It can be a very strange site, especially when it’s hot outside: ice on your air conditioner. However, this isn’t just some strange anomaly. Ice on your AC indicates that there’s an issue with your system and it needs to be repaired. Otherwise, you could find yourself with warm air blowing through your home’s vents. Scraping off the ice doesn’t fix the problem, and it isn’t a good idea to try and detect the problem yourself unless you have expert training about your AC system. The air conditioning specialists at Downtown Air & Heat can help you with all your repair needs, so if your air conditioner is “on the rocks,” give us a call.
Downtown Air and Heat Blog : Posts Tagged ‘Air Conditioning Repair’
Why Is There Ice on My AC?
Monday, April 13th, 2015Signs of Low Refrigerant in Your Air Conditioner
Thursday, February 5th, 2015Refrigerant 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.
Three Common End-of-Season Air Conditioning Repairs
Friday, October 3rd, 2014Your 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.
Signs that You Need Air Conditioning Repair
Friday, July 18th, 2014If you’re a busy homeowner in Orlando, it can be hard to find time to schedule air conditioning repair service. But in the middle of summer, a sudden breakdown would probably be much more of an inconvenience.
If you notice any of the following signs, make the time to call an air conditioning technician today to avoid problems later on.
- Loud Noises: You expect to hear the whir of the outside fan, but if your air conditioner begins to make unexpected noises such as a banging, hissing, or grinding noise, you should shut off your AC and call an expert for repairs immediately to avoid any damage to your system.
- Short Cycling: If your air conditioning system stops running before your home has reached the desired temperature, there may be any number of problems causing your air conditioner to short cycle. Short cycling can be caused by a refrigerant leak, ice on the coil, compressor damage, or an AC system that is oversized. Because of the large number of possibilities, you should always allow a professional to determine the correct source.
- High Utility Bills: If your energy bills have been higher than usual recently, it may indicate a problem with your air conditioner. Over time, an air conditioner will lose some efficiency, but a dramatic increase should be cause for alarm. High energy bills can mean that a component of your air conditioner is dirty. You can try cleaning your air filters, but it may also indicate a dirty coil or leaky ductwork.
- Loss of Cooling Capacity: If you notice that your air conditioner has lost some cooling power, it can be due to any number of issues. Your air conditioner may be low on refrigerant, you may have a dirty or frozen coil, or the thermostat may be faulty.
Anytime you notice something unusual with your AC system, contact Downtown Air & Heat for air conditioning repair in Orlando. Our experts are trained to identify the problem and help you determine the best course of action. If you need air conditioning repair, call us today!
Avoiding the Need For Air Conditioning Repairs
Thursday, June 19th, 2014The last thing anyone wants to deal with during a hot summer in Orlando is an air conditioning repair. Over the years, our Downtown Air & Heating customers have asked our experts if there are ways to help prevent repair needs from developing, and the answer is yes, there are ways to help curb the need for air conditioning repair to your system. Some repairs are not avoidable, but by taking certain steps we’ll outline below, you can decrease both the need for repairs and the size of the repairs to your air conditioning system.
Don’t Ignore Signs of Problems
Strange sounds, unfamiliar smells and a subpar performance can all point to problems that developing with your air conditioner – don’t ignore them. While your air conditioner may still be running, it may not be running well, and there is a limited amount of time your AC can run under stressful conditions. As the saying goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry, so if something seems even a little bit off, call your Downtown Air & Heat technician to take a look.
Change/Clean Filters Regularly
Your air filter can become clogged with dust and dirt. When the filter becomes too clogged it can restrict airflow, which can lead to multiple problems with your system. By changing the air filter every 1-3 months, you can avoid the problems that develop from a dirty air filter.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to stave off repairs and keep your air conditioner running optimally. With bi-annual maintenance, your system is thoroughly inspected for any issues, cleaned, and adjusted and/or repaired as needed. Scheduling bi-annual maintenance means the small things, like worn fan belts and loose screws, are taken care of before they can lead to bigger, and potentially more expensive, repairs.
Keep the Outdoor Unit Clear
While a specialist should clean the interior components of your outdoor unit, you can help with maintenance by cleaning up any yard debris from the area around the outdoor unit, and making sure there is no overgrowth from trees or shrubs encroaching on the space.
Think You May Have an Issue?
Even if you aren’t sure if something is going on, it’s better to get ahead of your repairs than to wait and see. Get ahead of any potential issues – give Downtown Air & Heating a call and schedule air conditioning repair in Orlando today.
Air Conditioning Repairs: How Often Is Too Often?
Thursday, June 5th, 2014It’s a hard question to decide upon: when are you repairing your air conditioner too much? While there is no simple answer for this, there are a few factors to consider which can help you to decide if your air conditioning repair means it’s time for a replacement:
Have You Scheduled Bi-Annual Maintenance?
Bi-annual maintenance helps prolong the life of your air conditioner, increase efficiency and prevent repairs. Have you been conducting regular maintenance on your air conditioner and still find yourself needing serious repairs? If so, it may be time to sit down with a trained expert to see if it’s time to replace your current AC.
Are the Repairs Becoming Costly?
Small repairs, such as replacing worn fan belts or repairing frayed wiring, are not repairs that will hit your wallet hard. But big repairs, like a burned-out fan motor or finding a refrigerant leak, can really start to add up. Have you spent so much on repairs in the last 2-3 cooling seasons that you could have purchased a new air conditioner for the same amount of money? Reviewing your repair costs with a professional can help you determine if purchasing a new air conditioner could be better for your wallet.
Is Your Current Air Conditioner Cooling Adequately?
As air conditioners age, their ability to cool your home can become an issue. Some air conditioners can no longer keep up with the need to cool; others cool unevenly, producing various hot and cold spots throughout your indoor space. In either case, the people in your home will experience discomfort, which defeats the purpose of having an air conditioner in the first place.
Is Your Air Conditioner 8+ Years Old?
In 2006, federal laws changed to mandate that, moving forward, air conditioners needed to be manufactured at a higher SEER number, which is 13; before this change, the minimum SEER number was 10. This means that if you purchased your air conditioner before 2006, your system may not be as efficient as current models. In addition, your air conditioner is aging. Both of these factors can contribute to higher monthly utility bills.
Before Replacing Your AC, Speak to a Professional
Many facts and figures go into the purchase of a new air conditioner, which is why it’s important to consult with an expert before embarking on a new purchase. Repair bills can be a sign that it’s time to replace your air conditioner, but it’s just one of several. Schedule an appointment with your Downtown Air & Heat specialist today to discuss the impact of your air conditioning repair in Orlando.
Common Air Conditioning Problems in the Spring
Wednesday, April 30th, 2014Although 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.
Watch for These 3 Repair Warning Signs from Your AC
Tuesday, April 29th, 2014The 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.
