Cleaner A/C Coils Mean Better System Performance
Clean air conditioner components are essential for the optimum efficiency of your system, and your A/C coils are no exception. The coils in your air conditioner are responsible for extracting the heat in your home’s air and sending it outside. The evaporator coil in your indoor unit and the condenser coil in your outdoor unit need annual cleaning to ensure that your system operates efficiently to keep your Tampa home comfortable all season long and lower your utility bills.
A qualified HVAC professional can clean your A/C coils as part of your annual preventive maintenance. Depending on how dirty your coils are, your technician will employ one of three methods for cleaning them:
- Dirty coils are generally cleaned with low-pressure air from a compressor, which blows off the dust buildup.
- Dirtier coils are scrubbed with a solution of water and mild detergent, then rinsed thoroughly.
- Heavily-soiled A/C coils are cleaned with a foaming, no-rinse chemical coil cleaner, which is applied and allowed to sit for a few minutes. The foam liquifies and drips into the condensate pan, where it’s sent down the drain. When possible, opt for biodegradable coil cleaners that are safer and don’t pollute the water supply.
Once the A/C coils are clean, the technician will turn his or her attention to the condensate pan beneath the evaporator coil, which catches the condensation that drips from the coil.
Because of the damp conditions of the condensate pan, mold and bacteria can proliferate and prevent optimum drainage of the pan, resulting in water backing up and triggering a shutdown of your system. Additionally, these contaminants decrease the indoor air quality of your home. A biocide is often applied to the condensate pan to kill biological contaminants and prevent further growth. The PVC drain line attached to the pan will be flushed to remove any buildup that may cause clogs.
For more expert advice about cleaning your A/C coils or to schedule preventive maintenance of your entire system with one of our qualified technicians, please feel free to contact us at Cox Air Conditioning & Heating. We’ve proudly served the Tampa area since 1958.
Advanced A/C Technology Delivers in Comfort and Savings
Warm weather in Florida will continually peak in the upcoming months, creating higher temperatures and humidity in your home. Stay cool with advanced A/C technology built into energy-efficient air conditioning systems.
If you’re in need of getting your A/C unit repaired, maintained or replaced, a professional HVAC technician can help you get the job done, but first consider these important advanced A/C technology factors:
- Efficiency — The seasonal energy efficiency ratio, or SEER, of the air conditioning unit you purchase needs to be at least 13—the industry minimum—or higher. The higher the SEER ratio, the more energy efficient the unit will be, resulting in lower energy consumption costs.
- Temperature and fan control — Look for the energy efficiency ratio (EER) or high temperature rating on your air conditioning unit. This measurement will help you determine which units will work best in your home during the hottest and most humid weather conditions. Having control over the unit’s fan keeps you in control of the unit’s operation time and ultimately its energy consumption. This is another key feature of advanced A/C technology that helps keep your home well-ventilated.
- Filter check light — An A/C unit that has a filter check light will make remembering to clean the filter much more convenient for you. Regularly checking and replacing the filter will keep it running efficiently throughout the hot and humid season.
- Variable-speed air handler — Advanced A/C technology includes this air handler, which operates at multiple speeds rather than the standard two. This flexibility means you’re using only the amount of electricity that’s needed to keep you comfortable—no more, no less.
For more information about how advanced A/C technology has improved home comfort and how you can enjoy a humidity-free home, contact us at Cox Air Conditioning & Heating today. Dedicated to service since 1958, our technicians are eager to help you prepare for a summer of savings.
Don’t Let These Common A/C Problems Overwhelm You
During the hottest months of the year, air conditioners are running almost around the clock. With this constant use, A/C problems can occur, particularly if homeowners haven’t kept up with preventative maintenance. When issues occur, it’s good to to have an understanding of what’s going on.
Here are some of the most common A/C problems:
- Failure to cool the designated space — When your A/C unit’s no longer cooling your home, pay attention to the sounds it might be making. If it goes from being relatively quiet to making loud noises, there may be a problem with the fan belt. Turn off the unit before checking the belt. If it looks worn or torn, you may need to contact your HVAC contractor to replace the belt. If the belt’s in good condition, check the pulleys. It’s possible they need to be oiled or greased.
- Low airflow — A/C problems often are a result of the grill being dirty and blocked, reducing the airflow necessary for cooling. Turn off the power before disassembling the unit and clean the grill, taking care not to get the electronics wet. When an A/C unit is dirty, it won’t work at its maximum capacity and a simple cleaning can solve this problem. Be sure to check the air filter, which should be changed every three months or whenever it appears dirty.
- Compressor or fan issues — When an A/C unit is continuously turned on and off, there can be issues with the fan and/or compressor. The fan or the compressor can easily wear down and need to be replaced.
- Leaky A/C units — Leaky air conditioners are also common A/C problems. Check your unit to make sure that the condensation pan isn’t rusted out and check further down the drain for clogs or obstructions.
Every so often you’ll encounter A/C problems that you can’t handle yourself. In such a case, contact the pros at Cox Air Conditioning & Heating. We’re proud to serve homeowners in and around the Clearwater, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, Trinity and West Chase areas.
Learn How A/C Filters Impact System Operation
Air Conditioning filters help keep your indoor air quality up to par and are a vital part of the system’s operation. A filter is used to remove contaminants and pollutants from the air and help prevent dust and dirt from building up on the heating coil and fan. An excessive buildup of grime can affect the air conditioner’s ability to work properly and cause the unit to work harder, which can shorten its life span.
Most manufacturers generally include a fiberglass filter with the initial system. You can upgrade the furnace filter to a more efficient model that will trap more airborne particles than the a fiberglass filter. When choosing the right air filter for your needs, consider the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV), which measures the air filter’s ability to trap air pollutants. The higher the MERV rating, the more efficient the filter is.
Regularly replacing the air conditioner filter is vital to your indoor air quality as well as your HVAC unit. A dirty or clogged filter cannot properly remove airborne particles and can shorten the life span of your system.. Each type of air filter has its own recommended replacement times which will vary based on whether you have any pets or allergy sufferers in the home. However, a general rule of thumb is replacing electrostatic panel or disposable fiberglass panel filters every month to three months.
The owner’s manual included with your air conditioner will provide you with all the information you need about the manufacturer’s recommended air filter for that specific system.
For more information about the appropriate filter for your HVAC unit, contact the experts at Cox Air, serving Pinellas County and the surrounding area since 1958.
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