Posts Tagged ‘Miami’

Dirty Air Filters and Miami, FL Air Conditioning Repair

Monday, May 20th, 2013

Are you looking for something that you can do to keep your home cooling system working well all summer long? Your system’s air filter performs the vital task of protecting your AC from the accumulation of dust and debris. Fortunately, every homeowner can change his or her air filter at home: it’s both easy and necessary. In this post, we’d like to explain a little more about the importance of air filters and how they can disrupt the functionality of your system when they become dirty or clogged. For comprehensive Miami, FL air conditioning repair, call Air on Demand today!

Your air filter is installed there to keep dust, pollen, dander, and other debris from entering into your AC system. When this stuff gets in your blower motor or on your coils, it can lead to a serious disruption of the refrigerant cycle, whose effectiveness in large part depends on the cleanliness of the AC’s components. When it becomes dirty or clogged, it can actually begin to impede airflow. It actually stops cool air from entering into your ductwork and being distributed throughout your home. But the dangers of a dirty or clogged air filter don’t end there.

A clogged air filter can actually cause damage to your system. When airflow is impeded at your air handler, for example, your evaporator coil can freeze over due to the volume of cold air building up in your system. Moreover, this can cause your compressor to work that much harder to try and create enough cooling to break through the air filter, which has now become a barrier. This can lead to compressor overheating. It’s critical that you ensure that your system remains clean so that you can reduce repair needs whenever possible.

You should make sure you change your air filter about once a month during the cooling season. Speak to your local AC technician about what filter is best for your home. There is a wide range of types and brands on the market, and you need to find a balance between airflow efficiency and protection. Call Air on Demand today for comprehensive Miami, FL air conditioning repair services. 

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

Thursday, 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

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

Monday, 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! 

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

Monday, 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! 

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

Monday, 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! 

 

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

Monday, 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! 

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

Monday, 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! 

Miami Air Conditioning Repair: Condenser Coil Issues

Monday, 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! 

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

Monday, 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. 

Miami Air Conditioning Tip: Basic Components of Your AC System

Monday, March 11th, 2013

Now that the cooling season is upon us, many Miami homeowners are turning on their AC. But quite a few of them don’t know how their air conditioning system works, which can make it hard to tell if their system needs repair. While it’s up to us to ensure that your system operates at its full capacity, informing new and current clients about the basic components of your air conditioning system is also part of our job at Air on Demand.  The sooner you recognize a problem or lack of performance, the more opportunity our Miami air conditioning technicians have to fix that problem quickly. Lingering problems could turn into larger ones. When you need air conditioning repair, maintenance, or replacement, call Air on Demand.

All of the basic components work as part of a refrigeration cycle, not unlike the refrigerator that keeps your food cold. Here are a few of the most important components:

  • Refrigerant. Refrigerant is the chemical mixture that travels throughout the indoor and outdoor coil systems, passing through a condenser and an evaporator. When air passes over the coils, it is cooled and circulated throughout your home. While R-22 refrigerant became the standard replacement for Freon, it is now being phased out for R-410A, which does not contain ozone-depleting chlorine.
  • Compressor. This motorized pump pressurizes refrigerant, which allows it to change into liquid and gas at certain points in the cooling cycle. It runs on electricity, and in a split system is typically housed in the outdoor unit along with the condenser.
  • Expansion valve. This device is located between your hot coils and cold coils, and it controls the rate of pressurized liquid refrigerant entering the evaporator.
  • Thermostat. The thermostat is the user interface of the cooling system. It allows you to create a set point, which is your desired system temperature. It communicates this to the air conditioning system itself and adjusts airflow accordingly.

If you need AC repair in Miami, call Air on Demand today!