Air Conditioning FAQ
The #1 Air Conditioner Service in West Palm Beach & Martin County Florida
If you have questions about your AC unit and how to take care of it, read below to learn from the experts at Dana's Air Conditioning We offer service on weekends, and holidays at no extra charge.
How frequently should I service my air conditioner?
​
Efficient and cost-effective home cooling necessitates proper air conditioner maintenance. It is advisable to service your AC system twice annually to ensure it operates correctly. Nonetheless, the frequency of maintenance can vary significantly depending on your location, air quality, pet ownership, and other pertinent factors.
​
Why should I do an AC Tune UP?
An AC tune-up typically includes a thorough inspection and cleaning of the air conditioning unit. This involves checking the thermostat for accuracy, replacing the air filter if necessary, ensuring proper refrigerant levels, and examining electrical connections and safety features. It's also important to ensure that the AC unit has enough open space around it for adequate air circulation. Regular maintenance like this helps improve the system's efficiency and can prevent more serious issues from developing.
​
Is my air Conditioning system functioning properly?
​
Ensuring the proper climate in your home is crucial for maintaining good indoor air quality. The main role of an air conditioner is to regulate humidity and temperature. Inadequate cooling can result in mold, airborne allergens, and overall discomfort. Equally important is air duct maintenance, as neglected ducts can shorten the lifespan of your AC system.
​
Should I buy the biggest air conditioner I can afford?
​
Purchasing the largest air conditioner within your budget is not advisable. It's essential to have a professional determine the most suitable AC unit for your home's dimensions and usage patterns. An undersized unit will overexert itself to cool your space, leading to elevated energy bills. Conversely, an oversized unit will cool your home too swiftly, causing it to operate in brief cycles, which can increase humidity levels even though the temperature is lower.
​
How long should my new air conditioner last?
​
Different units and models of air conditioners have varying lifespans, but typically, an air conditioner should last about 10-15 years. This is contingent upon regular maintenance and tune-ups to preserve your investment. Once your air conditioner hits the 5-year mark in South Florida, it's wise to arrange for more frequent maintenance checks, as parts tend to fail more often after 5 to 7 years. High-end models may have components that endure for 10-15 years with diligent care, although this longevity is not standard for most units.
​
What is the difference between one-Stage and Two-Stage Air Conditioners?
​
The primary distinction between the two is that a two-stage air conditioner features a compressor with two operating speeds. A one-stage compressor operates at full capacity (100%) or not at all. In contrast, a two-stage compressor can run at full capacity or at a reduced level, typically around 70%, although this can vary by brand and model.
Most are likely acquainted with the one-stage model, which cycles on and off based on the set temperature.
For instance, if you set your thermostat to 72 degrees, the AC may allow the temperature to rise to 73 before activating, then cool it down to 72 or 71 before shutting off, repeating this process as needed.
A two-stage compressor, however, can operate at a lower intensity when the temperature is nearly at the set point, thereby conserving energy and reducing the frequency of cycling on and off at full power. Herby removing more humidity in the air
​What are the differences Between Two-Stage and Variable-Speed Air Conditioners?​
​
As the name suggests, a variable-speed air conditioner can offer up to 700 different compressor settings to match various airflow levels. Although the two-stage compressor is more efficient and versatile than the single-stage, it doesn't compare to the variable-speed's capabilities.
​
You might be familiar with the SEER Rating, which gauges efficiency. Variable-speed air conditioners reach the pinnacle of efficiency with SEER ratings of 20 or higher, representing the best in central air systems.
​
Like the two-stage, which can run at a lower speed when full power isn't necessary, a variable-speed system can fine-tune its output to use only the energy required to keep your home's temperature steady.
​
What are the difference of Humidity and Air Quality in your homes based on the diffrent Ac systems you install?
​
Humidity influences the perceived temperature in a room; for instance, 70 degrees in Arizona feels different from 70 degrees in Florida.
​
An air conditioner not only cools the air but also removes humidity, enhancing its efficiency.
Therefore, it's expected that a two-stage AC, which operates longer at a reduced power level, will extract more humidity from your home than a single-stage unit. A variable-speed system will be even more effective in this regard.
​
Pairing a whole home dehumidifier with an air conditioner is often recommended to boost efficiency, regardless of the system type. This should be considered when choosing between different systems. Discussing dehumidifiers with your HVAC contractor is advisable, especially considering your home's average relative humidity and the specific air conditioning system you choose.
​
A variable-speed system also circulates air more often by running longer, which helps remove more particulates, improving air quality. However, this may mean more frequent filter maintenance, among other considerations your HVAC provider may deem important.
​
Why is it important to have a Surge Protector on your Air Conditioner?
An AC surge protector is crucial for two primary reasons:
​
1. To protect sensitive electronic systems.
2. To prevent the need for costly replacement parts.
​
Modern air-conditioning systems are equipped with numerous electronic components. These smart parts manage advanced features such as precise temperature control, variable-speed operation, compatibility with smart thermostats, and noise reduction. Similar to other electronic devices, the hardware of air conditioners is highly susceptible to power surges.
​
The cost is another factor that justifies the investment in surge protection for your Palm Beach and Martin County HVAC systems. Circuit boards are not only expensive to replace but also challenging to find. Model-specific components for air conditioners must be ordered separately. Meanwhile, your family must cope without the comfort of your AC.
​
At Dana's Air Conditioning, we are certified and skilled in diagnosing issues with electronic components and replacing parts. We share your desire for your family to enjoy a top-notch South Florida HVAC system throughout the year by preemptively addressing power issues. To comprehend how surge protectors safeguard your air conditioner, it's essential to recognize the causes of electrical spikes.
​
-
Lightning Storms: A single lightning strike can produce enough electricity to damage all the electronics in your home. Interestingly, storms do not need to be close for a surge to affect your home. Lightning can travel up to 10 miles, and power lines can transmit the surge up to a mile away.
-
Fallen Power Lines: Commonly leading to power disturbances, downed lines can result in outages, brownouts, and surges. These incidents can arise from repair mistakes, construction mishaps, or strong winds.
-
Random Causes: At times, the origins of surges are elusive. Many power companies acknowledge in their statements that in the fine print that they’re not responsible for random power spikes or weather-caused line issues.
What is the benefit of having a Time Delay installed on your Air Conditioning Systems?
​
Air conditioners are essentially large HVAC refrigerators. They, along with heat pumps, utilize the HVAC refrigeration cycle to move heat from an undesirable location (inside, where heat is absorbed by the evaporator coil) to a neutral location (outside, via the condensing unit) during the cooling cycle. At the core of any HVAC air conditioning, heat pump, or refrigeration system is the compressor, which circulates the refrigerant throughout the system.
​
When the refrigerant exits the compressor, it is under higher pressure due to compression, a state that persists until it flows through the metering device. Here, both pressure and temperature drop. This lower pressure is maintained until the refrigerant returns to the compressor within the condensing unit, where it is compressed once more.
​
Pressure Equalization in the Condenser
​
Turning off the air conditioner's condensing unit leads to pressure equalization within five minutes. HVAC professionals commonly refer to this equalized pressure as static pressure. On a hot day, the high side pressure may reach up to 300 PSI or even higher in certain systems. If an HVAC system lacks a delay timer and is restarted within five minutes of being turned off, the compressor in the condenser has to start against this high pressure. This can be detrimental to the compressor and may potentially cause damage.
Problem
​
The compressor of an HVAC air conditioner condensing unit should not be activated until the air conditioning or heat pump system has reached static pressure. Instances have occurred where the condensing unit, lacking a delay timer, was prematurely started before the pressures stabilized. This can lead to various issues: the compressor may seize, the run capacitor could fail, fuses might blow, breakers may trip, or the compressor could sustain mechanical or electrical damage beyond repair, among other problems.
​
HVAC Condensing Units and Compressor Mechanics – Delay Timers and the Air Conditioner Condenser
If fortunate, a homeowner may find that only the capacitor or fuse is faulty. The run or start capacitor of a compressor can be replaced at a minimal cost compared to a full compressor replacement. If the compressor is locked up, there's a possibility it can be unlocked—though it's not guaranteed. Employing a hard start kit and a firm tap with a hammer might work. Should this fail to unlock the compressor, then replacing the compressor or the entire air conditioning or heat pump condensing unit becomes necessary. Often, it's in the homeowner's best interest to opt for replacing the condensing unit.Before this happens to you, call us at Dana's Air Conditioning to check if your condensing unit is equipped with a delay timer. You may want to have the model number, serial number (for both the condenser and air handler), and type of thermostat you have. Most modern digital and programmable thermostats have delay timers built into them.
​
Delay Timers and the Air Conditioner Condenser - Digital Thermostats
​
If you're using an older mechanical thermostat, it's wise to install a delay timer on your condenser.
Incorporating an extra time delay to your compressor, even if your thermostat includes one, offers multiple advantages: Many new systems already incorporate a compressor time delay relay as part of its control system, but some do not. During a repair, adding a time delay relay to the compressor’s control system can save thousands on future repairs.
​
1. Prevents Short Cycling: It stops the compressor from turning on and off too frequently, which can cause overheating and damage.
​
2. Reduces Wear and Tear: It mitigates stress on the compressor’s windings by limiting the high current drawn at each start, allowing the windings to cool between cycles.
​
3. Protects Against Power Fluctuations: It prevents the compressor from restarting too soon after a power outage, allowing the refrigerant to stabilize and reducing motor stress.
​
4. Adds Redundancy: It serves as a safeguard if the thermostat's built-in delay malfunctions, offering additional protection.
​
Installing a time delay relay in the control system can prevent the compressor from short cycling. After shutdown, the compressor is paused for three to five minutes before it can restart, helping the windings to cool down.