What to Do if Your AC Fails Unexpectedly in the Heat

August 1, 2025

Most residential AC systems will work reliably for at least 15 years with proper care. Unfortunately, however, they don’t always choose an opportune time to fail. They may quit in the middle of the summer, right when you need them most. When that happens, it’s easy to panic. To help avoid that, here is an overview of what to do when your AC fails unexpectedly. What Is an AC Emergency? Whenever your AC fails, you’ll probably think it’s an emergency. However, not every circumstance calls for immediate—and more costly—emergency repairs. To avoid unnecessary costs, it’s a

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How to Stay Cool During a Summer Power Outage in Virginia

June 3, 2025

If the power goes out in your Chesapeake, VA home, indoor temperatures can climb quickly, creating a potentially dangerous situation. Extreme heat is more than just uncomfortable. When indoor temperatures rise above 85°F, the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke increases, especially for older adults, young children, and people with underlying health conditions. In severe cases, indoor temperatures can exceed 100°F within hours, putting everyone in the home at risk. Fortunately, there are practical steps you can take to stay as cool as possible until the power is restored. Read on for tips from our

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Common AC Issues That Can Be Avoided With Regular Maintenance

August 13, 2024

When summer temperatures are at their highest in Corona, CA, this is when air conditioning systems are working the hardest to keep your home cool. Unfortunately, complex systems like ACs require ongoing upkeep to keep them working properly. When homeowners neglect regular system maintenance by a professional HVAC technician, various issues can occur. Ignoring Maintenance and AC Issues When regular AC maintenance isn’t performed by a professional, these are some of the common issues that can happen: Refrigerant Leak Refrigerant is a crucial part of the cooling process for your home’s

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The Pros And Cons of Different Types of AC Units

May 13, 2024

Whether you need to replace your home’s existing cooling system or are looking for your very first one, it can be overwhelming to narrow down your options. From central air conditioning systems to heat pumps, each one comes with its own pros and cons. By learning about each one, you will be better informed when deciding what unit to purchase. Central Air Conditioning One of the most popular home cooling systems is central air conditioning. This system relies on already-established ductwork to circulate air throughout your home. It consists of two main units, which are the

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My Air Conditioner is Dripping—What Do I Do?

August 16, 2023

If you’ve ever felt the sudden shock of cold water dripping on your head in the middle of summer when you least expect it, then you know that feeling of panic all too well. And while most cases don’t involve a full-on flood in your home, they do usually mean that you have an air conditioner issue that needs attention. 1. Check the Drain Pan and Clear Any Debris The drain pan is part of your air conditioner where condensation collects and is eventually released through the drainage system. When the pan becomes blocked with

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5 Ways to Determine the Best Size HVAC System for Your Home

May 20, 2022

When the weather starts to change, you probably begin thinking about turning on your cooling or heating system for the first time. But before you do that, you need to make sure that your current HVAC system is the right size for your home. If it is too small, it will not be able to heat your house adequately. On the other hand, if it is too big, it will waste energy and cost more money to operate. Here are some tips on choosing the best-sized HVAC system for your property. 1. Size of Your Home

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Is Your AC Running Efficiently?

August 18, 2021

Having air conditioning when it’s extremely hot outside can be a much-needed pleasure. However, once you start getting the electric bills for running your air conditioning system, you may be wondering if your air conditioner is running at its best. To ensure that your air conditioning system is running efficiently, there are various aspects of it that you’ll want to check. Assess the Air Filter One of the easiest things to check first is your system’s air filter. Locate the filter housing on your air conditioning system; it is usually positioned somewhere within the ductwork

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Different Thermostat Modes and Settings Explained

July 27, 2021

Part of running any home air conditioning system is understanding the different modes that it comes with. When you have an in-depth understanding of these modes, you can set them in a correct fashion to optimize your energy savings throughout the year. We’re going to go over some of the most commonly used settings below in this quick but informative guide provided by Simmons Heating & Cooling in Chesapeake. On and Off Modes Two modes that you’re probably familiar with on your home thermostat are the on mode and the off mode. When your system is set to the

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How Many Watts Does an Air Conditioner Use?

May 12, 2021

The summertime heat and humidity in Chesapeake, VA, can only be relieved by an effective air conditioning system. Whether you’re installing an air conditioner for the first time, replacing an old, inefficient unit, or cooling a newly finished portion of your home, it’s important to know how many watts the air conditioner uses. Watt usage directly impacts your electricity bill and your home’s carbon footprint. Read on to learn about the typical watt usage of air conditioners. Portable Air Conditioners Portable air conditioners use between 2,900 and 4,100 watts per hour. They don’t require ducts, but

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Will Air Conditioning Remove Home Humidity?

July 12, 2020

Humid weather can encourage all kinds of problems inside your home. If you’re living in a high-humidity zone, you’re familiar with the mold and mildew problems that plague residential properties. Folks living in dry climates are also susceptible to humidity issues. Rainfall and cloudy weather can raise the humidity to extremely uncomfortable levels. How does a homeowner combat this problem and keep family members healthy indoors? Your air conditioning system may offer an answer. However, professional services are essential to keeping an AC working properly. At Simmons Heating & Cooling in Chesapeake, VA, we can offer you the customized

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