Taking Care of Business: The Top Home AC Repair Tips
Your air conditioner isn’t something you think about often. It sits outside your home and keeps it cool in the summer, but it’s out of sight and out of mind. That is until something breaks and you’re cooking inside your own home.
There are many repairs on an air conditioner that don’t require a professional. You can save a lot of money by doing them yourself. It’s important to turn off the breaker to the AC unit prior to doing any AC repair.
This keeps you safe and your AC unit free from damage. We’ll outline five simple repairs that you can do yourself.
Changing Your Filter is an Easy AC Repair
When your central air unit takes in air, it passes through a filter designed to keep dirt and other debris from entering the home in the cooled air. Over time, this debris can build up on the filter and make it difficult for it to take in air.
This causes the air conditioner to work harder and may lead to overheating. You can easily change the filter and replace it with a clean version. How you replace the filter depends on the type of unit, but it’s usually easy and the filters don’t cost much money.
The AC is a complex unit, but this fix is easy.
Clean the AC Metal Fins
On the outside of the air conditioning unit, perhaps under a metal grate you have to remove, is a series of thin metal fins. They’re very fragile and bend easily, but they also need to be cleaned occasionally.
Take a vacuum cleaner with a fine bristled brush head and gently vacuum the debris from the fins. This helps your air conditioner run easier and may improve the coldness and quality of the air.
Clogged fins also make the air conditioner work harder, which shortens its life span.
Fix a Settled AC Pad
The concrete or plastic pad the air conditioning units sits on must be level. Over time, weather and settling can cause the pad to sink. This is fine as long as the AC unit is level and it’s not putting any stress on the tubing into your house.
If it does or if there is puddling around the unit, then you need to readjust the pad. There is no need to disconnect the AC unit. Instead, you just need a board and sand.
Use the board to lift underneath the pad until it’s level and then fill in the space with sand. It’s important to do it slowly so as to not break the pad.
Melt the Ice on Coils
There are many reasons why ice can collect on the evaporator coils from improper refrigerant amounts to small leaks. It may be 100 degrees outside, but the coil ices up. This may cause your air conditioner to fail and not produce cold air.
This fix is easy. If it’s a warm day and you don’t mind the house warmer, you can simply turn off the air conditioner and Mother Nature will do the rest. If you need at least some air circulation, then turn off the cooling aspect and just run the fan.
Your AC Unit is Noisy
If the AC unit is close to the house, then the fan might be a little too noisy. If it’s outside a popular room such as the living or dining room, then people near it may have trouble hearing conversations or the television.
You can order a sound blanket that is designed to muffle the sounds of the fan.
Trust in Your Abilities
Many people are nervous about trying to do an AC repair by themselves, but these issues are easy to fix and don’t require a lot of know-how. The steps to fixing the issue are straight forward.
If you want to learn more about AC issues, then please explore our site.
Want To Save Money On Energy Bills? HVAC Maintenance Plans Are The Way To Go
If you want a more energy-efficient home, your HVAC system needs to be in perfect working order.
You can ensure a stronger, longer-lasting system with regular HVAC maintenance plans.
Read on to find out why these plans are beneficial and how they can help you save money on your monthly energy bills.
You'll Get a Thorough Inspection
The average homeowner might not know what to look for when they're checking on their HVAC system. But a trained technician can spot issues quickly to ensure more energy-efficient operation.
They should check your thermostat and all electrical connections to make sure everything is in working order. The technician will also clean the indoor and outdoor units and lubricate all moving parts.
They'll run a few system cycles so the tech can make sure none of your equipment is malfunctioning. They will also look at your refrigerant levels, inspect the blower motor, and take a close look at your ductwork to search for leaks or damage.
Maintenance Ensures Increased Energy Efficiency
If your HVAC system becomes damaged or clogged, its energy efficiency levels will plummet. HVAC maintenance plans will give you the peace of mind that your system is operating to its peak efficiency.
With regular cleanings, the system should experience better airflow, thus increasing the total level of energy efficiency. After a maintenance visit and cleaning, you should start to notice lower bills, thanks to reduced heating and cooling costs.
To help maintain your unit, be sure you change the air filter once a month. This will keep the air flowing freely and put less stress and strain on the system.
Lower Repair Costs
Not only will a regular maintenance plan save you money on your energy bill, but it will also keep repair costs down. Good maintenance and thorough inspections can spot potential trouble before it gets out of hand.
If an HVAC technician notices something isn't working correctly, catching it early can mean the difference between a quick fix and total replacement. Some plans will even give you a discount if you have a maintenance agreement already in place.
Operating an HVAC system is costly enough. You don't want to add to it by having to deal with massive repairs simply because problems went unnoticed. A maintenance plan ensures that everything is checked frequently and working as it should.
Save Money with HVAC Maintenance Plans
If you're looking to cut down on your monthly energy costs, HVAC maintenance plans are an excellent way to keep your system running smoothly. When the air is freely flowing and all parts are in great condition, the entire system will operate more efficiently.
Aside from the energy savings, you'll also save cash on serious repairs as long as problems are caught in time.
Contact us today for your heating and cooling service needs, and visit our website for more about choosing a quality contractor.
Super Cooling Your Home: Is It Effective?
Air conditioning uses more energy than everything else in a typical home. According to the Department of Energy, heating and cooling account for about 48% of energy consumption in U.S homes.
These bills are high, especially during hot summer months. That is where many homeowners start looking for ways to reduce cooling costs without compromising comfort.
Some homeowners resort to setting their thermostats at 79 degrees 24 hours a day. Others take a more cautious approach, known as super cooling. Those using the latter method will swear that it keeps the home cool and saves electricity bills.
What is Super Cooling?
Supercooling is a technique that involves cooling a home to low temperatures (about 60 degrees) at specific times of the day before turning off your air conditioner for the rest of the day.
It operates on the concept that when you lower temperatures in your home, everything inside the house cools down. This includes the air, furniture, countertops, upholstery, floors, and even the walls. When the aircon stops running, it takes time for these things to warm again. You’ll, therefore, keep your home cool without having to turn off the air conditioner -that is until the interior heats up again.
Does Supercooling Save Energy?
Compared to running your air conditioner all day and night, supercooling involves switching on the air con for a specific period. However, your energy plan plays a significant role in the process.
Super cooling is only effective if you are on a plan that offers different peak and off-peak rates. Switching your energy usage patterns so that you are using your AC during off-peak hours can result in significant savings. According to some homeowners, you will save about 25-35% of your cooling costs if you implement this method effectively. These savings can translate into hundreds of dollars by the time winter comes to an end.
Requirements for Effective Supercooling
To get the most out of the process, you need to:
Know Your Energy Plan
Check your energy usage statistics on your provider’s website to find out your consumption patterns. The idea is to determine whether you are using more energy during peak or off-peak hours.
If your plan doesn’t have off-peak rates, talk to your provider about switching plans. The process is easy.
Homeowners who use more electricity during off-peak hours shouldn’t worry much about supercooling. Although you can save some money using the process, especially if your cooling system runs continuously during peak hours.
Get a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat eliminates the stress of having to switch your air conditioner on or off manually. All you have to do is program it to turn on the air con during off-peak hours and turn it off during peak hours.
Use Other Alternatives to Keep Warm
It may get cold, but turning on the heater is a no-no if you are to get the most out of the process. Therefore, consider using warm bedding and clothes and sealing your home. During the daytime, the sun’s rays can heat the interior pretty quickly. To avoid this, keep your windows closed or cover them with blinds.
How to Super Cool Your House
You can implement different thermostat settings depending on your energy plan and the size of your house. For example, the following settings work well for homes that have an off-peak plan between 10 PM and 12 noon the next day:
- Turn your thermostat down to 70 degrees at 10 PM
- Get it to 74 degrees at 8 AM since indoor temperatures may reach 79-80 degrees at this point.
- At noon turn it off
If you work from 9 to 5, a 9 AM to 9 PM power plan will suit you best. To super cool your house on this plan:
- Set your thermostat to 68 degrees from 9 AM to 9 PM
- Turn it off for the rest of the day.
Benefits of Supercooling
Major benefits of supercooling your home include:
- It reduces the workload on your heating and cooling system, making it less susceptible to wear and tear. You would worry less about finding an AC repair in Naples or maintenance services anytime soon.
- Saves money on electricity costs by improving energy efficiency
- Your cooling system will have a longer lifespan.
Best Air Conditioning Near Me!
If you have any questions about super cooling, our AC service in Naples can help. We have been offering air conditioning in Florida and its environs over 40 years.
Do you need an energy assessment of your home? Our experts will inspect your heating and cooling system and provide the best recommendations. If you aren’t in Naples, we also have a sister air conditioning company in Marco Island. Contact us today with any questions related to air conditioning.
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.
What Causes AC Short Cycling?
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
For AC Repair in Naples, FL Contact Romeo Air Conditioning, Inc.
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.