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Mini split AC systems, also called ductless mini splits, are becoming increasingly popular in Lynchburg, VA homes and businesses. These systems provide efficient cooling and heating without the need for ductwork, making them ideal for older homes, room additions, or spaces where traditional HVAC installation is challenging. How a Mini Split AC System Works more A mini split AC system consists of two main components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and one or more indoor air-handling units. Refrigerant flows between the units, absorbing heat from indoor spaces and releasing it outside. Each indoor unit can be controlled independently, allowing for customized temperature zones and energy-efficient operation. The system works silently, provides rapid cooling or heating, and avoids the energy loss associated with ducted HVAC systems. This makes mini splits a reliable and effective solution for maintaining comfort in Lynchburg homes during both hot summers and colder months. Installation of a Mini Split AC Installation involves mounting the indoor unit on a wall or ceiling, running refrigerant lines and electrical wiring to the outdoor unit, and testing the system for proper function. A licensed professional ensures the refrigerant is charged correctly, the lines are insulated, and the system complies with local building codes. Proper installation is critical to ensure energy efficiency and long-term reliability. Benefits of Ductless Mini Split AC Systems Mini split AC units are highly versatile and offer several advantages: Energy-efficient operation with lower utility bills Zoned temperature control for individual rooms Quiet operation compared to traditional HVAC systems No ductwork required, preserving space and avoiding duct losses Flexible installation options for existing and new construction These benefits make mini split AC systems a practical choice for homeowners and businesses in Lynchburg seeking comfort and efficiency. Cost Considerations The cost of a mini split AC system varies depending on the number of indoor units, system capacity, installation complexity, and additional features such as remote control or Wi-Fi connectivity. While the upfront investment is higher than some traditional window units, the long-term energy savings, comfort, and flexibility often justify the cost. Who Installs Mini Split AC Systems Near Lynchburg, VA Licensed HVAC contractors, like the team at Hickey Plumbing, Air & Electrical, specialize in ductless mini split AC installation. They provide professional evaluation, system selection, and expert installation to ensure optimal performance. Working with a reputable installer guarantees compliance with local building codes, proper setup, and reliable operation for years to come. Conclusion Mini split AC systems offer an efficient, flexible, and modern solution for cooling and heating spaces without ductwork. From energy savings to customizable temperature zones, these systems provide comfort and convenience for Lynchburg, VA homeowners. For professional guidance, installation, and service, contact us to help you select and install the right ductless mini split AC system for your home.

If you're sweating as soon as your feet hit the porch, welcome to summer in Lynchburg, where the weather turns sticky, the heat hits hard, and staying comfortable indoors becomes a full-time job. The combination of soaring temperature, relentless humidity, and that unmistakable Southern sun can push even the best air conditioning systems to their limits. But with the right strategies, you can turn your house into a summer retreat, even when it feels like the tropics outside. more As Lynchburg's trusted air conditioning experts, we're here to walk you through simple, effective ways to reclaim your cool without breaking the bank or overworking your AC. These tips will bring relief from the heat while also protecting your home's indoor air quality. Ventilation & Creating Cross‑Breezes Let’s talk ventilation, and how it can help defend against indoor heat buildup when the conditions are right. By opening windows on opposite sides of your home, you create a natural airflow loop called a cross-breeze. This simple trick moves moisture and warm air out while bringing in cooler, fresher air from the outside, as long as the air outside is actually cooler. To make the most of this method, time it carefully. Wait until early morning or late evening when temperatures drop. Place a box fan near a window to pull in fresh air, and crack another window across the house to let old air escape. It’s a simple, no-power-needed ventilator setup that can make your whole space feel like it's breathing. Just skip it during a midday heatwave when the outdoor climate is hotter than your indoor room temperature. Shading Windows & Outdoor Heat Shields Direct sunlight pouring through your windows is like having a hairdryer blowing into your home all day. The fix? Use heat-blocking methods that double as interior design wins. Thick curtains, window film, or even reflective paint can dramatically reduce heat transfer. Think of these barriers as sunscreen for your walls and floors. Outdoors, plant a deciduous tree or install an awning to provide strategic shade. The leafy cover cools your home during summer and sheds in winter to let that precious sun shine through. This is one of the most cost-effective ways to maintain a pleasant room temperature. Optimizing Fans for Maximum Airflow If your ceiling fan is still spinning clockwise in July, you’re doing it wrong. Flip the switch to counterclockwise to push cool air downward. This is called the wind-chill effect, and it makes your skin feel cooler by evaporating sweat or moisture on it. Ceiling fans are cost-cutting champions. By circulating air and creating a wind-chill effect, they help your body feel cooler without changing the actual temperature of the room. That means you can raise your thermostat by a few degrees and still stay comfortable, slashing your energy use in the process. It’s estimated that using ceiling fans alongside your air conditioning can let you bump up the thermostat by 4°F without sacrificing comfort. This translates to lower electricity bills all summer long. Controlling Humidity for Comfort High humidity not only makes your home feel hotter, but it also invites mold, mildew, and even fatigue. This is where a dehumidifier becomes your new best friend. Running a dehumidifier in the basement, bathroom, or any damp zone helps bring moisture levels down to a comfortable range of 30–50%. This boosts your AC’s efficiency and helps protect walls, furniture, and even your own comfort from the damaging effects of excess water in the air. Added bonus: it improves your indoor air quality, too! Sealing & Insulating Key Heat Leak Zones Imagine cranking your air conditioning only to let that cool air escape through leaky ducts, thin attic insulation, or unsealed windows. It’s like filling a bathtub with the drain open — wasteful and frustrating. Time to plug those holes! Use weatherstripping around windows and doors, insulate your attic and garage, and patch cracks in your basement or walls. Don’t forget to check areas around pipes, electrical outlets, and ventilation grills. Even small gaps can let in unwanted heat, making your HVAC system work overtime. Your furnace will thank you in the winter, too. Air Conditioner & Thermostat Best Practices Your air conditioning system does the heavy lifting during summer, but it works best when everything around it is set up to help. Here’s how to make sure it’s doing its job: Set the Thermostat Smartly: A programmable thermostat or smart thermostat can adjust the indoor temperature automatically when you’re away or sleeping. Aim for 75-78°F when home and bump it higher when you're out. Change the Air Filter regularly: A clogged air filter chokes airflow and makes your unit less efficient. Use Energy Star Appliances: They use less electricity and work better in Lynchburg’s humid climate. Schedule Seasonal Maintenance: A Hickey technician can check refrigerant levels, clean ducts, and verify your system’s operating at peak efficiency. Use Ceiling Fans to Complement Your AC: Running a ceiling fan alongside your air conditioning helps distribute cool airflow more evenly throughout the room. It allows you to raise the thermostat setting by a few degrees while still feeling just as comfortable. All these tips help your system keep you comfortable without running up your energy bill. Kitchen & Appliance Use: Avoiding Heat Sources Indoors Believe it or not, your daily habits could be adding extra heat to your home. Using the kitchen stove, dishwasher, washing machine, and even clothes dryer during peak temperature hours introduces unnecessary warmth into already warm spaces. Instead, opt for grilling outside or meals that don’t require a hot oven. Run your laundry or dishes at night when it’s cooler. If possible, dry your clothing on a clothesline in the sun. It’s gentler on fabric and adds a summery scent to your linen and dress clothes! Night Cooling Strategy: When to Open Windows & Doors Lynchburg’s nights can offer a much-needed break from the daytime heat, so use that to your advantage. Once the temperature outside drops below your indoor room temperature, throw open those windows and let nature do the cooling. Make the most of night airflow by opening opposite windows to encourage cross-ventilation. Then, just before the morning sunlight hits, close everything back up —curtains, windows, even interior doors — to trap the cooler air and lock out heat. Beat the Heat in Lynchburg with Hickey Lynchburg summers might be fierce, but your home doesn’t have to suffer. A few thoughtful changes can help your home feel like a cooler, more relaxing retreat. And if you need a hand, the team at Hickey is ready with the tools, talent, and customer service to help you beat the heat. When it's time for a new air conditioner to keep your home comfy, don't hesitate to contact us. Schedule your air conditioning service with Hickey today, and let’s keep that room temperature just right, all season long.

Remodeling your home is a big step many folks take to make life better and give their space a more personal feel. But when you're planning to redo parts of your house, you've also got to think about remodeling your HVAC system. Do you know what HVAC remodeling actually means? It's all about giving your system an upgrade when it needs it most. Before you jump into this project, keep these five important factors in mind to get the most out of your investment. 1. The Ductwork Used Throughout Your Home Your duct system plays a huge role in how well your heating and cooling system works. Old, leaky, or poorly designed ducts can waste up to 30% of your energy! When you're doing a home remodeling project, it's the perfect time to check out what's happening behind your walls. Look at your current ducts — are they dented, disconnected, or covered in dust? These are signs you might need an upgrade. Flexible ducts might work for some spots, but rigid metal ducts last longer and usually leak less air. The layout matters, too. If your remodeling project includes adding new space to your home, you'll need to figure out how to extend your ductwork. Sometimes, the existing setup won't handle the extra load, which means you might need a redesign. Insulation around ducts also makes a big difference, especially in attics, crawlspaces, or unheated areas. Well-insulated ducts keep your treated air at the right temperature until it reaches your living space. 2. The Capacity of the HVAC System Needed An HVAC system that's too small won't keep up when temperatures get extreme. One that's too big will cycle on and off too much, wasting energy and wearing out faster. During your construction project, your home's heating and cooling needs might change completely. Taking down walls? Your airflow patterns will change. Adding a sunroom? That's more space to heat and cool. Putting in bigger windows? That affects how much heat comes in or escapes. A good HVAC professional won't just look at your home's square footage. They'll check your insulation levels, window quality, ceiling heights, and even which direction your home faces. All these factors help determine the right capacity for your needs. If your remodeling project is adding significant space, your current HVAC unit might not cut it anymore. Sometimes, you can add a second smaller system just for the new area instead of replacing your whole setup. 3. The Efficiency of Your HVAC System Your HVAC system is probably one of the biggest energy users in your home. When you're remodeling, you've got a golden chance to cut those bills down. Modern HVAC units are way more efficient than ones from even ten years ago. If your current HVAC system is getting old, replacing it during your remodeling project could save you serious cash over time. Look for that SEER rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) on air conditioners and HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) on heat pumps — higher numbers mean better efficiency. Smart thermostats are game-changers, too. They learn your schedule and adjust temperatures automatically, cutting waste. Some even track your energy use so you can see exactly where your money goes. Adding one during your remodel is pretty simple and pays off fast. Zone control systems let you heat or cool only the parts of your house you're using. If your remodeling project involves adding rooms or changing your home's layout, zoning might make a lot of sense. You can keep guest rooms cooler in winter when nobody's visiting, or focus cooling on bedrooms at night. 4. The Ventilation in Your Home Good airflow keeps your home healthy. When you're remodeling, you've got the walls open — the perfect time to fix ventilation problems. Modern homes are built pretty tight to save energy, which is great for your bills but can trap pollutants inside. Your remodeling project should include a plan for bringing fresh air in and pushing stale air out in a controlled way. An air purifier built into your HVAC system can trap tiny particles your regular air filter misses. During a remodel, it's relatively easy to add this feature to your heating and cooling system. This can be a huge plus if anyone in your family has allergies or asthma. Heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) or energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) bring in fresh air without wasting the energy you've used to heat or cool your home. They're a bit pricey to add, but during a major remodeling project, the extra cost might be worth it for the comfort and health benefits. 5. The Value of Different Types of HVAC Systems There's way more than just the standard forced-air systems out there. Your remodeling project might be the perfect time to consider switching to something that fits your lifestyle better. Heat pumps work as both a heater and an air conditioning unit, which can simplify your system. They're super efficient in mild climates, though they need backup in very cold areas. The latest models work well in much colder temperatures than older versions. Ductless mini-split systems let you control temperatures in individual rooms without installing ductwork. They're awesome for additions, finished attics, or if you're converting a garage to a living space. Each area gets its own temperature control, so you're not cooling empty rooms. Geothermal systems use the stable temperatures underground to heat and cool your home. They cost more upfront but can cut your energy bills by 40 to 70%. If your remodeling project involves major landscape work anyway, this might be worth looking into. Ready to Upgrade Your HVAC System? We Can Help! Remodeling gives you a chance to fix problems you've been living with for years. One of the biggest perks is that you can boost the efficiency of your HVAC systems while you're at it. With help from our experienced team at Hickey, you can make the most of your HVAC remodel and find the ideal setup for your home. Give us a call before you get too far into your remodeling process. Getting the HVAC plans right early saves headaches later. We can help with all your HVAC remodeling needs in Lynchburg, VA, or one of the surrounding areas. Contact us today to get started!

Why Does My Air Conditioner Run So Often? If you're noticing that your air conditioner is running much longer than usual, it's important to consider all the factors that determine the length of a cooling cycle. The air temperature outside, the size and condition of air ducts, the amount of insulation, and the condition of the weather stripping around windows and doors are just a few of the factors that will determine the length of the cooling cycle. How Long Should a Central Air Conditioner Run? Outside Temperature The cooling cycle will last until the temperature set at the thermostat is reached. It shuts off at that point and starts again when the house begins to warm up again. If it is just a few degrees warmer outside, it may run for a few minutes. If it is very hot and humid, with a 30 degree difference between the thermostat setting and outside temperature, it may need to run much longer to reach the desired temperature. Air Ducts and Circulation Because a central air conditioner performs best when cooling the entire house, it's important to keep all vents and doors open in every room when possible. Closing off rooms will not save energy, it will only make the AC work harder. Keeping your AC properly maintained, including changing the filter regularly, will also ensure that it's performing at peak efficiency. AC Sizing Air conditioners perform best when they are properly sized for the space they are cooling. The size of an air conditioner is measured in BTUs. One BTU is equal to the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. If your air conditioner has more BTUs than necessary, it will cycle more frequently. If it has too few BTUs, it will run much longer per cycle. Assuming your central air conditioner is properly sized for your home, it should be able to cool and remove moisture from the air in 7- to 10-minute cycles. If not there could be a problem. Have questions about your central air conditioner? Call Hickey Plumbing, Air & Electrical. We're here to help.

AC Not Keeping You Cool? Here Are A Few Things to Check With the hottest weather of the season upon us, you may be noticing that your home's central air conditioner isn't able to keep you cool enough during the steamy, dog days of summer. Before calling a Hickey Plumbing, Air and Electrical for help, there are a few things you can check first if your home is not staying cool enough. 1. Is the air filter dirty? It doesn't take much dirt to reduce the airflow in a typical fiberglass or paper filter. Even if the filter looks relatively clean, if it's more than a couple months old, replace it. 2. Is the airflow obstructed? Ensure that the supply registers AND returns are not blocked. Move furniture well away from vents to allow the air to flow. While It may seem like a good idea to close vents and doors in rooms that are unoccupied, it can actually make your AC work less efficiently as a result of having lower air volume than the system was designed to handle. 3. Reduce heat sources inside the home. Closing blinds on the south facing windows and skylights and cooking outside during the hottest days can make a significant difference in how much heat accumulates during the day. Also ensure that bathroom ventilation fans and range hoods are effectively removing humid air from the home. 4. Improve air circulation. While ceiling fans won't lower the temperature of the air, they will move the cooler air down into the living space and provide some evaporative cooling to help make warmer rooms feel more comfortable. 5. The AC is maxed out. It's important to understand that most central air conditioners are designed to deliver only a 20 degree temperature difference between outside and inside temperatures. If the temperature hits 100 degrees and the thermostat is set to 75, it's going to be running almost constantly. In this case, turning down the thermostat is not going to cool the house down any further. Need air conditioner service? Call Hickey Plumbing, Electrical & Air. We can help keep you home cool and comfortable all summer long.

Choosing a Ductless Cooling System As technology and efficiency have improved over the years, ductless cooling and heating (also call mini-split systems) have increased in popularity. For homes without central heating and cooling or air ducts, and difficult to cool and heat rooms like attics, garages and additions, ductless systems can be a great option. When deciding which ductless system is right for your home, consider the following questions. How Many Zones Do You Want to Cool? One of the advantages of ductless mini-split systems is the ability to control each zone independently. Depending on the model, you can have from 1 to 8 separate zones. Maybe you will have only one zone, say a 3-season porch. Or, you may have a zone for every room in your home. Having multiple zones controlled independently not only improves comfort in each room, it can save you a lot of money in lower utility bills. What Size Unit Will Need to Be Installed? Choosing the right size unit for each room is critical to ensuring comfort and efficiency. The power of air conditioners is measured in BTUs. The higher the BTUs, the larger the volume of air an air conditioner will be able to effectively cool. Some product specs will list the size of a room it is designed to cool. Or, you can also do the calculations yourself based on the products BTU rating. Generally, the square footage of a room translates into the following number of BTUs needed: 300 sq. ft. – 7,000 BTUs 350 sq. ft. – 8,000 BTUs 400 sq. ft. – 9,000 BTUs 450 sq. ft. – 10,000 BTUs 500 sq. ft. – 11,000 BTUs 550 sq. ft. – 12,000 BTUs 625 sq. ft. – 13,000 BTUs 700 sq. ft. – 14,000 BTUs 1,000 sq. ft. – 18,000 BTUs Installation Location One of the main advantages of ductless systems is the flexibility of installation locations. While a window air conditioner is stuck in the window, a ductless unit can be installed in the floor, the ceiling or on the wall. Wherever they are installed, most mini-split units are compact and unobtrusive. Additional Features Remote control operation - Most ductless systems come with a wireless remote for controlling the unit. Some offer smartphone apps that let you monitor and control the system while you're away from home. Timers - Set individual rooms to turn on or off depending on when they will be occupied. Reusable filters - Some models have washable filters which can save money compared to disposable filters. Have questions about ductless cooling and heating for your home? Call Hickey Plumbing, Air & Electrical. We can help answer all your questions.

Humidity and Indoor Air Quality During the summer months, hot, humid air can keep your home's central air conditioner working overtime to keep the air dry and comfortable. While your air conditioner is designed to remove heat and moisture from the air, in some cases humidity can remain high enough to cause indoor air quality problems. If the indoor humidity is above 60 percent you may notice condensation on windows, and if the home stays humid long enough, you may notice a musty smell and mold growth in bathrooms, the basement and other areas of your home. What Is a Healthy Indoor Humidity Level? Many newer smart thermostats have the benefit of displaying the relative humidity (RH) in your home. You can also buy an inexpensive hygrometer to measure the humidity. A range of 30-50% is ideal for comfort and to prevent condensation and the growth of mold and mildew. The Effects of High Humidity In the Home Besides being just really uncomfortable, excessive humidity can cause mold growth that can lead to allergies and respiratory irritation. High humidity can also damage your home by warping wood furniture, cupping wood floors and causing paint to peel and wall paper to deteriorate. Controlling Humidity Levels In the Home While your central AC will remove much of the humidity in the air, it's important to avoid contributing to humidity levels. These sources of excess humidity can include: cooking, doing laundry, showering and other household tasks. You can reduce humidity by ensuring that there is adequate ventilation in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room. If humidity is a problem in these spaces, upgrading the ventilation system and adding exhaust fans can help to remove the humid air. When the temperatures are lower outside, consider leaving windows and doors open to allow air to circulate. If you're concerned about excessive humidity and poor air quality in your home, call Hickey Plumbing, Air & Electrical. We offer advanced solutions for indoor air quality, including whole-home dehumidifiers and air filtration systems.

The Benefits Of Ceiling Fans In The Home Ceiling fans can be a great addition to your home's heating and cooling system. During the hot summer months ceiling fans create a cooling breeze by drawing the cool air from the lower areas of the home. By circulating warm air downward during the heating season they will keep larger rooms more comfortable and allow your furnace to work more efficiently to maintain a set temperature. Installing a Ceiling Fan Ceiling fans come in a variety of attractive designs to complement any decor. Some are equipped with a remote control and variable fan speed. We  recommend hiring a professional electrician to install your new ceiling fan. The most important reason is safety, but it's also important that new fans be installed so the blades are balanced and rotate smoothly, quietly and efficiently. Avoiding Ceiling Fan Problems If your ceiling fans have stopped working, are shaking, or otherwise not operating correctly, it could be wasting electricity... or worse, it may represent an electrical hazard. In this case, it is typically best to have a professional electrician install a replacement. Need professional ceiling fan installation? Call Hickey Plumbing, Air & Electrical. Our licensed electricians are experienced at installing ceiling fans and all other types of electrical appliances around the home.

How Long Does a Central Air Conditioner Last? With the dog days of summer right around the corner in the Lynchburg area your air conditioner will be working over time to keep your home cool and comfortable. If you have been experiencing poor performance from your central AC, or higher utility bills during the cooling season, you may be wondering how many more years your central AC will last. The short answer is approximately 10-15 years. But the long answer is more complicated, because it depends on many factors. One important factor includes the quality of the AC itself – lower cost models are simply more likely to need replacement sooner than a more expensive, high-end AC unit. A lower cost air conditioner in a hot climate will typically by ready for replacement in as few as 6-8 years. Professional AC Maintenance Is Key The good news is that many of the factors that determine how long your central air conditioner will last are under your control. The most important thing you can do is have your air conditioner professionally maintained every single year. This will not only help the unit last longer, it will help it operate more efficiently, saving you money on your utility bill. With regular maintenance you can also expect to have fewer surprise repair bills. Because most air conditioner parts can be repaired as they wear out, it's often a good idea to replace parts as wear out. However, with new air conditioners operating at much higher efficiency than units made just a decade ago, replacing the unit may be more cost effective in the long run when compared to the repair costs of keeping a 10-15 year old unit running past its prime. Have questions about your air conditioner? Give Hickey Plumbing, Air & Electrical a call, we're here to help.

5 Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Service When a central air conditioner is in need of repair it will often provide clues that it is not working properly. By paying attention to the symptoms of a malfunction AC and fixing the small things right away, you can avoid an unexpected and costly breakdown during the hottest days of summer. Here's what to look and listen for. 1. The AC is Making Strange Noises If you hear knocking, pinging or other unusual sounds, don't ignore them. Unusual sounds can indicate that there are loose or worn parts that are about to fail. 2. Your Utility Bill Is Unexpectedly High Air conditioners often become less efficient as they get older, making annual maintenance more important to keep the system operating at peak efficiency. If the system has to run more often to maintain the set temperature, you will notice an increase in your electric bill. 3. Areas Of the Home Are Not Comfortable, Even When the Thermostat Is Lowered First, make sure that all the air registers are open and not obstructed by rugs or furniture. Uneven cooling can be a sign that the air delivery system is not sized correctly. 4. The Air Is Cold, But Too Humid Humid air can be a sign of leaking air ducts, an AC unit that is not properly sized for the home, a frozen condenser coil or another malfunction. Your HVAC technician can diagnose the cause and recommend solutions. 5. The AC is Blowing Warm Air If the system is blowing warm air, it may be low on refrigerant, have a blocked, frozen or leaking evaporation coils. If you notice any of they symptoms above, call Hickey Plumbing, Air and Electrical. We can help track down the cause and help get your AC working at peak performance.

Replace Your Window AC With a Ductless Cooling System If you're thinking of replacing or upgrading a window air conditioner, you may want to consider a ductless, or mini-split system instead. While initial installation costs are higher, in most cases a ductless system will offer better  efficiency, convenience and versatility that will pay for itself in a short period of time. Here are a few of the advantages ductless systems offer versus window AC units. 1. No window needed A window air conditioner blocks the view outside and can be a security problem. Window AC units can also be unsightly both inside and outside the home. By comparison, ductless systems have compact, narrow enclosures that can be mounted up high near the ceiling or even under the floor where they won't get in the way. You will forget they are even there. 2. Heating In addition to cooling, many ductless mini-split systems provide efficient heating. This can eliminate the need for electric baseboard heat or space heaters. 3. Expansion Options Mini-split systems can be connected together to cool and heat up to 8 rooms using a single outside heat exchanger. 4. Lower Noise Because the AC condenser is located outside the house, mini-split systems are typically much quieter than window air conditioners. The blower fan inside the home is also very quiet. 5. Advanced Features With some models you can monitor and adjust your ductless system using a remote control, or create programs and schedules from your smartphone. If you're considering replacing your window air conditioners with a ductless cooling system, call Hickey Plumbing, Air and Electrical. We can help answer all your home cooling and heating questions.

Why Are Rooms Too Cold Or Too Hot? Solving uneven temperatures in the home Inconsistent cooling is one of the most common reasons homeowners contact us for AC service. When some rooms in a house are too hot while others are too cold, it's typically a sign that the home's air delivery system is not working correctly. Simply closing or opening vents or adjusting the thermostat will usually not solve the problem. It will only waste energy and can shorten the lifespan of your air conditioner. Here are a few things that you can do to address uneven cooling in your home. Have Your Home's Duct Work Inspected When airflow to certain parts of the home is imbalanced, you’ll experience uneven cooling. Is your air conditioner running more often or longer than usual? An airflow imbalance can also cause your system to work overtime in order to compensate, which in turn can shorten your system’s lifespan and decrease its efficiency. In order to create a balanced airflow Hickey Plumbing, Air and Electric can inspect your home’s duct work to look for leaks, undersized venting, and other air delivery problems. If the duct work is not properly sized, it’s important to replace with correctly sized ducts. Identifying leaks and blockages is also important, as leaks are a major contributor to inefficiency and uneven temperatures. Once the underlying causes of the imbalance have been identified, the appropriate repairs or replacement will be made to get your system functioning normally again. Variable Speed Fans and Zoning New air conditioners use variable speed motors to provide more even heating and cooling by allowing for more precise control of the airflow throughout the home. Variable speed fans can also be helpful in situations when there are rooms in your home that are rarely used. This involves “zoning” the space to provide separate temperature settings for different areas of the home. In general, variable speed motors are the only systems that allow for zoning within the home. You'll save money and improve comfort by controlling the temperature in each space individually. Is Your Air Conditioning System Sized Correctly? Just as you’re experiencing discomfort due to uneven temperatures, your system is constantly trying to compensate, resulting in higher utility bills. An improperly sized HVAC system can result in uneven heating and cooling and wasted energy. When a central heating and cooling system is installed a load calculation is made to determine the air volume in the home. This data is used to calculate the right size AC and furnace for your home. If new additions have been added to the home, the HVAC system may no longer be sufficient to heat and cool the entire home. To determine whether your HVAC system is properly sized, contact Hickey Plumbing, Air and Electrical for an up-to-date load calculation.