Air Conditioning
West Mechanical is your #1 HVAC contractor in Bellingham, WA, and the surrounding communities. We are the leading company for all of your air conditioning needs. If you need repairs, maintenance, or a brand new system installed, the technicians at West Mechanical are the qualified and professional crew for the job.
We provide the highest quality service for your air conditioner. We also aim to educate and inform our customers. Informed decisions are good decisions. We want you to feel confident we are qualified to perform the service for which you are hiring us.
Air Conditioning Basics
The four main components to your air conditioner are:
Condenser: The condenser is the outside metal unit and where the gas from the compressor is condensed into a liquid. The gas entering the condenser is very hot. The temperature is then lowered, so the gas can convert back to a liquid.
Compressor: The compressor is inside the condenser. It circulates the pressurized refrigerant, to concentrate the heat, and changes the low pressure gas to high pressure.
Evaporator: The evaporator is the part of the system inside the home. In simple language, it absorbs the heat from your home.
Expansion Valve: The expansion valve controls the amount of refrigerant in your system.
All of these pieces are connected by a copper tube that handles refrigerant, creating a closed loop. Heat is collected in the evaporator, sent outside to the condenser. The heat is removed, and the cool air is recirculated back into your home.
AC Facts
An Air Conditioner Doesn’t Create Cool Air.
What happens in the AC process is actually the removal of heat from the air. Your AC uses a chemical called refrigerant to remove heat and transfer it outside. The warm air runs through the lines and coils in your unit and goes from liquid to gas and back again. During this process, the refrigerant removes the heat and transfers it elsewhere so that when the air comes out the other side, it is cool.
Your AC Will Remove Humidity.
Lower humidity helps the overall comfort level in your home by making you feel cooler, even if the temperature is the same.
Your Air Filter Needs To Be Checked And Replaced Every Three To Six Months.
(depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations)
A dirty air filter restricts your air flow, which reduces efficiency, costing you money, and over time can put stress on your unit and could cause a costly repair.
Maintenance, Maintenance, Maintenance.
Your air conditioner needs regular checkups to keep it running in tip-top shape. Having regular annual preventative maintenance will bring your system longer life and fewer breakdowns over all.
SEER
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) measures air conditioning and heat pump cooling efficiency, which is calculated by the cooling output for a typical cooling season divided by the total electric energy input during the same time frame. A higher SEER rating means greater energy efficiency.
At West Mechanical, we provide all the services you need to keep your AC running in top-notch shape. Call us at 360-734-7599 for repairs, maintenance, or new-system installation.
How Much Money Can You Save with a New Air Conditioner?
Our SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2) energy savings calculator can help determine how much you could save on your utility bills. Simply enter your current unit’s SEER value and compare it to a newer, more efficient SEER2 unit. You can even customize it to better match your home’s system for a more accurate calculation.
SEER2 Energy Savings Calculator
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This calculator does not guarantee actual costs or savings and is only to be used for educational purposes.
Customize to Your Home
Adjust these settings for a more accurate calculation:
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** Data from U.S. Energy Information Administration
*** Data from 2002 EPA study
** Data for Canadian cities from nrcan.gc.ca
*** Data from weatherdatadepot.com
Need Air Conditioner Service?
Contact the experts at West Mechanical.
Call us at 360-734-7599!
Air Conditioner Maintenance in Mt. Vernon, WA 98273
Air Conditioner Installation in Burlington, WA 98233
“We love love love you guys. The installation of our new AC unit went smooth, and WE LOVE IT. You ALL are an OUTSTANDING company!!!! We live in Burlington and there are companies who are closer and more local that we could use… AND WE WOULDN’T THINK OF CALLING ANYONE BUT YOU. The respect and honesty that we received was outstanding. Thank you for treating us so well!”
– Sarah R.
Air Conditioner Maintenance in Mt. Vernon, WA 98274
“We have been very happy with West Mechanical. Everyone from the salesman to the installers to the service people have been great.”
– William G.
Air Conditioner Installation in Lynden, WA 98264
“West Mechanical beat our expectations by a long shot. We got estimates from 5 companies before deciding on West Mechanical. Stephanie did a fantastic job explaining everything to us. The installers did a great job installing our air conditioner. We ended up having a small issue with our unit and Aaron and the team (I think every employee may have been at our house at least once) went ABOVE and BEYOND to solve the issue. We highly recommend West Mechanical! THANK YOU!”
– Melisa & Chris D.
Air Conditioner Maintenance in Bellingham, WA 98229
“Technician was polite, courteous and helpful. He answer all of my questions and even offered medical insight on my upcoming open heart surgery.”
– Marvin W.
Air Conditioner Repair in WA 98280
“Wow, so helpful and knowledgeable, awesome service.”
– Jearl N.
Air Conditioner Maintenance in Friday Harbor, WA 98250
“Shelby was very knowledgeable and professional, and wore her booties! Five Stars!”
– Garth L.
Air Conditioner Maintenance in Friday Harbor, WA 98250
“Excellent service. Shelby was personable and professional. Her recommendations made sense. Glad to have her back here again. Also thanks to Allison for keeping us appraised of schedule issues.”
– Francis S.
Air Conditioner Maintenance in Friday Harbor, WA 98250
“Shelby took time answering my questions, and I also appreciated her cheerful attitude.”
– Jay W.
Air Conditioner Maintenance in Friday Harbor, WA 98250
“Tech did an outstanding job”
– Ed s.
West Mechanical proudly provides HVAC service to Bellingham, Friday Harbor, Orcas Island and the surrounding communities. Visit our service area page for more coverage details, call us at 360-734-7599, or request service online today.