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.

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.

The Effects of Humidity and Tips on Dealing With Them

During the summer season, most people are more concerned with the heat than just about anything else. That’s because there are those who don’t understand how high humidity levels can affect comfort and health, especially at home.

In this blog post. your HVAC repair experts at Bounds Heating & Air discuss the effects of high humidity and how you can lower humidity levels at home.

How Humidity Affects Your Home

Humidity makes your home feel hotter than it actually is. For example, if the temperature is 75° indoors, it will feel more like 80° with 100% humidity.
You may have sleeping problems.
Your wall paint or wallpaper may start peeling.
Indoor plants may start to wilt or become smelly.
You’ll have more dust mites.
Anyone in your family who has asthma or allergies may experience a flareup.
Your windows and doors, especially if they’re made of wood, will stick.
Furniture and appliances may also encounter problems.
Mold and mildew thrive in moist areas, and humidity makes the problem even worse.
Your overall comfort and indoor air quality will plummet.

How to Deal With Humidity

Nobody wants to live in a home with humidity issues. Here are some ways to solve this problem.

Keep your windows and doors closed and use your AC. Have it serviced by an HVAC maintenance expert to make sure it’s running at full functionality. They can check the filters and clean or replace them as needed.
Don’t leave surfaces wet. Use a clean rag or paper towels to wipe them dry.
Don’t ignore plumbing leaks and other issues. Call a professional to deal with them if you can’t on your own.
Ceiling fans can help with air circulation.
Invest in a home dehumidifier of the right size. A professional can help you choose one based on your needs. Ideal home humidity is between 30% and 50%. Get a dehumidifier that displays the amount of humidity in the room.
Take your wet laundry outside and hang it out to dry if your dryer isn’t equipped to vent outside. You’ll also save energy by air-drying laundry.
Don’t use your dishwasher, or run it only at night.
Keep interior doors open to help with air circulation.
Apply weatherstripping around your windows and doors.
Cook outside whenever you can if you have a barbecue pit or grill.
Turn on your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans if it gets stuffy.

These simple tips should help you lower indoor humidity and avoid all the problems it brings with it. Your air conditioning repair experts at Bounds Heating & Air can help you. Call us today at (352) 472-2761. We work with homeowners in Gainesville and in other areas around Florida.

How to Save Money by Using Carrier

When the summer season is in full swing, you hope at the very least to be able to stay cool indoors. On the other end of the spectrum, your greatest wish in the winter is to keep warm and cozy. At home, in vehicles and in business establishments, we’re able to achieve optimal temperatures thanks to HVAC equipment, as any HVAC maintenance and installation professional can attest to.

While some may be willing and able to pay top dollar for the best air conditioning products out there if those products mean indoor comfort, especially at home, there are ways to enjoy the same level of comfort while also saving some money.

In this post. your local air conditioning repair company, Bounds Heating & Air, discusses how you can save by purchasing Carrier HVAC products.

Rebates

Carrier offers rebates on select products during specific promotional periods. State and local rebates may also apply when you buy Carrier’s energy-efficient HVAC equipment. Go to Carrier’s website and you’ll find their Rebate Center, where you can use the rebate finder function.

Geothermal Tax Incentives

The federal government offers tax credit incentives to those who use energy-efficient alternatives to traditional energy sources like oil. A geothermal heat pump is one such alternative. It draws thermal energy from a well, yard or pond so you enjoy better energy efficiency regardless of the weather. Your geothermal heat pump might qualify for a one-time federal tax credit incentive of up to 30% of the cost of installation.

Financing

With approved credit through Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., you can enjoy our flexible financing option. The benefits of our financing program include convenient online payments and competitive interest rates that might be better than your own credit card financing options.

Lease-to-Own

Don’t worry if you have a low credit score and are concerned you might not qualify for financing. You have one more option, and that’s to apply for a lease-to-own program. You have the option of paying for your Carrier system in 36, 48, or 60 months with our residential lease-to-own program with Microf.

It’s not a problem if you can’t pay cash for new Carrier HVAC equipment, or if you’d rather save money with your purchase. As your HVAC repair and installation professional, Bounds Heating & Air can help. Call us today at (352) 472-2761. We can help you in Gainesville and other parts of Florida.

Things to Consider When Purchasing an Air Conditioner

You don’t need to understand a lot about technical things to know you need an air conditioner to get you through the hottest days of the summer season. Not only is having an air conditioning unit essential for your comfort, but it also helps your body stay within a set temperature range.

However, it couldn’t hurt to brush up on your technical knowledge to help ensure you choose the right HVAC equipment. HVAC repair experts at Bounds Heating & Air share these tips to make air conditioner shopping easier for you.

First, you need to become familiar with the different types of air conditioning units:

Window-Mounted

Window-mounted units are the most common type of air conditioner. They’re typically not permanently installed, but rather are placed in a window opening when needed (in some regions, you may have to remove them over the winter). Double-hung windows are the most preferred type of window for fitting a window-mounted AC. The good thing is that these units don’t require a lot of work to install, so you should be able to use them with minimal help from an experienced technician.

Wall-Mounted

A wall-mounted air conditioner is permanently installed in a wall opening. This type generally comes in two varieties: cooling and heating, and cooling-only. You’ll probably need a professional air conditioner repair and installation technician to install it but on the plus side. it’s usually prettier to look at and more secure than a window-mounted unit.

Window/Wall-Mounted

This type of unit offers the best of both worlds, as you can use it temporarily in a window or install it permanently in a wall. You may want to buy this type if you expect to move and don’t want to leave the unit behind.

Portable

A portable air conditioning unit comes with wheels so you can move it with ease wherever you need it indoors. It comes with a tube that lets hot air out of a window or other opening, and no work is required to get this unit up and running save for the installation of the exhaust tube.

Modern Features

It also helps to understand the features available on the latest air conditioners. Your modern unit should come with at least some of the following:

Manufacturer’s Warranty – For your protection; common warranties typically cover parts and labor for one to two years.
Energy-Saver Switch – So the fan doesn’t run continuously when the thermostat cuts power to the compressor.
“Check Filter” Light – To remind you of when your filter is due for cleaning or replacement.
Remote Control – For convenience and safety, especially when your body temperature drops in the middle of the night.
Sleep Mode – To help you avoid getting the chills late at night.
Ventilation/Exhaust – To allow the unit to circulate fresh air into the room.
Timer – To save on energy, your unit will turn off at a time you specify–say, when you leave for work–then turn on again before you arrive back home.

It’s a bit more complicated to determine the correct size of the air conditioner that’s needed for your room. For that, simply talk to the technicians here at Bounds Heating & Air. We’re HVAC maintenance and installation specialists. Call us today at (352) 472-2761. We’re ready to help you choose a new AC in Gainesville or any other part of Florida.

Ideal Thermostat Settings for the Summer

Temperatures have a lot to do with comfort, whether you’re at the office, in your car, in a shop or at home. While there’s nothing you can do about outdoor temperatures other than to dress appropriately for the weather, indoors you have a little more freedom. You should at least be able to control the level of heat or cold in your home, if nowhere else. HVAC repair company Bounds Heating & Air discusses how temperatures affect us and what to do with your thermostat during the summer season.

Temperature and the Human Body

Normothermia and euthermia are both terms that refer to the normal temperature of a living human body, which can range between 97.7 and 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Thermoregulation allows the body to maintain a temperature within or close to this range. Of course, different factors affect a person’s body temperature, such as activity level, state of consciousness, health, and even emotions. No two people have the same exact body temperature at any given time. Outside factors affect body temperature, as well. Generally, heat and cold have an effect on how a person functions throughout any given day.

The Best Room Temperature for Summer

Make sure to contact air conditioning repair providers to take a look at your system so you don’t have to worry about breakdowns during the hottest months. At home, you can stay comfortable even on those hot summer days by using your air conditioner. Many people, however, make their homes too cold in the summer. While this is a normal reaction to the hot weather, there’s a better way to stay cool that doesn’t involve overworking your HVAC equipment and causing your cooling bills to skyrocket.

When you’re home, set your thermostat to 78 degrees, which is the temperature recommended by the U.S. Department of Energy for the summer season. Doing so will help protect you from out-of-control electricity bills. You can also buy a dehumidifier to make the room more comfortable. When you’re at work–or really anytime you’re not at home for more than two hours–set your thermostat seven to 10 degrees higher. If you’re going on a holiday, however, set your thermostat to 88 degrees. You can save up to 10% on your cooling bills by doing this, and you won’t have to wait too long for your home to get back to a comfortable level when you arrive back home.

It would be a good idea to invest in an automatic thermostat if your schedule is more or less predictable. You can also get a smart thermostat that will enable you to use WiFi to control your home’s temperature via your mobile phone. This will allow you to easily set your indoor temperature before you even get home.

At Bounds Heating & Air, we understand HVAC maintenance and its importance. Call us today at (352) 472-2761. We offer our services in Gainesville and other parts of Florida.

Category: AC Troubleshooting