[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":37},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$fNQE5KIZhAClV5CW5LbEDevEcONHo1etOt4AJEJA5vWM":3},{"post":4,"relatedPosts":14},{"category":5,"date":6,"html":7,"image":8,"readingMinutes":9,"slug":10,"sourceUrl":11,"summary":12,"title":13},"Cooling","2022-03-01","\u003Cp>As a homeowner, you should become more familiar with the various systems of your home. When you understand how things work, you also start to understand the importance of proper care and maintenance of those components.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>One of the most important systems in your home is your HVAC system. Your \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fservices\u002Fac-repair\">air conditioner\u003C\u002Fa> requires special attention to keep it functioning efficiently, so you aren’t caught sweltering in the heat of the summer. Here we explain how an air conditioner works, to help you keep up with proper maintenance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Three Main Components\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Your air conditioner consists of three main components that work together to remove hot air from your home, cool it and return it back to your rooms:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>1. Outdoor Unit or “Condensing” Unit\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>As the name implies this is the part of your air conditioner located outside. It consists of the following parts:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Condenser coils: Condenser coils are tubes filled with refrigerant liquid with a “chiller” that cools the liquid and then moves the chilled liquid through the condenser tubing.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Refrigerant: The refrigerant liquid is a chemical compound that acts as a heat carrier, changing from gas to liquid and then from liquid to gas in the refrigeration cycle.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Compressor: The compressor is like a pump that pressurizes the refrigerant gas and sends it to the condenser coil.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Fan: The fan blows air over the coils, so the refrigerant is warmed turning the gas into a cool liquid to cool the home.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Ch3>2. Indoor Unit\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>The indoor unit is part of your HVAC system usually located in the basement, depending on where you live. It consists of the following parts:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Blower motor: The blower motor sends “conditioned” air into the home through the ducts and out the vents.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Evaporator coils: Evaporator coils absorb the heat in your home, working with the condenser coil outside to exchange hot air for cool.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Circuit board: The control board distributes power to the thermostat in your house and triggers the system to turn on as well.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Filter: Filters help block the accumulation of dust, pollen or debris on your air conditioner’s internal components to prevent damage.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Ch3>3. Living Space\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>This refers to the components that deliver and control the cool air to the rooms of the home which include:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Thermostat: Thermostats measure the temperature in the house and trigger the circuit board to turn on the system when temperatures rise and turn off when the ideal temperature is reached.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Supply vents: Cool air is delivered via ducts to the supply vents in each room.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Return air vents: The hot air in your rooms is removed through return air ducts.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Ch2>How the Components Work Together\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Here is how the three components work together:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>It all starts in the living space where the thermostat senses a rise in temperature. This sends a message to the circuit board on the indoor unit.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>The blower motor turns on for the inside unit, while the compressor and fan turn on for the outside unit.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>The compressor on the outside unit kicks in, sending refrigerant to the condenser coil and back to the evaporator coil on the inside unit to remove warm air from the home.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Hot air removed through return air vents in the living space blows across the evaporator coils inside, while cold refrigerant pumps through the evaporator coils.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Cold air is forced through the ducts and out the supply vents of the living space cooling the room to the ideal temperature.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Once the home is cooled, the thermostat turns off the system and the whole process begins again when the thermostat senses the temperature rising.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Cp>As you can see the three components work in perfect unison to keep your home comfortable in the heat of the summer. But without proper maintenance, many issues can arise interfering with proper function and efficiency for your AC unit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Proper Air Conditioning Maintenance\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>In order to keep your \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fservices\u002Fac-repair\">AC running at optimum performance\u003C\u002Fa>, you can follow these maintenance tips:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Outdoor Unit: Keep your outdoor unit free of debris such as fallen branches, leaves, and overgrown bushes, weeds and shrubs. Ideally, you should have 18 – 24 inches of clearance around the outdoor unit.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Change the Filter: To improve airflow, you should check your filters every month. If they appear clogged with debris, they should be changed to maintain efficiency and avoid breakdowns.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Professional Maintenance: Every spring you should arrange to have your Santa Fe, NM HVAC expert perform an inspection and routine maintenance of your air conditioner. They will check your indoor and outdoor units, perform a thorough cleaning, and identify any repairs required.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Cp>For more information \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fcontact\">get in touch with us at James Plumbing & Heating today\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>","\u002Fimg\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-does-an-air-conditioner-work.webp",4,"how-does-an-air-conditioner-work","","As a homeowner, you should become more familiar with the various systems of your home. When you understand how things work, you also start to understand the importance of proper care and maintenance of those…","How Does an Air Conditioner Work?",[15,23,30],{"category":5,"date":16,"html":17,"image":18,"readingMinutes":19,"slug":20,"sourceUrl":11,"summary":21,"title":22},"2025-06-14","\u003Cp>As summer temperatures rise in Santa Fe, your air conditioner works hard to keep your home comfortable. But running it nonstop can lead to high energy bills and unnecessary wear on your system. At James' Plumbing & Heating, we want to help you stay cool—without overworking your AC. Here are our top tips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>1. \u003Cstrong>Use Ceiling Fans Wisely\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Fans don’t cool the air, but they circulate it to help your body feel cooler. Set them to spin counterclockwise in the summer to push cool air down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>2. \u003Cstrong>Block Out the Sun\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Keep blinds or curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day, especially on south- and west-facing windows. Blackout shades or thermal curtains can make a big difference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>3. \u003Cstrong>Avoid Heat-Producing Activities During the Day\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Running the oven, stove, dishwasher, or dryer during the day adds heat to your home. Try cooking in the evening or using outdoor grills and air-dry laundry when possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>4. \u003Cstrong>Seal Air Leaks\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Air escaping through gaps around windows and doors makes your AC work harder. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal leaks and keep cool air inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>5. \u003Cstrong>Maintain Proper Insulation\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Good insulation isn’t just for winter. It also helps keep hot air out during the summer months.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>6. \u003Cstrong>Program Your Thermostat\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Use a programmable or smart thermostat to adjust temperatures while you're away. Setting it a few degrees higher when no one is home can save energy without sacrificing comfort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>7. \u003Cstrong>Schedule Regular AC Maintenance\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>A well-maintained air conditioner runs more efficiently and is less likely to break down. Change filters regularly and have your system professionally inspected at least once a year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Need a Hand With Summer Cooling?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Whether you need a tune-up or advice on energy-saving upgrades, James' Plumbing & Heating is here to help you stay cool all summer long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Call \u003Ca href=\"tel:5054737148\">505-473-7148\u003C\u002Fa> or schedule an appointment online today!\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>","\u002Fimg\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-to-keep-your-home-cool-without-overworking-your-ac.jpeg",2,"how-to-keep-your-home-cool-without-overworking-your-ac","As summer temperatures rise in Santa Fe, your air conditioner works hard to keep your home comfortable. But running it nonstop can lead to high energy bills and unnecessary wear on your system. At James'…","How to Keep Your Home Cool Without Overworking Your AC",{"category":5,"date":24,"html":25,"image":26,"readingMinutes":19,"slug":27,"sourceUrl":11,"summary":28,"title":29},"2025-06-01","\u003Cp>In dry climates like Santa Fe, swamp coolers (also known as evaporative coolers) are a popular alternative to traditional air conditioning. But are they the right choice for your home? At James' Plumbing & Heating, we help homeowners make informed decisions about their cooling systems. Here's what you need to know.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>What Is a Swamp Cooler?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>A swamp cooler uses a fan to pull hot, dry air through water-saturated pads. As the air passes through, it evaporates the water and cools down before circulating through your home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Benefits of Swamp Coolers\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Energy Efficiency:\u003C\u002Fstrong> Swamp coolers use significantly less electricity than traditional AC systems\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Lower Operating Costs:\u003C\u002Fstrong> With fewer moving parts and less power consumption, they’re generally cheaper to run and maintain\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Eco-Friendly Cooling:\u003C\u002Fstrong> Uses water instead of refrigerants\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Fresh Air Flow:\u003C\u002Fstrong> Constantly pulls in outside air instead of recycling indoor air\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Ch3>Limitations to Consider\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Climate Dependent:\u003C\u002Fstrong> They work best in dry climates—less effective in high humidity\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Open Window Requirement:\u003C\u002Fstrong> You’ll need open windows or vents for proper airflow\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Seasonal Maintenance:\u003C\u002Fstrong> Units must be winterized to prevent damage during cold months\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Ch3>Swamp Cooler vs. Traditional AC\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cfigure>\u003Ctable>\u003Ctbody>\u003Ctr>\u003Cth>Feature\u003C\u002Fth>\u003Cth>Swamp Cooler\u003C\u002Fth>\u003Cth>Traditional AC\u003C\u002Fth>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Energy Use\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Low\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>High\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Best for Humid Areas\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>No\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Yes\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Cost to Operate\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Low\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Moderate to High\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Maintenance Needs\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Seasonal (wet pads, winterization)\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Regular (filters, refrigerant checks)\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003C\u002Ftbody>\u003C\u002Ftable>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\u003Ch3>Is a Swamp Cooler Right for You?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>A swamp cooler may be a great fit if:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>You live in a dry climate (like Santa Fe)\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>You're looking to reduce your energy bills\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>You prefer eco-conscious home systems\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Ch3>Need Help Installing or Servicing Your Swamp Cooler?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>James' Plumbing & Heating specializes in swamp cooler installation, startup, shutdown, and maintenance. Whether you’re looking to switch from AC or need seasonal service, we’ve got you covered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Call \u003Ca href=\"tel:5054737148\">505-473-7148\u003C\u002Fa> or book your swamp cooler service online today!\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>","\u002Fimg\u002Fblog\u002Fis-a-swamp-cooler-right-for-my-home.jpeg","is-a-swamp-cooler-right-for-my-home","In dry climates like Santa Fe, swamp coolers (also known as evaporative coolers) are a popular alternative to traditional air conditioning. But are they the right choice for your home? At James' Plumbing &…","Is a Swamp Cooler Right for My Home?",{"category":5,"date":31,"html":32,"image":33,"readingMinutes":19,"slug":34,"sourceUrl":11,"summary":35,"title":36},"2025-03-21","\u003Cp>It’s a hot day in Santa Fe, and instead of a refreshing blast of cool air, your AC is blowing warm air. What gives? At James' Plumbing & Heating, we know how frustrating this can be. Here are the most common reasons your AC might be underperforming—and what you can do about it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>1. \u003Cstrong>Incorrect Thermostat Settings\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Before assuming the worst, double-check your thermostat. Make sure:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>It’s set to “Cool” mode (not just “Fan”)\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>The temperature is set lower than the current room temp\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>The batteries are working (if applicable)\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Ch3>2. \u003Cstrong>Dirty Air Filter\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>A clogged air filter restricts airflow, which can cause your system to overheat and blow warm air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Fix:\u003C\u002Fstrong> Replace your air filter if it looks dirty—it’s a simple and affordable fix that makes a big difference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>3. \u003Cstrong>Refrigerant Leak\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Low refrigerant levels mean your system can’t absorb and remove heat effectively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Fix:\u003C\u002Fstrong> This isn’t a DIY repair. If you suspect a leak, call a licensed HVAC technician to inspect and recharge your system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>4. \u003Cstrong>Dirty or Blocked Condenser Unit\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Your outdoor AC unit (the condenser) needs clear airflow to release heat. If it’s clogged with dirt, leaves, or debris, it can’t do its job.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Fix:\u003C\u002Fstrong> Turn off the power and gently hose off the unit. Trim plants and clear debris from around the condenser.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>5. \u003Cstrong>Electrical Issues\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Sometimes the indoor unit is running, but the outdoor condenser isn’t due to a tripped breaker or faulty wiring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Fix:\u003C\u002Fstrong> Check your circuit breaker for any tripped switches. If the problem persists, call an HVAC pro.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>6. \u003Cstrong>Frozen Evaporator Coil\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Restricted airflow, dirty coils, or refrigerant issues can cause the indoor evaporator coil to freeze, stopping cold air production.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Fix:\u003C\u002Fstrong> Turn off the system to let it thaw, and call a professional to find and fix the root cause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Don’t Sweat It—We Can Help\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>If your AC is blowing warm air, and basic troubleshooting doesn’t solve it, give James' Plumbing & Heating a call. Our HVAC experts will quickly diagnose the issue and get your cool air flowing again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Contact us at \u003Ca href=\"tel:5054737148\">505-473-7148\u003C\u002Fa> or book your AC service online today!\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>","\u002Fimg\u002Fblog\u002Fwhy-is-my-ac-blowing-warm-air.jpeg","why-is-my-ac-blowing-warm-air","It’s a hot day in Santa Fe, and instead of a refreshing blast of cool air, your AC is blowing warm air. What gives? At James' Plumbing & Heating, we know how frustrating this can be. Here are the most common…","Why Is My AC Blowing Warm Air?",1787213981672]