Mar 27, 2023 | Blog
If you’re having trouble getting a good night’s sleep, your Kissimmee, FL home’s HVAC system may be to blame. Sleep experts say the temperature and air quality in your bedroom can significantly impact the quality of your rest. Here is some key information for making sure you’re getting the best possible rest while your AC system runs.
1. Establish an Optimal Resting Room Temperature
To promote optimal sleep, experts recommend setting your thermostat to around 65-68 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range is important because as you sleep, your body temperature drops.
2. Clean Air Filters Improve Indoor Air Quality
In addition to temperature, the air quality in your bedroom can also affect your sleep quality. For example, a dirty air filter will result in the accumulation of allergens and dust. Too much gunk in the air will make it harder to breathe easily and even cause allergic reactions.
Clean air filters keep the air in your bedroom clean and healthy. Fresh filters mean better air quality and better rest. In fact, studies have shown that clean air can lead to improved sleep quality, reduced snoring and fewer instances of sleep apnea.
3. Less Noise and Vibrations Helps You Sleep Better
Temperature and air quality aren’t the only factors to consider when it comes to your HVAC system and sleep. Noise and vibrations from your HVAC system can also disrupt your sleep.
Even if you don’t consciously wake up from the noise, your body can still react to it, leading to a poorer quality of sleep. Try using earplugs for a night or two to determine if HVAC-related sounds undermine getting good rest as you sleep. If you discover you had better rest while using the ear plugs, we can repair your AC and reduce or eliminate subtle but disruptive noises.
With better sleep comes improved health, mood and productivity, so it’s worth taking the time to create a sleep-friendly environment in your home. Call Frank’s Air Conditioning to schedule maintenance service at least once a year to ensure your AC doesn’t interfere with your sleep.
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Feb 24, 2023 | Blog
New smart thermostats for your St. Cloud, FL home are generally easy to set up and adjust with just the touch of a button. However, there are programs within these devices that you may not be familiar with until they start running. One of these programs is recovery mode, which you can learn more about below.
What Is Recovery Mode?
If your thermostat begins recovery mode, you’ll see the word “recovery” on the front of the display. Although this may seem like there is something wrong with your thermostat or HVAC system, that is generally not the case. Recovery mode is a feature that can be found on many different makes and models of smart thermostats.
This mode essentially means the thermostat is working harder to achieve the temperature you set and is recovering from energy-efficiency mode. It’s telling you that the thermostat has turned the HVAC unit back on so it can cool or heat your home to the desired temperature. This is something that happens often, especially if you set specific times when your HVAC should turn off because you’re not home.
When Will Recovery Mode Happen?
If you’ve set certain temperatures for your thermostat throughout the day, then you can expect recovery mode to turn on roughly two hours before those times occur. Not all thermostats will do this, as some will reach recovery mode because they will have automatic settings adjustments. This is normally the case for smart thermostats that track times when you require more or less from your HVAC system.
Using Smart Thermostats Effectively
A smart thermostat can be a great investment to improve the energy efficiency of your St. Cloud, FL home and save you roughly 8% yearly on your energy bills. If you are looking for a new thermostat and want to make the most of your HVAC system, we can help. Contact Frank’s Air Conditioning for smart thermostats and HVAC maintenance to keep your home comfortable.
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Jan 25, 2023 | Blog
As a commercial HVAC contractor in St. Cloud, FL, we often get asked how to improve the efficiency of a commercial HVAC system. While many factors can contribute to inefficiency, there are a few key areas that you can focus on to make a significant impact. Here are some tips on how to boost the efficiency of your commercial HVAC system.
1. Regularly Change HVAC Filters
Changing the air filters on a regular basis is one of the most important steps you can take to improve your HVAC system’s efficiency. Not only will this reduce energy costs, but it will also help maintain healthy indoor air quality. We recommend changing the filter every three months or as needed depending on how often your system is being used.
2. Clean and Seal All Ductwork
Dirty ducts can be a major source of energy loss in commercial HVAC systems. Make sure to have your ducts professionally cleaned and sealed to ensure that no air is escaping. This will help improve airflow and minimize energy waste.
3. Use Programmable Thermostats
Programmable thermostats are an easy way to save money and energy on your commercial HVAC system. These devices allow you to program the temperature settings in different zones as long as the zones are set up, so you can keep areas of your building cooler or warmer as needed. This helps prevent unnecessary use of energy when areas aren’t in use.
4. Keep Your HVAC System Properly Maintained
Proper maintenance of your commercial HVAC system is key to its efficiency. Regular tune-ups and inspections can help identify worn parts or issues causing the system to run inefficiently. Schedule regular check-ups with a qualified technician to keep your system running at peak performance.
By following these tips, you can help improve the efficiency of your commercial HVAC system and save money in the long run. If you need assistance with any of these tasks, don’t hesitate to contact us at Frank’s Air Conditioning for professional help in heating, cooling and indoor air quality services. We’re always here to help!
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Dec 20, 2022 | Blog
Heat pumps are a great way to heat and cool your home, but should they always run? That is a question many homeowners ask themselves as they try to reduce their energy bills. To help answer their question, here are three reasons why your heat pump may run constantly in Kissimmee, FL.
1. Inappropriate Thermostat Settings
The thermostat is one of the first things to check when you have a high energy bill. Setting your thermostat too high during winter can cause your heat pump to run constantly. It runs all the time in an effort to keep up with the temperature that you have set.
2. Clogged Air Filter
Heat pumps require clean and fresh air to work effectively. A clogged air filter can prevent your heat pump from working at its optimum level. If your air filter is clogged, it will restrict the airflow to your heat pump, making it run constantly.
Cleaning or replacing it as needed can help your HVAC system run at its optimum level. This should be part of your regular maintenance routine to ensure that your heat pump runs at its optimum level.
3. Low Refrigerant Charge
An insufficient refrigerant charge can cause your heat pump to run constantly. When there is insufficient refrigerant, the heat pump will work hard to compensate for the lack of refrigerant. This can lead to overheating and eventually damage the system.
Regularly maintenance includes checking your refrigerant charge to ensure that your system has the right amount of refrigerant. If you suspect that your refrigerant may be low, call Frank’s Air Conditioning, and we’ll have a technician check it out.
At Frank’s Air Conditioning, we have a team of professional technicians who can help you with all of your heating repair and air conditioning needs. We offer a wide range of HVAC services to keep your home comfortable and your family safe. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
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Nov 18, 2022 | Blog
If you hear strange sounds coming from your heat pump, you’re not alone. It’s a common issue many people experience, and it can be difficult to determine what the noises mean. Here are the five most common heat pump sounds and what they signify.
1. Banging or Clanking
If you hear a banging or clanking noise, something is likely loose inside the unit, like a screw or metal panel that’s now rattling around inside the heat pump. Turn off the unit and contact a professional for AC repairs.
2. Hissing
A hissing noise from your heat pump usually indicates a refrigerant leak. It’s a serious issue that needs immediate action as it can cause extensive damage to the unit. If you hear a hissing noise, shut off the heat pump and call a technician right away.
3. Grinding
A grinding noise typically means that something is wrong with the motor. Considering this type of sound is often never a good sign, it’s best to turn the unit off and call for an inspection to see what the issue may be.
4. Buzzing
A buzzing sound from your heat pump is usually nothing to worry about and is simply the sound of electricity going through the unit. However, if a burning smell accompanies the buzzing noise, it could be a sign of an electrical issue that requires an immediate solution.
5. Rattling
A rattling noise coming from your heat pump is often due to leaves, dirt or other debris caught in the outdoor unit. As the heat pump turns on, the debris moves around and causes a rattling noise. The debris needs to be cleaned out, so contact a professional who can check out the situation and determine if it’s debris or another issue, like a loose part.
Contact Frank’s Air Conditioning to provide maintenance services if you hear any type of strange noises coming from your heat pump. We’ll help you determine the cause of the noise and get your unit running smoothly again.
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Oct 24, 2022 | Blog
Like any mechanical device, your heat pump compressor will eventually break down and need replacement. Here are five signs that indicate your heat pump compressor may be on its last legs.
1. The Unit Is Making Strange Noises
Your HVAC system should run quietly without strange banging, rattling or humming noises. If you hear any unusual sounds coming from your unit, it’s a sign that the compressor is faulty. Act on the problem as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the unit and improve the heating of your home.
2. The Unit Is Leaking Coolant
A small amount of condensation around your heat pump is normal, but if you see coolant leaking from the unit, it’s a sign that the compressor is not okay. You’ll need to repair the unit and refill the coolant.
3. The Unit Isn’t Providing Enough Heat/Cooling
The main purpose of a heat pump is to provide heating and cooling for your home. If you notice that the unit isn’t providing as much heat or cooling as you need, it could be a sign that the compressor is struggling. The sooner you fix the problem, the better.
4. Circuit Breaker Problems
The purpose of a circuit breaker is to protect your HVAC system from power surges. If the circuit breaker trips frequently, it’s a sign that there’s too much strain on the system, which could be due to a faulty compressor. You’ll need to have an electrician look at the unit to diagnose the problem.
5. Reduced Airflow
Airflow is essential for proper heat pump operation. If the compressor starts to fail, you may notice reduced airflow from the unit. This problem can cause it to overheat, which will shorten its lifespan.
For your heat pump to have a long-lasting life, periodic maintenance is a must. We offer comprehensive HVAC services that range from installation to repair and replacement. Our experienced technicians will diagnose any problems with your heat pump and provide an effective solution.
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