How Much A/C Drip is Normal?

Air conditioner condensation is a normal part of a healthy, functioning air conditioner. But sometimes, too much drip can be a sign of a faulty machine. So how do you know how much drip (and where) is a sign of a healthy air conditioner? The Miami air conditioning professionals will help you!

Air conditioners can be misunderstood. They don't solely project cold air into your home, they "condition" air, and they work to reduce humidity. The condensation that collects is similar to the process that occurs when condensation forms on the glass of an iced drink, only this condensation is occurring on cold surfaces of the air conditioning unit.

The amount of condensation depends on humidity levels as well as the size, efficiency and installation of the air conditioner. Drips should occur a majority of the time at the back of the air unit--and drips elsewhere may be signs of a problem. Dripping from the front could mean that you have installation errors. This is serious, because it could lead to mold problems.

More info on air conditioner drips & other household air conditioner tips to come soon!

Give Your A/C a Workout

Spring is here, and the need for air conditioning is certainly apparent. In the interest of saving your air conditioner and avoiding problems with your air conditioner unit, you'll want to give it a little workout and make sure that it's up to par for the coming months of summer.

A standard repair for your air conditoner in an inexpensive yet highly efficient part of owning an air conditioner. Considering that here in Miami, your air conditioner will be running an high to beat the 100+ degrees heat. Scheduling a checkup for your air conditioner is a process that you need to have a hands-on impact with. When the air maintenance worker arrives, pay attention to the process and the things that the professional says. Request a checklist that shows the status of your air conditioner parts and anything that may need to be replaced in the near future.

Extend Your Investment by Tuning Up Your A/C

So, you've made the plunge and purchased a new air conditioner. Now, you need to take the necessary steps to protect your purchase and maximize the money that you've put towards this machinery. Make it a point to perform regular maintenance on your air conditioner, because it requires a little TLC, as most machines do. The Miami air conditioning experts are here to tell you everything you need to know about your new purchase!

In a place like South Florida, air conditioners are constantly cranking. Regular maintenance check-ups will ensure that the machine is performing at its best, isn't being overworked, and that failure isn't around the corner. In fact, it's been said that with regular check-ups, your air conditioner will last around 15-20 years, unlike the unchecked units that fizzle out around 10-12 years.  Check ups that ensure your air unit is running properly will also save money on your monthly utility bill.

Conserve Gas by Way of Your Car A/C

Here at the Miami air conditioning experts, we know that air conditioning isn't just for your home or office--it's for keeping you cool on the go as well. However, recent gas price hikes have made us all pay attention to how much we are consuming--and how to cut back. In your car, cutting the a/c usage can save gas. But without the a/c cranking...how to stay cool?

The key isn't cutting air conditioning usage entirely, it's just about using it smarter.  Use it sparingly, and always utilize the economy or re-circulation settings to ensure your car is using the more efficient manner of auto a/c service. These settings reduce the amount of outside air that gets pumped in and therefore also cooled.

While is certainly gets hot here in Miami, there are days (like today!) where rolling down the windows and taking advantage of a free windy breeze can also be cooling.

Save Money on Your Air Conditioner Costs

With the right tips, you can slash significant dollars off of your air conditioning bills. Here at the Miami air conditioner professionals, we want to help you save money! Here are some of our top tips:

Looking for a new central air system? Pay attention to the SEER number! You don't want anything lower than a 13--14 for us here in Miami. Anything below a 13 will cost more money to power and run effectively in your home or office. In addition to the SEER, you'll want to pay attention to the EER--this number should be an 11 or higher. This will give you maximum energy conservation ability.

If you aren't in the market for a new air conditioner--maybe you should be. If your existing air unit has a rating below 11, your utility bills are higher than they would be with the right equipment. If it's under 8, you should seriously consider upgrading.

Pay attention to the outdoor air unit--keep it shaded, surrounded by shady plants and trees, and keep the drapes on the sunny side of your home drawn to lessen the sun's effect on your indoor temperature.

Keep your attic ventilated--the roof has a strong impact on heat absorption from the sun beating down upon it.

For other tips, tricks and answers, contact your favorite Miami air conditioining experts!

Get the Most Out of Your A/C

Many people don't realize that the air conditioner can do more than simply cool your home off--it can also keep fresh air ventilating throughout your home, control humidity, and contribute to the overall comfort of your residence. A heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system, also called HVAC, is a great machine to handle all of these things.

One caveat to those considering an HVAC--monthly servicing is ideal to keep utility costs down and efficiency up. Common monthly maintenance includes changing the filters. Also, remember to switch it off when you aren't home! When handled right, an HVAC is a relief to the wallet.

If you need a professional HVAC inspection, contact the air conditioning professionals at Edd Helms today!

Up Your A/C Efficiency

As we've told you time and time again here at the Miami air conditioning repair team blog, air conditioning maintenance is essential to a healthy air conditioner unit and also to conserving energy and money. As with other electronics and machinery that is used daily--such as your car, your coffee maker or even your computer, maintenance is key. Changing oil, cleaning out coffee grinds, or even running anti virus software are examples of how these items need maintenance. For your air conditioner, it's a little different, but still important.

The air conditioner has several parts that you need to show some TLC to. One of the easiest and most important parts of a functioning air conditioner is the filter. The filter is an easy and inexpensive piece that you swap out each month to maximize air flow. An old filter gets build up of dirt, dust and other debris that inhibits free flowing air into your home. Subsequently, your air conditioner works harder and uses more energy--no good for your machine or for your wallet!

We recommend marking a date to change your filters and setting it in your Outlook or your phone, so that you don't let months go by without changing it. It takes 5 minutes and goes a long way!

Use the Sun to Cool Your Home

It's no secret that Florida is one of the sunniest places in the US. Because of this fact, it makes Florida the ideal place to dive in to solar power. Aside from the fact that solar power can cut energy bills by up to 60%, it's also incredibly beneficial to the environment and cuts down on fossil fuel usage.

As local South Florida air conditioning repair professionals, we understand the value of harnessing solar power. For those who can't undergo the full transition, however, there are energy conserving tricks that can help you maximize your air conditioning consumption and also to stay comfortable in the famous Florida heat.

If you need air conditioning tips and advice, don't hesitate to contact your favorite a/c team at Edd Helms. We've been helping families and individuals "cool it down" for decades here in Miami!

How Food Influences Your Temperature

Ever wonder why summer staples like watermelon and lemonade are so popular? Eating and drinking cold foods helps lower your internal temperature on a hot day! This is especially important news for us in South Florida, where temps can be soaring year round. Save the soup and hot chocolate for our few weeks of "winter" and keep things cool the rest of the year.

Also, the way that you prepare your foods will have an affect on your home. By using the microwave or a grill, you'll keep temps under control versus using the oven or stove top. Heat is emitted from several household objects also, such as electronics and lights. Touch a light bulb or a DVD player and you'll see what we mean! Limit the use of heat heavy electronics and you'll keep your home comfortable and cool. The ultimate goal is to use less energy and remain comfortable, thereby cutting down bills and your carbon footprint.

These tips, as well as routine air conditioner maintenance will help cut down your bills and save on utility usage!

Programmable Thermostats

Programmable thermostats are a great way to conserve energy in your home or office and to also cut down on utility bills. Despite the hint of fall weather we're experiencing here in South Florida, it's likely that many residents are either still using the a/c or will be within a few days or weeks! One of the tricks we want to offer you to help you save money is to replace your old thermostat with a newer, programmable electronic thermostat.

A programmable thermostat will allow you to set a fixed temperature for your home and also to program a timetable. For example, say you like it cooler when you get home and throughout the evening--you can program your thermostat to your liking by setting it to kick on at 4:30pm, if you get home at 5. You won't be running the air all day to an empty home, and it won't be stifling and stuffy when you walk in the door. Genius!

Stay comfortable and save money on your air conditioning? What could be better!

Energy Awareness Month is Here!

Simple tips can help you reduce energy use and increase your savings. Keep cool as we transition into South Florida "fall" and cut back by following a few handy tips from your air conditioning repair experts at Edd Helms. Considering it's energy awareness month, what better time to get your carbon footprint under control? Let's begin!

Replace filters for your air conditioning unit regularly. Once a month is recommended, and it will allow for your air to flow freely and the unit to run less.

Adjust the thermostat. Keeping the air set at about 78 will lower your annual cost by a few hundred dollars. Also, maintenance once annually will benefit your system.

Check your water heater setting. It should be to about 120 degrees, anything higher is simply costing you more money.

If you have a yard or a terrace, consider a clothes line to cut back use of the dryer. Hanging clothes out to dry is a perfectly green alternative. Plus, it will cut back the heat that your dryer distributes throughout your home when it's running.

Reduce Humidity in Your Home

A few steps can keep your air circulating and humidity at a low point. Your favorite South Florida air conditioning experts want to show you how! You may know know exactly what humidity is--it's the amount of moisture in the air. For hot weather, it becomes that much more uncomfortable. It's important to understand air conditioning settings and other factors that impact the humidity in your home.

The air conditioner typically makes air drier and cooler. Forty percent is the target percent of humidity that will control nasty problems like mold growth in your home. However, simple home tasks such as using your washing machine, showering and cooking can increase the production of condensation and therefore moisture within your home. Done simultaneously, they cause the percentage of humidity to raise to about 60 percent.

To prevent humidity and mold problems, you need to make sure everything in your air conditioning unit is in order. A simple check-up will determine if exhaust moisture, air circulation, excess dampness, or a blockage are causing additional moisture to increase your humidity.

Protect Your Air Conditioner

Few things are less comfortable than a sunny afternoon with a broken air conditioner. Those of you who have experienced it know what an inconvenience it can be. Luckily, there are tips you can practice to keep from dealing with a broken air conditioner! One common problem is debris that builds up in the air conditioner. This can result in several points of the a/c/, from debris at the outside unit such as grass and dirt, or junk that actually gets into the indoor part and can clog the drains, resulting in water backup and leaks.

Ants are a common pest in backyards, and their presence can cause serious damage to your air conditioner. Deter these bugs by spraying Lysol or sprinkling baby powder around the unit to keep them at bay. Also, strategically place your a/c in the shade to cut back on draining effects of direct sunlight. Remember to also change the filter frequently--once a month should be safe to prevent debris from building up and preventing air flow.