energy bills, especially if your system is having to work harder than usual to keep your home cool. This is usually a sign that your AC is reaching the end of its life and needs to be replaced with a new, more efficient model.

You can check your AC’s age by looking at the serial number on the unit. This should be written on the unit itself, or it can also be found in the paperwork that came with it at the time of purchase. The first 4 numbers are the manufacturing date, and the next 4 are the year. For example, if your unit’s serial number reads W301114213, the manufacturing date was the 30th week of 2011.

Another factor that can indicate you need to replace your AC is if it uses a refrigerant that’s nearing the end of its lifespan. Older units often use R-22 Freon, which is being phased out because of its ozone-depleting effects. In this case, it’s generally more cost-effective to replace your unit with a newer, more environmentally friendly one than to pay for expensive repairs to an older one.

The aging process is inevitable, but there are some things you can do to slow it down, like regular maintenance and keeping weeds and critters away from the outdoor unit. It’s also helpful to clean the condensate pan and change the filter regularly. Performing these simple maintenance tasks will help prolong the life of your AC unit, but it’s essential to understand when the time is right for a new, more efficient model.

If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s important to consult an AC technician about your options for repair or replacement. Your AC is an important investment, and you want to make sure you get the best possible performance from it for as long as you own your home.

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Basement Remodels That Add Value to Your Home

Your basement doesn’t have to be a dark, forgotten storage area. Reimagine its potential for a playroom, home office, or family entertainment zone.

Remodeling from J&R Construction goes beyond finishing and adds high-end touches that align the space with the quality of your home. It also includes structural modifications and addressing any compliance issues.

Add a Bar

Basement Remodels

A well-designed basement bar adds value to your home and creates a gathering place for family and friends. Depending on the design and functionality, it can also serve as an entertainment area for a man cave or kid corner. When you’re planning your basement remodel, consider including a bar to boost its functionality and appeal to potential buyers.

A bar can be as small or large as you desire, depending on your budget and basement layout. A full bar with sink and running water is referred to as a wet bar, while dry bars don’t have plumbing but still function as gathering areas. Bars can be themed to suit your style, such as a pub or sports bar, or used to create a special occasion or holiday atmosphere like a wine lounge.

Unlike a typical kitchen, your basement bar should occupy a central position so it separates different zones while maintaining sightlines. This can be accomplished through a peninsula configuration or by placing it in a pass-through area where multiple rooms meet. When possible, we prefer to run basement plumbing directly underneath the desired bar location so supply and drain lines have short, straight runs. This helps keep plumbing costs lower and gives you more flexibility in your basement layout.

In addition to ensuring that your bar flows into your space smoothly, it’s important to choose the right design materials for your renovation. Using textures like rough brick or bumpy tile is trending right now, and can bring a sense of warmth and depth to your basement space. If you don’t want to commit to a complete texture change, you can still incorporate textural elements into your basement with wall paint and flooring choices.

If you’re working with an existing basement, it may be necessary to address safety and lighting issues prior to finishing the space. New basement windows and walkouts can increase natural light, which is essential for keeping your space feeling bright and inviting. Dressing up basement windows with deep sills, stylish trim and window casing, or even upgrading to a more energy-efficient window will add to the visual appeal of your finished basement.

Create a Game Room

Remember the thrill of winning tickets at your local arcade as a kid or the excitement of family game nights? A basement remodel can bring that excitement into your own home. With a little planning, you can create the ultimate game room that will be loved and played in by the whole family.

Whether you choose a classic arcade theme, an old school pinball room, or a modern gaming basement, consider the type of games your family will enjoy and how much space you need for them. You’ll want enough room for everyone to sit comfortably around a table, with plenty of seating for when someone needs a break from play. Add a ping pong or foosball table, and you have the perfect space for friendly competition.

If you’re going with a classic arcade theme, use wainscoting-style paneling to hide a low ceiling and make it feel taller. Using the same color paint on walls and ceilings creates a visual line that blurs, helping the eye to establish the height of your basement. Add a few string lights and a wood-burning fireplace to complete the look.

A home music room is another great hobby basement idea. Bring in a piano, an instrument case, or a record player, and you have the perfect spot to play your favorite tunes. Home art rooms can be similarly stylish, with cube and crate storage and a pegboard wall for supplies.

Kids will love a basement game room that gives them a place to let their imaginations run wild. Stairs that turn into slides, a rock climbing wall, and built-in shelves for toys, books, and board games are just a few of the fun options you can incorporate in this type of basement remodel.

A basement remodel is a great opportunity to add value to your home before you sell it. Meeting with a West Michigan basement contractor about your goals for the space will help you create a finished room that will appeal to prospective buyers. If you’re selling soon, a game room or home theater can also be the final piece of the puzzle that brings you a fair price for your home.

Add a Bathroom

Whether you’re looking to upgrade a basement with no bathroom or simply add one, this is a project that increases your home’s value and can make it easier for kids and elderly adults to use the facilities without having to go upstairs. It also provides convenience if you entertain guests in your home or have frequent houseguests, and it’s an especially smart addition for homes with young children.

When planning a basement remodel, you’ll need to hire an experienced contractor for plumbing, electrical work, and drywall installation. It’s important to consider the cost of a bathroom when creating your budget because this is one of the more expensive upgrades that you can make to your home. A half bath typically costs between $2,000 and $5,000, while a full bathroom is more expensive.

You’ll need to factor in the cost of a toilet, tub, shower, sink, and vanity. Additionally, you’ll need to spend money on tile, paint, and fixtures. Adding a window is another costly item, and you may need to install an ejector system if your basement sits below the sewer line.

The good news is that basement remodeling is less expensive than building an addition, and it’s possible to add a bathroom on a budget. However, it’s essential to work with an experienced contractor so that the finished space is up to code and safe for living.

In addition to addressing structural damage, such as warped floors and water leaks, a basement remodel can help prevent future problems. For example, a leaky basement can lead to mold and mildew or even flooding. Having a professional contractor repair these issues before they get worse is critical.

As you can see, the possibilities for a basement renovation are endless. Depending on your needs, you can create a living room, kitchen, bedroom, office, or more. By hiring a qualified basement contractor, you can transform your basement into an upgraded living space that will meet all of your family’s needs. Contact the experts at Silver Oak Remodel to learn more about what your options are for finishing your basement and turning it into a functional and appealing space.

Create a Home Office

A finished basement home office is a valuable asset for any home. It can enhance a family’s productivity, add resale value, and help you stay organized at work or on the go. However, turning an unfinished space into a functional workspace often requires more than furniture and decor. A comprehensive renovation includes structural upgrades, moisture control, and specialized design features.

While many home office remodels take place in additions, a basement upgrade is typically more cost-effective since it’s an existing space within your house. That’s especially true if you don’t need zoning approvals to convert the room and can save on exterior work and landscaping costs.

To transform an unfinished basement into a comfortable home office, begin with drywall and insulation and continue adding cabinetry, flooring, and electrical wiring in stages as your budget allows. This approach keeps the project manageable and helps you enjoy the benefits of the space sooner rather than later.

Basements offer an ideal setting for a home office because they’re tucked away from daily noise and distractions. You can make the space feel luxurious with a range of finishes, textures, and lighting that adds to your sense of style and productivity.

The most important element of any basement home office is the lighting. A dim work area will tank your energy levels and cause eye strain. A well-lit office, on the other hand, feels bright and inviting. Invest in a mix of wide-spreading ceiling lights and task lighting to ensure your basement office is bright enough for the tasks you perform there.

You can also incorporate built-in technology and smart features into your basement home office to eliminate tangled cords and make working remotely easy. From voice-controlled lighting to charging stations, a tech-savvy setup gives you the tools and comfort you need to do your best work.

Finally, you’ll need to soundproof your basement home office to create a peaceful and focused work environment. From barking dogs to a noisy household, it’s challenging to think clearly in the midst of chaos. A basement remodeling contractor can help you block external noise with acoustic panels and insulated walls.

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