Wellington, FL Air Conditioning Question: What is a Capacitor?

June 18th, 2013

Is your AC having difficulty starting up? During the cooling season down here in Florida, it’s imperative to have a great working AC. Air conditioning systems are complex machines, comprised of various components, electrical and mechanical systems, and therefore need professional service to operate correctly. At Envirotech Air Quality Services, we care about the quality of your HVAC systems because we know how much they impact your daily life. In today’s post, we’d like to discuss the capacitor, which is an integral part of your AC, and one that you should know about. If you’re having any trouble with your AC, or think that it’s time to enrolling in professional maintenance, then don’t hesitate to give us a call for all of your air conditioning needs in Wellington, FL.

What is a capacitor and how does it work?

A capacitor is a bit like a battery in your car. It helps to start your compressor by providing a boost of stored energy. Because the voltage that operates your AC is somewhat restricted by your residential service panel, the capacitor sends a quick jolt of electrical energy into the AC so that it starts up quickly. There are various types of capacitors, and yours needs to be matched according to the voltage of the motor it helps to operate. It’s important to make sure that this is so, or else it can result in various problems with the operation of your air conditioning system.

Common capacitor issues

Like any component of your HVAC system, there may come a time when your capacitor will need professional repair or replacement. Because it is part of the electrical system, it’s imperative that it be taken care of by a qualified technician. If your AC simply does not start up or makes a strange sound during operation, then it could be a sign that you have a bad capacitor. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so make sure you enroll in a maintenance plan that can help you stay on top of problems before they develop into major replacements.

Call Envirotech Air Quality Services today for excellent Wellington, FL air conditioning services. 

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West Palm Beach Air Conditioning Repair Tip: When to Call a Professional

June 11th, 2013

All the use that your air conditioning system gets can cause it to develop a number of very common problems. However, sometimes it can be difficult to tell when your air conditioning system is working well and when it needs professional attention. The West Palm Beach air conditioning repair professionals at Envirotech have years of experience repairing, installing and replacing all different kinds of AC systems. If you’re having any of the following issues make sure that you call for service immediately.

Not Enough Cooling

If your air conditioning system is just blowing warm air or if it isn’t producing enough cooling, you should likely call for AC repair. These types of issues don’t go away on their own and will likely get worse. Insufficient cooling is often caused by a broken thermostat, a bad compressor or a faulty fan motor.

Strange Noises

When your air conditioning system starts to make a new or unusual noise, it likely means that something is wrong with your AC. It can be a sign of a big problem if you start to hear squealing, hissing or gurgling from your air conditioner. Squealing is usually the fault of an old or worn out fan belt. Hissing can be a sign that you have a refrigerant leak somewhere in your AC system. Gurgling is likely from low refrigerant in your lines.

Humidity Problems

Your air conditioning system naturally removes moisture from your home’s air supply. When you start to notice that your home is humid or muggy, it means that your air conditioning system isn’t properly circulating refrigerant through the system, and that you probably need to call for service.

For all your West Palm Beach air conditioning repairs, make sure that you call the experts at Envirotech. We have experience working on all different types and brands of air conditioning systems.

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Lake Worth, FL Air Conditioning FAQ: Why is My Refrigerant Low?

June 4th, 2013

Your AC producing cool air during the hot and humid Florida summer largely rests upon having the correct refrigerant charge flowing through your air conditioning components and coils. Refrigerant is chemically designed to produce radical temperature changes under pressurized conditions, and this property makes the AC process possible. Your AC is a closed system, and should not expend or lose refrigerant. This brings us to the subject of today’s blog post, which gives you some potential reasons for why your refrigerant is low. Call Envirotech Air Quality Services today for comprehensive Lake Worth, FL air conditioning services.

There are numerous symptoms of low refrigerant, including frosty coils, inadequate cooling and dehumidification, as well as damage to system components. But, generally speaking, there are really two reasons your refrigerant is low.

  • Improper installation: Unfortunately, if you didn’t hire a qualified technician to install your AC, then you may be at risk of low refrigerant. The “charge” of your refrigerant needs to be of a certain level to absorb and dissipate thermal energy. Refrigerant circulates within the various components, but if these were not properly fitted, or adjusted, then you cannot expect adequate cooling performance and energy efficiency.
  • Leak: The more probable reason why you have low refrigerant is because of a leak. While both the indoor and outdoor housing around the coils seek to protect them from physical damage, punctures do happen. Alternatively, if you have copper coils, they may be subject to pitting or corrosion. Also, weather and sand can cause erosion of the outdoor coils. If you notice a hissing sound in and around your AC unit, then this could be a small refrigerant leak.

Low refrigerant can affect any air conditioner, no matter how high-powered or energy efficient. If your AC is not operating as it should, or you think you might need repair, call for superior Lake Worth, FL air conditioning services from Envirotech Air Quality Services.

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Happy Memorial Day!

May 27th, 2013

Every year on the final Monday of May, citizens of America come together to honor those who have served our country. Formerly known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day came to prominence after the American Civil War to commemorate the fallen soldiers on either side. Although its origins are somewhat ambiguous, it has always been about bringing people together to recognize our country’s military personnel and history. We want to take this opportunity to thank all the men and women who have served our county.

Memorial Day also marks the beginning of summer. We hope that you have a wonderful day off, and that it is a great start to your summer!

If you need air conditioning service in West Palm Beach this season, we are here to help!

 

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What You Should Know Before Calling for Air Conditioning Repair in West Palm Beach, FL

May 20th, 2013

Is your AC making a strange sound? Does it turn on and off frequently? Are you satisfied with its cooling performance? Whether you have a central air, ductless mini split, or heat pump, there will come a time when it needs professional servicing. But it’s important to know a few things before you call for air conditioning repair in West Palm Beach, FL. In today’s post, we’ve compiled a brief guide on this topic.

Here are some things to consider:

  • Quality: Are you calling the right company for the job? If you’re not hiring a qualified AC technician, then you might be doing more harm than good. Amateur tinkering can lead to long repair times and increased costs. Make sure you’re hiring a professional to perform any repairs on your AC so that you can ensure the repair is done effectively.
  • Be prepared: Yes, even the homeowner can be prepared before calling for repair. Make sure you have the information about your AC ready to go for the technician. When he arrives, this preparation can cut down on his labor time and allow the repair to go much more smoothly. Keep all the warranty info and the history of any repair work done on your AC organized in a single place for quick retrieval. Here are some questions you might want to ask yourself:
    • Is your system currently working?
    • How long has the problem lasted?
    • Have you changed your air filter recently?
    • How old is your AC?
  • Accessibility: Make sure that all aspects of your indoor and outdoor unit are fully accessible to the technician so that he can get in and out of there as soon as possible.
  • Fee: Keep in mind that there might be a diagnostic fee for coming to look at your system, in addition to the cost of any repair needs.

We hope this gives you some good tips to keep in mind. And if you’re in need of air conditioning repair in West Palm Beach, you know you can rely on the expert care of Envirotech Air Quality Services, so call us today! 

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Air Conditioning Sounds: Should I be Worried?

May 16th, 2013

Do you hear a strange or unusually loud sound coming from your air conditioning system? If you’re at all concerned about the noises coming out of your AC, then it might be an indication of a significant underlying problem. It should be taken care of immediately, because it might not only lead to inefficiency and high energy bills, but possibly also system damages. If you’re concerned, the best course of action is to shut your AC off and call a West Palm Beach air conditioning repair professional at Envirotech. We can diagnose the problem quickly and recommend a solution.

Here are some sounds that might be cause for concern:

  • Buzzing: If you hear a buzzing sound coming from your AC, the problem may be electrical in nature. It may be a problem with the electrical supply wiring running from the circuit breaker to the AC unit, or a problem with the capacitor. However, buzzing can also indicate a serious electrical problem known as “arcing.” This can be hazardous, as it may cause electrical shock.
  • Hissing: If it sounds like there is an air leak somewhere causing a hissing sound, then there probably is. If it is located in or around your ductwork, then it’s probably because of a crack or hole in the ducts or the air handler plenum. But if you hear it around the coils or the unit itself, then it could be caused by a refrigerant leak. The level of refrigerant in your AC should be constant. If it becomes low, then it can result in higher energy bills as well as system damage.
  • Banging: A banging noise is often due to a loose part within one of the units, or possible a damaged part in one of motors. It could also be a bent fan blade hitting the housing.

It’s better to be safe than sorry. Strange and loud sounds that occur unexpectedly are often the results of something going wrong with your AC. Call Envirotech for comprehensive West Palm Beach air conditioning repair. 

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West Palm Beach Air Conditioning Repair Tip: Keep Your Air Filter Clean

May 6th, 2013

One of the most common culprits of inadequate cooling, inefficiency, and damage is also one of the most overlooked. Of the few tasks that every homeowner can do with their air conditioning system, keeping its air filter clean at all times is the most important. The AC is a complex system, and it shouldn’t be tinkered with by the non-technician, but one of the things that you must do about once a month during the cooling season is check on your air filter. If it is dirty or even clogged with dust and other debris, then it has to be replaced.

The purpose of the air filter is to prevent the accumulation of dust and other debris on the sensitive mechanical parts and coils of the AC components so that they don’t interfere with the absorption and dissipation of heat, which is the key to the cooling process. It is therefore highly important to the function of your air conditioning system. Your AC will not be able to perform adequately if the compressor is filled with dust, or the coils are covered in various debris. You may find that it is unable to keep up with your cooling needs during the hottest days of the summer.

If that weren’t reason enough to keep your air filter clean, think of the energy inefficiency that results from a dirty or clogged air filter. When your system is full of dust and debris, then its components will have to work harder to compensate for the lack of efficiency. This causes the entire system to use much more energy than is typically necessary. Higher energy consumption leads to high energy bills, and that is something that everyone wants to avoid.

If you want to make sure that your AC lasts, and that it continues to provide efficient and effective cooling, then you can contribute to its success by keeping the air filter clean at all times. For West Palm Beach air conditioning repair, call Envirotech Air Quality Services today!

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West Palm Beach, FL Air Conditioning Installation: Why Replace Your Indoor and Outdoor Unit at the Same Time

April 29th, 2013

If your West Palm Beach, FL air conditioning system no longer works properly, or has become damaged and is in need of repair, then you may be tempted to replace only one of the two units. While this is possible in some cases, your indoor and outdoor units need to be professionally matched if they are to cooperate efficiently. The most important aspect of the process, however, is to ensure that your new AC is installed by a qualified professional. For more information about West Palm Beach, FL air conditioning installation, call Envirotech Air Quality Services today!

All air conditioners use a compressor to circulate pressurized refrigerant through the condenser and evaporator coils, and every type has an air handler. Central air and the heat pump are basic split systems, with an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, while the ductless mini split has the same setup, except that the indoor air handler sits right inside the living space. Which ever system you have, your condenser/compressor and the evaporator/air handler work in concert.

Therefore, they need to be properly matched. For example, they need to have the same refrigerant. Because R-22 is currently being phased out of production, finding a new indoor unit to match your outdoor unit may be more difficult than it seems. R-410A is the new standard, and refrigerant retrofitting is not always possible. Moreover, all of the components of the AC need to be appropriately sized for one another, so that the system can operate efficiently.

There are other considerations as well. For example, your manufacturer’s warranty may stipulate a certain type of indoor unit (or vice versa). The copper lineset, which connects the indoor to the outdoor unit may or may not have to replaced, depending on its condition, and whether it can be thoroughly cleaned and tested to ensure that it doesn’t leak refrigerant.

We hope you found this brief guide helpful. For more information about what your AC needs in order to work properly, call the West Palm Beach, FL air conditioning installation experts at Envirotech Air Quality Services today!

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West Palm Beach Air Conditioning Repair Tip: Minimizing AC Repair Needs

April 22nd, 2013

Homeowners throughout the West Palm Beach area are looking for ways to minimize their AC repair needs this summer. Fortunately, taking care of your AC cannot only reduce the need for repairs; it can also improve your energy efficiency, extend the life of your system, and may even be required to uphold your manufacturer’s warranty. Prevention is the key to the efficiency and effectiveness of your cooling system, whatever type or brand it may be. In this post, we’d like to give you some tips about how to minimize your repair needs. For exceptional West Palm Beach air conditioning repair, call the pros at Envirotech Air Quality Services today!

  • Regularly check your air filter: During the cooling season, make sure to check your air filter on a regular basis: about once a month, if not more. If it is dirty or clogged, make sure to clean or replace it. This is one of the critical tasks every homeowner should be sure to complete. Your air filter is designed to prevent the accumulation of dirt and debris, but when it becomes dirty or clogged, it can actually begin to work against the air conditioner by restricting airflow.
  • Keep the surrounding area clean and clear: Make sure that your outdoor unit does not have any vegetation encroaching on its sides or tops. That includes grass, trees, as well as fallen organic debris like leaves and twigs. Even minor disruptions of the heat dissipation process can have adverse effects on the energy efficiency of your home, as well as increase the risks of AC problems that require repair.
  • Enroll in a preventative maintenance program: This is by far the best way to reduce the need for repairs. Biannual visits ensure that your coils are free of debris and mold, your compressor is operating properly, and your refrigerant level is correct, among other duties.

Make sure that any repairs are taken care of by certified professionals. For West Palm Beach air conditioning repair services, call the pros at Envirotech Air Quality Services today!

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Wellington, FL Air Conditioning Repair: Why is My AC Freezing Up?

April 15th, 2013

A frozen evaporator coil in your AC is a warning sign that something is wrong with your cooling system. This can happen frequently during periods of high humidity, when the natural dehumidification process is overwhelmed by the amount of water vapor in the air. It’s important to seek professional assistance as soon as you notice the freezing. In this post, we’d like to address this concern by explaining some possible causes. For more information, or to schedule Wellington, FL air conditioning repair, call Envirotech Air Quality Services today!

  • Clogged air filter: The air filter on your AC unit is designed not simply to prevent dust and debris from entering your home, but to protect the sound operation of your equipment, which will not work properly if covered in dust. Air filters should be checked at least once per month during the cooling season so that they can be cleaned or replaced when dirty or clogged. If your filter is clogged, it not only affects the cleanliness of your equipment, but it also reduces airflow. This is a common cause of frozen coils.
  • Low refrigerant: You may have come across the word “charge” when your AC was installed. The level of refrigerant running through the cooling cycle is known as its “charge,” and when this becomes low or insufficient, your coils may ice over quickly. Your system needs the correct amount of refrigerant for the heat absorption and dissipation processes to work.
  • Fan motor malfunction: Your air handler has a fan inside that extracts air from your home and sends cooled air throughout the ductwork. If there is a malfunctioning motor or faulty fan motor relay, then this air handler fan will not operate appropriately. The air in your home is an important part of the cooling process—it works with levels of refrigerant to produce the cooling effect. If this part of the process is disrupted, then it can lead to evaporator coil freeze-ups.

We hope this brief explanation gives you some idea of the complexity of your AC system, which relies on the cooperation of its parts. When you need Wellington, FL air conditioning repair, don’t wait; call the experts at Envirotech Air Quality Services to ensure that your system is ready to work all summer long. 

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