Air Conditionining Repair Service
1202 NE 101st St, Miami Shores, FL 33138
(888) 830-2341
Before trying to carry out air conditioner repair in your home or office, there are certain aspects of air conditioning systems you should know about. When their air conditioning system breaks down or develops a fault, many people try to fix it themselves without fully understanding the concepts involved. However, it is possible for you to carry out a basic air conditioner service once you understand the principles, although HVAC repair (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) is best left to the professionals.
The normal home or office air conditioner works by simple physics, and consists of two discrete units: the condenser and the evaporator. In the condenser, Freon gas is put under pressure then passed through a heat exchanger, removing heat from the gas and converting it to a liquid. It is then passed through an expansion valve into the evaporator; the liquid Freon expands and evaporates to a gas, the latent heat needed for this coming from the environment, which is then cooled (the cooled air then being blown into the room). The gas heated by the higher room air temperature than goes back into the condenser where the heat is removed and the cycle continues.
Both the evaporator and condenser are sealed units and you cannot carry out any air conditioner repairs to these yourself: you will have to call a trained professional. What you can do is to keep everything clean and all the mesh guards and so on clear of debris. You can carry out simple air conditioner service yourself, but not HVAC repair. Here are some basic air conditioner repair, troubleshooting and service tips.
1. System fails to run.
Check the fuses or circuit breakers. If they are fine then check that the thermostat is not set too high. Try lowering it by 5 degrees, and if that fails you need a professional HVAC repair engineer.
2. No Cooling.
Again, check the thermostat and try lowering it. If that doesn't work check the condenser air intake. It might be blocked, especially in fall if there lots of leaves flying about. Check the fins of the fan are straight, and if not then straighten them. If nothing works, then call a professional engineer.
3. Erratic Cooling
For this and all other faults, all you can really do is to clean the condenser it as far as you can, and if that fails call an engineer. It is not uncommon for units to be blocked by vegetation of one form or another. The condenser will likely be sitting on a concrete pad: make sure that is level, because concrete can sometimes break down and put the condenser and the motor out of the level. That can affect its operation.
The condenser and evaporator are sealed units, which it is why it is so difficult for amateurs to carry out their own air conditioner repair. A blocked or dirty evaporator is the most common problem that you can fix yourself. If you have a regular air conditioner service carried out by a professional then you should not experience these problems, except in extreme weather conditions when vegetation and other debris can be blown into the unit.
You can clean the evaporator unit yourself by first removing the insulation and the evaporator access plate, but it is much safer and more effective in the long run to have a professional contract that looks after all of this for you on a regular basis.
Frankly, in spite of those that try to do it themselves, HVAC repair is a job for professionals if you want it done properly. If you try it yourself you not only have the problem of getting into the units, and then the even greater problem of effecting a safe repair, but then you have to put it all back together in a safe fashion.
It is advisable to use a professional air conditioner repair service, but one that first offers you a free estimate. Some charge for the estimate, so you are obliged to pay them whether you accept the estimate or not. You often find that firms that offer a free estimate are both relatively expensive and do a good job. No business can afford to offer free estimates unless they are good at what they do and their prices are very competitive.
Also, make sure they give you a guarantee - for time and any parts that they install. If your current system has to be replaced, also make sure they offer you a trade-in deal. They can use the parts in your old equipment, so don't give it to them free. You will also be advised to take a 24/7 service deal, because you don't want to be sweating when your HVAC unit breaks down, and if you are a senior citizen, ask for a discount. You never know your luck!
Your air conditioning system is an essential part of the comfort of your home, especially during those long summer months when the heat and humidity combine to make things sticky and miserable. If you've ever suffered through a stretch of hot weather with your air conditioner on the blink, you know how important it is to have an air conditioning repair company you can rely on for quick, efficient and affordable repairs or replacement.
Finding a reliable air conditioning repair contractor is essential for a number of reasons. First, you want to know that the repairs made will be up to code and safe for you and your family - faulty installation can be dangerous as well as costly. You also want to find an air conditioning contractor who will give you an honest, fair quote for an air conditioning system that will be powerful enough to cool your home properly when you're ready for a new unit. There are a few things you should keep in mind when looking for an air conditioning contractor that will ensure that you find the right company or individual for the job.
Look for air conditioning contractors who belong to professional organizations. There are several organizations that focus on the HVAC industry; each of these has strict guidelines and expects their membership to keep up to date on industry changes through continuing education. Look for ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers), AMSE (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) or ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors Association) membership.
Interview potential contractors. You can do this by phone or in person; the important thing is to ask the right questions. You should ask them:
o Are you and your employees bonded and insured? Even if the contractor is an individual air conditioning repair specialist, he should be properly bonded and insured to protect both of you.
o Do you have referrals from recent clients? Ask for names and phone numbers of recent customers - then call them and ask what they thought of the service they received.
o Can you provide a quote free of charge? A good air conditioning contractor will be happy to provide you with a quote for the job. The quote should be itemized, with each part clearly described and priced separately.
o Take note of the questions they ask you when discussing the work you need done. The more detailed their questions, the more accurate their quote is likely to be. At the least, they should ask about your home's size and dimensions, the amount of insulation you have, number and placement of windows, etc.
o Ask if the contractor is a licensed distributor for the air conditioning unit or units they recommend. Those who are licensed distributors can often offer a better warranty directly from the manufacturer.
o Be sure to discuss the timeline needed to complete the work.
o Check websites and do some research. Legitimate air conditioning contractors will usually either have a website of their own or have a detailed listing with a professional contractors' service website. These will provide information on the services provided, links to additional information and contact information for the company. Be sure you check to see that all information is current and accurate.
Finally, when you've narrowed your choice down to a few air conditioning contractors who you feel will do a good job for you, check with the Better Business Bureau to see if they have a history of complaints. And remember, a good air conditioning repair or replacement contractor will always be willing to put their agreement with you in writing!