When you’re transforming a space like a garage, basement, or home addition into a livable area, one of the biggest questions is: How do I keep it comfortable year-round? The answer is often simpler than you think—a ductless mini-split system. Compact, energy-efficient, and easy to install, these systems are tailor-made for rooms outside the reach of your main HVAC system.
Here’s why ductless mini-splits are such a smart solution for these types of spaces.
It’s hot out there folks! And your central air conditioning system has quickly become your best ally in keeping your home cool and comfortable. However, ensuring your AC runs efficiently during the hottest weeks of the year takes more than just cranking down the thermostat. With a few smart steps and routine maintenance, you can maximize cooling performance, lower energy bills, and avoid unexpected breakdowns. Here’s how to prepare your AC for the summer heat.
Over time, the duct system for your HVAC may manifest damage. Small tears, loose joints, cracks, or any other damage can manifest. When it does, ducts with damage typically take on symptoms that can be confused for a lot of HVAC system problems.
You will notice your utility bills going up, you may notice that rooms that used to be normal temperatures will now vary from the rest of the house, and you may even notice odd smells or dust coming in from the registers. However, the most conclusive way to tell if you have a breached duct is to find the breach.
In many houses, this is simple. You may be able to find the breach in your ducts by inspecting them in your attic or basement. Unfortunately, other homes can be more difficult. If your ductwork is installed in your concrete slab, you won’t be able to visually inspect it. While this also protects it from air leaks in a way, the unfortunate reality is that you will have to worry about water making its way in there. This means mold and bad smells will become your reality if not repaired eventually.
If you can visually inspect your ductwork, you will want to look for breaches in the system from every angle. Of course, the easiest way to find breaches is to turn on your HVAC system. When there is air blowing through the ducts, all you need to do is follow the breeze to the problem area.
Once found, it may be tempting to put a spot of duct tape on it, and that can help, but it is a temporary bandage. You will want to call your HVAC service in order to get the breach properly patched and make sure there aren’t any more breaches lurking around. Contact us at Conditioned Air for more information or to schedule service today!
Commercial air conditioning systems tend to be larger than their residential counterparts. That means a fault somewhere in your commercial air conditioning system can turn out to be very expensive to repair if it’s not detected early enough. Refrigerant leaks are some of the problems you may experience with your commercial air conditioning system. The refrigerant plays a significant role when it comes to the effective functioning of your air conditioning system. If you are running low on refrigerant due to a leak, your system will be forced to work harder to cool your space, which can result in significant damage to parts such as the compressor and high electricity bills. Being able to identify the signs of a refrigerant leak early enough can save you from significantly costly repairs. Here are some of the signs to watch out for.
Reduced Cooling Power
Loss of cooling power is the first obvious sign that you could be dealing with a refrigerant leak. That’s because of the refrigerant’s vital role in the cooling process, which involves absorbing the heat from your commercial space and releasing it outside. A leak in the refrigerant lines will result in your commercial space taking longer than usual to cool.
Icing
Frost build-up on your refrigerant lines and other parts such as the evaporator coils and the fan motors are also another indication of a refrigerant leak. When you have a refrigerant leak, the refrigerant that remains in the refrigerant lines or coils will lose heat absorption and remain cold such that moisture along the surface of the coils will freeze. Therefore, watch out for iced-up refrigerant lines.
Warm Air from The Registers
If you notice that the air from your vents is slightly warmer than usual, it could be due to a refrigerant leak somewhere. That’s because low levels of refrigerant will affect the cooling power of your air conditioning system, making it struggle to cool your space.
Hissing/Bubbling Sounds
Be keen to identify any strange sounds from your air conditioning system as it runs. Bubbling or hissing sounds are usually associated with refrigerant leaks. That’s because, in most cases, the leaks will be caused by small cracks or holes in the refrigerant lines, which is why you will hear hissing sounds similar to those produced when air is escaping from a punctured tube.
The best solution for refrigerant leaks is finding their source and having it repaired. Topping up the refrigerant may look like a cheaper alternative at first but will turn out to be costly later on because the refrigerant will still leak, meaning you will have to top up again. If you have a refrigerant leak in your air conditioning system, contact Conditioned Air today.
Why a Fall Air Conditioning Tune-up is a Good Idea
The hottest days of the year are behind you. So, why should you schedule an air conditioning tune-up now? Though it may seem counter-productive, there are several reasons fall is an excellent time for AC maintenance.
Your AC just put in a lot of work: The hot summer months represent the period of heaviest use for your AC. It’s been running for hours on end. The motor and other essential components have undergone a great deal of stress. Plus, many of its moving parts may be coated with pollen, dirt, dust, and other pollutants. A tune-up can remove this buildup, rather than leaving it to sit and adhere over the next several months.
Fall AC tune-up scheduling beats extreme weather rushes: When the heat is on, AC problems and breakdowns are plentiful. It’s often difficult to find an available tech, let alone get someone to accommodate your busy schedule. Springtime can be somewhat hectic, too. Proactive property owners are having their HVAC equipment serviced in anticipation of the upcoming hot temperatures. During the chilly months, your HVAC technicians may be busy keeping up with furnace issues and other heating equipment repairs. But during the lull between the end of summer and the onset of cooler weather, HVAC techs are apt to have more time to schedule tune-ups – for both AC units and furnaces. You have a better chance of getting a top-rated company to service your AC. You’re also likely to get more flexible scheduling options for your convenience.
Off-season savings or discounts are often available: Smart shoppers know that the off-season is a great time to reap extra savings. The same holds with service professionals. Keep your eyes peeled for discounts and deals to save even more money when you make the economical choice to schedule an air conditioning tune-up in the fall.
Tune-ups are smart at any time of the year: Whether you choose to schedule a tune-up in the fall or during any other season routine HVAC maintenance is important. It helps ensure that your equipment continues working well. Regular tune-ups can help prevent expensive repairs. A professional tech also recognizes when your cooling equipment is putting an abnormal strain on your energy consumption.
To learn more about the benefits of an air conditioning tune-up, reach out to our knowledgeable team at Conditioned Air today.
Air Conditioning: Things You Need a Contractor For
When it comes to air conditioners, there are a lot of things you can do with nothing but a search engine, some ingenuity, and your local hardware store. However, there are still things that you will need outside help with; things that are utterly beyond even the most determined Googler and expert DIY aficionado. The biggest one of all is air conditioning repair and maintenance which is one of those things that can be both expensive and dangerous to try to do yourself. Attempting to repair your AC unit without professional help can result in both a more expensive repair and exposure to deadly chemicals (which also could mean a hospital visit and paying even more money as a result).
If it is necessary to call a professional in to perform maintenance on your AC, you want to make sure it is done safely and accurately. This should include the following:
Now, this might sound quite straightforward and there are certainly some things on that list (such as changing the filter) which are within the abilities of your average air conditioner owner and don’t necessarily require a pro to get done safely. However, the problem is that many owners tend to clean rather roughly and unintentionally damage their AC unit while they’re trying to clean it. Also, many of the parts have quite the build-up of dirt and other kinds of residue by the time they get cleaned so many owners simply do not know how much force to use and go all-out which can result in long-term damage to the parts in question.
The benefit to hiring a professional to do this work is that they know exactly what the right amount of force needed to clean the various parts is. They are also in the right position to keep an eye out for unforeseen problems you may have overlooked which crop up during the cleaning process, therefore allowing you to see to those problems as they are discovered rather than you having to call them back because you cleaned your motor to vigorously and your AC unit is now making a strange noise and only putting out half the air it used to or something like that.
Contact us today at Conditioned Air for more information or to schedule an appointment!
Have you turned on your air conditioner only to have it trip the circuit breaker? Do you turn it back on only for it to happen again? First thing is first, you will want to stop flipping the breaker back on. The circuit breaker is specifically installed to prevent your appliance and your home from damage. If the circuit breaker has tripped, it means there is something wrong with your air conditioner, and that will need to be addressed.
A common reason the air conditioner will trip the circuit breaker is because it has run for too long and the unit has overheated. This was done to ultimately protect a fire. If your AC was on for a while and the day is particularly hot, your air conditioner likely overheated. This means it may have been struggling to cool your home due to a problem. These problems include:
Dirty Air Filter
A dirty air filter impedes airflow. This forces your air conditioner to work harder to circulate cool air and makes your air conditioner struggle to get its job done. As this is the easiest fix, it should always be checked first.
Dirty Condenser Coils
When was the last time your air conditioner has been inspected? If you cannot remember, then dirty condenser coils are likely the cause. Yearly AC inspections are not just to look for problems, but the technicians clean the inner workings of your air conditioner as well. If your air conditioner has overheated enough to trip the circuit breaker, then you have likely seen a huge rise in your energy bills as well.
Not Enough Refrigerant
This is the least likely cause as refrigerant in your air conditioner works in a closed-loop. If your air conditioner is leaking refrigerant, it is a big problem that needs to be addressed immediately.
Contact Us for Your Air Conditioner Needs
Conditioned Air helps Florida residents keep their air conditioners working properly and consistently. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment!
As we enter the month of June, you are likely already prepared to face some significant heat and more trying times. If you are a homeowner, your air conditioning system is always working hard to cool your home in an effective and efficient manner. If your air conditioning system has to work harder than usual, it could fail right when you need it the most.
We want to provide you with some tips and advice that can help prevent your air conditioning system from failing this summer.
Schedule an Inspection
If your air conditioning system has not been inspected this year, you still have time to get it inspected as we anticipate hotter days this summer. If it is discovered that you need to have repairs on your air conditioning unit, it will be better to find out now and not on the hottest day of the summer where you will be without the services of your unit.
Air Conditioning Unit Cleaning
When was the last team you inspected your air conditioning unit for mold, dirt, debris, etc.? If you inspect your air conditioning unit and discover dirt on the coils or evaporator, your air conditioning unit may eventually fail because it will no longer be able to absorb the excessive amount of heat this summer. We encourage you to take a look at your outside unit and clean the coils that have become dirty.
Air Filters
Cleaning your air filters a great way to ensure your air conditioning unit will run as efficiently as possible this summer. There are some air filters that will need to be replaced monthly and there are some that can last for an entire year. Make sure you have an understanding of your air filters and how often they need to be replaced.
While we know anyone’s air conditioner can fail for any given reason, there are things you can do to ensure your air conditioning unit has a great chance of surviving during the hottest days of the summer. If you want to have your air conditioning unit inspected or serviced, please do not hesitate to reach out to the experts at Conditioned Air today.
Although “Schedule HVAC service” is likely not on the to-do lists for expectant parents who are preparing for the arrival of their little ones, it should be. The condition of a home’s HVAC system can have an impact on air quality, which could lead to problems for both mother and child. If you are expecting, here are a few reasons that you should schedule service immediately.
Air Quality
Over time, an air filter traps dirt, allergens, and other debris that would normally pass through your HVAC system. Unfortunately, if the filter is dirty, the debris will be pushed through anyway and can wind up being spread throughout your home through the duct system. Poor air quality could mean respiratory issues for the expectant mother and a weakened immune system for the unborn child.
Comfort
As the baby grows, being in a comfortable environment is important. Whether that means turning up the heat or cool air, it is important that the HVAC system is ready to go when needed. Problems, such as dirty filters and frozen evaporator coils, have an impact on how well a unit can perform. A poorly functioning system can mean discomfort for the mother.
Utility Bills
Finances are often a concern of expectant parents and a malfunctioning HVAC system can add to those woes. When a system has not been properly serviced, it can sometimes work harder to function. This results in a higher energy bill. It could even mean facing the expense of replacing the system sooner rather than later.
Give our team a call to learn more about how important it is to service your HVAC system while waiting on the arrival of your baby. You can learn more about servicing the unit and also what steps you can take to ensure that it continues to operate smoothly before and after the baby’s birth. Contact Conditioned Air today at (239) 643-2445 for additional information or to schedule an appointment!
Hiring the right air conditioning contractor can be the difference between having a miserable summer and enjoying your life in the cool breeze. You should search for a provider that has these three qualities to fulfill your needs:
Tenure and Longevity
A long tenure can provide you with confidence about the contractor who’s going to work on your air conditioning unit. Any business that has survived for longer than a decade is doing something right. That company has exceptional customer skills, or they provide outstanding quality services.
Make sure that your air conditioning contractor has many years of services, as well as accolades, certifications, and positive reviews from clients. You can ensure that your experience will be pleasant if you can find such a provider.
Affordable Pricing
An honorable service provider knows when the community is going through challenging times economically. That provider will want to ensure that all clients receive affordable pricing that makes their air conditioning repair attainable. Therefore, you should search for a contractor that shows obvious signs of its willingness to offer savings, discounts, and promotions that will help you receive the work you need on your unit.
Compassion and Empathy
Compassion is a quality that the world doesn’t have enough of anymore. Empathy is its understanding neighbor. Only a rare breed of air conditioning contractors have a genuine caring disposition that will make you feel secure about your business with them. You can sense this quality when you contact a contractor and first speak with them about the services you need. A caring person will be prompt, knowledgeable, and willing to listen to your needs and concerns.
Conditioned Air has all three of the elements mentioned above and more. We’ve been serving local residents and keeping their heating and cooling systems running since 1962. Contact us today at (239) 643-2445 for additional information or to schedule an appointment.
