[fusion_text]Posted by: Susan Rosser on January 05, 2015 It snowed in Florida for the first time in five years this January, up north in Jacksonville. The cold front from Canada had also affected cities in the central region, including Orlando, which was recently hit by wind chills. Weather experts, are saying, however, that these cold fronts will not last for long, as temperatures of as high as the 80s are expected for the rest of January and on to February. This means Orlando residents should make sure their air conditioning systems are in top shape. Proper air conditioning maintenance is a must if you want an efficient system and avoid high energy bills. When problems do happen, do not fall into the trap of conducting DIY repairs if the case requires the knowhow of Orlando air conditioning repair experts, like those at Westbrook Service Corporation. Troubleshooting Certain problems may require only minor troubleshooting. For example, if your AC unit refuses to work, check the basics, like if the settings are correct, or if the system controls are in good working condition. The problem could be something as minor as a drained remote control battery. Some malfunctions are also simple enough to fix on your own, such as replacing a burnt-out fuse, or pushing the compressor motor’s reset button back in. Professional Repair When you have exhausted all simple troubleshooting measures, and your unit still refuses to function well, if at all, then it’s time to call in Orlando AC repair professionals. The problem might be coming from a damaged electrical wiring or main power cord, which should be left in the hands of HVAC technicians. Problems with the AC compressor could also be the result of fluctuating voltage over a period of time. If this is the case, the compressor may need to be replaced altogether by a professional. If you are not getting enough cooling, the problem might be coming from insufficient power reaching the blower fans. This can happen if the wires connecting the blower motor to the electrical source are damaged. Testing with a multimeter will tell you if this is causing the problem. If the blower is getting enough power, but is still not working, the motor’s capacitor may need to be changed. Whether the solution is replacing damaged blower wires or the capacitor, rely on AC repair pros to safely and accurately do the job. Insufficient cooling could also mean a need for coolant change, which again should be done only by a technician. Likewise, a buildup of frost around connectors, fan motors, and hoses could indicate a leak. An AC repair pro can detect the source of the leak and perform the necessary repair or replacement. (Source: Florida’s Record Warmth Mocks Rest of Cold, Shivering U.S., Weather.com, January 4, 2015)[/fusion_text]

[fusion_text]Posted by: Susan Rosser on October 03, 2014 Living in Florida can be difficult due to the humidity, which can make the weather seem hotter than it actually is. In such cases, the problem can easily be resolved by turning on the air conditioning. Unfortunately for many residents in Tampa Bay and Orlando who use their AC systems regularly, a recent mix-up with a local power distributor resulted in exorbitant energy bills due to errors in the billing processes. TheOrlando Sentinel reports: The majority of overcharges were for customers in the Tampa Bay area, where the issue boiled over in recent weeks, but Orlando customers also will be getting credits for what Duke has explained as “unintentionally” charging a higher rate for electricity. Having apologized for the matter, Duke is now issuing billing credits that are averaging nearly $6 each. For those who get credits, bills will plainly state that one is being issued, spokeswoman Nicole LeBeau said. Although the overcharge has been attributed to the installation of new energy meters, high energy bills can also indicate a problem with your AC unit. A poorly maintained unit requires more energy to run as effectively as you want it to. To resolve this problem, prompt AC repair in Orlando is required to prevent that “unexplainable” increase to your energy bill. Fortunately, spotting a problem with your AC unit is fairly easy to do. Here are two common AC problems and how you can identify them: Air isn’t cool enough If the air produced by the unit isn’t cooling, your unit may be leaking refrigerant (Freon). To see if this is the case, take a spray bottle of soapy water and spray the tubes along the outer body of your unit; be sure to avoid the electrical components. If the water begins to bubble, you have a Freon leak. Restricted air flow In the case of restricted air flow, there may be two causes. The most common cause is blockage in the air ducts. This problem can easily be resolved by having you air ducts cleaned professionally. Sometimes, ice forming within the unit can cause restricted air flow. You can usually notice this if water puddles form underneath the ac unit, especially if it has been turned off for an hour or two. This usually indicates a faulty evaporator coil. In the event you notice any of these problems, be sure to call a trusted Orlando air conditioning repair contractor like Westbrook Service Corporation. Not only do prompt repairs and proper maintenance help keep your energy bills down, but they also help extend the lifespan of your unit, keeping your home cool for years to come. (Source: Duke Energy overcharges leaves customers hot; Orlando Sentinel; September 6, 2014)[/fusion_text]

Posted by: Susan Rosser on September 17, 2014 Summer isn’t just the time for people to start flocking to nearby Disney World; it’s also the peak season for home air conditioning in Orlando, Florida. To survive this time without having to buy brand new AC units, you should know how to care for and maintain your home’s cooling systems and when needed, call for reliable air conditioning repair from Orlando professionals like the Westbrook Service Corporation. When you inspect your AC, be on the lookout for signs that you might need to recharge the coolants.   Coolant Refill Needs It’s important to note that from the outset, your air conditioner’s coolant or refrigerant never goes bad over time, so you don’t have to replace or refill it because of chemical composition alone. However, there are many problems in the AC’s mechanical parts that can cause the coolant to leak such as matted coils, worn-out valves, and even poor design. Checking the Thermostat The first thing to inspect if you think you might need a coolant refill is the thermostat. Start by setting the temperature to 85 and wait about half an hour, then readjust it to 60 and wait for the unit to run. If the house cools efficiently, you have little to worry about; otherwise, if it takes a lot of time, there might be little coolant left to do the job properly. Inspecting the Vents SF Gate writer Tim Anderson mentioned that you should check up on your central AC’s vents to find out if there might be indicators of problems: If the vents are blowing room-temperature air, or warm air, rather than cold after you clean the thermostat and reset the unit, this is a sign that your coolant might be out of charge in the air conditioner. You check this by holding your hand in front of the vents and feeling for warm air. Give the machine at least 15 minutes to see if maybe it was just residual air coming out of the vent system as it makes its way throughout your home. If the air still isn’t cold, it is a sign that you could need to call a technician for a coolant charge. Call the Pros If after these tips, you believe that your coolant does need refilling, call up the professionals for a final diagnosis so that they can do the work themselves. Never attempt to perform a refill on your own, as you might be voiding your warranty or risking damage to your unit. Orlando AC repair professionals are armed with the right knowledge and technology to conduct the proper interventions. (Source: How to Know If a Central Air Conditioner Needs a Charge, SF Gate)