Uneven temperatures in your Southwest Florida home are not only uncomfortable, but they may also indicate a problem with your HVAC system or the house itself. By troubleshooting hot and cold spots in your home, you can find the source of the problem and take steps to correct it.

Malfunctioning HVAC System

An improperly-sized or malfunctioning HVAC system can easily lead to hot or cold spots in your home. Make sure the air filter is not clogged or excessively dirty, and replace it if necessary. The air filter should last several months, but it is a good idea to check it at least once a month. Inspect both the indoor and outdoor coils of a heat pump or air conditioner. If the coils are dirty or clogged with debris, the system will not heat or cool properly, and they will need to be cleaned. If you have a furnace, make sure that the burners are free of dirt and soot to keep it heating efficiently. If the problems remain, have a professional inspect the system and make sure that it is sized properly.

Duct Problems

Blocked or leaking ducts can also cause uneven temperatures. Make sure all the vents are open, and check inside the ducts for obstructions and remove them, if possible. Inspect the outside of accessible ducts for cracks, holes, disconnected joints and missing or damaged insulation. If the ducts are leaking, missing insulation, excessively dirty or obstructed, have a professional repair them.

Drafts or Air Leaks

Hot or cold spots can be caused by air leaking into or out of your home. Seal drafty windows, doors, and any holes in the exterior walls with weatherstripping, caulk or expanding foam insulation, and make sure that your home is properly insulated.

Thermostat Problems

Make sure that your thermostat is working correctly, and replace it if necessary. Also, make sure that it is in a suitable location to get a correct reading, and not in a drafty or sunny spot.

For more tips about troubleshooting hot and cold spots in your home, talk to our experts at Conditioned Air today.

Continue Reading

Posted in Air Conditioning, News | Comments Off on Troubleshooting Hot and Cold Spots in Your Home

A new HVAC system usually represents an investment of several hundred dollars or more. In most cases, new HVAC equipment will be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty that protects you against certain types of defects or problems. Warranties can be voided, however, if you don’t follow appropriate procedures. One of the most common ways of voiding an HVAC warranty occurs if you try to repair the system yourself. If your cooling system is still under warranty, it’s best to avoid DIY repairs and leave these matters to an HVAC professional.

Maintaining Valid Warranties

To ensure the warranty remains valid and that the manufacturer will honor the warranty, you must ensure that repairs and preventive maintenance are performed by HVAC professionals. It may be tempting to try to avoid a repair bill by trying to fix problems yourself, but unless you are a qualified HVAC expert, leave the repairs to the pros. In some cases, the HVAC pro you use may even need to be trained and certified by the company that made your HVAC equipment.

By relying on an HVAC professional, you can be sure that the work is performed properly, that the system will work correctly when the repairs are complete, and that the system will be safe to use. Manufacturers will be assured that proper procedures have been followed during the repair, that authorized parts have been installed, and that other problems haven’t been introduced into the system during the repair procedure.

Maintenance You Can Do

While significant HVAC repairs require the services of a licensed professional, there are some minor maintenance tasks you can perform that will leave your warranty intact. These include:

• Changing air filters.
• Cleaning the interior and exterior of the cabinet.
• Clearing grass and other vegetation from outside of the unit.

Conditioned Air provides expert HVAC maintenance and repair services for customers in Ft. Myers, Sarasota, Bradenton, and neighboring southwest Florida communities. Contact us today for more information on how to avoid voiding an HVAC warranty and for the professional repair services you need to fix your HVAC equipment while keeping your warranty intact.

Continue Reading

Posted in Air Conditioning, News | Comments Off on DIY Repairs: Avoid Voiding an HVAC Warranty

One of the most common air conditioning problems in South Florida is a frozen evaporator coil, which happens when the evaporator coil cannot absorb heat correctly and its temperature drops below freezing, turning any condensed moisture on the coil into ice. Not only does this prevent the system from cooling properly, it can also cause permanent damage to certain components. To get the system running properly, you will have to determine the cause, correct it and thaw the coil.

Airflow Problems

In many cases, poor airflow can prevent the coil from absorbing the heat in your home, allowing it to freeze up. Reductions in airflow can be triggered by a dirty or clogged air filter, an obstructed supply or return duct, or problems with the blower fan. Replace the air filter, if necessary, and check your air ducts for obstructions. Make sure none of the vents are covered by furniture, curtains or other items. Check the blower fan and make sure that it is relatively clean and operating correctly, and that its belt is not damaged or slipping.

Dirty Evaporator Coil

Household dust, pet hair and other debris can accumulate on the evaporator coil over time and prevent it from absorbing heat properly. If your evaporator coil is excessively dirty, allow it to thaw, then clean it gently using a soft brush and a vacuum cleaner, being careful to not bend any of the delicate cooling fins.

Refrigerant Problems

Low refrigerant levels, leaks or a clog in the lines can also cause major air conditioning problems like freezing. To correct a refrigerant problem, or any other serious issue, you will need to call a professional.

Thawing the Coils

To thaw the evaporator coils, turn off power to the system and allow the ice to melt naturally. To speed things up a hair dryer or heat gun can be used in a pinch, but never use tools to remove ice, as they may damage the refrigerant lines.

For help with your air conditioning problems, call our cooling experts at Conditioned Air. We serve Ft. Meyers, Naples, Sarasota and the surrounding areas.

Continue Reading

Posted in Air Conditioning, News | Comments Off on Air Conditioner Freezing Up? This Could Be Why

An air conditioner that isn’t working properly can be a cause for concern, but it shouldn’t make you panic. Sometimes a few simple troubleshooting steps can let you resolve the problem and get the system working again without the need to call for repair. Here are a few things to look for when troubleshooting air conditioner problems and A/C noises.

A/C Doesn’t Work

• Check the power supply to the air conditioner and make sure it is plugged in and receiving power.
• See if the circuit breaker controlling the A/C has tripped. Reset the breaker and see if the air conditioner comes on. If the A/C unit keeps tripping the breaker, there may be an electrical problem that needs to be fixed.
• Make sure all vents and registers are open and free of blockages from furniture, boxes, clothing, or other objects that could restrict airflow.
• Make sure the thermostat is working and that the temperature and operational settings are appropriate for the season. Change the batteries in the thermostat if necessary.

A/C Noises

• Rattling or clattering noises coming from your air conditioner could be the result of an access panel or other cover being loose.
• If you detect new or unusual A/C noises, give the system a short period of time to operate and see if the noises continue.

A/C Produces No Cool Air

• If the fan is working, make sure that the system hasn’t been set to fan-only operation. Set the system to “cool” if necessary.
• Listen to make sure the compressor is working and that coolant is being circulated through the system.
• Check the HVAC system ductwork to ensure that there are not damaged or missing sections and that all sections are fitted tightly together. Each connection should also be sealed with mastic, a specialized sealant, or with metal tape.

Conditioned Air helps the residents of Ft. Myers, Sarasota, Naples, Bradenton, and the surrounding Florida communities keep their air conditioners working properly and reliably. Contact us today for more information on troubleshooting air conditioning problems and A/C noises when your cooling system isn’t working the way it should.

Continue Reading

Posted in Air Conditioning, News | Comments Off on Quick Guide for Troubleshooting Your AC Unit

The air conditioner in your home or business means more to you than comfort on hot Florida days. It also represents an investment of hundreds, perhaps thousands of dollars in equipment that should give you years of reliable service. The best way to ensure your cooling system works at its best for as long as possible is through regular preventive maintenance. Here are some useful best practices for air conditioner maintenance and some reasons why you should consider a maintenance service agreement.

• Check the filters: The filters in your air conditioner help clean the air moving through your cooling system and into your indoor spaces. They also contribute to the airflow needed to ensure the equipment operates properly. Dirty, clogged air filters are a major contributor to cooling system malfunctions and breakdowns. Check these filters at least once a month and change them when they get dirty.
• Ensure proper airflow: The conditions surrounding the outside unit of your air conditioning system also affect system airflow. Make sure that grass, weeds, hedges, tree limbs, and other vegetation is trimmed away from the outside unit to provide plenty of clearance for proper airflow. Remove mud, dirt, leaves, sticks, and other material from the cabinet vents.
• Hire a professional: Almost anyone can change an air conditioner filter, but when it comes to the more complex technical elements of preventive maintenance, always hire a professional HVAC technician. Your HVAC expert will be able to evaluate the performance and condition of your cooling system and make necessary adjustments and minor repairs that will improve performance and extend the equipment’s lifespan.
• Purchase a maintenance service agreement: Sometimes called a service contract, a maintenance service agreement provides for an agreed-upon schedule of maintenance services from your HVAC service provider. Your HVAC company will schedule maintenance visits for you. Many service agreements also provide benefits such as discounts and expedited service.

Conditioned Air serves residential and commercial air conditioning customers in Ft. Myers, Naples, Bradenton, and Sarasota. Contact us today for more information on air conditioner maintenance and to find out more about our maintenance service agreement plans.

Continue Reading

Posted in Air Conditioning, News | Comments Off on Best Practices for Air Conditioner Maintenance