Few things are more frustrating than having your air conditioner fail on a sweltering summer or fall day. The good news is that AC systems rarely stop working without warning. By paying attention to early warning signs, you can catch small problems before they turn into major breakdowns. Here’s what to look for if you want to keep your cooling system running smoothly and avoid costly emergency repairs.
Conditioned Air Company of Naples, LLC Blog: Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category
Detecting a Failing AC Before It’s Too Late: September Edition
Monday, September 22nd, 2025Will a Heat Pump Work for Winter in Southwest Florida?
Monday, September 8th, 2025When Floridians think about climate control, cooling is usually the first concern. But winter temperatures, while milder than much of the country, can still dip low enough to make heating necessary. For homeowners, a heat pump offers a versatile, efficient solution that keeps your home comfortable all year long. Let’s explore the benefits of owning a heat pump in the winter and why it’s such a practical investment for Florida living.
Scheduling Maintenance in August: The Full Breakdown
Monday, August 25th, 2025Florida summers are known for their relentless heat and humidity. By the time August arrives, air conditioners have been running nearly nonstop for months, working hard to keep homes cool and comfortable. At the same time, it may seem like an odd time to think about maintenance—right in the middle of peak cooling season—August is actually one of the smartest months to schedule a professional AC tune-up. Here’s why.
Is a Ductless Mini Split a Good Idea for Your Garage or Home Addition?
Monday, August 11th, 2025When 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, especially if your existing unit is nearing replacement as outlined in knowing when to replace your ac.
Why choose a ductless mini‑split heat pump for your garage or home addition?
- It requires no ductwork — just a small conduit through the wall connects the indoor unit to the outdoor compressor, avoiding invasive construction.
- You get zoned temperature control, so you can condition just the addition or garage without heating/cooling the whole house.
- They are energy efficient: inverter technology keeps temperature steady, and there’s no loss from leaky ducts.
- Most units are heat pumps, so they both heat and cool, making them useful year‑round in spaces not originally built for comfort.
- Quiet operation and sleek, unobtrusive design make them a good choice for finished spaces like offices, guest rooms, or media areas.
Here’s why ductless mini-splits are such a smart solution for these types of spaces.
How to Prepare Your AC for the Hottest Weeks of Summer
Monday, July 14th, 2025It’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.
4 Possible Causes of Poor Airflow in Venice, FL
Tuesday, August 15th, 2023Poor airflow can make your home feel uncomfortable and stuffy. Knowing what could be causing this issue can help you take steps to prevent the problem. The following are some of the most common causes of poor airflow at your home in Venice, FL.
1. Clogged Air Filter
A clogged air filter could be the reason for the poor airflow. Hair, dust, and pollen are only some of what can cause the blockage. In addition to causing poor airflow, the blocked air filter can contribute to increased energy costs and put a strain on the system.
2. Problematic Ductwork
It’s not uncommon for ductwork to develop small cracks during its lifespan, which could cause air to start leaking out as it moves through the system. Leaking air could result in poor airflow. An expert HVAC technician can evaluate the problem and determine the next best course of action.
3. Excess Wear and Tear
Excess wear and tear on the system could be another contributing cause of poor airflow. It’s one of the reasons it’s so important to schedule a professional HVAC system inspection twice a year so that they can ensure everything is working properly. With regular maintenance, your HVAC system could have a long lifespan, allowing you to avoid repairs or a replacement for as long as possible.
4. Dirty AC Coils
The condenser coils are in the outdoor unit, so it’s easy for them to get dirty thanks to insects, leaves, dirt, and other debris. As easy as it may seem to clean them off yourself, it’s not worth the risk to yourself and your system. Having a professional HVAC technician clean your outdoor unit ensures the job will be done properly.
Poor airflow can be frustrating when it impacts your comfort and energy costs. Call Conditioned Air today to ask about our exceptional AC repair services in Venice, FL.
Image provided by iStock
Don’t Ignore These 5 AC Noises in Venice, FL
Tuesday, May 30th, 2023Air conditioners are essential to many homes and businesses. They typically make little to no noise, but some odd sounds may indicate a problem that needs addressing by an HVAC technician. Here are five common AC noises you shouldn’t ignore in Venice, FL.
1. Squealing
A high-pitched squealing noise often means that either the bearings or belt need replacing. It’s not something to try replacing yourself; an HVAC expert needs to do it. Not addressing this could cause damage to the motor or other components of the AC system.
2. Rattling
Loose screws, bolts, or other parts of the AC unit may be the source of a rattle. Debris that has become entrapped inside the unit could also be the reason. Additionally, it could be possible that a part of the unit, such as the compressor, is malfunctioning or damaged.
3. Hissing
A hissing sound can indicate a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant cools the air in the AC unit, and a leak can cause the system to stop working efficiently or even break down entirely. An HVAC technician needs to come in and check for the source of the refrigerant leak and determine a solution.
4. Grinding
A grinding noise usually means a malfunctioning motor, worn bearings or a metal component that’s rubbing or scraping against another and causing friction. Not getting the problem fixed immediately could result in the issue worsening and getting more expensive to repair.
5. Banging
A banging noise indicates a broken compressor, an issue with the fan, or a problem with the motor. It’s important to have a professional inspect the unit and have them maintain your system in the future through preventative maintenance visits. The latter can help catch minor issues before they have the potential to become major ones.
If you hear any unsettling noises, turn off your HVAC system immediately. Promptly addressing any unusual AC noise can help prevent further damage to the unit. Contact Conditioned Air to repair or replace your AC system.
Image provided by iStock
How to Check if Your Ducts are Leaking
Monday, January 9th, 2023Over 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!
4 Signs You Have a Refrigerant Leak in Your Commercial Air Conditioning System
Thursday, November 3rd, 2022Commercial 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
Friday, September 2nd, 2022Why 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.