Kool Breeze of Northwest Florida, Inc Blog: Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category

What Are the Differences Between Heat Pump and Air Conditioning Repair?

Wednesday, September 10th, 2014

Heat pumps and air conditioners can seem like very different systems, but the truth is that, in cooling mode, a heat pump is an air conditioner. Contrary to popular belief, air conditioners don’t cool by pushing cold air into a space; they remove the heat and humidity from that space. Heat pumps also transfer heat, which is how they are similar to air conditioners. The main difference between the two systems is that a heat pump can also provide heat. But whether you need heat pump or air conditioning repair in Navarre, FL one thing is for sure: you should call the trained specialists at Kool Breeze for all your AC repairs.

The Differences in Repair

Both central AC systems and heat pumps have a condenser, a compressor and an evaporator, and both use refrigerant. As such, repairs to these parts are the same. The differences have to do with the heating mode, and more specifically, with the components that help with that:

  • Problems with the reversing valve – the reversing valve in a heat pump is what allows it to switch modes from heating to cooling. One of the more common problems with the reversing valve is that it can get stuck in a certain position, which essentially freezes the operation of the pump. The valve can get stuck in either one of the modes, or in between. Sometimes a stuck valve can be repaired, but sometimes full replacement is necessary.
  • Problems with pressurization – high and low pressure in the reversing valve helps move the slide that switches between heating and cooling modes. Pressure problems are typically triggered by issues with the compressor, a refrigerant leak or a dirty air filter. These problems can alter the pressure and cause problems with operation of the heat pump.

Whether you have a heat pump or a traditional central air conditioner, the most important aspect to any air conditioning repair is to hire a professional with the knowledge and expertise to get the job done correctly. If you are experiencing issues with your AC, call Kool Breeze today and schedule an appointment.

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How Do Technicians Know What Kind of AC to Install?

Wednesday, August 27th, 2014

If you’ve tried browsing the internet for a new air conditioner recently, you may have noticed the vast array of options available. Central air conditioners come in all different sizes with varying efficiency ratings, and there are many different types of systems available as well, including heat pumps and ductless mini splits. Because you may be unfamiliar with all of these systems, you should choose your air conditioner with the help of a technician. However, when you need air conditioning installation, you want to ensure you get the system that is right for your home, is installed properly, and won’t cost too much money to run and maintain. So how does a technician know what kind of AC to install in your home?

The simple answer is that a technician has years of experience selecting and installing air conditioners. But none of the work can be done without your help. First, the technician must know what kind of unit is already installed in your home. If your current air conditioner is ductless, your best bet will probably be to replace it with the same type of system. Similarly, it would be unnecessary to replace a central air conditioner that uses your homes ducts with a ductless mini split.

Additionally, your technician will ask you questions about your budgetary preferences as well as how much energy you’d like to cut back on every month. If you’ve had a standard central air conditioner in the past, you may choose to replace it with a heat pump, which provides both cooling and heating. If you want to save money every month, you may choose a system with a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio).

Finally, a technician must size your home for air conditioning installation. Choosing the proper size involves many factors, including taking measurements of rooms and making additional calculations based on the number of people in the home and other considerations such as the number and placement of windows.

When you want a professional who knows how to ask the right questions, call Kool Breeze today for air conditioning installation in Fort Walton Beach.

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3 Ways an Old Air Conditioning System Can Cost You

Wednesday, August 6th, 2014

Having the same air conditioner for a long time – over 12 years – may seem like a good thing, but the truth is it may be costing you money, even if it still runs ok. Estimates put today’s air conditioners at 60% better efficiency than those from just 10 years ago. In addition, federal laws changed in 2006 to mandate that air conditioners be manufactured with a minimum SEER of 13, up 3 points from the prior minimum of 10. So if you’ve been hesitating with your air conditioning replacement in Fort Walton Beach, FL it may be time to consider whether or not it’s really worth keeping.

Reasons a New AC May Be Better

There are several good reasons to consider replacing your aging air conditioner:

  • Better energy efficiency – as we mentioned above, today’s air conditioners are significantly more energy efficient than older models, and your current AC probably has a SEER lower than 13. When you consider the energy efficiency of today’s models coupled with the fact that you can save an average of 10% with each higher SEER point, you could save significantly on energy costs.
  • Increased comfort – aging ACs can have a hard time keeping up with the cooling load of your home, creating hot and cold spots or failing to achieve the temperature you need. A new system will be better able to provide even cooling and increase your indoor comfort level.
  • Dependability – older air conditioners are more likely to need repair, even when they’ve been maintained. Not only are breakdowns inconvenient, they can cost a lot of money. With a new system, you won’t have to worry about frequent or costly repairs.

Still Have Questions? Call Us

The best way to determine if it’s really time for an air conditioning replacement in your Fort Walton Beach property is to work with a trained expert. Working with a professional from Kool Breeze allows you to take the time to calculate and review how much you’ve really been spending on your aging AC. Call us today and schedule an appointment with one of our experts.

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Are There Any Air Conditioning Repair Jobs I Can Do on My Own?

Thursday, July 31st, 2014

Our current culture has an obsession with “do-it-yourself” jobs. Much of this is due to the rise of the Internet and the easy spread of information regarding how to perform tasks that were once mysterious to non-professionals.

Although DIY work can make for an interesting hobby, it is inappropriate for many jobs that require more than just a checklist printed up from an amateur webpage. One of these jobs that needs a trained professional is air conditioning repair. The complexity of current ACs is far too much for most people to handle fixing malfunctions without training.

If you are experiencing issues with your cooling system thus summer, call for air conditioning repair in Pensacola Beach, FL from Kool Breeze. We have the experience, training, and equipment to handle the necessary repairs fast and right.

But Can I Do Anything About the AC on My Own?

With regards to opening up either the indoor or outdoor air conditioner cabinet and attempting to fix anything… no, you can’t take care of an AC repairs. The operation of the system is too intricate, and repairs often require having the right type of replacement part.

However, there are a few things you can do when your AC shows signs of failure that may help, or perhaps identify a simple cause for the problem.

  • First, check the air filter. This filter need to be changed (or cleaned, if it is a permanent filter) once a month during seasons when your AC runs regularly. If it becomes clogged, it can result in a drop in airflow that will create extra strain on the system. Sometimes changing a clogged filter is all you need to do to get back system operation.
  • You can also look into the thermostat. Make sure that the thermostat is set correctly; a simple error in programming a digital thermostat can result in the system behaving erratically. The thermostat could also be malfunctioning, and this will require professional repairs.
  • Find all the vents in your home and check to see that they aren’t blocked or partially obstructed. Sometimes this can account for uneven heating for an AC working too hard. Also look around the outside cabinet to see if any large object has blocked it.

If you cannot find a basic solution to the AC’s problems from the above inspections, then it’s time to call for the professionals to track down what is causing the air conditioner to act up and then fix it.

It’s easy to find quality air conditioning repair in Pensacola Beach, FL. You only have to call Kool Breeze and talk to our expert technicians. Our staff is on call 24 hours a day for emergency service.

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Air Conditioning Basics: Refrigerant and Why It Is Important

Friday, July 25th, 2014

In order for an air conditioners to cool, they rely on the process of heat exchange, moving heat from the inside of a home to the outside. Refrigerant, the chemical that allows for heat transfer, is the perfect chemical blend for this process because it is non-combustible and easily converts from liquid to gas form and back again.

Your air conditioning system is made up of two major parts, the condenser unit and the evaporator unit. In split systems, the evaporator is located indoors, while the condenser is outside, but packaged systems store every part in one single cabinet. All air conditioning systems have the same components, however, and the four most important components through which refrigerant passes as it moves through the system are the compressor, condenser coil, expansion valve, and evaporator.

Each of these parts is responsible for changing refrigerant so that it can carry out heat exchange. The compressor changes refrigerant from a low-pressure gas to a high-pressure gas so that it can give off heat at the condenser. Here it changes into a liquid under high pressure and moves to the expansion valve, where it changes into a low-pressure liquid. At the evaporator, it changes back into a gas, absorbing the heat in your home in the process. It then moves to the compressor to begin the cycle again.

It’s important that the refrigerant level remains constant in order to continue cooling your home effectively. Low levels of refrigerant obstruct the exchange of heat, so that your AC has less cooling power. Additionally, the parts of your system are sized to handle a specific level, and when this changes it can cause the evaporator to freeze or damage the compressor, leading to a costly repair.

Refrigerant will never dissipate on its own. If you have low levels of refrigerant, it may be a result of improper measurements during installation, but it often means there is a leak somewhere along the refrigerant line due to loose connections or corrosion.

The technicians at Kool Breeze can assist you when you notice problems like these for your air conditioning system in Fort Walton Beach, FL. For repairs, maintenance, installation, and more, give us a call today!

 

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3 Ways to Detect a Refrigerant Leak

Tuesday, July 15th, 2014

One of the more common problems that an air conditioning system can encounter is a leak along the refrigerant lines. As refrigerant leaks out, it drops the set “charge” in the system, which must remain at this level for the AC to work correctly. A loss of refrigerant will mean a loss in cooling ability for the system, and it will also cause problems such as a frozen coil and even serious, irreparable damage to the compressor when it starts to overheat. When leaks begin, they need immediate repair from specialists, followed by a recharging of the system to the correct refrigerant level.

You cannot fix this problem on your own: although signs of leaks are often obvious (loss of cooling, iced evaporator coil, hissing sounds), locating the often tiny leaks themselves can be tricky. Here are three way that our Pensacola Beach, FL air conditioning repair specialists at Kool Breeze handle finding refrigerant leaks.

  1. Electronic detectors: In the HVAC world, these are usually called “sniffers,” and are the most common device used to pinpoint refrigerant leaks. Sniffers generate a high voltage spark that will drop in voltage when it encounters an insulating gas—such as R-410A, the refrigerant blend used in most modern air conditioners. The technicians run the sniffer along the refrigerant line until registering a large drop in voltage.
  2. Fluorescent detection: Fluorescent lights are helpful in picking out the otherwise hard to see escaping refrigerant gas. The technicians first add a fluorescent dye into the air conditioner’s system, and then scan UV lights over the AC. The leaking gas will appear as green.
  3. Bubble solution: This is an old technique that was around long before using UV lights and high voltage detectors. It doesn’t work for very small leaks, but technicians may use it if they suspect a large leak. Using squeeze bottles, the technicians apply a soapy solution along the area of the refrigerant lines where they think leaks may be. The escaping gas should create bubbles from the soap.

Although you could potentially try a crude version of the third method on your own, you still wouldn’t be able to fix the problem. Once the air conditioning experts have located the leaks, they will seal them up. Afterwards, they will recharge the system with the appropriate amount of refrigerant to replace what was lost. It’s important that they use both the right type of refrigerant and do not under- or overfill the system.

At the first suspicion of refrigerant leaks, call our team at Kool Breeze for air conditioning repair service in Pensacola Beach, FL. We are ready to assist you…24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Give a us a call today.

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How High Humidity Affects Your Air Conditioning System

Thursday, July 10th, 2014

“Sticky.” “Heavy.” “Like a sauna.” These are just some of the words and phrases we’ve heard describe the days of heavy humidity here in Fort Walton Beach, and why it’s so important to have your air conditioning running optimally, especially during periods of excessive humidity. While your air conditioner removes humidity as part of the cooling process, excess humidity can adversely affect it, particularly during long periods of heavy humidity. One of the ways to help alleviate the stress and problems high humidity can cause your AC is to retrofit your air conditioning in Fort Walton Beach with a dehumidifier.

How Does a Dehumidifier Work?

A whole-home dehumidifier attaches to your existing air conditioning system. It pulls in the warm, humid air and passes it over cold metal coils to create condensation. This condensation drops into a collection tank and exits your home through piping. The air is then released into your air conditioning system, minus the excess moisture from the humidity.

Effects of High Humidity on Your AC

There are several ways excessive humidity can negatively affect your air conditioning system:

  • Stress on your system – your air conditioner has to work harder to cool your home during times of excessive humidity. Humidity holds heat, so while the temperature may not have risen, the humidity in the air has made it feel as if it has. In addition, your air conditioner has to remove a larger amount of moisture from the air. Therefore, longer periods of humidity can put a lot of stress on your system.
  • Less energy efficiency – the more your air conditioner has to work, the more energy it needs. As your AC works harder to combat extra humidity, it uses more energy, making it less energy efficient.
  • More opportunity for particles to cling – humidity can cause certain parts of your air conditioning system to become wet with condensation. Water attracts particles, especially dust and dirt; with excessive humidity, a layer of dust and dirt can develop, making your air conditioner very dirty and prone to possible malfunction.
  • Excessive drainage – it is normal for your air conditioning system to collect more water during times of high humidity, but if there is any kind of issue with your condensate tray or drain, you may experience leaks.

Dry Out the Air with a Dehumidifier

A whole-home dehumidifier can help improve comfort, indoor air quality and energy efficiency. To determine if a dehumidifier is right for your air conditioning in Fort Walton Beach, contact Kool Breeze today and schedule an appointment with one of our trained professionals.

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The 3 Most Important Things to Consider Before Air Conditioning Replacement

Friday, June 27th, 2014

As summer deepens in Florida, you may start to consider replacing your aging air conditioner with a new system that has superior performance and energy-efficiency. This is a big decision, and it requires thinking over a number of important factors. Here are the 3 most important things you should consider when you are in the market for air conditioning replacement in Pensacola Beach, FL.

You don’t need to worry about making this decision on your own: with the help of the professionals at Kool Breeze, you will soon be on your way to the best cooling for your home for this summer and the many summers after.

1. Is your old air conditioning system ready for replacement?

In other words: “Do you actually need an air conditioning replacement yet?” You don’t want to schedule a replacement if there are targeted professional repairs that can keep your current system running for a few more years without a significant loss of efficiency. If your air conditioning system is still a few years below its estimated lifespan, call for a technician to look into repair possibilities when the AC begins to malfunction. The technician can tell you if it is worth it to pay for repairs or not. In general, if it costs more than $500 per year in repairs to keep a cooling system operating, then it isn’t worthwhile maintaining it, and you should schedule a replacement.

2. Do you want to replace the AC with a different type of system?

You have more options for air conditioning replacement today than to simply have a standard central AC installed. You can choose to have a heat pump put in instead, which will give you both air conditioning and heating. Another possibility is a ductless mini split system, which bypasses the need for ductwork. Not every home is suited for these options, so consult with installers about the choices available to you and which ones are the most suited for your home and budget plans.

3. How large and powerful a system do you need?

Please note we didn’t write “How large and powerful a system do you want?” Each home has specific requirements for cooling it, and an AC that is either too large or too small for the space will end up wasting energy and providing insufficient comfort. To properly size a system, you must know the heating and cooling load requirements for your home, and this takes the help of professional installers. Before choosing a new system, have the installers perform a heat load calculation to determine the BTUs in cooling necessary to provide you with comfort.

At Kool Breeze, we know that considering air conditioning in Pensacola Beach, FL can be intimidating: you want to make sure that you have the best AC possible for the humid summers. You can trust our staff to help you make the right decisions, the same way they have helped other homeowners since 1986.

Give us a call today and speak with our qualified team of AC experts to schedule an appoint with us.

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Why Properly Sizing an Air Conditioner Is Necessary

Friday, June 6th, 2014

Here in Pensacola Beach, FL, air conditioning systems are far more than just a convenience. Our summers get hot and muggy the way few other parts of the country do, and a reliable air conditioner can be your first, best line of defense for your home. When you install a new one, you want to make sure that the unit is the best one possible for your circumstances, which is why you want to be very careful when sizing a new unit. Here’s a quick breakdown on why properly sizing an air conditioner is necessary.

By “size,” we’re referring to the power output of the air conditioner. It needs to be carefully balanced against the features of your home, starting with square footage, but also including such factors as the amount of insulation in your attic and the presence of large windows that let in a lot of sunlight. The air conditioner’s size needs to properly factor all of these in: neither too small nor too large but just right.

Why? If it’s too small then the answer is obvious: the air conditioner won’t be able to cool the space adequately, and will undergo a lot of unnecessary strain in the process. If it’s too large, however, the end result is the same. The air conditioner will cool the air too quickly, cycling on and off rapidly throughout the day. Air conditioning units use exponentially more energy when they power up and power down than they do when they’re running. You need a unit that runs for at least 15 minutes at a clip to make the best use out of the energy.

Sizing an air conditioner begins with square footage, but usually requires a professional to properly calculate. If you know why properly sizing an air conditioner is necessary, the next step is to call the experts at Kool Breeze to help. We provide professional air conditioning installation in Pensacola Beach, FL and we’ll go above and beyond to ensure that your unit is perfectly sized for your space. Pick up the phone and give us a call today!

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How Air Conditioning Maintenance Means Smaller Repair Bills

Friday, May 30th, 2014

Air conditioning maintenance isn’t the same thing as air conditioning repair. Instead it acts as a kind of tune-up, fixing a lot of little problems and keeping an eye out for bigger ones that may be lurking in the future. Here in Fort Walton Beach, air conditioning maintenance should be performed at least once a year, before our hot summers kick in in earnest. But homeowners are often looking at the bottom line and may not seen the value “in fixing something that isn’t broken.” In truth, air conditioning maintenance means smaller repair bills, as well as improved efficiency that you’ll see in your bills every month. Here’s a brief rundown on how.

Dust and dirt invariably build up on the internal components of your air conditioner. That increases friction and forces the system to work harder to do its job. The same principle applies to loose bolts, clogged lines and similar issues. They leech your system of efficiency , which means that the individual components are working harder than they should to do their job. A maintenance session removes a lot of that stress and strain, allowing the system to function without the additional burden. That reduces the risk of repairs and allows the system to go longer before a breakdown occurs.

Furthermore, a maintenance session means being able to spot big repair issues when they’re still small. For example, say the technician spots a single component that could use replacing. If he does it immediately (with a new repair session), it will cost a little bit. But if he does nothing, then the faulty component will cascade and damage three or four other components when it finally fails. Suddenly a small repair session turns into a great big one, or it would if the maintenance session hadn’t caught it.

If you know how air conditioning maintenance means smaller bills, then the next step is to call an air conditioning service in Fort Walton Beach, FL that can do the job right. Air conditioning maintenance is one of our core services, and we keep your satisfaction in mind at all times. Give us a call today to make an appointment!

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