Always make sure the air conditioner is unplugged or disconnected from any electrical power source before attempting any cleaning or repair work. Window mounted air conditioning troubleshooting tips include the following:

• If the unit stops working completely, check at the electrical cord has not been damaged and that the wall plug in is still “hot”. Plug in any other electrical device the outlet to check this. If the second electrical device does not work, check that the breaker has not been shut off. If the wire to the unit has been damaged, replace the wire or call an electrician. This is one of the most common air conditioning troubleshooting problems and is very easy to correct. A dedicated circuit may be required if the breaker is constantly being tripped.
• Poor air circulation or output is likely due to a dirty filter. Remove the front of the unit as per the manufacturers instructions and remove the filter. If it is brown and dusty looking, wash according to directions or rinse with warm, soapy water until the filter is clean. Avoid any type of chemicals and do not push or damage the filter. Use a fin cleaner or a very soft brush to clean the aluminum fins that act as the cooling mechanism. Don’t use water as this can actually make the dirt turn to mud and cause further damage.
• Check to make sure the blower fan is working. If the air conditioning unit is not making any sound or is making an unusual noise it is likely the fan or the fan motor. You will need to call a repair person for this.
• If the unit has plastic dials on the front to set the temperature and turn the unit on and off check to make sure that the knobs are properly seated on the hub, resulting in an actual on or off connection being made. In older unit the dial and the hub can become worn, allowing the dial to rotate on the hub without changing the hub position. If the knob or dial turns very easily and does not give resistance this is likely the problem. Position the knob or dial and hub in the off position and use an epoxy glue to fix the dial and hub together. Allow to dry using the manufacturers suggestions before turning.

Other problems can include the thermostat within the unit becoming damaged or an electrical short or malfunction within the unit itself. A repair person will often ask if you have tried these basic air conditioning troubleshooting tips before asking you to bring the unit in for repair.

With the high cost of electricity and other forms of energy sources for houses and commercial buildings the demand for energy efficient heating and cooling systems has dramatically increased around the world. There are several options when considering an energy efficient air conditioning unit and they can range from the window air conditioners through to conventional forced air or even a high velocity air conditioning unit.

No matter how energy efficient the rating of the new air conditioning unit may be, consumers need to be aware that they have to correctly install, select and maintain the unit to get those efficient results. Air conditioning units that are installed incorrectly or below recommended standards or those that are simply too small or much to large for the size of the room space they are designed to cool will reduce the energy efficiency and even create energy overuse.

Even the most energy efficient air conditioning unit needs to be used and operated properly to ensure that it stays that way. Some of the most common mistakes that people make when using, installing or maintaining an air conditioning unit that lead to inefficiency include:

• Leaving doors and windows open while the unit is running. This forces the air conditioning unit to continue to run without being able to cycle on and off. Even when the open window or door is on the other side of the residence or building it will still decrease the air temperature and trigger the air conditioner to stay in the cooling part of the cycle.
• Improper insulation within the house. Like leaving windows and doors open, poor quality or lack of insulation in the house allows the warm air outdoors to warm up the cool air indoors, or more correctly keeps the outside walls of the house warm, thereby transferring the heat to the inside walls and the inside air. Proper insulation around outside doors and windows also helps reduce cold air loss and prevents the unit from cycling on and off.
• Incorrect size of air conditioning unit for the room or space. Smaller units are often less expensive, so home owners or building managers may try to use smaller units despite the large floor space. This is very energy inefficient as the unit is constantly on and working to produce enough cold air to try to bring the room temperature to the set level. Buying a bigger, slightly more expensive unit that is designed for the floor space is much more energy efficient and significantly cost saving over the long run.
• Setting the temperature too low. Keep the thermostat set at 70 or above, cooler temperatures force the unit to work much harder and will result in a significant energy drain.

Review consumer reports and learn about the various types of energy efficient air conditioning units before making your decision.

Everyone has different lifestyles, different types of homes, different expectations of how they want their AC systems to run and how often. Wouldn’t you find it strange if the company you were purchasing your AC unit from refrained from asking you any of these important questions?

Our Professional Sales Associates have been trained to ask you questions about your current system, your lifestyle, what your expectations are for a new system, and analyze a number of additional factors before providing you a number of options that should meet your needs.  They also have had extensive training from the manufacturers we represent to know the systems and which ones will best suit your needs.

Some of the questions, that WON’T be asked by a telephone representative claiming to “save” you money are:
1. When your old system was working properly, did it heat and cool all areas of the home adequately?

2. Are there any rooms or areas that don’t seem as comfortable as others?

3. Are you home during the day or would a programmable thermostat be advantageous for you so you’re automatically adjusting the temperatures when no one is going to be home?

4. How about the humidity levels in your home-do you ever feel a little “clammy”?

5. Would you like to be able to control the humidity as well as the temperature?

6. Is humidity control something you’d like to hear more about?  Most people find they are comfortable at higher temperatures once the humidity is brought down consistently, saving you more money.

7. Are you familiar with the benefits of a Variable Speed Air Handler or Furnace?

8. Has anyone inspected your attic insulation to see if it is adequate by today’s standards?  Higher R-Value insulation can save you every month on your power bill.

9. Do you have an adequate return air duct system (especially important for bedrooms and evening comfort) for today’s more efficient systems?

10. May I take a look in your attic at your entire duct system to see if it is
a. In Good overall shape
b. Adequately sized for today’s systems
c. Properly sealed at the registers and mixing boxes

11. Does anyone in your home suffer from allergies or asthma?

12. Would you be interested in improved filtration to keep the dust down?

13. How often do you typically change your filter?  Would you like a longer lasting one so you don’t have to change it so often?

14. Would you like to hear about the benefits of a UV light in your Air Handler or Furnace to keep mold and mildew from forming in your drain-pan and on your coil?

15. Have you heard of the Top Tech Air Knight from RGF Industries?  It is designed to KILL viruses and bacteria that are either air borne or on surfaces keeping your whole family healthier.

16. Are credit terms or a flexible payment structure more in tune with your budget than a one time cash outlay?

17. Would you be interested in a higher SEER System that allows you to take advantage of greater discounts from the manufacturer and the Federal Tax Credit?  While not as attractive as the last two years’ tax credits, it still nice to let the government help you buy your system.

18. Has anyone discussed the differences between single speed or stage outdoor units with you vs. 2 speed units which will run on low speed approximately 75-80% of the time saving your money in the long run?

19. May I take a look at your electrical panel box and hookups at the system components to make sure they will be the right size and type for the new system?  In many cases the electrical breakers of older systems do not match up well with the new equipment.

20. May I take some quick measurements for the larger pad we may need for the outside unit since today’s units are typically larger than those of 8-10 years ago?

21. How much would you like to save on your utility bill on average each month?  The higher the efficiency the more you’ll save …but at greater initial investment cost.

22. Is ease of programming the thermostat important to you or do you see yourself as a real techie that enjoys getting into more challenging programming?

23. We will be pulling a mechanical permit on this job –will your phone company be doing the same ….and arranging to have it inspected and have any corrections noted resolved quickly?

24. Would you be interested in a Protection Plan that, allows you to renew annually for one low fee that provides not only an energy savings tune-up but also covers ALL Parts and Labor as long as the policy is in effect?

25. This is a major home improvement purchase that will impact your expenses and comfort over the next 10+ years….do you want to deal with a company that doesn’t even come out to do a site survey much less ask you very many of the above questions?

This may seem like an exhaustive list of questions, but in reality the answers to these pertinent questions will help our professional staff assist you in selecting the right system for your home. These questions have a purpose and ignoring them will only cost you more money in the long run. Don’t save a few bucks and a little time and make an uninformed decision over the phone that you will end up living with for years to come.

Contact Facility Pro Tech at 407-608-5370 to arrange for one of our professionals to arrange a personal in home visit to assist you in your decision making process.  We don’t believe in high pressure sales but do believe in helping homeowners make informed decisions and then doing an excellent job of installing the selected system.

Common home heating problems:

A radiator in a room is cold, or not as hot as the others in the same system.

To Fix It: Check first to see if radiators may need bleeding of air. Some systems do need bleeding once a year or so, which is perfectly normal. Removing the air from a radiator is simple to do. All that is needed is a universal bleed screw, which fits to the top of the valve on the radiator. As the valve is unscrewed, the sound of the air escaping can usually be heard.  As soon as water begins to show from the bleed screw it can be retightened as it means the air has been bled out.

You have heat but it is not very warm.

To Fix It: Check your filters because if the air flow is not high enough, you will get a low amount of heat and the unit may turn itself off because the motor is overheating. Clean filters are a must and should be done every thirty days or more in dusty conditions. Also check the unit outside and make sure the coil does not have any frost build up on it and air is able to circulate as well.

My heat pump/furnace is not heating.

To fix It: Houses with a gas furnace can check to see that the gas valve on the side of the furnace is turned to the “On” position. If the valve was off, reset the breaker to the furnace by turning it off then back on again to reset any fault on the furnace. This will allow it to try and fire again if there is a demand for heating.

Problem still not solved? See our Heating Troubleshooting Page for more helpful advice.

After scheduling an appointment (he thought) the customer took the day off work and waited at home without technicians ever arriving and without any follow up phone calls. When he called the next day he was treated like it was his first time calling the company. This is unfortunately a very common example of all the disorganized and unprofessional AC companies in the Orlando area. Though you may think you’ve gotten lucky with a quick and easy air conditioning installation, the true test comes afterward, when time reveals whether it was a proper install or unskilled job that results in expensive repair bills.

Read the full article by the Orlando Sentinel Here

Here are some tips in choosing the right company:

• Ask the contractor for references. Find out if other customers were satisfied.
• Ask the contractor about his or her license. If a license is required in your area, ask for the license number.
• Ask the contractor for proof of insurance.
• Ask the contractor if he or she is a member in good standing with the BBB
• Ask the contractor if a permit is required and if he will pull it.
• Ask if the contractor’s technicians are NATE certification. NATE-certified technicians have proven their knowledge of modern HVAC systems.

See our blog post How to Ensure Quality Residential HVAC Installation for more in-depth checklist to ensure you get the best service from your AC company.

If you have been shopping for something to cool off your house, you will have noticed that there is a great deal of difference in air conditioning prices. While any air conditioner is going to be moderately expensive, not all of the low cost or all of the very high cost air conditioners are cost effective over the long run. Low cost air conditioners tend to be very poor quality and may not stand up with continued use, resulting in high maintenance and repair bills. Low cost or very cheap air conditioning prices tend to be found on the discount or store type brands, some which have very low energy efficiency ratings. Basically the lower the energy efficiency rating, the less effective the unit is in producing cold air with regards to how much power it requires. Even a very low cost air conditioning unit with a low energy rating will quickly result in much higher monthly power or electricity bills, easily costing you hundreds of additional dollars over the summer months. So, in the case of low cost, air conditioning prices are only telling a small amount of the total story.

Very expensive air conditioning prices are typically associated with the top of the line, highly energy efficient units. If you live in a warm climate where you use this type of cooling system over several months, it may be well worth your while to invest in the more expensive model. If, however, you live in a moderate climate where you only use the system for a month or two over the summer, it may take several years of use before you make up the difference in the price of saving on the energy bill. In this case it is important to do some additional calculation about your energy saving and the air conditioning prices to see if the ac installation will actually save you money. Keep in mind that new innovations in energy efficiency, “green products” and even alternative sources of energy and therefore what is a highly efficient and energy saving system today may be outdated in just a few short years.

Another consideration with regards to air conditioning prices is the type of model you are buying. Window units are often the least expensive, however they are usually only effective in smaller spaces. Portable units can be moved from room to room and may allow you to purchase one or two units and move them throughout the house as needed. Wall mounted units do require some installation and are permanent fixtures of a room or space. Conventional systems are the most expensive, but they do provide air conditioning throughout the entire physical structure, as long as there is a heating vent in the area. Carefully considering what you want and how much you plan to use your air conditioner will help determine what are reasonable air conditioning prices for your home or office.

The air conditioning filter is important in preventing build up of dust, grease and other small particles within the air conditioning unit itself. Without the filter all the dust and debris that are trapped by the filter would be deposited directly on the fins, resulting in that space becoming clogged and blocked. Once the air flow is restricted around the cooling area, the system is just not able to produce cold air. In addition without the air conditioning filter the debris and dust would stick to the fins as they are moist due to the moisture produced in the cooling process, especially in humid climates. This can and will lead to bacteria growth in the system that in turn blows this bacteria back into the air that you are breathing in.

Cleaning the window air conditioning filter on a regular basis not only helps with cooling but also with the efficiency of the system. A good idea is to clean the filter once before turning on the air conditioner in the spring and then again every three to four weeks while the system is being used. If you live in an area where there is lots of fine dust, smokers in the house or pets you may find that cleaning the air conditioning filter every two weeks is more beneficial.

Window air conditioning filters are the easiest to clean and are typically made of either a sturdy foam type material or a fine mesh. The most common and recommended type of filter is made of polypropylene, which is actually electrostatic and will trap small particles. To clean these types of mesh screens simply wash in warm soapy water and rinse well. Always allow the filter to completely dry before putting it back in the unit. Foam filters should be replaced with a new filter that can be made at home from foam sheets purchased at a home supply store.

A large outdoor conventional air conditioning filter can be cleaned with commercial solutions, however they often are not as effective after they have been cleaned. A better option is to simply remove and replace the large filters every two months of use. Brush the fins of the outside unit that are located behind the filters and remove all debris and dust either by blowing with compressed air or using a shop vacuum. Always keep the area around the outside unit free from long grass, bushes or vines that may obstruct air flow or add debris into the unit or filter.

The HVAC Industry has developed over the last 40 years a number of educational programs for the direct benefit of technicians.

All of these programs are Governed, Owned, Operated, Developed and Support by the HVAC Industry (The GOODS Principle).

The GOODS Principle

• Governed by the Industry to assure all parties have a voice in the operation and structure of the programs that make better technicians.
• Owned by the Industry so that no one party can reap financial benefit from the actual programs.
• Operated by the Industry so there is inclusive open consensus of the programs.
• Developed by the Industry to enhance and raise the skills of the technician.
• Supported by the Industry to maintain the financial stability of the technician programs.

The benefit of The GOODS Principle is a better trained, knowledgeable and professional HVACworkforce and improved service and reliability for customers.

The Evolution of HVAC Technical Education

The foundation for modern education in the HVAC industry was created by the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) in itsgroundbreaking Industry Curriculum Guide originally called the Suggested Secondary School Course Guide, which dates to 1967. This guideis the foundation for education in the HVAC Industry. Updated as the ARI Curriculum Guide in 1989 and again in 1995, this foundation hascontinued to serve the industry identifying the knowledge, skills and competencies for HVAC technicians.

A second valuable development in the education of HVAC technicians was the Industry Competency Exam (ICE). Using the IndustryCurriculum Guide, industry professionals representing manufacturers, contractors, distributors and educators, developed the first entry levelexam identifying the scope of knowledge technicians seeking a career in the HVAC Industry should have. Maintained once a year, throughthe ICE Construction Committee, the exam remains a valid test for entry level technicians. The third important development was the ARI Teachers Workshop. Started in 1996 to help the HVAC/R instructional community remaincurrent on educational developments and share educational methodologies, the ARI Teachers Workshop raised the bar for entry level HVACtechnicians

The fourth significant development in the education of technicians was the NATE program. Started in1997 as the HVAC Industry’sTechnician Certification Program, NATE is a valid, reliable, defensible and widely respected certification protocol for the seasoned technicianin the HVACR Industry. Joining the NATE coalition in 1999, the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) and the RefrigerationService Engineers Society (RSES) enhanced the program and continued the industry philosophy of self governance and raising thestandards for HVAC technicians. Coalition partners continued joining NATE with Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning National Association(SMACNA) and Sheet Metal Workers International Association (SMWIA) becoming part of the coalition in 2001. In 2006 the UnitedAssociation (UA) joined the NATE Technical Committee.

The creation of the Partnership for Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA) was the fifth important developmentin the industry’s continuing pursuit of excellence. Developed to provide programmatic accreditation for the HVAC/R education programs,PAHRA was formed by industry educators. The accreditation standards developed by PAHRA were reviewed by the ICE Committee toensure they would produce highly qualified entry level technicians. And in January 2008 the UA, PAHRA, ICE and NATE signed a Memorandum of Understanding giving students graduating from PAHRAAccredited programs using the ICE and NATE Certifications advanced status in the union.

Banded together under The GOODS Principle, all of these programs are committed to reviewing, maintaining and improving the educationalstandards for HVAC technicians. Three of the programs PAHRA, ICE and NATE (The PIN Process) directly relate to improving Industryeducation programs by establishing the accreditation standards for the programs, setting the entry level criteria and proving the seasonedtechnician skills necessary with NATE’s Job Task Analysis.

Dear Brian,

Gene and I want to thank you for the great service you gave to us when we were shopping for a new heating and air conditioner.  After explaining and given us three choices we decided on the 3 ton Carrier.  Also showing us how we will save on our energy bill.  When the ac unit was installed, there were three to four gentlemen who worked on it and finished the whole job in less than 8 hours.  The men were so nice, cleaned up and everything turned out wonderful.  Then the next day you came back and checked with us that everything was to our liking.  We can really feel the difference in how fast this unit cools our home.  I feel we made a very good choice by having Facility Pro Tech do the job.  Thank you again for the great treatment and kindness you show us.

Sincerely,
Gene and Gerry Nester

Did the contractor review the load calculation for your home with you?

• To install the right size unit, contractors need to know the home’s heating and cooling requirements, based on a variety of factors (e.g., ventilation needs, size of the home, type of windows, insulation amounts, etc.). Determining heating/ cooling loads based on the building’s square footage is inaccurate and inadequate. Also, basing replacement equipment on the size of the original system could lead to problems since the original equipment size may have been incorrect.

Did the contractor review the manufacturers’ performance data with you to demonstrate why the unit you’re buying is the right size?

• The load calculation (from Question 1) guides proper equipment selection. A unit that is too big (oversized) may have a higher upfront cost, raise your utility costs, remove less humidity, and fail more quickly.

Did the contractor present proof that the system will deliver the specified efficiency based on AHRI certification?

• Equipment which has not been tested by an independent organization or is not designed to work together may not deliver the promised high efficiency performance.

During Installation:

Did the contractor review the condition of your duct system with you?

• Leaky ducts can cause health problems and waste energy. Also, if the ducts are too small they will cause the HVAC system to use more energy and/or deliver less comfort. Small ducts may also lead to early equipment failure.

Will the contractor ensure the unit is safe electrically?

• The fuses, wiring, and circuit breakers must be correct for the unit being installed. Sometimes new equipment has different requirements than the system being replaced.

Will the contractor test the thermostat?

• The contractor needs to ensure that the unit operates properly in all modes and that the thermostat is fully compatible with the new equipment.

If ducts are new or are to be repaired, did the contractor state how they will measure the duct leakage after the repairs?

• The contractor needs to test to be sure the warm and cool air you are paying for is entering your home and not escaping into unconditioned spaces. This is especially important when ducts are located in the attic or crawlspace.

After Installation:

Will the contractor test the amount of air and/or water flow (for hydronic applications) going into each room?

• The contractor needs to measure the amount of conditioned air and/or water (for hydronic applications) flowing into each room to ensure that each room receives the appropriate amount.

Will the contractor provide a copy of the installation checklist with a record of all measurements taken during installation?

• These benchmark measurements will be used by future technicians to ensure that the equipment continues to perform as it should.

Will the contractor provide a copy of the owner’s manuals, manufacturer’s warranty, and their warranty?

• These documents provide valuable information for warranties, future maintenance, or repairs. You should know what the manufacturer and the installing company will do in the event of a problem.

Will the contractor provide a copy of the recommended maintenance requirements for the new equipment?

• If a maintenance program is offered, it should inform you of the components inspected, time frames for inspection, and other factors involved. These requirements are explained in the national standard for residential HVAC maintenance (ANSI/ACCA 4 Maintenance of Residential HVAC Systems).