Air Quality Control

There are a few things you can do before calling for service to eliminate simple issues that may be causing your equipment to fail to cool. The easiest diagnostic tool is simply making sure the circuit breaker has not been tripped, and to reset it if it has been. Electrical surges are not uncommon, and the breaker may trip to prevent electrical overload that can lead to equipment damage or worse. If the unit does not come on after the first attempt, DO NOT reset the breaker again.

You can also check the drain pan and float switch, though this requires a little more knowledge. Over time, dirt and debris can build up in the drain line and the float switch will cause the unit to shut off to prevent damage from overflowing water from the drain pan. The location of the float switch will depend on the orientation of your equipment (vertical vs horizontal).

Beyond a few simple checks, it is best to call the professionals. Self-diagnosing beyond a certain point can cause harm to the equipment, yourself, or your home. If your equipment is under warranty, replacing parts that are not OEM can completely void your manufacturer?s warranty. HVAC systems may seem innocuous, but they are, in fact, high voltage equipment that should be maintained by trained professionals with the proper tools and protective equipment. If the cause is low refrigerant, an EPA-certified technician can recharge the system safely and get your system cooling again.

A dirty or clogged filter can lead to serious repairs down the road. More often though, dirty air filters simply lead to higher power bills, lower efficiency, an increase in allergens and indoor air pollution. Changing your filters regularly and being sure to use the correct type of filter, is an easy and cost-effective way to maintain the longevity of your system and the air quality of your home. You should change your filters monthly.

The first potential issue to eliminate is a lack of power to the unit. Check the circuit breaker to ensure that electricity is reaching the unit. Beyond that, there are a myriad of reasons that the equipment may not be functioning; additional power issues can be caused by several things, clogged drain lines, and non-functioning fuses are common issues. A trained technician can run diagnostic tests to ascertain where the problem lies and provide OEM parts to maintain the manufacturer?s warranty where applicable

Even in warm climates like Florida, HVAC units can freeze up. Common causes include extremely dirty filters, a clogged coil, restrictions in refrigerant (or low refrigerant), or the possible loss of a blower motor. Turning off the unit and allowing it to thaw is the first step, whether changing the filter as a DIY fix or calling a professional as the equipment cannot be fixed while frozen. If the cause is low refrigerant, specialized equipment is required to measure and reach the proper pressure; a true pressure reading cannot be measured until the equipment has thawed and is operating.

If the refrigerant level is low, the cause is usually a slow leak as these are sealed systems. While it is possible to purchase DIY ?recharging? kits, it is not legal for an individual without proper EPA certification to handle it. Refrigerant is extremely toxic and needs to be handled and disposed of properly. Attempting to refill the refrigerant in a home air conditioning unit can be an extremely costly mistake; under (or over) charging the unit, failing to read the gauges properly, not hooking up the hoses correctly can all lead to system failure. Beyond that, recharging R-22 or 410-A without an EPA certification can lead to fines up to $10,000.

Regular maintenance is the single-most important factor in increasing the lifespan of your HVAC system. Annual maintenance is the standard industry recommendation; however, Florida is not the standard climate. Our warm weather starts earlier and lasts longer, and our summers are scorching. The average Floridian?s air conditioning equipment runs most of the year as opposed to only for a few months in the summer. We recommend that equipment be serviced every six months to increase your equipment?s longevity and efficiency. Our 18-point Comfort Club inspection can help keep your system running its best and to locate and repair small problems before they become extremely expensive problems. Maintenance is key; a manufacturer?s warranty can even be voided if a homeowner cannot provide proof that the system has been properly maintained.

Odors can be a common complaint. Most odors are a result of buildup somewhere in the HVAC system. Common issues include a dirty blower wheel, unit or filter, ductwork that needs cleaning, or an electrical issue. In addition to cooling the air, your air conditioner dehumidifies as it cools which creates moisture. We live in a particularly hot, humid area which can create favorable environment for microbial growth which can also cause odors. When the heat is turned on for the first time in several months there can also be a brief burning odor which is caused by residual dust particles in the exchange.

If your air conditioner is making noise, or noise is getting louder or more noticeable, turn off the system and call a technician as soon as possible. A high-pitched or ?screaming? sound can indicate that the bearings are worn and may need to be replaced. A similar sound may be heard if there is an issue with the fan, causing metal on metal contact where it should not exist. If you hear banging, the unit is likely unbalanced, or parts may have become loose. Excessive vibration, with or without noise, is a cause for concern as well as it may indicate debris in the blower or an unbalanced fan. Ignoring the issue can lead quickly to greater damage and could result in requiring total system replacement.

Thermostat location plays a large role in matching the set temperature to the actual room temperature. Exposing the thermostat to direct sunlight or another heat source can cause the system to overperform; conversely, placing the thermostat in a cool dark hallway will cause the system to underperform. A thermostat should be placed in an area of the home that offers a median temperature.

The first troubleshooting technique if you find you do not have hot water is to check the pilot light if you have one. Tanked and tankless systems work in different ways and even incorrect faucets can affect hot water temperature and availability. Check every hot water faucet to be verify if your whole house is without hot water or if it is at a single source. If you have a gas water heater, check the other gas appliances in the home. Plumbing, gas delivery, and system failure can all be potential causes of hot water issues.