[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":37},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$f7CQGDt9as52sdV11091tX4QLJhm5M_BvsEYy0hILQE8":3},{"post":4,"relatedPosts":14},{"category":5,"date":6,"html":7,"image":8,"readingMinutes":9,"slug":10,"sourceUrl":11,"summary":12,"title":13},"Cooling","2022-02-03","\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"\u002Fservices\u002Fac-repair\">Air conditioning\u003C\u002Fa> is a must-have during the hot summer season in Santa Fe, NM, but it works to maintain temperature year-round. If your air conditioning unit has stopped working, you may find yourself wondering whether you should have it repaired or put out the cash to buy a new one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>At James Plumbing & Heating, we often receive questions about the repair or buy new comparison. The answer is dependent on a variety of factors and varies from person to person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>If your AC isn’t doing its job and you’re wondering what to do, here are some details to consider.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>How Long Does an AC Last?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>The average shelf life of a well-maintained AC unit is about 15-years maximum. This is good to know, and factor into your decision, because if your unit is 13-years old, it probably hasn’t got many years left in it. In this case, replacing the unit with a new one is the most sensible option. On the other hand, if your AC is within 5-years of its lifespan, it has plenty to go and can often be repaired affordably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Balancing Costs and Value\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>The age of your unit is something worth considering, but there are other variables that go into the repair vs. buy new debate. Air conditioning units can break in several ways. Knowing the exact cost for a repair is unlikely without a professional quote. On average, you can expect to pay somewhere between $75 to $500 depending on time and parts needed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>To buy a new AC, your costs are also varied. It depends on which unit you want to purchase, and the cost of installation, if you’re unable to install yourself. Generally, most homeowners will pay somewhere between $2,500 and $8,000 for a new unit in Santa Fe, NM.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>This may immediately spark the urge to repair over buying, but repair costs accumulate if more than one repair is needed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Warranties and Other Coverage\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>If your AC unit is newer, it may still be covered by some form of manufacturer or extended warranty. Check your purchasing paperwork to see if there is any time left on your warranty and whether the type of damage is covered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>For a manufacturer’s warranty, the average coverage period is 1-year from the time of purchase and installation. This covers manufacturing defects within the AC unit, but not physical damage caused inside the home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Extended coverage through your AC sales specialist or heating and cooling team may provide longer and more in-depth coverage. You will have to go through the provider of the warranty to have repairs or unit replacement covered. This is a good thing to think about when you purchase, or if you purchase new to replace your current unit. Ask about warranty and extended warranty options to avoid paying out next time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Ongoing Repair or Annual Inspection?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>An older and broken AC unit is likely to need some ongoing TLC. On the other hand, a new AC unit shouldn’t need repairs for a while, and with regular inspections from your heating and cooling specialist, it may never need repairs, only maintenance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>At James Plumbing & Heating, we recommend ongoing annual inspections and maintenance of your AC unit. This keeps everything running effectively and efficiently and means fewer future repairs for you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Energy Costs on Old vs. New AC Units\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Buying a new AC means getting rid of old technology and updating your energy efficiency. While the cost of a new AC unit is high, the value of ongoing reduced energy bills is attractive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Similarly, fixing a broken AC unit could bring down the cost of energy in your home as well. If your AC has been struggling to work for a while, fixing any problems could bring it back to functioning at full capacity, which means less energy drain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Which is Better, Repair or Replace?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>So, knowing all we know about unit costs, lifespans, and repair prices, which is better? Should you repair an AC unit or replace it? As a rule, we’d need to see the unit to know for sure. In general, however, we usually find that it’s more affordable to replace an old broken AC unit than to try to fix it. For a new unit, which was only recently paid for, we recommend having it fixed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Contact James Plumbing & Heating for More Details\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Interested in learning more about heating and cooling services in Santa Fe, NM? We invite you to \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fcontact\">contact us today\u003C\u002Fa> or visit online for a full list of products and services.\u003C\u002Fp>","\u002Fimg\u002Fblog\u002Fis-it-better-financially-to-repair-or-replace-my-ac.webp",4,"is-it-better-financially-to-repair-or-replace-my-ac","","Air conditioning is a must-have during the hot summer season in Santa Fe, NM, but it works to maintain temperature year-round. If your air conditioning unit has stopped working, you may find yourself wondering…","Is it Better Financially to Repair or Replace My AC?",[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?",1787213981725]