Over the past couple of months we have provided tips about ways to save money on air conditioning services by checking a few things yourself first. Whether you are familiar with air conditioning repair or not, we hope you have learned more about what to check first before you call an Air Conditioning Specialist. In case you haven’t read this information, you can download it as a FREE eBook by clicking the picture above. Or simply read on and we’ll give you a summation of our posts on the nine things to check before spending money on AC repairs.

1. Make Sure to Check Your Air Filter Before Calling a Fort Myers Air Conditioning Repair Service
2. Don’t Call a Bonita Springs Air Conditioning Specialist Until You’ve Checked Your Circuit Breakers
3. Check Thermostat Setting First Before Calling a Cape Coral Air Conditioning Specialist
4. Don’t Call a Lehigh Acres Air Conditioning Expert Until You Check for Draining
5. Check Your AC Unit for Ice Before You Call a Naples Air Conditioning Specialist
6. Save Money on Fort Myers Air Conditioning Repairs by Checking the Condenser
7. Clean the AC Condenser before calling a Cape Coral Air Conditioning Technician
8. When All Else Fails, Call A Naples Air Conditioning Specialist
9. Repair or Replace: When is it Time for a New Air Conditioner?

If you have further questions about our services including 24 hour emergency service and preventative maintenance, please contact us online or call (239) 939-2032. Our highly trained professionals are here to service your needs and we will guarantee everything we do. Remember, Our Business is Your Comfort!

- Brett

This is the ninth installment of Nine Things to Check Before Spending Money on AC Repairs which can also be downloaded from our free eBook library.

If you are having frequent or severe problems with your air conditioner, it may be more practical to replace the entire unit rather than paying for continual repairs. How do you know if it’s time for a replacement? Here a few things that might indicate you’re better off with a replacement:

• Your room temperature is extremely hot, cold, dry or humid – even after a repair.
• Your air conditioner is noticeably loud or makes strange noises.
• Your energy bills are high and continue to get worse due to the A/C running longer.
• You find dust everywhere – more than the amount found in a normal home.

You could be tempted to repair your system to save money – but you might actually spend more over time. When making your choice, carefully evaluate the following factors:

Cost savings from a high efficiency unit. Newer air conditioning models have better technology that heats and cools your air while using less energy than old units. This can save you a lot of money on your monthly energy bill. If you choose an “Energy Star” qualified appliance, you can save up to 60%… which really adds up over time.

The maintenance history of the unit. If you – or a previous homeowner – haven’t followed the correct maintenance schedule for your air conditioner, there is probably little that can be done to restore it. Without maintenance, the components will be put under stress and ultimately break down. Most often, it’s not worth repairing.

The age of your air conditioner. In most cases, an a/c unit will last 12 to 13 years. Your air conditioner runs approximately 2800 hours per year in the very harsh environment of southwest florida. If your home is exposed to salty air (for example, if you live near an ocean), you can expect a shorter lifespan. Salt causes corrosion, the enemy of many mechanical parts. However, if you have consistently maintained your unit – as the tips in this E-book suggest – then you may get as many as 4 additional years out of your air conditioner.

The availability of spare parts. As your unit gets older, the risk of not finding replacement parts increases. Manufacturers will discontinue parts for older models, so finding the right one may be expensive or impossible. This can really impact the equation of “repair or replace”.

If you still aren’t sure whether to repair or replace your air conditioner, ask a trusted Cape Coral air conditioning professional. Some providers might try to steer you towards a choice that’s not in your best interest. By hiring experts in the field heating and air conditioning, you can avoid a costly mistake.

Our Cape Coral air conditioning company has many services available to meet your air conditioning needs including 24 Hour Emergency Service. If you would like further information call (239) 939-2032 or follow Synergy Air on Twitter.

- Brett

This is the eighth installment of Nine Things to Check Before Spending Money on AC Repairs which can also be downloaded from our free eBook library.

When you have problems with your air conditioning unit that you aren’t comfortable fixing, it’s time to consider getting professional help. In southwest Florida, there are many providers. How should you choose?

The best way to start your search is NOT the Yellow Pages. Ask friends and family for recommendations.

Take those references and check them with the Better Business Bureau. Eliminate any providers with red flags on their records. Search for air conditioning company reviews.

When you have a lead on a responsible, reliable provider, ask for documentation that proves they are licensed and insured. These credentials should be specific to heating and cooling equipment.

• Ask for a certification for refrigerant handling. This paperwork has been required since 1992, and your air conditioning professional should have it.
• Ask how many years the company has been serving southwest Florida (or the area where you live). Be cautious if the company has only been in business for a few years.
• Ask for references. They should provide you with the names and phone numbers of previous customers that you can contact.

When you’ve finished your research and chosen a provider, they should do the following:

• Visit your home and personally inspect the work you need.
• Give a detailed estimate of costs and timelines.
• Complete and submit any warranty information for you, as necessary.
• Review any applicable equipment manuals with you and leave behind documentation of any repairs or service.
• Explain and review the necessary maintenance for the future life of your unit. A reputable air conditioning provider will want your system operating at its best and will advise you on a preventive maintenance schedule you should follow.

Be careful when you choose a Naples air conditioning technician because not all AC companies have more than 25 years of experience. Also, make sure that they carry a Quality Service Pros certification in Southwest Florida. Synergy Air, our Naples air conditioning company, is here to help you with all of your air conditioning, heating, and air quality problems. Want to know more about our services? Call (239) 939-2032, contact us online, or connect with us at facebook.com/SynergyAir.

- Brett

This is the seventh installment of Nine Things to Check Before Spending Money on AC Repairs which can also be downloaded from our free eBook library.

One of the most common reasons that your air conditioning unit may not be working properly is a dirty condenser. The condenser is part of your outdoor unit. If you live in an apartment building, there may be several a/c units next to each other, so you’ll need to determine which unit is yours.

Once you’ve located your condenser, you’ll want to check for any obvious contaminates. However, most dirt in the coils will not be detectible until you begin to wash it. If your air conditioner isn’t running properly, it’s best to go ahead and give it a good cleaning to be on the safe side.

Often, people choose to take a garden hose and spray down their condenser to clean any debris. However, this can actually damage the fins on the condenser, and may even cause more damage to the unit if done carelessly. While hosing may do the trick, it’s important to also conduct a more thorough cleaning of the condenser unit as described below. If you don’t have the time to properly clean your condenser, call a Cape Coral air conditioning professional to do it for you.

To get started, you’ll need grass shearers, a spray bottle, a coil cleaner or mild household cleaner, a soft brush or even a toothbrush.

Steps for Properly Cleaning your Condenser:

1. Turn off the power to the condenser; there should be a shutoff box.
2. Check to make sure that grass, plants and weeds have not grown too close to the unit. If they have, then grab your shearers and trim away any invading grass or foliage.
3. Vacuum the condenser fins with a soft brush attachment, being careful not to bend or damage any of the coils. (This will remove a lot of dirt and dust, making the following steps easier.)
4. Once vacuuming is completed, put the coil cleaner or soapy water in a spray bottle and begin to spray the coils.
5. Use your brush or toothbrush to clean the fins of the condenser and remove accumulated dirt. You may have to remove the protective grille to reach them. Clean fins very carefully.
6. Look around your unit to make sure everything is in check. Pay close attention to the concrete pad that your unit is on. If it’s not level, consider having someone help you lift it in order to put some gravel or small rocks under it to level it.

If you’ve cleaned your condenser and are still experiencing problems with your air conditioning, contact us online or call (239) 939-2032. Even if it’s 4am, you can still call our 24 Hour Emergency Service Hotline. If you would like to learn more about our Cape Coral air conditioning company follow Synergy Air on Twitter.

- Brett

This is the sixth installment of Nine Things to Check Before Spending Money on AC Repairs which can also be downloaded from our free eBook library.

If you’re saving money by troubleshooting your own air conditioning repairs, start by checking the…

…air filter, circuit breaker, thermostat, draining system, and ice as outlined in our E-Book Tips #1 – 5.

If you’re finished with these areas, it’s time to move on to your outdoor unit. This is the unit that contains your compressor and condenser. The outdoor unit is usually located on the ground or roof, depending on where you live. In suburban areas, it’s typically located on the ground in the backyard. In most businesses and office buildings, the outdoor unit is located on the roof. If it’s not running, check that the outdoor service switch is on. If it is, also check to see if the indoor power switch on. Then double check the circuit breaker. Is it in the “on” position?

Once you’ve eliminated these problems as the cause of your air conditioning failure, you should look on the outside coil for damage or blockage.

If the fan still won’t turn on, a motor overload reset switch may have tripped. It might also be another switch, like the drip pan overflow sensor switch. These switches are in your machine to protect you, so don’t continue to override them if you’re having problems.

Check to see if voltage is running through the fan motor wires. If you don’t know how to do this, please call our Fort Myers air conditioning specialists. If you have checked, and voltage is present in the wires, you may be dealing with a seized motor.

If your fan motor is running, but your air conditioner is not working, then the problem may be either a bad contactor, a loose wire, or a bad compressor.

If you suspect the problem is a disconnected air duct, get a free inspection.

If you have determined that you are in need of a Fort Myers air conditioning expert we here to help you. Your air conditioning, heating, and air quality problems are our number one concern. We have many services available to meet your air conditioning needs including 24 Hour Emergency Service and indoor air quality solutions. If you would like further information call (239) 939-2032 or connect with Synergy Air on Facebook.

- Brett

This is the fifth installment of Nine Things to Check Before Spending Money on AC Repairs which can also be downloaded from our free eBook library.

If you aren’t regularly changing your filter, you can be in for trouble. When warm air from the inside of your home flows across the coils of your a/c, it grows colder, but also warms the coils in the process. If this warm air isn’t flowing properly, the coil will get colder… and colder… and colder. The condensation, which is normally a liquid, will begin to turn to ice.

The same problem can happen if your coil is extremely dirty or your refrigerant is leaking. Other things that will cause ice buildup in your system:

• Running your air conditioner when the outside temperature is less than 65 degrees. Don’t do it!
• Having too many closed vents. Open every possible vent in your home and see if the problem goes away.
• Using the wrong fan speed. Check that the fan is running fast. It might be incorrectly set on a medium speed. On a high speed, your fan might stop your air conditioner from freezing up.

It’s important to fix icing problems quickly. If you continue to run your air conditioner after the coils are frozen, you’re wasting money on your energy bill and run the risk of major damage to the compressor (a very expensive part of your unit!).

If you can’t pinpoint what’s causing your icing problem, you might also consider that the size and strength of your unit might be insufficient for the size of your house. Many people have found their icing problems disappear when our Naples air conditioning specialists upgrade them from a 2 ton system to a 3 or 4 ton system.

If you need air conditioning services, we are available 24 hours a day in Naples, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Lehigh Acres. The AC technicians at our Naples air conditioning company are professional, well-trained heating & air conditioning specialists, and have only your best interest and the functioning of your air conditioning unit in mind. Check out our reviews from other clients. We know that having an air condition problem is no fun at all, so call us at (239) 939-2032, contact us online, or follow Synergy Air on Twitter.

- Brett

This is the third installment of Nine Things to Check Before Spending Money on AC Repairs which can be downloaded from our free eBook library.

When your air conditioner cools your house, it removes moisture from the air. That moisture ends up in your drain pan. Over time, it’s inevitable that dirt and debris will clog your drain line or clog the pan.

By checking your draining, you can avoid a major problem that will be very expensive to fix.

To unclog a drain, follow these steps:

Take a wet/dry vacuum (like a “Mini-shop Vac” or similar product) and suck the drain line clean. Your drain line is usually a ¾ inch PVC pipe.

Usually, this will be enough to fix the problem. However, if your drain pan is extremely dirty, then remove the covers from the unit and vacuum it out.

In some cases, you may have a hole in the drain pan – which means you’ll have to replace it.

If the coil is dirty – from grease or other gunk – then water may fall off the coil, rather than taking it’s proper journey through the drain line. If you notice this type of dirt, you can clean the coil with soap or a mild solvent. Unfortunately, in cases where the coil is extremely dirty, you may have no option but to replace it.

How often should you be checking your drainage and removing clogs? In other parts of the country, you can get away with doing it once a year. But because air conditioners are running almost year-round in Florida, you need to check more often. If you prefer not to check and maintain the draining on your air conditioner, you can leave it to the Lehigh Acres air conditioning experts at Synergy Air. We can provide routine preventive maintenance for your system that will save you money in the long run.

If you have determined that you are in need of a Lehigh Acres air conditioning expert Synergy Air is here to help you. Your air conditioning, heating, and air quality problems are our number one concern. We have many services available to meet your air conditioning needs including 24 Hour Emergency Service and Preventative Maintenance. If you would like further information call (239) 939-2032, contact us online, or connect with us at facebook.com/SynergyAir.

- Brett

This is the third installment of Nine Things to Check Before Spending Money on AC Repairs which can be downloaded from our free eBook library.

The thermostat controls your air conditioner by switching it on or off as needed to maintain the temperature you’ve set. If your air conditioner isn’t working properly, you might trace the problem to your thermostat. Consider these questions:

Could the battery be dead? If you haven’t changed the battery in your thermostat recently, consider this scenario. Carefully remove the cover of the thermostat and change out the battery.

Is dirt interfering with the thermostat? After the cover is removed, gently blow away any dust. If the thermostat has accessible contact points, rub a dollar bill between them to clean these spots. Always be extremely gentle when cleaning your thermostat.

Is there a problem with the switches and wires within the thermostat? Turn off the power to the air conditioner first. Tighten loose connections with a screwdriver. If you see corrosion, try to gently remove it with a cotton swab. If you don’t feel comfortable performing these tips, call the Cape Coral air conditioning specialists.

Is your thermostat not calibrated properly? If you’re setting the temperature for 78 degrees, and you’re a/c unit is actually cooling your home to 75 degrees, you’ll be losing a lot of money. How can you check?

If you have a thermometer, place it on your wall a few inches away from your thermostat. Be sure to pad it with a towel or paper towel so that it doesn’t directly touch the wall. After 15 minutes, check the reading on your thermostat and the thermometer. If the two readings are different by more than 1 degree, then you have a calibration problem.

If you have lamps, television sets, or other “hot” appliances near your thermostat, move them. They may be interfering with the calibration. Calibration problems can also happen if you have a large hole behind your thermostat (where the wires run). A big hole will let in too much air, which can throw off the thermostat’s reading. If you have a crooked mercury vial inside, that could be another reason you’re not getting the correct calibration.

For optimum savings on your electric bill, be sure to set your programmable thermostat to the proper temperature while you’re home or away. Your air conditioning system and your wallet will thank you!

If you need a Cape Coral air conditioning specialist Synergy Air is here and help is just a phone call away. Everything that we do, is handled by well trained professionals to service your needs. If we are unable to satisfy your problems, we will refund your money. Want to know more about our services? Call (239) 939-2032 or contact us today!

- Brett

This is the second installment of Nine Things to Check Before Spending Money on AC Repairs which can be downloaded from our free eBook library.

A circuit breaker is an automatic electrical switch that protects you against surges or short circuits. When a circuit breaker “trips,” it’s detecting a fault and immediately shuts off the flow of electricity to that particular circuit.

If your air conditioner stopped working, it may be that your circuit breaker has tripped. It’s usually simple to fix, and you probably don’t need a Bonita Springs air conditioning professional. Here’s how:

Locate your electrical service panel. This is usually in a garage or laundry room, or sometimes located near your furnace or hot water heater.

To see which breaker has tripped, look for the one that is not fully in the “on” position. In some cases, your breaker may have a red light identifying which one has shut off.

To reset the breaker, simply push the lever all the way to “off”, then all the way back to “on”.

Sometimes this is all it takes to fix your problem, and you can sit back, relax and enjoy life in the cool comfort of your home!

However, if your air conditioner shuts off again after you reset the circuit breaker, you’ll need to find the source of the problem.

There are many things that might be causing your circuit breaker to trip. One of the most common causes is having too many items plugged into one outlet. Check to see if this is the case and move your lamps, stereos, etc. to other outlets. If this doesn’t solve the problem, there could be a more serious issue at hand.

If you need Bonita Springs air conditioning services, we are available 24 hours a day not only in Bonita Springs, but all of Southwest Florida. At Synergy Air, our technicians are professional, well-trained heating & air conditioning specialists, and have only your best interest and the functioning of your air conditioning unit in mind. Check out our reviews from other clients. We know that having an air condition problem is no fun at all, so call us at (239) 939-2032 or contact us online.

- Brett

This is the first installment of Nine Things to Check Before Spending Money on AC Repairs which can also be downloaded as a free eBook.

Did you know you might spend as much as 90% of your life indoors? If you live in Florida, you’re probably spending even more time inside, enjoying relief from the blistering heat.

But all this time spent indoors means that you can be subjected to several indoor pollutants. If you’re not changing your air filter regularly, then you’re breathing in significant amounts of dust and other impurities.

By forgetting to change your air filter, you’re not only putting your health at risk, you’re also hurting your bank account. Why?…

…Because when your filter is dirty, your air conditioner works harder to keep you cool. The harder it’s working… the higher your electric bill. By replacing your air filter about once a month, you not only reduce the contaminants in your home, you’ll also save money on your energy bill. To check and change your air filter, simply follow these steps:

Locate the filter. The air filter is either in the air holding unit itself or in a return vent.

Turn off the air conditioner. Safety comes first, and you shouldn’t work on an AC unit while it’s running. Also, you want to prevent dust and debris from getting in the unit while it’s open.

Figure out what size your filter needs to be. If you get the wrong size, you’re not fully protected and your unit will be forced to work harder. You should be able to find the filter’s measurements on its side. If you don’t see one, use a measuring tape to determine the exact size of the filter.

Head to the store. Filters are fairly inexpensive, but you’ll want to choose one that best fits the needs of your home. There are some that specialize in collecting cigarette smoke, mold, mites, and many other impurities.

Finally, remove the dirty filter and put the new air filter back into the unit. Make sure it’s a snug fit. To ensure that no air leaks around your filter, you might put tape or cloth between the frame and air filter. Close it back up, and turn the air back on. Now you can breathe easy knowing your electric bill is lower & your indoor air quality has improved.

If you’re concerned about your indoor air quality and you’re too busy to maintain your AC system, call us. We’re Cape Coral air conditioning experts and we’ll ensure your system is performing optimally. Want to know more about our services? Call (239) 939-2032 or contact us today!

-Brett