Miami Air Conditioning Repair Guide: What Causes Common AC Problems?

May 16th, 2013

Is your AC making a strange sound? Are you having difficulty keeping your home cool when it is hot and humid outside? Your AC is a complex system that needs professional installation and maintenance to work properly. But sometimes, it may come to need air conditioning repair as well, whether due to wear and tear, physical damage, or just plain old age. Air on Demand is committed to informing its customers about how to improve their air conditioning systems. As one of the leading providers in the area, we’d like to explore some of the reasons for air conditioning repair in Miami, so call us today for more details.

Let’s take a look at some common signs of the need for air conditioning repair so that you can stay alert during the cooling season:

  • Inadequate cooling: This is a common issue, but it’s also one that a great variety of potential causes. Only a hands-on professional diagnosis will be able to determine with certainty what the root problem is. First, check your thermostat to make sure that it is appropriately calling for cool air. Next, check your air filter to make sure that it isn’t excessively dirty or clogged, because this can produce serious airflow issues that can lead to inadequate cooling.
  • Spike in energy bills: If you opened up your electrical bill only to find that your bill dramatically increased from one month to the next, without a corresponding increase in your cooling usage, then you may have an issue with your AC that needs repair. You may have an airflow issue somewhere within your system, or dirty coils that need to be professionally cleaned.
  • Frozen evaporator coil: If your indoor coil is frosted over, then your air filter may be clogged, or you may have too much humidity in your system. A frozen coil can cause the system to shut down for defrosting. And during the hottest months of the year, this can become a serious problem.

Make sure that you get the home cooling that you deserve this summer. Call Air on Demand for comprehensive air conditioning repair services in Miami. 

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Miami, FL Air Conditioning Repair FAQ: Problems Caused by Dirty Coils

May 6th, 2013

If you live in the Miami, FL area, then you rely heavily on the integrity and performance of your air conditioning system, whether it’s a Trane central air unit or highly ranked Panasonic ductless split AC. Even the most durable systems require repair at some point, though. One common cause of problems in your AC system is dirty coils. While we strive to keep our ACs clean throughout the year, sometimes this can be difficult. Even so, you should make sure that you’re replacing your air filter about once a month during the cooling season. For comprehensive Miami, FL air conditioning repair, call Air on Demand today!

Your AC air filter is designed to prevent the accumulation of dust and debris on your coils, among other components. Let’s take a look at a few of the consequences of dirty coils:

  • Inadequate cooling: This is perhaps the most irritating consequence of dirty coils. Our ACs work hard enough during the long hot Florida summer; dirty coils only strains them further. Your evaporator coil absorbs the heat from your indoor warm air, and then your air handler circulates the cooled air throughout your ductwork.  Your condenser coil dissipates the thermal energy from this process into the outside air, and provides cool refrigerant to the evaporator unit. Both of these units cannot perform their respective duties unless the coils themselves are free of debris.
  • Energy inefficiency: Nor will your AC use energy efficiently if it is hampered by dust and debris on its coils. Because the heat exchange processes are constantly impeded, your entire system will require more energy to operate than usual. The severity of this inefficiency will vary, but it may lead to substantially higher energy bills every month.
  • System damage: With the deficiency in performance and energy usage comes the risk of system damage. When your AC has an imbalance within its system, this can cause increased wear and tear and may lead to damage, if not taken care of as soon as possible.

Make sure you change your air filter on a regular basis to prevent dirty coils. For superior Miami, FL air conditioning repair or maintenance, call Air on Demand today! 

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Miami, FL Air Conditioning Repair: My AC is Blowing Warm Air

April 29th, 2013

A well-maintained air conditioner is critical to the comfort of a Miami, FL home. Although we love the sun down here, it’s encouraging to know that we can find some respite from the heat and humidity when we go home for the day. Unfortunately, like all mechanical systems, air conditioners are prone to wear and tear, especially considering how much use they endure in our area. One such problem occurs when we find that our AC begins to blow warm air. Fortunately, you can rely on the Miami, FL air conditioning repair expertise of Air on Demand to ensure that your AC works well. Call us today!

There are a few reasons why your AC may be blowing warm air:

  • Dirty condenser coil: Your condenser coil is responsible for dissipating the thermal energy from the hot gas refrigerant into the outside air, with the help of an exhaust fan. Over time, it can begin to accumulate dust and other debris, which can deter this dissipation process. Under severe conditions, this can actually disrupt the refrigerant cycle and cause the hot gas refrigerant (rather than cool liquid refrigerant) to pass into the evaporator coil; hence, the warm air blowing through your ductwork. 
  • Clogged air filter: The air filter is designed to prevent the accumulation of dust and other debris from damaging or disrupting the operation of your system components. However, if it becomes clogged, it can begin to impede airflow, causing problems in the air handler and evaporator coil. For example, if your evaporator coil freezes over, then it cannot adequately cool the air.
  • Low refrigerant: You may encounter warm air if your system has particularly low levels of refrigerant. The refrigerant is chemically designed to undergo radical changes of temperature and pressure in order to move the heat extracted from the indoor air of your home outside. However, its “charge” must be exactly right in order for the system to operate effectively and efficiently.

These are just a few of the possible reasons why your AC may be blowing warm air. Call Air on Demand for excellent Miami, FL air conditioning repair services! 

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5 Tips for Preventing Dryer Fires

April 26th, 2013

We know your home safety is a top priority, but did you know that there are approximately 15,000 fires caused by clothes dryers every year? Here are some tips on cleaning and maintaining your dryer so it will continue to run safely and efficiently.

  1. Be sure to read the manufacturers’ warnings and manuals before using a new dryer. Warning labels can often be found inside the dryer door or lid as well.
  2. Always clean the lint trap between loads of laundry.
  3. Clean the back of the dryer for lint and dust that may be trapped.
  4. Replace plastic exhaust hoses with a rigid or flexible metal venting.
  5. Periodically clean the interior of the dryer and the venting system. Routine maintenance will keep your dryer running efficiently and reduce drying time.

Click the link below to view more tips from the Consumer Product Safety Commission:

Consumer Product Safety Commission – Preventing Dryer Fires

 

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Miami, FL Air Conditioning Repair: Signs of a Broken Thermostat

April 22nd, 2013

We rely on our air conditioning systems every day to supply cool air to our homes and businesses. Your air conditioning system is complicated, with many different components and mechanisms, all working in cooperation to provide consistent cooling for your home. The thermostat is one of the most vital components because is the only interface you have for communicating with your air conditioner; without it, your AC could not turn on and wouldn’t know what temperature adjustments to make. Because of its importance, it’s critical that you recognize the signs of a broken thermostat, so that you can have it fixed or replaced. When you need Miami air conditioning repair services, call the experts at Air on Demand today!

Let’s look at a few common signs that your thermostat is broken:

  • AC won’t turn on:  If your AC won’t turn on, the cause could be a broken thermostat. It could be an electrical or wireless connectivity problem, whereby the link between your thermostat and the air handler is broken. There are other possibilities, but it’s often a faulty thermostat.
  • Inadequate cooling: If you feel as though your AC used to cool your home much better than it does now, it could be linked to faulty thermostat. If you feel like your AC turns off before the temperature reaches your desired setpoint, then the thermostat may not be sensing the correct temperature, or may not be communicating with the blower fan properly.
  • AC won’t turn off: While it may seem like you never want your AC to turn off during the summer, it should not be running all the time. Once sufficient cool air has filled up the living space, then the thermostat should communicate that the desired temperature has been reached. 

We hope this brief guide helps you to identify a thermostat function. For Miami, FL air conditioning repair, call Air on Demand today! 

 

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How You Can Prevent the Need for Air Conditioning Repair in Miami

April 15th, 2013

As we begin the cooling season in Miami, FL, you may have concerns about the operation of your air conditioning system. After all, we use our air conditioning systems a lot down here, and when the heat and humidity outside becomes uncomfortable, we need our homes to provide crisp and cool air. For this reason, homeowners throughout the area are looking for ways to prevent the need for repair. In this post, we’d like to run you through several ways to prevent the need for air conditioning repair in Miami, FL. For more information, or to schedule a service, call the pros at Air on Demand today!

  • Enroll in a maintenance plan: There’s no substitute for professional care. A routine maintenance plan is the best way to prevent the need for air conditioning repair. When a tech visits your home to look at the AC system, he knows exactly what to look for, having worked on hundreds of similar units and having had the training to diagnose even uncommon problems. Professional inspection, cleaning, and tune-ups allow your system to run as it should, and this service may be necessary if your AC is still under warranty. In addition to such comprehensive care, the maintenance plan also gives you discounts on repairs and new equipment, priority service and no overtime charges.
  • Clean and replace your air filter: This is one of the simplest tasks every homeowner can and should do on a regular basis during the cooling season. Unfortunately, dirty and clogged air filters are common causes of air conditioning repair. When the airflow of your AC system is blocked, it cannot operate properly. Make sure you check your air filter about once a month this summer.
  • Keep your AC clean and clear of debris: Dirt and debris are the number one causes of air conditioning repair. By ensuring that the area surrounding your AC units (both indoor and outdoor) is free of debris, you are significantly reducing the risk of major repairs due to neglect.

We hope you find these useful. For more information about our air conditioning repair services in Miami, FL, call the experts at Air on Demand today! 

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Air Conditioning in Miami Question: Why Does My AC Keep Turning On and Off?

April 8th, 2013

Short cycling is the term for when your AC keeps turning on and off. It can be incredibly frustrating, produce inadequate amounts of cool air, and reduce energy efficiency. While it can be difficult to diagnose, there are some common reasons for short cycling. The most important thing to remember is that inspection, diagnosis, and repairs should be carried out by a certified professional, in order to ensure that you are satisfied with the work that has been done and that the problem is solved, not just temporarily patched up.  For air conditioning in Miami, including repair, installation, and maintenance, call Air on Demand today!

So, why does your AC keep turning on and off? Let’s review some possible culprits:

  • Electrical problem. Your AC requires a steady stream of electric current to operate smoothly. It needs to have adequate load and its electrical connections need to be free and clear of any potential damages. If there is a fault somewhere, your AC may turn on and off frequently. It can also occur if it constantly blows fuses and trips the circuit breaker.
  • Leaking refrigerant. Your AC depends upon a pressurized cycle of refrigerant, which circulates through a system of coils and valves, absorbing heat and dissipating it. If there is a leak somewhere within this cycle, it can quickly lead to short-cycling as well as inadequate cooling. Make sure that a professional handles any refrigerant level adjustments.
  • Frozen coils. If you have a clogged air filter, your evaporator coils can quickly become frosted over. When this happens, your AC may need to defrost, and therefore be subject to turning on and off. It’s important that your system remains free of any dust and debris at all times.
  • Inappropriately sized system. If your AC is too large for the volume of air in your household, then it may short cycle frequently. An inappropriately sized system can also lead to excessively cold air, lack of temperature adjustment, and decreased energy-efficiency.

If your AC constantly turns on and off during the cooling season, it can negatively affect your energy efficiency as well as reduce system life. For air conditioning in Miami, including repair, maintenance, and installation, call Air on Demand today! 

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Miami, FL Air Conditioning Repair: Signs of an Evaporator Coil Problem

April 1st, 2013

Modern air conditioners have come a long way in efficiency, design and durability. There has been a lot of innovation over the years that allows us to keep our homes cool more effectively and reliably than ever before. Even the best air conditioners from the most trusted manufacturers in the business, though, are still mechanical systems. Like all mechanical systems, your air conditioner might eventually experience some sort of operational problem. When this happens, the Miami, FL air conditioning repair professionals at Air on Demand can help. Contact us the moment that you suspect a problem with your air conditioning system. One common issue is a problem with your evaporator coil.

The evaporator coil in your air conditioning system absorbs heat, and that cooled air is then circulated throughout your home. Because of this integral function, a problem with your evaporator coil can lead to a number of different problems. If your evaporator coil is dirty then you can expect a general decline in the performance of your air conditioning system. This is not a serious problem, so long as it is addressed as soon as possible. The longer you force your air conditioning system to operate with a dirty evaporator coil, the greater the risk of more serious damage to your system.

It is also possible for your evaporator coil to freeze. There are a number of different causes of this problem. It can be due to a dirty coil or blocked return grills, among other causes. An indicator of this problem is a low refrigerant charge. Contact a professional Miami, FL air conditioning repair technician to have this issue resolved as soon as you suspect a problem. Again, the longer your air conditioner is forced to work in this condition, the more likely you are to incur further system damages.

To learn more about your evaporator coil or to have yours repaired, call Air on Demand today. Our air conditioning repair technicians are here to help you keep your home comfortable throughout the cooling season. We have the skills and training necessary to handle any air conditioning repair you may need.

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Miami Air Conditioning Repair: Condenser Coil Issues

March 25th, 2013

As the temperature begins to rise in Miami, FL, homeowners everywhere are beginning to check their air conditioners to make sure they are in good operating condition before the real heat starts. One of the most common issues concerns the condenser coils, which are housed in the outdoor unit. The purpose of the condensing coil is to condense the high temperature refrigerant gas into a liquid. The condenser coils therefore get hot, and require an extractor fan to blow the hot air off the coils. For Miami air conditioning repair, call Air on Demand today!

Let’s take a look at a few condenser coil issues:

  • Damaged cooling fins. The fins attached to the coils are meant to provide additional heat dissipation. If they are located on the top or the side of your outdoor unit, then they may be subject to general wear and tear as well as damage. If these fins become damaged, they can hamper the heat dissipation process and cause the condenser coils to overheat. 
  • Dirt and debris. Dirt and debris can often have a negative impact on the condenser coil, as they do with any part of your air conditioning. While it’s imperative to keep all parts of your AC clean, a dirty condenser coil can create significant airflow problems, and can reduce the cooling effectiveness of your system.
  • Corrosion. Whether due to high moisture conditions or old age, your condenser coil can begin to corrode. When properly maintained and attended to, this problem does not often become major. But if it does, it can cause serious damage to your AC system.
  • Leaks. Refrigerant leaks can impact your entire system. Because your condenser coils are outdoors, they are especially prone to physical damage. Without adequate levels of refrigerant circulating through both the condenser coils and the evaporator coils, your AC system will simply not work effectively. You may also end up paying for more electrical energy to run the machine

Whatever air conditioning repair you may need, Air on Demand is here to help. Our team of certified experts can help you get your Miami air conditioning back up and running in no time. Call us today! 

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Miami Air Conditioning Guide: Simple Ways To Improve Air Conditioning Efficiency

March 18th, 2013

As it begins to heat up in Miami, you need to make sure that your air conditioner will run all summer long. But more than that, you also need to make sure that it’s running efficiently so that you’re not wasting energy and therefore not wasting money. Here at Air on Demand, we’re committed to informing our new and current clients about simple ways they can improve their air conditioning efficiency this cooling season. For more information, or to schedule an air conditioning maintenance in Miami, call us today!

Energy efficiency is not only about reducing costs in utility bills, but also about reducing the energy that each homeowner uses for cooling, which is especially high during the summer months. Here are some easy and simply ways to improve air conditioning efficiency:

  • Enroll in a maintenance plan. This is the best way not only to improve your efficiency, but also to extend the lifespan of your system, as well as improve your comfort. Annual tune-ups make your system run cleanly and efficiently by removing debris, lubricating parts, and performing comprehensive inspections. Members of our maintenance plan also enjoy repair discounts, priority service, and no overtime charges. It’s a cost-effective way to boost your AC efficiency.
  • Clean your air filter. Your air filter prevents pollutants and debris from entering into your indoor air, but when they become dirty or clogged, they can actually impede the passage of cool air. This can cause increased moisture in your system and in general causes your system to work that much harder. Cleaning or replacing your air filter is an important and simple step to maintaining indoor air quality and efficient performance.
  • Install a programmable thermostat. These are excellent ways to customize your indoor temperature to certain times of the day and days of the week. It also improves efficiency by permitting automatic and gradual shifts in temperature, as well as turning your cooling on and off automatically, depending on your work schedule.

These are some simple ways to improve air conditioning efficiency in your Miami home. For AC maintenance, call Air on Demand today. 

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