What Will Happen To R22 and How It Affects You

March 15, 2019
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What is R-22?

If you have had an air-conditioner installed before 2010 and are not sure what R-22 is then it’s probably time you find out. R-22 refrigerant is a chemical that keeps the air coming from your air-conditioning system cool. Majority of air-conditioning units older than ten years have an AC refrigerant called R-22 that is commonly referred to as Freon. Ambrose Air Inc. is a prominent Orlando, Florida company that specializes in first-class commercial refrigerator repair service.

Why is R-22 bad?

Currently, the world has recognized and decided that R-22 refrigerant was destroying the Earth’s ozone layer. R-22 was banned because, as a gas, it works its way to the upper atmosphere where it breaks apart ozone and converts it into carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that causes a lot of problems, not just to the environment as a whole, but specifically to agriculture and farms.

As a gas, it reflects income solar radiation to earth causing the area to warm up. When mixed with water (rain) it becomes carbonic acid that damages plants by burning their leaves. Furthermore, as an air pollutant, carbon dioxide is deadly to humans in enough doses. However, in smaller doses, it leads to asthma and respiratory disease.

Timeline of the Phase Out

The government declared all new air-conditioners would be R-22 free by 2010. As a chemical, R-22 is not to be used after January 1st, 2020. Therefore, for people who have an HVAC or air conditioner that needs to be replaced, you will have to purchase one that contains R410A refrigerant. R410A is an environmentally friendly chemical which works in the same capacity as R-22, but without damaging the ozone layer.

If you do have an older AC unit with R-22 in it, you can still have it serviced through the end of 2019. After January 1st, 2020, air conditioners that contain R-22 will not be able to be recharged. R-22 production and import will be continually reduced by law until 2020 until it’s finally phased out completely. Only recycled R-22 refrigerant will be available to service existing air conditioners after 2020.

How it Affects Consumers

The phasing out of R-22 has a substantial effect on consumers. A vast amount of appliances and equipment in houses, apartments, businesses, and industrial worksites use R-22. A lot of HVAC units such as refrigerators, freezers, air conditioning systems in cars and trucks, dehumidifiers, and air-to-air and ground-source heat pumps contain R-22.

People who use this kind of equipment or appliances that generate large amounts of this chemical will be required to repair any coolant leaks within a certain time frame, and in other cases have leak detectors installed. Consumers can assume the prices of R-22 are going to increase due to the concept of supply and demand. As less R-22 is produced, the more expensive it will become until consumers replace their appliances all together which will be mandatory over the next few years.

The Future of Refrigerants

The newest coolant R410A is much safer for the environment and currently more expensive than R-22 since it’s not widely used and as available. On the other hand, this will change over time as the course of phasing out R-22 continues. As the supply and demand of R410A evens out, the cost will as well. Also, with the R410A being better for the environment, it’s also becoming known that appliances that have R410A coolant tend to have fewer vibrations, which means your products don’t break down as often.

Does Your Orlando AC Unit Need To Be Replaced?

March 8, 2019
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There’s a tipping point for every Orlando homeowner to decide on whether it’s better to repair their air conditioning system or replace it. While the more comfortable choice might seem to fix your current AC unit, it may be outdated or operating inefficiently. This can ultimately cost you more money in the long-run instead of getting a more efficient unit. If you have been contemplating replacing your unit, here are some things you need to consider when determining the best avenue for you and your family. Ambrose Air Inc is one of the best Orlando AC repair company by providing quality services, great customer service, and affordable prices.

New Government Standards

The federal government has recently set new standards and recommendations for every homeowner to replace an air-conditioning unit that is more than ten years old. As efficiency rates are significantly higher than their older counterparts, you can eliminate future bills on repairs while also reducing your monthly electric costs simply because your new AC unit will be running more efficiently.

Return on Investment

The cost of replacing your unit is typically based off of its size and how well it’s operating. In most cases, air-conditioner units that have a higher seer rating are more expensive up front. However, they run much more efficiently, which saves you money on your utility bills every month. Deciding to purchase a higher efficient AC unit can quickly return your investment through the savings you will receive on your electric bills.

Safer for the Environment

Every home air-conditioner that was manufactured before 2010 uses refrigerant referred to as R22. The Environmental Protection Agency has determined that R-22 is depleting the earth’s ozone layer of protection. Therefore, as the EPA’s response, they have significantly decreased the amounts of R-22 being used. They initiated this process by banning manufacturers from making any new air-conditioners that were designed for the R-22 refrigerant. If you replace your old air conditioner with a new one, you will be doing your part in protecting the environment.

High Humidity Levels

If the rooms in your home feel cool in one area but hot in another, it could be a duct problem, poor insulation, or faulty equipment. High humidity problems in your home are usually due to poor equipment operation or if your AC unit is the wrong size. It could be a result of leaking ductwork that is allowing the air to escape before reaching the interior of your home.

Houses that have excessive dust are an indicator of leaky ducts that pull air particles into the house from inside your attic or crawl spaces. If your cooling system sounds noisy, it could be a problem with your coil inside of the air-conditioner that is used to cool down the air.

Making the Decision to Replace Your A/C

If your air-conditioner needs frequent repairs and your power bill is continuously increasing, then it’s probably time for you to consider replacing your AC unit. Increased electric bills are evidence that your air conditioner has become inefficient. If your AC unit or heat pump is more than ten years old, then you should switch it out for an energy star rated unit. New air conditioners typically save people up to 20% on their cooling costs and the lower utility bill will off-set the up-front expenses.

Hurricane Damage and Flooded AC Units

March 1, 2019
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Flooded AC units are common in Florida and trying to start one back up after it has been affected by a hurricane or flood can cost you thousands if you don’t handle the situation correctly. Air cooling system problems don’t always show signs of deteriorating, which is why it’s important to have your unit checked out by a certified technician to have everything assessed before you turn it back on. At Ambrose Air Inc, we put our customers first. We strive to be the best Orlando AC repair company by providing quality services, great customer service, and affordable prices.

One of the first things you should do once you suspect water damage in your air-conditioner is turn off the electricity in your home. This will prevent harm to you and prevent added damage to your AC unit. All it takes to turn off your electricity is a simple task of switching off the breaker in your fuse box.

Furthermore, an outdoor unit of your AC system is meant to withstand high amounts of rain and humidity, but it’s not intended to be completely submerged in flood waters. So make sure to turn off your electricity to avoid any more damage to your unit or house.

After a flood, you will always need to assess the entire system to see what kind of damage has been done. It’s imperative that you check the wires, connectors, and electrical components for corrosion. Also, check for broken seals and water damage on the condenser fan motor.

Running your air conditioner after it has been damaged in a flood can pose a severe threat to your AC system, your health, and your home. Even if you think your system is okay, you should still have a professional come out and fine-tune everything before you try and use it.

While your AC unit was exposed to flooding or a hurricane, it is likely some of the equipment will need to be repaired or replaced. Here is a small list of equipment you should have inspected by an HVAC technician.

Furnaces and Boilers

If there are any signs that floodwater has reached your furnace or boiler, you need to have it inspected by a licensed professional. Corrosion can begin inside, and you may not notice the damage if the outside of the device is clean and dry.

Heat Pumps and Air Conditioners

Split systems use power and control wiring between the indoor and outdoor units, as well as, piping for whichever refrigerant you’re using through your flow system. If a flood or hurricane has caused either the outdoor or indoor units to become repositioned, even just a little; there could be a chance you have a potential refrigerant leak. If you do have a leak, this will require significant repairs or a full replacement.

If the refrigerant happens to remain intact after a flood or hurricane, your entire system should be cleaned, dried, and disinfected. In this situation, you should have an HVAC technician check the indoor and outdoor connections and all of the control circuits.

Clogged Condenser Coils

High winds that accompany a hurricane can often lead to excessive airborne dust and debris that can clog up your aluminum fins within your HVAC system’s condenser coil. When a storm passes, you may find the fins of your condenser coil filled with dirt, dust, grass, leaves, or other objects from around your house.

If your coils become clog, this restriction can reduce the potential heat transfer from the refrigerant to the ambient air, which prevents the HVAC’s system’s ability to cool your home. Fortunately, if your condenser coil does get clogged, it is relatively easy to fix. All you have to have to do is clean the coils using a condenser coil cleaner and a standard hose. If this is done correctly, you can sufficiently restore your condensing back to its normal operation.

In conclusion, if your AC unit has endured any damage from either a flood or hurricane, take the necessary steps to ensure the proper maintenance of your HVAC and the safety of your household. Although some repairs can be a simple repair, it’s still always a good idea to have an expert technician asses your HVAC unit to prevent any further damage.

Carbon Monoxide and Heat Exchangers

February 22, 2019
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As a homeowner, getting news that your heat exchanger is cracked is never good news. Most people know it’s a serious issue and they know they have to do something about it. Some people ignore the seriousness of a cracked heat exchanger. The reality is, a cracked heat exchanger poses a real danger to the home and your family, so it’s essential to address the issue before something terrible happens. Ambrose Air, Inc. takes pride in our fast response time when helping you with your emergency and repair needs. Our trained service technicians and diagnostic equipment enable us to perform adjustments or repairs when you need them.

Every cracked heat exchanger is not a life or death emergency that spews levels of carbon monoxide into your house that causes instant death or sickness. However, every cracked heat exchanger should be replaced, either through a complete furnace replacement or just changing out the heat exchanger.

So what exactly is a Heat Exchanger?

A heat exchanger allows for the exchange of heat between two fluids without the fluids mixing. If you have a forced air furnace, then it’s two different air streams. The returned air from the home and the hot exhaust from the combustion of gas are separated by sheet metal or tubing; that typically snakes back and forth to allow for the maximum amount of air to pass over it, and the most heat to be exchanged between the two streams.

Inside your furnace or boiler, there is a fire burning inside. Natural gas or propane is being burned, and the byproduct of the process is energy in the form of heat. Also, varying amounts of water vapour, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, pure carbon, and some nitrogen oxide can be released. Those are all things that you want nothing to do with inside your house, especially, in large quantities. CO2, CO, soot, and NOx are considered pollutants and can cause sickness or be fatal if breathed in high levels.

What are the Dangers Associated with a Cracked Heat Exchanger?

A cracked heat exchanger could permit fumes from the heater to taint the household air with fume gases including carbon monoxide. For this to occur, the heater must produce elevated amounts of carbon monoxide, and the fumes gas must join with the household air. This could prompt ailment and possibly lead to death.

Warnings Signs of a Cracked Heat Exchanger

In addition to a visual assessment to recognize a break, there are a couple of signs of a potential issue with your heat exchanger that you need to watch out for. If you turn the heat on and the flares gleam and appear to be infernal, then this could be a sign that circled air from the heater is getting into the burning territory and you might have to get it analyzed by an HVAC professional. Although you hope that your heat exchanger never gets to this point, other signs include carbon monoxide detectors sounding, family members getting sick, and feeling lightheaded and nauseous. To ensure your safety, make sure your home is adequately equipped with carbon monoxide detectors and that you’re replacing the batteries regularly.

How Can I be sure my Heat Exchanger is cracked?

If you’re unsure and have doubts whether your heat exchanger is cracked, the best thing for you to do is call an HVAC technician. A technician will show you your failing heat exchanger or at the very least a photo. Additionally, they will test both the home and furnace for carbon monoxide. After that, they will inform the residents of any dangers associated with your heat exchanger and provide professional advice on what they should do next.

March 13, 2017
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The last thing you want to happen on a sweltering summer afternoon in Florida is for your air conditioner to quit working. Regular maintenance of your cooling system can prevent the vast majority of issues from striking, but occasionally, problems arise even despite your best attempts. Complications can occur for a plethora of reasons, from clogged air filters to the positioning of plants and other debris hindering your air conditioner from working efficiently. Faulty installation, even if you were unaware of the shoddy work at the time, is another common culprit that can contribute to your air conditioner malfunctioning. The average lifespan of an air conditioning and HVAC unit is 15 years, so if yours hasn’t reached this point, there’s a pretty good chance it’s repairable. Albeit there are certain problems that will need to be remedied by a licensed professional, many nuisances are an affordable and easy fix. Next time you find yourself struggling to figure out what’s causing your air conditioner to fail, consider these common problems and their solutions: (more…)

Common AC Issues

December 8, 2016
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One of a homeowner’s worst nightmares is AC breakdown. AC units have many components and one faulty cog in the machine is all it takes for system failure. Some issues are common and can be easily resolved.

Your filters may need to be changed, or the system may just need a hard reset. If your AC unit fails, first check circuit breakers and fuses. Caution is required, however, and you will need to allow your unit to cool down for a few minutes before attempting any resets.
Common issues with AC range from simple overheating, to wire corrosion that will need to be addressed by a professional. Homeowners may be capable of fixing some issues themselves. But, because certain components of you AC unit may pose an electrical or fire hazard, professional assistance may be required for any tampering with any wiring or circuit issues. (more…)

October 24, 2016
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Air Duct Maintenance Tips

Air duct maintenance is crucial for sustaining your cooling and heating units. Air ducts are hollow tubes that circulate cooled or heated air throughout your house. Air passes through the ducts, and helps form your home’s ventilation system. Since air ducts are concealed within walls, floors and ceilings, regular maintenance can be easily forgotten. Neglected air ducts can lead to bigger problems down the line like leaks, clogs, build-up of mold and dust, and energy waste. (more…)

September 24, 2016
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Heater Maintenance In Florida

Thinking about your heater is most likely not a top priority as a sunshine state resident, but it is imperative to maintain your heater if you live in Florida. Performing regular maintenance maximizes the life cycle of your heating unit and guards against many common equipment failures. Regular maintenance prevents common issues which may arise when neglected. Preventative care for your heating unit ensures maximum efficiency and gives you peace of mind knowing your heater will function properly when you need it. Who has the time and money for unexpected heating failures? By performing regular maintenance, you can spend your time focusing on what really matters, and savor precious time with family. (more…)