Frequently Asked Questions About Ductless AC Systems

June 25, 2019
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When shopping for air conditioning systems for your home or property, it is advisable to go for reliable and efficient models such as central air. Though advised, central air conditioning systems may not be the best choice for older homes with no ductwork. As trusted AC Repair professionals, we install and service ductless systems across Central Florida and people often ask us questions while we are on the job. We’ve compiled some FAQs that might help you better understand the ductless ac system, so you can decide whether it is the best option for your home.

What is a Ductless AC System?

As the name suggests, a ductless unit is a heating and cooling system that regulates temperatures in a home without the need for ductwork. They have two major parts: an air handling unit installed indoors and an outdoor heat pump. (more…)

How to Improve Air Quality in Your Home

June 24, 2019
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Research shows indoor air can carry as much as 70% of pollutants than outdoor air. These contaminants irritate individuals who suffer allergies or asthma. Let’s look at how you can improve the quality of indoor air in your home.

Maintain clean floors

Always clean your floors, so that dust, allergens, and chemicals don’t accumulate on them. A vacuum fitted with a HEPA filter will come handy in reducing the build-up of dirt and contaminants including toxins, dust mites, and pet dander. Ensure that you vacuum clean areas with high traffic such as carpet and upholstered furniture.

Once you finish vacuum cleaning, mop your floors and walls to get rid of dust that your cleaner could have missed. Use clean water and a microfiber mop, which is more effective than conventional mops. (more…)

HVAC Care for Pet Owners

June 18, 2019
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Your pets bring joy, love, and companionship into your home, and they are a part of your family. However, they also bring pet hair, dander, and outside dust and dirt to your HVAC system. To keep your system operating efficiently, here on some tips on how to maintain your HVAC system with pets.

1. Change Your Air Filter Monthly

The best thing you can do for your HVAC system when you have pets is to change your air filter once a month. Pet hair and dander can get stuck in your filter and cause your HVAC system to get clogged. Clogged air filters can result in reduced airflow throughout your house. Reduced airflow can lead to your HVAC system working harder and using more energy to keep your home on your thermostat settings. Changing your air filter can result in better energy efficiency and reduced repair bills. (more…)

3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Delay Your Air Conditioning Tune-Up

June 18, 2019
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AC repair is an essential factor when having to deal with the Florida weather throughout the year. Many homeowners don’t realize the urgency when it comes to air conditioner maintenance, and this can become a problem very quickly. It poses the question of what exactly do these tune-ups do for the household and if they are necessary every year. Here are three reasons why air conditioning tune-ups should never be skipped or delayed.

Fixing Problems Early Can Save You Money down the Road

There’s nothing worse than your air conditioner not working on a hot day. The hottest days require air conditioners to work the hardest, which can cause problems if there are any pre-existing issues with the unit. Regular tune-ups find the issues before they affect the household and reduce the chances of being uncomfortable in your own home. (more…)

Is Your Attic Property Insulated?

June 11, 2019
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It may come as a surprise to hear that the attic in your home can provide you significant energy savings. Without the proper insulation in place to keep the air in your home; the money you’ve invested in your power bills may have well been burned. Ambrose Air, Inc. has been a family-owned AC repair and HVAC company in Orlando for over 25 years. They are prepared to tackle a variety of Orlando AC repair issues, including troubleshooting, AC replacement, and general repair services.

Why Insulating Your Attic is Important

You may be thinking about how an area in your home which is used for storage can be so vital to your home’s energy efficiency. Adequate attic insulation and ventilation are two critical factors in maintaining the temperature and overall comfort level in your home. Attic insulation is imperative when it comes to keeping cold air in your home during the Florida weather.

How Attic Insulation Works

If you have air going out through your attic, your HVAC system needs to work harder to heat or cool your house. Installing additional or higher quality attic insulation will help keep the air inside your home. A well-insulated attic will prevent your system from having to work as often, which will save you energy and money. Cost savings fluctuate on a variety of factors such as resident’s habits, whether you have a smart thermostat and the type of HVAC system you have. Typically, homeowners can save 20 percent on their energy bills with proper attic insulation. Regardless of where you live, adequate attic insulation can help you in reducing normal wear and tear on your heating and cooling system.

Different Types of Attic Insulation

Attic insulation is rated in terms of thermal resistance, which is referred to as R-value. The higher your R-value is, the better your insulation is. Here are the three main kinds of attic insulation:

Roll-on insulation is usually the cheapest kind of attic insulation due to its quick and straightforward process of being installed. Roll-on insulation is flexible, which allows it to fit tightly in-between studs and rafters. The tight fit helps the air stay in your house.
Blown-in insulation is more efficient since it allows the installation to fit in smaller crevices where it could leak out. Also, blown-in insulation is moisture resistant, which protects your home from mold and odor.
Spray foam insulation is known to be the most energy efficient since it expands and tightly plugs all the holes where air could leak from. Spray foam insulation also lasts longer than other types of attic insulation.

Signs You Should Replace your Attic Insulation

If you’re feeling a draft in your house, it’s coming from cracks in your walls and uneven air pressure. Noticing chill drafts in your home can be a sure sign it’s time for new attic insulation.
People tend to think of the attic as being a section of your house that’s stuffy and hot. However, your attic space can become prone to moisture-related issues. Wet attic insulation can attract mold and mildew. So, if you see any signs of water leaking from your ceiling, this could mean there is an exposure in your attic insulation.
Attic insulation can provide a beautiful home for rats and other pests. If your attic hasn’t been cleaned out in a while, it could become vulnerable to rodents, insects, and possibly birds. If you have old insulation in your attic, then it’s probably time to replace the materials before various creatures start to dwell in your insulation.

How often should you get Your Installation Replaced?

A lot of homeowners think they only have to replace their insulation one time. Although that is true under most conditions, your home’s insulation has a life expectancy of 100 years. On the contrary, as your insulation ages, it deteriorates over time. This is why it’s essential to get your attic insulation looked at once a year. Whether you just had attic insulation installed or it’s been decades. It’s still important to keep up with the maintenance of your attic insulation to ensure your HVAC system maintains a comfortable level temperature inside your home.

AC Repair versus AC Replacement

June 4, 2019
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Your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system is a crucial part of maintaining the comfort inside your home. The purpose of your HVAC system is to maintain a comfortable, consistent indoor climate to your household, no matter what the conditions are outside. There is no better feeling than walking into a cool home on a hot, sticky, summer Florida day.

HVAC is the most common, efficient, and affordable way of monitoring the temperatures inside of your home. Having an HVAC system installed can drastically impact the effectiveness of your system. Therefore, it’s important you choose professionally trained technicians that are backed by comprehensive maintenance agreements.

Types of HVAC Systems

Central System – A central heating and air conditioning system is the most used HVAC. These systems often involve parts that are both inside and outside of the home. Some of the essential components of a split system are the furnace, ductwork, evaporator coil, control panel, and condenser.

Ductless Split System – It’s evident in the name, ductless split systems don’t rely on ductwork to distribute heated or cooled air throughout your home. Since these systems aren’t restricted by ducting, it can reach sections of your home which may be out of reach in a traditional split system. For instance, a ductless system can provide additional heat to garages, and any rooms that were added in an extension without you having to replace your entire HVAC system.

Geothermal System – Operated from a ground-source heat pump which passes water through an underground piping system. The heating that is employed by this type of system is often more dependable than alternative HVAC systems. Geothermal systems are also eco-friendly since they use no fossil fuels and significantly lower your greenhouse emissions by using the heat present in the ground as fuel.

Signs You Should Replace Your HVAC

How old is the System?

The age of your system is a significant factor in deciding whether you should have your HVAC repaired or replaced. In general, if you own a newer system, then most likely you won’t need to replace your system. If your system is older than ten years, it might make more sense to replace the system since it’s approaching its general life expectancy.

Energy Bills

Monitoring your energy bills, especially when you start to notice issues in your electrical appliances is a great way to determine the efficiency of your HVAC system. If this happens, you should contact an HVAC professional to come out and figure the extent of your problem. The professional will be able to determine whether repairs will fix the problem, or if your HVAC system should be replaced.

Frequency of Repairs

If your HVAC system is getting repaired consistently (once a year or more), then it may be time for you to replace your HVAC system. Frequent repairs mean there is a larger issue that can only really be resolved with a newer system. If your HVAC system is constantly being repaired, then fixing the issues are only a temporary problem, but not a solution to the root of the problem.

Consider the Benefits of HVAC Repair

The age of your HVAC system and the impact it has on your monthly bills are the biggest factors in determining whether you should repair your HVAC system. A new system will give you comfort to your home environment, and you will immediately be able to notice the difference in efficiency. Furthermore, you won’t have to make any major repairs for several years, while also lowering your monthly bills.

However, here are some common reasons for having your system repairs instead of being replaced. If you’re experiencing these following issues, repairs may be the better option rather than replacing the system.

Worn Contactor

Majority of HVAC systems utilize three contactors. These components are responsible for creating an electrical connection in the system, which starts the motors, allowing them to create a heating and cooling effect. If these are worn, the system will not start up adequately. Contactors are a typical problem in HVAC systems which can be easily repaired.

Damaged Compressor

The compressor is a vital part of your HVAC system. If there’s too much strain placed on your compressor, then it can become damaged over time. A damaged compressor is an easy fix, and as long as you replace the compressor, your system will continue to run effectively.

Dirty Filter

Proper ventilation is imperative for the effectiveness of your system, so if your filter becomes clogged with dust, your motor can overheat. Regularly cleaning the filter is a quick repair and maintains the quality of your HVAC system.

Warning Signs That Your Heater Is Not Well

May 28, 2019
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Modern HVAC systems are incredibly safe and dependable. Naturally, a heating system is only as good as the service it receives. This is why it’s essential to keep up with regular maintenance of your system to ensure it keeps working correctly. However, even with routine service, there may still be a need for repairs. At some point, no matter how well your HVAC system may be, you’re going to run into operational problems with your heating system. Ambrose Air, Inc. has been a family-owned AC repair and HVAC company in Orlando for over 25 years. Our customers come to us, and stay with us, not just because we do a fantastic job at ac repair orlando, but because we care about why we are in this business.

When problems do arise, it’s always a good idea to have them resolved as soon as possible. To understand when your heater needs repairs done, you need to be able to catch the early warning signs. If you notice any of these signs with your heater, do not hesitate to contact your local professional to get your HVAC unit inspected.

Your Heating Bills Seem Too High

There are a lot of reasons why your heating efficiency can deteriorate over several years. You could potentially have a problem with ductwork, such as leaks that are letting heat out of your system before it reaches different parts of your house. Also, your heater could be older and not able to perform at a proper efficiency level like it used to.

With that said, if you notice sudden drops in your energy bills, then most likely it’s a result of a new problem. Having your system regularly inspected and your ductwork tested is always a good idea. At this point, it’s important to contact a professional so they can narrow down the potential causes of your problem and resolve your issue entirely. You shouldn’t have to settle for heating that drains your budget.

Is Your Heater Making Strange Sounds?

Although radiant heating systems are usually silent, they’re not the most commonly used system. Systems such as ductless splits, heat pumps, and furnaces are a lot more common in people’s homes. These systems distribute heated air around your house, which can make some noise as they cycle on and off. Other times, you may hear loud clanging, screeching, and banging noises.

If you notice any of these sounds, you may think it’s just an annoyance. However, your heater could be telling you there is something seriously wrong. It’s possible you might need a new fan belt if you hear screeching. Also, the clanging could mean loose parts which are rolling around in your system causing it damage.

Your Heater Isn’t Running Consistently.

You know the heat is on, but as you walk around the house, you can feel cold spots, where your heater doesn’t seem to be reaching. If you have checked to see if your ducts are open, and you can still feel cold air in certain areas, then that’s a sign your heater isn’t working correctly.

In addition, rooms or areas that feel too warm can also be a sign that your heating system needs repair. Not fixing your heating system, can result in you having to pay more in energy costs. Heating maintenance can help, but ultimately your system may have to be replaced entirely.

Now Is the Time to Upgrade Your Thermostat

May 21, 2019
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The thermostat for your HVAC system is a critical gauge which can save you money and make your heating and cooling system more effective. Different kinds of modern electronic thermostats come programmable and smart. A programmable thermostat has a vacation mode that will automatically increase the standard temperature by a few degrees while you’re gone. On the other hand, a smart thermostat lets you make temperature adjustments with your smart phone. Ambrose Air Inc is here to explain why you should upgrade to a new thermostat.

Choosing a New Programmable Thermostat

When choosing a new programmable thermostat, sometimes you can bypass replacing ducts, furnaces, and air conditioners. The better thermostat you have, the more efficient your HVAC system will run. If your thermostat is older than ten years, your system will run much better if you upgraded to a programmed thermostat. If you already have a programmed thermostat, a newer unit could mean significant energy savings in the long-run.

Typically, the newer your thermostat is, the more control your thermostat will have in remembering the temperature you want in your house. More modern thermostat units can
program temperatures at a particular time and set specific temperature changes. For instance, you can set your thermostat’s timing based off:

A specific weekday and the weekend
All of the weekdays including Saturday’s and Sunday’s
Each day of the week

Advantages of Programmable Thermostats

When you can program temperatures, there will be no need for you to tip-toe across the kitchen floor in the middle of the night to set the temperature. A new programmed thermostat lets you have control of the temperature so that your home will always feel comfortable, regardless of the season. The more modern devices allow you to set the temperature for each room in your house. Also, new thermostats require less maintenance since they give you maintenance reminders such as replacing an air filter. A thermostat upgrade eliminates one of the biggest HVAC problems, which is neglect.

Controlling Temperatures with Your Smart Phone

One of the most significant benefits of a thermostat upgrade is the ability to link a new thermostat to your smart phone and make programming adjustments from any location. In addition, you will receive maintenance updates from your phone to ensure you will always be up-to-date on your air and heating condition. This feature allows you to keep your temperature at an optimal energy saving level and has the option to reset your temperature once you’re home.

Top Reasons for Thermostat Upgrade

Lowered energy bills
Automatic temperature change settings
Receive access to your HVAC monitoring data and system status
A modern and sleep touch screen instead of using manual controls
A newer thermostat facilitates zoning systems

Lowered Energy Costs

If you decide to go on vacation, it’s recommended you turn up your thermostat rather than completely turning it off. The reason for this is air conditioners re-circulate air that is already near the desired temperature. Leaving your air conditioner off for a long time means it has to work harder to reach the temperature you set once you’re back home.

Programming Your Thermostat

A newer thermostat is sure to make your life more comfortable since it will save you time and bring you solace about your energy bills. With a programmed thermostat, you won’t have to sacrifice comfort. You can use it to make temperature changes, and program the temperature to increase or decrease to your choice before coming home.

Eco-friendly Benefit

A programmed thermostat protects the environment in a multitude of ways. Not only does a programmed thermostat help you cut energy costs. It also doesn’t use a toxic substance of mercury, which is used in older thermostats.

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.

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