Frequently Asked Air Conditioning Questions
Do you have air conditioning questions? We have answers.
Below you will find answers to FAQs regarding air conditioning repairs and installations. If you cannot find the answer you’re looking for, give us a call at 954-332-1418 and we will be happy to help.
Does my new air conditioning system need to have maintenance?
Yes! Even though your system is new, it still needs to have annual maintenance performed. This will help keep the warranty in effect. Most all equipment manufacturers state in the terms of their warranty that annual maintenance must be performed by a qualified technician. Keeping your system maintained will give you assurance that it is operating at peak efficiency and safety.
Why is there a burning smell coming from my AC vents?
It’s common for most home and condo owners to become startled the first time they turn on the heat for their central AC system and a burnt smell begins to circulate throughout the home. Don’t freak out. That smell is dust burning off the heating coils and elements. The smell can go away after 30-60 minutes.
Why is the thermostat blank?
If your thermostat is not hard wired, check your batteries. If the problem continues to persist you could have faulty wiring.
Why is my air conditioner not turning on?
Check your fuse box/ circuit breaker that serves the AC unit to make sure the breaker is not tripped. The fuse may need to be replaced or breaker reset.
Why does my air conditioning keep turning on and off?
This is typically caused by low coolant in the AC System. However, it could be caused by several factors like the AC compressor and/or fan controls being worn out, leaks in the system, a broken thermostat or loose fittings.
Why is there water on my air conditioner vents?
Signs of water and moisture on the air vent typically occurs when summer rolls around. Your air conditioning system’s ducts begin to sweat due to the extreme heat and humidity that Florida is known for. To remedy this, check your filters monthly if dirty clean or replace as well as, make sure windows and doors are closed properly.
Why is my air conditioner frozen?
Insufficient airflow due to a dirty evaporator coil or low refrigerant levels can cause this problem. To remedy, turn the air conditioner off and let it defrost completely. You can expedite this by turning the system’s fan on. Once the AC has defrosted, check the airflow by cleaning or replacing dirty air filters. Next, remove any visible dirt or obstructions around the outside unit. Once this is complete, turn the system back on.
Why is my air conditioner leaking water?
Usually caused by a clogged drain line, or if there is NO “Float Switch” to shut it off when the drain pan becomes full. To remedy, clean the drain lines and have a float switch installed.
Why doesn't my air conditioner turn off?
You could have a bad thermostat. To troubleshoot this issue, change the batteries in the thermostat. If that does not do the trick, disconnect the thermostat wires, if the AC shuts off then it is bad, if it keeps running then the problem is probably in the outside unit.
What size air conditioner do I need?
Finding the right size air conditioner is more complex than simply applying a rule of thumb to the square footage of your home. Factors such as ceiling heights, size and types of windows and doors, insulation thickness and type, and the direction your home faces will play a role in determining the correct size air conditioning system for your home. However, to get a rough estimate you figure 1 ton per every 400-500 sq.ft.
How long does an air conditioner last?
The average life of an air conditioner is 10-12 years; however, if you live near salt water the life span reduces to 4-7 years. The exact life of your system is tough to predict, though research shows that a system installed properly and maintained regularly will last longer.
Is the air conditioner causing my utility bill to be high?
Yes, if you have an older air conditioning system that is not energy efficient, using R22 Freon, or is the improper size for your cooling area it could be costing you a lot of money to keep it running.
What does SEER mean?
SEER stands for “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio”. It can tell you how efficiently your air conditioner converts electricity to cooling comfort. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the system can operate. By federal law, all air conditioning units must be at least 13 SEER or higher.
Why are some rooms colder or warmer than others?
A dirty air filter, closed vents, open windows, and air duct issues can cause temperatures to vary between rooms. Assuming the system was sized and installed correctly, you should consider installing a zone system if possible. Sometimes the addition of return air ductwork will help improve air movement and help make other rooms more comfortable.
Should I have my air ducts cleaned?
Cleaning your air ducts may be beneficial in improving your indoor air quality by decrease the spread of contaminates in your home or business. New construction projects can benefit the most from having the ductwork cleaned to remove drywall dust, sawdust, and other debris from the construction process.
Whats' the difference between R-22 & R-410A refrigerants?
The term “refrigerant” means any Class II substance used for heat transfer in a refrigerating system, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Refrigerant is the gas used to heat or cool the air in heat pumps and air conditioners. Without refrigerant, these appliances would operate only as fans. Most residential air conditioners and heat pumps rely on hydrochlorofluorocarbons, or HCFCs, for this purpose. The one most often used is called HCFC-22, or R-22, known as Freon®. About 10 years ago, the federal Clean Air Act was amended to begin a mandatory phase-out of the production and use of many ozone-depleting substances, including R-22 and R-12, which is found in vehicle air conditioning. Products using R-22 will be phased out by Jan. 1, 2010, and a total ban on production and importation becomes effective in 2020. Puron® is a brand name for a refrigerant called R-410A. Several air conditioning and heat pump manufacturers are using 410A because it operates at higher pressures and higher efficiency is easily attainable. The other huge factor is that 410A is a environmental friendly Freon that does not contain any ozone-depleting molecules.
