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13. How do I know my system has a refrigerant or Freon leak?
14. How do I know my motor is defective?
15. Is a compressor replacement a good economic decision?
16. Will duct sanitizing help control allergies, asthma & congestion?
17. Where can I find biological pollutants in my home?
18. What causes duct work to sweat?
19. Why is an evaporator coil wash so expensive?
20. I was told my system has non-condensables in it?
21. What effects do non-condensables have on my system?
22. What are the advantages of a preventive maintenance policy?
23. How can I lower my electric bill with my existing air conditioner?
24. Should you have the air ducts in your home cleaned?
1. What is the life expectancy of an air conditioner?With proper maintenance, I have seen air conditioning systems last over 20 years. However in South Florida due to the high corrosive environment, the outside units typically will only last 10-12 years before losing over 50% of their efficiency or failing completely.2. Which is the best air conditioning system manufactured today?There or 43 different brands of air conditioning systems, but only a handful of manufactures. Many air conditioners contain relatively the same components regardless of brand name. They all have a compressor, which many are made by Copeland, coils, motors, capacitors, and miscellaneous controls. Each manufacture strives to create first in the market technology, in order to promote their products. The best advice, is find out what your specific needs are, then look at what manufacture has the best solution. Manufactures higher efficiency products are typically where they differentiate themselves from other manufactures.3. Is it better to have the air conditioning system be a little larger than needed, so it does not have to work so hard?No! Especially if you live in a high humidity environment, such as Texas of South Florida. You actually want your system slightly undersize to maximize humidity control. If your air conditioning system is larger than required the system lowers the temperature in the house faster. In this case, the air conditioner does not run long enough to remove the moisture in the air conditioned space. Although the temperature will be cool, there will be too much humidity in the air and you will not feel cool. The only time your air conditioner is lowering the humidity is when the compressor is running.
4. What causes a water leak?Dirt of foreign matter causes water to drip off the coil instead of draining to the bottom. Ice on the coil restricts the airflow. The unit is low on refrigerant (R-22 or R410A), causing icing and rapid meltdown. Algae can grow in the cool damp environment and can block drain pan parts. Helpful hints for a water leak?a. Make sure air filter is clean.b. Connect a wet/dry vacuum cleaner hose at the end of the drain line outside.c. Disconnect drain line (PVC) from unit and flush out with water. d. Pour several ounces of bleach in drain pan or drain line.5. Why does dirt accumulate on my coils when I change my filters regularly?Even though you keep clean filters in the unit, dirt will accumulate on the coil and in the drain circuit. This is because many filters catch only about 8- 12% of the particles in the air. "Click hear to go to filter section" These filters let most fine particulate matter pass right through them. The evaporator coil is wet during the cooling operation and so it collects a lot of the fine particles on its surface or in the drain pan. In time, the accumulation of particles will cause water to drip onto the floor.6. How can I prevent water leaks from happening?a. Flush your drain line periodically. b. Consider a higher efficiency air filter. c. Have your system inspected and cleaned twice a year.7. What effects do dirty components have on my system?Dirt blocks heat transfer which causes or contributes to all or some of the following: a. Compressor fan motors run hotb. Lubrication breaks down (life is shortened)c. Cooling capacity is reducedd. Humidity removal is reducede. Operating cost increasesf. Compressor valves can be damaged due to freon & floodbackg. Coil can ice over, stopping all cooling & possibly causing damage due to water leak8. How often should my system be cleaned?It depends on the system's location, running time, and the type of the system. Even if you conscientiously change your filters every month, your system should be checked by a professional at least twice a year. Click hear for Senica Air Conditioning.9. What is a contactor & what does it do?A contactor is a device used to bring high voltage to your compressor to start and run it. The contactor points snap together through magnetic action each time your unit starts. At startup, your compressor is pulling maximum amperage, several time the regular running current. A small amount of electric arcing occurs each time the contactor points close. This gradually causes the contact points to become burned and pitted.10. Why should a contactor be replaced even though it is working?If your technician finds burned and / or pitted contact points, he will recommend the contactor be replaced. The amount of electric arcing will be greater when a contactors points are pitted. The full surface of the points cannot make contact. Items 1 and 2 cause the compressor to draw more current than it is rated for which may cause overheating. The points can become so hot that they fuse and the unit runs constantly. Fused points with the indoor unit not running can damage the compressor. Replacing burned or pitted contactors will save a service call and possibly more expense later.11. What is a power surge protector (PSP)?A power surge protector is a device that is wired into your air conditioning system to protect against power fluctuations that happen in a fraction of a second and can cause serious damage to your compressor, motors, controls, etc. Lightening strikes and electric power spikes from the local utility company can enter your home through the electrical wiring and harm electrical components that are connected to them. The power surge protector absorbs the power surges in its own circuitry and prevents the surge from damaging your equipment.12. What is a time delay switch?A time delay switch causes a delay before a compressor starts. The delay allows the compressor to start with no load on it. Why is this important?When electric power is temporarily lost, or a thermostat is turned on-off-on rapidly while the compressor is in operation, the compressor tries to re- start against unequal Freon pressure. This applies enormous strain to the compressor motor windings. This is a major contributor to compressor failure. Normally, the system requires 3-5 minutes in the off cycle for the Freon pressure to equalize. The time delay switch protects the compressor and its motor windings.By using a time delay switch, you will extend the life of the compressor. Remember compressors don't wear out they burn out.Frequently Asked Questions
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