Touchstone Heating & Air Inc Blog | Air Conditioning and Heating Tips

Air Conditioning Guide: 3 AC Components You May Not Know About

August 22nd, 2013

Air conditioning units are complex pieces of machinery, requiring numerous components to function together if they’re going to work as they should. Most people are aware that refrigerant is used, and you can hear fans and blowers run any time you turn the air conditioning system on. But other components play an important role in the process – especially in cities like Gainesville, FL, where AC units run constantly during the hot summer months – and non-experts may not be familiar with their purpose and function. Here are 3 AC components you may not know about and the roles they serve in the cooling process.

Condensate pan: The condensate pan collects condensation that forms on the evaporator coils, then moves it out of the system via a condensate drain. This prevents the condensate from infiltrating the rest of the system, possibly causing water damage.
Expansion valve: The expansion valve serves as a sort of “gateway” to the evaporator coils, where the actual cooling process takes place. Refrigerant arrives at the valve in liquid form and under a great deal of pressure. The valve acts in a manner similar to an aerosol can, releasing a set amount of the liquid into the coils. The liquid evaporates and pulls heat from the nearby air, which a fan then blows into your home.
Condenser coils: The condenser coils put the refrigerant in a liquid state before it moves to the expansion valve. The refrigerant enters the coils as a gas, where it its then cooled to a liquid form. This heat dissipates off the coils, which is then blown out of the system by a fan. For this reason, condenser coils are a part of the outdoor unit.

If you experience problems with your air conditioning system, whether it stems from an unknown component or something more recognizable like the thermostat, it pays to contact a professional as soon as possible. The experts at Touchstone Heating & Air handle air conditioning issues throughout the Gainesville FL area. Call us today and make an appointment.

Don’t Settle for Expensive Air Conditioning

August 13th, 2013

When it comes to air conditioning systems, Gainesville, FL residents can’t be casual. The city’s constant warm temperatures and high humidity make cool, comfortable indoor temperatures an absolute must. But just as air conditioning systems are so necessary, so too do homeowners need to use them in such a way that keeps their monthly electric bills in check. Some people think they have to accept higher costs if they want to stay cool. That’s not necessarily the case. Don’t settle for expensive air conditioning costs when a little foresight and planning can save you a great deal.

Don’t Skimp on Installation or Maintenance

Saving money on air conditioning doesn’t mean “buy a cheap AC unit.” The less expensive the unit, the cheaper its component part are, and the more apt it will be to break down, Moreover, cheap AC units often lack the efficiency of higher-end models, costing you in monthly bills every month. Inexpensive labor, too, can cause problems, since an improperly installed air conditioning unit is more vulnerable to wear and tear, and may create serious problems far sooner than a unit installed by a trained expert.

Furthermore, an air conditioning unit that doesn’t receive routine upkeep and maintenance can drive those monthly bills higher. Components can get dirty, leaks can form from loose fittings, and the normal grind of wear-and-tear eventually takes its toll. When air filters get excessively dirty, they can impede the flow of cool air, while clogs of obstructions at various points will also slow down the flow of air. If your refrigerant leaks, your air conditioning unit will struggle to cool the air in your home. All of these can result not only in higher energy bills, but also more frequent repairs.

Maintenance Saves Money

You can help prevent those higher costs with a regular maintenance plan. A trained professional can come to your home and give your air conditioning system a thorough going over: cleaning dirty components, sealing leaks, recharging refrigerant and identifying faulty components in need of further repair. That process not only saves you money in deferred service calls, but it improves your unit’s overall efficiency, letting it do more with less energy and cutting down on your monthly bills.

For quality air conditioning installation and maintenance in Gainesville, FL, speak to the professionals at Touchstone Heating & Air. We can install your air conditioning unit right the first time, every time, and our maintenance program help you keep your system running at top capacity.

What are Some Environmentally Friendly Air Conditioning Options?

August 5th, 2013

Air conditioning installation can be a major operation, but the benefits are also considerable. Not only does it allow you to replace an older unit with a newer (and presumably more efficient) model, but it can increase your house’s resale value a well. If you’re looking to install a new air conditioning unit, you might want to think about an environmentally friendly option. Gainesville, FL has been moving in an environmentally friendly direction for years as evinced by the municipal government’s recent backing of solar power for homes and small businesses. You can contribute to an environmentally friendly city by looking into greener options for your air conditioning installation.

The biggest environmentally friendly decision you can make concerns the choice of air conditioning unit itself. Systems that are ENERGY STAR rated have a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings, and use less energy than their counterparts, which helps you save energy and money by keeping you AC energy costs low.

Depending upon your living situation, you may also wish to consider a geothermal system or a heat pump of a traditional AC unit. Geothermal systems use very little energy since they use the ambient temperature of the earth to heat and cool your home. Air source heat pumps are simpler to install than geothermal systems, and they are also a good choice if you want a single solution for both heating and cooling your home.

Two-stage compressors in your new air conditioning unit provide another environmentally friendly option. These units operate on one of two separate speeds. The low speed runs when temperatures are mild while the higher speed kicks in when the heat really rises. It uses less energy, since it can adjust its output to match the climate, and cuts down on the environmental impact.

If you’re looking for eco-friendly air conditioning options, call the experts at Touchstone Heating & Air. We provide a variety of green air conditioning options and have been providing Gainesville, FL air conditioning installation service for years.

Why Integrate Zone Control into Your Air Conditioning

July 29th, 2013

In Gainesville, FL, air conditioning is no laughing matter. Hot, humid summers necessitate an escape into the cool comfort of your home, making a proper air conditioning system far more of a necessity than a luxury. But you may find that your air conditioning cools your house unevenly, or cools parts of the house that you rarely spend extended periods of time in. In that case, you may want to integrate a zone control system into your air conditioning system, which provides better control over the air flow in your house and could save you money on your electric bills.

A zone control system basically divides your home into separate zones, then establishes controls allowing you to alter the temperature in each zone. So if one family member can set the temperature to 68 degrees in the living room, while another can sleep in the bedroom with the temperature at 72. Zone control systems do this through a variety of methods, including dampers in your existing duct system that control the air flow to different parts of the house.

There are numerous reasons for doing so. The biggest is probably energy savings. By cooling only specific parts of the house, your air conditioning doesn’t have to work as hard, and thus spends less energy to perform its job. In addition, zone control allows you to maintain an even temperature throughout your house more readily. An upper story, for example, tends to be warmer than a lower story, since hot air rises. Zone control lets you maintain the same temperature much more easily, so that no single story is warmer or cooler than any other.

If you want to integrate zone control into your air conditioning system, it pays to consult an expert on the best way of going about it. In Gainesville, FL, Touchstone Heating & Air has the expertise to both advise you on your options and to install a zone control system in your house. Contact us today to set up an appointment, and let us show you what a difference our experience and professionalism can make.

Air Conditioning Repair: Why is My AC Blowing Warm Air?

July 22nd, 2013

When you turn on your air conditioning system, you expect it to start producing cool air immediately. But if it is pumping warm air into your home, it likely means that you need to call for air conditioning repair in Jacksonville, FL. Here at Touchstone Heating & Air, we’ve responded to countless calls for service and we often get asked why our customers’ AC system is blowing warm air. Here is a quick explanation of what might be causing this problem and why you should call for repairs immediately.

Low refrigerant – Your air conditioning system uses a compressed refrigerant to remove heat from your home and exhaust it outside. If there isn’t enough refrigerant in the system, then your AC won’t be able to remove the heat from your home’s air and it will just get circulated back into your home.
Broken compressor – Your air conditioning system uses a compressor to compress the refrigerant that it then uses to remove heat from your home’s air. If the compressor is broken, it won’t be able to compress the refrigerant, which means that your AC won’t be able to provide you with any cooling. Instead, the fan will just circulate the warm air from your home back through your ducts and into your house.
Thermostat issues – An often overlooked component of your air conditioning system is the thermostat. Your thermostats detect the temperature in your home and then activate your AC based on the temperature that they read. If the thermostats aren’t working ell they could be telling your AC that your house is cool enough and to just run the fan. This would cause your air conditioner to just circulate hot air through your home.

No matter what kind of air conditioning repair in Jacksonville, FL you need, just call Touchstone Heating & Air immediately. Your air conditioning system won’t automatically fix the issues that its having and they will likely only get worse. Calling for professional repair early is a great way to nip the problem in the bud before it causes further issues with your home’s AC system.

Is your Air Conditioning unit drain line clogged? Touchstone Heating & Air can help

July 18th, 2013

Air Conditioning units are complex machines and require regular tuning and maintenance in order to operate at full capacity and efficiency throughout the summer. One common issue we find is a clogged drain line, in the video below we explain how to unclog that drain line using a simple wet vac. The easiest way to identify this issue is through a leaky unit or a noticeable drop in efficiency.

The first step to unclogging or cleaning the drain line is identifying the valve. Once you have done so you can simply turn on the wet vac and connect it to the drain line, this will pull any items clogging the drain out and help promote a free flowing drain line. While this may seem like an easy fix please use caution when completing this task, as a best practice we highly recommend calling us here at Touchstone Heating & Air whether you are in Lake City, FL or any of the surrounding areas. If you decide to take on this task on your own please keep in mind that you are doing so at your own risk and Touchstone Heating & Air will not be held liable.

Air Conditioning Tip: Saving Money at the Thermostat

July 16th, 2013

In Gainesville, FL, air conditioning is far more necessity than luxury, and local residents are used to higher energy bills when the mercury starts to rise. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be that way. Saving energy can be easy, and you can begin at the thermostat: the one part of the air conditioning system that almost everyone is familiar with.

You can start with a fairly easy step: set your thermostat to a slightly higher temperature than you’re used to. 78 degrees doesn’t feel much different than 73 degrees, but it can save a fair amount of money with your monthly bills. You might also consider replacing an old manual thermostat with a programmable one that automatically turns the AC off when you leave for work and turns back on just before you get home. That provides a cool home when you arrive without wasting countless hours of energy keeping it cold when you’re not around.

On a more technical level, a thermostat’s placement in the house can affect its accuracy. Thermostats use air currents passing through them to determine the temperature in a given room. A thermostat placed in a breezy corner or unusually sunny spot may misread the temperature, causing the AC to turn on when it isn’t needed. Moving the thermostat to a spot that more accurately reflects the temperature of the room can help you save money on unnecessary costs.

For 15 years, the dedicated professionals at Touchstone Heating and Air have worked to save you money by keeping your air conditioning in peak shape. We can help you move your thermostat and/or replace an outdated model with something newer and easier to use. Either way, it will help you with saving money at the thermostat, and as always, you can trust us to do the job right the first time, every time. Contact our Gainesville, FL air conditioning technicians today and see how we can save you money at the thermostat.

My Air Filter is Wet: Do I Need Air Conditioning Repair

July 9th, 2013

Your air conditioning system has an air filter in it that is there to protect the moving parts from dust and debris. If this air filter isn’t properly maintained it can cause a whole host of issues for your home. A common problem that we get called to repair is a wet air filter. Make sure that you call for professional air conditioning repair in Gainesville, FL whenever you have any issue with your system. Here at Touchstone Heating & Air, we wanted to put together a quick explanation about what could be causing the problem of a wet air filter.

In order to cool the air in your home, your AC system passes the warm, moist air from your home over a series of evaporator coils. Similar to the way condensation forms on the outside of your glass on a hot day, condensation will also form on these evaporator coils. Normally, this condensation will drip down into a collector pan and rain away.

However, if the condensation pan or the drain lines get clogged then water can leak out and cause many problems for your home. One of the things that can happen is for the water to leak out and get absorbed by the air filter in your system. Not only can this cause mold in the air filter, but it will also likely restrict the flow of air through your system.

But this is just one possible explanation of what might be happening. It could also be that your AC system was installed poorly and the condensation from the evaporator coils somehow gets onto the air filter. It might also be that the air filter is installed in the wrong place. Either way, call for professional air conditioning repair in Gainesville, FL today.

How to Avoid a Wet Air Filter

There are a couple of different ways for you to potentially avoid getting a wet air filter in your AC system.

Get regular maintenance – One of the best ways to avoid air conditioning repair in general is to get your system regularly inspected and maintained by a pro. During regular maintenance visits, your AC technicians will look for any small issues that could be developing. They will fix these things before they cause further damage to your system and to your home.
Get professional installation – Another great thing to have done if you’re getting a new air conditioner installed is to get it done by a professional. This will allow you to avoid many repairs that result from bad installation work.

If you need air conditioning repair in Gainesville, FL, make sure that you call the friendly experts at Touchstone Heating & Air.

Have a Safe and Happy 4th of July!

July 2nd, 2013

The 4^th of July will forever hold a very special place in the history of the United States of America. On this day in 1776, the second Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence.

Not only is Independence Day an important day in our nation’s history, but for many people it is a day that is filled with memories from celebrations of years past. Fireworks, barbeques, baseball games, fairs, carnivals, patriotic music and ceremonies are all scattered through our memories as we’ve participated in annual parties, get-togethers, picnics and family gatherings throughout the years. John Adams, our 2nd president, was right when he said that our Independence Day “…ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

The 4^th of July is truly a day to enjoy but also to remember and respect the sacrifice that many brave men and women made over 200 years ago to give us the freedom that we cherish today. However you celebrate Independence Day, make sure that you take a moment to remember what this day is really about.

We wish you a safe and happy 4th of July!

Consequences of Neglecting Air Conditioning Repairs

June 27th, 2013

When you live in as hot a climate as Florida, your air conditioning system needs to be prepared to keep your home cool and comfortable throughout the hot summer months. If you notice any irregularities with the performance or operation of your AC, schedule repair immediately. Putting service off is never the right decision, as problems simply will not go away on their own. In fact, they will only get worse. This can have a seriously negative impact on your comfort, the condition of your system and your budget. To schedule any necessary air conditioning repairs in Gainesville, FL, contact Touchstone Heating & Air today. We have the training and experience necessary to get your AC back on track.

One of the most serious consequences that you risk by neglecting any necessary air conditioning repairs is further damage to your system that will wind up costing you more money, both in cooling costs and expensive repairs. When you contact an AC repair technician at the first sign of trouble, problems can be resolved before having a big impact on other components of the system. If you allow a problem to gestate while forcing the system to operate in a compromised condition, though, the other components of your AC may also be affected. The more components that are compromised, the more expensive any resulting repair needs are likely to be. Plus, a damaged AC will always cost more to operate than on that is in good working condition, no matter how “minor” the problem may be.

The other big risk that you are taking is disruption to your service. Not only will a damaged air conditioning system fail to keep your home comfortable, but allowing your system to operate while neglecting repair needs means that when the time for repair does come it will likely be more complex and time consuming. This means that you risk longer disruption to your comfort and AC service during the hottest time of the year.

To learn more about why you should never put off air conditioning repairs in Gainesville, FL, call Touchstone Heating & Air today. We have the information you need to keep your AC operating properly. Let us know what concerns you have about the performance of your AC.