Touchstone Heating & Air Inc Blog | Air Conditioning and Heating Tips

Is It Too Late for Air Conditioning Maintenance

June 13th, 2014

Air conditioning maintenance is a sort of tune-up session, designed to spot potential problems before they get out of hand and perform a lot of little things that help improve efficiency in your system. Most experts recommend having a maintenance session performed at least once a year, ideally in the spring before summer starts. But summer is here and with our heat and humidity rising, a maintenance session may force you to shut down your air conditioning system at a point when it’s needed almost every day. Is it too late for air conditioning maintenance in Jacksonville FL? Should you schedule a session now or wait until the fall when you don’t need your system as often?

In point of fact, it’s never too late – or too early – to schedule a session. While you should ideally get to it earlier in the spring, we all know how life has a way of prioritizing work and family issues. Just because the summer is here, that doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from immediate maintenance service. How? In two distinct ways:

1) Lowering monthly bills. Maintenance sessions clean direct and dust off of the interior components, as well as recharging refrigerant and replacing used filters. All of that helps the air conditioner function more efficiently, and use less energy to cool your home. The longer you wait, the more you’ll feel the pinch on those monthly bills. A maintenance session will help cut into those bills, and scheduling in June means seeing the savings as early as July. With lots of summer left to go, the savings could help pay for the cost of the session itself.

2) Preventing bigger repairs. More importantly, a maintenance session can help you stop big repairs before they get started, ensuring that you can rest a little easier during the remainder of the summer.

Give us a call today to make an appointment and lets us help you save money and energy this summer!

The experts at Touchstone Heating and Air Inc. know that it’s never too late for air conditioning maintenance in Jacksonville, and we have the skills you ned to ensure that the job is done right.

What Is Involved in Heat Pump Maintenance?

June 6th, 2014

Heat pumps may sometimes seem like miraculous machines: using the power of an air conditioner to shift heat from one place to another to provide for both heating and cooling, whatever you need for whatever time of the year. But heat pumps are still just electro-mechanical machines, and they will wear down over time and begin to work less efficiently. Although no heat pump will last forever, you can prolong the service life of the one that keeps your family comfortable through a regimen of annual maintenance from professionals like the team at Touchstone Heating and Air Inc.

We’ll look at what actually goes into an annual maintenance visit for a heat pump in Gainesville, FL. This is the level of service you can expect when you sign up for our Energy Saving Agreement.

Here’s what happens during heat pump maintenance:

Thermostat calibration. No matter what sort of heater or air conditioner you have in your home, a thermostat controls it, so a key part of maintenance is to see that the thermostat is sensing indoor temperatures accurately.
Cleaning the coils. Both the indoor and outdoor coil of the heat pump need to be detached and cleaned so they can carry out heat absorption and heat release effectively.
Clean the drip pan. Heat pumps have drip pans under their coils to catch water moisture from condensation. Cleaning the pan makes sure there are no drain obstructions that might lead to overfill and water damage.
Electric wiring checks. Faults with wiring in the electric system are among the most common reasons for repairs in a heat pump, so the technicians will take special care to see that all the wires are connected and none are frayed or near to breaking.
Refrigerant level check. The charge of the refrigerant should be at the factory-set level; if it isn’t, the technician will recharge it.
Inspect and change the filter. This reassures that the system is receiving a steady flow of air from the return vents.
Monitor the reversing valve. Should this valve fail, the heat pump will become stuck in one mode.
Check and oil the fans. The technician will make sure the two fans can move freely and the blades are tight and undamaged.
Examine the run capacitors. Key parts of the electrical system, the capacitors may need replacement if they are aged.
Ductwork inspection. The technician will make a visual check on the ventilation system to watch for breaks or gaps.

There are even more steps, but this will give you an idea of how thorough the inspections are: the technician will catch whatever might be wrong, and fine-tune every element of the heat pump.

With the Energy Saving Agreement at Touchstone Heating and Air Inc., you’ll receive the above work, plus a 15% discount on repair services and priority scheduling. Call us today to start taking great care of your heat pump in Gainesville, FL.

When Should You Call for Commercial Air Conditioning Repair?

May 30th, 2014

Commercial air conditioning in Gainesville operates according to the same principles that govern residential air conditioning systems. But there are definitely differences, and a good air conditioning repair service will keep them in mind when conducting air conditioning repairs. With an eye on the bottom line, a canny building superintendent may be tempted to conduct repairs with his own staff rather than calling for a professional. This can often be a mistake. Not only do general handymen lack the expertise required to properly diagnose a given problem, but trying to repair it could make the issue worse. When should you call for commercial air conditioning repair? The short answer is, anytime there’s trouble.

More specifically, look for moments when your costs start to spike. This can stem from a lack of cooling power, a lack of fan power, or anything that results in a higher monthly bill than you’re expecting. Commercial air conditioning systems will often demonstrate a significant swing in monthly costs when problems arise, and even if they continue to cool the building, those higher monthly bills can eat at you. More importantly, they could be a precursor to more substantial breakdowns in the future. Dealing with them now rather than later will save you on repair costs, as well as ensuring that your building doesn’t suffer an unexpected loss of cooling power.

Beyond that, look for any signs that the cooling power has dropped – such as the air feeling warmer when it comes out of the vents – or reduced air speed that may stem from a blockage in the ducts. Both typically signal fairly significant problems, and usually require the services of an expert to treat.

Luckily, when it comes to commercial air conditioning, Gainesville has a company of qualified professionals with Touchstone Heating and Air Inc. Our trained staff understands the specifics of commercial systems and can perform repairs swiftly in order to keep your business cool and comfortable in the heat of summer.

If you know when to call for commercial air conditioning repair, there’s only one number to dial. We’re dedicated to your complete satisfaction, call us today!

3 Common Problems With Condensate Overflow

May 23rd, 2014

One of the basic parts of air conditioning operation is the removal of heat from the inside of a house. The evaporator coil absorbs heat, and as it does so it collects moisture condensation. This water has to go somewhere, and ACs are designed to catch the excess water in a condensate drip pan along the bottom of the evaporator unit. A pump and drain line then remove the water from the shallow pan and out into the standard plumbing wastewater system.

Insufficiently sized and pitched drainage lines and algal growth in the drain can cause the condensate pan to overflow. This can potentially damage your air conditioner, but it will create even larger problems outside the AC. If you notice water dripping from your AC, call for professionals right away to solve the problem.

You can reach the Gainesville, FL air conditioning repair team at Touchstone Heating and Air Inc. 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. Don’t let any of these problems from condensate overflow affect your home:

Water damage: The immediate effect of condensate overflow is damage to your property from standing water. Depending on the location of your air conditioning system’s indoor unit, this can rapidly add up to thousands of dollars’ worth of repairs. It will also attract destructive vermin like cockroaches and rats.
Raised humidity: Humidity is already a significant problem in Florida during the summer. The last thing you want to do is let humidity increase inside your home. But it only takes a few standing pools of water around an air conditioner to create a source for a spike in indoor humidity, leading to decreased comfort that will defeat the purpose of having an AC.
Mold and mildew growth: There is another potential threat to your air because of dripping water, and that’s how it encourages the growth of mold and mildew. Not only are these organic pests unpleasant to look at, they can also have a toxic effect on indoor air quality. Mold remediation is often a difficult process; if possible you want to cut mold and mildew off at the source before they can take hold by stopping excess water anywhere in your home. Because air conditioners are often located in shadowy places, they are especially susceptible to developing mold in the areas when leaking starts.

It’s a good idea to make an occasional visual check of the indoor and outdoor cabinets of your central AC to look out from problems such as leaking. Should you see the indoor unit leaking, or if you detect a rise in humidity in your home and see mold growth, call for repair technicians right away.

Touchstone Heating and Air Inc. is ready any time of day or night and year-round to help you with regular or emergency air conditioning repair in Gainesville, FL.

How Ductless Air Conditioning Works

May 16th, 2014

Traditional air conditioning systems need ductwork to deliver cool air. In an effort to help cool ductless commercial spaces, ductless air conditioning was developed. This innovation has now moved into residential spaces, offering non-ducted homes the possibility of having manageable, efficient, whole-home air conditioning during the summer months. So how exactly does ductless air conditioning work? Here’s an overview from our Jacksonville ductless air conditioning experts at Touchstone Heating and Air, Inc.

The Components

A ductless system operates with 4 main components:

Condenser and compressor unit
Evaporator coils
Refrigerant lines
Conduit connecting the in-and outdoor parts

How It Works

The condenser and compressor are housed in an outdoor unit, very similar to that of a standard split-system air conditioner, and it functions in almost the same way, delivering refrigerant to the indoor air blower. Each ductless system has at least one indoor air blower, if not several, to which the outdoor unit is attached.

The evaporator coils are housed in the inside blower unit, along with a fan and the system’s air filter. In a standard split-system air conditioner, the evaporator unit is also indoors, but is usually larger and part of the heating system. This is one of the main differences between a ducted system and a ductless one.

The indoor blowers and outdoor unit are connected via a conduit placed between them through an exterior wall. This conduit holds a power cable, refrigerant line, suction tubing and a condensate drain. The indoor blowers are mounted and then connected to the outdoor unit.

Each blower is programmable. When the temperature in a room becomes higher than the temperature set on the blower, the system turns on: the outside compressor is activated and refrigerant begins to circulate. The refrigerant passes through the compressor, releases its heat through the condenser and then flows to the indoor air blower where it begins to circulate through the evaporator coils. The fan of the indoor blower turns on, blows over the evaporator coils and sends cool air into the room. While it seems that these units simply blow cool air into the space, what they actually do is remove the heat and humidity from the room, run it through the system, and bring it back into the room as cool dry air.

Is a Ductless Air Conditioner Right for Me?

Choosing an air conditioner that works best for your property is a multi-step endeavor that should be handled with the help of a trained professional. Any of our experts at Touchstone Heating and Air, Inc., are happy to answer any questions you may have about ductless air conditioning.

If you think your property could benefit from ductless air conditioning in Jacksonville, FL, but you still have questions, call us today to get the answers you need.

What to Look for in an Air Conditioning Professional

May 9th, 2014

Spring is here and summer won’t be far behind. That means that you need your air conditioner to function at peak capacity. If your current model is old or shows signs of serious wear, now is the time to consider new air conditioning installation in Gainesville FL. And anyone considering a new unit needs to find an installation services that knows how to do the job. You can select from a number of different companies, many of whom possess adequate credentials. But to get a really great service, you have to go beyond that. Here’s a short list of what to look for in an air conditioning professional.

Affiliations. Proper licensing and certification is a basic necessity, but quality organizations will have affiliations that go beyond that. In particular, look for companies that are endorsed by a local Chamber of Commerce, which provides a third-party assurance that your air conditioning professional is up to snuff.
Longevity. Companies that are just starting out may be quite reliable, but a company that has been in service for a fair amount of time – at least a decade – has a proven track record for success.
Free estimates. A reputable company will always provide estimates in advance, so you know what the financial picture looks like before installation begins on your new air conditioner.
Emergency services. You never know when you might need a trained technician and breakdowns don’t always follow 9-to-5 hours. A company that offers 24-hour emergency service is thoroughly dedicated to customer satisfaction.
Positive reviews. Even in the information age, good word of mouth is still an excellent means of determining quality. Look for air conditioning companies that post positive reviews from satisfied customers: indications of a history of quality service.

If you know what to look for in an air conditioning professional, then Touchstone Heating & Air Inc. has what you need. If you’re interested in new air conditioning installation in Gainesville, FL, call us today to set up a consultation. You’ll be glad you did!

We’ve been in business since 1998, we offer emergency service and free estimates, and we proudly stand by affiliations from Chambers of Commerce and happy customers alike.

Some Benefits of Air Conditioning Maintenance

May 2nd, 2014

Did you know that a 10% loss of refrigerant in your air conditioning system can cost you up to 20% more to operate it? Or that getting a programmable thermostat can save you annually on energy bills?

These types of savings come from a simple source: routine air conditioning maintenance in Starke. Here are a few reasons why Touchstone Heating and Air Inc. highly recommends regular air conditioning maintenance:

Reduced energy bills – when your air conditioner is not running optimally, it needs more energy in order to achieve the temperature you want. This means it costs you more to run it. There are two culprits that frequently contribute to this: a dirty air filter, which constricts the air flow in your system, and/or dirty condenser coils, which put stress on the compressor to run harder. In either case, you are running up your energy bills. Monthly checking and changing of your system’s main air filter eliminates a dirty filter problem, and a routine maintenance check by a specialist will keep the coils clean and stress free.

Better indoor air quality – when vents, ducts and filters become dirty and clogged, the air quality in your property reflects this. This can be especially uncomfortable for those with allergies. As stated above, your system’s main air filter should be changed monthly, and a regularly scheduled cleaning of your vents and ducts will keep them free of dust and dirt.

Lower repair costs –regularly scheduled maintenance means you have a much better chance of catching a small problem – such as a loose belt or faulty switch – before it turns into a much bigger, more expensive problem. It’s a lot less expensive to replace a belt than it is to repair a broken down system.

Extension of system life – regular maintenance means that all components in your system are properly tuned up. This cuts down significantly on the wear and tear of the entire system, extending its life and your investment in it.

When Should You Schedule Your Maintenance?

Most air conditioning maintenance should be performed by a specialist, but there are a few things property owners can do to help maintain their systems:

Replace disposable filters once a month
Wash out washable filters once a month
Keep outside, ground-mounted units clear of any kind of yard debris, including grass, branches and leaves

Touchstone Heating and Air Inc. recommends a bi-annual inspection of the entire system, in the spring and fall.

Need to have your air conditioning checked by professionals in time for summer? Call and schedule air conditioning service in Starke today.

How High Humidity can Damage Your Air Conditioner

April 30th, 2014

Believe it or not, high temperatures aren’t the only thing that your air conditioner must fight. High humidity plays a big part making our homes uncomfortable too, and unless your air conditioner can combat it, it’s not going to do its job. Air conditioning repair in Gainesville must often deal with overworked A/C units, whose components have worn down under the strain and need to be replaced before the unit will function again. Our stifling Florida mugginess often plays a large role in that, and understanding the reasons why can help you get a jump on correcting the problem.

How Humidity Damages Air Conditioning

We stay cool by sweating, which sends moisture to the surface of our skin and cools us off when it evaporates into the air. As long as relative humidity levels stay below about 55 percent or so, that biological process isn’t unduly affected and your body can sweat normally. When humidity levels increase beyond that, however, there’s too much moisture in the air to absorb the sweat off of your skin, and your body won’t cool down the way it should. Needless to say, our relative humidity levels are often higher than 55 percent here in Florida, especially during the hot summer months.

Ostensibly, your air conditioner can pull humidity from the air in your home and help keep it comfortable. That process, however, often forces your air conditioner to work harder in order to lower that humidity level. As a result, the various components undergo greater strain, which increases the likelihood of a breakdown somewhere along the line.

In some cases, your AC unit may be powerful enough to handle the additional workload that our muggy atmosphere provides. In other cases, however, you might want to consider upgrading your air conditioner, which can help prevent high humidity from damaging it.

Touchstone Heating and Air Inc. handles air conditioning repair in Gainesville, and can fix the issue of high humidity in your home with ease. Pick up the phone and give us a call today.

How Clean Ducts Lead to Better Efficiency

April 21st, 2014

Your duct system helps transport conditioned air (both hot and cold) from your HVAC unit into the various rooms of your home. In the process, dust and dirt can build up inside your ducts, as can bacteria and other biological contaminants that flourish in our Florida humidity. This can lead to poor performance from your heating and air conditioning system over time. A good duct cleaning service can get rid of all that, and here in Lake City, FL, duct cleaning is offered by a number of reputable companies. More than just cleanliness and the lack of dust spreading throughout your home, clean ducts lead to better efficiency for your HVAC unit overall.

Why Duct Cleaning Means Higher Efficiency

Build-up in your ducts tends to have two specific effects that damage your system’s efficiency. Firstly, it blocks the flow of air through the system, forcing the HVAC unit to work harder to get the conditioned air into your home. Second, depending on the nature of the build-up, it can affect the temperature of the conditioned air, making it warmer in the summer and cooler in the winter. In both cases, it can have a detrimental effect on your central unit. The lowered efficiency means that it must work harder to do its job, raising your monthly energy bills and adding unnecessary strain on individual components. That, in turn, will increase the likelihood of a major breakdown taking place, as well as costing you more than you should be paying to operate your HVAC system.

Dirty ducts don’t simply spring up over time, and most can go for quite a while before requiring a cleaning. Because clean ducts lead to better efficiency, you should definitely plan for the operation to be performed by a company that knows what it’s doing. Here in Lake City, FL, duct cleaning services are offered by the trained professionals at Touchstone Heating and Air Inc. We have the personnel and the experience to perform the operation with courtesy and care, and our dedication to your satisfaction means that we’ll treat your home like our own.

Give the experts at Touchstone Heating and Air a call today to set up an appointment and let us help ensure that your system is as efficient as it can be!

What Are UV Germicidal Lights and How Do They Work?

April 14th, 2014

UV germicidal lights sound like some complicated piece of equipment out of a mad scientist’s lab. In fact, they operate according to very simple principles and can do wonders for your home if properly installed. They improve the quality of your air inside your Gainesville, FL home, connected to your HVAC system and filtering out all manner of contaminants. What are UV germicidal lights and how do they work? A brief rundown follows.

UV stands for “ultraviolet,” a part of the light spectrum that we can’t see, but which has a profound effect on germs and bacteria. Exposure to UV light renders germs unable to replicate. The light basically acts as a sterilizer for your home without resorting to harmful chemicals. Air passes through the light, exposing any bacterial or other pathogens to it and effectively destroying them in the process. When attached to a centralized furnace or air conditioner, it can process a large percentage of the air in your home, improving the air quality immeasurably.

This is beneficial to all members of your household, but especially those who suffer from allergies or possess similar sensitivities. Here in Florida, allergens are everywhere, and the presence of mold and bacteria can pose an active health risk for certain individuals. UV germicidal lights form a strong line of defense against sickness and disease, as well as making your home a more comfortable place to live.

For more on UV germicidal lights and how they work, contact the experts at Touchstone Heating and Air Inc. We handle UV lights and other air purifiers in Gainesville, FL, and we can perform both installation and repair services with the professionalism and courtesy you expect. Give us a call today!