How to protect your Air Conditioning equipment in hurricane season

Posted on August 31, 2019August 31, 2019 by pulleye

how to protect your air conditioning equipment in hurricane season

Storms don’t just bring rain and wind. They also cause power outages that can leave you without the comfort of your air conditioning and other home appliances for hours or days. Check out Ready.gov for ways to prepare your entire home for bad weather. Be sure to take special care with your A/C system, so you can stay cool between storms.

PROTECTING YOUR AIR CONDITIONER

Below are 5 steps you can take before, during and after a storm to minimize damage to your air conditioner and get it up and running faster when the power comes back on.

Pre-cool your home. If you think your power may go out during a storm, go ahead and cool your home in advance so you can stay comfortable until power is restored. Set your thermostat to a cooler setting than usual, close curtains and blinds and keep doors and window shut to keep the cold air inside.
Turn off electricity to your air conditioner. Electrical surges from lightning strikes during the storm can damage your A/C unit. There’s also a chance that debris could get stuck in your outdoor unit and burn out the motor. Play it safe by shutting off power to your A/C system. We recommend you turn off power from your thermostat and circuit breaker.
Cover your outdoor A/C unit. This step is only really necessary if you’re expecting a hurricane and high winds. After you’ve turned off your air conditioner, cover it with a tarp or plywood to protect it from flying debris. High winds can knock down branches and trees that could damage your unit if they land on it. Be sure to remove the covering as soon as it’s safely possible. Keeping your unit covered too long can trap moisture which leads to mold and mildew.
Secure the unit. If you have an elevated air conditioner on a second story, be sure to secure your outdoor condenser unit with hurricane straps to keep it in place during strong wind gusts. If your area is prone to flooding, you may want to get an HVAC professional to elevate your unit for better protection.
Check for damage before you turn your air back on. This is one of the most important steps. Don’t forget to assess the storm damage before you turn your system back on. Flooding or flying debris could have damaged your unit and turning it on can make the problem worse. Also, storm winds many cause disconnections within your AC unit, which could lead to toxic refrigerant leaks. Do turn your A/C on as soon as it seems safe. This will keep mold and mildew from settling in.

Our staff is fully trained in the HVAC techniques required to ensure this process is carried out efficiently. The result is that your air will be fresher, easier to breathe, and less likely to cause allergic reactions.

To learn more about Energy Assessment can benefit your home, contact the ACExcellence office today at 954-368-0655 or email us

benefits of ac ac excellence fort lauderdale fl

Full benefits of Air Conditioning

Posted on July 1, 2018July 1, 2018 by E P

When installing air conditioning into a residential house or into small business offices there are a few things that should be looked into, we’ve stated here some of the top benefits you can take into consideration.

Top Benefits of Air Con

Here’s a little list of the top benefits of air conditioning which we will benefit you as a user the most:

Reduction in Humidity

Although air conditioning provides accurate temperature control it also has the ability to reduce the humidity within your building without over-cooling any room.

Controllable Comfort

Today’s air conditioning systems allow you to set the perfect temperature for any room within the building meaning if you wanted your room to be fairly warm but the back room to be colder it can be set with ease. As air conditioning provides a constant level of temperature you’re guaranteed to have maximum comfort.

Constantly Silent

With newer technology air conditioning systems have become even more advanced today, this newer technology has enabled air conditioning systems to work in harmony with silent surroundings.

Reduction of energy bills

As air conditioning systems today are build for multi-purpose temperature settings this allows the air con to be able to be used for heating and cooling whilst running efficiently, in fact up to 80% more efficient!

Improve Air Quality

Residential air conditioning systems feature air purifying filtration systems which will help reduce dust, bacteria, fur, pollen and even mites meaning if you suffer from allergies then you wont have to worry any more!

So here’s a selection of what we feel are brilliant benefits when looking to get air conditioning systems.

To learn more about Energy Assessment can benefit your home, contact the ACExcellence office today at 954-368-0655 or email us

What Energy Assessment mean to you

Posted on July 1, 2018July 1, 2018 by E P

An energy assessment is an inspection, survey and analysis of energy flows for energy conservation in a building aiming to reduce the amount of energy input into the system without negatively affecting the output. When the object of study is an occupied building then reducing energy consumption while maintaining or improving human comfort, health and safety are of primary concern. Beyond simply identifying the sources of energy use, an energy assessment aims to prioritize the energy uses according to the greatest to least cost effective opportunities for energy savings.

The term energy assessment is most commonly used to describe a broad spectrum of energy studies ranging from a quick walk-through of a facility to identify major problem areas to a comprehensive analysis of the implications of alternative energy efficiency measures sufficient to satisfy the financial criteria of sophisticated investors. Audit is required to identify the most efficient and cost-effective Energy Conservation Opportunities (ECOs) or Measures (ECMs).

The main issues of an energy assessments are:

The analysis of building and utility data, including the installed equipment and analysis of energy bills;
The survey of the real operating conditions;
The understanding of the building behavior and of the interactions with weather, occupancy and operating schedules;
The selection and the evaluation of energy conservation measures;
The estimation of energy saving potential;
The identification of customer concerns and needs.

To learn more about Energy Assessment can benefit your home, contact the ACExcellence office today at 954-368-0655 or email us

Why is Important to maintanance your heater and air conditioner each year

Posted on December 11, 2017December 11, 2017 by pulleye

Why is Important to maintanance your heater and air conditioner each year

When thinking of your furnace and air conditioning unit, refer to the care you take for your car. Fresh, oil changes, new spark plugs, and a fresh battery help the car to run more efficiently. Your furnace and air conditioner work in the same way. With proper maintenance, these units will work correctly and efficiently and will last many years.

It is recommended that each unit be serviced once a year. To beat the rush, schedule the service of your air conditioner unit in the spring and your furnace in the fall. This routine check-up will prolong the life of your units and ensure proper operation. Either unit should last 12-15 years.

At the yearly AC unit inspection, the professional will check thermostat settings to ensure their accuracy, tighten all electrical connections and measure voltage, lubricate all moving parts, inspect the condensate drain, and check all of the controls of the system. The technician will also clean the evaporator and condenser coils, check the refrigerant level, and clean and adjust blower components.

At the yearly inspection for the furnace, the professional HVAC technician will perform many of the same checks that were completed on the air conditioning unit. In addition, he or she will check all of the gas/oil connections, gas pressure, burner combustion, and heat exchanger. Here are a few suggested maintenance tips that the homeowner can regularly complete for the furnace.

1.) Test the heater before the first frost. If you do not feel warm air from the vents, call a professional HVAC technician.

2.) If your unit is powered by natural gas, verify that the pilot light is on. The flame on the pilot light should always be blue.

3.) Change your filters often (once a month is typical in the winter months). The furnace has to work much harder to push air through a dirty filter.

4.) Make sure the vents are not blocked by furniture, window coverings, or plants.

Below are additional maintenance tips and suggestions for the AC unit that the homeowner can complete.

1) Make sure your unit is not leaking or storing too much water. Your air conditioner will not work properly if it is too dry or too wet. Check hose connections for leaks and cracks. Verify that the condensate tube is draining freely.

2.) Change the filter frequently and regularly (every 4-6 weeks).

3.) Clean off the outside air compressor with the hose.

4.) Keep compressor free from clutter. Anything stacked around the unit can impede air flow.

5.) Schedule a duct cleaning every 3 or 4 years. Dust accumulating in the ducts can reduce the air flow and create more dust in the household.

What are the basic elements of an HVAC system?

Posted on December 6, 2017December 11, 2017 by pulleye

Heat, ventilation and air conditioning system or HVAC system is something that almost every home in Florida has. This is a very complex system that has many components which allow the system to manage the temperature in any space. In order to understand how the HVAC system works and in order to fix some smaller issues it is crucial to learn more about the basic elements of an HVAC system. Of course, it is always a good idea to ask for help from a professional AC repair service whenever you experience problems with the HVAC.

Heat Exchanger

This element is the main element in the furnace unit. When the thermostat triggers the furnace, air is sucked in the heat exchanger from a special duct that extracts cold air from all the areas in your home. AC professionals call this procedure cold air return chase. Once the cold air gets inside the heat exchanger it is forced out and heated through the ducts and spread all over your home.

Furnace

The furnace is typically the biggest part of this system and requires special space in the home. In most cases this AC unit is installed in the closet or attic. This part is here to push cold or hot air in the ducts that work in each of the rooms in the home. Inside the ducts, we can find small vents that direct the warm and cold air and allow its circulation in the areas around the house and regulate the temperature there.

Condensation unit

This is one the only basic element of the HVAC system that is installed outside of the home. This where the refrigerant gas is cooled with the help of outside air and heat and the refrigerant is turned into liquid and directed through a solid metal tube which is linked to the coil used for evaporation. After that, the liquid is returned to a gas condition and the system drives the heat in which leads to rapid decrease in temperature. The same process takes place when we want to create cool airflow. This is a complex procedure and even a slightest problem can result in malfunctioning. If something like this happens call AC specialists.

Evaporator coil

These coils are placed in a metal enclosure located above the furnace. These coils work when you need cool air. So, the evaporator coil is here to provide cold airflow which is drawn with the help of a furnace blower and redirected to the ducts and eventually out of the vents.

Thermostat

You can easily locate the thermostat because it usually leads to the furnace. It comes with user controls and sophisticated technology. In most cases the thermostat is positioned in a place where we can check and adjust the temperature easily. Thermostats are very easy to use and even your children can set the thermostat to a desired temperature.

Remember that these are not the only HVAC system elements, but they are surely the most important ones.

How Can We Extend the Life of the AC Unit?

Posted on December 4, 2017December 11, 2017 by pulleye

Air conditioning units are created to have a pretty long life, but sometimes they do not last as long as we expect them to last. Most of the quality air conditioners have a life span of about 15 to 20 years, but the life span depends on different factors. Just because the warranty covers the AC unit for some time, it does not necessarily mean that it will last that long. Replacements of AC units can be quite expensive, so you need to take some measures in order to extend the life of your AC. Here are some things that you can take in order to extend the life of the AC unit.

Clean your air conditioner regularly. If you do not know who to clean the unit, check out the instructions that come together with the unit. Standard way of cleaning is to use a brush and a hose for cleaning the debris, dirt and leaves that are stuck inside the system. AC coils can also sustain some damage, so be cautious when you clean around them. Also, always turn off the air conditioner before you start cleaning it.
Keep the AC cool at all times. It is advisable to plant small plants or bushes between your AC unit and the sun. That way you will redirect the sunlight from the unit, which in turn will reduce its work and increase its efficiency.
Cooling vents should be away from your things. Objects like furniture should be kept away from the unit. That way there will be clear path for the air to enter and to circulate around the room. AC unit saves energy if there are no obstacles nearby.
Change the AC filters Once per month is the standard time for changing the filters, but how often you change your filters largely depends on how often you use your air conditioner.
Condenser of the AC should be kept clean at all times. The condenser is located outside, and it is the cooling part of the unit. Shrubs must be trimmed always, because sometimes lots of debris like grass clippings can enter into the condenser. If you keep the debris out of the condenser, then your AC unit will be way more efficient and you will prolong the AC life.
Use additional methods for cooling of your home. You can lower the temperature inside your home if you install shades, blinds or drapes on the windows. Installation of ceiling fans is also advisable, because that way you will improve the circulation of the air inside the room.
Annual tune-ups of the air conditioner will also extend its life. These tune-ups should be done by professionals, and it is suggested to be done before the start of the summer season. These annual tune-ups are very helpful, because the professionals can quickly detect any possible problems and point out to solutions. That way your air conditioner will run smoothly and efficiently when you need it the most.

Is It Necessary to Clean the Air Conditioner?

Posted on December 2, 2017December 11, 2017 by pulleye

As soon as the summer arrives, we all start thinking about how to cool off. Air conditioners are always the best choice, but good air conditioning requires constant maintenance of the AC unit. If you have some worries about your air conditioner, you will be calmer if you take some time to clean it before the summer season. That way you will extend its life, and the air conditioner will run smoothly throughout the whole summer.

Cleaning your air conditioner not only will extend the life of the unit, but it will also ensure that your unit will be more efficient, functional and with constant airflow. You electric bill will also lower down, so there are lots of benefits of regular cleaning of the AC.

There are several methods of cleaning the air conditioning system. The first step is cleaning the unit which is located outdoors. The outdoor unit is always exposed to weather conditions, so it also gets dirty quite more often. Outdoor units take a lot of dust, dirt and different debris, so that is why it is always a better idea to start cleaning from the outside. Duct cleaning is also important because it increases the efficiency of the air conditioner.

You do not have to call a service to clean up your air conditioner, and by following some steps you can easily clean it up by yourself. That way you will also save some money, and you will learn some techniques of cleaning the unit. Before you start the process of cleaning the air conditioner, you need to get some items that will help you in the cleaning process. You need a damp cloth for cleaning, gardening or work gloves, screwdrivers, vacuum machine with an attached brush, and a spray hose.

The first thing to do when starting to clean the outdoor unit of the AC is to turn the power off. The power switch is usually located close to the machine in a small box. Next step is to remove all other debris, leaves, dust, branches, etc. that got stuck inside the condenser fins. With the vacuum cleaner go over the fins, but be very cautious not to bend or damage any of the fins.

Next phase is to unscrew the top grille of the unit. Once again, use the vacuum cleaner to remove the debris and dust around the motor of the air conditioner. After you are done with that, use the hose to directly wash the interior side. However, since this is an electric machine, be extremely cautious and avoid spraying on the electrical parts. Also watch out not to bend the fins. Last step is to wipe out and clean the fan blades by using the soft cloth. After you are done with that, reattach the top grille.

Always remember that your air conditioner requires constant check-ups and cleaning. If you maintain your air conditioner in a proper shape, you would avoid any unnecessary AC repairs of the unit.

What do specific smells from your AC mean?

Posted on September 4, 2017October 9, 2017 by pulleye

If you live in Florida, you probably use an air conditioning system almost all the time. In case you come back in your home only to find out that there is an unpleasant smell in it you will certainly be annoyed and unpleasantly surprised. If this odor comes from the AC unit, you should definitely spend some time to recognize the type of smell and where does this odor come from. The following is a list of typical smells that come from AC units due to certain technical issues.

Rotten eggs odor

In case you notice that the AC unit smells like rotten eggs, it is very likely that you are facing a difficult problem. This is a type of smell that comes as a result of a broken sewage line. This is where methane gases pass and in case it is not working properly, they will leak directly in the AC unit and spread the odor around your home. It is the best idea to locate the place where your air duct is damaged / broken. However, if you want to fix this problem for good, call some air conditioning repair professionals.

Burning smell

We all know how burning smell looks like. In case this smell comes from the air conditioning system, you have an electrical issue. This specific smell comes from the overheated blower motor or from a certain type of mechanical failure. The reason is simple – accumulation of heat from the plastic insulation located over the wires. They start to melt and hence the burning odor. In addition, if objects made of rubber, plastic or similar materials get stuck in the ductwork they can cause this smell too.

Decomposed animals odor

If you walk into your home and notice a smell like the one that comes from decomposed animals in the AC unit, then there is damage in the air conditioning ducts right under your home. It is not unusual for animals in Florida to look for a place to stay during better weather and they usually go in the vents where they are trapped and die. This is not something that is happening frequently, but it happens.

Damp smell

In case your air conditioning system produces damp smell, it is very likely that mold is accumulating inside the air conditioner. Professional AC maintenance technicians often deal with this type of situation. You can remove this smell by cleaning the AC unit. Change the filter and clean the inner side of the AC, the front grille, perform AC coil cleaning and wipe the drain line. Of course, don’t forget to turn off the AC unit completely when performing this task.

Gas odor

The HVAC system has a cooling and heating part and the heating part is usually working on natural gas. So, in case you notice gas odor, open all the doors and windows in your home and leave your home. Call the gas company and ask for their help.

How do I Know When to Replace my Air Conditioner?

Posted on August 16, 2017October 9, 2017 by pulleye

We’ve been in this situation before: the air conditioner breaks down in the middle of summer, leaving you exposed to the merciless South Florida heat. And you’ve already had the AC unit repaired twice this year! You’re more than likely asking yourself “how do I know when it’s time to get a new air conditioner?”

We strongly believe in the philosophy that if something’s broken, fix it—don’t throw it away! However, there are times when an HVAC replacement is not only justified, but necessary. After all, having efficient, up-to-date equipment saves you money in tune-ups and energy usage in the long-term.

So how do you know when to call for a repair and when to replace your air conditioner? Here’s a quick guide that will tell you everything you need to know about how to know it’s time to get a new AC unit.

You have an Air Conditioning Unit That’s Over 15 Years Old

Although we humans pride ourselves on aging gracefully, the sad reality is that the same cannot be said for our AC equipment. An old unit develops numerous problems that simply become too costly to fix.

This is especially true with air conditioners from or before the early ‘90s. These simply aren’t up to the energy standards offered by modern equipment. By not replacing units this advanced in age, you’re not only setting yourself up for unending repairs (until the HVAC system finally crashes and burns), you’re spending way too much in electricity every month!

Your Air Conditioner Doesn’t Work Consistently

This is a major tell-tale sign that it’s time to replace your ac unit. Issues with insulation, ducts, and other important component of your HVAC system lead to cooling inconstancies. For instance, you have one room that is scorching hot and another that’s too cold.

Other related problems that become apparent are problems with indoor humidity, dust accumulation, and noise.

You’re Experiencing Leaks

Here’s one of the most important indicators that can let you know when you should replace your air conditioner. If you’re seeing leaks in R-22 refrigerant, that’s foreshadowing an impending malfunction of your AC’s compressor. The cost of a new compressor, along with the related costs of fixing leaks and adding additional refrigerant, can set you back well over $2,000.

Even after the issue is addressed, it’s likely you’ll see additional issues arise within the next couple years or less. With such high costs, you might as well invest in a new unit that you know will work efficiently over the course of the next decade.

A great rule-of-thumb is to replace your AC unit when it’s three-fourths of the way through its lifespan and the cost of repair is a third of the cost of replacement.

Guidelines for Buying a New Air Conditioner

When shopping for a new AC unit and hiring a contractor, make sure you choose an experienced technician who calculates your home’s cooling needs according to the standards set forth by the Air Conditioning Contactors of America.

Invest in a high efficiency-unit that’ll save you money over the long-term. Look for the Energy Star label in the equipment you consider.

Getting the Air Conditioning You Need at an Affordable Price

When it’s time to replace your AC unit, one of the major worries on your mind is probably the cost of a new unit. In fact, many people day swapping out a malfunctioning unit because of the high prices of new equipment. That’s why you should work with a contractor who offers affordable, flexible payment options.

Here at Aloha Air Conditioning, Inc., we have a wide variety of financing plans suited to your needs. No matter your budget, you can find the rates and installments that’ll let you quality equipment for your home without stressing out over the price tag.

Give us a call at any time of day, or get in touch online to learn more about our service. We’ve been providing South Florida with unmatched cooling and heating since 1986. We’ll be more than happy to send an HVAV technician out to you to help you decide when you should replace your air conditioner.

We look forward to working with you.

PROTECTING YOUR AIR CONDITIONER

Top Benefits of Air Con

Reduction in Humidity

Controllable Comfort

Constantly Silent

Reduction of energy bills

Improve Air Quality

Why is Important to maintanance your heater and air conditioner each year

Rotten eggs odor

Burning smell

Decomposed animals odor

Damp smell

Gas odor

You have an Air Conditioning Unit That’s Over 15 Years Old

Your Air Conditioner Doesn’t Work Consistently

You’re Experiencing Leaks

Guidelines for Buying a New Air Conditioner

Getting the Air Conditioning You Need at an Affordable Price