Downtown Air and Heat Blog

The Benefits of Air Cleaners

November 7th, 2014

A well-insulated home is sheltered from many air pollutants present in most outdoor environments. However, even inside you are not fully protected from contaminants that can reduce your air quality. That’s where air cleaners can be a great benefit to you. Below, we’ll outline some of the different types of air cleaners and the benefits they offer.

Ionization Cleaners

An ionization cleaner operates by creating a small electromagnetic field around itself. As particulates in the air pass through this field, they receive a negative magnetic charge themselves. Within most ionization cleaners are one or two metal plates, which possess a positive charge. The negatively charged particulates in the air will seek out and stick to these plates, which can then be removed and washed. An ionization cleaner is good at removing all kinds of contaminants from the air around it, including fumes and gases. It does have its own drawbacks, however. Primarily, it produces ozone as a byproduct. Ozone is considered a pollutant in its own right by the EPA, and can be harmful in large amounts.

HEPA Filters

HEPA stands for “High Efficiency Particulate Air.” A HEPA filter is a special, high quality air filter that is usually installed in a home’s ductwork. The randomly woven fiber mesh that makes up the filter is very good at capturing contaminants, even those as small as viruses and bacteria. Because of this, HEPA filters can often be found in hospitals. Unfortunately, it does nothing to impede the progress of gaseous contaminants.

UV Purifiers

UV air cleaners operate by exposing the area around them to streams of ultraviolet light. It may seem like this does nothing at all, but there are actually a number of organic contaminants that are adversely affected by this. Several strains of bacteria, viruses, and mold are sterilized or killed by overexposure to UV rays. The UV purifier is designed to destroy these organic contaminants to reduce the transmission of disease. Since it doesn’t actually restrict airflow in any way, however, dust and other inorganic contaminants are unaffected by it.

If you’d like to know more about air cleaners, call Downtown Air & Heat. We provide air cleaner installation throughout Orlando, FL.

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Types of Air Cleaners

October 24th, 2014

You’ve probably heard of air cleaners, appliances designed to improve the air quality in your home through one method or another. You may have even heard terms like “ionization” thrown around in relation to these air cleaners. How much do you really know about them, though? We’ve assembled a list to help you make an informed decision when it comes time to select the right air cleaner for you.

HEPA Filters

HEPA stands for “High Efficiency Particulate Air,” and applies to air filters with a particularly high rating for filtering out particulates. HEPA filters range in quality, from typical home use to hospitals and even nuclear power plants. A HEPA filter is a great way to improve the quality of the air in your forced air system. Just make sure that your system is designed to work with such a high quality filter.

Ionization Cleaners

Ionization cleaners are another popular option for home air cleaning. An ionization cleaner uses an electrical current to charge a metal plate within itself. As air passes through the cleaner, this plate will pass on a negative charge to particulates like dust and bacteria. The particulates then stick to the filter in the air cleaner, using a principle very similar to static electricity. Ionization cleaners are often used in areas that are extremely sensitive to particulate contaminants, like server rooms.

Ultraviolet Purifiers

Some microscopic living organisms are sterilized when exposed to UV light. This includes viruses, bacteria, and mold. Ultraviolet purifiers take advantage of this by bathing the air in UV light as it passes through them. This prevents harmful organisms from multiplying and causing sickness quite well. However, it doesn’t do much for non-living contaminants like dust. Obviously, this kind of thing is often found in areas that require a sterile environment, like hospitals.

These are just a few of the air filters available on the market. We hope that this list has helped to give you some idea about the way air filters work, and which may serve you best. If you’d like more information, call Downtown Air & Heat. We install air cleaners all over Orlando, FL.

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How Does Faulty Ductwork Affect Air Conditioning?

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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Signs That You Need a New Dehumidifier

October 10th, 2014

Excess humidity is as much a problem for your home and HVAC system as it is for you. Excess humidity can compromise indoor air quality and potentially damage your home, so it’s important to replace your whole-home dehumidifier if your current one is failing. We’ll go over the signs that indicate it may be time for a new dehumidifier, but as with any upgrade to your system, it’s important to always hire professionals for installation. The NATE-certified technicians at Downtown Air & Heat can install, maintain and repair any whole-home dehumidifier, so call us today.

Signs It’s Time to Install a New Dehumidifier

Here are some signs that it may be time to consider installing a new dehumidifier:

  • Aggravated allergy symptoms – mold and mildew thrive in moist environments, as do dust mites. Additionally, pollen likes to cling to the moisture in the air, so if the allergy sufferers in your home have been sneezing more, increased humidity may be why.
  • Musty smells – one of the telltale signs you have mold or mildew growth is the odor: mustiness. If you smell this odor in your home, particularly when your HVAC system runs, you may have mold or mildew contamination.
  • Visible condensation on inside windows – condensation on the inside of the windows is a solid indication that there is too much moisture in your indoor air. You may also see wet areas on your ceilings and/or walls, and on surfaces.
  • Stuffy feeling in the air – humidity holds heat, so even if the temperature is moderate, too much humidity can still make it feel close and stuffy inside.
  • Rotting wood – in areas where humidity has existed for a while, there can be damage to wood in your home. Excessive moisture can penetrate wood and cause it to rot.

If you have a dehumidifier, then you know the benefits a whole-home dehumidifier can offer. Don’t let your health or your home suffer with an aging and/or malfunctioning dehumidifier. Call Downtown Air & Heat today and schedule the installation of a new dehumidifier in Orlando with one of our installation experts.

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Three Common End-of-Season Air Conditioning Repairs

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

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?

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?

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?

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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The Very First Labor Day Celebration

August 29th, 2014

Labor Day as a federal holiday, held on the first Monday of September, has been with us now for 120 years. President Grover Cleveland signed the law that made Labor Day a national holiday in 1894. Ever since then, the three-day weekend has provided people in the U.S. with the opportunity for vacations, time with their families, shopping trips, and a general celebration of the conclusion of summer and the beginning of fall.

However, there were twelve years of Labor Day observations in the U.S. before it became an official holiday. The first Labor Day celebration took place in 1882 in New York City on September 5. According to the accounts from the time, it had a rough start and almost didn’t happen.

The main event planned for that first Labor Day was a parade along Broadway that was to start at City Hall. However, the parade ran into a bit of a snag early on. The marchers started to line up for the procession around 9 a.m., with a police escort to make sure the event went peacefully. However, the problem of the day wasn’t rowdy members of the parade—it was that nobody had remembered to bring a band!

With people ready to march, but no music to march to, it started to look like no parade would happen at all, and the first Labor Day would have ended up a failure. But just in time, Matthew Maguire of the Central Labor Union—one of the two men who first proposed the celebration—ran across the City Hall lawn to the Grand Marshal of the parade, William McCabe, to inform him that 200 men from the Jeweler’s Union of Newark were crossing the ferry to Manhattan… and they had a band!

At 10 a.m., only an hour late, the band from Newark walked down Broadway playing a number from a popular Gilbert and Sullivan opera. They passed McCabe and the other 700 marchers, who then fell in line behind them. Soon, the spectators joined in, and an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 people marched through Lower Manhattan.

According to the New York Times, “The windows and roofs and even the lamp posts and awning frames were occupied by persons anxious to get a good view of the first parade in New York of workingmen of all trades united in one organization.”

The parade concluded two hours later when the marchers reached Reservoir Park. But the party was only getting started. Until 9 p.m., some 25,000 people celebrated with picnics and speeches and beer kegs. It was an enormous success, and all thanks to the speedy arrival of jewelers carrying band instruments.

If those musicians from Newark hadn’t shown up, perhaps we wouldn’t have the holiday opportunity that we now have every year. However you celebrate your Labor Day, our family at Downtown Air & Heat wishes your family a happy end of summer.

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