It can be frustrating when your air conditioner is blowing air, but the cooling isn’t up to par. Several factors can contribute to this problem, and understanding the underlying causes can help you find solutions. In this blog post, Prestige Air Fort Worth discusses common reasons why your air conditioner may be blowing but not cooling, along with actionable solutions.
1. Dirty Air Filters:
Clogged Air Filters Restrict Airflow
One of the primary causes of inadequate cooling is dirty or clogged air filters. When air filters become dirty, they restrict airflow, hindering the cooling process. Regularly check and clean or replace your air filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure unrestricted airflow and efficient cooling.
2. Refrigerant Leaks:
Insufficient Refrigerant Hampers Cooling
Refrigerant is essential for the cooling process in your air conditioner. If there is a refrigerant leak, the system may not have enough refrigerant to effectively cool the air. Professional HVAC technicians can inspect your system for leaks, repair them, and recharge the refrigerant to restore proper cooling performance.
3. Faulty Condenser Fan:
Inadequate Heat Exchange
The condenser fan plays a crucial role in expelling heat from the outdoor unit. If the fan is faulty or not operating at full capacity, it can result in inadequate heat exchange, leading to reduced cooling efficiency. An HVAC technician can assess the fan’s condition and repair or replace it if necessary.
4. Blocked Condenser Unit:
Obstructed Heat Dissipation
If the condenser unit is obstructed or dirty, it can impede proper heat dissipation. Leaves, debris, or dirt can accumulate around the unit, hindering its ability to release heat efficiently. Clear any obstructions and clean the condenser unit regularly to maintain optimal cooling performance.
5. Thermostat Issues:
Incorrect Temperature Readings
Thermostat issues can also contribute to inadequate cooling. A malfunctioning thermostat may not accurately read the temperature or properly communicate with the air conditioning system. Verify that your thermostat is functioning correctly, and consider replacing it if necessary to ensure accurate temperature control.
Summary
When your air conditioner is blowing but not cooling, common causes such as dirty air filters, refrigerant leaks, faulty condenser fans, blocked condenser units, and thermostat issues could be at play. Regular maintenance, timely repairs, and professional assistance from Prestige Air Fort Worth can help identify and address these issues, restoring optimal cooling performance and comfort in your home. Contact us for reliable air conditioning services and personalized solutions.
When your air conditioning system needs repairs, you may wonder why the costs can vary and why certain repairs are priced the way they are. In this blog post, Prestige Air Fort Worth provides insights into the factors influencing the pricing of air conditioning repairs. Understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions and have a clearer understanding of repair costs.
1. Complexity of the Repair:
Scope of the Repair Work
The complexity of the repair plays a significant role in pricing. Some repairs may be relatively simple, involving basic components or adjustments. Others may require in-depth diagnostics, intricate repairs, or the replacement of major components. The more complex the repair, the more time, expertise, and resources it may require, which can affect the overall cost.
2. Parts and Components:
Cost of Replacement Parts
The cost of replacement parts can contribute to the pricing of air conditioning repairs. Depending on the specific issue, certain components or parts may need to be replaced. The prices of these parts can vary depending on factors such as brand, availability, and quality. Repairs involving expensive or specialized parts may be priced accordingly.
3. Time and Labor:
Expertise and Service Hours
The time and labor involved in air conditioning repairs can impact the pricing. Skilled HVAC technicians dedicate their expertise and experience to diagnose and repair your system. The complexity of the repair, the required equipment, and the duration of the service call contribute to the overall labor costs. Additionally, emergency or after-hours repairs may involve additional charges due to the increased availability and urgency.
4. Diagnostic and Testing Procedures:
Comprehensive Evaluations
To accurately identify and resolve air conditioning issues, HVAC technicians often perform thorough diagnostic and testing procedures. These evaluations help pinpoint the underlying problems and ensure an effective repair. The time and effort spent on diagnostics and testing contribute to the overall cost of repairs.
5. Warranty Coverage:
Manufacturer and Service Warranties
Warranty coverage can impact the pricing of air conditioning repairs. If your system is under warranty, certain repairs may be covered, resulting in lower or no cost to you. However, if your warranty has expired or the repair falls outside the coverage terms, you may be responsible for the full cost of the repair.
Summary:
Several factors influence the pricing of air conditioning repairs, including the complexity of the repair, the cost of replacement parts, the time and labor involved, diagnostic procedures, and warranty coverage. Prestige Air Fort Worth strives to provide transparent and fair pricing, ensuring quality repairs and customer satisfaction. Contact us for reliable air conditioning repairs and personalized service.
Air conditioner drain backups can lead to water damage, reduced cooling efficiency, and potential system malfunctions. Preventing drain clogs is crucial to maintaining the optimal performance of your air conditioning system. In this blog post, Prestige Air Fort Worth shares four effective ways to prevent air conditioner drain backups, ensuring efficient cooling and peace of mind.
1. Regular Maintenance:
Schedule Professional Tune-Ups
Regular maintenance is key to preventing air conditioner drain backups. Professional HVAC technicians can inspect your system, clean the condensate drain line, and remove any accumulated debris or algae growth. Schedule routine tune-ups to ensure proper drainage and prevent clogs that could lead to backups.
2. Keep Condensate Lines Clear:
Regular Cleaning and Clearing
Clean and clear condensate lines regularly to prevent clogs and backups. Use a mixture of vinegar and water to flush the drain line and remove any potential blockages. Additionally, ensure that the condensate line is properly routed and not obstructed by furniture, boxes, or other objects that could impede the flow of water.
3. Use a Condensate Pump:
Installing a Condensate Pump
If your air conditioning system is located in a basement or below ground level, installing a condensate pump can help prevent drain backups. A condensate pump effectively pumps the water away from your AC unit and out of your home, reducing the risk of drain clogs and backups.
4. Install a Float Switch:
Adding a Float Switch for Overflow Protection
Installing a float switch is an excellent precautionary measure against drain backups. This device detects excessive water levels in the condensate drain pan and automatically shuts off the air conditioner to prevent overflow and potential water damage. A float switch provides an added layer of protection and peace of mind.
Conclusion:
Preventing air conditioner drain backups is essential for maintaining optimal cooling performance and avoiding potential water damage. Schedule regular maintenance, keep condensate lines clear, consider installing a condensate pump, and add a float switch for overflow protection. By implementing these preventive measures, you can ensure efficient cooling and protect your home from drain backups. Contact Prestige Air Fort Worth for professional assistance and reliable air conditioning services.
Air conditioner drain backups can be a frustrating and concerning issue for homeowners. When water accumulates and backs up in the drain line or drain pan, it can lead to water damage and system malfunctions. In this blog post, Prestige Air Fort Worth explores the common causes behind air conditioner drain backups, providing insights and solutions to address this issue effectively.
1. Clogged Drain Line:
Accumulated Debris and Algae Growth
One of the primary causes of air conditioner drain backups is a clogged drain line. Over time, debris, dirt, dust, and algae can accumulate in the drain line, obstructing the flow of water. Regular maintenance, including cleaning the drain line, can help prevent clogs and backups.
2. Improper Slope or Installation:
Inadequate Drain Line Design
An improperly sloped or incorrectly installed drain line can contribute to drain backups. The drain line should be positioned with a slight slope to allow gravity to assist in the water’s flow. If the slope is insufficient or the drain line is not properly installed, water may accumulate and back up. Consulting with a professional HVAC technician can ensure proper drain line design and installation.
3. Dirty or Damaged Drain Pan:
Issues with the Drain Pan
The drain pan is designed to collect condensate from the evaporator coil and direct it into the drain line. If the drain pan is dirty or damaged, it may not effectively collect and direct the water, leading to backups. Regular maintenance and cleaning of the drain pan can help prevent this issue.
4. Overwhelmed System:
Excessive Moisture or Cooling Load
In some cases, a drain backup may occur due to an overwhelmed air conditioning system. If the cooling load is too high or the system produces excessive moisture, it can overwhelm the drain line’s capacity to handle the water. This can result from issues such as oversized units, high humidity levels, or inadequate system performance. Consulting with an HVAC professional can help diagnose and address the underlying causes of an overwhelmed system.
Conclusion:
Air conditioner drain backups can occur due to various reasons, including clogged drain lines, improper slope or installation, dirty or damaged drain pans, and overwhelmed systems. Regular maintenance, proper installation, and addressing system issues can help prevent drain backups and ensure efficient and reliable cooling. Contact Prestige Air Fort Worth for professional assistance in diagnosing and resolving air conditioner drain backup issues.
A properly functioning air conditioner is essential for maintaining a comfortable indoor environment, especially during hot summer months. However, if your AC is struggling to keep up with the cooling demands of your home, it can be frustrating and uncomfortable. In this blog post, Prestige Air Fort Worth identifies the top 5 reasons why your air conditioner may not be keeping up and provides solutions to address these issues.
1. Improper Sizing:
AC Unit Size Mismatch
If your air conditioner is not appropriately sized for your home, it may struggle to cool effectively. An undersized unit will constantly run and fail to reach your desired temperature, while an oversized unit may cool the space too quickly, leading to short cycling. Consult with a professional HVAC technician to ensure your AC unit is properly sized for optimal cooling performance.
2. Lack of Maintenance:
Neglected AC Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial for the optimal performance of your air conditioning system. Over time, dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate on the condenser coils and air filters, obstructing airflow and reducing cooling efficiency. Schedule regular maintenance appointments with a trusted HVAC professional to clean and inspect your system, ensuring it operates at peak performance.
3. Refrigerant Issues:
Refrigerant Leaks or Low Levels
Low refrigerant levels or refrigerant leaks can significantly impact your AC’s cooling capacity. Insufficient refrigerant hampers the heat exchange process, preventing effective cooling. If you suspect a refrigerant issue, contact a qualified HVAC technician to inspect your system, repair any leaks, and recharge the refrigerant if needed.
4. Clogged Air Ducts:
Blocked or Restricted Airflow
Blocked or restricted airflow due to clogged air ducts can prevent proper cooling throughout your home. Dust, debris, or even pests can accumulate in the ductwork, obstructing the flow of conditioned air. Have your air ducts professionally cleaned to remove any obstructions and ensure unrestricted airflow, allowing for efficient cooling distribution.
5. Aging or Faulty Equipment:
Outdated or Malfunctioning Components
As air conditioning systems age, their performance may decline. Faulty or worn-out components such as compressors, fans, or motors can hinder the AC’s ability to cool effectively. If your AC unit is old or experiencing frequent breakdowns, it may be time to consider upgrading to a newer, more efficient system that can better meet your cooling needs.
Conclusion:
If your air conditioner is struggling to keep up with cooling demands, consider these top 5 reasons: improper sizing, lack of maintenance, refrigerant issues, clogged air ducts, or aging/faulty equipment. Contact Prestige Air Fort Worth for professional assistance in diagnosing and resolving these issues, ensuring optimal cooling performance and comfort in your home.
Programmable thermostats have revolutionized the way we control our air conditioning systems. These smart devices offer a range of benefits, allowing homeowners to optimize comfort, increase energy efficiency, and reduce utility costs. In this blog post, Prestige Air Fort Worth explores the advantages of programmable thermostats for your air conditioning system.
1. Enhanced Comfort and Convenience:
Tailored Temperature Control
Programmable thermostats provide tailored temperature control throughout the day. With programmable schedules, you can pre-set different temperatures based on your daily routine. Wake up to a comfortably cool home in the morning, have it automatically adjust to energy-saving temperatures while you’re away, and return to a refreshing environment when you come back. Enjoy customized comfort without the need for manual adjustments.
2. Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings:
Optimized Energy Usage
Programmable thermostats offer significant energy-saving benefits. By automatically adjusting the temperature based on your schedule, they prevent unnecessary cooling when no one is home, reducing energy consumption. Some advanced models even adapt to your preferences and lifestyle patterns, continuously learning to optimize energy usage. By using less energy, you can lower your utility bills and contribute to a greener environment.
3. Flexible Zoning and Temperature Control:
Zoning for Personalized Comfort
Zoning capabilities are a valuable feature of programmable thermostats. They allow you to divide your home into different zones and control the temperature individually for each zone. This feature is especially useful in larger homes or multi-level buildings, where different areas may require different cooling preferences. Achieve personalized comfort by directing airflow and cooling where it’s needed most.
4. Remote Access and Smart Integration:
Convenient Control at Your Fingertips
Many programmable thermostats offer remote access through smartphone apps or web interfaces. This enables you to monitor and adjust your home’s temperature settings from anywhere, providing flexibility and convenience. Additionally, programmable thermostats can integrate with other smart home devices, allowing you to control your air conditioning system through voice commands or automated routines.
5. Data Insights and Learning Capabilities:
Intelligent Learning and Optimization
Some programmable thermostats have learning capabilities that adapt to your preferences over time. By analyzing your behavior and usage patterns, they can automatically adjust temperature settings to optimize comfort and energy efficiency. These thermostats also provide valuable data insights, such as energy usage reports, enabling you to track and make informed decisions about your cooling habits.
Conclusion:
Investing in a programmable thermostat for your air conditioning system offers numerous advantages, including enhanced comfort, increased energy efficiency, and cost savings. Take advantage of tailored temperature control, energy optimization, zoning capabilities, remote access, and intelligent learning features. Contact Prestige Air Fort Worth to explore the range of programmable thermostats available and start enjoying the benefits they offer for your home and lifestyle.
Or check out this link to take a look at one of our favorites, Ecobee.
As a homeowner or business owner in Texas, you understand the importance of keeping your HVAC system running smoothly. Not only does it provide comfort during extreme weather, but it can also have a significant impact on your energy bills. In fact, heating and cooling account for about half of the energy usage in a typical household. To help you save money and energy, we’ve put together ten energy saving tips to keep your air conditioner and heater running efficiently.
1. Change Your Air Filter Regularly: A dirty air filter can cause your HVAC system to work harder than necessary. Make sure to change your filter every one to three months to keep your system running efficiently.
2. Install a Programmable Thermostat: A programmable thermostat allows you to set different temperatures for different times of the day, ensuring that you’re not heating or cooling an empty house. This can save you up to 10% on your energy bills.
3. Keep Your Thermostat at a Reasonable Temperature: During the summer, set your thermostat to 78°F or higher when you’re home and 85°F when you’re away. During the winter, set it to 68°F or lower when you’re home and 55°F when you’re away.
4. Use Ceiling Fans: Ceiling fans can help circulate cool air in the summer and warm air in the winter, allowing you to rely less on your air conditioner and heater.
5. Seal Air Leaks: Air leaks can cause your HVAC system to work harder than necessary. Seal any gaps or cracks in your windows, doors, and walls to keep cool air in during the summer and warm air in during the winter.
6. Schedule Regular Maintenance: Regular maintenance can help your air conditioner and heater run efficiently and identify any potential problems before they become major issues.
7. Use Curtains or Blinds: Close your curtains or blinds during the day to keep out the heat during the summer and open them during the day to let in natural light during the winter.
8. Keep Your Outdoor Unit Clean: Clear any debris or plants around your outdoor unit to ensure that it has enough airflow to operate efficiently.
9. Use Exhaust Fans: Use exhaust fans in your bathroom and kitchen to remove excess heat and moisture from your home, which can make your HVAC system work harder.
10. Upgrade Your System: If your HVAC system is more than 10 years old, consider upgrading to a high-efficiency system. This can save you up to 20% on your energy bills and provide better comfort.
By following these energy-saving tips, you can keep your air conditioner and heater running efficiently and save money on your energy bills. If you need any help with maintenance or upgrades, don’t hesitate to contact Prestige Air at 817-200-7215. Our expert technicians are ready to assist you.
To learn more about how you can tune up you system, click here.
To get a better understanding of system efficiency, click here.
Prestige Air proudly serves Northeast Tarrant County and the Fort Worth, Texas area including Hurst, Euless, Bedford, Colleyville, Grapevine, Southlake, Westlake, Trophy Club, Keller, Watauga, Haltom City, and North Richland Hills. We look forward to serving you and your household!
With the Summer heat in Texas our Air conditioners run almost non-stop. The way your HVAC system works to cool down your home is by circulating the air in your house across an evaporator coil which uses refrigerant to absorb the heat, cooling down the air before it is sent back into your living space.
If your refrigerant levels are slightly low your evaporator cannot absorb as much heat and your system doesn’t cool down as efficiently.
For example, a properly installed system that is tuned to manufacturer specifications should cool the air down as it crosses the evaporator coil about 20 degrees. If it’s not tuned correctly it may only be cooling the air down 15-16 degrees. This is a problem you would never realize you have because the air conditioner is still cooling and will still satisfy your thermostat settings. The problem is that it takes longer to do so, which costs you more for electricity and reduces the efficiency of your HVAC system.
One of the main ways we measure this is by a metric called “subcool”. Most manufacturers recommend a subcool of 10. This usually gets us the 20 degree temperature drop. If your system is low 1-2 lbs of refrigerant you may only have a subcool of 7, and a temperature drop of 15-16 degrees.
Adding in the needed 1-2 lbs to get the subcool back up to 10 is what we mean when we say we need to tune up your system and your refrigerant. This will get your temp drop back up to 20, and reduce the amount of time your system needs to run, restoring your efficiency.
To learn more about how your condenser works, click here.
To learn more about the refrigeration cycle and how refrigerants work, click here.
Whether you need emergency AC service due to a breakdown, or you would simply like maintenance and a system tune-up, give Prestige Air a call at 817-200-7215.
If you experience problems with your heating and cooling, call Prestige Air. Our expert service professionals have the training and experience to keep your HVAC system in tip-top shape all year long. Call (817) 200-7215 to make sure your heating and cooling are ready for the season!
Prestige Air proudly serves Northeast Tarrant County and the Fort Worth, Texas area including Hurst, Euless, Bedford, Colleyville, Grapevine, Southlake, Westlake, Trophy Club, Keller, Watauga, Haltom City, and North Richland Hills. We look forward to serving you and your household!
We’re coming up on Summer which means high temperatures and running the AC all day.
We have found that there are two types of people when it comes to their AC.
People who turn on the air conditioner and pray it doesn’t break down over the summer
People who understand that their HVAC system is a mechanical appliance and know that a little bit of maintenance can go a long way
If you’re the second type of person, this post is for you.
Homeowner Maintenance
As a homeowner there is a limited amount of maintenance you can do, but it can make a big difference.
Air Filters
First, check your air filter and change it often. Air flow through your HVAC system is one of the biggest factors regarding how it operates. A dirty or clogged filter will suffocate the system, cause the evaporator coil to freeze up and cause the blower motor to fail. All of which cause unnecessary break downs, usually on the hottest days of the year.
If you have a 1” filter we recommend changing it monthly, when you get your electricity bill (that way you stay consistent). If you have a 2” filter, you can change it every 2-3 months as needed. If you have a 4” filter we recommend changing it every 6 months.
Click here for a short video on changing your air filter.
Condenser Cleaning
Second, clean your condenser outside. Airflow is just as important for your condenser as it is for your ductwork. As air flows through the condenser the heat that was absorbed in your home is extracted from your refrigerant and it condenses back into a liquid. If your condenser gets clogged up with dirt, dust, pollen, grass, etc. then the air cannot pass through it and the refrigerant will stay a hot gas. This can cause the pressure to get too high and the condenser to shut off as a safety precaution, not to mention other issues that can be caused.
A basic cleaning is easy and well within your ability as a homeowner. Simply hose down the sides of the condenser starting at the top and sweeping side to side as you slowly work your way down. You’ll watch as the water runs out of the bottom of the condenser looking like chocolate milk. This means it is working.
Drain Flush
Finally, you’ll want to clean the drains. The evaporator coil, which is part of the indoor unit, should have a piece of 3/4” PVC coming out of it. This is the condensate drain. As air passes over your evaporator coil the moisture condenses on the coil and runs down to an internal drain pan. That pan then directs the water out through the PVC line. If this drain clogs, which they frequently do, water can back up into your system and over flow into your home, ruining ceilings, walls, and floors. Or, if your system has a float switch, it will back up into this switch and shut off your AC (to prevent flooding).
That drain line should have a vent, another piece of 3/4” PVC that points up into the air. Start by pouring 2 to 3 cups of water down this vent and into the drain line. Then pour 1 cup of bleach or distilled vinegar in as well. Let that sit for 5 minutes or so then finish up by pouring 2 to 3 more cups of water in to flush out the bleach.
Wrapping up
While we recommend hiring a professional HVAC company to come do a full maintenance on your system twice a year, these are a few things you, as a homeowner, can do yourself to help ensure your system runs without issue for the coming season.
Choose Prestige Air to Keep Your HVAC Running Optimally
If you experience problems with your heating and cooling call Prestige Air. Our expert service professionals have the training and experience to keep your HVAC system in tip-top shape all year long. Call (817) 200-7215 to make sure your heating and cooling are ready for the season!
Prestige Air proudly serves Northeast Tarrant County and the Fort Worth, Texas area including Hurst, Euless, Bedford, Colleyville, Grapevine, Southlake, Westlake, Trophy Club, Keller, Watauga, Haltom City, and North Richland Hills. We look forward to serving you and your household!
Hey ya’ll, I just wanted to share something with you that’s been on my heart lately. I recently ran across an article that said 1 in 4 children don’t know where their next meal is coming from. That hit me hard… like really hard. As a father myself, I can’t even imagine what it would be like to see my kids go hungry. So we decided to do something about it and partnered up with the Tarrant Area Food Bank to collect non-perishable food items to help feed struggling families.
So, from today moving forward, if you live in our service area of Tarrant County, we will discount $10 for every non-perishable food item you donate to us, up to the entire amount of the service call fee. Have any spare boxes of mac and cheese? Or packets of red beans and rice? Or cans of creamy potato soup? Or ….well now I’m getting hungry but you get the idea: Donate 4 non-perishables and we’ll waive your service call fee! All you’ll pay for are the repairs, if needed. Easy as that.
As a veteran and first responder owned HVAC company, we’re already used to serving, but we want to continue to work together with you to make a dent in the needs of our local community. We hope this food drive makes a big impact in a lot of kids’ lives. Thank you so much for helping us help others!
***Edit: So far we’ve been able to donate over 200 pounds of food to the bank. Keep up the good work Ft. Worth!!***
As always, it is a pleasure to serve you and your family alongside the families in need in our community!
Every summer we see the same types of issues, the most common of which is low refrigerant. Most of our customers ask us to come by and “top them off”. Generally speaking this is a bad idea. Not because it doesn’t work, but because it potentially wastes your money and can be detrimental to the environment.
Let me explain. The refrigeration circuit within your air conditioner is a closed system. That means if it’s operating correctly refrigerant doesn’t enter or exit the system. Refrigerant isn’t like gasoline in a car that gets used up and has to be refilled. The refrigerant just recirculates. This means that if you are low on refrigerant you have a leak.
We are always happy to add refrigerant to your HVAC system to get the pressures and temperatures back within the manufacturer’s design specifications, but if we do not resolve the cause of the leak the refrigerant we add to the system will just leak back out, flushing your money down the drain and potentially damaging the environment.
If we check your system and find that it is low we prefer to find the leak and see if it can be repaired.
Here’s how that works…
Phase 1: Initial Detection
When we come out on a service call we earmark 30 minutes to diagnosing the cause of your issues, it’s built into the service call fee. If we find that your system is low we do an initial detection as a part of the diagnosis for no extra fee, it’s a part of the service call.
Our initial leak detection efforts include checking all major failure points that don’t require taking the system apart. We use bubbles and electronic leak detectors to check all the brazed joints, metering device, and service ports. We also do a visual inspection of both the condenser and evaporator coil. These are the easiest to find and easiest to repair.
If we don’t find anything we then recommend that you employ us to move on to phase 2. This is an extra charge above and beyond the service call.
Phase 2: Pressurized Detection
condenser. We leave about 20 psi of refrigerant in the evaporator coil (about 10% of what the system holds). We then pressurize the evaporator coil with nitrogen up to 250 psi. This will trigger any slow leak to activate. Once the evaporator is pressurized we wait and watch the pressures to see if they drop, which would indicate an active leak. We then use electronic leak detection to search the entire coil for the leak. These are harder to find so when we think we have found it we pause for a moment and try again. If the same place triggers the detector we repeat one more time. After it triggers the detector three times then we feel confident we have found the leak. We then continue to search to see if there are any other leaks.
Continuing to check is the important point. It is very easy when you are in a hot attic to take the first response from the detector as the answer and move on to repair it. The problem with this approach is that there might be more leaks that the tech missed, which makes the repairs that are made meaningless. Other leaks still waste your refrigerant and money.
If we don’t find the leak we move on to phase 3.
Phase 3: Delayed Detection
If we still can’t find the leak with pressurized detection it is either an incredibly slow leak, or it is in a location we can’t get to with electronic detectors. For those circumstances we would then recommend a delayed approach where we inject a UV dye that also has leak stop in it. If it is a micro leak the leak stop may seal the system and resolve the issue. This is a low percentage fix, so we don’t rely on it to be effective, but it is always possible. The real reason we use this product is for the UV dye. We inject the dye into the system, top off the refrigerant, and wait. If the system continues to leak and the system stops cooling again, usually months or years down the road, we can come back with a UV light and the dye that has leaked out will glow in the dark. If there is more than one leak they will all glow.
Resolution
How we resolve the leak is a tricky question to answer, every coil is different. If it is in good shape we can try to repair by brazing over the leak, sealing the system shut again. If it is old and corroded then brazing will just melt all the metal causing a bigger leak. In those cases we would need to replace the coil.
Ultimately, each case is different and each solution will be different. In the end, we evaluate your system, your leak, and your circumstance and discuss the possible options with you.
What you need to be wary of is the AC repair company who comes out, tells you the air conditioner is low on freon, and then charges you to fill it up without even addressing the leak. These type of companies are here for your money, not to solve your problems. They know you will be calling them back in a few months or in a year to come back and put more refrigerant in…paying them more money.
At Prestige Air, we’re here for you, and we want to do the best we can to solve your problems and keep you from spending money needlessly.
Choose Prestige Air to Keep Your HVAC Running Optimally
If you experience problems with your heating and cooling call Prestige Air. Our expert service professionals have the training and experience to keep your HVAC system in tip-top shape all year long. Call (817) 200-7215 to make sure your heating and cooling are ready for the season!
Prestige Air proudly serves Northeast Tarrant County and the Fort Worth, Texas area including Hurst, Euless, Bedford, Colleyville, Grapevine, Southlake, Westlake, Trophy Club, Keller, Watauga, Haltom City, and North Richland Hills.
We look forward to serving you and your household!
Every air conditioner needs routine maintenance and periodic tune-ups. Most of the issues with AC units have to do with the condenser, or the outdoor unit. But the indoor unit can have its own set of issues. That’s what we want to discuss in this post, what the issues are, and how we try to prevent them with our basic AC check.
Anatomy of the indoor unit…
The indoor unit, as it pertains to your air conditioner, is made up of the…
Evaporator coil
Primary drain pan
Condensate drains
Jones valve
Ceiling Saver Float switch
Auxiliary/emergency drain pan
Blower motor
How it Works
The blower motor pulls air from inside the home, across the evaporator coil (that is around 38-40 degrees), and then circulates it through the ductwork into the home. As air passes over the evaporator coil the moisture in the air condensates on the coil and runs down into the primary drain pan where it is directed down the primary drain.
Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil is where the transfer of heat takes place, cooling the air in your home. When your AC is running the evaporator coil is 35-45 degrees and wet due to condensation. When it’s off the coil is warm and dry. This makes a great home for bacteria and other organic growth. This is why we treat the coil if we can access it. When we do a tune up on your system we treat the evaporator coil with an enzymatic cleaner that leaves enzymes on the coil to eat organic growth for up to 6 months.
Primary Drain Pan
As water condenses on the evaporator coil it runs down the metal fins and into a large pan directly beneath the coil. This is the primary drain pan. You can’t typically see this pan, it’s inside the air handler cabinet with the coil.
We generally have two concerns when it comes to the primary drain pan. First, is the unit level for draining, and second, is there any standing water in the primary drain pan?
Level for Draining
Everything can be connected and operating properly but if the unit isn’t leveled so that the drain exit is the low point, then the condensation won’t drain, and the unit could flood. This is why we check if the unit is level for draining on every AC check and AC tune up
Standing Water
We then look for standing water in the primary pan. Standing water can become a breeding ground for bacteria, algae, and other organic growth. To help combat this we put tablets into the pan to help kill and eradicate the organic growth.
Condensate Drains
Connected to the primary drain pan are two drain lines, the primary and the secondary. The primary drain connects to a drain in your home and the secondary terminates outside. If the primary clogs then the water routes to the secondary and drips outside where you can see it.
To help prevent clogs we pour bleach down the drain line and use a brush to clean the p-trap if you have one.
Drain Blow Out Valve
Since 2018 it has been code that the primary drain line have a means to pressurize the line to remove clogs that doesn’t require the technician to cut the drain line. If you have a blow out valve we will blow out your drains on each AC check. If you don’t have one we will let you know and ask if you’d like us to install one.
Ceiling Saver Float Switch
Since 2010 it has also been code that the drain system have a float switch on the secondary drain within 6 inches of the coil. The purpose of this switch is to shut the air conditioner off if the primary and secondary drains both back up. This way the system doesn’t overflow and flood your home.
Every time we do an AC check we look to confirm that you have a float switch and also that it works. If you don’t have one or it isn’t working we will let you know so we can get it resolved and keep your home safe from flooding.
Auxiliary/Emergency Drain Pan
Outside the air handler cabinet and underneath the evaporator coil is another drain pan. This is the auxiliary drain pan, or emergency drain pan. If all else fails this is supposed to catch the water and direct it outside via the secondary drain. We check this pan to make sure it is dry, and also to make sure it is also level for draining.
Blower Motor
After all those checks we make sure the blower motor and its components are also operating as designed. We also clean the blower wheel in place with a foam cleaner to help maintain the blower’s efficiency. Most people don’t realize that 1/16” of dust build up on the blower wheel can reduce its capacity up to 30%. Keeping it clean is incredibly important.
Air Handler Cabinet
Finally, when we’ve completed all this we sanitize the inside of the cabinet to help prevent future growth. We spray down the inside with a hospital grade sanitizer that coats and cleans the inside walls of the air handler.
This is a quick summary of the work we do on the indoor unit for every AC check and AC tune up.
Choose Prestige Air to Keep Your HVAC Running Optimally
If you experience problems with your heating and cooling call Prestige Air. Our expert service professionals have the training and experience to keep your HVAC system in tip-top shape all year long. Call (817) 200-7215 to make sure your heating and cooling are ready for the season!
