Posts Tagged ‘Air Conditioning Repair’

Boynton Beach, FL Air Conditioning Repair: My AC Froze Over

Monday, May 20th, 2013

If your AC freezes over, it can lead to ineffective cooling as well as energy inefficiency. With professional installation and maintenance, you should be able to avoid many problems that can arise with your air conditioner, but, unfortunately, some problems are inevitable. During the long hot spring and summer months, you need to ensure that you take care of any problems as soon as they arise so that you don’t risk serious problems with the operation of your AC. If you’re in need of air conditioning repair in Boynton Beach, FL, call Astro Air today.

The evaporator coil in your indoor air handler is responsible for cooling the air that is drawn from the interior of your home.  Let’s examine the problem of your AC freezing over a little more closely.

  • Causes: There are numerous causes for why this could happen to your AC, much of them dependent upon the unique circumstances of your home and the AC’s installation. One frequent cause of frozen evaporator coils is a clogged air filter that is blocking the flow of cool air into the ductwork for distribution. When this occurs, the cool air builds up within the air handler itself and its freezes the coils. Another possible cause is low refrigerant, which disrupts the entire refrigerant cycle.
  • Prevention: Make sure you routinely clean your air filter during the cooling season, and replace it when necessary. Seeing as this one of the primary causes of airflow issues, make sure you don’t let this minor chore disrupt your cooling this summer. Another great way to prevent such problems is by enrolling in professional routine maintenance, which can help your system achieve maximum performance and energy efficiency.

If you notice a decline in your AC’s performance or an increase in your energy bill, your coils may have frozen over. Make sure you get it fixed as soon as possible to avoid further issues. Call Astro Air today for Boynton Beach, FL air conditioning repair. 

Air Conditioning Repair in West Palm Beach: Signs You Need to Clean Your Coils

Monday, April 29th, 2013

Your West Palm Beach air conditioner works hard all spring and summer to ensure that your home stays cool despite the scorching sun and high humidity. With all the use (and abuse) that they endure, it’s no wonder that they might need professional repair from time to time. If you haven’t signed up for routine maintenance, then you may need repair more often. One common problem we encounter fairly often in the area is dirty coils. The coils are the veins of your AC system; they allow the refrigerant to undergo changes in pressure and temperature, which are essential to the heat transfer process. When you need air conditioning repair in West Palm Beach, call the experts at Astro Air today!

Here are some signs you need to have your coils professionally cleaned:

  • Inadequate cooling: This is probably the most common sign that your coils are dirty. You have two sets of coils in the AC system: a condenser coil outside, and an evaporator coil inside. Both are subject to the accumulation of dust and debris on their surfaces. When they become dirty, they begin to become counterproductive to the task of heat transfer. For example, your evaporator is designed to cool the air extracted from the interior of your home with the cool liquid refrigerant. If it’s dirty, however, then no such cooling can take place.
  • Warm air: If you feel warm air coming out of your ductwork, then you may have a dirty coil. For example, your condenser coil is designed to dissipate the hot pressurized gas refrigerant inside its coils with the assistance of an exhaust fan. If it’s dirty, the condenser coil will not be able to disperse this thermal energy adequately, and it will send hot gas to the evaporator coil, which may, in turn, heat the air, rather than cool it.

Dirty coils affect both the performance and energy efficiency of your air conditioning system. Make sure your AC is clean with professional air conditioning repair in West Palm Beach from Astro Air. Call us today!

 

Air Conditioning Question from Boca Raton: Should This Noise Worry Me?

Monday, April 22nd, 2013

With the amount of use that our air conditioning systems get in the Boca Raton area, it’s no wonder that at some point, they might develop a strange or unusual sound. If you hear a surprising noise from your AC, then it may be time for professional repair. But, how do you know? There are some common noises that nearly always indicate a problem in need of repair. Give the experts at Astro Air Inc. a call for exceptional air conditioning services in Boca Raton.

Let’s take a look at some common noises:

  • Hissing: Depending on where it is, a hissing sound can indicate either a gas refrigerant leak, or an air leak in your ductwork. In either case, your AC system needs repair. Low refrigerant levels can cause an array of difficulties within the system, and even small air duct leaks can dramatically reduce your airflow and energy efficiency.
  • Buzzing: If you hear buzzing in or around one of your AC units, then it could be a serious electrical problem. There may be a loose or damaged wire in the system, or, alternatively, an electrical arcing problem. Both problems should be inspected and repaired by a qualified technician. Electrical problems may not only risk your comfort but also the safety of your home.
  • Grinding: If you hear grinding in the air handler, turn it off and call a tech. A grinding noise is often the result of dry bearings in the blower motor, which can result in permanent motor failure if not caught early on.
  • Banging: If you hear banging or some other loud noise that resembles two objects striking together, it could be a loose or warped fan blade in the air handler or in the exhaust fan outside. Alternatively, one of the components may be loose inside one of the housings. Such physical damage can cause rapid deterioration of your system components and should be repaired immediately.

For air conditioning service in Boca Raton, FL, call the experts at Astro Air Inc. today! 

Boca Raton, FL Air Conditioning Guide: Reasons Your AC Is Not Cooling

Monday, April 15th, 2013

It’s getting hot in Boca Raton, FL, and if you haven’t already tested your AC out for the fast approaching summer, don’t wait. For those who have already tuned on their air conditioning system only to discover that it doesn’t cool, don’t panic. There are many potential reasons that your AC is not cooling, but discovering the root cause can be challenging to the layperson. Only a certified professional will know how to diagnose the problem accurately and fix it, so that you can get back to enjoying the beautiful weather. In this post, we’d like to give you a brief list as to why your AC is not cooling. When you need air conditioning repair in Boca Raton, FL, call the experts at Astro Air!

  • Frozen coil: A frozen evaporator coil is a common cause of inadequate cooling. The most common cause of this frost buildup is a clogged air filter, so make sure you check that first. Your air filter needs to be changed regularly, about once a month during peak cooling times. While your system may have tried to defrost itself by shutting off, make sure you call in a technician to take a look.
  • Low refrigerant: The level of refrigerant circulating through your compressor and coils is known as its “charge.” If the level becomes low, it puts a strain on the whole system, and it can significantly reduce the effectiveness and efficiency of your cooling system. You may have sprung a very small leak in one of the coils, in which case the source of the leak will need to be determined and repaired in order to recharge the refrigerant cycle.
  • Duct leak: If you have only warm air coming out of your air ducts, there may be a significant leak or hole in your ductwork. It may be sucking the air from inside your walls or attic into your cool supply air. Have your ducts professionally tested if you think you might have a leak.

These are just a handful of the potential reason your AC is not cooling. Your home cooling system is complex, so make sure you receive professional repair. For air conditioning in Boca Raton, FL, call the experts at Astro Air today! 

Why Schedule Professional Air Conditioning Repair in Palm Beach?

Monday, April 8th, 2013

As the temperature begins to rise in Palm Beach, FL, you may already be wondering whether your AC is ready to perform all summer long. Perhaps it’s been awhile since your last service check-up, or you didn’t quite take care of that strange noise that began last cooling season. Whatever the reason, spring is a great time to take care of any air conditioning repairs so that you stay cool and comfortable on even the hottest days. There’s no substitute for professional repair and maintenance. In this post, we’d like to give you a few good reasons to schedule professional air conditioning repair in Palm Beach, FL.

  • Energy efficiency: An air conditioner in good working condition and energy efficiency go hand in hand. Most of the problems that occur with AC units significantly decrease energy efficiency, by making your system work harder for less cooling, or by ineffectually using electrical energy to produce little to no cooling. Professional repair is important because it allows your cooling system to operate at peak operating efficiency so that you get what you pay for.
  • Comfort: There is no substitute for comfort. When it’s hot and humid outside, you need to make sure that its crisp and cool indoors, especially in the Florida heat. Professional repair allows you to take care of what you need to, without worrying about whether your system will work well or not. Comfort also includes the peace of mind knowing that the job will be done correctly the first time.
  • System life: One of the great bonuses of professional repair is improving system life. It’s estimated that neglected air conditioners lose about 5% of their efficiency every year. Delaying even the most minor repairs can negatively impact the working life of your AC, which can often mean premature replacement. Your AC is a big investment in the future of your home. Make sure you make it work as long as possible.

Still unconvinced? Talk to a professional about any concerns you may have with your AC system. For professional air conditioning repair in Palm Beach, FL, call Astro Air today! 

Common Air Conditioning Repairs in Boca Raton

Monday, March 25th, 2013

As the temperature begins to rise in Boca Raton, FL, homeowners throughout the area are beginning to start up their air conditioning systems to make sure that they are primed for the summer heat. Because of all the use that your AC gets down here, it may eventually require repair. If you have enrolled in a routine maintenance program, then repair needs may certainly be reduced, but they can’t be removed entirely. In this post, we’ve compiled a list of some common air conditioning repairs in Boca Raton, FL. Remember that superior service is just a phone call away. Astro Air Inc. provides comprehensive air conditioning repair in your area. Call us today!

Here are a few common AC repairs:

  • Uneven cooling. This is typically a balance problem, which can involve your ductwork and thermostat. If suddenly notice hot spots in your room, where that cool air is not distributed, then there is something wrong with your air distribution, either the ducts or the fans. If you have a zone control system, then there may be a problem with one of the electric dampers.
  • Inadequate cooling. This is one of the most common problems. If your air conditioner was improperly sized, then it may require major modification. But this can also be a problem with one of the components in the air handler, a dirty or clogged air filter, or even a thermostat fault. Professional diagnosis can pinpoint the problem quickly and accurately
  • Frozen coils. If your air filter is clogged or air handler broken, then you may see frost on the inside of your unit’s coils. To produce cool air, fresh outside air is brought through the evaporator coils to be cooled by the low-temperature refrigerant inside. If these coils freeze, then your system may frequently shut itself off in order to defrost, or it can lead to serious damages.

Air conditioning repairs happen to even the best systems. But if you’re looking for a way to reduce your repair needs as well as improve your system life, consider enrolling in a maintenance plan. This entitles you to a biannual 19-point precision tune-up, as well as inspection and cleaning services. For air conditioning repair in Boca Raton, FL, call Astro Air Inc. today! 

Avoid Emergency AC Repairs with Regular Maintenance for Your Wellington Home

Thursday, October 4th, 2012

At Astro Air we highly recommend regular maintenance for your home comfort system. A regular check up helps diagnose any repairs or part replacement that may need to be done, helping to avoid emergency repair needs when you need your AC the most. Evaporator cleaning and changing your filters on a regular basis also help your air conditioning system run at peak efficiency. This can contribute to a significant reduction in your energy bills. If you are in need of emergency AC repairs Astro Air offers 24/7 emergency service in Boynton Beach, Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding areas if Wellington and Palm Beach.

AC Maintenance and Repair | Wellington | Astro Air Inc.My a/c went out abruptly in late in the afternoon on a Saturday. I called Astro Air because they were offering a discount coupon and their reviews were positive. I spoke to Daren who explained the possible causes and he also offered a possible solution saying he would call back in the morning to see if I still needed an appointment. It did not work. He called early Sunday morning and said he would be at my house in approximately 30 minutes. He was and the problem was diagnosed and repaired in less than an hour. Loosing your A/C in south Florida in the summertime is never a good experience. However, the misery was greatly reduced by the quick and competent service provided by Astro Air.
-George D. of Wellington, FL

Wellington FL Air Conditioning Guide: Is Your Thermostat Accurately Maintaining Indoor Temperatures?

Monday, September 24th, 2012

Whenever a problem develops with your Wellington FL air conditioning system or heating system, the first thing you do is call for repairs, but more often than not, the problem is actually related to the thermostat. That simple device on your wall can make your HVAC system essentially inoperable if it does not accurately measure and maintain the temperature in your home. If you notice a drop in heating or cooling in your home, consider the following issues and whether they may be the root problem.

  • Settings – Is your thermostat set to the right temperature? You can check for calibration issues by simply turning up or down your thermostat to see if it has the desired effect. If your system won’t turn on, crank up your thermostat and if it still doesn’t turn on, either your system is broken or the thermostat needs to be replaced.
  • Mode – Many thermostats have different mode settings – check to make sure yours is in the right heating or cooling mode and that it will work properly to match the specific needs of your home’s heating and cooling systems.
  • Accuracy – Sometimes, a thermostat is simply inaccurate or doesn’t trigger when it should. This can be due to a thermostat issue at the HVAC system as well, so the best way to be sure is to have a professional visit and perform a thorough inspection of your entire system.

If you are having issues with your thermostat, consider having it upgraded and replaced with a new digital programmable thermostat. These devices allow you to set the temperature when you are not home and reduce how much cooling or heating you use on a daily basis. You might also consider having a zone control system installed that will separate your home into separate zones and reduce heating or cooling based on where people are during the day. Regular thermostat maintenance should also be performed to ensure yours continues to work accurately over time.

For air conditioning service in the Wellington FL area, give Astro Air Inc. a call!

South Palm Beach AC Tip: Icing Problems on Air Conditioner Cooling Coils

Monday, August 27th, 2012

Air conditioning cooling coil icing problems can arise for a couple of reasons: either the air filter has not been properly replaced, or there is a condensing coil leak.  It is best to check and test the easiest problem first and then move on from there.

It is important to replace air conditioning filters as often as is recommended by the manufacturer.  A common result of not replacing filters frequently enough is a buildup of dust and dirt on the filter, which causes reduced air flow throughout your South Palm Beach air conditioning unit.  With reduced air flow, the evaporator coil or cooling coil within the air handler can become blocked by ice or frost build-up.  Having cooling coil icing can significantly reduce or completely stop the amount of cool air being produced by an air conditioning unit.

Easy steps to diagnose and resolve air conditioning cooling coil icing problems:

  • Visually inspect the air conditioning cooling coils to check whether reduced air flow has been caused by cooling coil icing.  If ice or frost is found on the coils, thus blocking air-flow, proceed with the next step.
  • Turn off the air conditioning system completely to allow ice to evaporate, the unit will have to remain off until all ice is completely melted and drained away from the unit
  • Unclog the condensate drain to ensure proper drainage of melting ice
  • Replace all dirty filters on the air conditioning unit
  • Once the a/c unit is de-iced and has fresh filters, it is safe to turn the system back on, to test whether the icy build-up happens again

If after completing these steps, when the air conditioning unit is turned back on the cooling coils do not ice-up, the unit runs normally and cool air runs smoothly through the system, congratulations!  That do-it-yourself attitude paid off; the problem has been fixed!

If after completing these steps, when the air conditioning unit is turned back on cooling coil icing happens again, this could mean one of two things.  Either too little of the refrigerant is being released into the cooling coil due to a clogged capillary tube or a stuck thermostatic expansion valve.  Or the refrigerant charge is too low due to a refrigerant leak.  A refrigerant leak can happen at any point in the refrigerant piping system which would then need to be soldered and resealed, or it can happen in the cooling coil or condensing coil which could mean the entire coil needs to be replaced.  Fixing of refrigerant leaks should be handled by a HVAC professional.  Contact an experienced South Palm Beach AC technician at Astro Air Inc. that can identify the air conditioner cooling coil icing problem and execute the proper solution.

Your Boynton Beach HVAC System and Electricity

Monday, August 6th, 2012

While not every Boynton Beach HVAC system requires electricity, many of them do. Your air conditioner, water heater, and ventilation system all need access to the central power line. So what does that mean for your system and what problems should be you beware of?

How Your HVAC System Uses Electricity

How your HVAC system works depends largely on which components need electricity to operate. Here is a quick summary of how each system uses electricity:

  • Air Conditioning – Most air conditioners are electric and therefore use electricity based on the number of BTUs produced. For example, if your air conditioner produces 25,000 BTUs and has a SEER of 16, it can produce 16 BTUs for every watt of electricity consumed per hour. As a result, it consumes 1,562.5 watts per hour when the system is running at maximum capacity. If it runs at full capacity for 8 hours per day, 30 days a month in the summer, that’s 375 kilowatt hours – which is the measurement unit you’ll see on your electric bill.
  • Heating – If you have an electric furnace, that electric power is used to heat the filament in the furnace. Electricity also powers the blower fan motor which pushes air across the filament and into the air handler. An electric furnace sized to heat a 1500 square foot home can use up to 8,000 watts per hour to produce enough heat for your home. That converts to roughly 5,000 kilowatt hours per month. The current price of electricity will determine how much this actually costs, you but it can really add up quickly.
  • Ventilation – Your ventilation system is almost always going to use electricity to circulate and filter air. While mechanical filters rely on the movement of air to remove certain particles, ventilation systems have a variety of components including fans and possibly even condenser coils to conserve energy as air is exchanged between the inside and outside.

Electricity plays an important role in your Boynton Beach HVAC system no matter how your system works. To ensure yours continues to operate as intended, have your power system checked by Astro Air Inc. on a regular basis when the rest of your HVAC system is serviced.