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If your heating or cooling system is aging or less efficient than it once was, it might be time to consider upgrading to a new system. But when is the best time of year to contact an HVAC company for replacement and installation services?

In our most recent blog, the HVAC technicians at Novak Heating and Air Conditioning in Cedar Rapids, IA discuss signs it may be time to replace your HVAC system and when the ideal time to do so is. Call Novak today to have us look at your system to see what options we have available to help you save on a new HVAC system in your home.

How to Tell if You Need to Replace Your HVAC System

It’s never easy to come to the decision of whether or not to replace your HVAC system. It’s best if you make the decision on your own terms rather than your system dying for good on the hottest or coldest days of the year. Here are some signs that it may be time for a new HVAC system:

• Your HVAC system is older than 15-20 years.
• You’ve had many repair calls recently
• Your utility bills are much higher than normal
• Your HVAC system struggles on the hottest days and the coldest nights
• Poor indoor air quality
• Increased dust in your home

Ways to save on a New HVAC System

HVAC systems can be very expensive, so looking for ways to save is a smart idea. Before you pull the trigger, make sure to talk to a professional HVAC team like Novak Heating and Air Conditioning. We can diagnose your furnace and air conditioner and give you an estimate on the cost of the work. We’ll also let you know what to look for when shopping around for a new HVAC system. 

The Best Time of Year to Replace Your HVAC System

People need furnaces and air conditioners the most when they suddenly stop working in the extreme heat or cold. The middle of the winter and summer is when HVAC systems are in demand the most, causing prices to soar. 

The best time to replace your HVAC system is in the early spring, or in the early fall. September is a great month to consider replacing your HVAC system before you start relying on it this winter. Talk to Novak Heating and Air Conditioning in Cedar Rapids and Hiawatha, IA to make sure you install an HVAC system that is a good match for the size of your home.

If you’re going to replace your HVAC system, have you considered other options besides a furnace and air conditioner? Heat pumps are an energy-efficient option, as they can provide both heating and cooling without the use of fossil fuels. Ductless mini-splits are another great choice. They don’t require the use of ductwork and allow homeowners to create temperature zones across their homes. Contact Novak to learn more about our heating and cooling systems.

Specials & Rebates Offer More Ways to Save

Many HVAC manufacturers offer rebates and sales on certain models of HVAC systems throughout the year. Be sure to monitor the top HVAC manufacturers for deals. Another reason why the early spring or early fall is the best time to buy a new heating and cooling system is that this is the slow season for many HVAC companies. Be sure to shop around and don’t settle for the first quote you receive. Negotiate and search for the best deal in town before making a final decision.

Other companies might also offer specials and coupons on HVAC installation services during specific times of the year only. This is especially common during these slow months and around holidays. Be sure to watch Novak Heating and Air Conditioning’s specials page for discounts and coupons.

Call Novak to Replace Your HVAC System

Be sure to read our blog and contact us for estimates, repairs, and regular service. Contact us today for services throughout Cedar Rapids, Marion, Robins, North Liberty, or Hiawatha, IA if you’re ready to replace your heating and cooling equipment.

One of the worst things that can happen during the late fall or winter is for your furnace to break down on a below-freezing day. This not only creates severe comfort issues, but it can also lead to a dangerous situation. The best way to care for your heating and cooling system and avoid untimely breakdowns is through regular maintenance services. In our most recent blog, Novak Heating and Air Conditioning shares some important fall HVAC maintenance tips.

Fall HVAC Tips to Keep Your Utility Bills Low This Winter

Does the thought of colder weather make your wallet ache? If you experience high utility bills in the colder months once you turn your heat on, our fall HVAC maintenance tips can help save you lots of money this winter.

Fall Tune-Up

We recommend having your furnace or heating system tuned up once a year, preferably in the fall before you turn it on for the first time. This allows our Cedar Rapids heating technicians to catch small problems early before they lead to bigger, more expensive repairs down the road.

Change Your Air Filter

During your fall tune-up, your technician will change your air filter, if necessary. Start developing a habit of changing your air filter every 90 days or according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. This helps prevent allergens from circulating in the air and keeps your furnace running efficiently. You can buy most furnace filters at any hardware store. Smokers, pet owners, and anyone who has asthma or allergies may want to change their furnace filter more frequently.

Thermostat Upgrade

New technology has made keeping your home comfortable a breeze. If you don’t have a smart thermostat, ask your technician more about them during your fall furnace tune-up. Smart thermostats monitor the weather, follow schedules, and can be controlled by your smartphone or virtual assistant. With all of these new features, users report saving between 10-23% on their energy bills. 

Humidifiers

During the winter, our houses suffer from low humidity. You may notice dry air and static electricity during the coldest months of the year. This can cause chapped lips, dry skin, and irritate your sinuses. Low humidity can also make your house feel colder, which can make you turn up the heat.

If this sounds like your home, then the next of our next fall maintenance tip is to consider getting a whole-house humidifier. Not only will it help make your home feel more comfortable, but it can also improve your indoor air quality as well.

Air Duct Cleaning

If there are some rooms in your house that are more stuffy than others, the reason might be restricted airflow. Your air ducts expand in the heat and retract in the cold. Over time, leaks and cracks emerge. Dust, allergens, critters, and bugs can also clog up your vents. Air duct cleaning from Novak Heating and Air Conditioning can help clear these airways and make the entire house feel comfortable again. 

Schedule Your Fall Tune-Up With Novak Heating & Air Conditioning Today

Saving money on utility bills this winter starts with your fall tune-up from Novak Heating and Air Conditioning. Our friendly team members are happy to share with you more fall HVAC maintenance tips to keep your home cozy and comfortable all winter long. Contact Novak Heating and Air Conditioning today for heating and air conditioner services for your Cedar Rapids, IA, home.

As homeowners, there are a lot of maintenance tasks that need to be done regularly. If you remember to have your furnace and air conditioner tuned up at the beginning of every season, then you’re doing a great job. But what about your air ducts? Should those be inspected, too?

In our most recent blog, Novak Heating and Cooling, Cedar Rapids’ trusted HVAC professional, discusses how often air ducts should be cleaned and the benefits of having duct cleaning services performed.

How Often Should Ducts Be Cleaned?

Unlike your furnace, you don’t need your air ducts serviced on an annual basis. Experts recommend having your air ducts cleaned every 3-5 years. Because your ducts are built into your walls, they’re hard to reach and inspect properly. However, there are standard procedures with air duct cleaning that your technician should follow.

During an air duct cleaning, your technician will inspect the system for asbestos-containing materials. They will use a vacuum to clean out the chemicals in your vents, and brush surfaces to remove settled dust inside the vents. Your technician may also seal any cracks they find in the ductwork. 

Check Novak’s Specials page for discounts on these services. If you find a service that is offering to clean your ducts for very cheap, they are probably only cleaning your main ducts and may charge an additional fee for the air handler and other heating and air conditioning components. 

How Can I Tell When My Air Ducts Need to Be Cleaned?

Air ducts tend to collect dust, chemicals, and allergens. These particles flow through your ducts and circulate in your home. It takes a long time for these particles to become noticeable, but when they are, it’s obvious. How often homeowners should change their ducts also depends on how much dust is in your vents. If you see dust and debris accumulating at the bottom of your registers, it’s a good idea to clear out that debris with a vacuum. Then inspect other air vents in your home. If your vents are caked with dust, then it’s a sign your air ducts need to be cleaned. You might also see dust buildup inside your furnace and on your air filter.

It’s a good idea to have ducts cleaned after a home construction project. Dust from sanding or chemicals from paints and cleaners can live in your vents. These allergens should be removed from the air so you can breathe easily. Allergens like mold can live in your ducts as well. If you or your family are allergic to mold or have noticed mold in the house, having your ducts cleaned can help prevent the spread of mold even further. 

What Are the Benefits of Having Ducts Cleaned?

Having air ducts cleaned can benefit your HVAC system. If your ducts are free and clear of dust, then your heating and cooling system can function better because nothing is restricting the airflow. Keeping up on regular ductwork cleanings can help extend the life of your HVAC system. Unclogged ducts are more energy efficient because they circulate air better throughout the house.

Having your ducts cleaned is a great idea if anyone in your home suffers from allergies, allergic reactions or respiratory problems. Removing pollen, dust, and other chemicals from the air can help improve indoor air quality.

Contact Novak for All of Your HVAC Issues

If you want to have confidence that clean air is circulating in your home, then contact the experts at Novak Heating and Cooling for a whole home air duct cleaning service. The frequency in which air ducts should be cleaned depends on how much dust you see in your home and if you’ve had recent renovations. You may be surprised at what our technicians find in your ducts. Contact Novak today to schedule your air duct cleaning service today.

It’s been hot this summer! While you might think your air conditioner maintenance is a priority right now, it’s actually your furnace you should start thinking about. The end of summer is the perfect time to schedule your seasonal fall tune-up with Novak Heating and Cooling.

The HVAC experts at Novak are here to answer all of your questions about your furnace tune-up, such as what’s included with it, how much it costs and how long it takes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Furnace Tune-Ups

A furnace is a complicated HVAC system that you don’t want to stop working when it’s the coldest day of the year outside. That’s why the technicians at Novak are Cedar Rapids’ go-to experts for all things HVAC. 

Why Should I Have My Furnace Tuned-Up?

Having your furnace tuned up on a regular basis is a preventative measure. You want to make sure that you have your furnace tuned up before you turn your heat on for the first time in the fall. This way if there is an issue with your furnace, it’s fixed and running efficiently before you start relying on it for heat in the winter.

If your furnace does break down and it’s covered under warranty, your manufacturer may want to see service records. If you haven’t had your furnace regularly serviced, your claim might not be covered. 

How Often Should I Have My Furnace Tuned-Up?

Your furnace should be tuned-up every year in the late summer or heating season. Our tune-up schedule fills up fast! Calling now seems silly when it’s so hot outside, but there’s a good chance we might not be able to come out until colder temperatures start creeping in. Then you’ll be glad you called so early.

How Long Does a Furnace Tune-Up Take?

A furnace tune-up can take between an hour and a half to two hours. But it mostly depends on the age of your furnace. If they find you need more substantial repairs, it may take longer. However, if your furnace is new and in a clean location, it could take less time. 

What’s Included with a Furnace Tune-Up?

Here’s what’s included in a tune-up:

• Clean and calibrate the thermostat
• Lubricate all moving parts
• Clean and adjust burners and controls
• Check for leaks in the heat exchanger
• Clean and adjust the pilot assembly
• Vacuum the furnace interior
• Check belts and adjust the tension
• Clean and adjust the fan control
• Inspect your air filter and flue pipe
• Check carbon monoxide levels when your furnace is running to ensure there are no carbon monoxide leaks

If we find anything out of the ordinary, we will let you know and suggest the best course of action. 

Can I Do My Furnace Tune-Up Myself?

If you’d like to save some money, you can try to tune up your furnace yourself. However, we’re professionals for a reason. We’re prepared for every contingency and have every part and tool we need handy. Furnace  tune-ups aren’t a clean or easy chore. But in the end, most homeowners agree that it isn’t worth it to do it yourself. 

What If I Forget to Schedule My Furnace Tune-Up?

No matter what season, scheduling a furnace tune-up is a great idea. However, if that’s one thing you don’t want to have to keep reminding yourself to do, let us remember for you. Sign up for one of our Worry-Free Maintenance Contracts. We’ll give you reduced rates on spring and fall service calls and priority scheduling. Never forget an annual furnace tune-up again!

Schedule Your Furnace Tune-Up With Novak Today

Don’t wait until your heat doesn’t turn on this winter! The heating, cooling and indoor air quality technicians at Novak are here to help! Contact us today if you have more questions about furnace maintenance and then schedule your fall tune-up.

You rely on your digital thermostat to communicate with your HVAC system and tell it how much cooler or warmer it should make your home. However, if your thermostat is malfunctioning, you may find that your home is much hotter or colder than you’d like it to be.

Whenever you notice signs that your digital thermostat isn’t working properly, it’s important to have the system inspected by a professional. From there, they can recommend either repairs or a unit replacement to keep your home nice and comfortable.

Common Causes of Digital Thermostat Issues

Wiring Issues

Wiring issues with your home’s digital thermostat can cause the screen to go blank or even completely cut off power, among other things. If you believe that wiring problems are contributing to your digital thermostat issues, get in touch with a heating, cooling and indoor air quality professional. Many times, wiring issues can be repaired and won’t require a complete thermostat replacement.

Poor Positioning

Your digital thermostat’s placement is much more important than you may think. For example, a thermostat that was installed near a window will likely read higher temperatures as direct sunlight hits the unit. Your thermostat will think the temperature is higher than it actually is, causing your heating and air conditioning system to turn on and off before your set temperature is actually reached. Meanwhile, installing a thermostat too close to heat-producing appliances can also cause it to read a higher temperature. If your thermostat was installed in a poor position, get in touch with a professional to discuss having the thermostat moved to a better location within your home.

The Unit is 10-15 Years Old

Just like the rest of the HVAC and indoor air quality equipment within your home, thermostats become less accurate and reliable as they age. Generally speaking, if your thermostat is within 10-15 years of age, it might be time to have the system replaced. However, with proper cleaning and maintenance, you’ll likely be able to keep your thermostat operating at its peak for longer.

Thermostat Needs to Be Cleaned

Despite your best efforts to keep your home free of any dust or gunk, thermostat issues can commonly be caused by dust and dirt buildup. Cleaning the system thoroughly will remove any buildup and will help the system read temperatures more accurately and effectively.

Thermostat Services Improve Home Comfort and Safety

Novak Heating and Air knows that you don’t compromise when it comes to the safety and comfort of your family and home. To keep them both protected from any issues, make sure to call on a team of experts for professional thermostat services.

By having the proper installation or repair service performed, you can keep your family safe and comfortable during the hot summer and cold winter months.

Contact Novak for Thermostat Repair and Installation Services

Whenever your Hiawatha or Cedar Rapids, IA area home is in need of thermostat services, don’t hesitate to get in contact with Novak Heating and Air. Our professional air conditioner and heating technicians are highly trained and experienced, and they’re ready to help you with whatever digital thermostat issues that you might have. Schedule an appointment with us today!

If you’ve been in the market for HVAC services, you may have seen that some companies will display that they are a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer. This is a sign that they have met rigorous standards and completed thorough training to maintain licenses and certifications required by Carrier.

Novak Heating and Air is proud to be among the companies which have gained Carrier Factory Authorization. Keep reading to discover what it means to be an authorized dealer and learn the benefits of working with companies which have earned this distinct authorization.

Benefits of Working With Carrier Factory Authorized Dealers

Insured and Licensed Technicians

Maintaining Carrier Factory Authorization requires technicians to be insured and licensed. This allows you to be certain that you’re hiring the best technicians for the job. If anything goes wrong with your Carrier equipment, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that authorized Carrier dealers will honor warranties for any HVAC equipment or HVAC systems that are eligible.

Expert Knowledge

Your technician’s job is not just to install or repair your home’s heating and cooling system. It’s also to provide sound and reliable advice and information on the best course of action for your home’s comfort systems.

Carrier authorized technicians have seen it all when it comes to Carrier products. Whether you need a technician to help you decide if you need repairs or a replacement, or you need help finding the perfect HVAC system for your home, an authorized technician can help.

Experience With Carrier Products

Heating, air conditioning and indoor air quality technicians with companies which have earned Carrier Factory Authorization must go through regular training sessions with Carrier Corporation products to ensure that they are experienced with the latest technologies and products. Trusting Carrier Factory Authorized Dealers with your home’s HVAC needs ensures that your technicians have experience with the very products they are repairing, installing, or maintaining in your home.

How to Become a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer

Becoming a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer is no small feat. In order to ensure its factory authorized dealers maintain high customer service scores, Carrier requires dealers to keep up with rigorous standards and complete training sessions. This is further demonstrated by requiring dealers to offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for customers.

Carrier Factory Authorized Dealers must also maintain the necessary licenses and hold proper liability coverage. Additionally, they must be able to honor all warranties offered by Carrier. 

Becoming Carrier Factory Authorized can be difficult, but after gaining authorization, you’ll be able to show your potential customers that you’re among the best companies in the industry.

Contact Novak to Work with a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer

You don’t want to trust the safety and comfort of your home to just any company. Instead, whenever your home is in need of HVAC installations, repairs, or maintenance, get in touch with a company that has earned Carrier Factory Authorization.

Novak Heating and Air is proud to have completed the necessary training and certifications to become a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer. For all of your home’s heating and air conditioning needs, get in contact with our team of trained and certified technicians.

With the summer heat comes high humidity. Your home can trap humidity inside, making the heat feel worse. Even if you have a central air conditioning system, there can still be too much indoor humidity. Excess humidity doesn’t just make the environment uncomfortable, it can also cause damage in your home if not addressed.

In our most recent blog, the HVAC technicians at Novak Heating and Cooling discuss Symptoms of High Humidity In The Home and offer up some solutions as to how you can address this issue and restore proper humidity levels.

Novak Heating and Cooling is Hiawatha, Iowa’s best bet for all of your air conditioning needs. Don’t suffer in the heat; call Novak Heating and Cooling right away if your air conditioner stops working this summer. 

Symptoms of High Relative Humidity in the Home

Ideally, the humidity levels in your home should be between 30-50%. You can find out how humid your home is with a humidity meter, also called a hygrometer. This is a great idea to do first, especially if you notice signs of high indoor humidity levels. 

Window Condensation

If your home is too humid, you will frequently notice condensation buildup on windows and toilet tanks. The buildup of moisture on a window sill can eventually rot wooden casings, and that wetness can allow mold to grow. If you notice excess moisture, wipe it away immediately. Following a shower, be sure to run the fan for a prolonged period of time to help remove the humidity from the room to prevent moisture buildup. 

Mold on Ceilings and Corners of Walls

Bathrooms that continuously have mold spots on walls, floors, ceilings, and around showers are symptoms of too much humidity. You can clean the mold spots with bleach, or repaint these areas with a paint that is formulated to resist mildew. Mold growth can cause air pollutants that set off allergies to members of your family. 

Musty Smell or Odor

If certain areas of your home such as closets and crawl spaces have a musty smell to them, it’s likely from the presence of mold and mildew growing in these areas. These areas are commonly damp and humid. 

Dampness in Basement

If your basement walls look damp every spring, it’s probably from groundwater dampness. Basements are especially vulnerable to humidity issues. If your basement has a dirt floor, it’s a good idea to seal it to prevent excessive moisture from coming into your basement from the earth into your home. 

High Humidity Solutions

Don’t suffer from excessive humidity. Novak Heating and Cooling has many solutions to help you control humidity levels. 

Dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers work a lot like air conditioners. They both take in the air and then extract the moisture from it, allowing the moisture to drain from the unit. With a dehumidifier, the moisture will drain into a drain bucket that has a float that will trigger a shut-off to prevent overflowing. The final result of a dehumidifier is that water is removed from the air and less humid air is returned into the room. It’s a good idea to have dehumidifiers in rooms without windows such as closets, basements, and bathrooms. 

Desiccants

Desiccants are moisture-absorbing products like baking soda or washed charcoal that absorb unwanted moisture. You may have seen products that hang from closets and collect water. Desiccants also remove unwanted odors and purify the air. Using a desiccant in a closet is a good way to prevent your clothes from smelling musty in a particularly humid closet. 

Ventilation and Fans

Rooms without windows tend to be the most humid rooms. These rooms are usually closets, kitchens, and bathrooms. With no windows, these rooms lack airflow, which makes the air feel stale and heavy. Consider installing ceiling fans in particularly humid rooms to keep the air moving. Make sure to clean exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to keep moisture from building up in these areas. 

Call Novak Heating and Cooling for More Humidity Solutions

If your home seems particularly humid no matter what you do, trust the professionals at Novak Heating and Air. Having your air ducts cleaned and repaired can also help the airflow in your home and reduce humidity. Call to request a free quote.

A clean air conditioner is an efficient air conditioner. Cleaning your air conditioner regularly will make it last longer and help your house feel cool during the hottest days of summer. It’s a great idea to have your air conditioning system cleaned and inspected annually by the professionals at Novak Heating and Cooling in the Cedar Rapids, IA area to ensure it’s working properly and has enough refrigerant. However, if your appointment can’t come soon enough, here’s How To Clean Dirty Condenser Coils in your air conditioner to keep it running smoothly.

Forgot to schedule your annual air conditioning inspection this year? Never miss regular maintenance by signing up for Novak’s Worry-Free Maintenance plan. Our maintenance contracts provide you with priority scheduling and reduced rates on spring air conditioning cleanings and fall furnace cleanings. Call us today to learn more. 

How to Clean Dirty Condenser Coils

To clean your air conditioner condenser coils, you’ll need the following tools:

• Hose with a sprayer attachment
• Vacuum with a soft brush attachment
• Air Conditioner condenser coil cleaner
• Work clothes, gloves, and eye protection

1 – Turn Off the Air Conditioner and Thermostat

First, turn off your air conditioner at the thermostat. Once you’re outside, find the electrical disconnect near your condenser unit and either turn it to the “off” position or unplug it. 

2 – Inspect and Clear the Unit

Make sure there are no visible signs of damage to the unit. If there are, call Novak Heating and Cooling for services in Cedar Rapids, Robins, Marion, North Liberty, or Hiawatha, Iowa right away. Remove any grass, sticks, or debris around the unit.

3 – Use a Knife to Straighten Fins

Use a butter knife or a cooling fin comb to straighten any bent fins. Don’t insert a knife more than half an inch. 

4 – Remove the Top of the Air Conditioner

You may need a screwdriver to remove the fan and the top of the air conditioner. Be careful of the electrical wires. Carefully set the top of the air conditioner aside. 

5 – Clean Inside the Air Conditioner

Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to clean the outside and inside of the air conditioner. Be careful not to bend any fins. You can also use a damp cloth to clean other surfaces of the unit. 

6 – Spray Air Conditioner Unit with a Hose

Grab your hose with a sprayer attachment and spray the fins from the inside and outside. Once you’ve rinsed out the air conditioner, spray the air conditioner with a coil cleaner. You will need to find a specific coil cleaner that is compatible with your air conditioner. Consult your owner’s manual or search your air conditioner’s manufacturer website for recommendations.  Let the cleaner sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing it off again with the hose. Avoid spraying the fan motor. 

7 – Check Refrigerant Pressure

Check your refrigerant levels before and after cleaning your air conditioner. In many cases, the pressure will be higher than it’s supposed to be for a given size and type of air conditioner before you start cleaning. After the cleaning, the pressure should be lower and more in line with factory specs. This means the cleaning was effective and the air conditioner will run more efficiently. 

8 – Reassemble the Air Conditioner 

Reattach the top of the air conditioner, and plug it back in. 

9 – Replace the Air Filter

Although this isn’t inside your outdoor unit, it’s always a great idea to replace your air filter every 90 days to ensure proper airflow to your air conditioner.

Turn the power on, and if your air conditioner starts running again without making strange noises, then you cleaned your condenser coils properly!

Call Novak Heating and Cooling to Clean Dirty AC Condenser Coils

If you’re uncomfortable with any of these cleaning steps, then don’t attempt to clean your condenser coils yourself. Call the professional air conditioning technicians at Novak Heating and Cooling in Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha, Marion, Robins, North Liberty, and the surrounding areas to ensure a proper cleaning every season. 

Water leaks and surprise puddles tend to have Cedar Rapids area homeowners curious about plumbing problems, but that mystery pool may come from your cooling system! If your air conditioner is leaking water outside, this moisture usually points to a handful of system issues. In our most recent blog, Novak Heating, Air and Duct Cleaning explains the causes behind a leaking air conditioner and what to do about it.

What Is Leaking – Water or Refrigerant?

Usually when you see a puddle of liquid coming from the outdoor air conditioning unit, it’s water or condensation. However, it is possible for air conditioners to leak refrigerant, the coolant used to absorb and transfer heat in an AC unit. R-22 (Freon) and R-410A (Puron) are the most common refrigerants used in air conditioners and heat pumps today. HVAC equipment manufactured since 2010 contains R-410A while older units likely use R-22.

Refrigerants can escape an air conditioner due to leaks in the refrigerant lines or other components. A refrigerant leak typically will not produce a puddle that looks like a water spill surrounding your AC condenser unit, as refrigerant vapor escapes from the leak rather than liquid, which evaporates rather quickly. An R-410A leak may leave behind a faint, sweet odor, while an R-22 leak can leave behind a greasy, somewhat viscous liquid as well as a white residue at the location of the leak. 

Exposure to refrigerant via a leak is hazardous and potentially deadly, so leave the area right away. Call a technician from Novak in Cedar Rapids, IA for air conditioning repairs if you suspect leaking refrigerant.

An Air Conditioner Leaking Water Outside Could Mean…

First, know that a small puddle of water that evaporates quickly is likely condensation runoff from normal operation, especially during a hot or humid day. More significant pools of water that remain after the unit turns off are problematic and could be caused by:

Clogged or Damaged Condensate Drain Line

An air conditioning system generates condensation during the cooling process as water vapor condenses into liquid form when air temperatures decline. This water drips from the evaporator coils into a collection pan and out of the home through the connected condensate drain line. Obstructions can form in the drainpipe due to debris or damage to the pipe and clog up the line, leading to puddles that look like an air conditioner is leaking water outside.

• Clear condensate drain line clogs using a wet/dry vacuum at the outdoor exit of the drain or by inserting a long wire brush down into the opening. Contact your HVAC contractor if you cannot remove clogs and restore proper drainage or if you find damage to the drain line that needs to be replaced.
• Prevent clogs in the drain line by flushing it with a water and bleach solution each month.

Crack or Clog in the Drip Pan

The drip pan sits below the evaporator coils, collecting moisture runoff during cooling. Normally, moisture should flow down into the condensate drain line and out of the home. Cracks or clogs can stop up the drain, causing water to spill out around the indoor unit and not outside.

• Turn off power, and access the condensate pan. Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove all standing water, and assess the part for damage or clogs. Clear debris forming a clog in the drip pan, and clean the drip pan to remove any algae growth.
• Cracked or damaged drip pans need to be replaced to prevent water damage to your home and cooling system.

Frozen Evaporator Coils

The system’s evaporator coils can freeze over for several reasons. Poor airflow due to a dirty air filter or low refrigerant levels preventing heat absorption are common causes. When ice buildup on the coils melts, this could lead to an excess of water runoff to be flushed out through the condensate drain line, forming what appears to be an AC leak outside. 

• If the coils freeze, shut off the cooling unit and turn on the blower fan at the thermostat to circulate warm air over the coils. Check the air filter, and replace it if needed.
• If you could not locate the source of the frozen coils or the coils continue to freeze up again, call your HVAC company for air conditioner repair.

Cooling Repairs in Cedar Rapids

If you notice your air conditioner leaking water outside or elsewhere along the system, call Novak Heating, Air and Duct Cleaning for fast, reliable air conditioning repair services. We put an end to leaks to prevent water damage and restore energy-efficient operation. Contact us to schedule service in Cedar Rapids and the surrounding areas, including Hiawatha, Robins, and North Liberty, today!

Knowing when to repair or replace air conditioning equipment is a struggle many homeowners have faced over the years. Buying an air conditioner is a big investment for your home – you want to make sure you make the most out of the one you have, while making a smart purchase decision for the next one. In many situations, there isn’t a clear answer.

In our most recent blog, Novak Heating, Air and Duct Cleaning discusses the types of questions you should ask to help you determine whether you should repair or replace your current air conditioning system.

Should I Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner?

Repairing or replacing your air conditioner can be the difference between spending thousands of dollars today for improved comfort and energy efficiency or patching up your old system for a low cost and suffering through its poor performance a while longer.

Homeowners want to avoid choosing a full replacement too soon. However, it’s important to find the sweet spot. After all, you don’t want to hang on to your old AC too long and have it break down in the middle of the summer.

When you face a situation where you must decide whether to repair or replace you air conditioner, examine the following questions from both sides of the coin before you decide:

1. What’s the Age of Your Current Air Conditioning Unit? 

While there is no exact number that can be given for the average lifespan of any HVAC equipment type, average life expectancy is a good place to start. A central air conditioning system will last about 15 to 20 years (though other factors mentioned below should be considered to increase or decrease this estimate). 

• If your current air conditioner is 15 years or older, system replacement is inevitable – it should already be on your home improvement list in the near future. If your home needs a new unit soon, is now the right time to do it, or could it stand to wait a little longer?
• Alternatively, if your air conditioner is still fairly young, it probably makes more sense to repair it now. Depending on its age, there may still be warranty coverage from the manufacturer that will pay for certain repairs.

2. What Repairs Are Needed, and What Do They Cost?

If the air conditioning repair is relatively minor and affordable, many choose repairs regardless of the system’s age. Even if your air conditioner is in its final cooling season, the price of an inexpensive or simple repair today could get you through the remainder of the season. This could give you more time to choose replacement options and find the best deal rather than feeling stuck paying thousands on a cooling system you haven’t looked into because it must be done now.

3. How Often Have Repairs Been Made?

Even if the system’s repair needs are minor now, don’t jump right in just yet. Take note – air conditioners and heating systems tend to have more frequent repair needs at the end of their service lives. While the cost of a single repair seems minor, the overall costs are adding up if you’ve been making frequent minor repairs over the past year or two. If this is the case, you should really evaluate whether or not it’s paying off to keep patching up your system or if your money would be better spent invested in a new AC unit.

4. Was Regular Maintenance Performed Over the Years?

Make no mistake, neglecting maintenance will cut years off your system’s service life, while thorough maintenance could potentially add years to it. If you face the decision to repair or replace your aging air conditioner and the repairs have been piling up, the years of forgetting annual tune ups mean it’s more likely the end of the road for your air conditioner. 

On the other hand, if your old air conditioning unit needs a minor repair now, hasn’t required repeated calls for service recently, and has been properly maintained over the years, you can likely feel confident that your air conditioner has more useful life left to give. 

Repairing or Replacing Air Conditioning Equipment in Cedar Rapids

No matter which way you decide, Novak Heating, Air and Duct Cleaning is here to serve you with comprehensive air conditioning services in Cedar Rapids. Our reliable HVAC system technicians perform fast repairs to restore comfort and outfit your home with new cooling equipment for efficient comfort over the years to come. Contact us today to schedule service or request an installation estimate for a new air conditioner.