Sarasota Air Conditioning Repair: On the Dangers of Dirty Coils

May 6th, 2013

As the temperature and humidity begin to rise in Sarasota, homeowners throughout the area are using their air conditioning to keep their homes crisp and cool. It’s no wonder then, that AC maintenance and repair is so prevalent during the lead-up to summer. After all, the thought of an AC breakdown in late July is enough motivation we’ll ever need. One of the most persistent problems in air conditioning is the dirty coil. When your coils accumulate dust and debris, it blocks the cooling process and leads to all sorts of problems. For comprehensive Sarasota air conditioning repair services, call Ultimate Air today!

Let’s review some of the problems that come about as a result of dirty coils:

  • Inadequate cooling: The most common result of dirty coils is inadequate cooling. Your evaporator coils both absorb the heat energy of your warm indoor air so that it returns through the ductwork nice and cool. The condenser coils dissipate the heat outside. Both processes will be stifled if the coils are covered in debris. Even thin layers of dust can dramatically impede the processes of dissipation and absorption.
  • Energy inefficiency: Inadequate cooling and energy inefficiency often go together, but even if your AC manages to cool despite dirty coils, you may notice an increase in your energy costs. This is due to the fact that the AC has to work harder to make up for the inefficient coils. On top of the already high temperatures and high humidity levels, this could cause other problems.
  • Increased risk of damage: For example, if you have dirty coils, your compressor may start to overheat, as it tries to compensate for the refrigerant cycle’s lack of cooling ability. Whenever the balance of system components is disturbed, your AC is at risk of causing damage to itself.

Ensuring that your system is clean and free of debris is critical to the lasting effectiveness of your AC. For excellent Sarasota air conditioning repair or maintenance, call Ultimate Air today!

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Sarasota, FL Air Conditioning Repair: Common Electrical Problems

April 29th, 2013

We rely heavily on our Sarasota, FL air conditioning systems to provide efficient and effective cooling throughout the long hot summer. Because you depend so much on its operation, it’s no wonder that when any repairs come up, it’s critical to take care of them as soon as possible. There are many different components and materials that make up AC systems; in short, there is a variety of things that can go wrong during the cooling season, even with professional installation and routine maintenance. As you well know, AC systems require electricity to operate, and electrical problems can seriously impair your system. We’d like to share a few of the most common. For Sarasota, FL air conditioning repair, call Ultimate Air today!

  • Buzzing: While you can expect your AC to make a certain amount of noise while it operates, if you hear a buzzing noise emitting from one of the units, then it could indicate a serious electrical problem. It could be a grounding problem in the electrical supply, or possibly an arcing issue, both of which can be hazardous.
  • AC won’t turn on: First, check that your AC hasn’t blown a fuse or tripped the circuit breaker. If those are not the culprits, then there may be a faulty wire somewhere within the system. Alternatively, it could be a problem with the wiring to your thermostat, or, if it’s wireless, then some other connectivity issue.
  • Bad capacitor: The capacitor is housed in the outdoor unit of your AC, and it provides a rapid boost of energy to the compressor and exhaust fan motor. Over time, or due to physical damage, the capacitor may no longer work properly. This may at times be indicated by a strange sound. Reasons for a bad capacitor are the wear and tear of thousands of cycles, or possibly variation in voltage within the system.

These are just a few electrical problems that can potentially go wrong with your AC. To schedule excellent Sarasota, FL air conditioning repair, call the experts at Ultimate Air today!  

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Air Conditioning Repair in Sarasota: Signs of a Refrigerant Leak

April 22nd, 2013

Your refrigerant is an essential part of your air conditioning system. As one of the vital aspects of the cooling process, it’s critical that its charge is always correct. The term “charge” is used to describe the level of refrigerant within the coils. If it is too high or too low, then your system will operate neither efficiently nor effectively. During the course of its service life, your AC may show signs of a refrigerant leak. In this post, we’d like to review some of these signs so that you can notify your local AC technician. For air conditioning repair in Sarasota, call the experts at Ultimate Air today!

Now, let’s take a look at some symptoms of low refrigerant.

  • Inadequate cooling: This is probably the first sign that most homeowners recognize. If you think your AC should be more productive, or used to cool much more effectively, have a technician check to see if your refrigerant level is low.
  • Hissing noise: If you can hear a hissing sound in or around the refrigerant lines, then it’s probably a refrigerant leak. However, this may be confused with an air leak in the air ducts.
  • Frozen evaporator coil: Your system can freeze over when the air handler is overwhelmed with humidity. Low refrigerant charge can inhibit the dehumidification process.

We hope this brief guide helps you understand the risks of low refrigerant a bit better. For more information, or to schedule air conditioning repair in Sarasota, call Ultimate Air today!  

 

 

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Replacing Your Air Conditioning in Sarasota

April 15th, 2013

If you’re in the market for a new air conditioning system in Sarasota, FL, there’s never been a better time to select a highly energy efficient model. The most important aspect of replacing your air conditioning system is professional installation. Make sure you receive professional consultation so that you know you’re purchasing an appropriately sized AC, one that meets your cooling needs and your budget. When you need air conditioning replacement in Sarasota, FL, call the experts at Ultimate Air today!

Here are some things to consider when replacing your air conditioning:

  • Central air: If you already have ductwork installed and it’s in good working condition, then you might consider installing a new central air split system. It may be the most cost-effective option, depending upon your current setup and the size of your home.
  • Programmable thermostat: Installing a programmable thermostat with your new AC system is an excellent way to ensure that your new AC is energy efficient and fully customizable. You can set it to lower the temperature an hour before you get up for your morning routine, to raise the temperature during the day when you’re at work, and then lower it again one hour before you get home. This can produce significant energy savings throughout the cooling season.

Whatever system you choose for your new air conditioning, make sure you hire a certified pro to install it. For more information or to schedule a consultation about air conditioning replacement in Sarasota, FL, contact the experts at Ultimate Air today!

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Sarasota Air Conditioning Repair: What’s That Sound?

April 8th, 2013

Now is the time to inspect, clean, adjust, maintain, and repair your AC. Before the heat sets in, take advantage of the spring to take care of any problems with your air conditioning system. One of the most common indications that something may be wrong with your air conditioner is a strange sound during operation. While our description of sounds may ultimately be subjective, there are some common sounds that indicate definite issues within your cooling system. Whatever the problem, professional assistance is just a call away. For Sarasota, FL air conditioning repair, call Ultimate Air Conditioning Inc. today!

  • Hissing. If you hear hissing during the operation of your AC, then it probably means that your system is releasing gas refrigerant from a punctured hole in your coils or refrigerant lines. If it occurs in or around the ductwork, then it’s likely a loose-fitting duct or a crack therein.
  • Whistling. If hissing indicates a slow leak, then whistling is the sound of the rapid passage of air. This often occurs in the air handler or ductwork, where cool air is blown throughout your home. Depending on the intensity of the sound, it could mean a very minor leak or a serious depletion of energy resources.
  • Buzzing. If you hear a buzzing sound in or around one of your units, then it might indicate an electrical problem. There may be a damaged wire somewhere within the supply lines, and potentially an electrical arcing problem, which can be hazardous. Electrical problems should be handled by a qualified professional.
  • Loudness. This is not a sound so much as an amplification of general operating sounds. If you notice that your AC has become significantly louder in a short span of time, then that could indicate a serious problem with the compressor motor in the outdoor unit. Alternatively, if the fan blades in your exhaust fan are at all damaged, the extra noise might be caused by their erratic rotation.

Don’t delay. If you hear something that doesn’t sound right, make sure you get it checked out before it grows into a costly repair or premature replacement. For air conditioning repair in Sarasota, FL, call Ultimate Air Conditioning Inc. today! 

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Sarasota, FL Air Conditioning Repair: When to Call a Professional

April 1st, 2013

One of the major factors that will determine how serious a problem with your air conditioning system will be is how quickly you respond to that problem. Ideally, you will call a professional Sarasota, FL air conditioning repair technician as soon as you discover a problem with your system. In order to be able to respond this quickly, of course, it is necessary that you understand some of the basic warning signs that you have a problem in the first place. Here are some tips from the Sarasota, FL air conditioning repair experts at Ultimate Air to help you determine if it is time to call a professional.

One of the most obvious signs that you need to call a professional air conditioning repair technician is if your air conditioner breaks down on you. If your AC will not power on or if it keeps shutting down during operation contact a repair professional right away.

Sometimes signs of an AC problem are not this obvious.  If, for instance, you notice an unexplained rise in operational costs there is probably an underlying problem causing that inefficiency.

Uneven or inconsistent cooling is another sign that it is time for professional air conditioning repair. The longer a problem goes unaddressed the more serious it is likely to become. Make sure that you alert your air conditioning repair company to any inconsistencies with the operation of your air conditioner. Even minor problems can cause real damage if you give them enough time.

Ultimate Air is always available to diagnose and resolve any problems that your air conditioning system may experience. Call today to schedule service. Our professional Sarasota, FL air conditioning repair technicians want to help keep your home cool and comfortable throughout the hottest days of the year. Contact us today to help protect your comfort.

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The Importance of a High-Quality Sarasota, FL Air Conditioning Installation

March 25th, 2013

If your air conditioner needs frequent repair or is getting older, you may already be considering a new high-quality air conditioning installation for your Sarasota, FL home. Spring is a great time for system replacement, as it’s better to solve the problem preemptively than to wait for it to break during the peak heat of mid-August. Making sure your installation is done right the first time is also incredibly important. It won’t matter how energy-efficient your AC unit is unless it’s paired with high-quality installation. Fortunately, a team of highly skilled and trained experts is just a phone call away. Call Ultimate Air today for exceptional air conditioning installation in Sarasota, FL.

There are a number of factors to consider when thinking about AC installation. Here are some things to keep in mind when you want your job done right.

  • Sizing. Your air conditioning technician should take into consideration your existing system and any necessary load calculations before installation. Bigger is not better when it comes to AC installation. If your new air conditioning system is too large for your home, it may short-cycle frequently and be difficult to adequately control.
  • Ductwork. If it’s an air conditioning replacement, then this is a great opportunity to make any necessary repairs to your ducts before the new system goes in. Ducts can be damaged during other construction projects in the home, or by accidents in the attic. You should also speak to your AC installer to see whether duct replacement is necessary.
  • High quality. Installing a new air conditioning system is an investment in your home and your comfort for the future. You need an installer you can trust with your entire project, a team of excellent technicians who you can rely on for future maintenance and repairs down the line. Not only with this ensure that your AC provides great cooling performance during the long Sarasota, FL cooling season, it will also give you the peace of mind that comes with professional care.

For air conditioning installation in Sarasota, FL, make sure you go with someone you can trust. Call Ultimate Air today! 

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Getting to Know Your Sarasota AC: Basic Air Conditioning Components

March 18th, 2013

While many homeowners and tenants in the Sarasota area depend on their air conditioners to provide cooling all summer long, most do not have a good grasp of how they work, and how their parts work together. Getting to know your home AC is important because the more you know, the better you will be able to recognize problems or issues in the cooling system. Knowing when to call for air conditioning repair is a great asset, and may help you prevent major repairs and replacements. For more information, call Ultimate Air in Sarasota today!

Here are the basic air conditioning components, and their functions:

  • Compressor. As its name suggests, the compressor pressurizes the refrigerant that circulates throughout the piping. It is typically housed in the outdoor unit along with the condenser. The compressor receives the refrigerant when it is a cool gas, and under low-pressure. The function of the compressor is to pressurize that gas, making it hot and highly pressurized.
  • Condenser. After being pressurized by the compressor, the hot gas reaches the condenser, which is where the heat transfer takes place. Here, the refrigerant cools, condenses, and turns into a liquid. Cool air is passed over the coils of the condenser.
  • Evaporator. Next, the pressurized cool liquid reaches the evaporator. This dramatically drops the pressure, changes the refrigerant into a gas; in doing so, it extracts the heat from the surrounding air. Then it moves back through to the compressor to start the cycle all over again.
  • Refrigerant. Refrigerants are chemically designed to change their phases (for example, gas to liquid) at relatively low temperatures. If you put water in the refrigerant cycle, you would need to generate a series of much greater temperature fluctuations. While the most popular refrigerant R-22 is now being phased out of production because of its ozone-depleting properties, its substitute R-410A is now available in most new air conditioning systems.

We hope this gave you a sense of the air conditioning cycle and its basic components. For air conditioning repair in Sarasota, call the experts at Ultimate Air! 

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Easy Ways to Improve Air Conditioning Efficiency in Sarasota

March 11th, 2013

As summer approaches in Sarasota, many homeowners are looking for easy ways to improve their air conditioning efficiency. Efficiency measures how efficiently your AC system uses energy for the cooling output, but this only includes the AC system and not the condition of the ductwork or other home efficiency factors. There are many approaches to energy-efficiency, from cleaning air filters to full system upgrades, but the most important thing to keep in mind is that only a professional recommendation can truly help you to save money this cooling season. Call Ultimate Air Conditioning Inc. today for all of your Sarasota air conditioning efficiency needs.

  • Clean your air filter. This is one of the easiest improvements you can make. A clean air filter ensures that the quality of your indoor air remains high and free from dust, dander, pollen and other debris. When the air filter gets clogged or dirty, it reduced indoor air quality and can actually impede airflow. Lack of airflow can cause problems in other parts of your air conditioning system.
  • Enroll in a preventive maintenance program. This is the best way to ensure that your AC enjoys a long-life in your home. A preventive maintenance program means that your cooling system works efficiently and effectively when you need it most. The Ultimate Air Maintenance Agreement provides a biannual precision tune-up and professional cleaning, discount on parts and labor, and priority scheduling. If you want to keep your AC in top shape, this is best course of action.
  • Programmable thermostat. If you don’t already have a programmable thermostat, you are missing out on extra energy savings. By allowing you to match certain temperatures at various points in the day, and different days of the week, the programmable thermostat gives you full control over the climate of your home.

We hope your find these easy ways to improve air conditioning efficiency to be helpful. If you think your cooling performance is inadequate or your energy bills seem high, call a Sarasota air conditioning professional at Ultimate Air. We install, repair, and maintain a wide variety of AC systems, and we specialize in making systems more efficient. Call us today!

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Sarasota Air Conditioning Guide: Why Is My AC System Squealing and Hissing?

March 4th, 2013

We rely on our air conditioning in Sarasota, FL. From spring to fall, we know that our comfort depends on the efficiency and effectiveness of our air conditioner. When your AC system begins to make strange sounds, it may be indicative of a problem in need of repair. Letting problems go for too long can lead to costly future repairs. When you need air conditioning repair in Sarasota, FL, call Ultimate Air.

Here are a few of the most common causes of air conditioning squealing and hissing in Sarasota, FL.

Common Air Conditioning Noises and Repair in Sarasota, FL

There may be a variety of reasons your air conditioning system is squealing and hissing. Proper diagnosis requires the hands-on inspection of an AC specialist, but here are a few preliminary ideas as to what’s going on with your AC system.

  • Squealing. If your air conditioning system has begun to squeal, it is typically a mechanical problem. It might be your air handler fan, compressor motor, or condenser. When parts undergo general wear and tear or become dry or damaged, friction and imbalance can cause them to squeal. Some air conditioning units have been known to emit a rapid squeal upon start-up, which may be part of its normal operation while excessive or lengthy squealing sounds are not.
  • Hissing. Hissing usually involves a small hole letting out pressurized material—like air or refrigerant. It might be somewhere in your ductwork, and the sound is echoing throughout your system. These can be difficult to find without professional diagnostic equipment. It may also be a leak in the refrigerant coils which isn’t just a problem with the efficient passage of air through the ductwork, but also places your entire system at risk.

If your AC system squeals or hisses, don’t hesitate to call for air conditioning repair. Problems only tend to worsen over time and calling early will likely prevent that. Call Ultimate Air today to speak to one of our professionals!

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