How to Ruin Your Air Conditioner in Less Than 10 Years

Air conditioners are not cheap to replace. Ideally, you want yours to last as long as possible so that you can maximize this investment in your comfort. However, as fantastic as your air conditioner is, it’s not invincible. It’s important to know what not to do so your system can run smoothly year after year.

Here are 5 things to avoid that will run your air conditioner into the ground fast.

1. Keeping the same air filter in too long

Your air conditioner’s air filter has the important job of keeping dust, dander, and other airborne particles out of the machinery. However, when the filter gets too dirty, it restricts the airflow through your AC system. This puts unnecessary strain on the components and can lead to overheating and part failures.

2. Growing plants too close to the outdoor unit

Compared to the rest of your yard, your outdoor AC unit can be a bit of an eyesore. However, before trying to conceal it, keep in mind that the unit needs ventilation on all sides. Otherwise, all of the heat that the equipment is trying to release will have nowhere to go. Give the unit at least 1 foot of horizontal space on all sides and at least 6 feet of overhead space.

3. Skipping preventative maintenance

Preventative maintenance is essential to keep your air conditioner functioning at its best for as long as possible. According to the Department of Energy, neglecting maintenance is basically a guarantee that your AC’s performance will go downhill and that its energy consumption will go up.

4. Blocking air vents

When you block air vents to save money in unused rooms, that air has nowhere to go. Subsequently, you’ll have a buildup of air pressure in your vents that can lead to air leaks. On top of this, your AC will no longer be sending out the same amount of air that it’s pulling in, creating an additional efficiency issue. Bottom line: keep all vents open, and make sure no furniture or rugs are blocking them.

5. Giving your AC extra work

The more you use your air conditioner, the faster it will wear out. Does that mean you should avoid using it at all costs? Of course not. This simply means that you should avoid activities that add heat to your home.

Here are some tips to help out your AC on hot days:

Use heat-generating appliances earlier in the morning or later in the evening.
Keep window coverings closed in rooms that get direct afternoon sunlight.
Use floor, table, and ceiling fans in occupied rooms to reduce your dependence on your AC.

At Bounds Heating & Air, we’re proud to offer quality air conditioning services throughout Gainesville. Don’t hesitate to give us a call at (352) 472-2761 or contact us online.

Why Ice Forms On Air Conditioners and Why It’s Bad

Parts of your air conditioner need to be cold in order to cool your indoor air. However, if you see ice forming on any part of your air conditioner, this signals a problem that needs to be addressed ASAP.

Below, our Gainesville HVAC pros will explain the most common reasons why air conditioners can “ice up,” and what you can do about it.

1. The system isn’t getting enough airflow.

When everything is working properly, your air conditioner is pulling in the same amount of air that it’s sending out. Warm air from your home blows over the indoor evaporator coil, transferring its heat to the coil and the refrigerant inside it. If something prevents air from entering your AC, the evaporator coil can get so cold that the condensation on it will start to freeze.

So what causes a lack of airflow? Typically, the culprit is a dust-clogged air filter that’s overdue for a replacement. Inadequate airflow can also occur if something is blocking your system’s return vent. If you see ice forming on your AC unit, check these two things first. Then you can defrost your unit by adjusting your thermostat so that only your HVAC system’s fan is running, while neither heating nor cooling.

2. The evaporator coil is too dirty.

As mentioned above, your AC’s evaporator coil contains refrigerant, which allows the coil to get extremely cold. As long as the metal coil is clean, your home’s warm air can easily transfer its heat to the coil and the refrigerant.

However, if the coil becomes coated in dust and grime, the heat transfer process becomes less effective. This can allow the coil to become cold enough for the condensation on it to freeze. If this issue is causing ice to form, it’s best to stop running your air conditioner until a technician can clean the coils (something which is normally done during a preventative maintenance appointment). In the meantime, you can run the fan to defrost your system.

3. The blower fan motor is broken.

Your blower fan is what keeps air moving through your AC system. If there’s a problem with the blower fan motor, the fan won’t function, and your AC can get the airflow issues mentioned above that lead to ice formation. You’ll most likely know that there is a blower fan problem because either you won’t feel any air coming out of your vents, or the fan will only be able to blow at certain speeds.

4. There’s not enough refrigerant in your system.

Yes, this seems counterintuitive. Why would ice form on an AC’s evaporator (indoor) coil when there is a lack of refrigerant?

When your AC has less refrigerant than it should, there’s going to be a lack of pressure in your AC system. This lack of pressure causes the refrigerant to “overcompensate”—instead of absorbing some heat, it removes so much heat at once that the evaporator coil can freeze over. You may even see ice forming outdoors on the refrigerant line leading to your outdoor AC unit..

What To Do If Ice Forms on Your Air Conditioner

Ignoring ice on your air conditioner can lead to major system issues. The ice formation will cause your system to overwork itself to a point where the compressor may be damaged beyond repair. Just how bad of a situation is that? In some cases, the cost to replace a compressor is so high that you may be better off buying a new air conditioner.

Avoid costly repairs by taking the following steps if ice has formed on your air conditioner:

Turn off the system.
Make sure nothing is blocking the return vent and that all the other vents are open.
Put in a fresh, new air filter.
Turn on your system’s fan to defrost your indoor AC unit. Be sure that only the fan is running and that your HVAC system is not heating or cooling your home’s air.
If a dirty air filter or a blocked return vent was the problem, you can start to use your air conditioner once the ice has melted.
If the problem was anything else, while your AC is thawing, contact a licensed HVAC professional for help.

Remember, refrigerant can pose a safety risk and an environmental hazard, so any issues involving refrigerant should only ever be handled by a trained professional.

At Bounds Heating & Air, we offer 24/7 emergency appointments to help return comfort to your Gainesville home! Call us today at (352) 472-2761.

My AC Is Running: Why Is My House Still Hot and Humid?

When your air conditioner is working correctly, it both cools and removes moisture from your indoor air. However, there are multiple factors that can cause your air conditioner to fail at its “dehumidifying duties.”

If your home feels muggy even while the air conditioner is running, one of the reasons below could be why.

1. The thermostat is on the wrong setting.

Before calling your trusted HVAC contractor, check your thermostat settings. Make sure your system is set to “AUTO,” and no “ON.” When the setting is “ON,” your system’s fan is going to run continuously, even if the air conditioner isn’t actively cooling and dehumidifying the air. Basically, the system is just circulating air throughout your home. When the setting is “AUTO,” your system will cool and dehumidify air whenever the fan is running.

2. Dust and dirt are disrupting your air conditioner.

Your system’s air filter can only do so much. If enough time goes by without preventative maintenance, dust and dirt will accumulate on both your indoor and outdoor air conditioner coils. Dust on the outdoor coils inhibits your air conditioner’s ability to disperse heat into the outdoors, which, in turn, interferes with the refrigerant cycle as a whole. A disrupted refrigerant cycle makes it harder for your air conditioner to dehumidify air and perform efficiently.

3. Your indoor AC unit’s evaporator coil is frozen.

Your air conditioner’s indoor unit contains the evaporator coil. The evaporator coil removes heat and humidity from your indoor air. If something is blocking airflow through your system (like a dust-clogged air filter), or if there’s not enough refrigerant flowing through the evaporator coil, a layer of ice or frost can form over the coil. When this happens, the coil can no longer extract heat or humidity from your home’s air.

4. Your current system isn’t the right size for your home.

It’s essential that your air conditioning system not be too big or too small for your home. If the system is too big, it’s only going to run for extremely short cycles, which can result in uneven temperatures throughout your home. If the system is too small, it’s going to struggle to cool and dehumidify your home no matter how much it runs.

5. Your current system is getting close to retirement.

Has the air in your home gotten muggier in recent years? According to the National Association of Home Builders, air conditioners last 10 to 15 years, so if your AC system is over 10 years old, then you can bet the humidity problem is an aging air conditioner. When shopping for a replacement, make sure you involve a licensed HVAC professional that can help you choose an appropriately-sized system for your home so that you can avoid problems like the one mentioned above in #4.

6. Your ductwork has leaks.

Ductwork typically “lives” in humid, unconditioned areas, like attics and crawl spaces. As it ages, it can form rips and gaps that allow moisture to mix with your conditioned air. You can also have this problem in relatively new ductwork that wasn’t connected or sealed properly.

7. It’s just really, really humid out.

Right before stormy weather, the air outdoors becomes excessively humid, and even a decent air conditioner in good condition might not be able to keep up. You can help your AC out by keeping all of the windows closed and running your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans when either of those rooms is in use for cooking, showering, or bathing.

If the humidity is so high in your home that it’s creating problems, like mold growth or physical discomfort, you can also install a whole-home dehumidifier. These devices regulate your home’s indoor humidity and keep it at your desired level.

The last thing anyone wants in their Florida home is more humidity. If your air conditioner is giving you problems, don’t hesitate to contact Bounds Heating & Airfor service in Gainesville, Newberry, and beyond: (352) 472-2761.

5 Smart Ways to Shrink Your Energy Bills This

There are numerous ways to lower your monthly energy bills, but knowing where to start can be a little overwhelming. The smart place to focus for most people are costs associated with heating and cooling. Why? In a typical household, about 33% of the year’s total energy spending goes to heating and cooling costs, accounting for more energy spending than lighting and appliances combined.

Here are five ways to start shrinking your heating and cooling-related energy costs today.

1. Hang Up Energy-Efficient Window Coverings

If some rooms in your home are always much colder or hotter than others, invest in some window treatments that can help even out the temperature, like cellular shades, Roman shades, or thermal curtains. These window treatments act like a layer of insulation that blocks out heat during summer (when you don’t want it) and keeps heat in during winter (when you do want it).

2. Seal Gaps Around Your Doors and Windows

Have you ever wondered why certain rooms or particular places in rooms are so much warmer or cooler than others? The most likely reason is heat loss and gain through air leaks around doors, windows, or both. Take some time this year to weatherseal your windows and exterior doors to lower your energy bills (and help keep the roaches out)!

Pro Tip: If you’re having trouble determining where air leaks are occurring throughout your home, conduct a home energy audit. During a home energy audit, a professional auditor will look at your energy bills, inspect your home’s walls, windows, doors, and insulation, and analyze the main sources of energy loss to help you come up with the best energy-saving solutions to lower your bills.

3. Skip the Heat Settings On Your Clothes Washer and Dishwasher

The last thing we need in our corner of the U.S. is more humidity. Humid air is not only uncomfortable, but it takes longer for your AC to cool. Cut your energy costs year round by washing your laundry in cold water and switching your dishwasher to the no-heat dry cycle. This will reduce the humidity these appliances release into your indoor air.

4. Install a Smart Thermostat

A programmable thermostat allows you to “set it and forget it”–but what if you aren’t sure how best to program the thermostat for the biggest energy savings? That’s where smart thermostats like the Nest come in, with settings and apps that teach you how to program your thermostat to get maximum energy savings. If that sounds too complicated, the Nest can actually program itself after about one week of learning your household routine.

5. Get Your HVAC System Maintained Annually

Without routine maintenance, your heating and cooling system will suffer more and more from problems like dust buildup, loosening parts, and lack of lubrication. This wear and tear takes a toll on the system’s performance, increasing its energy consumption–as well as the chance of it breaking down during periods of heavy use. Repair costs and high energy bills are problems that can cost much more in the long run than routine maintenance appointments.

At Bounds Heating & Air, we provide a wide range of residential HVAC services throughout Gainesville and beyond. Whether it’s preventative maintenance, a repair, or a home energy audit, contact us today online or by phone: (352) 472-2761.

3 Reasons Why the Department of Energy Recommends HVAC Maintenance

While it’s essential to choose the right HVAC system to heat and cool your home efficiently, it’s just as critical to provide your system with the care it needs to operate effectively. According to the Department of Energy:

your air conditioner needs regular maintenance to run smoothly and efficiently;
without maintenance, the equipment will consume more energy while its performance goes downhill.

The same applies to your heating system. Below, we’ll expand on this to give a better understanding of how preventive maintenance benefits you now and in the long run.

1. Your system will run more effectively and with fewer breakdowns.

When your system gets the routine care it needs, its parts undergo less wear and tear and are less likely to loosen, lose lubrication, or scrape together in a way they shouldn’t. During maintenance, the technician also has a chance to spot any potential issues that could lead to a system failure. This allows you to fix a minor problem before it turns into a major one.

2. The system will use less energy.

When your system’s parts lose lubrication, fall out of alignment, and accumulate dust and grime, the system as a whole operates less efficiently. This means that the equipment has to work harder and consume more energy to make your home comfortable. This also makes your HVAC system more expensive to operate.

Your air conditioner’s evaporator coil and condenser coil are especially prone to collecting dust that hampers the cooling process. Similarly, your furnace’s burner and heat exchanger can also collect dust that inhibits the heating process. It’s important to get these parts cleaned annually to keep your energy costs low.

3. Your system will last longer.

If you remember how much you spent to install your HVAC system, you’re probably in no hurry to replace it. Preventative maintenance is the best way to extend the equipment’s lifespan because, as mentioned above, it reduces the wear and tear on the system’s parts.

For thorough, reliable HVAC maintenance, you can count on our expert technicians at Bounds Heating & Air. Give us a call at (352) 472-2761 or contact us online.

4 Things That Make Your Home Muggier

Here in Gainesville, we have plenty of humidity to go around, and that’s not always something we love. Aside from feeling muggy and uncomfortable, too much humidity in your home can increase your energy bills and promote mold growth. The key to reducing all that excess moisture in your indoor air is to find out what’s allowing it to accumulate.

Below are the most common sources of excess humidity in homes and some suggestions for solving each problem.

1. Air Leaks

If your home is missing features like sealed ductwork and weatherstripping, moisture could be getting inside from the great outdoors. Air ducts are usually located in unconditioned areas, like attics or crawl spaces, so if there are leaks in the ductwork, humid air can “sneak in” through tears and gaps and make your home muggier.

Not sure where the problem lies? If you have high energy bills, excess humidity, or drafty areas in your home, an energy audit can help determine precisely where air leaks are happening.

2. Neglected Exhaust Fans

One of the simplest ways you can reduce humidity in your home is by:

Using your bathroom fan (or getting one installed). Unless you like cold baths and showers, you’re going to wash with warm water, and that warm water is going to create muggier air quickly. Run your bathroom fan while bathing and for another 30 minutes afterward.
Using your kitchen exhaust fan. Cooking on the stove (especially boiling and sauteeing) releases a lot of moisture. Use your kitchen exhaust fan while cooking on the stove and for another 15 minutes afterward.

3. An Aging AC System

Your air conditioner does two beneficial things. Not only does it remove heat from your indoor air, but it also takes away moisture. This makes your indoor environment less humid. However, if your air conditioner is upwards of 15 or 20 years old, it’s probably struggling to condition and dehumidify your air the way it used to. If your AC costs you a fortune in repairs or energy bills, it’s probably wiser to invest that money in a new, more efficient replacement.

4. A Dirty Evaporator Coil

Even if your AC is somewhat new, it might be struggling to remove heat and humidity from your home’s air. Why? Nearly 100% of the time, it’s because the equipment is overdue for preventative maintenance. When your AC’s evaporator coil (in the indoor unit) gets dirty and grimy, it will have a harder and harder time performing. This can lead to high cooling costs and a system failure.

At Bounds Heating & Air, we’re committed to providing the highest quality air conditioning repairs, maintenance, and installations in Gainesville and the surrounding areas: (352) 472-2761.

5 Reasons Why Your Cooling Costs Are Through the Roof

Along with stifling heat and humidity, high energy bills are another thing most homeowners dread each summer. While it’s not unusual for your cooling costs to rise along with outdoor temperatures, if those cooling costs have been increasing year over year, it’s safe to say that there’s probably an issue. Frequently, this issue is an air conditioning system that’s losing efficiency.

When your AC loses efficiency, it costs you more money to operate it, and it suffers wear-and-tear faster than it should. Below, we explain some of the most common ways AC systems lose efficiency and what you can do about these problems.

HOW DO AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS LOSE EFFICIENCY?

1. Dirty Air Filters

Dirty air filters are one of the leading causes behind air conditioner and heater issues. When you don’t clean or replace your air filter frequently enough, it develops a blanket of dust that restricts airflow. If there’s not enough air passing through, the equipment will have numerous efficiency and performance problems. Your system might even fail if the lack of airflow becomes severe enough.

The first step you can take towards a more efficient AC system is to change the air filter at least once every 90 days (for most systems). If you own pets, smoke indoors, or have recently done activities that have generated a lot of dust, you’ll most likely need to change the air filter more frequently than that (ex. every 30 to 60 days).

2. Dust Buildup

Even though your system has an air filter, dust will still find its way into the components and decrease their efficiency. For instance, dust buildup on your air conditioner’s coils can end up being a costly problem. Your air conditioner has two coils: the evaporator coil in the indoor unit and the condenser coil in the outdoor unit. Dust buildup:

limits the evaporator coil’s ability to absorb heat from your home’s air
limits the condenser coil’s ability to release that heat outside

The easiest way to prevent dust buildup is to schedule preventative maintenance for your AC system yearly in the spring. During the appointment, your technician will clean and tighten up your system and inspect it for any parts that might be at risk of failing.

3. Leaky Ductwork

Your AC system may be operating just fine, but if the cold air “delivery system” (aka. the ductwork) is full of leaks, it will create a lot of energy loss. Leaks can form in your air ducts’ joints over time if the connections aren’t correctly sealed. Other typical areas for leaks are where the ducts connect to the AC equipment and the air registers in your walls. Rodents can also chew through flexible metal ductwork with their sturdy incisors.

Two clues that you have leaky ductwork are high energy bills and weak airflow coming out of your vents. If this matches your situation, contact an HVAC technician to inspect your ductwork for energy losses. If they discover leaks, they can seal your air ducts with professional equipment.

4. Closed or Blocked Air Vents

Even though this may sound like a no-brainer, check your home to make sure that all of your vents are exposed and in the open position. We’ve found that in some homes, forgotten air vents have been blocked by rugs and furniture.

Also, make sure you never close your air vents at the register. Many people will do this to redirect air to another area of their home. However, without a zoning system, your air conditioner will keep trying to blow cold air to that same room regardless. This can create an air pressure imbalance in your system, forcing open weak points in your ductwork and making leaks.

5. An Aging System

On average, air conditioners last about 15 to 20 years, although they can last longer with routine maintenance. If your air conditioner is well past the 12-year mark, it’s performance may be declining due to old age. According to the Department of Energy, if your AC is just 10 years old, you can save 20 to 40 percent of your cooling costs by replacing it with a newer, more energy-efficient model.

OTHER SOURCES OF ENERGY LOSS IN HOMES

Does it take a long time to cool your home? It might not be your air conditioning system that’s the problem. Your home might be gaining heat and losing conditioned air due to issues like air leaks, inadequate insulation, or even uncovered, sun-facing windows. You might even have an incorrectly calibrated thermostat on your hands. To discover where you’re losing the most energy in your home, the Department of Energy recommends professional home energy audits.

Whether your Gainesville home needs AC maintenance, a repair, or a thorough energy audit, our team at Bounds Heating & Air has the training and expertise to provide you with quality service. Contact us today at (352) 472-2761 or use our online form.

Common A/C Problems Homeowners Should Avoid

As we move into the hottest days of summer here in the Gainesville area, you want to be confident that your air conditioning system will keep your home cool and your family comfortable. You can avoid a lot of common A/C problems by following a few simple steps:

Provide unobstructed airflow to the outdoor unit. The A/C condenser needs plenty of air to operate efficiently. Keep grass and shrubbery trimmed to avoid blocking the unit. Clean grass clippings or other debris from the unit. Plant shrubs or build a fence panel to block the unit from direct sunlight.
Keep the indoor system clean. Clean the evaporator coil on a regular basis and replace the air filter monthly. Keep supply and return registers free of dust buildup. Don’t block vents with furniture, carpets, or other obstructions.
Get a seasonal tuneup. Have an HVAC contractor come out at least once a year to tune up the system. The qualified technician will check electrical connections, make sure refrigerant levels are correct, and perform other basic maintenance tasks to keep your system running efficiently.

If you notice that your home isn’t cooling properly this summer, you may be able to troubleshoot and fix some common A/C problems yourself. Here are some things to check before you call your HVAC contractor for professional assistance:

Does your system have power? Be sure your equipment is plugged in or turned on, and that your thermostat is switched to “cool” and set at a temperature low enough for the system to come on. Replace any blown fuses or reset tripped circuit breakers.
Is your system just not keeping up? Keep in mind that the air conditioner is designed for optimum performance in typical Gainesville summer weather. On unusually hot days, the A/C system may not be able to keep your house cooled down as much as you like. Be sure to use window shades to block incoming solar heat, and use ceiling fans to keep air moving in occupied rooms so residents feel cooler than the temperature may indicate.

Call us at Bounds Heating & Air for professional air conditioning service in your Gainesville home.

Category: AC Maintenance