Envirotech Air Quality Services Blog : Archive for June, 2013

West Palm Beach, FL Air Conditioning Repair Tip: Why There is Water Around Your AC

Wednesday, June 26th, 2013

During the hottest time of the year you need to know that you can count on the efficient, consistent performance of your air conditioning system. Unfortunately, even with a professional installation and routine maintenance, there is no way to completely eliminate the risk of damage to your air conditioning. A number of different problems may develop with your AC, and while routine maintenance is the best way to keep these problems to a minimum you will eventually need the assistance of an AC repair technician.

One fairly common, and very alarming, problem that many homeowners experience is a pool of water around their system. While this at first may seem like a very serious issue, it is usually not as disruptive as one may expect. In most cases, this “leak” is actually not a leak at all, but rather the result of condensate that, for a number of possible reasons, simply could not make its way through the drainage system in your AC.

As your air conditioning system operates, it dehumidifies the air as it cools it. The humidity removed from the air results in condensation as it cools. Your AC has a drain line that will move the resulting water away from your home. If the drain line becomes blocked with any dirt or debris, though, it is possible for enough condensate to build up in your drain pan that it overflows. This is commonly misidentified as a water leak.

Having your drain line cleaned by a professional AC technician is a great way to avoid this problem, which can result in water damage to your home. If the problem is persistent you may want to consider the installation of a condensate float switch. This device will trigger when the water in the drain pan reaches a certain level. Your system will shut down automatically until the issue is resolved.

To learn more about the operation of your air conditioner and why it is having trouble draining away condensation, give Envirotech Air Quality Services a call. Our West Palm Beach, FL air conditioning repair technicians have the answers you need to determine how best to improve your AC. 

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

Tuesday, 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

Tuesday, 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?

Tuesday, 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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