From regular maintenance to brand-new installations, there is a wide range of HVAC components in a central heating and cooling system. Superstition Cooling strives to make HVAC service easy for our customers throughout Phoenix’s East Valley, both on and off the job.

While there’s generally very little DIY HVAC maintenance and repair work (and it’s important to rely only on a professional), knowing how your system works can help allay major fears or anxiety the next time something goes wrong. Read on to learn how the main parts of an AC unit and furnace work together to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Core Components of a Central HVAC System

Both AC systems and heaters rely on a heat exchange process to extract and separate cold and hot air. A thermostat then controls how much hot or cold air your HVAC system delivers through the ductwork, but a lot of technical processes occur to make it all happen.

While the principles behind central air conditioning and heating are very similar, they achieve their functions using very different components.

Furnace

The furnace (aka air handler) is the biggest of your HVAC components. A heat exchanger located inside the furnace draws in and heats air before a fan sends it throughout the duct system. Furnaces come in two standard types:

1. Electric, which uses an array of heating elements
2. Natural gas, where a pilot light heats a combustion chamber

As soon as you suspect a malfunctioning unit, take timely action to ensure small issues don’t turn into bigger problems. Our highly experienced NATE-certified technicians are ready with timely heater repair services. We can also provide an honest assessment of the overall health of your system.

Evaporator Coil & Condensing Unit

Evaporator coils must perform the opposite function of the heat exchanger, separating heat and consolidating cool air. The evaporator coil is normally located on the top or side of the furnace, and it must work with several other AC system components extending to the property’s exterior.

The heat exchange process occurs through a series of coils filled with refrigerant supplied by a condensing unit on the outside of the property. The refrigerant continually travels between the evaporator coil and condensing unit via durable, small-diameter refrigerant lines.

As warm air passes over the coils, the refrigerant quickly absorbs heat and leaves cool air behind. The heated refrigerant then returns to the condensing unit, emitting the collected heat away from the property.

These three parts of an AC unit – an evaporator coil, condensing unit, and refrigerant lines – serve the same goal but with very different functions. Keeping all your AC system components in good working order depends on both:

• Timely AC repairs
• Regular system tune-ups

Ductwork & Vents

As mentioned, the central furnace and cooling system blows treated air where intended at the press of a pre-programmable button! Before the heated or cool air gets to you, it must travel through a series of sealed ducts and vents.

All it takes to lose your heating and cooling efficiency is a single breach in your ductwork. Long-term buildup of dust and debris is also problematic (and harmful to your health). That’s why our routine duct maintenance services are just as important as servicing the heating and cooling units themselves.

Other times, the thermostat is the only malfunctioning unit – but it can also indicate HVAC components that are on their way out. The key is to call our highly trained HVAC specialists early when you encounter any problems. We back our repairs with a robust one-year warranty. In the event a new installation is in order, we also carry a wide range of dependable devices with 10-year factory warranties.

Above all, we want to help you protect your investment and achieve many years of comfort and health.

Contact Superstition Cooling For Service You Can Believe In

While the various components of HVAC systems are relatively simple on their own, they must work together seamlessly to ensure efficient long-term operation. Keeping all the parts of an AC unit and furnace in optimal working order can also reduce utility costs, improve indoor air quality (IAQ), and reduce long-term property maintenance headaches.

We’re proud to be a family-owned and operated company with a legacy of client-first service in Apache Junction and the surrounding area. If you suspect your heating and cooling system is on the fritz, don’t delay – request a free estimate from Superstition Cooling today.

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Maintaining a functioning furnace is key for homeowners and business owners to stay comfortable year-round. However, even with regular maintenance, problems that require troubleshooting and repair can arise.

Let’s discuss some common issues that furnace owners face and explore the best ways to address these problems. That way, you will be empowered to resolve minor furnace problems on your own. If they persist or prove to be more complex, it’s time to call a professional HVAC company like Superstition Cooling. Our expert technicians will provide the necessary repairs and maintenance needed to ensure that your furnace runs smoothly and reliably.

Your Furnace Isn’t Blowing Hot Air

If your furnace is running but the air isn’t hot, you’ve got a problem. Here are some of the possible causes, along with ways to troubleshoot the issue:

Possible Causes

• Clogged Air Filters: If your furnace’s air filter is blocked with dust and debris, it can inhibit the flow of heated air, diminishing the heat output. The filter should be changed each month since a dirty filter is the leading cause of HVAC issues.
• Malfunctioning Thermostat: A faulty thermostat may fail to communicate the need for heat to your furnace.

Troubleshooting Ideas

• Check and Replace Filters: Regularly check your furnace air filters. If they appear dirty or clogged, replace them with new ones. On average, filters should be replaced every month.
• Thermostat Calibration: Make sure your thermostat is set to ‘heat’ and not ‘cool’, and that the temperature is set to a number that’s above room temperature. If your thermostat operates on batteries, make sure to replace them regularly.

Your Furnace Isn’t Turning On

When your furnace refuses to operate, there can be several causes. Let’s look at some of the most common issues and how you can troubleshoot them.

Possible Causes

• Electrical Issues: Check if your circuit breaker has tripped or if the furnace switch is set to ‘off.’
• Pilot Light Problems: If your furnace has a pilot light, make sure it is lit. An unlit pilot light will prevent your furnace from operating.
• Lack of Maintenance: Neglecting regular furnace maintenance, including cleaning and inspection, can lead to a faulty system and, eventually, a broken down machine.

Troubleshooting Ideas

• Inspecting Electrical Connections: Make sure all electrical connections, including the circuit breaker and furnace switch, are functioning correctly.
• Relighting the Pilot Light: If the pilot light is out, refer to your furnace manual to relight it safely.

Furnace Diagnostic and Troubleshooting Tips

Furnaces usually display error codes or signals that can help diagnose the problem. Refer to your furnace’s manual to understand what each code means. There should be a key that contains each code along with a short message about the problem.

A homeowner or business owner should regularly inspect all the furnace components, including the blower motor, the heat exchanger, and safety switches, to ensure they are in good working condition. It’s highly recommended that you hire a professional like Superstition Cooling to perform regular inspections and maintenance on your unit to help you avoid costly repairs.

When to Seek Professional Services

While some furnace issues can be resolved at home, others might require professional attention. If your furnace is making unusual noises, emitting a strange odor, or regularly cycling on and off, it’s best to call the professionals at Superstition Cooling. These are signs of complex issues that are better handled by an experienced HVAC professional.

To avoid major issues, it’s crucial to schedule regular maintenance on your HVAC system. Our professional HVAC company can inspect and repair your furnace to prevent major issues and ensure that it lasts for years to come.

Trust Superstition Cooling With All Your HVAC Needs

Resolving common furnace issues can be an easy DIY task if you pay attention to your furnace’s health and are equipped with some basic knowledge on how to address these problems. However, if you find yourself dealing with stubborn or complex problems, remember that our professional help is just a call away.

Trust the experts at Superstition Cooling to make your furnace repairs and maintenance hassle-free and efficient. If you’re unable to resolve your furnace issues, contact Superstition Cooling for assistance.

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Do you suspect that your furnace is overheating? Symptoms can include a burning smell, a strange thumping sound, or an inability to work efficiently. If you notice signs that your furnace isn’t working properly, it’s always best to contact an experienced technician like our team at Superstition Cooling. We have the tools and equipment to test your unit, diagnose the problem, and recommend a solution that’s best for your budget. Let’s look at some of the most common reasons that your furnace may be overheating.

Old Age

With proper maintenance, today’s furnaces are designed to work for around 20 years. As your furnace reaches the end of its life, it may begin to wear out and work less efficiently. When this happens, your furnace can overheat, shut off unexpectedly, or fail to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. If your furnace is reaching the end of its life, it may be best to replace it instead of paying for costly repairs. A newer furnace will work more efficiently, which saves money on your utility bill each month.

Restricted Airflow

The most common cause of an overheating furnace is a dirty or clogged air filter. Air filters are extremely good at keeping dirt and dust from entering the air inside your home, but they need to be replaced on a monthly basis. When you forget, that debris keeps clean air from passing through, which causes your furnace to work overtime.

Dirty Internal Components

A furnace that’s overheating may not have anything wrong with it at all. It may just need a good cleaning. Internal components can get caked with dirt and dust, which keep them from working properly. The blower motor, for example, cannot spin if it’s caked with dirt, leading to an overheating furnace. A qualified technician can spot signs of dirty internal components and make the best recommendation for your HVAC system.

Mechanical Failure

The electrical wiring and fan blower work hard to blow comfortable air throughout the interior of your structure. A short circuit or poor circulation can cause the entire furnace to stop working. Regular tune-ups are the best way to avoid issues like this since an experienced technician knows how to prevent major problems that will cost much more to repair.

Short Cycling

Short cycling is a term that refers to a furnace that shuts off before the heating cycle is complete. This adds unnecessary stress to your furnace motor and prevents it from keeping your home or business warm. There are several reasons that your unit may be short cycling, including an overheating furnace. When this happens, your furnace is actually shutting off to keep it from overheating and causing damage to the motor.

Poor Maintenance

A furnace is composed of many working parts, and if one part fails, the entire system won’t work properly. That’s why regular maintenance is so important. Our professional HVAC technicians know how to spot worn-out parts, dirty components, and air filters that need to be replaced, and we’ll take the necessary steps to keep it running smoothly. That way, you can eliminate the risk of your furnace overheating.

From checking your refrigerant to cleaning the internal components, our HVAC maintenance and tune-up services provide peace of mind that’s well worth the price. Besides, scheduled maintenance is far cheaper than the cost of major repairs or the replacement of a neglected unit.

Protect Your Furnace With Superstition Cooling’s Expert Services 

Minor HVAC problems can lead to a furnace overheating. At Superstition Cooling, we’re committed to keeping HVAC systems throughout the East Valley working efficiently year-round. Have you scheduled your regular tune-up? Contact us today to request an estimate.

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Updated: August 18, 2023

When you observe your furnace blowing cold air, it’s important to get to the bottom of the issue quickly. A furnace that blows cold air is no longer working properly, and it could be a sign of some serious problems. The sooner you can determine what’s causing your furnace to blow cold air and correct the issue, the more likely you are to prevent the problem from getting even worse.

There are a few problems you may be able to fix yourself, but it’s important to call a professional HVAC technician in Apache Junction if you can’t resolve things quickly. Here are four of the most common reasons your furnace could be blowing cold air.

1. Your Thermostat Is Set Incorrectly

Maybe someone bumped into it, maybe someone else in your house tampered with it, or maybe you just got confused. Check to make sure that your thermostat is set to an appropriate temperature, and also make sure that it’s set to “Auto” instead of “On.” When the thermostat is set on, it’s likely to blow all the time even if the furnace isn’t going.

2. Your Furnace Filter Needs a Replacement

Some furnace filters can be cleaned, while others have to be replaced. If you have an oil-fired furnace, this job can get messy, but it’s something you can easily do yourself for most furnaces. An excessively dirty filter can restrict airflow, which can prevent your furnace from passing heated air into the home.

3. Malfunctioning Flame Sensor in Furnace

If your furnace starts blowing warm air before turning cold, that could be a sign that your burner is shutting off because of the flame sensor. This might mean that your flame sensor just needs to be cleaned before your furnace can function properly again, or the sensor might need to be replaced.

4. Burner Problem in Furnace

This is one of the most common reasons you might notice a furnace blowing cold air. Essentially, the burner isn’t igniting because it’s too dirty. In extreme cases, the burner may completely malfunction. If you’re not completely sure about how to clean the burner in your specific unit, it’s probably best to call a furnace repair professional and let them take care of the issue.

How to Make Your Furnace Last Longer

When you find the right furnace repair company near Phoenix, you’ll be able to get a fast solution for any of the problems listed above. The best scenario, though, is to not need a furnace repair at all. Keep your HVAC system running as efficiently as possible by scheduling regular heater maintenance.

Getting a furnace tune-up will give a professional technician a chance to inspect your unit, make sure everything is functioning properly, and give it a good cleaning. This way, you’ll be able to take proactive measures that prevent minor problems from becoming big ones.

Get the Best Heater Maintenance with Superstition Cooling in Apache Junction!

Located in Apache Junction, our team from Superstition Cooling serves most of the valley. You can count on us to respond to problems quickly and provide excellent service at every step along the way. From Scottsdale to East Valley, we’ll provide furnace repair services to get your HVAC system blowing warm air again.

We’ve been serving the Greater Phoenix Area for 15 years now, and take pride in every project. Since our customers are also our neighbors, we feel it’s only right to back up everything we do with warranties. Contact us today for prompt heater maintenance that will get your home comfortable again quickly and keep it that way for years to come.

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Everyone knows that air conditioners make noise. We are accustomed to the soft roar of air moving through the ducts, the clicks as the thermostat switches on and off, and the occasional rattle of a loose vent. However, your ears may also be the first to notice strange noises when something goes wrong with your AC.

Because your AC is a large machine and mechanical system, its sounds indicate what’s happening inside. While some noises are perfectly normal, there are air conditioner sounds that always means trouble and suggest that a repair is around the corner. As Apache Junction’s HVAC experts, Superstition Cooling can tell you precisely what to listen for to catch problems before they become disasters.

3 Air Conditioner Noises You Should Take Seriously

The three sounds you never want to hear from your AC are hissing and whistling, buzzing, and metallic grinding. No proper AC operation will make these loud noises, and they could indicate a severe problem inside your AC unit or ductwork system. Here’s why:

Hissing or Whistling

The refrigerant in your AC system moves through an internal pressure system. It is contained in copper lines and coils so that the refrigerant compresses and decompresses in a way that generates cold. A brief hissing sound could be the sound of a compression shift. However, continuous hissing or whistling can mean a refrigerant leak, and that sound is coolant escaping from the pressurized pipes like steam from a tea kettle. The more pressure, the higher-pitched the hiss, whistle, or even screaming sound can become.
If you hear loud noises such as a long hiss, whistle, or tea-kettle scream, turn off your AC and call for repairs immediately.

Buzzing

Rattling sounds may be common as air passes through slightly loose fixtures. Buzzing, however, is a bad sign, primarily if the buzzing sounds electronic, not mechanical, in nature. An electronic buzz or irregular hum can indicate electrical issues, which is more common with older air conditioning units.
Electrical issues can sometimes persist even though the house is cooling and could become potentially dangerous if ignored. The buzz should be considered immediately hazardous if paired with the smell of hot metal, melting plastic, or scorching. If you notice buzzing from the outdoor unit, turn your AC off immediately and call for an inspection.

Metallic Grinding Noise

A grinding noise is always bad when it comes to your AC — or any mechanical object. Especially if the sound is metal-on-metal grinding, this often means that one of the few moving parts inside your AC has broken and is dragging against other parts. The most likely causes are a compressor problem, loose or damaged belts, or a broken blower fan blade.
When the compressor is worn out, it may begin to grind and need to be entirely replaced. If it’s the blower fan belt or blade grinding against the unit interior, catching the problem early can mean you only have to replace the fan and related parts. If you hear grinding, turn your air conditioning unit to fan-only to see if the sound changes. Then call for AC repairs to have it fixed before further damage inside your AC unit occurs.

Professional A/C Repair Provides Comfort & Peace of Mind

A noisy air conditioner is always alarming. There’s nothing quite like the upsetting sound of your AC screaming like an angry tea kettle or producing metallic grinding sounds when the air blows. Fortunately, you don’t have to tolerate these upsetting and dangerous sounds for long, and preventing them in the future is easy.
Superstition Cooling can provide rapid repair services to fix your AC in Apache Junction, no matter what sound it is making. You can also schedule routine tune-up maintenance services to ensure that your AC never gets into a state where such catastrophic problems can occur.

Contact the Air Conditioner Repair Pros in Apache Junction

If your AC is making disturbing noises or you would like to make sure it never does, contact us today. Superstition Cooling is proud to provide reliable AC repair and maintenance services throughout Apache Junction and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to request an estimate for your next HVAC visit.

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Changing the filter on your air conditioner (AC) unit is the one routine maintenance task that every homeowner or renter should do on a regular basis. It’s easy, accessible, and absolutely necessary. But it’s also one of the most often forgotten tasks because “out of sight, out of mind” is a universal truth.

If you’ve ever looked at an old, dirty air filter, you probably have some idea about how important this simple task can be. A clean filter won’t lower the efficiency of your AC, affect energy costs, and potentially reduce the lifespan of your HVAC system.

But just how often should the filter be changed? This number varies depending on your AC and the conditions you live in. How often to change your furnace filter is something we can help you determine for your Apache Junction home’s best AC performance.

What Does a Furnace Filter Do?

Furnace filters are made of fiberglass, cotton, and wire mesh that together act to catch airborne particles. Dust, bacteria, mold spores, microorganism, and allergens all get caught in the furnace filter instead of cycling through your HVAC units and ductwork blowing back out into your house. It keeps the inside of your AC and furnace units clean and dust-free (preventing frost buildup in the AC and burning dust in the furnace), reduces buildup in your ductwork, and increases overall indoor air quality in your home.
However, a clogged furnace filter can do damage over time and increase your energy bills.

How Often You Should Change Your Furnace Filter

The typical answer to “How often to change a furnace filter” is between 30 to 90 days. AKA: one to three months, depending on the particle density inside your home. If your home is dusty, full of airborne contaminants or you are sensitive to air contaminants, change it more often (closer to once a month) for cleaner air and better HVAC performance.

Filter Change Schedule if You Have Pets

Homes with one or more pets should change their air filter more often. This is because pets naturally produce a higher degree of dander, fur, and microorganisms that can and should be filtered out of the air. You will find yourself sneezing and cleaning up after your pets less often with an efficient and frequently changed furnace filter, and your AC/Furnace will run more efficiently without extra dust or dander in the unit.

In other words, households with pets should change their furnace filter once a month.

What Happens if I Don’t Change My Furnace Filter?

When a furnace filter needs to be changed, it becomes clogged. Even though the fibers that catch particles are full, your HVAC keeps pulling air through with the blower fan. Using too much electricity causes the AC/furnace to work harder as it pulls air through a clogged filter.

Dust is pulled through into your HVAC units, causing three types of problems:

• Dust forms an insulating layer over your cooling coils, which causes frost to build up and damage the unit
• Dust gets into your furnace, which causes a burnt dust smell
• Dust builds up in your ducts, which reduces airflow and causes dust reintroduction all year

Poor indoor air quality is another major concern to be aware of; it can come from reduced air circulation, reduced efficiency, and extra contaminants in the air.
Unfortunately, starting to change your HVAC filter at the right pace won’t solve all these problems. You’ll need cleaning and tune-up to repair any damage already caused by leaving a dirty filter in your intake for too long.

Regular Furnace Tune-ups for Peace of Mind

One of the best ways to make sure your HVAC is getting the care it needs to perform cleanly, efficiently and provide high air quality is to invest in a routine maintenance service. Superstition Cooling can provide this for any home in Apache Junction and surrounding areas by sending HVAC technicians to inspect, clean, and provide preemptive repairs for your AC and furnace. They will also tell you if your filter needs to be changed more often or if you’re changing it at the right pace and help to reverse any damage caused by a long period using an unchanged furnace filter.

Contact the Furnace Repair & Maintenance Pros in Apache Junction

If your AC/ furnace has been running with the same air filter for too long and you’re worried about your HVAC’s performance and air quality, contact us today. We will gladly provide an estimate for a furnace tune-up and maintenance services for your Apache Junction home. Superstition Cooling has the expertise and dedication to keep your home cycling clean and comfortable air all year long.

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In Apache Junction, AZ, the performance of your air conditioner is vital to the comfort and even safety of you and your family. The Arizona summer heat rolls in strong, and your house can become an oven without good A/C. So if your air conditioner stops turning on or won’t come on when you flip the switch, you might have a problem.

Why won’t your AC turn on? An air conditioner is a complex system with failsafe and high power consumption. So, to determine why your AC isn’t turning on, you’ll want to investigate a little further or call the pros to give your AC a full inspection and tune-up. Superstition Cooling can help you diagnose and repair the issue with a quick tune-up or a more serious repair. Read on as we discuss some of the common reasons your air conditioner won’t turn on.

Most Common Reasons A/C Units Won’t Turn On

Air conditioners have a few reasons why one might not turn on automatically or when you turn it on manually. Let’s explore the most common reasons that can interrupt the power or trigger a failsafe.

Thermostat Issues

The first potential answer is that your thermostat doesn’t think the AC needs to run. If your temperature sensor isn’t working, it might not detect that your room is warm enough to run the AC. Alternatively, your thermostat may have stopped sending control signals to start the AC unit even when you set the manual settings.

Tripped Circuit Breaker or No Power to the Condenser Unit

If your AC or thermostat isn’t getting any power, it naturally will not come on. If the lights are on in your house, the most likely cause is a tripped circuit breaker on the same circuit as your AC. This is more likely in older homes and with older AC units. If your outdoor condenser isn’t getting power, this can also stop the whole system.

Blown a fuse in the AC Unit

Your AC also has an internal fuse to keep it from shorting out if there is a power fluctuation. If you have reset all your breakers and the thermostat is on, but the AC still won’t turn on, it might be an internally blown fuse that requires professional AC repair and replacement.

Clogged AC Air Filter or Drain

Your AC has a few fail-safes that rely on the proper flow of air and drain water through the system. If your air filter is clogged or the condensation drain has failed, your AC may stop working until the problem is fixed. You can call for an AC tune-up and maintenance visit to resolve any issues you can’t identify.

Air Conditioner Motor Failure

Your AC can cool, but it can’t move cold air without the blower fan. If your fan motor fails, then your system will stop running entirely. Professional AC repair services can diagnose and repair your fan motor in no time.

Refrigerant Leak

A refrigerant leak is a serious issue, especially if you have an older unit. If you detect any problem with your refrigerant, including icing on the lines from your compressor, call for AC repairs immediately. Your coolant will be replaced with a much safer modern formula, and the source of the leak will be sealed.

Professional Heating & AC Repair & Maintenance Services in Apache Junction

If your air conditioner or heating has stopped working in Apache Junction, Superstition Cooling provides your full range of maintenance and repair services. Whether your system won’t turn on, is short-cycling, or it’s just been a while since anyone opened up and cleaned the inside of your system, contact us today to keep your AC producing cold air when you need it most.

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Your air conditioner was installed to meet your Apache Junction home’s cooling needs and power infrastructure. However, ACs use more power when they malfunction or need maintenance. If your AC power consumption goes too high, it will trip the circuit breaker, and you’ll need to reset the breaker before your AC works again.

So if your AC keeps tripping the circuit breaker, the problem could continue and may worsen. Superstition Cooling can help you diagnose your AC breaker problem and provide the tune-up, repairs, or replacement you need to reduce the electricity your AC needs to cool your home reliably. Read on to learn more about why your air conditioner keeps tripping the circuit breaker.

Most Common Causes of AC Tripping a Circuit Breaker

Air conditioners tend to trip the circuit breaker when something is causing them to work less efficiently than usual. Your AC keeps hauling electrons to meet your cooling needs until it becomes too much for your power system, and the breaker trips. Let’s look at the most common causes for your AC to lose efficiency and overuse power.

A Dirty Air Filter

The single most common reason is that your air filter is clogged. This means that dust and contaminants have packed into your air filter, into no air can get through the intake. When air can’t get through the intake, your blower fan pulls and pulls, trying to pull enough air to provide cold air to your house and meet the demands of your thermostat. Always start by changing your air filter out for a fresh one. Then wipe down the dust that has built up on your vent cover for the best performance. Your AC might stop tripping the AC breaker soon.

Dirty Condenser Coils

If you run with a dirty or no filter, dust gets into your AC unit. That dust will be attracted to condensation moisture on your coils, forming a blanket that keeps the air from getting to the cold coils. This can not only cause warm air to blow from your vents but also cause your coils to ice over and trip your breaker.

Broken Coil Fan

If your AC’s internal fan is broken, then it can’t pull air through the intake or blow it out your vents. But your AC doesn’t necessarily know that the fan is broken, so it will keep generating cold because the thermostat says the house isn’t cold enough yet (no cold air) until the circuit trips. You will need an internal AC repair service to replace the broken fan.

The Compressor is “Hard Starting”

If your compressor keeps stopping and starting, it may go through a “hard start,” which uses much more power per start than usual.

Loose Wiring & Aging AC Parts

Older ACs need regular tune-ups and maintenance and may experience more repair issues than newer units. If you can’t find an apparent cause, the problem might be a loose wire or just aging AC parts. When this happens, replacing the entire air conditioning system is sometimes more efficient.

Professional Heating & AC Repair & Maintenance Services in Apache Junction

Superstition Cooling can help you find and fix the cause if your air conditioner keeps tripping the circuit breaker. Whether it’s a clog, a power issue, or your old AC needs to be entirely replaced, our expert team can provide the insight and skills to find the solution. A tripping circuit breaker is also a matter of energy efficiency. Once the problem is solved, you may see your power bills go down, especially with a new system designed to hum and far lower power consumption than older units.
Contact us today if your Apache Junction air conditioner is tripping the circuit breaker.

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What does it mean when your thermostat is not working? A home thermostat is the control device for your AC and heating. It uses temperature sensors, and wiring leads to both know the current temperature in your house and then run the AC, fan, or heat until your set temperature is reached. At least, that is what it should do.

A thermostat not working means some part of that system isn’t operating properly. The question is: What? It could be the sensors, the wiring, the power, the installation, or even the placement. Before considering buying a new thermostat, let our skilled technicians at Superstition Cooling help you troubleshoot whether your current thermostat errors can be fixed.

Error #1: The Room is Not Reaching the Set Temperature

One of the first signs that you have AC problems is if your house never quite reaches the temperature you set. What is frustrating, however, is if your thermostat is wrong. If your thermostat says your room temperature is at 72, but you have a separate thermometer that reads 81, or you set it to 65, but you have proof the room is 58, this is a thermostat problem.

Determining that your thermostat is not working is the first step to solving the problem – and will be a lot less costly than a problem with your AC. Several things can cause a thermostat failure, but these are the most common.

• Sensors are Broken or Damaged: The fact is that your thermostat’s sensors aren’t working. The first possibility is that they are damaged or broken. The more wrong your thermostat is, the more likely your sensors are fully damaged. If your thermostat is a little wrong all the time, the problem could lie elsewhere.
• Poor Thermostat Location: Your thermostat needs to be in a central location representing the whole house’s temperature. If it is near a heater, a vent, a fireplace, or a cold window, your thermostat may constantly read the home’s temperature wrong, hot or cold.
• Dirty Equipment: The easiest to fix, however, is if the equipment is dirty. If the internal components of your thermostat have become dusty or dirty, it may be getting an incorrect read. Try opening and gently wiping down the inside of your thermostat, including the pins, before running it again.
• Corroded Thermostat Components: A bigger problem, but often still solvable, is a small amount of corrosion on your thermostat sensors or the pins that connect the faceplate to the AC system. You can use a special electronic contact cleaner to remove light corrosion on the components.
• Poor Installation: Another potential issue is that your thermostat was installed incorrectly. As a result of poor installation, a component could be misaligned, have poor placement, a shaky sensor connection, or another flaw in the thermostat’s installment, causing an inability to get an accurate reading.
• Improper Calibration: It is also possible that your thermostat was just improperly calibrated and is wrong about the temperature though everything else is working correctly. An HVAC technician from Superstition Cooling will typically be able to recalibrate your thermostat to see if this solves the problem. 

Error #2: Thermostat Won’t Change Temperature

If your thermostat issue is that it won’t change settings, no matter how many times you cycle the power or press the button, there are a few different causes for this problem.

• The Setting is Locked: The most likely is that someone locked the thermostat. Most thermostats can be locked to prevent others from changing the temperature without permission or by accident. Check the thermostat menu to see if you can turn off the locked mode and change the temperature setting.
• Set to Auto Mode: Some thermostats have an “auto” mode that is neither heat nor cool. This setting may be the case when you find an AC thermostat not working because it won’t acknowledge the temperature change buttons. Change the mode, and try again.
• Device Malfunction: If your thermostat is not acknowledging a change in settings but is still running, it could be a device malfunction in the computer components of the thermostat instead.

Error#3: Thermostat Won’t Turn On

If your thermostat is not responding or won’t turn on, or won’t turn off, the issue may be a steady supply of power rather than an issue with the settings or sensors.

• No Power: For a thermostat that won’t turn on or the screen is extremely faded, check the power. If your thermostat is battery-powered, remove the faceplate and change the batteries. Otherwise, there may be a power issue with your AC circuit inside the wall.
• Loose Wiring: If the symptoms of your thermostat not working are irregular, the issue could be loose wiring. This issue can cause things like the control panel or sensors to work at some times but not others.
• Troubleshooting a Thermostat: The key to troubleshooting a thermostat is to try different settings and solutions. Check the settings and double-check the temp with an external thermometer. Change the batteries, check the wiring, and gently clean the contacts. If that doesn’t work, Superstition Cooling can help you with a thermostat installation, replacement of corroded elements, faulty wiring, or a thermostat replacement.

Professional Air Conditioning Repair & Maintenance Services in Apache Junction

Sometimes a simple fix ends up being a more complex issue. Don’t let a faulty thermostat keep you from enjoying the perfect temperature in your home. With years of experience, our team of HVAC technicians at Superstition Cooling has seen it all when it comes to thermostat problems.
Don’t let a faulty thermostat keep you from enjoying the perfect temperature in your home. Take action today and let Superstition Cooling help you get your thermostat back on track! 

Image Credit / Shutterstock / Steve Cukrov 

An air conditioner is a unique appliance that uses compressed tubes of coolant fluid to pull the heat out of our homes. Despite being a present-day essential, most homeowners view the AC with a certain amount of mystery. So when your AC starts leaking, the reason why is not always clear. Since you do not run water through the AC, it raises the question of where the water is coming from and why your AC is leaking.

At Superstition Cooling, we can bring the mystery of AC performance from myth to reality. Let’s get into the nitty gritty by exploring why your AC might be leaking and how to fix it.

How Does My AC Work, and Why Does It Form Water?

The short and simple answer is that your AC forms water by pulling it out of humid air during the cooling process. Your unit’s air-cooling starts when the blower fan pulls warm, humid air out of your home through the intake vent. Dust is removed through the air filter, and humid air passes by the coils. As coolant pulls heat out of the air, the air drops its moisture, condensing inside the cold AC unit.

From there, the water and coolant part ways. The coolant evaporates into hot gas inside the tubes and is moved to the outdoor compressor unit to recondense into a cool liquid.

The water drips to the bottom of the AC unit and then pools in the overflow pan below. The overflow pan has a drain line; typically, a pump helps pull the water from the pan into the drain, which flows at a slight downward angle until the drain line terminates outside.

If your AC is leaking water, something involving the water removal process is flawed, likely broken, or clogged.

5 Common Reasons Your Air Conditioner Leaks

There are five reasons AC units are most likely to start forming puddles on the floor and causing water damage to the home. They all have to do with your unit’s system for removing the condensed water.

• The Drain Line is Clogged: If your drain line is clogged for any reason, naturally, the water cannot flow freely outside. This results in water filling up the overflow and – unfortunately – flooding onto the floor. This is the point when you notice your utility or garage space starting to pool water.
• The Drain Overflow Pan Cracked or Damaged: The next most likely issue is that the drain pan is cracked or damaged. The overflow pan has to fill up a certain amount for the drain line and pump to work. However, if a metal overflow pan rusts through or a polymer overflow cracks, it will start to leak before the drain line can do its thing, leading to water on the floor in a slow but constant flow.
• The Air Filter is Dirty: A dirty air filter is far more damaging than you might think because it allows dirt and debris into the unit, which can cause all sorts of problems. Dust that coats the coils can cause an ice buildup which can flood the AC when it melts. Debris that reaches the pooled water below can cause a clog in your drain line and result in a flooded overflow pan.
• Improper Installation: Of course, improper installation can always play a role. If your overflow pan, drain line, or pump are installed incorrectly, this will cause your air conditioner to leak water as soon as evaporation in the overflow pan is outpaced by water production.
• Broken Pump: Lastly, your drain pump may be broken. The drain pump pushes water from the overflow pan to the drain line. If your pump is broken, the overflow pan will likely overflow, and you will see your AC leaking water.

Professional Air Conditioning Repair & Maintenance Services in Apache Junction

Every homeowner in Apache Junction deserves an AC that works efficiently and without leaking all over the floor. Superstition Cooling has the expertise and the friendly technicians you need to keep your home’s HVAC system in great shape all year round.

We look forward to helping you with air conditioning repairs and maintenance based on your specific needs, whether your AC needs leak repair or a routine tune-up. Contact us today to request an estimate for your next air conditioning service.

Image Credit / Shutterstock / Maderla