A-1 Mechanical Service FAQ's

Why does my unit need regular check ups?
Many air conditioning manufacturers recommend that even a new unit be checked twice a year. Doing so can increase the life of your unit by finding problems before they become major problems. When we check your unit we will check all factors that may effect the unit's energy efficiency including freon levels, motor conditions, thermostat calibration and coil cleanliness. A regular checkup can also prevent unexpected repair costs at a time when the unit is most needed (on a hot summer day or cold winter night). When completing a checkup we will check for conditions that could be potentially dangerous, insuring the safe operation of your unit.

How can an unchecked problem cost me in the long run?
A unit running low on freon will run more than it has to, thus increasing utility costs and lessening the life of the unit. Air flow restriction from dirty coils or a clogged air filter can also lessen running efficiency. In addition, to our regular battery of tests we will check the damper on your evaporative cooler, to see if any of the baffles are stuck open. If so, valuable conditioned air could be leaving through the evaporative cooler before it ever reaches your house.

How does my air conditioner lose freon?
Constant vibration and age can cause leaks to develop in the refrigerant lines of your unit. When we check your unit we will measure the freon pressure to see if any has leaked and visually check the lines for noticeable leaks. If your unit continues to run low after being refilled, we can inject a phosphorescent die into the system that will stay in the unit for its life. At anytime thereafter, we can use a special detection light to find even small leaks and repair them.

What would happen to my unit if it runs low on freon?
A unit running low on freon will increase its running time and cause increased utility bills. In addition, low freon levels will cause the compressor to run longer and harder, which could cause it to become damaged.

What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is created from incomplete combustion of fossil fuel. If inhaled carbon monoxide could cause illness or death. At levels up to 35 ppm carbon monoxide can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. At levels over 200 ppm, carbon monoxide can cause death. We will check for carbon monoxide when servicing your furnace.

What would cause my furnace to put out carbon monoxide?
The dirtier the furnace burners are the more carbon monoxide will be produced. Normally these gases are vented through the flue pipe. If there is a crack in the heat exchanger (which can happen with age) then these dangerous gases can be blown into the home. We will check for carbon monoxide when servicing your furnace.

How do you test for carbon monoxide?
We test for carbon monoxide with a sensing meter which will tell you exactly what levels of carbon monoxide your furnace produces and could get into your home. We will check for carbon monoxide when servicing your furnace. What if my furnace has a natural gas leak? With time, a cock value, flexible gas line or gas line inside your furnace can get a leak. A natural gas leak is extremely dangerous, needing only one spark to cause an explosion or fire. We will check for natural gas leaks when servicing your furnace.