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

My AC is On, But Hot Air is Coming Out of My Vents

November 12th, 2013

It can come as quite a shock, especially on a hot day. “My AC is on, but hot air is coming out of my vents!” You don’t need to be an expert to know that something’s wrong, and when problems arise with your air conditioning, Gainesville FL weather can be particularly unforgiving. What causes an air conditioner to blow hot air? The obvious answer is that the thermostat hasn’t been set properly, or perhaps needs replacing. Beyond that, the possible causes grow more serious.

Air conditioning systems depend on refrigerant gas cycling through a closed system in order to function as they should. If the unit is blowing hot air (as opposed to not blowing any air at all), then the problem likely lies somewhere within this system. For instance, if the compressor is malfunctioning, it won’t be able to turn the refrigerant gas into a liquid – a vital step towards allowing it to cool the air.

The problem may also stem from a leak in the system, releasing refrigerant into the air. If too much refrigerant is lost, the process can’t work at all, and no cold air will be generated. You can spot this condition by the presence of frost on the evaporator coils: evidence of all the coldness that isn’t going into your home.

In some cases, the problem may be caused by a leak in your duct system or somewhere similar. Leaks can pull hot air into the ducts while the air conditioner is running, substituting the cold air with warm air.

Regardless of the causes, you need a trained expert to find a solution. The pros at Touchstone Heating & Air handle any problems you may have with your Gainesville FL home’s air conditioning system. Call us today to schedule service!

How a Generator Protects Your Comfort and Your Convenience

November 5th, 2013

Hurricanes. If you’ve lived in Florida for any stretch longer than a year, you don’t need a reminder of the No. 1 natural disaster threat we face in this state. Just as northern states face power outages from blizzards, down here we face losing power for extended periods because of the fury of high-speed tropical winds.

Hurricanes are one reason you should consider a backup generator in Gainesville, FL. However, generators have more purposes than insurance against a natural disaster like a hurricane. They protect your comfort and convenience from regular power outages that can occur from heavy rains or during hot summers. A generator will ease your mind about your comfort during any part of the year.

If you are interested in getting a generator, contact Touchstone Heating & Air. We install a number of whole-house generators and can find the right size one to power your home through emergency outages.

This is where we need to emphasize the term whole-house generator. People often think of generators in terms of small, portable units. This is not what you want connected to your home. A portable generator is great to have in a car, while camping, or if you only need to power a single appliance or a laptop computer; but it will not power all your residential essentials. A whole-house generator, if sized correctly, will run all the important appliances in your home to give you the comfort and convenience you need: the lighting, the electrical heating system, the refrigerator, the air conditioner. You can choose a smaller system if you only want the essentials to work during an outage.

The major difference between portable generators and whole-house generators isn’t size. A whole-house generator is actually wired into your home’s electrical panel, integrating into the electrical system. For automatic start-up generators, an electrical failure will cause the generator to turn on without any instructions, saving you from the inconvenience of going outside to activate it—during probably less than ideal weather conditions. You can remain in the comfort of your home and let the generator handle the work until the power comes back on. (There are also manual models available.)

You can’t simply a buy a whole-house generator on your own and expect to get it to work properly. It takes the skill of HVAC and electrical experts to pick the right model for you and to hook it up to your home’s electrical panel. You don’t want to discover that your backup generator needs a backup generator of its own when the power goes out!

Look to Touchstone Heating & Air for quality selection and installation of whole-house generators in Gaineville, FL—whatever the season.

Check Out this Classic Car, a 1941 Chevrolet Truck

November 1st, 2013

We recently had the pleasure of helping out the owner of this fine 1941 Chevy Truck. It’s a great flashback to the old days with a twist, we loaded a new HVAC system in the back! It’s great to see such a nice vehicle in such pristine condition with a great unit in the back, thanks so much!

Air Conditioning Repair Question: Why Is My Fan Running but AC Not Cooling?

October 29th, 2013

In matters of air conditioning repair, Gainesville FL know they need to schedule cerise right away. The sooner you can spot a problem, the more rapidly you can contact a qualified service technician to help. It helps to know the signs that you need AC repair, so that you can spot them early and call in the cavalry before something worse happens. For example “why is my fan running but AC not cooling?” is a common question we experience in our work. The answer is pretty straightforward.

The fan serves to blow cool air into your home. As refrigerant moves through the evaporator, it goes from a liquid state to a gas state, absorbing heat from the surrounding air in the process. A blower then moves the air through your ducts into your home. If the fan is running, the problem obviously lies elsewhere, and if you’re getting a good flow through your vents, there isn’t any blocked in your ducts.

The problem therefore lies in the cooling cycle itself. In some cases, it may be that the refrigerant levels have dropped below acceptable levels. Ice will form on the evaporator coils: which insulates them and prevents them from absorbing heat. Another problem may arise with the compressor motor itself. If it isn’t running, the refrigerant isn’t circulating and the air isn’t getting cooled.

Regardless of the causes, a good repairman can hunt the problem down and fix it quickly. When dealing with air conditioning repair, Gainesville FL has a team of experts ready to help. Touchstone Heating & Air has served North Central Florida since 1998, and offer 24-hour service for emergencies. We pride ourselves on your complete satisfaction, and we know how important it is to get your air conditioner up and running again. If you’re asking, “why is my fan running but AC not cooling?” contact us today!

Air Conditioning Tip: When to Use the Fan Only

October 22nd, 2013

We experience some seriously hot and humid weather around here, and a reliable air conditioning system is often your only weapon against the soaring temperatures outside. That air conditioning system uses a lot of energy, however: as much as 16% of your total household electricity, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. You can cut that down by using your system’s “fan only” feature, which stops the cooling process but continues to circulate the air in throughout your home.

The most obvious period is right after you’ve shut your air conditioning down for the day. With the cooled air still in your house, you can turn on the fan and help circulate it, staying cool for longer. This can keep your house from becoming stuffy when the AC is not running, and also make sure your air is going through your air filtration system.

You might also consider using the fan only after the sun goes down, or when cooler breezes blow near your house on days when the humidity levels are lower. The flow will refresh the existing air while keeping your temperatures down to agreeable levels.

You can help this process by ensuring that your air conditioner is functioning as it should and that the blower fan isn’t bent or damaged. Knowing when to use the fan only won’t do you much good if the air conditioner itself is broken. For expert service and advice, contact Touchstone Heating & Air!

Heat Pump FAQ: Will My Heat Pump Really Keep Me Warm this Winter?

October 15th, 2013

“Will my heat pump really keep me warm this winter?” It’s a fair question, and if you look at various forums and discussions across the Internet, you might conclude that it won’t. That assumes a generic staring point however: a world where the heating needs of New England are exactly the same as they are here in Gainesville, FL. They’re not, and things that work down here won’t work up there. If you’re looking for a heat pump, Gainesville FL presents an almost ideal environment, which means you won’t need to worry about sufficient heating in the winter.

Heat pumps operate according to the same principles as traditional air conditioners. Refrigerant is cycled through condenser coils, which place it under tremendous pressure and heat it up. The heat is dispersed in the condenser coils to outside of the unit, turning the refrigerant into a liquid state which keeping it under high pressure. It’s then passed into an evaporator coil, which allows it to evaporate and cool the surrounding air. The cooled air is then pushed into your home with a blower fan, which the refrigerant returns to the condenser to begin the cycle anew.

With a heat pump, this cycle is essentially reversible. In the winter, it can be used to bring warm air into your home, instead of just cool air. This makes it work well regardless of the weather, and because it uses less energy than a traditional central air conditioning system, it can save you considerable money in your monthly heating and cooling bills.

Perhaps most importantly, heat pumps work extremely well in climates like ours. Their effectiveness hits its peak in areas where the temperatures don’t drop below 40 degrees (like, say, Florida’s). Beyond that, their efficiency begins to suffer, making them less enticing as an option. Down here, however, our warm weather makes for an ideal fit, and if you’re willing to put up a little more for the installation itself, you could save a great deal in monthly energy bills.

If you’re asking “Will my heat pump really keep me warm this winter?” You needn’t worry. The experts at Touchstone Heating & Air can explain the benefits to you, then discuss options for installation and upkeep. If you’re looking for a heat pump, Gainesville FL makes a great fit. Call us today and let us show you how.

Air Conditioning Repair: Causes of Grinding Sounds

October 7th, 2013

If you live in Gainesville, FL, you know that air conditioning repair is not something you want to put off. We need a swift repairman to correct any problem before the next heat wave hits and we need to be able to spot signs of trouble before they lead to bigger issues. Otherwise, our cool, comfortable homes will be at the mercy of our patented muggy weather. A prudent homeowner will notice when his or her air conditioner isn’t performing as it should. To cite one obvious example, spotting the causes of grinding sounds when your air conditioning unit turns on can help get the issue resolved that much more quickly.

Obviously, grinding sounds aren’t good when they’re coming from your air conditioning. The sound usually results from metal parts rubbing up against each other, a sure sign that something is broken. The blower fan is one common cause of grinding sounds. When it’s bent or misaligned, it can scrape up against nearby parts, causing friction and resulting in serious damage. In some cases, debris such as twigs can get caught in the fan blade as well, resulting in damage to the fan itself.

Grinding noises aren’t limited to the fan, however. They can occur in motors in the system which overheat or otherwise malfunction. With some air conditioning units, these components have automatic shut-off systems that kick in whenever they malfunction. Those that don’t will continue to run, however, making that awful grinding noise and causing further damage each moment.

Whenever you hear that noise, don’t hesitate. Shut off the unit and call an air conditioning expert. A qualified professional should be able to isolate the problem and correct it with a reasonable amount of expediency. If you have any questions about Gainesville FL air conditioning repair, call Touchstone Heating & Air for help. Our staff of trained professionals will track down the causes of grinding problems, then give you an accurate assessment before conducting repairs with speed and accuracy. If your AC unit is making sounds that it shouldn’t, don’t hesitate to call us today.

Why is a Professional Generator Installation Necessary?

September 30th, 2013

In Gainesville, FL, generator installation provides security and peace of mind for your family during inclement weather. We see our share of big storms and hurricanes here, which can wreak havoc on even the more reliable civic electricity system. With a good back-up generator, you can stay connected to the outside world while keeping lighting, air conditioning, and other vital equipment running. It can be enticing to try and install a generator yourself in order to cut down on costs, but that decision is usually a mistake. Why is a professional generator installation necessary? A few of the strongest reasons are listed below.

Sizing. Like air conditioning units, generators need to be a specific size to fit the power needs for your home. It can be a complicated equation, but trained experts know how to arrive at the most accurate conclusion and find a unit that is perfect for your needs. They can also recommend the most reliable and efficient brands for you, helping to eliminate some of the guesswork.
Installation. Installing a generator can be tricky, and will involve proper permits and other bits of paperwork. You also need to know where to place it on your property so that it will stay safe and dry, proper ventilation to let emissions clear your home, how it will handle the electrical load, what must be done to secure it in place and a host of similar issues. Experienced professionals know how to address them with speed and efficiency.
Insurance. Qualified professionals possess the correct certification and are usually backed by sound insurance. That protects both them and you in the event something unforeseen happens, allowing them to install your generator with confidence and assurance.

A professional generator installation in Gainesville, FL is not only necessary, but actively helpful in ensuring your generator is ready to go when the next big storm hits. Touchstone Heating & Air operates in Gainesville FL, generator installation is a cornerstone of our business, and our trained staff are dedicated to your complete satisfaction. Why go to anyone else? We’re here to help, so give us a call today!

Air Conditioning: Reducing Energy Costs

September 23rd, 2013

Did you look over your air conditioning bills after a muggy Florida summer and wonder what you could’ve done to lower them? Touchstone Heating & Air has some good advice on what you can do to get those AC electric bills down and keep them down. When it comes to air conditioning in Gainesville, FL, trust our experienced team to help you get the most from your system.

A very simple step you can take to use less power with your AC is to make more use of the “fan only” mode. Some people don’t realize that this mode uses significantly less power than when the unit is set to cooling. With the air conditioner set to “fan only,” no power goes to the compressor that sends refrigerant through the system. Although you won’t get cooled air from your vents, you will get excellent air circulation to provide you with relief from stagnant air.

Try to avoid the temptation to crank your AC to its coldest setting. According to the EPA, if you raise your thermostat a mere six degrees from 72° to 78°, you can save up to 18% on your electricity bill each year. Most people will find 78° comfortable no matter the weather outside. Stabilize your daytime use at this temperature, and then take advantage of the cool evening temperature to raise it further or to shut it off and you should see a positive effect on your monthly power bills.

Finally, have a professional complete preventive maintenance on your air conditioner to make sure that it operates efficiently. Dirt building up inside the case, overworked motors, poor connections, and refrigerant leaks will all lead to an AC that sucks up more energy than it should. The better your AC runs, the less power it will waste. Plan to get check-ups twice a year for your air conditioner. The fall is a good time to start, since technicians will have more open schedules.

Touchstone Heating & Air takes pride in making customer satisfaction our top priority. Your air conditioning in Gainesville, FL is in good hands when you call on us.

Air Conditioning Repair: Fan Not Turning On

September 16th, 2013

With high levels of humidity and a warm season that lasts all year, living in Florida requires a reliable air conditioner to keep you comfortable. If an important part of your AC stops working, like the fan, you can’t afford to wait to do something about it. If you need air conditioning repair in Gainesville, FL, look no further than the skilled staff at Touchstone Heating & Air for professional help.

Your air conditioner needs two fans to operate, one each in the inside and outside units. The inside fan blows cool air through your vents, and the outside one takes care of removing the heat. If either fan stops working, you will not receive the cold air you expect from your AC.

The most common cause of the fans failing to turn on is a burned out motor. Without maintenance, the motors can run down from long use and overheat, damaging their wiring. It’s a good idea to have an HVAC specialist take a look at your AC after the intense summer months so you can avoid a motor failure that will leave your fans stuck in one place.

A problem with the capacitor could be one of the reasons for your fan not turning on. The capacitor is a small cylinder-shaped device that acts as the catalyst for the motors that run the fans as well as the compressor. If the capacitor is unable to send voltage to the fan motors, they won’t operate. Don’t try to repair a burned-out compressor on your own—there is a danger of electrical shock! Let a professional handle this problem.

It’s possible that all the components inside the air handler and the condenser are working fine—and the problem is actually the thermostat. If your thermostat is improperly calibrated, it might think that your home doesn’t need the fan in operation and won’t turn on. You might need to have the thermostat fixed or perhaps have an up-to-date unit installed in its place.

A non-working fan needs attention right away. Don’t hope that it will fix itself and start spinning the next time you turn on your AC. Regardless of the root problem, Touchstone Heating & Air can get your air conditioning repair needs taken care of in Gainesville, FL. Contact us today to schedule service.