And, after a long day at work or play, returning home to a cool, dry house is a refreshing as a dip in the lake. Conversely, coming home to a noisy – or worse, completely silent – air conditioner is as frustrating as the ‘Closed’ sign staked outside my favorite beach at Nokomis.

Luckily, you can quickly troubleshoot – and yes, even repair – many of these problems yourself.  (And if not – you will at least be in a prime position to receive an accurate quote from a Minnesota-based central air conditioning repair professional.)

Below, find 5 common central air conditioner problems followed by proven troubleshooting tips:

1. The air conditioner has stopped working completely
   Take a deep breath and remember that oftentimes the simplest explanation is also the most plausible explanation.  If your air conditioner has stopped working, it is likely because it either has no power supporting it or something told it to stop working.  Therefore, start by looking for any tripped fuses or see if someone has sneakily turned the unit off.
2. The air conditioner compressor switches itself off
   Another reason your air conditioner may shut-off is due to high pressure. On an extremely hot day, the high-pressure switch of your air conditioner may trip, shutting off the compressor. You may be able to fix this problem by flipping the circuit breaker off, cooling the air conditioner compressor with water from a hose, and the switching the breaker back on.

   (Also, keep in mind that this year Xcel Energy launched its ‘Saver’s Switch’ program.  This program, designed to save energy, will automatically and briefly shut down air conditioners during peak demand times.  If you are one of 330,000 who signed up for this program, you may have come home during an ‘off’ cycl

3. Your air conditioner is making a lot of noise
   Dirty or obstructed fan blades are oftentimes the culprit of noisy air conditioning units.  See if this is the case by turning off your unit completely and checking the unit blades to ensure they are clean and unobstructed.  If you do see dirt or an obstruction, follow a tip from our Spring Air Conditioner Checklist and brush away any accumulated dirt or clean the unit with light water pressure from a garden hose.
4. The evaporator coils have frost build-up
   Frost can build up on an air conditioner if you allow it to operate when the external temperature runs below 60 degrees.  Switch your air conditioner off, and leave it off, until the frost completely melts away and the external temperature rises above 60 degrees.  Keep a close eye on your unit for the next several days for a recurrence of this problem.
5. Refrigerant is leaking from your air conditioner
   Low air pressure followed by the release of unpleasantly warm air will oftentimes be an indication of a refrigerant leak.  If you suspect a leak, the best advice we can offer is to call a professional immediately, as the leak could be anywhere in your line or unit coils.  Luckily, the repair will oftentimes be as simple as soldering a leak in your line or replacing a coil, meaning you will be back up and running in no time.

If you are experiencing any problems with your central air conditioner that we have not covered, or your problems recur after troubleshooting, contact Welter Heating and Air Conditioning or leave a comment below.

To receive all of the latest air conditioning tips, subscribe to the Welter Heating blog today.

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Troubleshooting Central Air Conditioner Problems was posted at Ray N. Welter Heating and Cooling. | http://www.welterheating.com

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Below, we’ve provided three tips to ensure your central air conditioner remains in full-working order  throughout the season:

1. Provide good air flow to outdoor equipment. In our spring central air conditioner checklist, we suggested trimming shrubbery to increase accessibility to your unit.  During the summer, it’s important to ensure leaves and debris are kept clear of your unit on a regular basis.  The U.S. Department of Energy recommends at least 2 feet of clearance on all sides and 5 feet on the top. 

2. Shade your indoor windows. The Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority reports that up to 20% of your air conditioning bill can be attributed to sunlight streaming in through unshaded windows.  Keep curtains drawn during the day to block sunlight – particularly east and west-facing windows – and your air conditioner won’t have to work nearly as hard.

3. Reduce moisture levels inside. By reducing moisture levels inside, you can not only increase comfort, but reduce the amount of work required by your air conditioner.  Much of the excess moisture inside of your home comes from outside humid air creeping in, so spend some time finding and sealing any sources of air leaks.

Of course, if your home just won’t cool, this may be indicative of a more serious problem with your air conditioner.  If this is the case, contact a central air professional for help.

To receive all of the latest air conditioning tips, subscribe to the Welter Heating blog today.

Plus, you should follow us on Twitter and become a Welter Heating fan on Facebook.

Three Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips Ensuring Twin Cities’ Summer Survival was posted at Ray N. Welter Heating and Cooling. | http://www.welterheating.com

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Along with the green of spring, comes the reminder that summer heat is quickly approaching.  And no matter how green it gets, a new winter is seemingly always just around the corner.  Should now be the time to install an energy-efficient air conditioner or furnace?

By replacing older air conditioners and furnaces with more energy-efficient models, homeowners across the Twin Cities can lower monthly bills while helping to protect the environment.

As much as half of the energy consumed in a home is dedicated to heating and cooling. Air conditioners that are more than 10 years old, and furnaces that are more than 15 years old, could be producing cold air or heat inefficiently.  These same costly units produce far higher levels of emissions than their new energy-efficient counterparts.

By making the switch to energy-efficient models, Minneapolis and St. Paul residents can:

• Reduce Monthly Bills – Energy-efficient air conditioners and furnaces use 5% less electricity than standard models, which can reduce energy costs month-over-month, and year-over-year.
• Save on Installation – Thanks to a combination of tax credits and instant, pre-season company rebates, homeowners can save up to $3,825 by installing a new energy-efficient air conditioner or furnace by May 31st.
• Save the Environment – In addition to using less energy off the grid, energy-efficient appliances help reduce strain on the environment by cutting emissions.  According to the National Resources Defense Council, switching to energy-efficient products has helped consumers reduce pollution levels by over 2%.

Contact Minneapolis-based Welter Heating & Air Conditioning to learn more of the benefits you will experience with energy-efficient air conditioners and furnaces.

Sign up to receive all the latest home heating and air conditioning tips from Welter Heating.

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Save Money & Protect The Environment With Energy-Efficient Furnaces & Air Conditioners was posted at Ray N. Welter Heating and Cooling. | http://www.welterheating.com

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As many as one in five Americans suffer from allergies, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Many allergen sufferers have found relief by installing whole-house air cleaners in their homes. Adding a purifier to your allergy prevention plan can help you consistently and constantly maintain clean air in your home by capturing and removing airborne allergens.

Check out the top five ways whole-house air cleaners can ward off allergy symptoms all spring long:

1. Eliminate mold
Tiny mold spores floating in the air of your home can make indoor air quality unbearable for some allergy sufferers.

Whole-house air cleaners can eliminate the threat of mold by removing even the tiniest mold spores from the atmosphere.

2. Remove  pet hair and dander
For allergy sufferers, exposure to pet hair and dander can be one of the most irritating allergens. But it’s not just hair and dander than can cause flare-ups, but dried pet saliva as well.

Whole-house air cleaners can take care of all allergy problems caused by beloved family pets by removing the allergens from the air.

3. Destroy virus and bacteria
Airborne microorganisms that cause colds, flus and other viruses can quickly be spread throughout your home because of the confinement of air.

Whole-house air cleaners destroy harmful bacteria and virus, keeping not just allergy sufferers, but all residents safe and healthy all spring long.

4. Eliminate pollen
Pollen is a common springtime allergen that can easily be tracked indoors by your family members, you pets or even a gust of wind.

High-quality, high-efficiency air cleaners can be used to rid the air pollen, one of the smallest particulates of matter that exists in indoor air.

5. Rid homes of dust
Dust is one of the most common household irritants – particularly irritating for those with allergies. Keeping a clean home can help, but allergy sufferers know that’s not always enough. Dusting materials can even make it worse by stirring the dust up.

Whole-house air cleaners can remove the dust from the air so that it can’t be breathed in by allergy sufferers.

Are you ready to start combating the wrath of allergens? Contact Minneapolis, MN heating and central air specialist Welter Heating for information on installing an air cleaning system in your home.

Sign up to receive all the latest air purifying tips from Welter Heating.

Plus, you should follow us on Twitter and become a Welter Heating fan on Facebook today.

5 Tips For Choosing a Whole-House Air Cleaner to Fight Springtime Allergies was posted at Ray N. Welter Heating and Cooling. | http://www.welterheating.com

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And while Minneapolis and St. Paul residents may be thinking more “spring fever” than “heat wave,” there is no better time than spring to ensure your AC is up to the ensuing challenge.  Remember, AC specialists are busiest in the summer.

This spring, think summer, by completing this quick central air conditioner maintenance checklist.  If unsure how to complete any of the items below, contact a central AC professional for help.

• Run the AC the first time it hits 70 degrees to ensure it is working properly
• Cut power to the AC before conducting any maintenance
• Make your air conditioner accessible by trimming any shrubs
• Brush away any dirt accumulated on the evaporator unit by using a garden hose with light pressure
• Replace furnace filters even though the heat portion won’t be used

Each step above will help bring your central air conditioner out of hibernation. Once these steps are complete, check the drain pipes for any clogs by the furnace from your indoor coil to a drain or condensate pump.

And again — when in doubt — contact a central AC professional for help.

To receive all of the latest air conditioning tips, subscribe to the Welter Heating blog today.

Plus, you should follow us on Twitter and become a Welter Heating fan on Facebook.

Central Air Conditioner Spring Checklist was posted at Ray N. Welter Heating and Cooling. | http://www.welterheating.com

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An annual inspection by a professional can help ensure your furnace is in good working order during the winter months. A home heating expert can provide gas furnace maintenance and service on the filter, blower motor, vents, pilot light, burner, breakers, wiring and more.

You can also help ensure your family is safe and sound – and warm – by following these 5 gas furnace maintenance tips:

1. Replace your air filter each month it is in use
Failing to regularly change the filter can result in the filter getting clogged over time, causing furnace parts to work overtime and eventually break down.

Keep in mind that filters should be changed more often if you have pets, and during holidays or high-traffic times when doors are constantly opened and closed.

2. Regularly check the pilot light
Put simply, if the pilot light is not lit, the furnace will not keep you warm. Some furnaces automatically light the pilot light, while others require manual lighting. If your notice your pilot light is unlit, consult your local home heating expert right away, as the pilot light is one of the most crucial elements of the furnace.

3. Maintain your blower motor each season
To ensure heat is properly being forced out of the furnace, the blower motor must be in good working order. Once a season, lubricate the blower motor with 3-in-1 oil or other non-detergent oil.

Before lubricating, vacuum out any dirt or objects around the blower motor. Make sure your vacuum is working properly and not leaking more debris back into the furnace.

4. Make sure vents are clean and working
If vents are clogged, or something obstructs the air flow, furnaces are forced to work harder to keep the home heated.

To ensure vents are clean and working properly:

• Ensure that the flue going from the furnace to the outdoors is free of any dents or holes
• Check duct work to make sure it hasn’t fallen or become tangled
• Vacuum out debris around the vents to improve the air flow from the furnace

If the flue or duct work is damaged, contact a home heating expert to replace.

5. Check breakers and service switch
If you notice the service switch – located on or near the furnace – isn’t on, the furnace will not run. Also check the main breaker box. If the circuit has been tripped, the furnace won’t come on. If the service switch or circuit is not working, they may need to be replaced. A professional can help.

Ensure you and your family stay cozy all winter long. Sign up to receive all the latest furnace maintenance and heating tips from Welter Heating.

Plus, you should follow us on Twitter and become a Welter Heating fan on Facebook today.

5 Must-Read Gas Furnace Maintenance Tips was posted at Ray N. Welter Heating and Cooling. | http://www.welterheating.com

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The EPA has indicated indoor air is one of the top environmental risks to public health. And even the heartiest of Minnesotans spends approximately 90 percent of his or her time indoors at this time of year, making the risks to good health even greater.

To protect your family from the health risks associated with polluted indoor air—including allergens, asthma triggers, and many forms of the flu, including influenza A and H1N1—an electronic, central or media air cleaner can be a powerful tool.

Air cleaners, including the Trane CleanEffects electronic air cleaner, the Aprilaire central air cleaner and the Lennox Healthy Climate® 16 Media Air Cleaner, attach to your central heating and cooling system and offer a layer of protection against colds, flu, and other allergens in your home.  In fact, recent research has indicated a whole-home air cleaner can remove more than 99% of influenza A, including H1N1, from a home’s filtered air.

Of course, only an air purification expert can help you determine the most efficient whole-house air cleaner to best meet your needs.

To receive the latest home heating, cooling and air purification tips and information in Minneapolis, MN, subscribe to Welter My Shelter Air Tips via email or RSS feed, or follow us on Twitter or Facebook.

Can An Air Cleaner Improve Your Family’s Health This Winter? was posted at Ray N. Welter Heating and Cooling. | http://www.welterheating.com

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Make sure your gas furnace keeps your family warm and comfortable all winter long by following our advice below for troubleshooting gas furnace problems:

Problem: My home furnace isn’t producing enough heat.

Solution: Unfortunately, this problem is a common one, especially considering the heat necessary to stay warm in negative temperatures. It might be a matter of a dirty air filter that needs to be replaced. Or, your gas burner could be dirty or needing adjustment. In that case, contact a heating expert to adjust the burners.

Problem: My furnace isn’t producing any hot air at all.

Solution: The issue could be that the thermostat is not working properly. Troubleshooting involves ensuring the thermostat is in heat mode and is set to the right temperature. You could also try moving the dial up or down a few degrees.

Additionally, a circuit breaker might be tripped or the fuse controlling the furnace might be blown. In this case, the circuit breaker would need to be reset, or the fuse would need to be replaced.

If you have a high-efficiency furnace, birds, leaves, snow, ice, etc. might be blocking the furnace venting. Check the outside vent to make sure it is free from blockage for a couple of feet.

Problem: My furnace is noisy.

Solution: Noisy units might be one of the most irritating gas furnace problems of all. A high-pitched sound might be caused by a slipping blower belt or motor, or shaft bearings that need to be oiled.

A low-pitch sound could be the result of a dirty gas burner. If this is the case, a heating expert can adjust or clean the burner.

Problem: My home furnace comes on and off too often.

Solution: Again, this could be a result of a dirty furnace filter that needs to be replaced.

A heating furnace that comes on and off too frequently might also signal a blower motor problem. Fixing the problem could involve tightening the belt, replacing a frayed belt or oiling the blower motor lubrication ports. It might also be a result of a bad thermostat or a furnace sized too big for the home.

To help your home heating expert diagnose the problem with your furnace, before you call, check to see if there is a “peep-hole” with blinking lights on your furnace. The number of flashes can help determine the particular problem you are experiencing.

Regardless of the gas furnace problems you may be experiencing, home heating experts like Minneapolis based Welter Heating can ensure you stay warm and cozy throughout the winter.

Helpful Hints for Troubleshooting Gas Furnace Problems was posted at Ray N. Welter Heating and Cooling. | http://www.welterheating.com

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With a rise in natural gas costs playing the role of the villain, an inefficient gas furnace is a worthy collaborator, costing some homeowners as much as 40% in additional heating costs. With older furnaces, heat can be wasted through the exhaust.  This makes the furnace itself warm, but leaves it unable to produce usable heat.

But just how do you know if it’s time to replace your current unit with a new, more energy-efficient gas furnace?

The efficiency of a gas furnace is measured by Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE). Essentially, it measures the amount of heat delivered to your home in comparison to the amount of fuel that must be supplied to the furnace.  If your gas furnace is more than 15 years old, your furnace’s AFUE may be 60-70%, meaning as much as 30-40% of every dollar you spend on fuel could be wasted.

Newer, more efficient gas furnaces can have an AFUE of as much as 95% or more. That means the gas furnace can convert as much as 95% of the fuel you’re paying for into usable heat for your home. Energy-efficient models, including Trane 95 gas furnaces, have even been show to deliver up to 96.7% efficiency.

Throughout 2010, federal tax credits of up to $1,500 are available for new energy-efficient equipment installed in existing homes, including natural gas furnaces. To take advantage, pay special attention to the SEER and AFUE rating required to qualify for the credit.

Of course, only a home heating expert can give you a definitive answer regarding whether it’s time to replace your current gas furnace, for either efficiency or safety reasons.

To receive the latest home heating tips and information in Minneapolis, MN, subscribe to Welter My Shelter Air Tips via email or RSS feed, or follow us on Twitter or Facebook.

Is Your Home’s Gas Furnace Efficient? was posted at Ray N. Welter Heating and Cooling. | http://www.welterheating.com

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Keep your family comfy and cozy this winter with a whole-home humidifier.

With winter fast approaching, it’s only a matter of time before homeowners and renters in Minneapolis, and throughout Minnesota, start to crank up their furnaces to escape the dropping temperatures outdoors.

While furnaces provide much-needed warmth, they can also lead to severe indoor dry air – causing irritation and discomfort for family members and potentially damaging your home.

The solution? Whole-home humidifiers, which return moisture to the heated air to increase comfort levels and protect a home’s finishes.

Check out the top 5 benefits of whole-home humidifiers:

1. Keep your family healthy and happy all winter long. With a whole-home system, you can help to eliminate dry noses, cracked and itchy skin, sore throats and other respiratory ailments caused by dry indoor air. 

2. Provide for maximum comfort levels in your home. Aside from the health-related benefits of whole-home humidifiers, they can also reduce static build-up associated with dry air. No more annoying static shock or static cling.

3. Eliminate the risk of damaging your home’s fixtures and furnishings. Indoor dry air can cause significant damage to a home – from chipped paint and plaster to cracked wood floors. Heated air that’s not properly humidified can even cause musical instruments to go out of tune.

4. Save on energy costs. Shrinking window framing around doors and windows can result from over-dry air. That can lead to cold air entering your home from the outside. With a whole-home humidifier, you can make your house more energy efficient by keeping the warm air in and the cold air out.

5. Allow for easy maintenance. Compared to portable humidifiers, whole-home systems require minimal maintenance and can keep a home at a desired humidity level with just the initial setup. You won’t have to worry about daily cleaning or the risk of bacteria growth from standing water.

Learn more about whole-home humidifiers from Welter Heating in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Eliminate Indoor Dry Air This Winter with a Whole-Home Humidifier was posted at Ray N. Welter Heating and Cooling. | http://www.welterheating.com

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