Air Conditioning Articles

Air Conditioning Basics–Did You Know?

August 15, 2024
Air Conditioning Basics–Did You Know? AC fan.

Today’s air conditioner (AC) is based on a prototype invented in 1902 by Willis Carrier, an engineer from Buffalo, New York. Unlike earlier forms of cooling, Carrier’s model controlled the temperature by removing heat and humidity from the air.  Below are some air conditioning basics.

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AC Maintenance Checklist

June 14, 2024
AC Maintenance Checklist. Couple at computer.

Can you imagine a scorching hot day here in Sudbury without air conditioning? During those dog days of summer, your air conditioning system can be your very best friend.

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3 Signs It’s Time For a New AC

May 17, 2024
Family sitting in front of fans.

Should you repair or replace? That’s always the big question when it comes to major home systems like air conditioning (AC).

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Air Conditioners: Things You May Not Have Known

August 15, 2023
Air Conditioners: Things You May Not Have Known. Couple sitting at table and calculating bills at home.

Though air conditioners are a major part of modern life, they hold many secrets few people know about.

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SEER––What Does It Mean?

July 17, 2023
SEER––What Does It Mean? Circle knob with

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This universal rating system helps you determine the efficiency of your Massachusetts air conditioning (AC) unit or heat pump. 

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The Phaseout of Your AC’s R-22 Refrigerant

August 15, 2022
Couple trying to refresh during summer heat wave

Our Chaves Heating & Air Conditioning professionals can help you with any questions in regard to R-22 Refrigerant.

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Why is My Air Conditioner Blowing Hot Air?

July 26, 2022
man looking into the air duct in his home

When the temperatures are high in Massachusetts, your air conditioner may malfunction and could turn your home into a stuffy inferno. 

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What Is the Difference Between Single-Stage and Variable-Speed ACs?

July 12, 2022
Multiple AC units put together

Chaves is here to help your decision process before you settle on the one best-suited air conditioner system for any of your needs.

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Do I Really Need an AC Tune-Up?

June 28, 2022
Title: Do I Really Need an AC Tune-Up? Photo: Technician Repairing AC Unit

Our professionals at Chaves Heating & Air Conditioning understand that line of thinking but want to be sure you realize the long-term benefits of regular maintenance and tune-ups for your air conditioning system.

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5 Common AC Problems

May 12, 2022
Blog title: 5 Common AC Problems

Chaves Heating & Air Conditioning is always eager to educate our Hudson area customers on heating and cooling home care. Whether you have an AC, furnace, heat pump, or ductless mini split, we want you to get the most out of your investment.

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What You Need to Know for an HVAC Emergency

February 11, 2022
Emergency HVAC Services

Our professionals at Chaves Heating & Air Conditioning realize heating and cooling equipment requires maintenance, repairs, and occasionally, emergency service. We want you to be well informed on recognizing HVAC emergencies and well armed if you have one.

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3 Health Benefits for Using Your AC While Sleeping

June 24, 2021
Getting a good night's sleep

At Chaves Heating & Air Conditioning, we understand that depending on your air conditioner to run efficiently is crucial to helping you get the good night’s sleep you deserve. We also know how critical sleep is to everyday life, so we make it a priority to provide our customers in the Sudbury MA, area a cooling system that ensures the utmost comfort all hours of the day or night.

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Is Your AC Helping With Your Allergy Symptoms?

April 27, 2021
woman sneezing

Seasonal allergies are a burden for many. Air conditioners, or ACs, when properly maintained can noticeably reduce symptoms for allergy sufferers. Air filters catch pollen, dust, and other irritants, producing higher-quality air. Air conditioners also act as humidity regulators, easing allergy symptoms. Chaves Heating & Air Conditioning is proud to help you here in Marlborough, MA breathe easier.

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Know Your AC System

August 19, 2020
Air Turbine Fan

Whether it’s people, appliances, or air conditioning (AC) systems, the better you know them, the better you are able to care for them. Our team at Chaves Heating & Air Conditioning knows air conditioners because it’s our business. We want to share just a little of our knowledge with you so you can extend the…

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How to Protect Your AC From Storms

July 17, 2020
Drenching Rain Storm

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” There’s a reason why that old adage has been passed down through the years. It’s always better to be prepared for misfortunes than to have to deal with the consequences. During storm season in Hudson, that proves true for protecting your air conditioning system as…

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Top Causes of AC Failure

July 9, 2020
Air Conditioner

It’s the first really hot day of summer when open windows, sun-blocking shades, and the ceiling fans just can’t cut it anymore. You resign yourself to finally turning on your air conditioner (AC)—only to find it blowing warm air, making funny noises, or simply not cooperating at all. It’s a scenario we all dread, and…

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How Environmental Issues Can Affect Your AC

June 24, 2020
AC Technician

When you’re looking at how your air conditioner works, it can depend on a wide variety of factors. Most people realize that the brand you select, the size, the features, and the efficiency rating all play a role in how well an air conditioner will cool your Hudson home.  However, many environmental issues also play a…

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Be an Informed Consumer by Learning AC Lingo

June 10, 2020
Vent

The air conditioning system in your Hudson home is one of your biggest investments and home assets. In order to take care of it properly, as well as to communicate effectively with air conditioning (AC) professionals when needed, it’s good to understand some common air conditioning terminology.  Our professionals at Chaves Heating & Air Conditioning…

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How Does Your Central Air Conditioner Cool Your Home?

May 22, 2020
Air Vent

Aside from the professionals, like ours at Chaves Heating & Air Conditioning, who really thinks about air conditioners and their components? Air conditioners keep your Hudson, MA, home or business cool and comfy when the outside temperatures are high, and that’s all you really need to know, right?  Well, air conditioners do so much more…

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Why Do I Need AC Maintenance Now?

April 20, 2020
Man Fixing AC

An air conditioner (AC), just like a car, needs regular maintenance and service to run efficiently. At Chaves Heating & Air Conditioning, we recommend getting your air conditioning unit serviced and cleaned at least once a year. The optimum time is in the spring to ensure your system will run with the most efficiency during…

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Consider a Ductless AC System

August 27, 2019
Modern living room with black couch and air conditioner on wall as a 3d rendering.

When you think of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, you probably think of the furnace and air conditioner (AC) equipment inside, an air conditioner component outside, and a network of ducts running throughout your Hudson home. Although many HVAC systems are designed that way, there are other alternatives. Our team at Chaves Heating…

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3 Health Benefits for Using Your AC While Sleeping

August 15, 2019
Shot of a young woman sound asleep in her bedroom.

A major part of your health relies on getting a good night’s sleep. That’s why it’s not just important to run your air conditioner during the hot summer days. You also need to keep your home comfortably cool at night as well. At Chaves Heating & Air Conditioning, we understand that depending on your air…

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Do I Need to Chemical Wash the Condenser on My Air Conditioner?

July 25, 2019
Close up on Air Conditioner Cleaning with Brush.

The answer to this question is it depends. For some air conditioners, our Chaves Heating & Air Conditioning professionals recommend it. For others, we might not. Take a minute to read a little more about the process and give one of our experienced team members a call here in Hudson, MA, to discuss if this…

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What Are the New AC Regulations with R-22?

July 9, 2019
AC measurements with a tank and gauge

Maybe you have already heard of the mandates set by US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding your home’s air conditioner refrigerant. Or maybe you haven’t. Either way, since our Chaves Heating & Air Conditioning professionals are getting asked these questions more frequently from Massachusetts homeowners, we thought sharing them and their answers may be beneficial…

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What Is a Ductless Air Conditioner?

June 11, 2019
What Is a Ductless Air Conditioner?

Ductless air conditioning systems can be the perfect answer for that room which is never quite cool enough or for that new addition you are building. It’s a low-maintenance and affordable option to upgrading to a newer air conditioning unit when more cooling is needed inside your Marlborough, MA, home. The ductless system works, obviously,…

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Common AC Problems

May 20, 2019
A Hudson

In the hot Hudson, MA weather, we can run our air conditioning units pretty much around the clock. Along with regular maintenance and inspections, here are some tips to help with common AC-related problems: When windows and doors throughout the home are open, it allows warm, humid air inside. Make sure that windows and doors…

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Can an Air Conditioner Help With Allergies?

May 3, 2019
Can an Air Conditioner Help With Allergies?

Does an air conditioner help with allergies? In one word, “yes.” Actually two words, “yes if…” If you properly maintain the air conditioner. Air conditioners can help filter your home’s air and control its humidity, which are both helps in the allergy world. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), it’s estimated…

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The Importance of Air Conditioner (AC) Maintenance

March 31, 2019
HVAC technician in Hudson

When the temperatures in Hudson, MA, head to the top of the thermometer, it’s not the time for your air conditioner (AC) to be on the blink. Regular annual maintenance on your AC will go a long way in preventing that situation from happening. Just as your car requires regular maintenance to keep running smoothly…

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What Does SEER Mean?

August 23, 2018
Young Happy Male Technician Gesturing Thumb Up

When it comes to your air conditioner (A/C), a common term used in the HVAC business that you’re likely to see everywhere is your air conditioner’s SEER. But what exactly is SEER? SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It’s a rating system of the air conditioner’s cooling capacity to power input, i.e., it’s the…

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Air Conditioner Components

August 13, 2018
handsome young man electrician installing air conditioning in a client house

Aside from the professionals, like ours at Chaves Heating & Air Conditioning, who really thinks about air conditioners and their components? Air conditioners keep your Hudson, MA, home or business cool and comfy when the outside temperatures are high, and that’s all you really need to know, right? Well, air conditioners do so much more…

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How to Choose Between Quotes for Your New Air Conditioner

July 17, 2018
The concept of home ownership and 50 dollars high quality and high resolution studio shoot

When you’re faced with replacing your air conditioner, it can be daunting. It seems there’s so much to know. And even when you have your standard three quotes from contractors, how do you know which one to pick? You may be tempted to simply choose the lowest bid, but don’t do it––at least until you’ve…

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Why is My Air Conditioner Turning on and off?

June 28, 2018
Jack Russell dog sitting in front of a domestic electric fan because the air conditioner keeps turning on and off.

When an air conditioner (AC) turns on and off in rather quick successions, without running for longer periods, this is called short cycling. It’s fairly common, but when it happens it means there’s something wrong with the AC. Do not leave these occurrences alone. They will increase your energy costs, usually indicate a larger problem,…

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Common Problems With Air Conditioning

June 11, 2018
Heating and air conditioning unit in back of a residence

Air conditioning problems aren’t always predictable, but there are a few common problems that we see over and over again here in Hudson, MA. Recognizing what they are might help you to fix the problem, or might simply help you understand what your HVAC technician is referring to when they provide solutions. Open Windows One…

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3 Signs You Need a New AC

May 8, 2018
Sweating Asian girl cooling herself with big fan. She needs a new ac

Summer is right around the corner, and air conditioning will be crucial for comfort in your daily life here in Hudson, MA. A well maintained AC unit, with yearly inspections and monthly filter changes, can last up to 10 or 15 years. So how do you know if you need repairs for your unit or…

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Mistakes to Avoid When Purchasing an Air Conditioner

April 25, 2018
HVAC heating and air conditioning residential units. Air Conditioner Installation in Marlborough

The Wrong Sized Unit It is easy to buy a unit too large or too small for your space. A larger unit does not necessarily mean more cooling power. Each AC system is designed for certain sized spaces, different cooling needs, household age, etc. A unit that is too large or too small is inefficient…

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The Rising Cost of R22

March 30, 2018
Young worried woman with empty piggy bank

The rising cost of refrigerant may leave you fearing your HVAC company is being dishonest. However, you’re not being scammed. Here’s what you need to know about today’s high cost of refrigerant. Why Has Some Refrigerant Become So Expensive? About 25 years ago, an international treaty referred to as the Montreal Protocol changed modern air-conditioning…

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Why is My AC Freezing Up?

August 23, 2017
AC Freezing Up in Hudson

A freeze up is when a layer of ice forms on the outside of your AC unit. Whether you have a window unit or a central air system the causes and effects of this, as well as the solutions, are the same. The ice build up on your AC unit creates an inability to cool…

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Why is My AC Making Noise?

August 3, 2017
Worker working on an Air Conditioner in Hudson

Your air conditioning unit will always make some noise when running, and older units are louder than newer ones, so consider the age of your unit before getting too concerned about the noise that it is making. At Chaves Heating & Air Conditioning, we recommend a maintenance inspection at least once a year to inspect…

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Does an Air Conditioner Kill Mold?

July 17, 2017
An air conditioner is preventing mold in a sunny room with a basket of flowers.

Your air conditioners can do several things––keep your home’s indoor air cooler than outdoor temperatures, help to keep indoor airborne allergens at bay, and help keep your home’s humidity low. But one thing it cannot do is kill mold. It can help prevent mold, but once it exists, your air conditioner cannot kill it. If…

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Does an Air Conditioner Help with Allergies?

June 8, 2017
Dad

Does an air conditioner help with allergies? Yes, if you properly maintain the unit. Air conditioners can help filter your home’s air and control humidity, and both of these things are important in the allergy world. It’s estimated there are now 50 million seasonal allergy sufferers in America. Properly maintaining your HVAC system is the…

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How to Save Money on Your Air Conditioning & Energy Bill

May 22, 2017
American currency sitting on a wooden table outside

The US Department of Energy says that air conditioning can account for up to 47% of your utility bill. At Chaves, we take energy efficiency seriously. Here in Hudson, we understand that air conditioning is crucial for comfort during the hot months, and we have advice on cutting air conditioning energy costs as well as…

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What Size AC Unit Should I Get for My Home or Office?

April 24, 2017
AC unit outside in Hudson

Having the right sized air conditioner is a key component in cooling your space effectively. A unit that is too small has to run constantly, playing catch up all day trying to fill a space that it isn’t designed for. A unit that is too big will turn on, cool the space quickly and then…

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Why Is My Air Conditioner Blowing Out Hot Air?

April 21, 2017
Woman checking Air Conditioner

What happens when you turn on your air conditioning unit and it blows hot or warm air? There are many reasons this might be happening. We want to keep you cool at Chaves Heating & Air Conditioning, so here are a few simple things that you can check before you call us or request service…

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The Importance of Spring AC Maintenance

March 31, 2017
Blue House in the Spring and Summer

When the temperatures in Hudson, MA head to the top of the thermometer, it’s not the time for your air conditioner (AC) to be on the blink. Regular annual maintenance on your AC will go a long way in preventing that situation from happening. Just as your car requires regular maintenance to keep running smoothly…

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5 Things You Need to Know About R-22 Refrigerant

March 13, 2017
R-22 Refrigerant

Many homes still have older air conditioning units that use R-22 refrigerant. So far this year, the cost of R-22 has skyrocketed over 200% from last year! With the change in laws and the rising cost of R-22, we put together these FAQs so you can understand why the price is rising and make an…

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