Category: Air Conditioning

Signs That Your AC May Be Harming Your Air Quality

Jun 29, 2020

Signs That Your AC May Be Harming Your Air Quality

  • Air Conditioning
Old and dirty AC vents

Did you know that a cooling system that is damaged, outdated, or running inefficiently can negatively affect your air quality? This can lead to several, potentially harmful situations in your home. Because bad air quality can be so hazardous, it’s important that you know the potential causes and symptoms. Here are some AC problems that may affect air quality and how they can affect you:

AC Problems That May Affect Your Air Quality

  • You have a dirty filter. Your filter is responsible for literally filtering out impurities in your airflow before its delivered and dispersed throughout your home via a central air system. Your air filter should be changed often, every few months is best. This is especially important during periods of extended use, like the summer months. When the filter becomes dirty and clogged with dust, hair, dander, pollen, or any other debris that may make their way in, your air quality can be compromised.
  • Excess water. If your air conditioner is leaking any excess fluid or it has more condensation than usual, it may be harming your indoor air quality. Leftover liquids can leave you with mold or mildew growth. These spores can grow and spread at a rapid rate. If in or around your air system, they can easily be blown into your home.
  • Duct problems. If your duct system is compromised in any way, it’s possible for debris to build up inside. Because your ducts deliver air directly through your vents, whatever may be built up inside will be delivered as well.
  • Loud noises and strange odors. These are signs that your system may be broken or running inefficiently. In an effort to prevent the problem from worsening, you should have a professional fix the problem.
  • Old or inefficient equipment. Any system that is old, outdated, or running inefficiently has the potential to damage the air quality in your home. If your air conditioning system is out of date, you should consider a replacement. Newer technologies are more efficient and will help to keep the air in your home safe and breathable for years to come.

Warning Signs

You may not know immediately that your AC is harming your air quality. If you suspect that your cooling system may be affecting you, it’s important that you call a McHale’s professional immediately. Here are some signs to watch out for:

  • Increase in respiratory illnesses
  • Worsened asthma symptoms
  • Increase in allergy symptoms
  • Reduced lung function
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches

Importance of Routine Maintenance

In order to keep your HVAC systems running safely and efficiently, routine maintenance is absolutely necessary. Not only will it save you from expensive repairs down the line, it will help to protect against dangerously low air quality. Symptoms may vary depending on the level of air pollutants present in your home, but you should never ignore the signs – no matter how small they may be.

At the first sign of an issue, call McHale’s Inc. 

By McHales

How To Extend The Life Of Your AC In Bucks County

May 28, 2020

How To Extend The Life Of Your AC In Bucks County

  • Air Conditioning

Just like any other part of your home, you want to be sure that your AC works properly and continues to do so for as long as possible. There are several things you can do to lengthen the lifespan of your air conditioner. With a little work on your end and routine maintenance from a professional, your AC will be able to keep your home cool and comfortable for years to come.

Routine Inspection and Maintenance

To extend the life of your AC to the fullest, maintenance is key. No matter what type of system or model you have working in your home, you should have a professional inspection at least twice a year. This allows for an in depth look at the inner workings of your air conditioner. Here’s what you can expect during a professional tune-up:

  • Performance test of the whole system
  • Visual review of components to look for areas of concern
  • Test to determine the state of the refrigerant charge
  • Overall system control testing
  • Leak test
  • If a service professional suspects a leak, a dye detection test may be necessary

Keep in mind that professional maintenance can lower your energy bills and improve the function and durability of your cooling system. To prevent costly repairs down the road, don’t hesitate to call at the first sign of an issue.

What You Can Do on Your Own

While you should always call a professional if a problem pops up, there are things you can do on your own in between visits to keep things running smoothly. To help extend the life of your AC on your own, try the following:

  • Turn it off when you don’t need it. Your AC could use a break every once in a while! If you are going to be out of the house for an extended amount of time, there’s no need to keep it running. It’s also a good idea to turn the thermostat up a little at night when the temperature outside drops.
  • Keep it clean. Dust or debris buildup can damage your AC, even if its just on the outside. Units located outdoors, even partially, are more susceptible, so its important to keep it free of dust, dirt and leaves. If they are left to build up, a malfunction is more likely.
  • Allow air circulation. Without a proper airflow, sufficient cooling will be difficult. Keep vents free from obstructions.
  • Keep your ducts clean. Unless you have a ductless system, you need to keep your ducts clean. Dust, dirt, mold, or mildew buildup can make its way into your air supply.
  • Keep an eye out for leaks. Whether its your AC itself or your ducts, you should always keep an eye out for leaks. Leaky ducts or hoses will result in your AC needing more electricity to function and cost you more on your utility bills.

In order to extend the lifespan of your AC and keep it running smoothly, call McHales and schedule your inspection today.  

By McHales

Signs You Need AC Repair or Replacement

Apr 29, 2020

Signs You Need AC Repair or Replacement

  • Air Conditioning

As the weather gets warmer, you’ll be relying on your cooling system more and more. As your dependency on the machine increases, you need to make sure that its working properly. If you’ve been experiencing issues lately, or your AC doesn’t seem to be working as well as it used to, you may be in need of repairs before temperatures get too high. If your AC is beyond repair, old, or outdated, your whole system may need to be replaced. This can be stressful, but McHale’s will help you every step of the way. If you’re experiencing any of the following problems, call us today:

Power Problems

This is an obvious sign that something is up with your air conditioning system. If you adjust the thermostat, your AC should reach the designated temperature with ease. It should power on to keep you and your family cool and safe during the warmer months. Your cooling system needs to be able to keep up with the rising temperatures outside, so it if doesn’t turn on at all or if it switches often, you should look into a replacement.

Your Unit Blows Warm Air

An AC should always be blowing cool air. If it’s blowing out warm air, then it’s clear that you have a problem. You may be low on refrigerant, in which case it can simply be refilled to have your system back up and running ASAP. If you have a leak, repairs can get a little trickier. A refrigerant leak may be harder to fix but should still be addressed immediately. Repair may be possible, but if you’ve already spent money on repairs in the past, replacement may be in your best interest.

Insufficient Cooling Ability

Your air conditioning system should be able to cool your entire home or a designated area. If some rooms are much cooler than others, it’s a sign that your AC can’t handle cooling your entire house. A professional inspection will help to determine the cause of the problem.

Weird Noises

There’s no reason why your AC should be making weird or loud sounds. If you start to hear any, call McHale’s. It could mean that a piece has become detached in your system, or that foreign debris has found its way inside. It could also be a sign of a bigger problem such as  motor failure. Depending on the extent of the repairs, you may want to invest in a new AC.

How McHale’s Can Help

Our highly trained and certified technicians will be able to asses your cooling system and locate any problems or areas of concern. Once we make repairs, or you decide to upgrade your home with a replacement, you’ll have:

  • Smaller carbon footprint
  • Quieter operation
  • Increased home value
  • Reduced energy bills
  • Better temperature control
  • Increased home comfort

For all of your air conditioning needs, call McHale’s today!

By McHales

Why is Routine AC Maintenance So Important?

Apr 16, 2020

Why is Routine AC Maintenance So Important?

  • Air Conditioning
Outdoor AC Unit

During the hot spring and summer months, it’s likely that you use your AC very often. Because you rely on it to stay cool and comfortable indoors, isn’t it only fair that it gets a little TLC every once in a while? Maintenance will allow a professional to check all the parts of your cooling system and make sure that they are working properly. By having your AC professionally tuned-up every year, you are actively protecting it from breaking down when you need it the most. Here are some other benefits of routine maintenance:

Benefits of Routine Maintenance

  • Improved energy efficiency. When it comes to the appliances and equipment that you use in your home, you should want them to be as energy efficient as possible. A yearly inspection will help keep your cooling system working properly and efficiently.
  • Extended lifespan. If you’re trying to get the most out of your cooling system, professional tune-ups along the way are key. With every inspection, your system will be fully checked for broken parts, wear and tear, and any other areas of concern. Problems will be resolved before they have the chance to escalate and cause your AC to die young.
  • Better air quality. Any AC that isn’t working properly or efficiently can lessen the quality of your indoor air. Allergens, dust, pet dander, and other contaminates can build up in your AC or duct system. When they get released into your air supply, they can cause asthma symptoms to worsen, as well as other breathing related illnesses to pop up. During a tune-up, the filter will be changed and any built up debris will be cleared out.
  • Less repairs in the future. One of the biggest benefits of a yearly tune-up and inspection for your AC is that it lessens the likelihood of serious issues and major repairs down the road. Any problem that’s left unnoticed can escalate rapidly, causing a breakdown in the near future. To prevent potentially costly repairs, you need to schedule professional maintenance.

Why Choose McHale’s?

When you notice that your air conditioner is not working as it should, or you see a sudden rise in your energy bills, you know it’s time to call the experts at McHale’s. We are a full service air conditioner repair and maintenance company here to help with whatever cooling problems you’re having. We offer:

  • Heat Pump Repair
  • Compressor Repair
  • Freon Recharge
  • Air Handler Service
  • Blower Motor Replacement
  • AC Repairs
  • And Much More!

To stay cool all summer long, call McHale’s! 

By McHales

Reasons to Consider Installing a Ductless Mini-Split System this Spring

Feb 29, 2020

Reasons to Consider Installing a Ductless Mini-Split System this Spring

  • Air Conditioning
  • Heating
indoor ductless mini split unit

Are you looking for a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to cool and heat your home this spring? If so, you may want to consider a ductless mini split installation. This type of heating and cooling system consists of two main components. One is located outside, and the other is located on a nearby wall indoors. Together, these two components work to both heat and air condition specific rooms, or zones, in your home. Here’s how you can benefit from a ductless mini-split system:

  • Easy installation. Unlike central air that relies on extensive ductwork, a ductless mini-split system only requires a small hole in the exterior wall of your home. This houses the electric cables, condensation lines, and copper tubes that run between the condenser/compressor and the evaporators. This also means the installation costs are lower and there’s much less inconvenience to you and your family.
  • It offers flexibility. A mini-split system heats or cools the home according to zone. Each zone can be set to a different temperature depending on your preferences. For example, you can keep the living room at 65 degrees, the kitchen slightly lower at 62 degrees, and the bedrooms at 65 degrees. If you have guest rooms that you don’t use very often, you can set them to 60 degrees.
  • Cost efficiency. Because a ductless mini-split system allows you to heat the various zones in your home according to your preference, it consumes less energy. In addition, the absence of ducts — which add to the energy requirements of central air systems — helps lower energy consumption. At the end of the day, you’ll benefit from this reduced energy consumption with lower energy bills.
  • It’s environmentally friendly. By reducing your energy consumption, you’re also reducing your carbon footprint. Additionally, a ductless mini-split system uses an environmentally-friendly refrigerant, R410A. Unlike other types of refrigerants, this has zero ozone depletion and is much better for the environment.
  • Improved indoor air quality. While a central air system has an air filter at the HVAC itself, the air quality can diminish as the air is forced through the ducts and into the various rooms of the home. With a ductless mini-split system, each individual evaporator can be equipped with high-performance filters that filter dust, pollen, and other pollutants from the air. This can greatly improve the air you and your family breathe.

Why Choose McHale’s?

Ductless mini split systems can benefit you year round. They keep you cool and comfortable in the summer, and warm and cozy during the winter months. Here at McHales Inc, we offer installation, repair, replacement, and maintenance. From start to finish, we’ve got you covered!

For more information on a ductless mini split installation, call us today! 

By McHales

5 Reasons to Order a Heat Pump Installation

Nov 29, 2019

5 Reasons to Order a Heat Pump Installation

  • Air Conditioning
  • Heating

Most of the time, if you’re looking for a system that can both heat and cool your home, you’ll be getting an HVAC system. However, if you’re looking for something different, you might want to consider a heat pump. Heat pumps are a cost-effective alternative to the classic HVAC system. Instead of radiating heat or cold air, heat pumps move warm air into or out of your home to keep if comfortable. At McHale’s, we can help you with a heat pump installation and tell you why you might want to order one for your home.

Here are five reasons a heat pump installation might be right for you:

 

Long lifespans

Every type of heating and cooling system has different lifespans. These lifespans are highly dependent on whether they get proper and regular maintenance. Heat pumps can often last fourteen or fifteen years when cared for properly, which is one of the higher ranges for heating and cooling systems.

 

Heating and cooling combined

Keeping your home warm in the winter is one thing, but what about keeping it cool in the summer? Usually, this means you either need an HVAC system or to have both a heater and an AC. However, with a heat pump, you have an alternative option for heating and cooling your home with only a single unit.

 

Uses a common fuel; no need to stockpile

Electricity is a common fuel source, but many heating and cooling systems use physical fuels like oil or propane. While some of these have dedicated lines, you’ll often still need to stockpile fuel for emergencies. Meanwhile, heat pumps use electricity, which is available for every homeowner and doesn’t require stockpiling. In a worst-case scenario, you can fuel your heat pump with a generator.

 

Very energy efficient

Compared to other heating and cooling options, heat pumps are very energy efficient. The electricity they run on is a cleaner fuel than other options such as oil or gas. They’re also very efficient at using the electricity itself. If you want to maximize your heat pump’s efficiency, they work best when there’s little difference between the source and supply temperatures. This means they work best in moderate climates.

 

Low carbon emissions

Heat pumps are an environmentally-friendly alternative to most other heating and cooling systems. Using one for your home can be a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. For instance, you can reduce your energy usage by 30-60% by using a water source heat pump. This sort of heat pump transfers heat to/from a source of water to regulate your home’s temperature.

 

Why call McHale’s to manage my home’s heating and cooling?

McHales, Inc. is a client-focused home service company that strives to ensure the highest level of customer satisfaction. John Sr. and Anna May McHale started the family business in 1950. Since that time we’ve provided our customers with prompt, dependable service at a reasonable cost. We use quality materials installed by skilled, courteous craftsmen. Now we are into our third generation in the business and we are still following John Sr.’s very simple philosophy ” We do what we say we’re going to do!”. That philosophy is still the backbone of the company today. Call McHale’s today to learn more about heat pump installation!

By McHales

How to Shut Down Your AC For the Cold Weather

Oct 11, 2019

How to Shut Down Your AC For the Cold Weather

  • Air Conditioning

Fall is here and the weather is cooling down. That means winter is coming, and homeowners have to think about switching out their cooling for heating. Like most homeowners, you probably have an AC, which includes the inside unit and the outdoor condenser. To ensure the outdoor unit will be safe, you have to shut down your AC to disconnect it from power and protect it from the elements. At McHale’s, we can advise you on how to properly protect your AC from the winter.

Here’s what you have to do to shut down your AC:

 

Repair any pre-existing damage

Before you prepare your AC for the winter, you should make sure there isn’t any damage that needs repairing. If there is any damage, call us so you can get it fixed up. Allowing a damaged AC to linger through the winter will only cause the damage to get worse, and you might be surprised to have your AC not work next spring.

 

Turn off the condenser

You might think you just have to turn off the indoor AC unit, but the condenser needs to be shut off, as well. If you don’t, a warm spell could cause the condenser to turn on and suck in ice and snow. To turn off the condenser’s power, look for the breaker switch for the AC and turn it off. It’s often found on the side of the house or under a flip-up switch near the condenser. Keep in mind that you’ll have to turn this switch back on in the spring.

 

Clean the condenser

With the power sorted, now you should spend a moment giving the condenser some TLC. Find a broom and sweep away any sort of debris around and on your condenser, such as loose branches and leaves. After that, you should lightly wash off the condenser with a hose. While it’s drying, check to see if the filter needs replacing and examine the condenser to ensure the seals are tight and there’s no visible damage. If you do see any sort of damage, let us know the next time you need our service.

 

Cover up the condenser

When the condenser is dried off, all that remains is to cover the condenser with a water-proof cover. If you don’t own one, you can usually find one at the hardware store or you can use a water-proof tarp if it covers the entire condenser. Also, make sure you use bungee ropes to secure the cover so it won’t be blown away by the wind.

 

What makes McHale’s one of Pennsylvania’s best home service companies?

McHales, Inc. is a client-focused home service company that strives to ensure the highest level of customer satisfaction. John Sr. and Anna May McHale started the family business in 1950. Since that time we’ve provided our customers with prompt, dependable service at a reasonable cost. We use quality materials installed by skilled, courteous craftsmen. Now we are into our third generation in the business and we are still following John Sr.’s very simple philosophy ” We do what we say we’re going to do!”. That philosophy is still the backbone of the company today. Call us today to learn more about getting your home ready for the winter!

By McHales

6 Signs It’s Time for an AC Replacement in Bucks County

Jun 28, 2019

6 Signs It’s Time for an AC Replacement in Bucks County

  • Air Conditioning

We talked before about how important it is to tune-up your AC every once in a while. However, sometimes some maintenance won’t be enough to get it through the summer. Nothing lasts forever, and losing your air conditioning can be a major loss, especially during the summer. If it is still working fine, maybe you’re just being cautious and planning ahead. Whatever the case, Jones Services can tell you the signs that you’ll need an AC replacement in Bucks County.

Here are 6 signs you should get an AC replacement in Bucks County:

 

The AC reached retirement age.

How long have you owned your current AC? According to the National Association of Home Builders, well-maintained AC units can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. If your AC has reached this point and isn’t working like it used to, it might be time to retire it. It may seem like a major cost, but don’t worry! You can use this opportunity to purchase a modern unit that’s more energy efficient.

 

The AC has a refrigerant leak.

A refrigerant leak is a serious problem with your AC. The leaking coolant can pose a health risk to your family and the water leakage can damage your home. It’s possible to fix serious leaks by getting a new coil, but it might be a sign you should get a new AC.

 

A repair would cost too much.

Sometimes replacement parts and repairs for your AC don’t justify their high costs. It gets more unappealing when you’re talking about a unit with an expired warranty. If this is the case, you should pick up a new unit and get a new warranty.

 

Your AC is making strange noises.

Is your AC operating louder than it normally does? AC units are supposed to run quietly, so any grinding, banging, or rattling noises are a major concern. These noises can represent something like a slipped belt or broken motor bearings. If these issues aren’t fixed quickly, you’ll have a costly repair or replacement on your hands.

 

The AC air isn’t cold.

If you turn on the AC and cool air doesn’t come out within a few minutes, there’s a problem. A wide variety of issues can cause this problem, like low Freon levels or a broken compressor. Whatever the case may be, it’s an obvious sign that your AC has an issue.

 

Your AC needs frequent repairs.

You may want to keep an AC operational for a good while through repeated repairs. However, doing this may eventually lead you to spend more than you would from getting a replacement. This is more likely if your warranty has expired and isn’t helping with repair costs.

 

Why should I have McHale’s install my next AC?

With almost 70 years of experience helping homeowners, McHale’s is one of the area’s home service long-runners. When you call us to examine your unit, we’ll give you everything you need to know about costs, benefits, and installation needs. To this day, we still practice our founder’s policy of “measure twice, order once.” If you’re in need of an AC replacement in Bucks County, just call McHale’s to sort everything out!

By McHales

5 Advantages of a Mini-Split System in Bucks County

Jun 14, 2019

5 Advantages of a Mini-Split System in Bucks County

  • Air Conditioning
  • Electrical

A mini-split (or ductless) air conditioner is one that’s made up of multiple indoor units connected by conduits to an outdoor unit. As the name suggests, these don’t require ductwork, pre-existing or otherwise, to run. This can make them very useful for certain homeowners. Maybe you’re looking for an easy way to cool your home without installing ductwork? Read on to learn about how a mini-split system in Bucks County might be right for you.

Here are 5 advantages of switching to a mini-split system in Bucks County:

 

Small and easy to install

One of the more obvious advantages of a mini-split system is that it takes up less space than other systems. They don’t require ductwork, which can be nice in older buildings, and only require some small pipes and a three-inch hole in a wall to install. They’re so easy to install and non-invasive, installation could take a single day depending on the number of units installed.

 

Versatility

Each outdoor unit can have up to four indoor units which can have individual temperature goals. This lets you have different zones to more thoroughly control your home’s temperature.

 

Energy efficient

Because they don’t make use of ducts, mini-split systems are more energy efficient. Ductwork losses in central forced air systems account for more than 30% of space conditioning’s energy usage. They can lose even more if the ducts are somewhere unconditioned, like an attic. You’ll save money overall by improving your home’s temperature efficiency.

 

Quieter

Ductwork can cause a variety of noises from debris or leaks, like whistling and banging. With a mini-split system, a professional will remove the ducts or seal the air registers. This’ll make your temperature systems much quieter. In addition, the indoor units are quieter than other units due to their lower fan speeds.

 

Increased air quality

With traditional temperature systems, the ducts have to get cleaning on a regular basis. Failure to do so can result in a buildup of dust, allergens, and other nasty stuff. Even if you give them a complete cleaning, you can still leave some stuff behind. With a multi-split system, you won’t have to worry about what’s in your ducts and your home’s air will be fresher as a result.

 

Why choose McHale’s for my home service needs?

McHale’s is a company with nearly 70 years of history helping homeowners around Bucks County. Our family-owned and client-focused company offers free consultations and a state of the art showroom that lets you see our products in a variety of different lighting styles. In addition, our staff includes award-winning Certified Kitchen Designers by The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) & The National Association of The Remodeling Industry (NARI.) If you need prompt home service, don’t bail, call McHale’s! 

By McHales

6 Benefits of Getting an AC Tune-Up in Bucks County

Apr 12, 2019

6 Benefits of Getting an AC Tune-Up in Bucks County

  • Air Conditioning

As winter turns to spring and spring turns to summer, Bucks County homeowners will be swapping out their heaters for air conditioning. Are you sure yours is ready to tackle the summer heat? The people at McHales know that it’s a good idea to give your AC a tune-up before the warm weather moves in. So, we are are currently offering an $88 special on cooling system inspections. Remember, maintenance prevents future breakdowns! Here are six reasons to get yourself an AC tune-up in Bucks County.

Benefits of an Early AC Tune-Up in Bucks County

  1. Lower electricity bills. Summers are hot- there’s no way around it. It’s likely that you’ll want to be running your AC most days, but that can create a steep increase in electrical bills. A system with clogged filters and failing parts will need to work harder to do the same work. By tuning up your AC now, you’re increasing its efficiency and lowering your utility bills.
  2. More comfort. What would you call an AC that can’t keep you cool? A bad one. Summers can be tough even for modern systems. If you want to keep your home at a constant cool, you’ll want our professionals at McHale’s to make sure your AC is running at top performance.
  3. Fewer breakdowns. If you use your AC system this summer, are you certain that it won’t fail to start up? Do you know for sure that it’ll run smoothly all season? If you’re not sure, give us a call! Our tune-ups come with a complete inspection that can identify problems before they cause a breakdown.
  4. Cheaper repair bills. In the event that your AC winds up needing repairs, they’ll likely be cheaper if you’ve gotten maintenance beforehand. The reason for that is because our maintenance addresses the more costly problems (like air flow issues and broken parts) during our inspections.
  5. Extended AC lifespan. If you want your AC system to stay operational for a long time, you’ll want to give it regular maintenance. By routinely checking on your AC and preventing breakdowns, we can help extend your AC’s lifespan by years. Without regular maintenance, the average AC only lasts a few years.
  6. Better air quality. During the months where you never use your AC, various bits of dust and grime build up in it. When you turn it on, all that nasty junk is going to go into the air, which can hurt your air quality and aggravate those summer allergies. When you call McHale’s to give your AC a tune-up, we’ll clean it out, ensuring that your home’s air stays fresh.

Why is McHale’s the one to do your AC tune-up in Bucks County?

McHale’s has been helping people around the Bucks County area with their homes for more than 60 years. Our family-run business has provided our customers with prompt, dependable service at an affordable cost. Our highly-skilled craftsmen can get the job done while providing the sort of customer service that’ll leave you more than satisfied. If you call us for an AC tune-up now, you can take advantage of our $88 Cooling System Special!

By McHales