--> Category: AC maintenance tips

Utilize Fans:

Using ceiling fans or portable fans can help circulate cool air throughout your space, reducing the reliance on your AC. Fans create a wind-chill effect that makes you feel cooler without significantly altering the temperature. Ceiling fans can be set to rotate counterclockwise in the summer, pushing air downward to create a cooling breeze. By using fans in conjunction with your AC, you can enhance comfort while reducing energy consumption. Remember to turn off fans when you’re not in the room to conserve energy.

Practice Smart Cooling Habits:

Simple habits can go a long way in optimizing your AC usage.

Close curtains or blinds during the day to block out direct sunlight and prevent heat buildup. This helps maintain a cooler indoor environment and reduces the workload on your AC.
Limit the use of heat-generating appliances, such as ovens or stovetops, during peak cooling hours to prevent unnecessary heat from infiltrating your home. Co
Consider cooling only the rooms you frequently occupy to save energy. Close the vents or doors to unused rooms, directing the airflow to the areas where you need it most.
Opt for energy-efficient lighting. Incandescent bulbs generate a significant amount of heat. Replace them with energy-efficient LED lights that emit less heat, keeping your space cooler while reducing energy consumption.

Explore Energy-Efficient AC Models:

If you’re in the market for a new AC unit, consider energy-efficient models that can provide substantial long-term savings. Look for units with a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating. SEER measures the cooling output divided by the energy consumed over a typical cooling season. Higher SEER ratings indicate greater energy efficiency. Energy-efficient AC units use advanced technologies, such as variable-speed compressors and smart sensors, to optimize performance and minimize energy consumption. While these units may have a higher upfront cost, the long-term savings and environmental benefits make them a worthwhile investment.

Utilize Shade and Landscaping:

Strategically planting trees or installing shading devices around your home can significantly reduce the amount of heat entering your living spaces. Trees with broad canopies provide natural shade, blocking direct sunlight and reducing the need for excessive AC usage. Consider planting deciduous trees on the east and west sides of your home to provide shade during the summer while allowing sunlight to penetrate during the winter. Install awnings, pergolas, or outdoor shades over windows and patio areas to reduce heat gain. Properly designed landscaping can help create a more comfortable and energy-efficient environment.

Harness Technology:

Innovative technologies are now available to help you optimize your AC usage. Smart thermostats and home automation systems enable you to control and monitor your AC remotely, allowing you to adjust settings based on your specific needs. With Wi-Fi connectivity, you can manage your AC system through a mobile app or voice commands. These technologies provide real-time energy usage data and offer features such as geofencing, adaptive learning, and energy-saving recommendations. By harnessing technology, you can make energy-saving decisions with ease and enjoy a more efficient AC system.

Conclusion:

Optimizing your AC usage not only helps reduce your energy bills but also contributes to environmental sustainability. By implementing the strategies outlined in this article, such as understanding your AC system, setting your thermostat wisely, embracing natural ventilation, optimizing insulation, performing regular maintenance, utilizing fans, practicing smart cooling habits, exploring energy-efficient AC models, utilizing shade and landscaping, and harnessing technology, you can create a comfortable living environment while minimizing energy consumption. Remember, every small step toward energy efficiency counts and contributes to a greener future. So, let’s make conscious choices and optimize our AC usage for a more sustainable and cost-effective cooling experience.

And if you’d like a free consultation from the experts, get in touch with us at EasyBreezy AC, Westchase, Florida’s most trusted AC installation and maintenance agency, covering both residential and commercial properties. Speak to us today to identify how you can save on your energy bills while ensuring your AC is running at it’s best.

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As an air conditioning technician, I am responsible for the maintenance and repair of HVAC systems. I work with various tools and equipment to troubleshoot and repair issues with AC units. My work can sometimes be challenging, but it is gratifying to help keep people comfortable in their homes and businesses!

Air Conditioner Life Expectancy and How to Maximize Its Longevity: A Comprehensive Guide

by Cris Scott

An air conditioner is a valuable investment that keeps our homes cool and comfortable during the hot summer months. However, like any other machine, it has a limited life span, and we must take the necessary steps to maximize its longevity.

In this article, we’ll explore the factors that affect an air conditioner’s life expectancy and provide tips on how to extend its lifespan. From routine maintenance to timely repairs, we’ll cover everything you need to know to keep your air conditioner running efficiently for years to come. And if you want the peace of mind that your AC will last, consider giving EazyBreezy AC a call! Our qualified technicians will ensure your AC runs at its optimum to minimize wear and last as long as possible.

Now, let’s dive in and learn how to maximize your air conditioner’s longevity.

Table Of Content:

Factors Affecting Air Conditioner Life Expectancy
Tips to Maximize Your Air Conditioner’s Longevity
FAQs

Factors Affecting Air Conditioner Life Expectancy

Before we discuss how to extend your air conditioner’s life, let’s look at the factors that affect its longevity.

Age of the Unit: The age of your air conditioner is one of the most critical factors affecting its lifespan. On average, an air conditioner can last between 10 to 15 years. However, with proper maintenance, you can extend its lifespan to 20 years.
Quality of the Unit: The quality of the air conditioner plays a significant role in its longevity. High-quality air conditioners from reputable brands tend to last longer than cheaper, low-quality models.
Frequency of Use: The more you use your air conditioner, the shorter its lifespan will be. Air conditioners that run for extended periods tend to wear out faster than those that are used occasionally.
Maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure the optimal functioning of your air conditioner. Neglecting maintenance can cause premature wear and tear, resulting in a shorter lifespan.

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Tips to Maximize Your Air Conditioner’s Longevity

Now that we’ve covered the factors affecting your air conditioner’s lifespan let’s discuss how to maximize its longevity.

Schedule Regular Maintenance

Routine maintenance is essential to keep your air conditioner running smoothly. It includes cleaning the filters, inspecting the coils, and lubricating the fan motor. Neglecting maintenance can cause your air conditioner to work harder, leading to increased wear and tear and a shorter lifespan.

Schedule annual maintenance checks with a licensed HVAC professional to ensure your air conditioner is in optimal condition. They can identify potential problems before they become more significant, ensuring your air conditioner runs efficiently.

Replace Air Filters Regularly

Air filters are an essential component of your air conditioner. They trap dirt, dust, and other contaminants from entering your home and clogging your system. However, the filters can become clogged over time and restrict airflow, causing your air conditioner to work harder and wear out faster.

To maximize your air conditioner’s longevity, replace the air filters every one to three months, depending on usage. This ensures optimal airflow and prevents damage to your air conditioner.

Keep the Area Around Your Air Conditioner Clean

The area around your air conditioner can accumulate dirt, debris, and leaves. These can clog the unit, reducing its efficiency and lifespan. To prevent this, keep the area around your air conditioner clean and clear of debris.

Invest in a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is an excellent investment to maximize your air conditioner’s lifespan. It allows you to control your home’s temperature automatically, reducing the strain on your air conditioner.

By increasing the temperature when you’re not at home or switching it off entirely, you can reduce the strain on your air conditioner, extending its lifespan.

Address Repairs Promptly

If you notice any issues with your air conditioner, such as reduced airflow or strange noises, address them promptly. Delaying repairs can cause further damage to your system and shorten its lifespan.

Hiring a licensed HVAC professional (like EazyBreezy AC) to inspect and repair your air conditioner is essential to ensure the repairs are done correctly, and your system continues running efficiently.

Keep Your Air Conditioner Cool (And Help It Cool)

Air conditioners work best when they’re kept cool. If your air conditioner is located in a hot area, it will have to work harder to cool your home, leading to increased wear and tear and a shorter lifespan.

To keep your air conditioner cool, consider installing shade around your unit or using a fan to keep the area around it cool. This will reduce the strain on your air conditioner and help it last longer. When running the AC, keep the blinds drawn so the area has less direct sunlight.

Choose The Correct Air Conditioner

If your air conditioner is old or frequently breaks down, you may not have a choice but to upgrade to a new model. Newer air conditioners are more energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan than older models.

When considering an upgrade, look for a model that has a high SEER rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). The higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficient the air conditioner will be, reducing energy bills and extending lifespan. Selecting the most efficient, high-quality unit from reputed brands and maintaining them on a schedule can be the best source of longevity when looking at a brand-new install.

Summary

In conclusion, maximizing your air conditioner’s lifespan is essential to get the most out of your investment. By scheduling regular maintenance, replacing air filters, keeping the area around your air conditioner clean, investing in a programmable thermostat, addressing repairs promptly, keeping your air conditioner cool, and considering an upgrade, you can extend the life of your air conditioner and keep it running efficiently for years to come.

Remember, neglecting maintenance can cause premature wear and tear and result in a shorter lifespan. So, take the necessary steps to maximize your air conditioner’s longevity and enjoy a cool and comfortable home. One of the best steps is to sign up for an AC maintenance plan with EazyBreezy AC, Florida’s leading HVAC company. Our specialists have decades of experience installing, repairing, and maintaining AC units of various brands and types. Talk to us today!

FAQs

Q: How often should I replace my air conditioner?

A: On average, air conditioners can last between 10 to 15 years. However, with proper maintenance, you can extend its lifespan to 20 years.

Q: How often should I clean my air filters?

Air filters should be replaced every one to three months, depending on usage.

Q: Can I perform air conditioner maintenance myself?

A: While some maintenance tasks, such as cleaning the air filters, can be done by homeowners, it’s recommended to hire a licensed HVAC professional for routine maintenance checks.

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How Your HVAC Plays A Role In Lingering Odors In Your Home

by Cris Scott

The biggest reason for the lingering odors in your home is your old AC system. As it runs continuously in the background daily, the air filter and air ducts pick up the substances that cause odor and disperse it throughout your home. Studies show that individuals living in a household cannot detect odors that have become a staple smell in their dwelling. For example, a family that frequently cooks with olive oil will not notice the smell of lingering olive oil in their home over time, but those who don’t visit their home often will pick up on it.

How to minimize the lingering odors in your home

When cooking food, it’s crucial to have proper ventilation and use the aerator above the stove. If something begins to burn, open windows and doors to help with ventilation.
Pets are a significant source of many odors; they carry in from outside and produce their own smells. Keeping pets regularly bathed and brushed will help reduce the odors.
Avoid mildew smells by maintaining a stable temperature in your home even when you’re not there. A big mistake people make is turning the AC off when they go to work or leave their homes. This can create an ideal circumstance for mold and mildew. These fungi not only have a distinct potent odor but can also pose a severe health risk.
Keep your sink drains well maintained and clear of food after all meals. Gunk can build up quickly inside the sink drain and cause foul odors in the home.
Every one to two months, deep clean your carpets with hot water and carpet-safe shampoo to remove any allergens or odors trapped in the carpet.

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Keep the trash bin empty overnight. Take any food waste or organic material such as diapers, food scraps, or coffee grounds to the main bin outside. Keeping them in the home for any period will produce odors.
Clean your ceiling fans. Wipe your fan blades down with an antibacterial cloth or cleaning agent every month. As a bonus, this will also help minimize the dust in your home.
Regularly clean your ovens, toasters, microwaves, and stovetops. These common appliances can quickly become dirty and hold on to odors.
Ensure you are using suitable HVAC filters and replacing them on time. Using a high-quality HVAC filter will eliminate up to 50% of lingering odors in the home and improve the overall smell and air quality.
Getting your AC duct cleaned twice a year and sanitized is also advisable. Doing this eliminates the odors and bacteria trapped inside and helps to reduce dust and dirt circulating through your home.

To schedule your next routine maintenance appointment, contact the professional, certified technicians at EasyBreezy A/C today!

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Tip Top Shape: Running Your AC For Maximum Efficiency

by Cris Scott

One of the most important things you can do to keep your air conditioning unit running smoothly and efficiently is to keep up with the proper maintenance of your HVAC ducts and air filters. There may be a few things that are causing your air filter to become dirty faster than expected, including how you are running and maintaining your HVAC system.

Table Of Content:

Filter Maintenance
Filter Quality
Leaking Air Ducts
Fan Setting

Filter Maintenance

Most HVAC systems suggest the filter should be changed from once a month to every two or three months in order to keep your system running efficiently. This will depend on a number of factors, such as how often you use your system and how many contaminants you have in the home.

EasyBreezy AC professionals recommend you mark your air filter changes on a calendar in order to keep up with a regular maintenance schedule and ensure you don’t miss any needed changes.

Filter Quality

There are many options available when choosing which type of air filter to use. Low quality filters tend to be less expensive, so they can be tempting to buy. However, if you are not choosing one of a good quality, it is not likely to last as long before needing to be changed.

Air filter quality is measured by a MERV rating (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) – the higher the MERV ranking is, the more efficient it is likely to be. While low-price filters may be less-expensive, it is important to remember that they will likely last a shorter amount of time before needing to be changed, adding up in cost in the long-run and affecitng your air quality.

In most homes, air filters with a low MERV rating should be changed about every 30 days, so they are only a good option if you intend to keep up with the maintenance schedule.

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Leaking Air Ducts

Another issue that could be affecting how quickly your air filters are becoming dirty is when your system has leaking air ducts. Leaking air ducts cause dust and other airborne contaminants to be pulled into your unit from areas that are used less and are often dirtier than the rest of your home, such as the attic. Not only does this mean your system’s air filters will become clogged and dirty more quickly, but it also means your system as a whole will run less efficiently and use up more energy.

If you suspect you have leaking air ducts or want to confirm they are intact and functioning efficiently, contact our EasyBreezy AC Air Duct Specialist to help.

Fan Setting

Your system’s thermostat will provide you with two different fan settings to choose from – “on” and “auto.” When you choose to set your system’s fan to the “on” setting, it will run continuously until you turn it off. When you set it to the “auto” setting, the fan will turn on and off automatically as it cycles through each heating or cooling cycle. By setting your thermostat to “auto,” your system will be able to run and process through the airborne contaminants coming into your unit more efficiently.

If you have any questions or need to schedule a regular maintenance check, contact our specialists today!

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Why It Is Important To Be Careful With What You Store In Your Home’s Attic

by Cris Scott

In the mostly hot and humid months of the Tampa Bay area and Florida as whole weather, your home relies heavily on your air conditioning unit to function properly in order to create a comfortable atmosphere that protects both you and your family, and the things that you own. However, most Florida homes architectural designs also do not include basements – which can leave many homeowners with limited storage space in their homes. This lack of storage space makes the home’s attic an essential storage spot for most homeowners but they forget about new AC system when installing.

However, many attics are not connected to your home’s air conditioning system, which means anything stored in the attic is vulnerable to our intense heat and changing weather conditions all year. Additionally, your attic also needs proper insulation that plays a crucial role in how well your New AC system functions. Here are some things you should not store in your home’s attic:

Printed Photos and Important Documents

Some of our most important and beloved possessions that are commonly stored in the attic are printed photographs and paper copies of important documents. However, paper is extremely susceptible to damage from heat and should never be stored in an environment that is not climate controlled. If you don’t have the storage space in an area of your home that is climate controlled, you may have to consider renting a climate-controlled storage unit in order to properly protect these possessions while they are in storage.

Or you can make adjustments to your home’s attic by having a professional switch it to a climate-controlled environment by connecting it to your home’s existing HVAC system. Either way – never store these precious valuables in an area that is open to the excruciating heat of Florida.

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Cardboard Boxes

Cardboard boxes are great for moving but are not generally recommended to store anything long-term, especially in an area that is not climate-controlled. This is because cardboard is an easy target for rodents and other pests to create shelter from harsh temperatures and weather conditions, make nests, and eat away at the cardboard and the contents which are stored inside it.

Make sure you are using durable plastic storage boxes for anything being stored in the attic, and remove all valuables from cardboard boxes as soon after a move as possible.

Other Natural Materials

No matter the material, all organic materials will naturally decompose as time passes. Whether the material is wood, fur, ivory, leather, or anything else, eventually it will decompose after sitting in storage for a long enough period of time. But heat also increases the decomposition process, meaning that the time needed for a natural material to decompose is significantly decreased as the climate it is stored in increases.

This means if you need to store away winter clothing during the remaining 10 to 11 months of the year, make sure you are not leaving your expensive fur and leather clothing stored in an attic that is not climate controlled.

The HVAC professionals at EasyBreezy AC can also help you maximize your home’s attic storage space by helping you connect your home’s attic to your New AC unit to help further protect anything you have stored in the attic with consistent climate control.

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Noises That Are Never Good To Hear Your Air Conditioner Making

by Cris Scott

It is only natural for us to recognize new things about old products, especially appliances, as we use them more frequently and as they age. Many times, these new recognitions are good – such as finding a setting or feature that we never realized the product had because we barely glimpsed through the manual when we first bought it.

But sometimes these new recognitions are not as positive as finding a setting or feature that improves the efficiency and productivity of the appliance. Sometimes, as our appliances continue to age, they also continue to start making sounds we have never heard them make before – and unfortunately, new sounds are usually an indicator of new problems. If you have started to recognize your old AC system making noises you haven’t heard it make in the past, then this post is for you!

Table Of Content:

Humming Sounds in your AC system
Bubbling Sounds
Buzzing or Clicking Sounds
Squeaking and Squealing Sounds
Whistling Sounds
Banging Sounds

Humming Sounds in your AC system

Out of all the new noises your air conditioning unit can make that indicate a problem, humming is most likely the one that is best to hear. This is because a humming noise is usually an indicator of a small issue that you will probably be able to correct on your own.

Hearing a humming noise come from your air conditioning unit is usually an indicator that the system is being affected by excessive dirt, dust, and debris. While this could lead to a more serious issue in the future if left unaddressed, the only thing you will probably need to do in order to correct this problem is to remove the top of the unit and gently wipe the interior of the unit down with a cleaning cloth.

Bubbling Sounds

Bubbling noises coming from your air conditioning unit are usually an indicator that there is a problem with your refrigerant levels. Many people incorrectly assume that their refrigerant levels need to regularly be re-filled or re-charged, however if you are experiencing an issue with your air conditioner’s refrigerant levels being too low it is more likely an indicator of an issue such as a leak somewhere in the unit.

To correct this issue, you should contact an experienced air conditioning technician to come find and correct the leak in your system as soon as possible before the problem becomes any worse.

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Buzzing or Clicking Sounds

One of the first indicators of an issue within the electrical system of your air conditioning unit are noises that sound like buzzing or clicking within the unit. A buzzing noise is usually an indicator that there is a loose or frayed wire somewhere within the system that is causing sparks of electricity.

These sparks of electricity are the source of the buzzing noise. A clicking noise typically occurs continuously on-and-off and is usually an indicator that there is something preventing the control panel from effectively transmitting electrical signals. When the control panel is not able to effectively transmit an electrical signal, it will continue to try to send the signal until it is successful, which will cause internal switches within the unit to continuously turn on and off and result in a clicking noise continuously running.

Any electrical issue with any appliance is a serious concern, but it may have an easy fix available if you contact a professional technician early enough to correct the problem before it causes serious damage.

Squeaking and Squealing Sounds

If your air conditioning unit is making a squeaking or squealing noise, it is most likely an indicator that there is an issue with the fan belt or the motor. An AC unit’s fan belt can be affected by expansion and contraction caused by varying levels in the temperature or levels of humidity throughout different seasons, but issues with a fan belt can usually be repaired by a professional technician. On the other hand, if there is a problem with your AC unit’s motor going bad, you will most likely need to replace the motor in order to correct the issue.

Whistling Sounds

If you hear whistling noises coming from your air conditioning unit while it is running, this is usually an indicator of a problem with the efficiency of the airflow. There are a number of different things that can cause a problem with air flow to occur – ranging from something as simple as a clogged or dirty air filter that needs to be changed to something more serious like leaky ductwork or a broken blower.

If cleaning or replacing your current air filter doesn’t stop the whistling noise from occurring, it is best to contact an experienced technician to help you diagnose the source of the noise and correct any underlying issues.

Banging Sounds

If you hear banging noises coming from your air conditioning unit while it is running, this is usually an indicator that something has come loose and is banging around within the system. In the same way that a whistling noise can be caused by many different issues ranging from small to large, the same applies to banging noises within your AC unit. The source of the banging could be as simple as a small screw or bolt that needs to be tightened, or something more serious such as damage to the fan, compressor, or blower. A professional technician will be able to help you find the source of the banging and correct the issue.

If your current air conditioning unit is making any of these serious noises or some other sound you can’t identify, contact the experienced technicians at EasyBreezy A/C today! Our technicians will help diagnose and correct any problems with your AC unit and get it running at its best once again.

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What To Do About Hot And Cold Spots In Your Home

by Alicia

Walking from one room to another shouldn’t cause you to feel like you walked through an invisible wall – with one side much warmer or cooler than the other. Warm and cold spots in a home can be frustrating – your bedroom doesn’t get as cool in the summer or as warm in the winter as your kitchen or living room. Inconsistent temperatures throughout your home may be able to be corrected easily, depending on what is causing them in the first place.

Some of the more common reasons for hot and cold spots in your home and, maybe you have to call an AC technician, are:

Dirty Air Ducts

Over time, dust and debris builds up in your ducts. Often from filters not being changed on time but dirty duct work can also occur from small holes or tears in your ducts or large holes that are repaired that let in excess dust and air debris. The distribution of the dust is often not even throughout your duct work, causing some areas to allow air flow to continue like normal while other sections have limited air flow. The rooms the ducts with limited air flow lead to are often the areas in your home that suffer from hot or cold spots.

The Fix: Be sure to regularly change your air filters – on average every 1 to 3 months. Homes with children or pets should change their air filters more often, typically every month. Another way to prevent hot and cold spots is to have your ducts inspected and cleaned. A duct inspection will catch and air leaks that need repair and a duct cleaning service will remove build up in your ducts – leading to better air flow throughout your home.

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Air Leaks in your AC

Aside from leaks in your ducts or your AC system, leaks through windows and doors can also cause a room to become to warm or cold compared to the rest of your home. During the summer months, while your air conditioning is pumping through your home, cool air is escaping through leaks in certain rooms making the room seem warmer than other areas. Comparably, in winter, the warm air is escaping into the outdoors making the room colder than expected.

The Fix: Inspect window edges for any holes in the seal and check around doors for gaps (the bottom of doors is a common culprit). You can DIY repair the seals around windows and replace the weather stripping around the doors and along the bottom. If a window has a bad gap or is loose or your AC installation is irregular, you may need to contact a handyman or window installer for more serious repairs and an AC repair company.

Air Conditioner Age

As air conditioners age, they become less efficient or their technology is out dated compared to newer models. If they are unable to put out adequate air flow or are not properly warming or cooling the air, then it could be the cause of your hot or cold spots in your home.

The Fix: A new air conditioner can resolve your efficiency problem but since it can be costly to fully replace an air conditioner you can attempt other solutions while you save for a new air conditioner. Check for the above issues to help minimize risks of hot and cold spots caused by other issues. Also, you could try HVAC Zoning, which is the use of multiple thermostats to control the temperature in different areas of your homes. Like in two-story homes, a thermostat is installed upstairs and another downstairs that enables the homeowner to control separate temperature in each level of the home. If your hot and cold spots are severe, then a thermostat in that room may help you better manage the temperature in it.

However, if you do not see the problem clearly or none of these tips helped you to solve your A/C problem, please do not hesitate to contact us to receive more information about it!

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Factors That Are Affecting Your Home AC Performance

by Alicia

High-efficiency air conditioning systems provide homeowners with many excellent benefits including a comfortable home. But at some point, you observe it is not functioning as it supposed to be. What could be the main reason? Discover what significant factors are that affect the overall performance of your New AC unit.

Table Of Content:

Unit Size
Poor Airflow
Air Leaks
Poor Insulation
Duct Conditions
Cooling Load
Debris on the Outside Unit
Dust in the Air Filters
Age of the Air Conditioning Unit
Thermostat Problems
Maintenance

Unit Size

Size plays an integral part in the performance of your HVAC. Larger ACs will cool or warm home immediately, while smaller units will have struggle meeting your temperature needs. Not to mention, too large of an air conditioning system can cause it to cycle on and off, eventually wasting valuable energy.

Poor Airflow

There are various things that affect the airflow of your unit. Dirty condenser coils, for instance, limit airflow and affect cooling performance. The filter becomes dirty over time as it gets rid of dust and other particles from the air, thereby, minimizing airflow. A condenser unit that is choked up by obstructions, such as leaves, is another issue to tackle. You need to clean the coils at least once every season to eliminate dirt and dust (or have a professional ac repair technician clean them for you).

Air Leaks

Cracks around windows and doors as well as damage to the roof or poorly-sealed pipes and ducts can all enable air exchange. This ultimately affects the humidity and temperature of the air in your home and the performance of your air conditioner.

Poor Insulation

A poorly performing insulation also affects the efficiency of your AC system. It allows the heat to transfer between the interior spaces of your residential and outdoor air, which increases the temperature and requires ample amount of work from your unit to achieve the right cooling level as per your demand.

Duct Conditions

Air ducts supply the air to the rest of your house. So, if they are clogged, leaking, dirty, or in bad condition, the overall efficiency of your air conditioning unit is at stake. Clear out severe buildup and patch holes to ensure your ducts perform their role appropriately. But since ducts are hard to see, allow an HVAC professional to diagnose your ductwork for potential issues.

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Cooling Load

The amount of area your AC has to cool, the location of the unit, the heat produced inside, and other significant factors combine to make a cooling load for the unit. The higher the cooling load, the harder it is for your air conditioner to cool efficiently.

Debris on the Outside Unit

Debris surrounding outside unit are common, affecting the AC’s performance. Make sure the unit is always clean and free from debris. First, vegetation and bushes must not slow down airflow. Allow your unit to have enough room to breathe.

Dust in the Air Filters

There are still some homeowners who do not see filter replacement as an important task. This should not be the case, though, because you are only allowing your unit to lose efficiency. Change the filters every month or every 2 months to keep airflow moving and reduce dust.

Age of the Air Conditioning Unit

The AC’s age is another obvious reason why the performance of your unit is deteriorating. Models that are twenty years or older are possibly to be less energy efficient. Over time, the HVAC system loses their efficiency as well. The average lifespan of an air conditioner is around 15-20 years. But somehow you can update your AC system with AC repair service and have it running smoothly again, at least for some years more.

Thermostat Problems

All air conditioning units depend on thermostat setting to determine when your indoor air needs cooling. Insufficient cooling is the main issue here, mainly due to a malfunctioned thermostat or a thermostat that is not properly set. If necessary, the battery.

Maintenance

Your air conditioning system essentially requires routine cleaning and maintenance to work properly. Sure, you can clean the coils and change the filters on your own, but maintaining your unit requires more than just that. There are other tasks that need the assistance and help of a professional HVAC, like ductwork cleaning and checking refrigerant levels.

Air conditioning units are among the prized machines of your home as they contribute a lot to make your home very comfortable to live in. These units conserve more energy, save money, and give better results.

However, if you want to know more about this topic, please do not hesitate to contact us to receive more information about it!

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Dirty Sock Syndrome Part 2

by Alicia

As we saw in Part 1, Dirty Sock Syndrome is caused by bacterial and fungal growth on the evaporator coil. In this article, we will discuss how to treat prevent the problem.

So, you have Dirty Sock Syndrome. Now What?

The good news is that there are ways you can fix dirty sock syndrome and enjoy high-quality indoor air.

Cleaning is your first remedy. You will need to do a thorough cleaning of the evaporator coils to get rid of mold and bacteria living inside as well as stop your house from smelling like an old gym bag. Use cleaning products along with gloves and wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy. Although, a DIY job is only recommended to those who have sufficient knowledge and proper tools.

Otherwise, call in a professional to do the work on your behalf. The HVAC professionals at EasyBreezy AC will first diagnose the problem and then clean the coil and drain pan. Specialists make use of non-acid or low-acid cleaners to effectively kill mold while not damaging the subtle inner workings of your AC unit. Book an appointment with a trusted air conditioning company now to treat your Dirty Sock Syndrome. Don’t forget to have regular maintenance and inspections scheduled once or twice a year to prevent further issues from happening.

You should also consider coating the drain pans and coils. The coating material should contain an antibacterial agent which prevents regrowth of mold. While the antimicrobial coating is effective, it is still imperative to keep your coils clean as possible because the buildup of organic material produces a base for mold and mildew to grow. Doing so will assure smooth performance of your air conditioning.

If any of these measures do not prove to be highly effective for you, then it is time to replace the coils and maintain them to ensure the problem won’t return. You have to take into account your unit’s age, though. If it is already fairly old (12+ years), it may just be time to get a whole new unit.

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How to Treat Dirty Sock Syndrome

Choose a high-quality air conditioning filter
Bacteria, mold, and mildew need porous substances to grow. Get rid of them from the air before they get in your coils.
Use a whole home air purifier
They prove to be an excellent aid in killing mold and bacteria. Here at EasyBreezy A/C, we recommend cold plasma ionizers. They are especially ideal for people with compromised immune system, asthma, or allergy problems. A UV light is another option we can provide (though we prefer non-ozone producing IAQ products).
Hire a professional to clean your coil
While you can perform basic cleaning all alone, it is far better to team up with a professional for help. They will have special cleaners available to them that are designed to clean evaporator coils.

Prevention is Key!

Your AC unit is one of the biggest investments you can make for your home. Don’t let dirty sock syndrome give you so much stress. Early prevention is your best solution.

How to prevent Dirty Sock Syndrome?

1. Keeping up with the routine maintenance of your air conditioner is one of the best ways to prevent all sorts of problems with your AC.
2. Change your air filters regularly. If your filter tends to get dirty quickly, then there may be another problem with your system.
3. Installing a whole home indoor air quality (IAQ) product, like the Phenomenal Aire, will dramatically help reduce and prevent bacteria, fungus, and mold growth in your home.

No matter what the season is, it is always important to make sure your air conditioning unit is working efficiently and not converting into an ideal ground for dirty sock syndrome.

However, if you do not see the problem clearly or none of these tips helped you to solve your A/C problem, please do not hesitate to contact us to receive more information about it!

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Dirty Sock Syndrome Part 1

by Alicia

Upon entering your home, the first thing you noticed is the stinky odor. It is not the garbage, neither the piled-up laundry of your little munchkins. What could be the culprit then?

Your air conditioning.

Your house might be suffering from dirty sock syndrome.

The average American spends almost 93 percent of their life indoors, which makes indoor air quality an immediate issue. Dirty sock syndrome attacks most homes, and you need to pay strict attention to it.

In this two-part article series, we will discuss what dirty sock syndrome actually is, what causes it, and how to solve it efficiently.

You can jump to part two here.

Table Of Content:

What Is Dirty Sock Syndrome?
What Causes Dirty Sock Syndrome?
Is Dirty Sock Syndrome Dangerous?

What Is Dirty Sock Syndrome?

Dirty sock syndrome is a stale, foul-smelling odor that is often produced from an air conditioner with a dirty coil. This coil is the heat pump coil in the blower or air handler of your AC. Apart from a very dirty coil, there are also little microbial organisms present that feed on the dust, dirt, and other things that’s accumulated on it. This is why your home is dealing with a terrible smell.
The smell travels as your AC pushes air around the home, making all rooms have a disgusting odor. Some homeowners mistake dirty sock syndrome as a mold problem because of its mold-like smell. This can cause for a serious concern since mold leads to headaches and other health issues.

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What Causes Dirty Sock Syndrome?

Bacteria and fungus growing on the evaporator coil.
Constant use of your air conditioning can cause moisture formation on the evaporator coils. Dust will then be collected inside the system and fasten itself to the coils.
Once attached, the dust and moisture can grow bacteria. The cold and hot temperatures used by the air conditioning makes it an excellent place for the bacteria to flourish.
The bacteria and fungus growth will lead your AC system to slow rot from within. It is because of the decomposition that you smell a stinky odor when the unit is on.

Is Dirty Sock Syndrome Dangerous?

No doubt, dirty sock syndrome smells horrible and is a real annoyance. But fortunately, it is not usually considered devastating or life-threatening since the mildew and bacteria are not extremely hazardous to the health but could irritate asthma or other respiratory conditions.
Though at some point, dirty sock syndrome can pose health risks if mold occurs in the air conditioning unit and starts to develop. It can cause sneezing and coughing and those with severe allergies, asthma, or have respiratory problems will likely the suffer most.
You may also experience eye irritation and difficulty breathing if mold grows within your system. The strong smell from the AC unit can make you feel sick too. Long exposure to mold also carries long-term health risks as it emits microbial volatile organic compounds – gasses which generate the odor that associated with mold.

If you have Dirty Sock Syndrome or mold has grown inside your AC, you need have a professional conduct an immediate, thorough inspection and cleaning of the HVAC system. Se here at EasyBreeze will be more than ready to hlp you solve this issue, we are a call of distance!

See Dirty Sock Syndrome Part 2 for solutions and tips for prevention.

We’ll Help You On All Your AC Needs!

Leave us a message and we will get back to you with help.