AC Leaks: 5 Early Signs That Your AC May Be Leaking in Naples, FL
When it's hot out, all you want is to reach the cool interior of your home. Nothing derails those plans faster than turning on your AC and being greeted with a blast of hot air.
If you've experienced this before, it's an indicator that your AC is leaking. AC leaks can impact the performance of your HVAC system, which can leave your home a veritable oven.
To avoid getting caught in a hot home, you should learn to recognize some of the signs that indicate a leaking AC. Here are five things you should look out for.
1. Lower Airflow Means AC Leaks
When you put your hand up to a vent, you should feel a steady stream of air. If the air feels weak or nonexistent, your AC unit is leaking freon. Refrigerant is what cools the air when you turn on your air conditioning.
When your unit leaks, it can impact the airflow from the vent.
2. Hissing Sounds From the AC Unit
Leaking refrigerant is a result of holes or cracks in the coils that circulate refrigerant. Hissing can be the result of multiple problems, but a leak is among them. As the refrigerant passes by the cracks in the coils, it produces the hissing you hear.
If you hear hissing from your AC unit, you should call a technician immediately. The hissing sound from the unit is eerie enough, but as the holes and cracks get bigger, the hissing sound can become a rumbling, gurgling sound.
3. Loss of Cooling Power
We've already mentioned that refrigerant is what cools down the air. It absorbs the heat in your home and releases outside. When your unit gets low on refrigerant, it takes longer for your home to cool down, if it cools down at all.
If you notice that your thermostat reading isn't going down, it's one of the warning signs of a leaking unit. When it's really hot outside, it can also lead to the temperature in your home rising as it gets hotter.
4. Frozen AC Coils
As the refrigerant level in the unit drops, the coils cannot properly absorb heat from your home. This can lead to condensation on your coils freezing. Sometimes, the ice on the coils will melt and drip onto the floor.
If you spot water around your AC unit, this is a telltale sign that the coils are freezing. Even though the ice itself isn't a serious issue, it can lead to system breakdowns.
5. Higher Energy Bills
When you set a temperature on your thermostat, your unit runs to get the temperature to the desired level. If your unit doesn't have refrigerant, your unit will run until it can get to the temperature you set. This can cause your unit to run continually, which can lead to a higher bill.
If your bill seems abnormally high, especially compared to what it was at that point last year, there's something wrong with your unit.
Stay Comfortable in Your Home Year Round
AC leaks can cause headaches for you and your family, but they are pretty easy to spot. Watch for frozen coils, higher energy bills, hissing sounds, reduced airflow, and lower cooling power. The sooner you address an AC leak, the better off you'll be.
If you have AC leaks, call Romeo Air Conditioning, Inc. We can get your unit back to the way it should be. If you live in Naples, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Marco Island, or Estero, give us a call for your HVAC needs.
3 Reasons for Hiring an AC Repair Service in Fort Myers, FL
Fort Myers, FL, is a beautiful place to call home. It's also a hot and sticky place, with nearly 54 inches of rain and a July average temperature of 90° Fahrenheit. Living here without a functioning AC is not an option. That's why from time to time, you'll need to call in a local company for AC repair. A Fort Myers AC repair company will have seen it all before. Don't waste time scratching your head and trying to find a DIY solution online.
Let's explore three reasons why you need Fort Myers AC repair services to keep you cool year-round.
1. Protect Your Investment
In Fort Myers, you rely on your AC every month of the year. In more northern parts of the country, it might get a few months of rest in the winter. This means that the chances of things going wrong are higher.
The average cost of a new HVAC system is around $7,500. In larger homes, they can easily cost more than $12,000. That's an expense most of us want to face as infrequently as possible.
If you notice warning signs, it's wise to call AC repair services right away. Getting small repairs done promptly can help you to avoid expensive major repairs in the future.
2. Safety First
Carrying out an AC repair might look straightforward when you watch a video about it online. But in the real world, things can be a lot more tricky. To perform an AC repair safely, you need to have a good understanding of how the system works and how to avoid being electrocuted.
If you call an AC repair service, your AC will be repaired by highly trained and experienced technicians. They have seen it all before and know exactly how to tackle common AC repairs.
They will follow all relevant safety protocols. They will shut off the power and handle your repair according to the manufacturer's recommendations. This will avoid damaging the unit and will keep the warranty intact.
You can have peace of mind knowing that the repair will be safe and your family will be protected going forward.
3. Fast and Reliable
If you call a local company for AC repair in Fort Myers, they'll be there as soon as possible. The best companies are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
They have the tools and parts needed to carry out successful AC repairs on time and with minimal fuss.
Call Romeo for AC Repair
Even in the middle of winter, nobody in Fort Myers, FL, wants to be left without a working AC.
Whenever you need AC repair, call Romeo Air Conditioning Inc. We offer a 24/7 service to our valued customers. Our technicians have an average of 25 years of experience in troubleshooting HVAC problems.
Trust us to complete your AC repair promptly and safely. Call us at 239-237-1518 or schedule a visit online today!
3 Common AC Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid for Homeowners in Naples, FL
It's not uncommon for average temperatures in Naples, Florida, to reach nearly 100-degrees during the summer. As if that weren't reason enough to have you looking up AC repair near me, humidity is sometimes nearly 100% during July and August. Simply put, not having AC in Naples, FL, is not an option - especially when it's hot outside.
Even having under-performing air conditioning can be miserable during the hottest days of the year. To help you get ready for the summer, we've put together some regular AC maintenance tips.
This will help you avoid the most common AC issues or see if you need to schedule an AC repair-free estimate.
1. Change The Filter
By far, one of the first and most common AC issues reported to AC companies is simply due to a dirty AC filter. This is largely due to the fact that many homeowners don't realize how important the filter is to a functional air conditioner.
Not changing your air conditioner's filter often enough can even impact the indoor air quality.
If your AC is turned up to full blast and is still pumping out lukewarm air, the first thing to try is to get a new AC filter before calling anyone out to repair AC units.
2. Irregular Maintenance
Air conditioners need to be maintained regularly, like any other piece of complicated machinery. This is especially true someplace like Naples, FL, where it's so warm year-round.
Considering how important AC is to have a good quality of life in Florida, we highly advise creating a regular maintenance schedule for your outdoor AC unit and window units. Check common issues like air conditioner leaking/AC pan leaking, filters, and the like.
It's a good idea to have professional AC companies look at your unit at least once a year, as well.
This will help keep your AC unit running smoothly for as long as possible. It will also alert you if you need to schedule an AC repair-free estimate or even a free furnace estimate.
3. Using An Outdated Thermostat
Many people don't realize that it's not enough to maintain your AC unit. Your thermostat plays as much of a part in how your AC functions as an air conditioning unit. Updated thermostats have all manner of energy-saving features, for one thing.
Not only will this help save on energy bills, but it also keeps wear and tear to your AC unit to a minimum.
Taking the time to avoid common AC issues means you won't have to search for AC repairs near me anytime soon! It also ensures you'll be able to enjoy your summer in Naples in cool comfort.
Need AC Repair Near Me?
Are you in Bonita Springs, Marco Island, Naples, Florida, or nearby? You'll want to prepare for the coming warm weather months! If your AC isn't performing at peak power and you've been looking up AC repair near me, get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation.
Top 3 Factors to Consider When Choosing AC Repair Services
With over 110,000 AC repair service companies to choose from, it can be difficult to narrow it down to just one.
But not every company is the same. Knowing this, you want to get the quality and services you need — and you don't want to guess to get them either!
So stop guessing and start choosing the best person for the job. There's a lot that can go into choosing your AC repair service, but there are a few factors that you shouldn't compromise on.
Want to learn more? Then keep reading. Below, we'll cover the top three factors to consider when choosing AC repair services in southwest Florida.
1. Reputation
Before you whip out your wallet, ensure that the company in question offers great service. Sure, you can speak to the company to hear what they have to say about their own services. But you'll also want to know what their previous clients have to say.
If someone referred this AC repair service to you, ask them about your experience. It's one opinion out of many, but it helps to hear a company's strengths from someone you trust.
You can also look up the company's Google reviews. When you do, make sure you at least skim some reviews instead of counting how many stars they have. This way, you'll be able to understand their strengths and know whether that company is right for you.
Many companies will also have a testimonials page on their site. They might choose to only display positive reviews. But this still gives you a great glimpse into what makes their service great.
2. Experience
You'll also want to ensure that the company has plenty of AC repair experience. This means that the business has been in the industry for a while. If they've got positive reviews along with experience, then you can rest easy knowing that they know exactly how to please customers.
Most likely, you'll also opt for a local company. This is more advantageous since local companies understand local problems, especially those dealing with extreme weather conditions. Combine this with plenty of experience, and you've got a company that knows how to go above and beyond common AC issues.
So whether you live in Fort Myers, FL, Marco Island, FL, or any other of our service areas in southwest Florida, make sure you commit to the services of a company that understands the area. Experience and locale can make a huge difference, especially if you're dealing with a specific local issue that threatens your AC's efficiency.
3. Insurance
Repairing AC systems is a run-of-the-mill service, but it doesn't come with zero risks. These risks could affect your home and people's safety, which you don't want to be legally or financially liable for.
Run far, far away from any AC repair company that doesn't offer insurance. No company is skilled enough to do that, no matter what they may tell you.
If they don't offer insurance, there's a good chance that they'll do shoddy repairs for a quick buck. Don't put yourself in a legal and financial tough spot by getting uninsured service.
Choosing AC Repair Services — It Can Be Easy!
Choosing AC repair services isn't always such a simple task. After all, your AC unit is important to your health, comfort, and electricity bill. You don't want your dollars going to waste with shoddy repair work!
At Romeo Air Conditioning, we know what a great-running AC system looks like. That's why we offer some of the best AC repair services in southwest Florida! So if you're interested in exactly that, then contact us today!
5 Common Mistakes with AC Repairs and How to Avoid Them
Did you know to cool a house from 80 to 72 degrees the average AC would need about 2.5 hours? Your air conditioner is essential if you live in a hot climate or where there is a warm summer. If your air conditioner breaks, you want to make sure to get the issues addressed immediately to prevent any further damage. Keep reading and we will guide you through the five common mistakes with AC repairs and how to avoid them.
1. DIY Fixes
When you're looking at fixing AC units, using a DIY approach isn't always the best idea. It's understandable if you want to save time and money, but you don't want to make an issue worse by trying to fix it yourself if you're not sure how to fix it correctly.
Unless you can training in AC repair service, you will want to avoid trying to fix anything involving your air conditioner yourself. You can avoid this by calling Romeo Air Conditioning in Naples, Florida. You can browse through their AC services here.
2. Don't Forget the Ducts
You should get your air conditioner checked routinely to look for common AC problems and to make sure everything is up and running before the weather gets hot.
However, you want to make sure your air ducts are checked too. They are essential to your system and with worn out or leaky ducts your AC will have to work harder to cool your home.
They can also fill with allergens and pathogens that can cause health issues for people in your home.
3. Buying an Incorrect Size
You want to consult a professional before buying an AC system because the size of your cooling unit should be in proportion with the size of your home.
Buying one that's too small will cause it to have to work harder to cool your home and if it's too big it will cycle on and off frequently leading to early wear and tear.
4. Location is Key
If your AC unit is located in an unideal spot, such as if it's getting excessive moisture or direct sunlight, you want to make sure to get this corrected immediately to avoid future expensive repairs.
It may seem like a lot of work to get the unit moved, but you should consult a professional and they can assess if it's necessary and where it should be moved for maximum use in your home. It's easier to get it fixed now rather than later when further issues arise.
5. Don't Assume the Worst
If you're having AC issues, don't immediately assume the worst. Consult a professional right away and have an understanding of the average AC repair cost.
You can pay anywhere from low hundreds to close to a thousand in average AC repair costs. Find a service you can trust and call when an issue comes up.
You want to make sure to avoid making any issue worse so that your AC can live its full lifespan of between 15-20 years.
Avoid Mistakes with AC Repairs
Now that you know the five common mistakes with AC repairs, you can avoid causing any further issues with your unit.
Avoid DIY fixes and don't assume the worst, don't forget the ducts, and make sure you buy the correct size for your home and that it's located in the right place.
Schedule your routine AC maintenance or contact us at Romeo Air Conditioning for their air conditioning services in Naples, Florida.
The ABCs of Home AC: Top 5 Air Conditioner Troubleshooting Tips
The spring, summer, and fall temperatures in southwest Florida range from about 80 to 92°F. While the ocean breezes will keep you cool at the beach, you'll feel uncomfortable indoors. That's why AC is such a critical utility in Florida. The trouble is, what do you do when the AC won't turn on or keep your house cool? Before you panic, know that there are some air conditioner troubleshooting tips you can try.
Read on to learn how to spot some common AC issues and see if you can fix them before you call a service technician.
1. Is the Return Air Vent Blocked?
Your HVAC system only works if air can easily circulate through your home. If you're noticing issues with cooling or efficiency, make sure the return air vent isn't blocked.
Move any plants or furniture items away from this vent to ensure proper circulation. You should also check the other air vents in your home to make sure they're not covered either.
2. Did You Check the Filter?
The air filter sits inside the return air vent. After cool air circulates in your home, it gets pulled into the return air vent to be cooled again.
Since all the air in your home travels through this filter, it can get clogged with debris. This can make your AC unit work harder to cool your home and make it run less efficiently.
If it looks dirty or you've never replaced the filter, swap in a new one. If you have pets or your system runs often, you may need to change it every few months.
3. Did You Check the Circuit Breaker?
If your AC filter was dirty, your unit's motor probably had to work harder than normal. That can sometimes trip the circuit for your air conditioner.
If you've changed your filter but the AC still won't kick on, you should check the circuit breaker. Find the circuit that powers your HVAC system. If it's switched to the "off" position, that means the breaker was tripped.
Turn off your AC system and then reset the tripped breaker before trying the AC again. If this happens often, you'll need to call an electrician because it could be a wiring issue.
4. Did You Check Your Thermostat Settings?
Sometimes the wrong thermostat settings are to blame. Make sure your system is set to cool rather than heat.
You can also check the temperature settings for different times of the day. If there's still an issue, feel free to call a pro for HVAC maintenance.
5. Is the Outdoor Compressor Blocked?
Another culprit can be a blocked outdoor compressor. If there's leaves, plants, or trees against the unit, remove them or trim them back.
Your compressor needs lots of air flow around the unit to work correctly. If that DIY AC repair doesn't help, call in a professional for repairs.
Need More Help With Air Conditioner Troubleshooting?
Before you call a service technician, try these air conditioner troubleshooting tips first. If it's one of the above issues, you might be able to fix it yourself.
If you're still not sure what's wrong, reach out to a professional for HVAC maintenance. If you're in southwest Florida, Romeo Air Conditioning, Inc. can help.
We're based in Naples, Florida, but we also offer our HVAC services to Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Marco Island, and Estero. Contact us today to schedule AC services for your home.
Troubleshooting Your Heating System: How to Diagnose the Issue
Is your furnace blowing cold air? Are you freezing inside when your house is supposed to be warm and snug? If so, it's time to check your furnace.
Read on to learn tips and tricks for troubleshooting your furnace
Check the Thermostat
Your thermostat runs the entire heating system. If the thermostat goes down, the whole heating system will stop. So you should check the thermostat as your first step.
Does the thermostat display work? When you operate the controls, does anything change? If not, try replacing the thermostat batteries.
Next, check the room temperature. If the temperature near the thermostat matches the thermostat setting, the thermostat will not turn in. In that case, set the thermostat a few degrees higher than the room temperature and see if the furnace starts working.
Check the Filter
If you're not getting much air blowing through the vents, the problem may be a dirty filter. Dirt clogs up the filter, reducing the amount of air a furnace can take in. This in turn limits how much air the furnace can blow through the house.
Letting your filter get dirty also causes the furnace to work harder, which can eventually damage the furnace's moving parts. Replace your filters on a regular schedule according to the manufacturer's instructions. (This also applies to air conditioners, so check your filter first when you have HVAC problems.)
Check the Fan
If the furnace is burning but no heat comes out, you may have a problem with the fan. Without the fan, the furnace can't blow warm air through the vents.
Your thermostat may have two settings for the fan: "on" and "auto." To test whether the fan works, set the thermostat to "on" to get the fan blowing continuously. If the fan still doesn't work, you have a problem with the fan.
Make sure any furnace access doors are closed. Many furnaces automatically shut off for safety reasons if the door accessing a motor or a fan is left open.
Listen to the Unit
If you still can't figure out what's going on, take a few minutes to listen to the furnace. Do you hear rattling, grinding, or squealing? If so, something mechanical has come loose. If you don't have a background in furnace repair, call a furnace specialist to check this out.
Check the Power
Does the furnace have power? Check the switches to make sure the furnace hasn't somehow been turned off.
If the furnace is switched on, but there's still no power, you'll need to check your circuit breakers to see if a circuit has been tripped or a fuse has blown. Replace any broken fuses or reset the breakers to get the system working again.
Start Troubleshooting
If you can't solve your problem with these troubleshooting steps, it may be time to check with a professional HVAC technician. Contact Romeo Air Conditioning to have your furnace inspected or repaired, and we'll get your heat working again!
AC Troubleshooting: Common AC Repairs (And How to Fix Them)
Did you know the average homeowner spends between $165 to $507 for a common AC repair?
Did you also know you could probably AC troubleshoot for much less?
Don't worry, we've got you covered with three common issues you could be having with your AC and how you can fix it.
Dirty Filters
You've heard of AC filters, right? Well, dirty filters are one of the most common reasons your air conditioner isn't working correctly.
When your filter is dirty, the flow of air is reduced and can potentially cause your air conditioner to freeze.
If it's a filter issue, then it's probably a clogged or dirty filter. The manufacturers suggest how often you should be changing your air filter. It could be monthly, every couple of months, or you could have a reusable filter and should be cleaning it once it gets dirty.
Have you ever noticed light peaking through a piece of fabric? Well, this is precisely how you can tell if your AC filter is dirty and needs cleaning or to be replaced. If the light is not passing through, it's time to clean or replace, and that should solve your problem.
If the light passes through your filter when you hold up, then that's not your problem, and you should start looking for another potential culprit.
Unit Freeze Up
Since dirty filters are among the most common problems, they also cause issues for other parts of your air conditioner.
When you have dirty filters, they can cause dirty coils from improper filtering or even allow for ice to form on the coils, which freezes up your unit. Ice forms because of weak airflow in your system.
Suppose the filter is clean and not causing the unit issue, then you should check your refrigerant. The refrigerant could be low and cause a refrigerant charge.
You or a technician will have to thaw the frozen coils to resume proper air conditioner functions.
Drainage Issues
In Florida, drain lines are a significant issue when they get clogged and overflow.
When air conditioners cool, it results in condensation that flows away. However, when there's a clog in the unit, the condensation could build up and overflow. Since we're in Florida and humidity is high, this is a common issue for moisture back up.
Humidity in your system will cause dampness inside and affect the performance of your air conditioner and or other parts in the system.
You'll have to have a technician check all the lines to clear clogs and treat other potential issues that could cause future clogs or leaks.
So What Do You Think Of AC Troubleshooting?
Air conditions come with an array of potential issues like many other appliances and machines. Hopefully, we have given you three examples of simple problems that could help keep your air conditioner at peak performance.
Knowing the most common ac repairs could cut down on service costs from technicians, or provide the knowledge for you to repair it yourself.
Next time you're considering AC troubleshooting check out Romeo Air Conditioning as a skilled and honest resource for all your air conditioning needs.
Air Conditioner Short Cycling: Why Your AC Keeps Turning On and Off
Your air conditioner regularly turns on an off at intervals to keep your home at the desired temperature. However, if these intervals are too short, the AC may be short cycling.
Short cycling can cause damage to unit components and cost you money in repairs. Thus, if you notice the AC turning on and off more often than usual, it should alarm you. Keep reading to find out the leading causes of air conditioner short cycling and what you can do about the problem.
Dirty or Clogged Air Filters
Dirt, dust, and debris in the air filter restrict airflow, forcing your AC to strain and spend more energy to cool your house. The blocked air filter works extra hard to compensate for the air flow blockage.
With a reduced air flow through the cooling and heating system, the heat exchanger overheats and shuts off before the cycle ends. Regular cleaning and replacement of worn out air filters can solve the problem.
Low Refrigerant in the Unit
The refrigerant liquid is in the compressor of your air conditioner. During a cycle, it’s converted to gas then back to liquid, a process that helps absorb heat and lowers the air temperature.
The low refrigerant level results from a leak. When the refrigerant is low, your air conditioner will have to work overtime to cool your home. It makes the coils freeze and air conditioner turn on and off for short intervals.
Dirty or Frozen Evaporator Coils
The evaporator coils remove hot air from the house. When the evaporator coils get covered in dirt or ice, your air conditioner works much harder to take out the hot air effectively.
It results in overheating that forces the system to shut off. Do regular AC maintenance to help solve the problem.
AC Electrical Problems
The electrical issues can be in the thermostat, circuit boards, run capacitor, or electrical connections, which results in short cycling.
Defects in the control relay, loose wiring connections in the thermostat, and damaged circuit boards can make the air conditioner to turn on and off. If you suspect any fault in the AC’s electrical system. You should call the experts for immediate check-ups and repairs.
Incorrect Thermostat Placement
Incorrect placement of the thermostat causes the temperature sensor to give the wrong signal to your AC system. A wrongly placed thermostat can make the system run too short, too long, or in short bursts.
Avoid placing the thermostat near the window, doors, direct sunlight, heating and cooling supply ducts, cooking equipment, refrigeration equipment, ceiling, etc.
A good thermostat location makes the AC system efficient and helps you save on energy bills.
Improperly Sized AC Unit
If the short cycling started right from the moment you installed the AC system, there’s a chance your AC is too big for the space you're cooling. The big unit cools your home quickly then shuts off; however, it does a poor job at removing humidity.
The frequent cycling causes a recurring breakdown of the AC components, making you spend more on maintenance cost.
Experiencing Air Conditioner Short Cycling?
Persistent air conditioner short cycling can be as a result of a serious underlying issue that requires immediate attention. Get immediate repairs to prevent further damage to your AC unit.
Contact us today for professional AC repair services.
Top 5 Qualities To Look For In Hiring Air Conditioning Contractors
Three-quarters of all homes in America have air conditioning. If you're thinking about installing AC in your home, you may be wondering what to look for in an HVAC service.
Have you recently asked yourself, how do I go about hiring air conditioning contractors near me?
Many customers need HVAC services but have no idea where to turn. With so many options on the market, you want to make sure you pick a reliable company.
If you need to install or repair an AC unit, there are a few qualities you should look for in your air conditioning contractors. We outline the top five factors to consider before hiring a technician.
1. Certifications and Licenses
When hiring your HVAC technician, make sure they have the appropriate certifications. To become certified, a technician must complete an HVAC program. This includes extensive training and experience working with HVAC systems.
Not all states require contractors and technicians to be certified, but it's advisable to look for one. Learn about NATE-certified technicians and look to hire one for a guarantee of quality work.
Additionally, always make sure the company has any state-mandated certifications.
2. Years of Experience
Before hiring an AC contractor, check to see how long they've been in business.
Established companies that have been in operation for a long time have extensive knowledge of their industry. These businesses tend to stand behind their work and take pride in it.
Reputable businesses also keep up to date with the latest technology and education.
3. Positive Customer Reviews
With so many HVAC contractors on the market, it's hard to know which company to choose.
If you're hiring air conditioning contractors in the area, be sure to look at their reviews first. Professional companies pride themselves in their work and their customer reviews should reflect that.
You can also check to see if the business is BBB accredited for more peace of mind. The higher the BBB rating, the more you know you can trust the company.
4. Free Estimates and Home Evaluation
If you need AC installation services, it's important you get an evaluation of your home first. This allows technicians to determine the equipment and sizes needed.
During this time, you should also receive a price quote. Estimates and quotes should be free. Never hire a company that offers an estimate without seeing your home first.
Some companies even offer special financing and work with you to achieve your goals.
5. Reliability and Emergency Services
In times of emergency, it's nice to know that your contractor has your back. Look for companies that have 24/7 emergency service. This way, if anything goes wrong you can give them a call day or night.
Look for companies that promote fast and dependable service. If you have any problems with your installation, the company should be there for you to answer any questions or concerns.
Hire Air Conditioning Contractors You Can Trust
By looking for the five qualities mentioned in this article, you'll be able to find and hire air conditioning contractors you can rely on.
You should be able to find all this information on the company website or by calling to inquire. Reliable companies stand by their service and want you to be happy with your product.
Are you in the Naples area and looking for HVAC services? Contact us and let us know how we can help you.