[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":37},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$f2CeIQ9-iJeN9ecsRDkIO-nN4oqcJogAxHLeJH70uNnU":3},{"post":4,"relatedPosts":14},{"category":5,"date":6,"html":7,"image":8,"readingMinutes":9,"slug":10,"sourceUrl":11,"summary":12,"title":13},"Cooling","2022-05-02","\u003Cp>When you’re AC system isn’t working at full capacity, there are many potential culprits that could be causing the problems. Two possible suspects are the evaporator coil and condenser coils. Most homeowners in Santa Fe, NM aren’t sure which coil is which or what they do, but we’ve created an in-depth guide to help you tell the difference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>How Does an Evaporator Coil Work?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>The evaporator coil is found in the plenum in the indoor conditioner unit. An evaporator coil is made of copper in closed U loops. Some designs have vanes and fins to increase air-cooling efficiency.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>The coil extracts heat from the indoors and supplies it outdoors. The principle defies the common notion that AC systems ‘supply cool’ to your house.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>The coolant passes through an expansion valve that lowers the pressure of the refrigerant, converting it into a gas. Copper conducts the latent heat from your house and passes it into the coolant. As the coolant passes through the tubes, it dissipates heat to the outside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>After the refrigerant passes through the evaporator coil, it moves through the conduit to the condenser. The compressor converts the coolant from gas to liquid in the second half of the split system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Common Evaporator Problems\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>The evaporator is in the indoor unit. Despite the shielding from external dangers, the evaporator coils still encounter snags that detract from the quality of air cooling. Some common problems to be aware of include:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>The copper tubes corrode as harsh chemicals in the refrigerant course through them. Such corrosions cause microscopic holes that breed refrigerant leaks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Moss, mildew, and mold can grow inside the plenum. The plenum is scantily lit and forms a breeding spot for biological hazards. The growth can block airflow inside the evaporator unit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Dust layers act as insulators retarding heat absorption efficiency. Dust can also pile on the coils and fins overtime despite the air blowing over the coils. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>How Does the Condenser Coil Work?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>As the name suggests, the condenser condenses the gaseous refrigerant to liquid. It is part of the outdoor unit with the compressor. The coolant moves from the evaporator coils into the compressor, increasing the pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>As the pressure peaks, the refrigerant releases heat into the air. The fan handles blow over the condenser coils into the atmosphere. As a result, the refrigerant returns to a liquid state and flows into the evaporator through an orifice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Common Condenser Problems\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Split systems use the dual combination to impart cooling in your home. The condenser coils face common problems impacting their efficiency, such as:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Dirt and natural debris in the outdoor unit block the condenser coils. The outdoor unit is particularly susceptible to exhaust fumes that insulate the tubes.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Rust and corrosion in the pipes disrupt heat dissipation.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Ch2>Condenser and Evaporator Upkeep\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>It is essential to run regular checkups on your evaporator and condenser coils as a homeowner. The two heat exchange systems work hand in hand to cool and heat your home. Complications in either of the systems impact the other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Good airflow is pivotal for your AC to work. Check the fins for any yard of debris or films of dust and use a stiff brush or cloth to wipe it. If the air conditioner is clean but has poor airflow, check the frost layers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Ice build-up signifies an underlying problem in the tubes. There could be a diet pile inside or a vent blockage that causes frosting on the fins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>You can be proactive in managing your AC. During winter, build wooden panels around the outdoor unit. Your neighbor may use plastic wrappings. But in the long run, they are detrimental. Plastics keep in the moisture, which lowers heat loss rates from the condenser coils.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Is It Time to Maintain Your Air Conditioning System?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Only a certified HVAC expert can tell. Ensure you don’t let quacks handle your split systems. Regularly maintaining your cooling and heating unit is the key to long-term service.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Let Us Do the Job for You\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>The differences between condenser and evaporator coils will dictate the kind of care you should be giving your air conditioning unit. James Plumbing & Heating provides reliable HVAC services to keep your air conditioner in sound shape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"\u002Fcontact\">Reach out today\u003C\u002Fa> to maintain the unparalleled efficiency of your split systems. Our customer-centric solutions are tailored to meet your air conditioning needs.\u003C\u002Fp>","\u002Fimg\u002Fblog\u002Fwhats-the-difference-between-evaporator-and-condenser-coils.webp",4,"whats-the-difference-between-evaporator-and-condenser-coils","","When you’re AC system isn’t working at full capacity, there are many potential culprits that could be causing the problems. Two possible suspects are the evaporator coil and condenser coils. Most homeowners in…","What’s the Difference Between Evaporator and Condenser Coils?",[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?",1787213981645]