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Jan, 07, 2023

How Does an Air Conditioner Work Step By Step?

While sitting comfortably in the cool air of an AC unit during summer, you may wonder how an AC blows the cool air. Where does the indoor heat go? How does an air conditioning unit work? The step by step process of an AC operation below will answer all your queries.

The step-by-step working process of an AC unit

The AC unit blows cool air and removes indoor heat and humidity. Understand how your AC works through the four simplified steps.

  • The Coil Takes The Heat 

The blower draws in the warm air from indoors into the air vents. Then this warm air reaches the cool evaporator coils, the coils absorb the heat and blow the cool air indoors. The absorbed heat raises the temperature of the refrigerant and converts it into a gaseous state.

  •  AC Compresses The Refrigerant 

The high-pressure refrigerant gas travels to the compressor. It pressurizes the refrigerant between two objects and raises the temperature. This high-pressure gas then reaches the condenser located in the outdoor unit.

  • Refrigerant Expels The Heat 

The outdoor air absorbs the heat from the vaporized warm refrigerant gas in the condenser. This process lowers down the temperature of the refrigerant. When the temperature decreases, the refrigerant changes back to the liquid state.

  • The Cycle Repeats 

This cold refrigerant in the liquid state travels back from the outdoor condenser to the indoor evaporator coil. It repeats the same cooling process until the temperature reaches the required cooling. Once the indoor temperature meets your expectation, the thermostat shuts off the cooling process until the space requires cooling again.

Things That Can Obstruct Air Conditioning Operation

The AC working process is simple, but a few maintenance mistakes can obstruct this process and result in AC repairs in Lake City, FL. The problems that can affect the AC operation are:

  • Unclean air filter and condenser coil 
  • Blockage in drain lines 
  • Broken compressor and ductwork
  • Loose metal parts and wires 
  • Insufficient refrigerant and oil 
  • Dead thermostat and motor 
  • Inaccurate thermostat settings
  • Inappropriate AC location

Step To Make AC Operation Smooth And Effective

You can prevent the listed issues if you follow some preventive maintenance tips.

  • Change or wash the air filter every 2-3 months
  • Flush the drain line with chlorine bleach when it gets dirty
  • Schedule spring and fall tune-up for AC maintenance
  • Install a programmable thermostat and set the right temperature
  • Put curtains on windows and place draft stoppers on doors
  • Schedule AC duct cleaning service every 3-5 years

Air Conditioner Service in Lake City, FL

An AC unit maintained with annual air conditioner service in Lake City, FL, provides great comfort for 10 to 15 or even 20 years. Out of all the AC maintenance tips, scheduling an annual tune-up and replacing air filters are the most essential and beneficial.

Trust Lane Heating & Air, LLC provides 24/7 HVAC maintenance and AC repair in Lake City, FL. Our licensed, pre-screened and insured technicians will improve your AC performance promptly by scheduling a service with us.

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Dec, 09, 2022

3 Simple Steps For Air Conditioning Repair

Air conditioner repair in Lake City, FL, could cost a lot of money if minor repairs are not done on time. However, you can try troubleshooting your system before calling a professional. Many times, the issue may be easy to solve.

3 Simple AC repair Tips

Before calling an expert for AC repair in Lake City, FL, homeowners are advised to try these suggestions. Naturally, some aspects of your air conditioner repair will require an experienced and skilled service provider. Professionals must handle things like adding freon or electrical repairs. Some simple tips are:

Thermostat Calibration Issue

If you’re still using the dial-type thermostats of the past and they’re not properly calibrated, it could mean that your air conditioner doesn’t receive proper commands from your control unit. This issue is relatively simple to fix by replacing or calibrating your thermostats. 

If you’ve got new programmable thermostats, they may be programmed incorrectly. If you are using the original manual, review the instructions to ensure that your thermostat settings are correct.

Replace Or Clean The Air Filter

The air filter defines the amount of air that enters the home. If your air conditioner isn’t cooling as well as it did in the past, the filter could be dirty and blocked. This blockage affects the flow of air and can make the airflow freeze up, affecting your system’s cooling performance.

This problem can be avoided by regular cleaning or replacement of filters. There is no need for specialized expertise to set up new filters. You can perform this yourself. Make sure the filters you’re about to purchase are top-quality, durable, and long-lasting.

Our AC repair experts in Lake City, FL, generally recommend renewal of the air filter every 60-90 days. The AC unit will cool faster and stop dirt and other allergens from contaminating your air.

Cleaning The Evaporator Coil

The evaporator of the central air system is situated just above the furnace in the plenum. The evaporator might remain hidden; however, it should be cleaned yearly. If the plenum is a sealed metal sheet, Do not try to unzip it. If the plenum is wrapped in foil insulation in its front, you can clean the evaporator. 

Take off the foil-wrapped insulation in front of the plenum. Be careful when removing the tape, as you’ll need to replace it in the future. The insulation behind it is an access plate secured by several screws. Take the screws off and remove the plate. Clean the underside of the evaporator unit using a stiff brush. 

Clean the tray under the evaporator unit. The tray is used to remove condensation from the evaporator. Set the unit back up, reinstall the plate and restart the air conditioner.

If you’re not in a position to tackle it on your own or have tried the troubleshooting or repair procedures but have not been able to fix your AC, contact the professionals at Lane Heating and Air. Call us at (386) 466-7514 or email us to book an appointment for air conditioner repair in Lake City, FL.

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Nov, 12, 2022

Troubleshooting Your Heat Pump Issues

Heat pumps are one of the best and most energy-efficient HVAC units that anyone can bring to their home. Although heat pumps are easy to maintain, repairing a malfunctioning heat pump can be expensive.

For a heat pump repair technician in Lake City, FL contact Lane Heating and Air.

Six Heat Pump Issues and Quick Solutions to Resolve Them!

Our HVAC experts have listed all the problems the heat pump system might be struggling with and mentioned the solution to fix the issue.

Below are the heat pump problems:

  • The Heat Pump Runs Constantly

If you feel like the heat pump’s compressor runs continuously to maintain the temperature but fails to preserve comfort, the heat pump is struggling with continuous cycling. You can try replacing the air filter, checking the thermostat settings, and cleaning the condenser coils.

However, if the problem persists, you should contact our heat pump repair technician in Lake City, FL, because the compressor contractor may be damaged or there is refrigerant leakage.

  • The Heat Pump is Not Working

The first thing you should look for is a tripped circuit breaker if your heat pump is not working. It happens due to improper thermostat settings or someone turning off one of the furnace switches in the basement. Technician assistance is needed if there is a faulty capacitor or reversing valve.

  • Frozen Outdoor Unit

The coils in the outdoor unit start to freeze when there is excess dust on the condenser coils. It is best to clean the coils weekly with a mild coil cleaning agent or scrub off the dust with dish cleaning soap. It can also be due to dirty filters or a problem with defrosting function in the worst case.

  • The Indoor Unit is Not Working

If the outdoor unit is working but you cannot feel the cool or warm air blowing through the indoor unit, you need to call our furnace installation experts in Lake City, FL, for a quick check. It is probably due to a tripped circuit breaker, wiring issues, or a faulty blown motor.

  • Malfunctioning Reversing Valve

The reversing valve helps switch the heat pump mode from heating to cooling and vice versa. However, if there are issues with the reversing valve, the heat pump might not switch and work as wished. It is best to contact our heat pump technician to fix the problem.

  • Water Leakage

Water leakage is due to blockage in the condensate drain, and you can remove the blockage with a long brush. Pour a pan of hot water through the pipe to clean it thoroughly. If you hear a hissing noise, contact us for furnace installation in Lake City, FL, because it might be due to refrigerant leakage.

Summary

If you have applied all the DIY quick fixes to resolve the issue, but the issue persists, it is better to call our HVAC technician to inspect the system. They will quickly analyze the problem and think of an effective solution to fix it.

If you are looking for a heat pump repair technician in Lake City, FL, who will cater to your HVAC needs and resolve the problems, you can contact Lane Heating and Air! Our technicians have expertise and years of experience in fixing malfunctioning heat pumps. Call (386) 466-7514 or mail and schedule an appointment with our expert.

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