Few things are as annoying as your AC refusing to blow cold air on a hot summer day. ACs are complex machines, so when you have a problem, it can be difficult to identify the main cause. Running your AC when it won’t blow cold air can cause other damages so it’s in your best interest to get it fixed as quickly as possible. The team at Barber Heating & Air is here to discuss some common reasons why your AC stopped blowing cold air and what you can do to fix it.

Why Your AC Is Not Blowing Cold Air and What to Do About It

Below are some of the most common reasons why your air conditioner is not blowing cold air and what you can do about it. 

Low Refrigerant Levels

A lack of cold air could be explained by low refrigerant levels. Your AC’s refrigerant is in a closed system, so the only reason it would get low is if you have a leak in your system. Without refrigerant, your AC cannot create hot air, and strain on your system increases. 

Most of the time, manufacturers add dyes and scents to coolant fluid so you can detect when there is a leak. You will need to call an expert to top off your coolant levels and repair any leaks in your coolant lines. 

Clogged Filters

Your air handles contain an air filter that captures dust and debris coming from your AC and furnace. Clogged furnaces can restrict airflow and even cut it off entirely in severe cases. Clogged air filters can also collect moisture, grow mold, or cause the system to overheat. 

Fortunately, changing filters is an easy job you can perform on your own without a professional. We recommend changing your AC filter at least once every six months to keep your system at optimal airflow. 

Coil Damages

Your AC relies on the evaporator and condenser coils to extract heat and create cool air so one reason your AC stopped blowing cold air could be a damaged evaporator coil or condenser unit. Evaporator coils have small fins on the sides that can easily become damaged. Also, coils can become clogged with dust and dirt so they cannot do their job properly anymore. 

Thermostat Malfunction

One final reason why your AC isn’t blowing cold air is because of a broken thermostat. Thermostats are the brain of your system and sense ambient temperatures to tell your AC fan motor when to turn on or off. If your AC doesn’t blow cold air, it could be that it’s not receiving the right signal from your thermostat settings. The temperature sensor on your thermostat might also be dirty. 

AC Repair and Maintenance in Central North Carolina

Barber Heating & Air has over 35 years of experience serving homeowners in Central North Carolina with our award-winning and affordable HVAC services. If your AC stopped blowing cold air, contact us online or give us a call today at (336) 226-6959

When you picture an air conditioner, a central AC unit that distributes air throughout a home via ducts and vents probably comes to mind. Or maybe window air conditioning units, which direct cool air into a single bedroom.

However, alternative home air conditioning methods exist, such as whole-house fans or even portable AC units. These systems are convenient, inexpensive, and may be incredibly efficient when appropriately utilized. A mobile AC unit may be perfect if you only want cool the air in one area.

If you are considering a portable AC, this complete guide is for you. We will tell you everything you need to know before you buy, so you can get the best unit for your budget and needs.

If you are short on time, here are the main things you need to know before you buy:

1. What Are the Benefits of a Portable AC Unit?
2. How Can I Choose the Right Portable AC Unit for Me?
3. What Are the Best Features to Look for in a Portable A/C Unit?
4. How to Set Up and Maintain a Portable AC Unit
5. What is the Difference Between a Portable AC Unit and a Portable Air Cooler?
6. Will a Portable AC Unit Lower My Cooling Costs?

What Are the Benefits of a Portable Air Conditioning Unit?

The ideal air conditioner for you depends on your needs. A portable air conditioner draws in room air, cools it, and returns it to the room, venting heated air outside through a window exhaust pipe. The unit’s controls enable you to change fan temperature and speed parameters.

This device is a cost-effective and adaptable alternative to central air conditioning and window units. It’s designed to cool a single room and is reasonably simple to install. It’s an excellent alternative for rooms without an existing cooling system or areas that don’t require constant cooling. It may also supplement bigger systems and assist in cooling apartments or rentals when a permanent unit cannot be installed.

Easy setup and portability afforded by a small design and wheels allow you to move and reinstall the air conditioner with minimum effort.

First, check if your window can accommodate a portable air conditioner. Units are made to accommodate various window sizes. Those meant for single or double-hung and sliding windows will not function with casement windows, which open by swinging outward.

How Can I Choose the Right Portable AC Unit for Me?

Choosing the best portable A/C for the size of your room is essential whether you want to chill your kitchen, office, guest bedroom, or any other room in the house.

A good air conditioner efficiently cools an entire space. A unit that is too small will not cool effectively, while one that is too large will not remove much humidity and will leave the air feeling moist. Determine the size of the room you wish to cool by multiplying the room’s length by the width to find the best A/C for your space.

You should also be aware of the A/C’s BTU rating, which shows how much heat it can eliminate from a room. A higher number indicates more cooling capacity for ample space. Here is how you can compare the size of your area to the BTU rating:

• Less than 299 square feet: 8,000 BTU
• 300 to 500 square feet: 10,000 BTU
• 501 to 700 square feet: 12,000 BTU
• And 13,000 BTU units for areas larger than 1,000 square feet

Bear in mind that as the BTU rating grows, so will the size and weight of the A/C.

The energy efficiency ratio (EER) measures an air conditioner’s efficiency. The greater the EER rating, the more energy efficient the air conditioner.

Portable units are often a more cost-effective cooling choice, but consider that A/C costs vary depending on criteria such as kind and BTU rating.

What Are the Best Features to Look for in a Portable Air Conditioning Unit?

The best portable air conditioning unit has features that increase the device’s versatility and convenience. Air conditioners with additional functions besides cooling are available.

Without cooling, a dehumidifier mode eliminates moisture from the air. A fan merely circulates the air in the room. Some mobile air conditioners may also be heated, allowing you to maintain the temperature comfortably all year.

Make sure that the unit is configured for each mode. Cooling mode, for example, needs warm air exhaust. Still, the dehumidifier function necessitates access to a drain to discharge the moisture the machine gathers.

Suppose your portable AC has a heater function. In that case, the heater unit will have a distinct BTU rating, which means it may accommodate a different room size.

Here are some of the features you should look for when buying a new portable air conditioning unit:

• Self-evaporating: An air conditioner eliminates moisture while cooling the air in a space. Water accumulates in the unit. Self-evaporating air conditioners eliminate the requirement for this water to be drained.
• Programmable Timer: A programmable timer may be programmed to turn the unit on and off at particular times, allowing you to save energy by using the air conditioner only when necessary.
• Remote Control: A remote control makes things easier. You may change the settings from across the room and turn the air conditioner on and off.
• Lamp Off: A lamp-off function allows you to switch off the panel displays so they don’t make your room too bright at night.

How to Set Up and Maintain a Portable AC Unit

Choose a spot near a window and a power outlet. It should be noted that the manufacturer may require you to plug the device straight into the outlet without using an extension cable. So how do you set up and maintain your portable AC unit?

Portable AC Setup is relatively quick and straightforward, requiring only a screwdriver to accomplish. Connect the exhaust hose to the unit’s movable window panel. Allow the unit to remain upright for at least one hour before using it.

Portable cooling systems require minimal upkeep, but it is still recommended to check them regularly. Before you begin, turn off the power to the device.

• As needed, empty the water from the device.
• Depending on the circumstances, even self-evaporating units may require emptying.
• Every two weeks or as indicated by the manufacturer, clean the air filter.
• Wipe clean the air conditioner with a moist cloth regularly to eliminate dust. Using a dry towel, remove any excess moisture.

What is the Difference Between a Portable AC Unit and a Portable Air Cooler?

An air cooler, also known as an evaporative cooler (or “swamp cooler), employs a fan and a water pump to cool the existing air. Conversely, an air conditioning system uses a chemical coolant to chill the interior air.

Air coolers add humidity to the air rather than remove it. One of the most useful places to install an air cooler is near an open window, where it can draw in hot, humid air and send out chilly air.

It’s preferable to have more windows open for improved circulation and a regular flow of fresh, dry air to keep the indoor air from becoming too damp and unpleasant.

The best air coolers to use are determined by the size of space you wish to cool. Look for “cooling area,” “area covered,” or equivalent in the model’s description or specs.

Will a Portable AC Unit Lower My Cooling Costs?

Many factors influence energy consumption and total use, including the specific model purchased and how it is used. However, you may use a portable air conditioner to reduce utility expenditures.

First and foremost, you may utilize it from room to room. Instead of using an extensive central air-conditioning system to chill the entire house, you may use a smaller portable air conditioner that consumes less energy to cool the area where you will spend most of your time. Instead of chilling the entire house, cool only the living area where you sit, read and watch TV.

Instead of trying to chill a single room by cooling the entire house, portable units allow you to provide a specific space for a short burst of cold air. Once again, increased efficiency results in a cheaper utility cost. When you can utilize a portable air conditioner instead of a central one, you will likely save money and consume fewer resources.

They may also be a smart option if you acquire a home without a central air system. Many older homes lack central air conditioning, leaving you with two options: build a whole central air conditioning system, which would likely cost you thousands of dollars, especially if it needs to be retrofitted into an older home, or install a different window and portable air conditioners.

In most situations, you can purchase enough air conditioners to chill your entire home for less than $1,000, which will result in significant savings. It may also be more efficient than employing a huge central air system, which must transport air into the home via numerous ductworks.

Final Thoughts

Portable air conditioners are ideal for small spaces and cooling single rooms. They are energy efficient since they don’t deliver air through ducts where it could warm up. However, a central AC unit might be your best bet if you are cooling a larger space or need to cool multiple rooms.

If you have more questions about finding the best AC unit for your home, contact Barber Heating & Air Refrigeration today!

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Nothing beats walking into a cool, humidity-free home on a scorching hot summer afternoon, especially in North Carolina. 

Air conditioning allows us to be comfortable even on the year’s hottest days. Many of us can’t imagine being without it for even a few hours.

So, which air conditioning system is best for cooling your home? You have tons of choices these days, which are more energy efficient than a decade ago. If you’re replacing an old system with a new one, you’ll likely save money on your power costs just by updating your cooling system.

The best air conditioning system for your home is determined by your budget, your home’s construction, and your personal requirements.

You may also want to consider overall efficiency, especially if you want to keep your energy costs and carbon impact as low as possible. To select the most compatible air conditioner for your house, you must consider the advantages and disadvantages of each type of A/C system.

If you are short on time, you can find the information you need here:

1. What to look for with a Central Air Unit
2. What to look for with a Ductless Mini Split System
3. What to look for with Portable A/C Units
4. Quick tips for choosing the best A/C unit

If you are wondering which type of AC unit is right for you and your home, keep reading our complete guide to finding the perfect A/C unit.

What to Look For With a Central Air Unit

Purchase a Central Air Conditioning System if… 

• You’re dealing with new construction.
• You’re performing a full makeover and will be tearing down walls as part of the process.
• You can piggyback on existing heat ducts.
• You want a largely unobtrusive cooling system.
• Money isn’t an issue.

Retrofitting your house for central air conditioning might not be practical — or even viable — if you live in an older home. This is since you will need to snake the ducts through existing walls. This will require cutting and fixing holes in your drywall or plaster. We recommend hiring a professional certified in A/C installation and repair. 

In certain circumstances, the studs aren’t adequately spaced for this task. You may run into other issues when you start poking about in an ancient house’s infrastructure. You’ll also need a place outdoors to store the compressor, which might be difficult if you live in a densely populated region.

According to the New York Times, around three-quarters of American houses have a central air conditioner that distributes cool air throughout the home via a ducted system. This cooling system is powered by a giant compressor positioned outside. 

Air travels via ducts in the walls and through vents strategically placed around the home. Central air conditioning systems often have excellent energy efficiency rankings but have the highest initial A/C installation costs. That’s because building ducts to move air through your home’s walls is expensive, and an extensive, motorized system isn’t cheap.

What to Look for With a Ductless Mini Split System

Purchase a Ductless Mini Split System if… 

• You are concerned about energy conservation and the environment.
• You don’t mind the appearance of the wall units.
• You want to avoid the disruption of retrofitting ducts in existing walls.
• You want to chill a garage or new addition.

Ductless systems, while less expensive than central air, can become pricey if installed in every room. The unit itself is enormous, and unlike central air, it is not disguised – you must put a large, white box on your wall, where it will be visible all year.

If you don’t mind the appearance, this system provides additional benefits like managing each room temperature rather than depending on a central thermostat and the capacity to heat your home.

A ductless A/C unit may be a good option if you want central air but can’t get a ducted system to function in your house.

This sort of A/C system is wall-mounted and requires just a tiny hole to be cut, making AC unit installation easy. The absence of ductwork is a significant advantage: air is blown directly into the area where the ductless system is installed.

Because there are no long ducts for air to go through, ductless systems are very efficient. Air does not have an opportunity to warm as it passes through your walls to reach your room.

What to Look For With Portable A/C Units

Purchase a Portable Air Conditioning Unit if… 

• You rent and are unable to change the structure.
• You want a lightweight solution that is easy to move from room to room.
• You lack a window near an outlet.
• You have sliding doors or casement windows instead of typical windows.
• You desire a more fashionable appliance in your house.

Though portable air conditioning units aren’t as effective as window units, they’re an excellent option for tenants who move frequently and don’t want to tote about a huge window unit.

They’re also an excellent option for anyone who doesn’t have a window to install an air conditioner. Portable A/C is a fantastic option if you don’t have a window near an outlet or if you have casement windows that can’t be closed correctly around a window unit.

It’s still a fantastic option for renters since a simple venting system allows you to exhaust hot air through a sliding glass door or a casement window. Portable A/C units take the ease of a window unit and place it on wheels so it can be moved more quickly.

These air conditioners are often lighter and easier to transport or roll into place than a standard window unit. They also feature a smaller profile to fit into narrow areas and are created with more flare to mix in with your décor.

Quick Tips for Choosing the Best A/C Unit

After you’ve studied the benefits and drawbacks of the various types of A/C units, it’s time to consider some specific characteristics before you buy. Here are a few that will have the most influence on how much you value your new appliance:

• Sizing: Choosing the correct air conditioning unit for your space is critical. You’ll never be able to chill down effectively if your air conditioner is too tiny for a large living room. To calculate the square footage of your area, multiply its length by its width; then use this Energy Star chart to determine how many BTUs (British thermal units) of cooling capability you’ll require to keep comfortable.

• Fan Speeds: Make sure that any ac unit you are considering has several fan speeds so that you can manage the amount of fresh air in your room. This will help you feel cooler quickly, and it will also help you sleep better at night if you can keep the fan quieter – essential for light sleepers.
• Convenience: Look for a thermostat that allows you to set the temperature to your liking. The remote control may also help adjust cooling levels from your sofa or bed. Many A/C systems also include energy-saving options that can help you save money on power throughout the season.

Final Thoughts

The best air conditioning system for you is determined by your living environment, room size, and the characteristics that are most essential to you in terms of comfort and convenience. 

Consider your finances and the time needed to renovate your house vs. selecting a unit that only has to be plugged in. Once you’ve decided on the type of air conditioner you want, you can compare prices and features to choose the best one for your house.

If you need help choosing the best air conditioning system for your home, contact one of our Barber Heating & Air Refrigeration A/C specialists today.

HVAC Winston-Salem NC
HVAC Greensboro NC
HVAC High Point NC
HVAC Burlington NC
HVAC Durham NC
HVAC Raleigh NC
HVAC Chapel Hill NC