6 Things You Should Know About Air Conditioner Repair

When the summer heat wave arrives, the last item you want is for your air conditioner to fail you. And that’s why if you are looking for a Port St Lucie air conditioning contractor, there are a few things you should know about this equipment.

Your air conditioner effectively transfers interior heat to the outside environment. People used to cool their homes with large slabs of ice before air conditioners were introduced. When these cooling machines initially became popular, they were assessed based on how much ice they could melt in a day.

The term ‘ton’ refers to the quantity of cooling provided by an air conditioner. 1 ton = 12,000 British Thermal Units (BTU) per hour A window air conditioner normally has less than one ton of capacity, but a large home centralized air conditioner has a capacity of 5 tons or more. Air conditioners are sized to meet the cooling requirements of a specific home and contain a specific amount of refrigerant (charge) and airflow. All of these elements work together to create a cool, comfortable atmosphere.

Fire Hazards

Air conditioners are vital in many houses, but they can also pose a significant fire risk. Air conditioners, fans, and related equipment were responsible for 7,400 house building fires in 2010, according to the National Fire Protection Association. These fires claimed the lives of 29 civilians, injured 249 others, and caused $207 million in direct damage to property. Electrical or mechanical failure is frequently the source of these fires.

When operating air conditioning equipment, it is essential to keep fire safety in mind. According to the NFPA, cable or wire insulation igniting causes around one-third of all fires. Because these mishaps are most common in June, July, and August, it is best to invest in air conditioner repair or replacement early in the spring.

According to the NFPA, there are various measures to avoid air conditioner accidents:

• Choose and install cooling technology that is both safe and effective.
• Follow the manufacturer’s directions when using electric-powered equipment.
• Regularly inspect and repair electric-powered equipment for safety.
• Check that your equipment has a label indicating that it has been tested by a reputable testing laboratory.

Health Problems

We all know how critical it is to have a working air conditioner, particularly during the hot summer months. However, what many of us don’t realize is that poorly maintained or outdated air conditioning units can have a negative impact on our health.

The Huffington Post recently published an article highlighting some easy steps we can all take to ensure our air conditioners don’t adversely affect our health.

Mold and dust buildup can be a big problem in your home, especially during the summer. When your AC unit runs constantly, it can create the perfect conditions for mold to grow. And once it starts growing, it can spread quickly – affecting your respiratory system and creating a dirty sock odor. To prevent this from happening, regular duct cleaning is recommended. Keep an eye out for other signs of dust and mold, such as blower wheels and motors, and take action to clean them regularly.

As spring fades into summer, it’s time to start thinking about your air conditioner. To run at peak efficiency, it is critical to do simple maintenance on your air conditioner, such as changing the filter. A clogged filter can let allergens, chemicals, and other irritants into your house. You may also save money on your air conditioner by making sure your window units are properly sealed to keep warm air out. To keep your house safe, have an HVAC specialist do annual maintenance inspections on your air conditioner.

Leaky Ducts

Duct leakage can be a real problem for your air conditioner, costing you money and lowering the overall efficiency of your system. Up to 40% of the energy from an air conditioner can be lost due to leaks, so it’s important to ensure your ducts are well-insulated. You can use mastic, a sticky substance that can be painted on, to seal up any leaks. This may provide you with an extra half-ton of air conditioner capacity.

Clean the Coils

Cleaning metal coils can be difficult, but there are ways to make it easier. One method is to use a spray cleaner specifically designed for this purpose. Another way to keep your coils clean is by ensuring they don’t become dust-filled.

Purchasing a New Unit

When your home air conditioner isn’t working as it should, you may need to get a new one. But before you do, think about the climate where you live. It makes sense to check the Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) in hot, dry climates. This will tell you how well the system works in your conditions. You might even need a system that can dehumidify. Drier climates need higher airflow indoors, so pay attention to the evaporator coil.

In humid areas, it’s not always best to have high airflow. With increased airflow, less dehumidification is happening, so your home will likely stay just as sticky and uncomfortable as it is outside. However, too little airflow can cause the evaporator coil to freeze, worsening performance and potentially damaging the compressor. To avoid these issues, it’s best to purchase high-efficiency equipment at a SEER 13 level.

Increased Efficiency

Air conditioners work best when there is little pressure on them. Reducing the heat and humidity in your home can help take some pressure off your air conditioner. Some things that can help with this are increasing the insulation in your home, shading the windows, and using local exhaust fans to remove heat and humidity from kitchens and baths. Additionally, ensure your appliances are Energy Star certified to avoid wasting energy. Lastly, keep doors slightly ajar throughout the house to promote airflow.