--> Tag: ac repair Oldsmar FL

Cleaning the dust filters

This is commonly a straightforward DIY maintenance task you can do, which usually doesn’t void your warranty. An overly clogged dust filter can impact the cooling efficiency of the AC unit or lead to a breakdown over the long term, as your AC runs at a higher capacity than is required.

Make sure you shut off the AC and unplug it.

Then locate the filter (usually in the front or the side of the AC unit) and extract it. Rinse it under water to remove dust and any other debris. Inspect the rest of the filter for any signs of damage. Should your AC come with a disposable filter, consider replacing it. If there is no other damage, thoroughly dry the filter and reinstall it into your AC. Switch it back on.

Check your circuit breaker

Sometimes, your AC may be causing your circuit breaker to trip. You’ll want to check to see if your circuit breaker has indeed tripped and reset it if it has. Try switching on the AC, and if it continues to trip the breaker, you’ll want to speak to a technician to help diagnose the issue.

Clear the condensate drain

The condensate drain removes excess moisture in the AC from the condensation generated from warm weather. If the drain is blocked, this could cause the water to back up into the unit amd may damage the AC parts it comes into contact with.

Check the outdoor unit

If your AC has an outdoor unit, check to ensure that it is corrosion free and not blocked with debris. Clear the surroundings of loose leaves and plants and wash out the unit to make sure it is operating at its peak performance.

Summary

While the above maintenance and repair activities do not require specialist knowledge or skills, it is important to note that DIY repairs can be dangerous to the AC unit or yourself. A professional repair technician has the expertise and tools to diagnose and repair any issues with your AC system. They can also provide preventative maintenance to ensure that your a/c is running efficiently and prolong its lifespan.

Ultimately, hiring a professional technician for AC repair is the safer and more reliable option for the long-term health of your air conditioner. And if you are ready to work with a leading, dependable HVAC company and are in the Safety Harbor area, contact us at EasyBreezy AC today. With almost 4000 residential and commercial active customers, we are the most trusted AC installation, repair, and maintenance company in Florida.

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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!

The Ultimate Guide To Buying A New Air Conditioner

by Cris Scott

So, are you ready to purchase your first air conditioner (AC) or upgrade your older one to a new one? An AC unit can be all the difference between your home or office being an unbearable, sweltering nightmare or a cool, comfortable paradise. However, before pulling the trigger there are many factors you should consider to ensure that you get the most out of your new unit.

The main concept that needs to be grasped is that there is no “one size fits all” solution when it comes to cooling your property as each space comes with its own set of requirements so selecting the best AC for your specific needs is crucial. We’ve listed out some of the key points to evaluate prior to making your purchase decision. And while the below tips can be applied universally without restriction, if you’re looking to buy a new AC in Westchase, our team of qualified, friendly technicians are always at hand if you need any more advice on how you can beat the heat and buy the best AC for your specific needs.

Table Of Content:

Figure out your cooling requirement
Buy the most efficient models with SEER
Select the appropriate AC type
Choose the best air conditioner brand and model for your needs
Proper installation
Smart features add modern convenience to your AC
Taking care of it

Figure out your cooling requirement

Ensuring you buy an AC that meets the cooling requirement for your exact needs is vital to maximizing the lifetime of your unit as well as saving on electricity costs through better efficiency. An air conditioner’s BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating is used to determine the cooling capacity of the unit and its ability to cool a room or space. A simplified way of looking at BTU is to think of BTU in air conditioner’s as horsepower in cars. Just as a car with higher horsepower will drive faster and perform better, an air conditioner with a higher BTU rating can cool a larger space more effectively and efficiently. Conversely, an AC with a lower BTU would be more suitable for cooling a smaller space with lower cooling requirements.

If the BTU rating is too high, the unit would be less efficient because it would be consuming more energy to cool the area. It would also be switching on and off constantly resulting in more wear than normal as it tried to maintain the temperature. If the BTU rating is too low, it could struggle to cool the room while also running constantly resulting in excess wear.

In general, some of the main factors to consider when you are working out the BTU rating for your AC requirements are:

The local climate
Room size, dimensions, and layout
Insulation
The amount of direct sunshine on your property
Windows in the room
Expected average occupancy
Availability of heat-generating appliances

You can work out an approximation of the BTU requirement for your room using online BTU calculators.

Do note however that these calculators only offer an approximation but you should always get a qualified technician to evaluate your cooling requirements before investing in an AC. And in case you’re looking for an AC in the Westchase area, click here for a free consultation

Buy the most efficient models with SEER

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) is a measure of how efficient and green an air conditioner is. The higher the rating, the more efficient the unit is, which would help to drive down operational costs. A rating of 14 or higher is considered a good SEER, though highly efficient units can have ratings as high as 23. The United States Department of Energy has established minimum SEER ratings over the years ranging by state (North and South/South West states are the typical two groups) and in 2023 the minimum will be raised to 14 in the Northern states and 15 in the South/South Western states.

Generally, the upfront costs to purchase a highly rated model is higher the more highly rated, however, you would also enjoy long-term operational savings in electricity consumption. Generally accepted advice is to shop for an air conditioner unit with a minimum SEER of 14 – 16.

Select the appropriate AC type

Depending on your budget, your home layout, cooling requirements and more, you should purchase the type of AC that best fits your needs. There are 8 different, popular AC options: central (ducted) ACs, ductless mini-split ACs, window ACs, portable ACs, floor-mounted ACs, smart ACs, Geothermal AC systems, and hybrid/Dual fuel ACs. We will go into detail on each type of AC in a separate article (or if an article is already available link here), however, the choice of type of AC to install will be a key consideration when it comes to immediate cost (both installation and purchase) and short term cost (operational and maintenance) as each comes with its own benefits and drawbacks.

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Choose the best air conditioner brand and model for your needs

After you’ve selected the type of AC you want to install, do some research into the various popular brands and models in that AC category to settle on one that provides high-quality, efficient models while remaining within your budget. Well-known brands are usually known for a reason, they provide high-quality units that meet their customer’s needs. It can be beneficial in the long run to stretch your budget to try and accommodate the better brands or models if possible, as an AC is a long-term investment that comes with its own set of operational costs.

Furthermore, make sure to understand the warranty coverage and service requirements prior to purchasing as this will be crucial in the long-term care of your new AC unit.

Another overlooked point of consideration is the amount of sound the AC can generate, especially when it is at max load. It can become downright annoying to have a steady droning in the background or intermittent bursts of noise to distract at inopportune moments. Try to select one that has a relatively low noise level, usually less than 60 decibels.

Consulting with a qualified contractor can help in this process as they have years of experience installing and maintaining AC units and they can use their knowledge to advise on the best brand and unit to meet your needs and budget. They would also be able to advise you on the recommended maintenance schedule to keep your AC running smoothly.

Proper installation

While it is possible to install some AC units without professional advice or assistance, should the installation be done improperly, it could lead to cooling inefficiencies, higher energy bills, and even damage to your unit. Don’t skimp out on this stage as a professional installation could make all the difference on whether your AC provides the best possible cooling and efficiency, especially in the long run. While making the purchase decision is a key part of the process, it is meaningless if the unit is not properly installed.

Speaking to a few local contractors in your area from the outset of your buying journey can help you along at all stages, from providing you with expert opinion on the required BTU and type of AC unit to providing you with estimates based on your requirements and budgets to finally installing and maintaining your AC units. Just like the actual AC unit, you get what you pay for and what you spend on home refurbishments and repairs ultimately reflect on the quality and longevity of the work. Working with a reliable contractor can ensure the installation is compliant with local building codes and regulations and that proper equipment is used during the installation.

A DIY installation may also run the risk of not being covered by a manufacturer warranty and (depending on the brand, AC type, and model) may necessitate a professional installation to be covered by the warranty.

Should you make the (wise) decision to use a professional service, it is important you choose the right one for the job, you can find 6 Attributes of a Good HVAC company here, to help you in the selection process. Requesting quotes from multiple contractors can also help you in your selection process, as you can identify more favorable services for the best possible price when doing so.

Smart features add modern convenience to your AC

Most modern ACs come with some level of automation or smart features that will allow you to remotely control your AC, such as automating the on/off times based on your schedule to monitoring the maintenance needs of the unit, and providing you with historical stats on usage. Depending on your home setup, you may want an AC that is compatible with the rest of your smart home setup, so make it a point to make sure AC smart features would work with your smart home platform of choice. These features can just be nice to have conveniences but some also improve the overall efficiency and usage of your unit.

Taking care of it

So you’ve sprung for the perfect AC unit that covers your cooling requirements, is from a reputed brand, and was professionally installed? Great, chapter closed and now it’s just time to sit back and enjoy your sweat-free, cold (but not too cold) paradise, right? Not quite. No matter how perfect your selection and installation may be, things can always go wrong usually with the passage of time and regular wear and tear.

This is why the service plan and warranty are key steps in the purchase decision. Making sure you’re covered by an industry standard or leading warranty will ensure that a defective unit doesn’t break the bank to repair while a structured service plan will ensure to limit the wear on your unit to ensure it’s working at its optimal capacity.

Conclusion

We hope the guide provides you with direction when it comes to making one of the best quality-of-life purchasing decisions you can make.

Should you require any more information, or are looking to purchase a new AC in the Westchase area, Easy Breezy AC’s team of certified technicians are always ready to help. With nearly 4000 active commercial and residential customers, Easy Breezy A/C is Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties’ most trusted HVAC company for a reason! Contact us now!

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How Interior Paint Colors Affect Your Energy Savings

by Cris Scott

In the mood to Paint It Black! When you were a teenager and wanted to paint your room black to match your wardrobe or a garish green to match the new album cover you got for Christmas, the idea probably didn’t sit well with your parents. Now you’re a homeowner, and anything goes regarding color choice! This is the time to consider how your chosen colors will impact energy costs.

How Dark Paint Colors Make A Room Warmer

If you paint a room with no windows a dark color, it may cost you no more in terms of your cooling costs. However, dark colors tend to make a room feel smaller, so they are rarely chosen for rooms that don’t have at least a few windows. When you paint a room with one or two windows a dark color, the light from the sun will absorb into the room more than it would with a lighter color, making the room’s overall temperature warmer and requiring your HVAC system to work harder to cool that room properly.

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What To Do To Cut Down Energy Costs In A Dark Room

If you have a room in your home that you want to paint with dark colors, there are a couple of things you can consider to help cut down on energy costs to cool that room. Consider painting only one accent wall in the room with a darker color, then the remaining walls with a light color. If you paint all the walls the same dark color, cover all the windows in the room with heavy curtains that will reflect the light from the sun back out of the room. While this will make the room feel smaller and more closed in, it will also help cut back on the cost of cooling the room. Regular maintenance will help as well.

If you are concerned about your energy bills, call an EasyBreezy AC professional technician today for an in-home assessment of the efficiency of your current system.

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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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How To Care For Your HVAC When You Have Pets

by Cris Scott

For many people, pets are considered part of the family and remain indoors most of the time. However, some challenges can arise when it comes to the existing HVAC system in your home, or you are installing a New AC. Pets can carry pollutants into the house after a lovely afternoon walk, and the dander they can shed directly impacts your A/C and heating system because it’s one giant filtration system. If those pollutants are recirculating through your HVAC system, they can wreak havoc on your allergies and your HVAC system.

How to get the cleanest air quality from your existing or New AC

Changing your air filters regularly is vital to your A/C system and your and your family’s health.

There are a few factors to consider when determining how often you should change your home’s air filters. For example, changing your filters once or twice a year may be acceptable if it is a vacation home with no pets. If it is a modern suburban home with no pets, changing your filters every 90 days work. But, whenever a pet occupies a home, changing your filters every 30 days is standard.

Never use low-quality air filters, as they allow the pet dandruff and dust to recirculate into the home and can cost more money down the road. Over time, costs increase because of the low air quality and the damage it does to your health and your HVAC unit’s vents, ducts, coils, etc. Don’t place objects that have dirt or dust on them near your intake vents, such as a vacuum, shoes, laundry basket, or pet crate.

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Tips to get your AC unit running efficiently

By grooming your pets regularly, preferably outside the home, you will also keep your pet happy and your home’s air cleaner. Doing this should also mean your air filter has noticeably less pet hair when you change it. Dogs and cats with longer, thicker coats should be brushed every 2 days and bathed every 2 weeks. You can double the time between brushing and bathing if your pet has shorter hair, so they should be brushed every 4 days and bathed at least once a month.

Keeping your carpet vacuumed daily is another crucial step to having healthy air quality and maximizing your system’s performance and longevity. Using a quality vacuum tailored specifically for pet dandruff and hair is another plus, as it naturally removes specific allergens that pets have.

Keeping your temperature settings as moderate as possible will save you some money and reduce the amount of hair your pets shed. In the summer months, dogs and cats shed their winter coats, and keeping the A/C settings too low or high can harm the natural shedding process. The recommended setting for climates such as Florida is between 69-76 degrees during the summer, and the setting should be from 68 to 72 degrees in the winter. A mistake pet owners make is turning the thermostat up to 80 degrees when they leave the house, which causes shedding to be a year-round problem – adversely impacting the air quality and air conditioning unit.

While you can do much to limit the effects of pet hair and dander on indoor air quality, you’ll need some specialized help now and then. That’s why it’s always a good idea to schedule regular HVAC maintenance with EasyBreezy A/C, recommended at least twice a year for pet owners.

During our routine inspections, we’ll make sure that your HVAC system is cleaned carefully, and we’ll identify any issues that should be resolved quickly. A checkup helps keep your HVAC system working smoothly, keeps your system running longer, and saves you money!

Anyways, if you need help seeing the problem clearly or none of these tips helped you solve your AC problem, please feel free to contact us for more information!

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Your Heating And AC Unit Might Be Making Your Home Dusty

by Cris Scott

Your house is brimming with plenty of duties: washing dishes, doing laundry, vacuum cleaning, on top of the never-ending job of dusting. Although each of these projects tend to be inescapable, a few may seem as though they must be done constantly. When you are having difficulties managing your dusty house, it is possible your heating and cooling unit is making the issue worse.

The good news is, for virtually any heating and cooling issue which could result in extra dust, we have an easy and productive answer to the problem.

Create a trap for the dust

If you are inspecting your HVAC machine to find signs to what is causing such a dusty environment, your current air filter is the place to begin. Air filters need to be examined monthly at a minimum in addition to being changed or wiped clean if they’re too dusty. If your house is unusually dusty or you have shedding pets, it is a good idea to switch your air filter more regularly.

Most of the particles you find in the old filter is dust that has been removed from the air flow in your home. Any time your current air filter gets obstructed, your HVAC machine cannot effectevly remove dust out of the air, so a greater portion of it remains inside your home.

Not every filter is the same, and you will probably find air filters with a higher MERV rating to be more effective. Investing in these better-quality air filters comes with a compromise; they will probably have a longer lifespan and will also pick up smaller particles that many lower rated filters will not, but are pricier and can be slightly less energy efficient.

Any time you’re replacing your HVAC filter, you also need to look to confirm that it fits snugly with a firm seal around every side. Space between the filter and your unit or inadequately sized filters enable dirt and dust particles to pass easily through the unit and into your living space.

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Fix all air leaks

Leaking ducts are extremely common and are a more difficult issue that leads to unnecessary dust. Tiny spaces may form in the ductwork as a result of old age, deterioration, low quality, or substandard installation, and are often found in especially dirty sections of the attic and basement. Such cracks allow airborne dirt and dust to move past your home’s air filter, straight out the vents, and into your home.

Check a number of your home’s air vents closely and if you find an accumulation of dust built up on the fins or near the air vents, you might have leaky ducts.

If the structure and design of the house and your air conditioning unit will allow it, you could safely check a large amount of the ductwork yourself. Shut off all lighting and use a flashlight to check the ducts. This will make it easier for you to watch the movement of dirt and dust floating around, which will direct you to the area of a leak. A lot of modest leaks are able to be appropriately patched using duct tape if they are within your reach.

To complete more difficult checkups or servicing, think about hiring a licensed heating and cooling specialist with the necessary expertise. They are able to spot and fix leaks in areas you cannot access, and these areas are usually among the dirtiest pieces of the HVAC unit.

Try not to run dry

People located in more humid environments often get a break from issues with more excessive dust in their homes, while people who live in drier locations encounter many more challenges with dust. Airborne debris is able to move without restraint over moisture less air, allowing it to make its way substantially further within an air conditioning unit. Any time the environment is more humid, dirt and other debris settle more quickly, leaving greater opportunities for it to get caught by the filters.

This isn’t just an issue in less damp environments, but also throughout the more arid season of winter. And of course, if your HVAC unit has leaking ductwork attracting the drier wintry air out of the attic, you are likely forming particularly welcoming conditions for dust within your home.

Aside from properly sealing the ducts, the most effective defense from really dry air is using a good humidifier within the home. For those living in extremely arid climates, it is worth looking into a whole-home humidifier, which sometimes also assist in preserving furniture, floors, and trim made of wood.

Dusting effectively

All of these tips could help you minimize the volume of dust inside your home, nevertheless, they will not totally relieve you of your dusting duties. That being said, when you take on the task again, use this secret to help: change the thermostat’s fan setting into the “on” position. As long as the filter is clear, it will capture most of the dust that gets pulled up. Just be sure you return it to the “auto” position once you are done.

If you have exhausted all of our how-to tips, or simply feel you need or would prefer an experienced AC technician to do the job for you, contact the skilled professionals at EasyBreezy A/C Services in the Tampa Bay area today!

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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.

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.

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.

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How-to Tips For AC Use In Florida Winter

by Alicia

Winter is just around the corner! You are almost ready – how about your air conditioning unit? Check out our important tips you can take so as to ensure the best performance of your unit in the next summer season!

How to prepare your AC for Winter

Check And Replace The Air Filter
When was the last time you look over the filter of your AC unit? Cleaning the filter is specifically crucial if you run the unit often. The filter’s purpose is to ensure healthy air and good airflow as well as prevent and protect air conditioning from breaking down. This will also save your energy costs. Replace the air filter at least every two months, preferably every month. We recommend changing your filter every time you get your power bill. It is an easy reminder that it has been a month.
Change The Thermostat Settings
In order to enjoy electricity savings and home comfort during winter months, consider programmable thermostats. A programmable thermostat allows you to set humidity and temperature according to the weather condition and to your schedule.
Give The AC System A Thorough Cleaning
Winter can cause debris and leaves to accumulate around or on your AC system. Debris is responsible for minimizing the flow of air and can lead to other issues. Give the exterior casings, inner coils, and other frequently used parts a rigorous cleaning before the wind gets chilling. Another important air-conditioning component you should thoroughly clean is the outdoor condenser.

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Don’t Forget The Ducts
Dirt and debris, dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and other allergens can get stuck in the air ducts, contributing to a dangerous living environment. You are likely putting yourself at risk for health issues (e.g., hay fever flare-ups) if you are sensitive to allergens or contaminants. Therefore, it is hard to overlook the importance of getting your air ducts clean. Cleaning your ducts can also help reduce odors in your home.
Cover Your Unit
There are two benefits associated with a covered air conditioning unit: (1) keep your system from freezing rain, winds, and animals; and (2) prevent thieves who might be looking for air conditioning units to ransack for copper wiring. Your local store will give you lots of options to choose from.
Change Worn-Out Components
If you want your unit to work smoothly and efficiently year-round, most especially in the cool months, now is the right time to replace parts that are worn-out or have outdated. Assuming the AC you own is more than five years old already, have it inspected by an HVAC professional. Any parts or damages will be detected to do replacement before a major issue arises.
Maintain A Consistent Temperature
As much as possible, avoid big temperature changes. Otherwise, you will notice a big spike in your energy bills. Consider using a ceiling fan or turning off your AC during cool nights or days. Aside from reducing the work of your air conditioning, it is also an excellent way for improving your overall comfort.
Schedule A Maintenance Check Up
Preventive maintenance is one of the great solutions to protect air conditioning units from potentially expensive repairs. Spending a little bit now on an annual maintenance checkup means saving plenty by avoiding costly repairs later. Most companies or AC service providers offer new duct systems and replacement of air conditioning and heating equipment aside from preventive maintenance, so if there is an issue, they can easily get to work.

Winter is a perfect time to get warm inside and do things you love most, such as cooking your favorite food and having movie marathon – all with the warm air coming from your HVAC unit. Take advantage of the season while it lasts!

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

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