In Florida, air conditioning is such a necessity it may make you wonder how anyone survived without it. Whether you’re having a new air conditioning system installed or your unit needs repairs, there are many things to know about each type of system.
The different types of air conditioning systems will all have their own special repair needs. When you search for air conditioning repair in Pensacola, knowing more about these systems can help you find the right air conditioning company to come to your rescue with repairs.
In order to identify potential problems with your air conditioning system and have the necessary maintenance and repairs done, you’ll need to know the type of system. In Florida, central air conditioners are the most common type of system. However, you may have a split unit AC, ductless mini-split, or even portable or window-mounted units.
A central air conditioning system is one of the best ways to cool your Florida home. This type of system uses an outdoor condenser unit paired with an indoor unit that houses an evaporator coil.
Inside the condenser, the compressor works to cycle refrigerant through the system. This cools the air before it enters your home. For all this to be possible, central air conditioning systems must have ducts through which the air travels and blows into air vents in each room.
Central air conditioners are among the most efficient ways to cool your home. However, they are incredibly complex appliances, which is why it is imperative to have them maintained by a licensed HVAC company.
Similar to central AC systems, split unit ACs have an added component called the multi-split inverter. With this component, multiple indoor units can be joined to one outdoor unit that houses the condenser and compressor.
This type of air conditioning system may be a suitable option if you have multiple rooms to cool and don’t want to add ductwork to your home. It’s an efficient option when compared to other ductless systems because it only requires a few minor alterations to your home to set it up.
If you have an older home that doesn’t have ductwork or has very limited space to work with, a ductless mini-split may be the solution you need. This system uses an outdoor condenser and has several indoor air handlers that you can install in different rooms of your home.
This system cools the air using the outdoor condenser and circulates it through the indoor units. Essentially, it targets areas where you need the most cooling in your home. The advantage of a ductless mini-split system is that you can cool several rooms at once.
Many homeowners keep a portable air conditioning unit as an emergency backup, especially when they have an older central air conditioner nearing the end of its lifespan. Portable units are also ideal to help you cool down a specific room, allowing you to easily move the system wherever you see fit.
These come with a compressor and evaporator coil built right in and can be plugged into any outlet. There are single and double-hose portable AC models. These draw the warm air in, cool it, and then release it into the room.
Portable AC units are a smart backup plan, but they’re not ideal as a permanent cooling solution in your Florida home. They have lower energy efficiency ratings which make them more expensive to run.
Another option for homes that have confined spaces or don’t have ducts is a window-mounted unit. These only cool the specific room that you install them in. You open a window and basically lock it into place. Window units usually have a fan to push cooled air into the room.
They aren’t the most effective option, but they can provide some relief. If you need to cool more than one room, this is not the best choice to keep your entire home feeling comfortable.
Whichever air conditioning system you choose, it will have unique repair needs. Central air conditioners need regular maintenance by an HVAC technician because they have many moving parts.
When it’s time for your central AC unit to be maintained, your air conditioning professional will check the condenser and evaporator coil, among other parts, to ensure the system is running well. On your end, you will need to change the air filter every 30 to 90 days to prevent dirt, debris, and pollutants from making it harder for your system to function.
Split systems require much less servicing than central air conditioners. This is because the components are on the exterior of your home. However, don’t neglect to have them taken care of by a professional.
A ductless mini-split system may be a great fit if you want less maintenance. You will need to keep an eye out for any issues with the condenser, air handler, and other system components and check your filters. Only call a professional HVAC company to make repairs.
Even though window-mounted AC units are easier to manage, they still require regular maintenance and upkeep for efficient operation. The condenser’s fins should be checked for blockage and damage to ensure proper airflow. They also have filters that should be cleaned often. With portable air conditioners, you’re not off the hook for maintenance. These systems can get dirty too, and you don’t want dirt or dust to affect their functionality.
Knowing what your AC system needs for maintenance and repairs is important to keep it working to its full potential. When you need Fort Walton Beach air conditioning repair or maintenance, make sure you call Lee Heating & Cooling for our expertise with every type of air conditioning system.
