Author: Brody Pennell

You might panic if warm air blows from your property’s vents on a sweltering summer day. Is your AC not cooling as it should? You may need a professional to repair it, but in the meantime, a few checks could rule out the easy stuff.

The experienced technicians at Brody Pennell Heating & Air Conditioning are ready to help you when you need scheduled services or emergency repairs. Call at any time, and we’ll repair your failing air conditioner to get things back on track.

Below is more about what to do if your air conditioner isn’t cooling well.

Turn Off the Air Conditioner To Save Money

When an AC isn’t cooling, and you leave it running, the compressor and other parts will strain the system by overworking. In this case, your energy bill may skyrocket. Think of all that extra electricity the unit will be using to cool air.

You may have to replace the air conditioner sooner due to the sped-up wear and tear process. Why not turn off the air conditioner now and save it later?

Try Home Comfort Solutions for Your Air Conditioner

It’s easy to overlook quick fixes if you’re sweating in the heat. You’ll want to call a professional air conditioner repair company if your AC isn’t cooling after trying the troubleshooting solutions below.

Change the Air Filters

A dirty air filter reduces airflow to the cooling unit, causing the unit to chew through more energy and wear down components faster.

Simply change out the filter if it’s dirty and see if that makes a difference (every one to three months based on the manufacturer’s recommendations).

Check the Thermostat

A lack of cool air could be as simple as a malfunctioning thermostat. Double-check that your system’s thermostat is set to cool and at the appropriate temperature. “Fan only” won’t work.

Measure the temperature of the room with another thermostat, if possible, to get a better idea of how accurate your installed one is.

Clear Away Debris

Have you cleared around your outdoor unit? Take away leaves, trash, or things like bikes leaning against the air intake.

Inside your home, make sure all the vents are open and unobstructed by dust or furniture.

Know When To Call the Cooling Professionals

Is your AC not cooling yet? It’s time to call the professionals to look at your unit and identify any of the following potential problems:

• Refrigerant leak: Are there frozen coils or liquid dripping from the unit?
• Compressor failure: Is the overall performance of the air conditioner ailing?
• Broken parts: Are there strange sounds? For example, there might be a broken piece rattling inside the unit.
• Electrical problems: is the unit blowing weakly, or has it stopped blowing cold air altogether? The electrical system needs some attention.

Call Brody Pennell Heating & Air Conditioning Today

Is your AC not cooling? If trying the simple fixes above has not solved your problem, call Brody Pennell Heating & Air Conditioning at (424) 341-0518 for the experience and professionalism your heating system needs. We have proudly served Los Angeles and the surrounding area for over 75 years!

When maintaining your HVAC system, you may find yourself wondering how it all works. Getting a good understanding of your HVAC system can be beneficial for your house’s upkeep. You’ll learn how to spot little issues before they require wallet-busting repairs.

If you’re confused about what the difference is between your air conditioning system and your HVAC system, then allow the experts at Brody Pennell Heating & Air Conditioning to explain everything you need to know.

How Does Your HVAC System Work?

HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. Your HVAC system is the combination of everything you need to keep your home temperature controlled, from air circulation to humidity control and heat pumping. The HVAC system has three major components, which include:

1. Ventilation System: Proper ductwork is required to efficiently transfer cool and warm air throughout your home. Your system is capable of cooling multiple rooms, depending on how effectively it’s laid out.
2. Air Conditioning System: This provides cold air, via refrigerant and a compressor, paired with working fans. If your ventilation system is clean, your air conditioner helps your home stay nice and cool.
3. Heating System: If you have a clean ductwork system, your heating system kicks on when the thermostat tells your HVAC system that it’s too cold. If you have too much dust in your ductwork, your heating system may become dangerous; be sure to clean your ducts from time to time!

Concerning the rest of your HVAC system, there are multiple parts that help it work, bringing all three components together. These individual parts include:

• Furnace or Heat Pump: Depending on your heating system, you’ll either have a burning fuel furnace or a heat pump that extracts hot air from the ground or outside to warm your home.
• Thermostat System: Whether you have an automatic programmable thermostat or a standard one, this component acts as the central hub of your air conditioner and heater. When you set the temperature, all parts of your HVAC system work in tandem to get your home to that temperature.
• Air Conditioner: Your air conditioner removes not just the heat, but humidity, too (if you have a two-stage system).
• Blower Fans: Blower fans are responsible for moving warm and cool air throughout your home.
• Vents: Cool and warm air requires a pathway clear of debris and dust to move around your home. If your vents are blocked or dirty, your HVAC system’s efficiency will decrease.
• Humidifier/Dehumidifier: Some HVAC systems come with functions that help maintain the moisture in the air or remove it as needed. This can be helpful for dry winters and wet, humid summers.

Work With Brody Pennell Heating & Air Conditioning

Now that you know how your HVAC system works, why not leave the rest of your HVAC questions to the experts at Brody Pennell Heating & Air Conditioning? We have everything you need for HVAC repairs, or even replacements if you want to upgrade your home with more precise temperature control. 

To work with us for a better HVAC system, call Brody Pennell Heating & Air Conditioning at 310-810-2721.

If you’re wondering how your AC works, you may be asking, what is an AC compressor? How does it help my AC function? Your compressor is one of the most important parts of your system because, without it, your air conditioner would function much like a bulky box fan. 

If you want to learn more about an AC compressor and how it works, read this article from Brody Pennell Heating & Air Conditioning.

What Is an AC Compressor?

An AC compressor is a series of tubes that pumps the refrigerant in your system. For your heat pump to work, the compressor uses special oil and pressure to compress refrigerant down so that heat exchange moves smoothly. Without compressor oil, your air conditioner would simply blow hot air all the time. 

How Do AC Compressors Work?

Your air conditioner compressor starts via electrical connections from the capacitor. Once on, the compressor uses pressure levels to compress your refrigerant tightly, increasing the pressure so much that it turns into a hot gas. By drawing ambient air inside with a fan, the refrigerant gas cools and the compressor begins to pump it toward the evaporation on your air conditioner.

During this process, your discharge lines take all the condensation involved and drain it so that excess liquid doesn’t spill over in your air conditioner. The compressor pumps liquid through the restrictor, which helps lower the pressure of the refrigerant. This causes it to evaporate and cool the air as it flows through the unit’s fan.

How Do I Know If Something Is Wrong With My AC Compressor?

If you turn on your air conditioner and only warm air blows out of the machine, your compressor may no longer be working. It could be any number of problems:

• The suction lines may be unable to transfer refrigerant
• The unit may be running low on refrigerant
• The compressor may be frozen and unable to function

If you’re having an issue with your compressor, the best thing to do is to call a professional who can help repair your air conditioner. 

While troubleshooting and understanding the nature of the problem may help, ultimately, your HVAC technician will be able to find the root cause of the issue. Don’t try DIY work on your air conditioner, as doing so can void the warranty and potentially cause serious injury.

Broken AC Compressor? Call Brody Pennell Heating & Air Conditioning

Now that you know what an AC compressor is, call Brody Pennell Heating & Air Conditioning for answers to all of your air conditioner-related questions. We understand that your air conditioner is crucial for the comfort of your home, especially during the summer season. That’s why when we serve you, we ensure that our stay is brief and productive.

If you need a service to maintain and clean your air conditioner every three months, Brody Pennell Heating & Air Conditioning is the place to consider. To call us for an appointment, reach out to us at 310-810-2721.

HVAC units require a lot of TLC, especially if you expect them to work their hardest on the hottest and coldest Los Angeles days. Without it, your indoor climate quickly becomes uncomfortable and borders on dangerous. Still, what’s worse than having a system that needs servicing is having one that demands a second repair right after the first due to an inexperienced HVAC contractor. 

No one likes calling for services and spending money on repairs the first time. So, to ensure it’s the last call you’ll have to make for a while, choose Brody Pennell Heating & Air Conditioning. Our stellar team relays what makes a good HVAC company and why we fit the bill. 

Asking Around About Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors

If your air conditioner is making loud noises or giving off a musty odor, you’ll likely ask a friend, relative, or neighbor who has recently had HVAC issues who they trusted with their unit. Maybe you’ve heard them raving about a team they recently worked with. Perhaps you’ve noticed their indoor comfort and unit went from problematic to perfect the last time you were over, and you want the same for yours.  

According to Ad Age, 20% to 50% of purchases result from individuals trusting word-of-mouth. AdWeek adds that 74% of consumers make word-of-mouth a key decision influencer. However, you can also receive advice from:

• Referrals from a company’s previous customers
• Search engines, since SERPs pages point out top contenders
• Facebook groups and other social media pages

Looking for Qualifications

Unfortunately, some companies don’t have the qualifications that make others great. So, after finding some options, highlight ones that show proof of insurance and license, guaranteeing a safe job that is up to standards. You also won’t be legally responsible for accidents or equipment damages. 

Furthermore, HVAC contractors become NATE-certified if they put in the extra hours undertaking industry-standard certification courses and HVAC license examinations. These well-equipped technicians understand all types of HVAC units and are always up to date on the ever-evolving tools, systems, and service methods. 

Finding a Team That Helps You Save in the Long Run

The team should also consider Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) energy efficiency standards that make ENERGY STAR systems necessary. As the world becomes more climate-conscious, the U.S. government is rewarding all residents and business owners who opt for units with a higher SEER rating of 16 or higher with any of the following:

• Tax credit 
• Rebates
• Up to 30% (or $600) off your efficient unit’s installation cost

A proper team explains the benefits of an efficient unit and how much you can save in the long run.

Voted the Best of the Southland Three Years in a Row!

When you need an HVAC repair, no team rivals ours with over 75 years of experience, resulting in near-perfect 4.9-star Google and Facebook ratings. Within that time, our stellar team has undergone constant training to provide 24/7 services that guarantee 100% customer satisfaction. So, for a licensed HVAC contractor in Los Angeles, call Brody Pennell Heating & Air Conditioning at (424) 252-1251!

You know that scheduling professional HVAC maintenance services is the key to keeping your air conditioner in good condition and working efficiently and reliably. Do you know what the technician actually does during AC servicing, though? 

Check out the following guide to better understand what to expect during an AC maintenance appointment and what each part of the service does for your AC unit. 

Why You Must Schedule Air Conditioning Services 

As a homeowner, you most likely change the air filter every few months and keep the area around the outdoor unit clean, and consider that maintenance. Although both are crucial elements of keeping AC units in good shape, your equipment also needs professional attention at least once a year. 

AC servicing ensures that HVAC systems are safe, energy-efficient, and reliable. Technicians identify and address small problems before they get worse, and make sure parts are clean, lubricated, and securely connected so you don’t have to worry about an inconvenient breakdown or total system failure. 

How Professional Technicians Service AC Systems 

HVAC technicians follow a detailed list during AC servicing appointments. The checklist encompasses all the major components of the AC unit and typically includes:

• Inspecting the overall equipment condition
• Inspecting and cleaning major components, including the evaporator and condenser coils 
• Inspecting the blower components
• Checking and tightening electrical connections 
• Testing and recalibrating the thermostat
• Inspecting refrigerant lines for leaks and testing the refrigerant pressure
• Checking the air handler 
• Inspecting ductwork for leaks or damage
• Testing the airflow 
• Inspecting and clearing the condensate drain lines and drip pan 
• Checking safety controls 

Each element of the service visit ensures that the components work as intended without unexpected problems. For example, a clogged condensate drain line can cause water to back up into your home and cause damage, while a leak in the refrigerant line will affect cooling and possibly create health risks. Dirty or dusty evaporator or condenser coils can cause overheating, which leads to breakdowns. 

Does AC Servicing Include Repairs? 

While technicians will make adjustments to components in the AC unit, a service visit doesn’t include major repairs. Instead, you’ll receive a detailed report at the end of the visit that outlines what the technician did, the equipment’s condition, and, if the inspection uncovers any problems, recommendations for further service. 

Your technician will also let you know if the AC system is nearing the end of its lifespan and it’s time to start thinking about a replacement. Investing in annual maintenance will help keep the equipment in good condition longer, but you should plan to upgrade the equipment every 10 to 15 years. 

Schedule Your Annual AC Maintenance Appointment Today 

If you have not yet scheduled air conditioning maintenance services, get in touch with Brody Pennell Heating & Air Conditioning to make the appointment. As the top-rated HVAC services provider in the Los Angeles, CA, area, you can trust our AC servicing to get your HVAC system ready for the cooling season and keep it running smoothly for years to come. Just reach out to learn more.