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Few things are more frustrating than having to deal with a malfunctioning heater in the dead of winter or a fickle air conditioner during a blazing summer. When worst comes to worst, all you can really do is call the professionals and have them either fix the problem or replace the appliance entirely. However, you can save a lot of stress and money if you catch these issues before they bloom into complete catastrophes. In order to give you the most comfortable home possible, here are some key signs that you should call out an HVAC contractor ASAP.
Your Air Quality Is Low
There are a variety of ways that low air quality can manifest, ranging from increased sickness in the house to a noticeable scent when the air conditioner or heater are turned on. In some cases (and especially if cash is tight), this may seem like a temporary problem and mild inconvenience that will soon pass, but that’s not always true. Poor air quality is often a warning sign that things will be getting much worse in the future. The filters could be clogged, which can lead to overheating and damage in the appliances themselves. Mold can grow quickly and spread throughout the home via ventilation, leading to severe health risks.
Your Appliance Is Making Strange Noises
If you hear strange noises coming from your heater or air conditioner while they’re running, then those may be indicators of much worse problems. If pieces are loose inside, then they may break entirely. This isn’t necessarily a common problem in state-of-the-art models, but it can be a serious issue for older appliances. In the worst-case scenario, this could potentially lead to an electrical or gas hazard that could become a fire.
How a Contractor Can Help
Getting a contractor to your home as soon as possible is one of the best ways to nip these problems in the bud. They can identify what’s causing the problem, how serious it is, and determine the best way to go about fixing it. Of course, they can also help you in other ways that people don’t often think about. Your air conditioner may be working fine, and the problem may be minor, but it may also be an extremely old model that simply doesn’t have the efficiency of modern air conditioners. A contractor can help you decide if an upgrade is worth it and how much you stand to save.
Does your A/C really require a yearly tune-up? If you want a reliable air conditioner that doesn’t call it quits halfway into the cooling season, the answer is yes. While you may get lucky the first or second year you skip out on a tune-up, the lack of maintenance will eventually catch up to your unit, meaning either a major malfunction will occur or your system’s efficiency will dip, significantly. If you’re still questioning the importance of having your air conditioner tuned-up, the consequences listed below will definitely change your mind.
During a tune-up an air conditioning specialist thoroughly cleans your system. This includes checking and replacing the air filter and cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils. Excessive dirt and grime on the unit’s coils and a filter left unchanged for too long are contributing factors to poor airflow. Restricted airflow can cause a number of issues, including frozen evaporator coils and a drop in efficiency. A lack of efficiency also means your air conditioner is forced to work longer and harder while trying to cool your home, which inevitably leads to components inside your A/C wearing down faster than they should.
An air conditioner technician does a lot more than just clean your unit; they also inspect your A/C for damaged, loose, and leaking components, which, if left in disrepair can cause a major or even dangerous malfunction. During a tune-up an air conditioning contractor will perform a thorough examination of your system’s fans, wiring, refrigerant level, and motor. If any issues are spotted they will either repair or replace the offending component. When you choose to skip your systems yearly tune-up, the parts in your unit that are beginning to wear down will continue to deteriorate, meaning what could have been a simple repair will likely turn into an expensive one.
Having your air conditioner tuned-up on a yearly basis is key to extending its life, on the opposite side of the fence, neglecting to get your system tuned-up every year will accelerate the aging process, meaning your A/C will call it quits earlier than its estimated lifespan. If you don’t want to spend a large amount of money replacing your air conditioner prematurely, a yearly tune-up is extremely important.
The phrase, “work smarter, not harder” is a good fit for certain situations… It applies well to your AC system! Proper maintenance of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system can save you money by considerably reducing the heating and cooling costs. When your system isn’t weighed down by lack of care & maintenance, it’ll pay back in no time. Here are some tips to keep your air conditioner efficient.
If there’s hot air entering your room, the air conditioner will have to work harder to maintain a constant internal temperature for your house. Keep the doors and windows closed to reduce air inflow from outside. You can also enhance the insulation in your home to minimize air inflow.
A thermostat controls your AC unit turning on and off. However, you shouldn’t trust it entirely. It is possible for a thermostat to slightly veer off from the correct temperature with a percentage range of about one to five degrees. You should get an accurate thermometer and keep it close to your thermostat, which will help you calibrate the thermostat appropriately.
HVAC systems are mostly kept in out-of-the-way areas like rooftops and attics. These areas are rarely cleaned; hence your HVAC unit collects a lot of dirt and grime. Dust in the HVAC’s coils makes it work more to maintain the same air quality. Ensuring that you schedule coil cleaning at least once annually will save you money in the long run.
A home warranty will ensure that your HVAC is always in good shape. If it breaks down for no apparent reason, your home warranty will be responsible for contracting a qualified HVAC maintenance company to diagnose and fix the problem. The good thing about it is that you will have a lower flat fee for any work that is performed.
With time, your AC system gets older and becomes less efficient than it was when new. You should hence schedule regular maintenance to avoid high replacement costs.
At Conditioned Air, we’ve been providing solutions to the Southwest Florida area since 1962. For any of your HVAC issues, feel free to contact us, and we will be more than willing to assist.
July is here and it’s time to save big! Lennox has just unveiled new rebates just in time for summer. You can now save up to $1600 on select units. This doesn’t include the money you will save on your utility bills this hot and humid Florida summer. Get in now and find out more here
It’s Summer in Southwest Florida and your AC Unit is running overtime. If your unit is over 8-10 years old, now is the time to be thinking about a replacing that old tired AC unit. You will be amazed by the money a new unit will save you on your utility bill. Our friends at Lennox are offering great rebates to help you save money and stay cool all summer long. Starting July 1st you can save up to $1600 on a new high efficiency AC Unit from Lennox. Find out more details by clicking here
All over Southwest Florida, heavy rains are common, especially as tropical storms or hurricanes approach. No matter if you are in Sarasota, Fort Myers or Naples, Conditioned Air has you covered. If you have ever wondered “Does rain affect my air conditioning unit,” the short answer is “No.” In most cases, rain is safe for your air conditioning system, though there are some exceptions, and a few precautions to take during strong storms.
The Effects of Rain on Your Air Conditioning
The outside portion of a central air conditioning system, known as the outdoor unit or condenser unit, houses both the condenser and the compressor, as well as a system fan, electrical connections and other accessories. Most of the components are made from aluminum, copper, plastics and other materials that are not prone to corrosion or damage from moisture, and the electrical connections are sealed, allowing the system to run properly even in heavy rain.
Only during heavy flooding, when the condenser is partially or completely submerged, should you shut the air conditioning system off, which can be done using the breakers in your main electrical panel. If the system is submerged for a significant period of time, have it inspected by an air conditioning contractor before tuning it back on.
Should the Condenser be Covered?
In most cases, the condenser unit should never be covered. Rain cannot harm the condenser, as long as the moisture can evaporate freely, and neither can the cooler weather of a Florida winter. In colder climates, some people cover the condenser during the winter to prevent accumulations of snow, leaves and debris, but it is not necessary. In fact, it can actually cause damage by trapping condensation beneath the cover, leading to corrosion and other damage.
The only time that you should cover the condenser is during extremely strong storms, such as hurricanes, to prevent damage from wind-blown debris. For this purpose, something strong, like plywood, should be secured with the power off, and it should be removed immediately after the storm. Otherwise, simply keep the condenser free of debris, and rinse the dirt out periodically.
When you have questions like “Does rain affect my air conditioning unit” or if you need air conditioning service, contact our team at Conditioned Air for helpful answers and HVAC advice. Conditioned Air serves customers from Bradenton to Naples, Florida, part of Southwest Florida.
If you live or own a home in Florida, Hurricanes are always a concern. Hurricane season starts this Saturday, June 1, 2019 and ends November 30, 2019. Are you prepared? If not here’s some tips for you to consider:
Now/Prepare
Sign up for local alerts and
warnings. Monitor local news and weather reports.
Prepare to evacuate by testing your emergency communication plan(s), learning evacuation routes, having a place to stay, and packing a “go bag.”
Stock emergency supplies.
Protect your property by installing sewer backflow valves, anchoring fuel tanks, reviewing insurance policies, and cataloging belongings.
Collect and safeguard critical financial, medical, educational, and legal documents and records.
During/Survive
Follow guidance from local
authorities.
If advised to evacuate, grab your “go bag” and leave immediately.
For protection from high winds,
stay away from windows and seek shelter on the lowest level in an interior room.
Move to higher ground if there is flooding or a flood warning.
Turn Around Don’t Drown.®
Never walk or drive on flooded roads or through water.
Call 9-1-1 if you are in life- threatening danger.
After/Be Safe
Return to the area only after
authorities say it is safe to do so. Do not enter damaged buildings until they are inspected by qualified professionals.
Never walk or drive on flooded roads or through floodwaters.
Look out for downed or unstable trees, poles, and power lines.
Do not remove heavy debris by yourself. Wear gloves and sturdy, thick-soled shoes to protect your hands and feet.
Do not drink tap water unless authorities say it is safe.
To learn more about how you should prepare for the upcoming hurricane season in Florida check out more tips from Ready.gov here.
Summer in Southwest Florida can be brutal. Are you ready? Most importantly, is your AC Unit ready?
Don’t be surprised and left out in the heat this summer. We can come out and make sure your unit is ready for summer. Manufacturers suggest getting your unit checked twice per year to keep your unit under warranty.
In case you didn’t know, we offer maintenance agreements where we come make a house call twice per year to keep your HVAC unit cleaned and running properly. It’s just like your car, it needs love too.
If you have any questions about just what our maintenance agreements are all about, please feel free to live chat with us here on our website or by calling us anywhere in southwest Florida at 1-888-COLD-AIR.
We are proud to serve from Bradenton to Naples so let us keep you cool all summer long!
