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

Why Should I Schedule Service for My Air Conditioner Now?

Wednesday, April 9th, 2014

At Downtown Air & Heat, we recommend that our customers schedule annual service for their air conditioner during spring. In fact, this is a common recommendation throughout the HVAC business: in spring you have maintenance for your AC, and in fall you have it for your heater. We’ll look at the reasons we think spring is the time for you to have preventive maintenance for your air conditioner.

It’s easy to schedule a maintenance visit: just give our friendly technicians a call. If you have more serious troubles with your AC and you need air conditioning repairs in Altamonte Springs, FL, you can reach our emergency technicians any time of the day or night.

Reasons that spring time is the right time for maintenance

It’s much easier to schedule: Anyone in the HVAC business will tell you that one of the slowest times of the year is the spring. The calm weather between winter and summer means we have fewer emergency calls to fix broken furnaces or failing air conditioners. People often choose this season to arrange for installation of new systems—heaters and ACs—and it’s also ideal for scheduling maintenance, since it isn’t difficult to arrange a convenient appointment day and time.
You’ll avoid spring surprises: Florida weather grows hotter sooner than in most parts of the U.S. We can have stunning heat waves hit us in April and May. You want to make sure that your home’s air conditioning is prepared for the worst at any time: maintenance will help assure you that you’re not only ready for summer, you’re ready for the shocks of spring.
You’ll have time to arrange for major repairs: Maintenance tunes up your air conditioner and makes sure it runs at peak efficiency. But even more important, it locates malfunctions and areas where you need to have repairs done before they develop malfunctions. The last thing you want to happen during the first blazing day of July is to turn on your AC and have it immediately die on you because of a neglected repair. With timely maintenance, you will have time to schedule the professional repairs the system may need.

We are proud of the thorough 33-point inspection we provide for our customers at Downtown Air & Heat during each maintenance call. Along with the inspection, our maintenance plan customers receive 15% off repairs and priority scheduling so they are always top of job our list. Get a head start on summer with our maintenance program and clear away your needs for air conditioning repair in Altamonte Springs, FL.

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Is It Important to Schedule Air Conditioning Maintenance Today?

Friday, April 4th, 2014

“Should I schedule my annual air conditioning maintenance today?”

“Well, I just looked up our weather forecast for the next two weeks. We can expect some rain, and then temperature will start rising back into the 80s, with a chance of highs in the 90s.”

“So—”

“So, yes, it’s very important that you schedule air conditioning maintenance as soon as possible.”

This short conversation is a way of reminding you how soon summer weather begins in Florida. You certainly have already turned on your air conditioner a few times in the last month, and you can expect it to stay on much longer this month. Spring is the best time to have regular maintenance done on an AC to make sure that it’s prepared for the heavy work of the summer months—and it’s practically summer weather already. Call up Downtown Air & Heat today to schedule your maintenance appointment for your air conditioning in Winter Park, FL.

Reminders of why this is so important

You do not want your AC breaking down during a heat wave: Since 90° weather can strike at any time, your air conditioner must be ready to run for long periods. If it has a repair issue or excess wear on its parts—the sort of problems that maintenance inspections will catch—it has a much higher chance of stranding you in the heat when you most need it working.
You may already be wasting energy and money running the system: If your air conditioner has gone for more than a year without an inspection, it will begin to work less efficiently than normal as dust and age start to affect it. Your next utility bill might contain an unpleasant surprise because the air conditioner will siphon away extra electrical power. Maintenance makes sure you jump on the issues that can make your AC a money drainer.
You need to catch small repairs before they become big repairs: Often, repair problems in an AC will start up without giving you an obvious sign that they’re occurring. A small leak in the refrigerant, dirt across the coils, lack of lubrication on the motors. If caught early, they are relatively simple fixes. If they reach the point where they are noticeable and affecting cooling ability, they will be more difficult fixes—and more expensive.

We don’t mean “today” in the post title as a euphemism for “soon.” We do mean today, because HVAC technicians’ schedules will start to fill up rapidly as the heat increases. Call now so you can schedule a convenient appointment for your maintenance.

Sign up for the maintenance program at Downtown Air & Heat and you’ll also receive 15% off all repairs for your air conditioning in Winter Park, FL.

Tags: Air Conditioning, Winter Park FL
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Now Is the Time to Install a New Air Conditioner

Monday, March 31st, 2014

Check the average temperatures for this week, and the expected ones for next week. It looks like a pleasant stretch in the 70s: a nice balmy springtime in Florida. Have you turned your AC on? Probably a few times, but nowhere near what you’ll have it doing when the actual summer heat hits. You could probably go for a day or so without it…

…and that’s why you should grab this chance to have new air conditioning installation done. If your air conditioner is over 15 years old, it’s definitely time to replace it. If it’s over 10 years old and showing signs of a decline in efficiency and performance, it’s also time to replace it. And the best time when it’s time is spring. You won’t need to worry about losing out on vital cooling during the short period the installers are setting up the new AC after they move out the old one. You also will have an easier job scheduling the work, since spring is a slower time for HVAC technicians: they have fewer emergency breakdown and repair calls to follow up on.

Downtown Air & Heat can help you make a smooth transition to new air conditioning system in Altamonte Springs, FL. Since you’ve probably spent a decade at the least with your current AC, you won’t be familiar with the process of picking and installing a new one. But with the assistance of professionals, you’ll find the new unit that will work for you, and have it sized ideally to fit your home: neither too big (which will cause short-cycling) or too small (which will cause discomfort and power drain).

Spring is actually a more ideal time for new installation than winter, which people often assume would be the best season for putting in an air conditioning unit. However, winter is an unpredictable period, both because of the holidays and weather conditions that will make schedules more squeezed for professional technicians. Spring offers a more relaxing time for everybody to make the switch over to a new comfort system.

Remember when you choose your new air conditioning for Altamonte Springs, FL to look for ways to upgrade from your older system. Technology for heating and cooling continues to advance each decade, and without spending a great deal more than you did for your last installation, you can have superior comfort, energy-efficiency, and new features that will improve your life during the sweltering summer months.

Call our friendly AC experts at Downtown Air & Heat today and arrange for an appointment to start your spring air conditioning installation.

Tags: Air Conditioning, Altamonte Springs
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Your Commercial HVAC Installation Options

Tuesday, November 19th, 2013

It’s important to make sure that your business or commercial property has an excellent heating and cooling system so that you can control the temperature year-round. This can only be achieved with professional commercial HVAC services. Such systems are larger and more complex than residential systems and they need to be installed by a qualified technician to function properly. Let Downtown Air and Heat take care of your commercial space, whether it’s an office space, restaurant, or retail store. Call us today to find out more about your commercial HVAC installation options in Orlando, FL.

Central air conditioner.When it comes to cooling in Central Florida, you need to make sure that you have an AC that can outperform the heat and humidity. A central air conditioner is a powerful system that uses ductwork to remove air from your space, cool it, and return it. It can be paired with a furnace.
Heat pump. A heat pump is an excellent year-round solution for business owners looking for a heating and cooling solution in a single unit. They use a refrigerant cycle just like central AC, but possess a reversing valve that allows them to reverse the flow, thus heating your home during the colder months of the year. They make a great fit for the moderate winters of Florida.
Ductless mini splits. If you want an alternative to ducted systems, then you may want to have a ductless mini split installed in your home. These types of systems have multiple indoor air handlers so that separate zones of the space can be controlled separately.
Furnace. While staying warm is hard to prioritize during the summer, your commercial space needs a heater to make sure that your customers, visitors, tenants, and employees are satisfied at all times.

It’s important to hire a contractor who can address your entire HVAC system, from custom ductwork design and construction to finding a heating and cooling system that matches your commercial property or business exactly. Call Downtown Air and Heat today to learn more about what we can offer you.

Tags: Commercial HVAC Installation, Orlando
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Why Hire a Commercial HVAC Technician?

Monday, November 11th, 2013

If you own a business or commercial property, then you realize how vital it is to have a great team around you. But equally important as your personnel is your infrastructure. Whether you are in retail or the food service industry, you know how important presentation is to your clientele. Your HVAC system is a major contributing factor the happiness of your customers, employees, or tenants. We offer professional commercial HVAC services in Orlando, FL that can make sure your venture is a success. Whether you need a new heat pump installed or your AC needs to be fixed, Downtown Air and Heat can help. Call us today.

So, why hire a commercial HVAC technician? While we appreciate the do-it-yourself gusto of many of our customers, we recommend that they save such enthusiasm for another project. Tampering with the system components of your AC or furnace is not only hazardous, but it can also cause unnecessary damage. Here is why hiring a commercial HVAC technician is important:

Quality. The most important thing to keep in mind about your commercial HVAC system is that it needs to be taken of by a professional. While you are expected to be smart about its operation by thermostat, the entirety of maintenance needs require the experience, knowledge, and equipment of a trained technician. It’s also not enough that the problem is patched up; the root of the problem needs to be discovered so that it doesn’t continue to affect the effectiveness and efficiency of your heating and cooling system.
Reliability. You need to make sure that your entire HVAC system operates well: it’s that simple. Unfortunately, this demand is not always so easy to ensure. In order to get excellent performance from your equipment, it needs to be professionally installed and serviced at all times.

Whatever your commercial HVAC need, make sure you hire a pro. Call Downtown Air and Heat today for quality services. We provide commercial HVAC installation, repair, replacement, and maintenance services for a wide range of equipment, from heat pumps and central air conditioners to ductless mini splits. We can also handle any ductwork services you might need.

Tags: Commercial HVAC, Orlando
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Why You Should Change Your Filter… Regularly

Thursday, November 7th, 2013

Changing your filter regularly keeps your system clean and helps you get the most out of your air conditioning system. It is the single most important thing you can do as a homeowner to maintain your air conditioner, but is often over-looked or forgotten.

Sometimes we forget to change our filter for a few months or don’t have the proper size. Below is a picture of what can happen when a filter goes unchanged for a long time. This was discovered by one of our technicians performing a precision tune up (maintenance check) for a new customer.

The filter for this system was left unchanged for well over a year. At some point, the suction power of the air handler sucked the clogged filter into the return, allowing air and dirt to flow around it. The result was a thick layer of hair and dirt, completely blocking the evaporator coil.

This customer lucked out in a way that very few do. The large volume of hair created a mat that could be peeled off without removing the coil. Most of the time, the refrigerant would have to be recovered, the coil cut out of the air handler, cleaned, reinstalled, the system evacuated, and recharged with refrigerant.

When the job was done the hair and dirt removed from the coil was approximately the size of a grapefruit. Needless to say, this made a huge difference in this system’s performance. If it’s time to change your filter, call the professional Orlando, FL air conditioning technicians at Downtown Air and Heat to set up an appointment.

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Air Conditioning FAQ: What Is a Contactor?

Wednesday, November 6th, 2013

Simply stated, a contactor is an “ON/OFF” switch for an air conditioner or heat pump; the unit located outside your home or business. When it becomes too warm or too cold, the thermostat sends a 24 volt current to the contactor and the outside unit comes on. When the desired temperature is reached, the thermostat stops sending the 24 volt current and the unit shuts off.

Here’s how it works?

Two high voltage wires power your outside unit. Under normal conditions, power is supplied continuously. These power wires are connected to your contactor, which breaks, or interrupts the flow of electricity to the system components (Compressor & condenser fan motor). Wires on both sides of the contactor are connected by a spring-loaded metal strip or strips. When the thermostat calls for the unit to come on, a current travels through two low voltage wires to a coil at the base of the contactor and creates an electro-magnetic force pulling the metal strip down and bridging the gap between the two sets of wires. Think of a draw-bridge being lowered to allow traffic to cross a river. When the thermostat is satisfied, the room temperature is where it should be, the electro-magnetic force stops and the spring pushes the metal strip(s) away from the wires, breaking power to the unit (the bridge is up).

Looking at the picture, the high voltage wires are on the bottom and the top. The smaller wires on the sides supply low voltage power to the coil, which is at the base of the contactor (not visible in picture). The metal strip, the part that is raised or lowered, is on the front-right side. This contactor only breaks one of the two high voltage wires, others break both. To learn more about how your AC works, call the Orlando, FL air conditioning experts at Downtown Air and Heat.

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Reasons to Consider Air Conditioning Replacement

Monday, October 14th, 2013

Does your AC suffer from frequent repair needs? Does it no longer give you the performance and efficiency you need? There are plenty of good reasons to consider air conditioning replacement. The most important factor to keep in mind is your comfort. You need to ask yourself whether you’re comfortable with the existing arrangement, and then speak to a qualified Orlando, FL air conditioning replacement technician about what to do. When you deal with the air conditioning experts at Downtown Air and Heat in Orlando, FL we can provide you with an honest assessment of the state of your current AC and make sure that you find an excellent solution to your cooling problem. Call us today to learn more.

Here are a few reasons to consider air conditioning replacement:

Frequent repairs. The first and major sign that an air conditioning replacement may be imminent is if you’re paying to repair your AC constantly. Frequent repair needs are often a sign that you should consider replacing your system. It may make more financial sense to invest in a new system than an old one.
Energy inefficiency. If you want to make certain that your AC operates efficiently, then you need to make sure that it is routinely cleaned and adjusted. But there may come a time when your AC no longer works as efficiently as it once did. This is an important consideration because you could save substantial amounts of energy over the long term.
Old age. Your AC may be ready to retire. Nothing lasts forever, especially not mechanical systems like your air conditioner. Over time, its components develop problems and the debris that builds up can hamper operational efficiency and performance. Whether your AC is still technically working or not, it’s important to recognize that you have may have to replace your AC soon so that you can be prepared for when the time comes. You may want to upgrade to a high efficiency system or a ductless mini split.

Make sure you contact one of the Orlando, FL air conditioning replacement experts at Downtown Air and Heat today to discuss whether your system is ready for an overhaul.

Tags: Air Conditioning Replacement, Orlando
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How an Air Conditioner Works

Monday, October 7th, 2013

We tend to use our air conditioning systems a lot in Central Florida to fend off the high temperatures and muggy summer air. It’s hardly surprising then that our ACs endure a significant amount of wear and tear during the cooling season. Your AC is a complex machine, comprised of various components and mechanisms all of which must work together in order to remove the heat from your indoor air and provide adequate cooling. Whether you have central AC, a heat pump, or a ductless mini split, your air conditioning abides by fundamental processes of thermal energy transfer. In today’s post, we’d like to offer a brief review of how a basic AC works. While various types and brands operate differently, this will give you a good idea of the basics. Call Downtown Air and Heat for all of your air conditioning needs.

Let’s begin with the compressor since it’s the engine of what’s known as the refrigerant cycle. The compressor functions like any other: it compresses the low-pressure, gaseous refrigerant arriving from the evaporator coil and turns it into a high-pressure and high-temperature gas. The temperature is much higher than that found outside on even the most brutal summer afternoon. In fact, the cycle relies on the ability of the condenser coil to cool the gas into a hot liquid (hence its name) by means of an exhaust fan.

However, the liquid refrigerant cannot yet be used to cool your indoor air. In order to drop the temperature further, the refrigerant needs to be depressurized. A thermal expansion valve does just that. By metering the flow of refrigerant, the temperature is thereby reduced and is now ready to provide cooling for your air. In the air handler, the evaporator coil circulates cool, liquid refrigerant that comes into contact with your warm indoor air. This thermal exchange evaporates the refrigerant while it cools the air. You now have cool air being redistributed through the ductwork, and the cycle continues.

Call Downtown Air and Heat today for professional air conditioning services in the Orlando, FL area.

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Benefits of Air Conditioning Maintenance

Thursday, October 3rd, 2013

Whether you own a heat pump, ductless mini split, or central air conditioner, you rely on it to provide adequate performance on a daily basis during the long cooling season. You need to make sure that it is both effective and efficient so that you can remain comfortable without breaking the bank. While taking care of any repair needs as they arise is critical to the integrity of your AC, your system also needs to be routinely cleaned and adjusted so that it works well for years to come. At Downtown Air and Heat, we provide excellent air conditioning maintenance in Orlando, FL for our customers because we know how critical it is to have a reliable air conditioner. Call us today for all of your air conditioning needs in Orlando, FL.

The benefits of professional air conditioning maintenance are numerous, but here are the most prominent:

Improved system longevity. The integrity of your AC depends upon its cleanliness, and whether or not it has the correct voltage and refrigerant levels. Over time, your system will endure an incredible amount of wear and tear, and high-end and budget systems alike can be negatively affected by dirt, dust, and other debris. With pro maintenance services, however, you can make sure that you give your AC the best chance to perform as it should.
Better energy efficiency. Running an air conditioner all summer long is expensive. Even owners of high efficiency systems know that much. The best way to keep your bills as low as possible is by having your system cleaned. When your AC gets clogged with debris, then it cannot give you the performance you deserve.
Quality performance. It’s important to have your AC system routinely maintained if for no other reason than it will perform better. Your system will be less hampered by deficiencies and debris accumulation. In turn, it will be able to combat the high heat and humidity of a Florida summer.

Let Downtown Air and Heat handle your air conditioning maintenance needs. Our NATE-certified Orlando air conditioning technicians can make sure that your entire AC works well.

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