COMMON AIR CONDITIONING PROBLEMS AND HOW TO REPAIR THEM

In this blog, learn to identify the most common air conditioning problems and how to repair them.

As temperatures slowly begin to tiptoe upwards, and we start turning on the A/C it becomes easier to leave memories of winter cold behind and ready yourself for the inevitable arrival of the summer’s heat. It’s important to prepare for the possibility of an air conditioning outage just when you least expect it.

Refrigerant leak

This relatively minor fixable issue is one of the reasons your air conditioner may suddenly fail right at the hottest time of the year. Refrigerant is a fluid that can easily transition from liquid to gas and back again. Both your heater and your air conditioning interact with the refrigerant to perform their jobs. When refrigerant levels drop in your air conditioner, the unit is no longer able to keep your indoor air cool. Normally, the reason your unit lacks refrigerant is due to a leak, which can be fixed during an air condition maintenance or repair appointment with your technician.

Condenser malfunction

The condenser is a component of the air condition system that pressurize the refrigerant to heat the liquid. This aids in keeping the indoor air temperature as cool as you prefer it to be. When the condenser begins to malfunction, you will first notice it when your indoor air temperature is no longer cool. There are a number of possible causes for this.

One of the most common causes is a blown fuse or tripped switch, which you can check for yourself if you have access to the breaker box.
Another common cause is that dirt and debris have gotten into the condenser, causing it to function poorly.

If your air conditioner seems to go on and off at random, it’s often because the condenser is in need of a good cleaning. You might need a service technician to come for a repair or maintenance call on your air condition unit.

Dirty evaporator

The evaporator component of an Air condition unit is responsible for evaporating, or vaporizing, the refrigerant from a liquid to a gas state. There are many reasons why the evaporator may not be able to perform correctly. A common issue is that the evaporator has become dirty or may have debris. This requires is a simple cleaning, which can be done during a normal repair call. Sometimes the evaporator is not being supplied with enough refrigerant to work properly, which may be an issue elsewhere in the Air condition unit itself and this can be diagnosed by a service technician during a repair call.

Condensate back-up

The word “Condensate,” when used with air condition unit issues simply means “Water.” Running your air conditioner a lot can cause the condensate to overflow in the drainage area. It can also result in a blocked condensate drain pipe that backs up into the unit itself. A condensate drain pan that is mounted unevenly can cause leaks that may lead to the growth of mold and mildew as well as structural damage around the leak.

Insufficient cool air

When your air conditioning unit seems to be working fine, but somehow the air it blows just doesn’t feel cool, it could be for two reasons.

The first reason is that the outside air temperature has risen to above 37.7 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) and your air conditioner unit just cannot keep up. It may require you purchasing a new air condition unit.
The second reason is that the insulating sleeves covering your refrigerant lines have come off or are worn out (maybe you haven’t installed them at all). Insulating these two lines with insulation sleeves is a minor fix that can make a major difference in your indoor comfort.

Low airflow

If your air condition unit suddenly seems to be blowing cool air less forcefully than last year usage, it’s often because the air filter has become dirty/clogged. This is one of the easiest issues to solve by simply replacing the filter with a new one. Click here to purchase a new air filter from Guaranteed Parts.

Air condition unit maintenance

Regular maintenance of your air condition unit can prevent nearly all of the issues that would require you to place an emergency service call. Being proactive about maintenance will save you time, money and discomfort. Make sure that when you need parts for your unit that you always have the model number on hand to ensure you getting the correct parts for your unit.

For all your A/C repair parts please contact Guaranteed Parts

Here’s a video on how to clean and maintain your outdoor Air Condition unit: Cleaning your outdoor A/C unit

Below are some examples in which you may find the model number of your air condition unit:

Window unit

Split Unit

model search on split a/c unit

HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR BLUESTAR RANGE BURNERS

HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR BLUESTAR BURNERS

BURNERS:

In this post we will help you learn how to maintain your Bluestar Burners:

Each of your Bluestar burners has a specific BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating. Before disassembly, note the location of each burner. If a burner is replaced in the wrong position it may not function correctly.

Your ring grates, top grates and burner heads may darken over time with use. This is normal. To prevent your burners from darkening at an uneven rate, rotate the ring grate and top grates between more and less active burners.

Clean spills as soon as possible to prevent sticking and build up.
When the burner is cool, remove the ring grate, top grate and center filler grate (30” models only).
Wash in hot, soapy water. Rinse well, dry thoroughly to prevent rusting and Handle gently to prevent nicks/chips, which can lead to rusting

Bluestar Burner head locations are specific to the valves on the front of the unit. If burner heads are removed for cleaning or other purposes, they must be re-installed in the same location they were removed from. Failure to do so may result in a burner that will not light or possibly have a high flame.

Burners have a re-ignite feature in case the flame is extinguished for any reason. It may take several seconds for the burner to re-ignite.
Never operate the burner with the knob set between the HIGH and OFF position. The flame will NOT re-ignite in this position and a gas leak may occur.

For Burner Configurations click here

If needed, the burner head can be removed for cleaning:

When cool, remove the ring grate and top grate.
Lift the burner head up and slide the burner head unit including the venturi tube up and slightly toward the back of the range so it clears the metal bar.
Disconnect the orange igniter wire from its connector.
Gently clean the exterior of the burner head with warm, soapy water. DO NOT submerge the burner head in water and rinse well and dry thoroughly.
If the burner ports are clogged, use a push pin, safety pin or other metallic device to carefully clear the hole. Do NOT use a toothpick or any object that could become stuck in the hole.
Replace the burner head by sliding the burner head unit underneath the metal bar; be sure the air shutter of the venturi tube slides over and is centered on the gas valve jet.
Reconnect the orange igniter wire to the connector.
Set the burner head in place and replace the top grate and ring grate.

Click here to watch a video on how to clean your Bluestar Burners

TOP BURNER AIR SHUTTER ADJUSTMENT:

HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR BLUESTAR RANGE BURNERS — Burner Adjustment

A properly adjusted Bluestar burner head will have sharp conical shaped blue flames. The flame should be an almost all blue but with propane gas the flame is sometimes yellow tipped.

Before you adjust the burner shutter make sure the burner is cool.

Remove the grate, top grate, griddle or Charbroiler associated with the burners that need to be adjusted.
Remove the burner to expose the air shutter adjustment screw in the burner cavity.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to loosen the air shutter tightening screw.
Use your fingers to adjust the air shutter gap:
Widen the gap to remove the yellow tips and eliminate a lazy flame
Reduce the gap to remove the lifting flame.
Tighten the air shutter screw and replace the burner.
Test it to make sure the adjustments have corrected the problem.
Turn off the burner and tighten the shutter screw with the screwdriver when adjustments are complete.
Replace the burner and make sure the venturi is over the orifice correctly and replace the grates.

Click Here for video on how to adjust your burner shutter

Important warnings:

Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this or any other appliance.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS:

Do not try to light any appliance
Do not touch or activate any electrical switch
Do not use any phone in your building and immediately call your gas supplier from a neighbor’s phone.
Follow the gas supplier’s instructions.
If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the fire department
Installation and service must be performed by a qualified installer, service agency or the gas supplier like ServiceParExcellence.com

For basic troubleshooting help click here

For all your Bluestar Parts you can contact Guaranteed Parts. or call: 1-855-472-4443

Are Appliance Extended Warranty Worth It?

Reasons for Buying Appliance Extended Warranty

Introduction to appliance extended warranty and how it affects you as a buyer:

Most appliances last up to 5-10 years. Since advancements in technology and the use of more electronic part and control boards appliances fail at a much faster rate.
Repair parts are much more expensive.
An extended warranty should pay for itself in just one service call.

Reasons for Not Buying appliance Extended Warranties

You may be purchasing insurance you already have. Most products you purchase will carry some type of manufacturer’s warranty. If your appliance purchase fails prematurely, this warranty usually covers your loss. If the manufacturer’s warranty has expired, you may be covered if you paid for your purchase with a credit card. Many (but not all) credit cards offer some form of warranty protection.
The fine print can be costly. Most extended warranties come with pages of fine print which we never read. The companies that issue the extended warranties know that we don’t read their fine print.

However, they know exactly what the fine print says and this protects them. When a claim is filed, if there is anything in the fine print that will allow the company to avoid paying the claim or repairing the appliance, they will take advantage of it. You may find out that your purchase isn’t covered against whatever caused the damage.

extended-warranty-fridge-breakdown

Our conclusion is to consider a warranty on the most expensive products like your fridge, stove, washer & dryers (depending on the manufacturer). Most importantly, at least understand what the service warranty experience will be like after the sale before buying additional coverage.

Finally, ask many questions before the sale of your appliance, do your research for the online reviews and don’t fall into a trap of buying an extended warranty when the provider cannot resolve any warranty repair problems in a reasonable amount of time.

How To Change The Water Filter On Your Refrigerator

water filter

Introduction on How To Change The Water Filter On Your Refrigerator:

Here are some general directions on how to replace the two main forms of refrigerator water filters. Your filter should be replaced every six months. Guaranteed Parts carries genuine refrigerator water filters.

locking water filter

How to Replace a Twist-on Refrigerator Water Filter

Locate the water filter (On the bottom grill or the back or inside of the refrigerator)
Twist the water filter turning counterclockwise
Pull the fridge water filter out
Remove the knob on the filter and place it on the new water filter
Push the new water filter into the housing
Turn the fridge water filter turning clockwise to lock it (Make sure it is locked in straight and correctly)
Run a gallon or two of water out of the water dispenser to remove any carbon residue
Throw away the first two batches of ice from the ice maker

water filter change

How to Change a Push-in Fridge Water Filter

Find the water filter (On grill at the bottom of fridge, at the top rear of the fridge or in a drawer)
Push the button to release and remove the old water filter and pull out old fridge water filter out
Take the cap off of the old filter and put it on the new water filter
Push in the new filter until it locks into place
Run two gallons of water out of the water dispenser to remove any carbon residue
Throw away the first two batches of ice from the ice maker

If you have questions on how to replace the water filter on your refrigerator, guaranteedparts.com can help. Give us a call at 1-855-472-4443 today!

Getting To Know Your Garbage Disposal

garburator

Garbage Disposal Repair Signs:

If your garbage disposal backs up frequently, it may be clogged. A clog often happens when hard foods or objects are jammed in the disposal. Whenever you smell a foul odor, the unit may have a clog that consists of rotten food and this can be fixed by running the disposal for a while. A professional must be hired if water constantly flows into the sink while the motor is running. A loud or unusual noise will require immediate maintenance and grinding sounds will occur after a piece of silverware drops down the drain. The staff at Guaranteed Parts would be pleased in assisting you in locating the correct parts needed to repair your appliance.

Proper Use Is Important

The first step in garbage disposal maintenance is the proper use. Always run cold water while using the disposal because this keeps the ground materials flowing out of it. The cold helps solidify oils and fats that would otherwise cling to the blades. Keep running the water for at least twenty-thirty seconds after everything is ground up. Avoid putting large chunks of food down your sink and the disposal should be run often. This prevents anything from building up around the blades and helps keep the blades rust free.

Cleaning Your Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposal maintenance is very simple. The basic cleaning method is to run it when it is empty and pour soap and cold water down it. Occasionally grinding hard materials, such as nut shells, fruit pits, and small bones create grit that will clean build-up off the walls of the disposal.

Bad odors are a common problem in garbage disposals. Making vinegar ice cubes and feeding them into the disposal can help get rid of smells and it provides the same benefits as putting other hard objects down there. Pour baking soda into the disposal and let it sit for an hour or two before flushing it out. It should absorb most of the odors or grinding the peels from citrus fruits can work as a natural air freshener.

Maintaining your Garbage Disposal

To keep the disposal running at its best, avoid putting certain things down it.

Try to put as little grease as possible.
Fibrous foods can get tangled around the blades.
Starchy foods can break down and form a paste that can jam the grinder.
Chemical cleaners should be avoided.

If a garbage disposal stops working or is not performing at its best, there are a few things that can be done. Check to see if there is an object or any type of build up that is preventing the blades from turning. Make sure you have unplugged the unit to avoid accidents. Garbage disposals come with a tool that can be used to turn the flywheel. If all else fails most units have a reset switch. For any repair parts, you can contact our staff at Guaranteed Parts and we would be pleased in assisting you in locating the correct parts needed to repair your garbage disposal.

Tips To Make Your Air Conditioner Last Longer:

airconditioner

A little maintenance on your air conditioner can help to extend their life and also make them as energy-efficient as possible. (Please make sure unit is turned off and unplugged before servicing) If you need any assistance in locating any appliance replacement parts CLICK HERE and someone will be able to assist you at guaranteedparts.com

Air Conditioners

Clean or replace the filter every month or two during the cooling season. (Make sure unit is turned off and unplugged)
Vacuum the discharge grill area to remove any dust buildup.
Check your evaporator coil every year and clean it as necessary.
Occasionally pass a stiff wire through the unit’s drain channels. (Clogged drain channels prevent a unit from reducing humidity and this results in excess moisture)
Inspect the seal between the air conditioner and the window frame to ensure it makes contact with the unit’s metal case. (Moisture can damage this seal, allowing cool air to escape from your house.)

In conclusion: Maintaining your air conditioner will help it last for years. Start applying the tips that we’ve discussed above and begin caring for your appliances today. If you need to replace any of your appliance parts please don’t hesitate in contacting us at 1-855-472-4443 FREE or email us at: guaranteedparts.com

Tips To Make Your Dishwashers Last Longer:

dishwasher2

A little maintenance on your dishwasher can help to extend their life and also make it as energy-efficient as possible. (Please make sure unit is turned off and unplugged before servicing) If you need any assistance in locating any appliance replacement parts CLICK HERE and someone will be able to assist you at guaranteedparts.com

Dishwashers

You should clean your dishwasher to remove excess detergent residue and stains from inside your dishwasher. (Try using Affresh)
Check the dishwasher spray arms and clear any food particles stuck in the water dispersal holes and clean them.
Check door gaskets and bottom edge of your dishwasher and clean it in order to prevent leaks and replace if gasket is damaged.

In conclusion: Putting in the effort to maintain your dishwasher will help it last for years. Start applying the tips that we’ve discussed above and begin caring for your appliance today. If you need to replace any of your appliance parts please don’t hesitate in contacting us at 1-855-472-4443 FREE or email us at: guaranteedparts.com

Tips To Make Your Washer & Dryers Last Longer:

washer-dryer

Taking good care of your washer & dryer can help to extend their life and also make them as energy-efficient as possible. (Please make sure unit is turned off and unplugged before servicing) If you need any assistance in locating any appliance replacement parts CLICK HERE and someone will be able to assist you at guaranteedparts.com

Washing machines

Check your washer inlet fill hoses for damage and consider replacing your old rubber hoses with stainless steel “No-burst” washer hoses which are much more resistant.
Check the hose connections and make sure they are secure (This is the main cause of any leaks of spills around your machine).
Make sure your machine is leveled, (This can be done by adjusting the leveling legs).
Always use the correct detergent and the correct amount for your machine.
Never overfill your machine (This could wear out the motor and drive belts).

Clothes Dryers

Clean the lint filter after every load and also clean out your dryer’s venting (This will keep your home safe and it will increase the efficiency of your clothes dryer).
Replace any damaged dryer duct venting with new rigid metal vent piping.
Vacuum dryer vent often to minimize build-up on pipe lining as well as minimize fire hazards.

In conclusion: If you put in the effort to maintain your appliances you’ll find that many of them will last for years. Your existing washer and dryer could last up to 20 years. So go ahead and start applying the tips that we’ve discussed above and begin caring for your appliances today. If you need to replace any of your appliance parts please don’t hesitate in contacting us at 1-855-472-4443 FREE or email us at: guaranteedparts.com

Tips To Make Your Oven, Gas Stoves And Refrigerators Last Longer:

appliances

A little maintenance on your appliances can help to extend their life and also make them as energy-efficient as possible. (Please make sure unit is turned off and unplugged before servicing) If you need any assistance in locating any appliance replacement parts CLICK HERE and someone will be able to assist you at guaranteedparts.com

Ovens

Clean your oven regularly and use the self-cleaning feature (If you have it) after you have already heated the oven to cook.
Check the seal of your oven door and replace the gasket(s) if broken, torn or otherwise warped. A tight seal keeps heat inside your oven and allows food to cook evenly and quickly.
Remove and clean stove-top drip pans with warm soapy water, or replace them if damaged.

Gas Stoves

Clean the area around your spark igniter (include the burner caps and the holes around the caps) use a nylon scrubbing pad or toothbrush to remove any dirt covering these parts.
Clean the stove-top grates.
Before you put the grates or burner plates/caps back on the stove, lift the range and vacuum all the crumbs if possible.

Refrigerators

Clean your refrigerator compressor coils regularly with a refrigerator coil cleaning brush. (These coils are usually located on the back or bottom of your refrigerator)
If you have a water dispenser you will need to change your water filter
Check the gasket or seal around your refrigerator. (If damaged in any way you will need to replace the gasket to help increase the life of your fridge)
Do not to overfill your refrigerator or freezer. (When overfilled it can block the airflow in the appliance and cause the motor to overwork)

In conclusion: If you put in the effort to maintain your appliances you’ll find that many of them will last for years. Your existing refrigerator and stove could last up to 20 years. So go ahead and start applying the tips that we’ve discussed above and begin caring for your appliances today. If you need to replace any of your appliance parts please don’t hesitate in contacting us at 1-855-472-4443 FREE or email us at: guaranteedparts.com

Getting Your Furnace Ready For The Winter:

furnace

As winter is arriving, the most important thing you need to do for yourself and your family is to ensure that your furnace is prepared, safe, and as energy-efficient as you can make it. When that first cold day hits, you don’t want to turn on the furnace only to discover that it isn’t working. (Many things can happen during the warmer months to affect your furnace.)

The best bet is to call an HVAC professional and have them come out and inspect your furnace to ensure it is ready for the next season. During a regular maintenance inspection, the repairman also will clean the furnace, change the filter, check for leaks and unhealthy gasses, and ensure that everything is operational. You should also have them clean the furnace ducts.

Change the furnace filters regularly. We at Guaranteed Parts suggest every three months. Take a look at the filter after 30 days of operation. You’ll be able to tell if it needs to be changed. If your filter still looks pretty good, you can put off changing it.
Stock up on filters during the warmer months. You often can find a bargain on furnace filters and other winter items during those hot summer months.
Remove any items you have stored near the furnace, particularly anything that is likely to catch fire. Also, remove any household items that are suddenly sitting on top of or in front of your air ducts and return vents.
If you have a gas furnace, contact your gas company and have them fill it up. Gas is much cheaper to buy during the summer than in the middle of a January cold spell.
If you have hot-water radiator(s), bleed the valves. Open the valves slightly and close them again when water starts to appear.

Igniter – Bad news: Furnace igniters fail often. Good news: Igniters are fairly inexpensive and easy to replace.

Flame Sensor – Over time, corrosion can build up on flame sensors which can prevent them from properly sensing the flame. If simple cleaning doesn’t improve operation, you should replace the sensor and replace.

Blower Run Capacitor – A run capacitor sends power to the furnace’s blower motor and it’s a component that is more likely to fail than the motor itself. If the blower motor fails to work, always check the capacitor first. As with many electrical parts, you can use a multi-meter to test the capacitor for continuity.

For any parts that you may need for your furnace you can get them at Guaranteedparts.com