Here in Orlando, FL, our air conditioners are an absolute lifeline during the heat of summer. Temperatures climb to stiflingly high levels, and when repairs need to happen, they need to happen very quickly indeed. The more you can educate yourself about the various components that make up your system, the more readily you can respond to a problem. Today, we’re going to talk about the capacitors in your air conditioner, which usually serve two distinct functions. In some air conditioners, you have two separate capacitors, and in others, you have one capacitor that does both jobs. In both cases, the component stores an electric charge for running the fan motor and other key parts.
Downtown Air and Heat Blog
What is an Air Conditioning Capacitor?
April 11th, 2016How Does a Zone Control System Save Me Money?
April 4th, 2016Spring is here, and already our temperatures here in Longwood, FL are growing warm. You may be looking for new ways to improve your air conditioning’s performance this summer: cutting down on those high bills without reducing the comfort levels in your home. The solution is a zone control system, installed in your existing air conditioning system and allowing you to exercise a greater degree of control than previously anticipated. How does a zone control system save you money? Read on for the answers.
Is a Ductless Air Conditioning System Right for My Home?
March 28th, 2016If your existing air conditioner is on its last legs, now is the time to consider a replacement. Summers in Casselberry, FL are too hot and humid to go through with a dying AC unit and performing an installation now means sparing yourself the possibility of a breakdown right in the middle of a Florida heat wave.
Do You Have an Older Thermostat? Consider an Upgrade!
March 24th, 2016Thermostats have few moving parts, and are thus designed to last for many years. If yours is still going after a decade or two, congratulations! As the saying goes, if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. That longevity can have an Achilles heel, however. By going with the same thermostat for so long, you may be missing out on some of the wonderful technological advances that modern thermostats enjoy. You might want to consider upgrading your thermostat this spring, to help you better cope with the onslaught of our Central Florida summers. (And if you still use an old mercury thermostat, you should replace it immediately: mercury isn’t safe to have in your home.) Here’s a brief list of popular features in modern thermostats, to give you some idea of what we mean.
What’s Involved in Sizing a New Air Conditioner?
March 14th, 2016Many homeowners assume that the bigger their air conditioner is the better. This is not true, though. In fact, if your AC system is too large, it will experience short-cycling, which occurs when your AC shuts on and off rapidly, making the cooling process inefficient. On the other hand, too small of a unit will cause your system to continuously run as it will never be able to effectively cool your home. Having the right-sized unit installed is essential to effective and efficient cooling. But how do you know what the right size is?
What Is a SEER Rating?
March 7th, 2016A SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating is a measurement of your AC or heat pump’s cooling efficiency. It’s calculated by the cooling output for a typical cooling season, divided by the total electric energy input during that same time frame. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the system is.
Consider a Heat Pump for Your Home this Spring
February 29th, 2016With warm weather well on its way, installing a heat pump is probably the last thing on your mind. What many Orlando, FL homeowners don’t realize, though, is that for areas with mild climates, heat pumps offer an energy-efficient alternative to both furnaces and air conditioners.
Now Is the Time to Clean and Seal Your Ducts
February 22nd, 2016To get the most out of your heating and cooling system, you need to ensure you have reliable ductwork to transport your air effectively and efficiently. As you get ready to transition from using your furnace to using your air conditioning system, now is the perfect time to schedule ductwork services in Orlando, FL
Now Is the Time to Schedule Air Conditioning Maintenance
February 15th, 2016We may still have a couple months of winter left, but for Orlando, FL residents, air conditioners will get turned on soon enough. Because these systems are used so frequently, it’s only natural that you would want to prolong their life and increase their efficiency.
Common Signs You Need Your Heater Repaired
February 8th, 2016We’re getting into the latter half of heating season here in Orlando, FL and soon enough, it will be time to turn off our heaters and turn on our air conditioners. This is usually the time when breakdowns strike your heating system, as regular use can take its toll and leave you without reliable heating during the mild days and chilly nights still to come. The sooner you can summon a repair technician to handle such breakdowns, the better. But not every breakdown announces itself so obviously, and while it’s easy to call for repairs when the system won’t turn on, it’s harder to notice the more subtle signs of a problem. Here’s a brief list for you to watch out for as winter enters its final few weeks.
