Dec 15, 2021 | Blog
Only experts should handle jobs like heat pump repair. Although we appreciate your efforts, the major reason why DIY HVAC repairs are a terrible idea is that they expose you to serious hazards. Let’s take a look at the dangers of conducting DIY HVAC repairs in Orlando, FL.
Safety Concerns
A heat pump is a powerful piece of equipment that requires a lot of electricity to work effectively. Dismantling the device to disclose its internal workings isn’t advisable unless you have the necessary training and specialized tools.
If you’re ill-equipped, you’re putting yourself and the system at risk. Furthermore, you might start an electrical fire or receive a life-threatening electrical shock.
Financial Consequences
While the intention is to save money by performing DIY heat pump repairs, the outcome may be the reverse if something goes wrong. The expense of repairing or replacing a faulty heating and cooling system is going to be prohibitively expensive. It will most likely be more than what you could have paid if you had hired a professional service expert to solve the problem initially.
Voiding Your Heat Pump Warranty
For a homeowner to have an effective warranty, they must complete various criteria set out by HVAC manufacturers. For instance, a manufacturer-authorized expert should perform HVAC system installation, repair and servicing. If you did the project yourself and the manufacturer discovers you interfered with the system, you risk voiding your heat pump’s warranty.
Before you begin any DIY heat pump repair, it’s critical that you understand the risks associated. Rather than taking needless risks and spending unnecessary money, reach out to Frank’s Air Conditioning Inc. for skilled HVAC maintenance and installations. Call us and we’ll dispatch a qualified HVAC specialist to ensure that your Orlando, FL, heat pump remains operational and safe.
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Nov 12, 2021 | Blog
A heat pump doesn’t generate heat or cold air. Instead, it circulates outdoor air inside your home in St. Cloud, FL, thereby being more energy efficient, longer lasting and easier to maintain. Short cycling happens when the heat pump switches on and off consistently due to the factors discussed below.
Incorrect Heat Pump Sizing
If the heat pump is smaller or larger than needed, it will likely try to compensate by switching on and off to reach the temperature set on the thermostat. An HVAC technician will calculate the load your heat pump can heat or cool based on factors such as your home’s insulation and square footage.
Clogged Air Filters and Ducts
Clogged filters and ducts obstruct airflow in your home. This causes the heat pump to output less cooling or heating power and also run in shorter, more frequent cycles. These cycles consume relatively more energy.
Refrigerant Leak
Your heat pump needs a refrigerant to regulate a room’s temperature. If there’s a leak, your system will consume more energy to reach the temperature on the thermostat and may also end up running in shorter more frequent cycles. Leaks need immediate sealing, as the refrigerant may also pose a risk to your health.
Why Fix Short Cycling Fast?
When your heat pump short-cycles, you’ll hear it come on and go off frequently. These short cycles will consume more energy as your system consumes more energy to power on. More energy translates to higher energy bills.
As your system overworks to reach the thermostat temperature, short-cycling can lead to premature breakdown of your heat pump. A breakdown can necessitate costly repairs or replacement of the heat pump.
Sizing the HVAC system correctly is the first step in avoiding short-cycling. From there, you need to ensure your heat pump receives routine maintenance without fail. Call us at Frank’s Air Conditioning to schedule routine maintenance or request any other HVAC service from our professionals.
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Oct 18, 2021 | Blog
A thermostat is integral in keeping your home’s climate comfortable and safe, so it should remain functional to achieve the right temperatures. It’s important to know when to replace the control in your St. Cloud, FL, home. The following are some of the signs that you need a new thermostat.
Your Thermostat Is Unresponsive
Thermostats can stop working due to old age or a fault in the wiring system. That means that there’ll be neither lights nor changes after pushing buttons. In that case, you need to replace the faulty control with a functional device.
Your Systems Are Constantly Running
If you cannot stop your air conditioning unit from running, the control could be the culprit. It could be faulty wiring. It’s best to replace your control to stop your HVAC from constantly running.
Different Temperatures in Each Room
If you notice different temperatures in your house, the thermostat, which acts as the control center, could be faulty. It happens when the control sends incorrect signals to your unit, so it turns off or on when it shouldn’t. If changing control batteries doesn’t help, consider calling a professional for a control replacement.
Your Thermostat Is Obsolete
You don’t have to wait for your control to break down to warrant a replacement. If it’s a manual control, you could benefit from an upgrade to a new, digital thermostat. Consider replacing an obsolete control with a programmable one to additional features and lower monthly utility bills.
Thermostat Loses Programmed Settings
A programmable control should maintain temperature settings over a long time. However, if your home’s control doesn’t maintain the settings for a long duration, it could be time for thermostat replacement. A control replacement will help maintain programmed settings and keep your home comfortable.
It’s advisable to replace your control as soon as you start noticing any of these signs. Talking to an HVAC technician helps you choose the right thermostat for your home needs. Feel free to talk to Frank’s Air Conditioning today about smart home devices and learn more about replacing the thermostat.
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Sep 21, 2021 | Blog
When it comes to surviving the scorching hot Orlando, FL, summers, you need an air conditioning system that is operating at full capacity. Unfortunately, if you’re experiencing any of the problems below, it’s likely that your air conditioning system isn’t operating at its optimal efficiency.
1. Uneven Temperatures
If you notice that one or more rooms in your home don’t feel as cold as other ones, it could be an indication that your system isn’t working optimally. Most likely, the vents for the warmer rooms have some sort of obstruction that is hindering full airflow through them. We recommend checking the vents and then contacting a professional to handle any obstruction or reduced air flow.
2. Inaccurate Thermostat Reading
Another issue that may signal an inefficient AC unit is an inaccurate thermostat reading. You’ll usually notice this when it feels overly warm inside of your home and your thermostat is reading a much cooler temperature. It’s best to have this problem evaluated by a professional.
3. Blowing Warm Air
If you notice that your AC system is blowing out warm air, it could be due to a number of problems. These include low refrigerant, blocked condenser unit, frozen evaporator coils or dirty coils. A professional will be needed to determine which of these problems are the cause, and then rectifying the problem quickly and safely.
4. Low Airflow
If your system is blowing cold air, just at a much slower pace, it likely has an airflow issue. This can be a result of something as simple as a dirty air filter. Or, it may be more complex, like frozen evaporator coils.
5. Water Buildup
A natural part of the air conditioning process is removing excess humidity from the air. This water will usually drip off the coils in the drain pan and then down the condensate pipe. However, if the condensate pipe or drainpan has an obstruction in any way, it could cause water to build up in your system, reduce its efficiency, and possibly cause damage inside your home.
If you’re struggling with an inefficient air conditioning system, it’s time to get professional assistance. Call Frank’s Air Conditioning today to get help with your AC repair needs.
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Aug 20, 2021 | Blog
Your AC system plays an integral role in protecting your health and keeping you safe. It is a good idea to investigate any unpleasant odor. Here are some examples of odors that indicate potential issues with an AC system in your home in Loughman, FL.
Dirty-Sock Odor
When you turn on your AC, if the air smells like dirty socks, it’s a sign that there is a microbial buildup. A reliable technician from our company will clean the coils, unclog the drain pans and help eliminate the musty odor associated with it.
Chemical Odor from AC System
When you start your AC system, if the house smells like chemicals, it’s never a good sign. A chemical odor is an indication that there is a refrigerant leak or another serious issue that could lead to the failure of the unit.
A refrigerant leak can also cause a hissing or bubbling sound, so be on the lookout for those signs, too. If you notice ice buildup on the evaporator coil, warm air blowing from the air vents, or inconsistency with indoor thermostats, your AC might need maintenance or replacement service.
Vinegar Odor
A clogged condensate pan, dirty filter, unclean ductwork, or excess condensation causes the house to smell like vinegar. Again, only a professional technician will pinpoint the actual reason for this odor, so make sure to contact one as soon as you notice it.
Burning Odor From AC System
The burning odor could be coming from a broken capacitor, overheated motor, loose electrical connection, or bad fan belt. Things can go horribly wrong if you don’t pay attention to burning odor and take quick action accordingly. You should turn off your system right away and contact our HVAC company for a service call.
We have the skills and training to pinpoint the cause and eliminate odor coming from your AC unit. Call the experts at Frank’s Air Conditioning for HVAC inspections in Loughman, FL.
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Jul 19, 2021 | Blog
As the summer heat continues in St. Cloud, FL, you need to make sure your air conditioner continues to keep you cool and comfortable. One often overlooked part of the AC system, the ductwork, is an important component of the whole “works” and needs periodic cleaning.
The Function of Air Ducts in the Home
Air ducts circulate cooled air from the air conditioner to each room of the house, allowing for consistent temperatures. Since this is the air we breathe, we want the system that transports that air to be as clean as possible.
What Air Duct Cleaning Incorporates
Powerful vacuums greatly aid in the removal of contaminants and dust within the ductwork, preventing them from continuing to recirculate throughout the house. Doing this every few years will eradicate existing contaminants.
Some Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning
1. Improves air flow efficiency: A heavy build-up of grime and dust restricts air flow from the air conditioner, making the cooling unit work harder to cool the house, thereby decreasing efficiency. The tangible result here is higher electricity costs for the homeowner as the unit works longer to achieve the desired target temperature. A good duct cleaning will help the system return to peak efficiency, lowering energy bills.
2. Reduces irritants and allergens: This time of year, many harmful biologic particulates can make their way through air ducts. This can include contaminants and micro-organisms such as pollen, mildew, pet dander and similar toxins. An annual air duct cleaning can help promote healthier living by giving you clean air to breathe.
3. Removes unpleasant odors and smells: Pet odors, food smells, stale tobacco smoke and other unpleasant scents ultimately get into the air duct system and stay there. As the air recirculates when the air conditioner kicks on, these odors recirculate, too. A detailed air duct cleaning will help remove all odor-trapping particles, resulting in a cleaner, fresher smell in your home.
Call our experts at Frank’s Air Conditioning in St. Cloud, FL, for professional air duct cleaning. We’re also happy to provide any other HVAC services you may need.
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