Downtown Air and Heat Blog : Posts Tagged ‘Orlando’

What Can I Expect When Installing a New Air Conditioner?

Monday, June 16th, 2014

Modern air conditioners have long service lifespans. You probably haven’t needed to install a new air conditioning system in your home more than once before, if at all. So when you need to arrange to replace an older AC, you probably won’t be very familiar with the process or know what to expect. We’ll give you an idea of what the installation work involves.

To help smooth out the process and take away most of the headaches, contact Downtown Air & Heat to arrange for air conditioning installation in Orlando, FL. We have a NATE-certified team to make sure that the work is preformed professionally and accurately. At the conclusion you will have a system in your house that will last you for many more years… long enough that when you need to replace it, you once again will have to read over reminders about how the installation process goes!

What Happens During AC Installation

The first step in new air conditioning installation is to call for HVAC professionals: do not take this on as a “do-it-yourself” project or hand it off to amateurs.

The professional installers will come to your home to ascertain its cooling needs and power supply so they can find the right unit to go with it. Part of this selection process involves “sizing” the new system so that its cooling load matches your house: too large or too small will mean energy drain and a system with an abbreviated lifespan.

Once these preliminaries are completed, the actual physical installation requires less than a day (in most cases). The arduous part of the installing involves removing the current system and disposing of it. Once the old air conditioner is out of the way, the rest of the work will move forward rapidly. The installers will place and secure the outdoor unit, and then do the same for the indoor unit. They will cut and resize the ductwork that connects to the indoor cabinet so it fits perfectly, connect the ventilation system to the indoor unit, and then hook the system into the house’s power supply.

The last step that the installers will take is to look over the refrigerant lines, power lines, and connections to make sure that everything links up. They perform electrical and airflow tests to see that the system is working as it should. Quality professionals will not consider the job finished until they know you will be fully satisfied with the work and can start enjoying your new cooling right away.

We take pride in the work we perform at Downtown Air & Heat when it comes to air conditioning installation in Orlando, FL. Contact us when you are ready to have your first AC replacement in many years—we’ll make the process easy for you.

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Air Conditioning Repairs: How Often Is Too Often?

Thursday, June 5th, 2014

It’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.

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Home Improvements to Make Before Air Conditioning Installation

Thursday, June 5th, 2014

You’ve finally decided to replace your aging air conditioning system for a new one with increased performance and efficiency. This is a big decision, but if you have the right professional installers working with you, the process should go smoothly and leave you with an AC that works ideally and meets your comfort needs.

However, there are a few improvements around your home you should consider having completed before your new air conditioning installation in Orlando, FL. These improvements will help you get the most effective and efficient cooling from your new system, letting you take advantage of its superior features and performance. When you’re ready for installation, contact Downtown Air & Heat and well will help you receive the best possible work for your future comfort.

Ductwork repairs and sealing

One of the major troubles that air conditioners (as well as forced-air heaters) can face is from leaky ductwork. If you have an older ventilation system, it make have gaps and breaks along it that will negatively affect the performance of your new AC, causing it to lose air pressure and sending contaminating dust into your indoor air. Call on duct repair experts to examine the ductwork and perform the necessary sealing work to make sure that you have airtight ventilation shafts.

Window caulking and weather stripping around doors

Windows with space around them where hot air can enter your home will make the interior of your house far hotter than it should be, and that will make the air conditioner’s job much harder. Caulking the windows will keep a better heat seal. As for doors to the outside, place weather stripping around them to block additional external heat from finding ways inside.

Insulation improvements (especially in the attic!)

People often don’t realize that insulation serves to keep a home cool as well as warm. If your home has too many air leaks due to poor or deteriorating insulation, additional heat will infiltrate your home and overstress your new AC. The attic is the most important place to seal up, since during the summer the temperature in the attic can sometimes climb to 130°F! As this excess heat seeps down into your home, it could raise the indoor temperature more than 10°F, and you will need to run the AC much longer to overcome it. Make sure you have your insulation in good shape to defend against outdoor summer heat.

Call Downtown Air & Heat today to get started with the first task: duct repairs. We can seal and repair all types of ductwork so your new air conditioner will have healthy “breathing” passages. When you are ready for your full air conditioning installation in Orlando, FL, you can rely on our experienced technicians to perform an excellent job that will keep you cool for many Florida summers to come.

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The Benefits of Installing a High-Efficiency AC

Friday, May 23rd, 2014

The term “high efficiency” automatically makes an appliance sound like a good option. When it comes to air conditioning systems—appliances that are among the most energy-demanding in a home—it sounds even better to opt for a high-efficiency model.

Although there are some cautions you need to take when it comes to choosing a high-efficiency AC—they aren’t always the best choice—you can eliminate most of the guesswork with the assistance of skilled HVAC technicians. When you’re ready for an air conditioning system replacement in Orlando, FL, call Downtown Air & Heat. We install a variety of high-efficiency ACs and will help you find the right one to keep you cool for many Florida summers to come.

Reasons High-Efficiency Air Conditioners Are Beneficial

  • Energy Savings: The main reason that homeowners investigate installing high-efficiency air conditioning in the first place is to save money on utility bills while still receiving the amount of cooling they need. Where a standard AC must have a SEER (seasonal energy efficiency rating) of at least 14.5 to qualify for the U.S. Department of Energy’s ENERGY STAR label, high-efficiency systems score much higher, sometimes with SEER in the low 20s. That’s a huge jump from 14.5, meaning you can expect to pay a third less for the electricity necessary to cool your home during the summer.
  • More Features: The technology of high-efficiency systems also means they have advanced features on them for superior performance. Most of these ACs come with variable speed air handlers and two-stage compressors to help them achieve better energy efficiency; but they also make the system better at cooling down a home. You’ll have faster cooling power and a more even temperature distribution with a high-efficiency air conditioner.
  • Increased Lifespan: Going hand-in-hand with better performance and efficient operation is reduced wear and tear on the unit. A high-efficiency air conditioner experiences less stress because it will not need to turn on and off as often. This means fewer repairs and a generally longer life for the unit.

Are There Any Drawbacks?

The only issue that high-efficiency air conditioners can present for homeowners is the upfront installation cost. As a rule of thumb, the higher a system’s SEER, the higher its price tag. If a high-efficiency AC will not offer a home significantly improved comfort and savings, then a standard system may be the optimal choice.

The best way to find out how well a high-efficiency AC will work for your home is to call in skilled professionals. Downtown Air & Heat handles a variety of types of air conditioning system installation in Orlando, FL, and we will pinpoint the system that will bring you all the advantages you need at a price that suits your budget.

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Consider a Dehumidifier When Installing a New Air Conditioner

Wednesday, 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

Wednesday, 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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3 Causes of Lower Heat Levels in Your Furnace

Monday, 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

Monday, 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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Things to Consider Before Installing a New Heating System

Thursday, February 27th, 2014

If you are interested in having a new heating system installed in your home, now is an excellent time to schedule it. With winter already quickly receding in Florida and air conditioning is starting to hum once again, heating installers will have more open schedules. You also won’t have to worry about forgoing heat for a short time while the installers do their work swapping out your old heater for the new one.

New installation does require some planning, so here are a few things to consider before you start. For quality help when it comes to heating systems installation in Orlando, FL, contact Downtown Air & Heat and talk to one of our NATE-certified technicians today.

What you should consider before heating installation:

  • Your energy supply: How do you receive power for your home? Do you only use electricity, or do you have a natural gas line? Have you used stored heating oil before? Understanding the fuel sources available to you will guide you toward the heater that will fit best with your home. If you only have electricity, you’ll need to narrow your options to heat pumps and electric furnaces. With a natural gas line, you’ll have a choice of gas furnaces as well.
  • Your budget plans: There are two places to think about your budget when it comes to heating systems. First, the initial installation cost. Second, the long-term cost of operation. Some heaters have low installation prices, but cost more to run. High-efficiency systems, which can generate large long-term savings, often cost much more upfront. You will need to give some thought to where you wish to spend the money and how long you expect the heater to work for you.
  • Your home’s heat load: “Heat load” is the amount of heat (in tons) that your home requires in order for you to be comfortable. Determining the heat load requires calculating numerous factors—house size, number and position of windows, heat generated from appliances, how many people live there, etc.—and for this you should have your installers perform a careful heat load calculation. Knowing the heat load will not only help you pick the right heater, but it will help the installers size it to fit your home.

Make sure you use professional installers

When you are considering your budget, don’t plan to save money by going with amateur installers for the job (or even doing it yourself). This won’t actually save you money: it will result in years of repairs and poor performance, and it could even create safety hazards. Only deal with licensed and trained professional installers.

Contact Downtown Air & Heat and talk to our specialists with heating systems installation in Orlando, FL. We’ll do the job right!

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Why Should I Hire a Heating Systems Repair Specialist?

Monday, February 17th, 2014

If you’re a business owner, you’ll often rely on the maintenance crew from the building to take care of minor mishaps that can occur in your workspace, such as broken doorknobs, flickering fluorescent lights, and occasional problems in the vents. But when it comes to the heating system you have for your business, if it’s a heater that you own and pay for, it’s best to contact a professional HVAC company that handles commercial work to take care of it. A heating systems repair specialists can do the specific and targeted job to get the work done correctly and with little chance of it re-occurring.

If you’re looking for professional heating system repair in Orlando, FL for your company’s requirements, contact Downtown Air & Heat today. We think you’ll like our work so much that you’ll put us down as your regular heating repair specialists for all your needs.

What can a heating systems repair specialist do for my business?

The HVAC system in your business place is much more complicated than what you will find in a home. It requires more power to run and must work for a larger number of people. Keeping the system working at peak level is essential for the comfort of both your employees and customers, and to maintain a check on heating bills. The need for precision while working on a large system calls for a technician with extensive, expert training in commercial HAVC.

Most business use rooftop packaged units for heating and cooling; these machines require a level of advanced knowledge to service that is often beyond residential HVAC technicians, and certainly beyond the skill of standard maintenance crews. These systems also need a dedicated technician who can keep up maintenance on the unit and detect if it is developing problems that may lead to repairs, and to figure out when the unit will need replacement.

Heating systems repair specialists will also be considerate concerning your business and how important it is to keep it tidy. They work in protective covers to keep your workspace clean and will go out of their way to avoid disruptions to work flow.

Where can I find a good heating systems repair specialist?

Right here, at Downtown Air & Heat! We have the best of both worlds, since we handle residential and commercial HVAC work. We have specialists for the work you’ll need, and they can take care of your installation and replacement services, including heating and cooling systems up to 25 tons. We have a staff of NATE-certified technicians ready for your needs for heating systems repair in Orlando, FL.

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