Downtown Air and Heat Blog

How Can I Get the Most Out of My Air Conditioning System?

May 16th, 2014

You’ve installed an energy-efficient air conditioning system, learned about your air conditioner and are ready for summer. But there are some additional steps you can take, with the help of your Downtown Air & Heat expert, which can help you get the most from your air conditioning in Winter Park:

Change Your Air Filter Regularly

Your air filter helps to remove dust, dirt and allergens from the air going through your AC system. As such, it can become clogged with these things when your system is in use. By changing your air filter regularly, your air flow can stay clean and at the level it needs to be.

Bi-Annual Maintenance

Springtime provides a window of opportunity to help maintain your air conditioner. Typical maintenance visits include cleaning, inspection and testing of your system to make sure it is running optimally for the summer. Regular maintenance is a great way to maintain the health of your system and help increase its longevity.

Use a Programmable Thermostat

Your thermostat controls when your air conditioning system turns on and off, a great tool for property owners not home during certain times of the day. By utilizing pre-programmed settings, your air conditioner will work when you want it to, helping to create a level of efficiency.

Install a Zoning System

Zoning systems can be of help to properties with inconsistent room temperatures due to daytime heat, placement on a higher floor or high ceilings. Zoning allows for different rooms to be set at different temperatures instead of having a single temperature setting for the whole property. You can also turn down/off the air conditioning to spaces that aren’t being used while continuing to cool the ones that are in use.

Seal All Cooling and Heating Ducts

Over time, the seals around your ductwork can become cracked. When this happens, air from your system can escape, reducing the amount of cool air going into your home. By having your ductwork checked, you can get ahead of any seals that may be starting to wear.

Your air conditioner can help give you relief from the heat while also being energy-efficient. If you need help determining how to maximize your AC’s performance, call Downtown Air & Heat today and schedule an appointment for your air conditioning in Winter Park.

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Consider a Dehumidifier When Installing a New Air Conditioner

May 7th, 2014

Humidity is a fact of life in Florida, and an uncomfortable one during the summer. But just because we have moist air doesn’t mean you have to suffer from it inside your house. Your new air conditioning system will handle some dehumidifying (its process of heat absorption also removes water moisture from the air), but to effectively handle the muggy Florida summers, you should consider contacting professionals to install a whole-house dehumidifier along with your new AC.

To handle this job, you’ll need technicians with experience in air conditioning replacement services in Orlando, FL… the experts who know what they are up against when it comes to balancing the moisture in your home’s air. Downtown Air & Heat has the people you need to perform the job. Call us and we’ll find the right dehumidifier for you and install it in no time at all.

Why install a whole-house dehumidifier with a new AC?

  • Increased comfort: This is the #1 priority for Floridians. High humidity makes people less comfortable in the heat. The reason for this is that high moisture levels in the air around a human body make it harder for the body to release heat through sweat; sweat evaporation slows down. With a professionally installed dehumidifier, the balance of moisture in the air will reach the ideal level where you’ll feel more comfortable without excessive dryness (which has its own set of problems).
  • Better health: Moist air is a breeding ground for many types of molds and fungus. These growths can release toxins into the air that cause allergy-like symptoms and other illnesses in people. Humid air also makes the spread of communicable disease easier. Balanced humidity will mean increased health for everyone in your house.
  • Reduced water damage: High humidity is a destructive force for many parts of your home, as well as to your belongings. Wood will start to warp and the same growth of mold and mildew that can affect your health will eat into drywall and other building material. Moisture forming over surfaces in your house is something you want to avoid if at all possible.

Call Downtown Air & Heat to arrange an appointment with our indoor air quality specialists who are also familiar with air conditioning installation in Orlando, FL. They will assess your air to determine the type and size of dehumidifier you need for comfort without making your air too dry. After they install the dehumidifier with your air conditioning system, you’ll enjoy the summer more and experience fewer health troubles. You can also call our technicians for regular service and repair work on your dehumidifier to keep it working for you.

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Common Air Conditioning Problems in the Spring

April 30th, 2014

Although summer officially starts on the same calendar day throughout the country, the summer heat chooses its own time to debut. In Florida, this comes sooner, rather than later. During spring, you need to have any repairs necessary for your air conditioner done as soon as you can, because the summer heat waves can strike at any time. With an AC suffering from stress due to a malfunction, this can mean serious operating troubles or even a complete breakdown.

Here are a few needs for air conditioning repair service in Orlando, FL that can appear during spring. Don’t let them linger: call Downtown Air & Heat for the repair work that will prepare your air conditioner for the summer. We’re on call 24 hours a day for your convenience.

A Few of the More Frequent AC Problems Of Spring

  • Refrigerant leaking: The refrigerant inside an air conditioner does not get “used up” during operation and should not need regular recharging. However, leaking can begin to occur during the spring because of corrosion along the refrigerant line or damage to the compressor. Loss of refrigerant will lower the AC’s cooling ability, create frost along the indoor coils, and eventually damage the compressor, putting the whole system at risk. If you hear a hissing sound from the air conditioner (escaping refrigerant), spot ice along the evaporator coil, or notice a drop in cooling, call for professional repairs immediately.
  • Clogged condensate drain: The humidity of Florida makes the growth of algae a common trouble that affects drains. Your air conditioning system contains an important drain, the condensate drain that removes the excess water that forms along the evaporator coil. This water drips down into a shallow pan, where the condensate drain removes it into your standard plumbing system. During the first humidity of spring, algal growth inside the drain can lead to blockage, and soon the shallow condensate pan will overflow, leading to water damage inside your home. This is a simple problem for repair technicians to fix: they will detach the pan and the drain line and clean out the drain.
  • Ductwork breaks: Another issue from humidity that can affect your air conditioner is breaks along the ductwork. If mold and mildew begins to grow inside the ducts, it can weaken the duct material and lead to gaps and leaks. This will cause air pressure loss and lessened cooling power, and also allow contamination into the ductwork and out into your air. Find repair technician who also handle duct sealing to fix these problems. Starting summer with leaky ducts is a sure way to waste money and lose comfort.

The days of spring are running out fast. If you have a malfunctioning AC, call Downtown Air & Heat now for the necessary air conditioning repairs to fix the problem before the summer heat hits. If your air conditioner appears to be working fine, you should still give us a call to arrange for annual preventive maintenance for the system: you’ll have peace of mind all through summer that your AC is in the best shape possible.

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Watch for These 3 Repair Warning Signs from Your AC

April 29th, 2014

The weather is already warm here in Winter Park, and summer hasn’t even arrived yet. Now is the time to make sure that your air conditioner doesn’t have any malfunctions that require repairs before the big summer heat hits.

You have probably already turned on your AC, or you will within the next few weeks, so pay close attention to any signs from it that all may not be well. Here are three warning signs that you need to call for professional service for your air conditioner—or risk enduring some uncomfortable days during the summer while waiting for emergency repairs.

Downtown Air & Heat has 24-hour emergency response for your air conditioning repairs in Winter Park, FL. With our staff on the job, you won’t have to worry about getting your air conditioner ready in time for the first week of 90°F+ temperatures.

1. Unusual noises from the cabinet

Any sound that is different from the standard noises of a running air conditioner—the fans, the compressor, the draining of excess moisture—needs investigating right away. Grinding and groaning warns of motor failure, hissing of escaping refrigerant, rattling of loose components, screeching of fraying fan belts, and clanging of bent fan blades. Have repair specialists track down the cause and remedy it.

2. Acrid, burning smells from the vents

When the air coming from the room vents takes on a burning smell, it often indicates that one of the motors is wearing down and will need replacement. The smell might also mean excessive dust and dirt along the ductwork, and in this case you should schedule professional duct cleaning.

3. Sudden spikes in electricity bills

You should always pay close attention to your energy bills every month, since sudden fluctuations can indicate otherwise hidden problems. Look over your current spring electrical bills, and then compare them to the bills from the same period last year. Accounting for regular inflation, the costs should be similar. If your current bill shows a steep rise, then your air conditioner might be working inefficiently due to a malfunction. Have professionals diagnose the issue and find how to fix it.

Along with any necessary repairs, you should schedule annual maintenance for the AC. Spring is the standard time for homeowners to have this done, since it helps prepare the system for the stresses of summer. During a maintenance session, a technician will go over all the components of the air conditioning and check electrical connections, the thermostat, airflow, and general efficiency. If there are any repairs that you need to have done, the technician will inform you of them and help you arrange to fix them.

Trust to Downtown Air & Heat for your air conditioning repair service in Winter Park, FL. We also have a maintenance program that will take care of your air conditioner in spring and your heater in winter, plus a 15% discount on all repairs and priority service scheduling.

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Why Should I Schedule Service for My Air Conditioner Now?

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?

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.

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Now Is the Time to Install a New Air Conditioner

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.

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Repair That Heater, Don’t Replace It

March 31st, 2014

It’s always tempting to start over with a clean slate, and if you have an older heater that sometimes has trouble and requires repairs, you may think that—regardless of cost—you should simply replace it with a new system and start fresh.

And sometimes that is the best choice, especially if your heater has already exceeded its manufacturer’s expected service life. If your heater has raised your utility bills and racked up repair costs, then you should also give serious consideration to replacing it.

However, in this post we’ll look at the time when you should repair and not replace. Don’t get too hasty about scheduling new installation: you might have a few good years left with your current system if you have the right repairs done.

For a professional, informed opinion about your heating in Winter Park, FL, call Downtown Air & Heat today.

When repairs are the better option

First, check the manufacturer’s expected lifetime for your system (it should be on the cabinet). If your heater hasn’t reached that point yet, you should take into account the current costs of running the system and how much you spend on repairs to keep it running.

Look over your heating bills to see where you have experienced spikes in heating costs. A heater that needs replacement will usually show a gradual build in operating costs that expert heating repairs and maintenance do not alleviate. If you notice nothing more than the expected increase in costs because of fuel prices—along with an occasional jump because of a repair need—then your heater isn’t aging fast enough to warrant a replacement.

As for your repair bills: a good benchmark figure is $500. If you pay less than that per year to keep your heater running, you aren’t yet at the point-of-no-return. However, if the number hovers near $500, you should consider finding a more experienced heating technician who can make better long-term repairs. You may need to pay a bit more for the necessary fixes, but with the right contractor, these repairs should keep away many additional service calls.

One last factor to consider is maintenance: if you’ve kept up a strict yearly regimen of professional inspections and tune-ups for your heater, then repairs should be enough to keep it running past its expected lifespan.

Whether repair or replace, call for professionals

The best way to know for sure about the “repair or replace” debate is to have an experienced HVAC technician come to your home and inspect your heater. Arrange it during a maintenance visit. You’ll then have an informed opinion about what steps to take next.

Downtown Air & Heat has NATE-certified technicians who can help you make the best choice about your heating in Winter Park, FL.

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3 Causes of Lower Heat Levels in Your Furnace

March 17th, 2014

Furnaces are among the most reliable and powerful of all heating systems. Natural gas-powered furnaces in particular can achieve high levels of heating that few other heaters can approach. With regular maintenance, a furnace should last for years without a loss of heating power.

But if you begin to notice cold spots in your house when your heater is working, or if the air coming from the vents no longer feels as warm as it should, something has probably gone wrong with the furnace and it will require repairs (or, in extreme cases, replacement). Call on professionals like the NATE-certified technicians at Downtown Air & Heat to help you with the heating repair service in Orlando, FL that will restore your furnace to its full power.

3 possible reasons for a drop in furnace heating power

  1. Duct breaks and leaks: This isn’t a problem in your furnace itself, but in the ventilation system that delivers air through your home. The ductwork that carries the hot air must remain in a sealed environment to avoid a loss of air pressure. If the ducts develop breaks because of corrosion or poor installation, it will allow hot air to escape to the cooler outside. You heating power will suffer for it. This requires ductwork specialists to locate the leaks and seal them with mastic sealing or metal tape.
  2. Broken heating elements: This applies to electric furnaces. To heat the air in an electric furnace, an array of heating elements containing electrical coils come on. The current through the coils heats up the air in the cabinet, which the air handler then sends into the ducts. But if one or more of the elements fail, it will result in a drop in heating power. Technicians will need to open the cabinet, remove the broken elements, and replace them.
  3. Bad thermostat: People often take the thermostat for granted, but it’s a key part of keeping your furnace running the way you want it to. If the thermostat becomes miscalibrated and begins to shut the furnace off early, it will result in lower warmth throughout your house. It takes heating professionals to track this to the source and figure out how to repair the thermostat, or perhaps replace it.

You should never attempt to perform diagnostics on your furnace or open the cabinet and tinker. It’s especially dangerous with gas furnaces, where you risk carbon monoxide exposure; but electrical furnaces also pose the risk of electrical shock. Don’t chance it: call skilled technicians to investigate and repair your furnace so you know it’s done right.

Whenever you need heating repair in Orlando, FL, no matter the time of day or night, you can call on Downtown Air & Heat to answer.

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Why Heat Pumps Make Sense in Orlando, FL

March 3rd, 2014

We often recommend that our customers looking for installation of a new air conditioner or heater in their home choose a heat pump. There are few places in the country better suited to take advantage of a heat pump than Florida. Whether you want quality cooling or energy-efficient heating in Orlando, FL, you should put a heat pump high on your list of choices for installation.

Downtown Air & Heat has handled numerous heat pump installations, and our NATE-certified Orlando, FL heating technicians can provide you with an excellent installation that will leave you with a heat pump working at its best for many years to come. Trust us for all your heating and cooling needs.

Heat pumps work great in Orlando—and here’s why:

Heat pumps perform the work of two different systems: heaters and air conditioners. But they aren’t separate systems housed together, like a cabinet that contains both a furnace and an air conditioner. A heat pump uses the same process to provide heating and cooling. Basically, a heat pump is an air conditioner that can switch the direction it moves heat. In cooling mode, it removes heat from inside a house and puts it outside. In heating mode, it moves heat from outdoors and puts it indoors.

Because Orlando experiences very mild winters, a heat pump experiences few problems providing sufficient warmth during cold weather. Extreme cold can hinder a heat pump, making it less efficient, but that usually only happens when the temperature goes below freezing… incredibly rare for Orlando. The heat pump in heating mode also uses less power to run than a furnace, which means you won’t waste money during those days when you need heating.

When it comes to air conditioning, which is much more on the minds of Florida residents, a heat pump is as powerful as any standard air conditioner of comparable size, and its moisture absorption helps combat the humidity.

Have professionals install your heat pump

Since a heat pump is useful at almost any season of the year, it’s never a bad time to have one installed. With the hot weather coming up fast, make sure you’re ready with a heat pump to keep you cool. And you’ll have the winter heating in Orlando, FL covered as well.

Downtown Air & Heat is ready to help you find the right heat pump for your home. We’ll size the unit and install it so you’re ready to enjoy many cool summers and warm winters.

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