Envirotech Air Quality Services Blog : Archive for May, 2014

Why Is My Air Conditioner Blowing Hot Air?

Friday, May 30th, 2014

Everyone knows what to expect out of their air conditioner, and while some problems can be very subtle, others are as plain as the nose on your face. For instance, “why is my air conditioner blowing hot air?” If you turn your AC on, and cool air doesn’t come out of your vents, there’s definitely a serious problem. Here in West Palm Beach, air conditioning repair services are on hand to hunt down the cause, which usually falls into one of a few specific categories. We’ve provided a quick breakdown of the most obvious ones below.

In the first case, a lack of refrigerant usually leads to a lack of cool air. Your air conditioner needs a specific amount of refrigerant in order to work as it should. When leaks spring up, ice forms on the evaporator coils, which not only represents lost cooling potential but forms a barrier between the remaining coolant and the air it’s supposed to cool.

Similar problems can also occur if the compressor runs into trouble, either because of a difficulty with the motor or some other problem with the array. That affects the amount of refrigerant shifting into liquid form, which can be just as damaging as a lack of refrigerant, as well as leading to a dearth of cool air.

In some cases, the problem may come from outside of the system. If a breach occurs, it could pull warm air into the ducts. Indeed, in some cases, the air flow will exacerbate the problem: pulling warm air in faster and faster until there is no cool air at all. This is likely the case if the system blows hot air through one vent only.

Regardless of the cause, you need to call in a professional whenever you spot your air conditioner blowing hot air. A variety of air conditioning services in West Palm Beach, FL can be performed by the experts at Envirotech Air Quality Services. We dedicate ourselves to your complete satisfaction, and we won’t rest until we’ve found the source of the problem. Give us a call today and let us show you what we can do!

Continue Reading

SEER Ratings and Air Conditioning Installation in Lake Worth

Friday, May 23rd, 2014

One of the great benefits of today’s air conditioners is the energy efficiency with which they operate. Not only has technology allowed for better-performing systems, but federal regulations have also raised the standard at which air conditioners need to be produced and operated. The way this standard is conveyed to consumers is through something known as a SEER number. This is an important number to understand when investing in an air conditioning installation in Lake Worth, FL. Call Envirotech Air Quality Services to learn more.

What Is a SEER Number?

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. The minimum SEER allowed for both production and use of air conditioning systems changed in 2006 from 10 to 13; as such, all newly-produced air conditioners since 2006 need to meet a minimum SEER of 13. Therefore, whenever you install a new air conditioner, it meets the minimum standard of energy efficiency, and can go higher if you so choose.

SEER tells you how much energy the air conditioner will use to cool your property; the higher the SEER, the less energy is used. A higher SEER rating on an air conditioner doesn’t mean that it will cool your home faster or is a larger unit; rather, it will cool your home the same as an air conditioner with a lower SEER, but the AC with the higher SEER will use less energy to do it.

What SEER Should I Choose?

Less energy use typically means lower utility bills, but one item to factor in while considering SEER is that air conditioners with higher SEERs tend to cost more money. What you want to review with your Envirotech Air Quality Services installation expert is whether or not the monthly savings you can achieve with a higher SEER air conditioner can cover, and potentially exceed, the cost of the air conditioner at the time of purchase. Determining this requires some important calculations, so working with a professional on this calculation is strongly advised.

Do Not Choose an Air Conditioner Based on SEER Alone

It won’t matter what the SEER rating is if the air conditioner you purchase it too big or small for your home; this is why it’s important to work with an air conditioning specialist on your new installation. Items such as insulation, windows and home orientation all factor into determining the right-sized system, in addition to its energy efficiency.

Need Help Choosing an Air Conditioner? Call an Expert

Since 1987, Envirotech Air Quality Services has been conducting air conditioning installation in Lake Worth, FL. We have calculated size and energy-efficiency for multiple clients’ air conditioners, and we’d love to help you with yours. Call Envirotech Air Quality Services today and let one of our AC experts help you choose a new air conditioner that will be a great fit for your home.

Continue Reading

Why Rooftop Commercial Air Conditioning Units Make Sense

Friday, May 16th, 2014

Commercial air conditioning units utilize the same principles as residential air conditioning units, but they must handle a much larger workload in order to accommodate the needs of a working office. Here in Wellington, commercial air conditioning systems are a common sight on the rooftops of malls, office buildings and stand-alone retail stores. You may wonder why commercial units are placed on the rooftop like that and what purpose they serve up there. In point of fact, rooftop commercial air conditioning units make a lot of sense. Here’s why.

Retail stores and other business spaces often place a premium on square footage. Indoor space that’s occupied by an air conditioner can be better used to store product, house an employee’s desk or fill up a parking space. When you’re cooling buildings the size of many businesses, the air conditioners can get quite large. Placing units on the rooftop solves the problem in one fell swoop.

Furthermore, rooftop access makes it reasonably easy to install new units, as well as repairing existing ones when they run into trouble. This has bearing on another key factor with commercial units: when trouble arises, you need to get it fixed as quickly as possible, lest customers and employees be left in a hot, uncomfortable office. A position on the rooftop means that it is much more readily accessed by a technician, allowing him or her to perform repairs quickly without disrupting the routine of your office. If you need to add a new unit – say if a new tenant arrives in the office and you require more air conditioning power – then the same principle applies. The new unit can simply be lifted onto the roof and installed without having to force it up stairs or similar uncomfortable spots in the building itself.

If you know why installing commercial air conditioning units make sense, the next step is to contact the experts at Envirotech Air Quality Services to perform the installation. Here in Wellington, commercial air conditioning shouldn’t be left to an inexperience company. We understand how important such systems are, and we’re dedicated to installing them right the first time, every time. Give us a call today to see what we can do!

Continue Reading

Possible Upgrades for Your Air Conditioner in West Palm Beach

Friday, May 9th, 2014

There are a number of upgrades you can do to your air conditioning system that can enhance its abilities without having to fully replace your system. Why would you consider upgrade options for your air conditioner? The 3 most common reasons are:

  • Improve your property’s comfort level
  • Improve indoor air quality
  • Improve energy efficiency

Depending on your needs, there are several types of products we carry at Envirotech Air Quality Services that can help you achieve all 3 of these goals. Our West Palm Beach air conditioning technicians are here to help.

Range of Upgrades

At Envirotech Air Quality Services, your comfort is our first priority. Following is a list of upgrades that can help you achieve the exact level of comfort you seek in your home.

Electronic Air Purifiers

An electronic air filter works by charging all the particles around it, including gases like smoke. An opposite charge then attracts the charged particles like a magnet, capturing them in the filter before they can enter the indoor airflow. Electronic air purifiers are washable and only need a bi-annual washing that can be done manually or in a dishwasher.

UV Germicidal Lights

UV light is a great tool for naturally killing germs, mildew and mold. The lamps are installed directly into your existing equipment, typically near the air handler, and clean spores and other contaminants simply by shining on them. This may be particularly helpful for those with asthma or allergies.

Zone Control

Creating cooling zones in your can help you cool more efficiently by providing independent temperature control across a number of rooms. This can be helpful if certain rooms in your property become warmer or colder throughout the day.

Improve Your Comfort and Air Quality with Upgrades

Your air conditioning system is an important part of your indoor comfort. With the addition of upgrades to your existing system, you can maximize your air conditioner’s ability to make the comfort and air quality optimal.

Interested in an upgrade? Call Envirotech Air Quality Services today and talk to one of our experienced professionals about possible upgrades to your air conditioning in West Palm Beach.

Continue Reading

How Does My AC Water Drain?

Friday, May 2nd, 2014

Your air conditioner doesn’t just keep you cool; it also helps with air quality, including reducing humidity. Humidity is a great holder of heat and energy and, when there is too much, the air feels even hotter than it is. In order to help balance the air quality, including the humidity, your air conditioning unit has to remove some of it so that the dry, cool air can do its job. We all know how humid it can get around here – sometimes it can feel like a wet blanket – so you know that your unit is pulling a great deal of moisture from your property’s air. Where does it go? We’ll explain below.

The Drain Pan

Every HVAC system comes with built-in mechanics that help to remove the condensate water outside. The main piece of these mechanics is the condensate drain pan.

The condensate drain pan lies under the coils of the system. The pan’s bottom slopes, allowing the water to run down the pan into an exit pipe. This exit pipe can lead directly into the property’s water/sewer line to complete the drain, or it can lead outside where it brings the water away from the home.

It is extremely important that the condensate tray always drain properly. If it doesn’t, the water will come to a stand-still and begin to develop microbes and bacteria. These microbes and bacteria will filter through the entire system, eventually blowing directly into the property through the ductwork.

What to Expect from an Inspection of Your Unit’s Drainage

The best way to ensure that your AC unit is draining properly is to schedule regular maintenance and inspections. When an expert conducts his/her inspection, he/she will do the following:

  • Remove any obstacles or debris that may be blocking access to the unit
  • Check the drain pan for excess water
  • Clean the drain pan as needed
  • Check the drain pipe for any possible debris blockage
  • Make sure the connection between the drain pan and the drain pipe is solid and that the connection is between the lowest point of the drain pan to the drain pipe
  • Check the water trap in the drain pipe

If there are any issues with the draining system, they need to be fixed immediately to ensure proper drainage of the unit.

How Much Water Should Be Draining?

Our Lake Worth, FL climate gets quite humid, so it is not unusual to see up to 20 gallons of condensate water drain per day. However, if you see or notice that either too much or too little water is coming out of your drain pipe, it’s time to call Envirotech Air Quality Services for an inspection.

Be Safe Instead of Sick

Excess water that stagnates can become dangerous to your health. Don’t risk the chance of infecting your home with bacteria from your HVAC system. Call Envirotech Air Quality Services today and make sure your Lake Worth, FL property is healthy, cool and comfortable.

Continue Reading