Downtown Air and Heat Blog : Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category

Why It’s Important to Consult with a Professional for an HVAC Installation

Saturday, February 21st, 2015

Your HVAC system provides both heating and cooling to your home, and if it is poorly installed or incorrectly sized, your new home and your comfort can suffer. If you are building a new home, or doing a major remodel to an existing one, it is important to hire a professional design-build contractor for your Orlando home.

Size Matters

HVAC systems are not one-size-fits-all, and ductwork for an HVAC system also needs to be measured and installed correctly to ensure your home gets the air volume it needs to be comfortable. When it comes to the actual unit, your Downtown Air & Heat technician will do two calculations to help ensure that your HVAC unit will supply the right amount of heating and cooling for your home. The first calculation is the heat load and the second is the cooling load. Both calculations take into account the following factors:

  • Orientation of home
  • Floor plan
  • Number of stories
  • Number of rooms and occupants
  • Level of insulation
  • Types of windows and doors
  • Daytime heat gain

Ductwork Installation

Having a well-planned, properly-sized duct system is equally important for your HVAC to run properly and your comfort. First, the ductwork should be wide enough to accommodate the volume of air being delivered to your living spaces; if it is too small or too big, the delivery will be compromised. Second, planning a system with clean lines, i.e., little to no kinks, helps ensure that the air travels in as straight a line as possible for your home.

Assistance from Start to Finish

When you hire an expert to design and build your home’s HVAC system, you’ll have the help you need from start to finish. A design and build HVAC expert will handle all the heating and cooling calculations, review your HVAC options and then install the system.

If you plan to install an HVAC system in your new home or remodel, call the specialists at Downtown Air & Heat and schedule a consultation today!

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Signs of Low Refrigerant in Your Air Conditioner

Thursday, February 5th, 2015

Refrigerant is vital to your AC because it continuously cycles through every single component. Refrigerant is a chemical blend that can easily convert from a gas to a liquid under pressure and back to a gas again. Heat dissipates from the refrigerant as it moves outside to the condenser unit, but the refrigerant itself is not meant to dissipate from the system. When refrigerant leaks from the air conditioner, it’s never a good sign, and it may result in some costly repairs if it’s not taken care of ASAP.

Learn to recognize the signs of low refrigerant, and call Downtown Air & Heat at the first sign of trouble. Our team of skilled technicians are trained to locate and seal refrigerant leaks or take care of any other home air conditioning repair in Central Florida.

Loss of Cooling

The main problem you’re most likely to notice from a loss of refrigerant is if there is not a lot of cool air entering the home. Refrigerant is vital to the heat exchange process, and as more and more begins to leak out, heat cannot absorb into the refrigerant effectively, and temperatures may remain high in the home, or it might just take your system longer to cool a space. Either way, immediate repairs are necessary as other parts may become overworked and break down as a result.

Frozen Coil

If you happen to get a peek at the inside air handler portion of your AC, you may notice a set of coils. The evaporator coil cools down as refrigerant runs through and converts into a gas, and the blower fan sends air over it to bring cool air into the home. The warm air blowing over the coil should keep it from freezing, but only if there is the right amount of refrigerant running through it. A frozen coil won’t actually keep you cooler, and your unit may shut down entirely.

Failing Compressor

This last symptom is one you’re a lot less likely to notice, but it’s certainly one of the most important reasons to consider maintenance every year. The compressor is designed to process a certain amount of refrigerant in every cycle. If there is not enough refrigerant the compressor will struggle, and it may fail, which usually results in replacing the entire outside unit.

Speak with the friendly professionals at Downtown Air & Heat for quality air conditioning repair in Central Florida at the first sign of trouble.

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How Does Faulty Ductwork Affect Air Conditioning?

Friday, October 17th, 2014

Just as a malfunctioning compressor can create system-wide problems for your air conditioning, so can faulty ductwork. However, because ductwork is mostly hidden behind your walls, it can take a while to detect existing problems. Faulty ductwork can negatively affect your system in a number of ways, which is why it’s important to hire a professional for ductwork repair as soon as you discover a problem. The NATE-certified technicians at Downtown Air & Heat are also air flow specialists, so call us today.

Problems Caused by Faulty Ductwork

Here are some problems that can develop due to faulty ductwork:

  • Decreased energy efficiency – when air escapes from holes, cracks and broken seals in your ductwork, your air conditioner has to compensate for this loss. To do so, it works harder, and when it works harder, it uses more energy.
  • Decrease in indoor air quality – cracks and holes allow outside particles, dust, dirt and fumes to enter the air flow. Once inside your ductwork, these items are delivered directly into your living spaces, and can compromise your indoor air quality.
  • Backdrafting – if you have any combustion appliances in your home, such as a water heater, dryer or furnace, the exhaust from these appliances can be sucked into your ductwork through the existing holes and cracks.
  • Increased stress on your system – faulty ductwork forces your system to work harder to achieve the set temperature. If your system operates for a long period of time with faulty ductwork, the extra strain can lead to potential breakdown, excess wear and tear and premature aging.

How Is Ductwork Fixed?

Ductwork can be:

  • Repaired
  • Sealed
  • Replaced (if needed)

Repair and sealing would be the first step to take with faulty ductwork. To repair cracks and holes, a technician will use a fibrous adhesive called mastic to cover the damaged area, and then reinforce the mastic with a piece of professional-grade tape. The mastic is left to harden, which creates the seal. If there are disconnected sections, mastic will be applied to both ends, and the ends will be wrapped with a metal binding that is secured with sheet metal nails. As with cracks and holes, the mastic will harden. Replacement is necessary if a section of ductwork is too damaged to be repaired.

Faulty ductwork can result in problems with air quality, energy efficiency and stress on your air conditioning system. Fall offers a great window of time to address issues with faulty ductwork, so call Downtown Air & Heat today and schedule air conditioning service in Orlando, FL with one of our air flow specialists.

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Three Common End-of-Season Air Conditioning Repairs

Friday, October 3rd, 2014

Your air conditioning worked hard this summer, and as a result, may be in need of repair. There are some common problems that can develop at end of a busy cooling season, as we’ll outline below, but should you have any repair need, it’s important to always call for a trained technician. Our NATE-certified technicians are available 24/7 for air conditioning repairs, so call us today.

Common End-of-Season Repairs

Here are some of the more common end-of-season repairs our technicians see:

Electrical Issues

With normal use, it’s not unusual for wires to fray and corrode, terminals to become dirty or for disconnections to occur. No matter the problem, electrical issues can interrupt the operation of your system. Signs of electrical problems can be buzzing or popping sounds, or intermittent performance of a component. Electrical issues can be complex and difficult to find, so it’s important to use a professional for repair.

Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant leaks can develop in a number of locations in your system. When the refrigerant in your system runs low, certain problems can develop, including icing on the evaporator coils, warm air blowing and problems with your compressor. Refrigerant leaks do not improve on their own, and as such require repair. It is necessary to have the proper certification when handling refrigerant, so it’s important to not repair refrigerant problems on your own.

Motor Problems

There are 3 motors in your air conditioning system: 2 fan motors (the blower and condenser fans) and the compressor motor. The fan motors can develop problems with wiring, worn belts and loose or damaged components. The issues your compressor motor can develop include overheating, problems with pressurization and burnout. Sometimes a compressor motor can be repaired, but sometimes full replacement may be required.

End-of-season repairs are common in the fall, and it’s important to schedule repair as soon as you detect any kind of problem with your air conditioning. Call Downtown Air & Heat today and schedule your air conditioning repairs in Orlando, FL with one of our specialists.

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The Cooling Benefits of Going Ductless

Friday, September 26th, 2014

If you need a new air conditioning system, but you don’t have any ductwork set up in your home, there is a fairly simple solution. Calling a technician for ductless air conditioning installation is one of the best ways to keep your entire home cool without paying too much every month. And there will be no changes to the construction by your home besides a small hole drilled into the wall. In order to help more homeowners understand the cooling benefits of going ductless, we’ve put together this quick guide to some of the biggest advantages.

No Ducts

Most home air conditioning systems rely on ducts, but deciding against adding ductwork can actually be advantageous. A large number of homeowners pay too much for air conditioning because a lot of energy is lost in the ducts due to leaks. Besides, ductwork installation is a hassle and creates disturbances to your daily home life.

Zone Control

One of the most exciting features of ductless cooling is zone control. A ductless mini split contains an outdoor compressor, like with central air conditioners, and multiple indoor air handlers. These air handlers are mounted in various areas of the house to provide even cooling. Additionally, each air handler comes with its own thermostat, and there is often a master thermostat that controls each unit. You can choose the temperature in each room or zone individually for increased comfort. You can also save some money by choosing to shut off the air to rooms that are unoccupied throughout the day.

Energy Savings

Ductless systems save money over traditional central air conditioners due to the lack of ductwork and the energy saving features of zone control. Furthermore, ductless air conditioning systems are often quite efficient. Ask your technician to help you find a unit with a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) for more savings.

Ductless cooling is not necessarily the right option for every home, so you should always speak with a technician before making a major decision about your new HVAC system. If you’re considering ductless air conditioning in Orlando, FL, call the cooling experts at Downtown Air & Heat today!

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Can I Keep Running My Air Conditioner with Low Refrigerant?

Friday, September 19th, 2014

Without any refrigerant at all, your air conditioning system would be incapable of cooling your home. But if you have low levels, you may still be able to feel some cool air from your system. Air conditioners need refrigerant to remove heat from the air, but can you still run your unit with low refrigerant?

You should not attempt to continue running an air conditioner with low levels of refrigerant because many of the parts of your air conditioner require a set level of this chemical blend in order to work properly. When an air conditioner is installed, a technician is supposed to carefully measure out the correct levels of refrigerant. If these levels are not accurate, it may be because your unit was not set up properly in the first place. However, it’s also likely that this is the result of a leak.

Refrigerant may leak from your system due to loose connections or corrosion over time. If it continues to leak from your unit, you may not feel any cool air at all. But even slightly lower levels may cause problems with some key components like the compressor. The compressor is responsible for changing refrigerant into a pressurized gas so that it can pump through the entire system. This part is sized to handle a certain load of refrigerant based on the cooling capacity of your air conditioning unit. When this amount drops too low, your compressor will run into problems that may even lead to replacement.

In fact, many parts of your unit may suffer from wear and tear when refrigerant is low. And when the parts in your system have to work harder to cool your home, your unit will use a lot of energy to reach the desired temperature. This means you spend a lot more every month than you need to, and your air conditioner may already consume a large portion of your bills. To keep bills low, and to keep your unit from suddenly failing, schedule maintenance twice a year and make repairs as soon as you suspect a leak. For more about air conditioning in Orlando, FL, call the experienced technicians at Downtown Air & Heat.

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When Is It Time to Replace a Heat Pump?

Friday, September 12th, 2014

Your heat pump is an important device: it supplies both cooling and heating to your home. While we may still be in the cooling season here in Florida, the time is quickly coming when the weather will cool and we’ll need your heater. If you have a heat pump, switching modes between heating and cooling is very easy due to the reversing valve: all that is involved is a simple switch from cooling to heating on your thermostat. It can be hard to distinguish the signs of a failing heat pump, so below are some of the common ones our Downtown Air & Heat technicians see fairly frequently:

Signs It May Be Time to Replace

  • Excessive noise – one of the benefits of heat pumps is they are quiet compared with other devices. If you start to hear loud noises every time your heat pump runs, this can be a possible indication of major mechanical problems.
  • Age – the average lifespan of a well-maintained heat pump can be pretty long – about 20-25 years. If you are coming up on the 20 year mark, and have had to make a number of repairs to your heat pump, you may be better off putting your money toward a new one.
  • Poor temperature control – heat pumps are known for their even heating and cooling because they cycle at a consistent, low rate. If you are experiencing temperatures that are too hot or cold, it may be a sign that your heat pump is ready to go.

Heat pumps are great 2-in-1 devices, but the flipside of this benefit is that a poorly-working heat pump will affect both your cooling and heating. Being without air conditioning in Orlando, FL is a challenge, and no one wants to be without heating on a cool winter day. And because heat pumps are complex, it’s important to hire a professional for installation. If it’s time for a heat pump replacement, let the NATE-certified technicians at Downtown Air & Heat help you with your air conditioning service in Orlando, FL – call us today!

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Why Consider Duct Sanitizing?

Friday, September 5th, 2014

Bacteria, mold, mildew and other biological growths can thrive in ductwork due to its cool, dark, moist environment. While a professional duct cleaning can remove mold and mildew, it doesn’t guarantee that there won’t be another occurrence of growth, nor does it eradicate the biological contamination. To truly remove biological contamination, and to protect against further growth, you may want to consider duct sanitizing for your air conditioning system.

What Is Duct Sanitizing?

Duct sanitizing is a multi-step process in which an EPA-approved chemical sanitizer(s) is thoroughly applied to the inside of your ductwork to eliminate germs and biological growth, and prevent the development of new growth. Each vent is treated individually, and the application of the sanitizer usually needs 10-15 minutes to cure.

What Types of Sanitizers Are Used?

There are 3 main types of sanitizers that can be used on your ductwork:

  • EnviroCon – EnviroCon is used to eliminate odor-causing microorganisms and contaminants such as mold and mildew; it can also treat bacterial growth. EnviroCon eliminates odors via a chlorine dioxide release-process that destroys organisms at the cell level. EnviroCon has low toxicity and a good safety rating from the EPA.
  • Microban – Microban is used to eliminate most fungi, bacteria and viruses. Microban kills allergy and disease-causing germs, odors, and growth like mold and mildew. Microban is only available through professional cleaners and restorers. It is labeled as safe by the EPA.
  • F.P. sanitizers – F.P. sanitizers are concentrated liquid sanitizers used for sanitizing pre-cleaned surfaces in air ducts and air conditioning systems. They contain surfactants (compounds that act like detergents) that give them additional cleaning power. These types of sanitizers are labeled as safe by the EPA.

Benefits of Duct Sanitizing

  • Healthier air – your ductwork is the delivery system for all the air in your home; if it’s clean, you air will be, too.
  • Keeps ductwork clean – sanitizers have a lasting effect, so they help keep your ductwork free of contamination after application.
  • Reduction of allergens – allergy-inducing particles are eradicated during sanitizing, helping to reduce allergic reactions to the air in your home.

If healthy indoor air is a priority for your home, you might want to consider scheduling professional duct sanitizing for your air conditioning. Have questions? Call Downtown Heat & Air today and speak with one of our Orlando, FL air conditioning service professionals.

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How Does Duct Cleaning Help Air Conditioning?

Friday, August 22nd, 2014

Dirty vents don’t just adversely affect you; they can also adversely affect your air conditioner and its operation. Because ductwork is largely not visible, it can be easy to forget that, like other parts of your air conditioner, it needs cleaning and maintenance, too. Accessing ductwork and cleaning it properly can be tricky, which is why it’s important to use certified technicians, like the ones at Downtown Air & Heat, to conduct the duct cleaning for your property.

What Happens During a Duct Cleaning?

Here is a general overview of what happens during a routine duct cleaning appointment:

  • The technician will cover all nearby furniture and carpets with protective coverings
  • The technician will open your ductwork at access points and portals and thoroughly inspect your entire system
  • He/she will then employ the use of professional-grade, HEPA filtered vacuums to remove the dirt, dust and debris from your ductwork
  • He/she may then use a mechanical brush and vacuum to scrape off and remove any debris stuck in your ducts
  • Visual equipment, such as cameras and periscopes, may be used to inspect for any missed areas or lingering debris
  • Once the technician confirms all debris has been removed from the vents, he/she will close the system

How Does Duct Cleaning Help Your AC?

A professional duct cleaning can help your air conditioner in the following ways:

  • Better energy efficiency – large amounts of dust and dirt build-up in your system can constrict air flow, which can make your air conditioner struggle. Any time your AC operates under stress, it uses more power. By removing the excess dust and debris with a thorough duct cleaning, you can help your AC “breathe” better, and alleviate extra power usage.
  • Reveals other potential problems – it can be hard to see holes and cracks when the vent work is extremely dirty. Holes and cracks contribute to air loss, which can tax your system and drive up energy costs. By cleaning your ductwork, you’ll be able to see if there are any developing problems with your vents.
  • Less stress on your system – excessive dust and dirt can put undue stress on your system. Undue stress can prematurely age your systems and its components, making it more prone to malfunction and breakdown.

Ductwork should be cleaned about every 3-5 years – when was the last time yours was cleaned? If it’s been longer than 5 years, it may be time to schedule duct cleaning for your property. Call Downtown Air & Heat today and schedule duct cleaning in Altamonte Springs with one of our ductwork specialists.

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3 Benefits of Replacing an Air Conditioner

Friday, August 15th, 2014

If you have an older air conditioner, the decision to schedule air conditioning replacement may be tough. Of course, you don’t want to spend money replacing a system that may last another couple of years. On the other hand, there is always the risk that your older unit may break down, costing you more money to fix and inconveniencing your home. Older air conditioners are far more likely to break down suddenly than new systems. They may not perform as well as they once did and often are inefficient. If you’re currently deciding whether or not air conditioning replacement is a good idea, here are three reasons to call a technician today.

Prevent a Costly Breakdown

If you have an older system, the chances of a sudden breakdown occurring may be high. Throughout the years, your system gets a lot of use, so wear and tear on the system is to be expected over time. While repairs and parts replacement may help fix a problem from time to time, the only way to improve the working condition of your air conditioner entirely is by purchasing a new system. Replacing a system piece-by-piece is costly, and new air conditioners are a lot less likely to need repairs than those that are 10-15 years old.

Energy-Efficiency

One important reason to install a new air conditioner is the energy savings. Your air conditioner may remain efficient for many years with proper care and maintenance. However, the efficiency of your system will start to decrease eventually, and your bills will reflect this. Newer systems are far more efficient than older systems. In fact, due to government requirements for efficiency, a new AC may have a higher SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) than your older system had, even when it was brand new.

Better Performance

Energy-efficient systems are not lacking in performance. High-efficiency air conditioners perform just as well, if not better, than other systems. Look for a system with the ENERGY STAR label. This label ensures that a system has met government requirements for both efficiency and performance.

You should always discuss your decision with an air conditioning technician before coming to a decision. Call the experts at Downtown Air & Heat today to schedule air conditioning replacement service in Orlando.

 

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