Air Conditioning Problems?

What to Check Before Writing a Check

What’s your reaction when the AC goes out, especially this time of year? Most people panic a little, then pick up the phone and call their AC company to request a service call. Well, before you incur that kind of expense (and possibly embarrassment), you can check several things and troubleshoot the situation yourself, and it probably won’t take much time.

Is the power on? 

That might sound ridiculous, but we have gotten calls when the power was out. Wait until the power comes back on to ensure your unit is truly out.

Check the thermostat.

This may seem basic too. But sometimes the settings are incorrect. Your AC should be running if your temperature is higher than the setting, and vice versa for heating (although that’s probably not the case right now). Also, if your thermostat has batteries, check those too. They might need replacing.

Check your circuit breaker.

From time to time and for various reasons, the circuit breaker wire will get tripped. Flip it back on (or even off and on). If your unit still remains off, then your problem is somewhere else.

Check the switch on your indoor unit.

According to code, you should have an on-off switch next to your indoor unit for safety when someone is working on the unit. Occasionally, we have found this switch to be off.

Check the disconnect switch on your outdoor unit.

Just like with your indoor unit, you’ll find a disconnect switch next to your outdoor unit. Make sure is it plugged in or flipped on, but be careful. There are 240 volts of electricity flowing there. If you’re uneasy about it, call us.

Check the condensation pump and AC drain line.

Many units have a water safety switch, which should cut your system off if there is a clog in the drain. But check the pan under your indoor handler. If you find water, empty the pan and flush out the line. If your pan has already overflown or water is leaking through a ceiling or wall, you may be calling more than just your AC company (i.e. restoration service providers, handymen, etc.). But hopefully you catch it early.

Keep this list handy so you can check it off when you have a problem. Then, if you still need a service call, we’re ready to help. And we’re glad to answer any questions along the way.  TRAVERSAIR – 561-746-7211

It’s “Cool” to Be Dry

4 Ways to Lower Humidity in Your Home

When it’s hot and humid outside, it shouldn’t be inside. But often, summertime weather in South Florida, along with other factors, may cause the air in your home to be more humid. What does that mean for you? Well, for one thing, it may be uncomfortable because you sweat more, and the air feels muggy. But beyond that, humidity can lead to mold and mildew, which can result in damage to floors and walls in your home, or even more disconcerting, allergies or other health issues.

So how do you know if it’s too humid in your home? Again, you can probably feel the moisture in the air. In addition, you might see condensation on windows and mirrors, wet spots on walls or even visible signs of mold and mildew growth. If you become aware of high humidity in your home, here are 4 ways you can reduce the level.

  1. Check for leaks and make repairs.

Check the outside and inside of your home for leaks and openings where air can seep in. Repair damaged roof tiles and seal up openings. This includes weather-stripping and caulking around tubs, showers and windows. An often-overlooked issue is the dryer exhaust vent. Make sure it’s directed to the outside of the home and completely sealed.

  1. Improve air circulation.

A stagnant airflow decreases evaporation, which facilitates higher moisture. Use your exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchen when showering and cooking. Run ceiling fans only in rooms that are occupied. Moving air across your skin helps to evaporate latent moisture, therefore making you feel cooler. Having fresh air from the outside added to the return of your A/C system will create a positive pressure to your home to reduce infiltration of humid air.

  1. Reduce moisture levels.

Again, install and run exhaust fans, especially in the kitchen and bath, where vapor levels are higher. You might also consider a dehumidifier, depending on how extreme you think your humidity issues are. Did you know that plants create moisture in your home’s air? If your home has an excess of plants, it might feel like you’re in a greenhouse. So keep your indoor, green-thumb cravings in check.

  1. Service your HVAC system.

Not only does your air conditioner cool your home, it condenses moisture from the air. If the drain lines are clogged, leaks can occur…which not only affects the humidity but also costs you money for unscheduled maintenance.

If you are concerned about your home’s humidity, call us at TRAVERSAIR, and we’re happy to answer any questions, and you might not even need a service call. Call us at 561-746-7221.

The Mini Split: Nothing to Do With Romance

Have you heard about the Mini Split? And no it’s not a break-up after a short-term romance. Or you might think it has something to do with chopping wood. No, that’s not the case either.

The Mini-Split is an amazing solution for cooling a room, garage, office or small space. Especially when it’s an add-on to a home or office building you already have.

 

And here’s why.

Mini splits are practical. That’s because they are easy-to-install, low maintenance and easy to access. And they are virtually self-contained and less intrusive than a window unit. They operate like a split system with an outdoor condenser connected to an indoor wall unit or ceiling cassette.

Mini splits are cost effective and efficient, particularly when you compare them to the cost of expanding a central AC system and its ductwork. Also, they only use the energy they need, and because they are ductless, you don’t risk the 30% loss of energy consumption that often comes with a duct system.

Mini splits are great for these applications:
Additions
Conference Room
Garage / Work Area
Or even, your entire home.

Call today to schedule your free estimate. 561-746-7211

What to Expect When You’re Expecting… Great Service

When Tim Travers founded TRAVERSAIR, he made a pledge to himself, his employees, his suppliers and his customers that he would always deliver the kind of quality service that he demanded for himself. He had learned from working for other HVAC companies what NOT to do. And more importantly, he realized he could give customers what they want and deserve – uncompromising excellent service. So what does that really mean?

In the big picture, it means genuinely caring about people and results. But on a day-to-day level, it means consistent best practices. Here are some that you can expect.

We answer our phones.
No long hold buttons. No navigating through a laborious voice mail system. You’ll actually reach a live HVAC professional during regular business hours. On nights and weekends, we’ll return your call the next business day.

We are HVAC Ninjas.
When our technicians are working on your system, you can do whatever you do normally. We’ll stay out of your way. Heck, you might not even know we’re there.

A mission of education.
TRAVERSAIR has made it a priority to be the most knowledgeable in the industry so the team can not only provide great service but also educate customers. Our technicians never try to upsell you anything, especially anything you don’t need. And we’ll make sure you get a full explanation of our services. We love to teach customers how to do things themselves and find ways to save money. That’s why our tag line is “service that’s telling, not selling.”

You get detailed reports.
Like the standard one on your invoice that tells you exactly what shape your system is in and what services we performed. If you’re buying a home, renting a new commercial space or having issues with cooling, you’ll get more in-depth reports, including photos and recommendations by our trained technicians on repairs and upkeep. We never fly by the seat of our pants. Because we want to save you money in the long run… and make sure you “get” what you are getting.

Thorough preventive maintenance.
We don’t cut corners. Count on us to be thorough when we perform a preventive maintenance service call. We clean drains, change filters, open up doors and check pressure… just to name a few things at the top of our list.

Ultimately, everything we do is based on building trust. That means responsiveness, reliability, accountability, open communication, concern for helping people. You know, it’s the stuff we all want… and you can expect from us!

Grille Examples

 

ML LINEAR SLOT CEILING DIFFUSER

  • Designed for variable air volume systems

  • Available with one to eight slots

  • Ideal for continuous length applications

  

Linear 2-slot  Linear 3-slot

CT LINEAR SLOT CEILING DIFFUSER

  • Designed for both heating and cooling applications, supply as well as return

  • Can be selected for ceiling, side wall, or sill installations

CT-480 iso top   Walkway linears

Game room grilles

 

OMNI ARCHITECTURAL CEILING DIFFUSER (FAST FRAME)

  • Strong, clean, unobtrusive lines harmonize with the ceiling system, without sacrificing performance

  • Delivers a uniform 360° horizontal air pattern, without excessive noise or pressure drops

  • Excellent choice for variable air volume systems

Omin AA Titus Fast Frame   

 

 

FL FLOWBAR CEILING DIFFUSER 

  • Fully integrating and complementing the ceiling system and other ceiling components

  • All FlowBar linear systems are available curved

  • Allows supply, return and exhaust air all from one diffuser, reducing ceiling clutter

Flowbar   flowbar2

 

SQUARE CEILING DIFFUSER (LAYIN)

  • Delivers supply air in a true 360° pattern without streaking and smudging the ceiling

  • Excellent performance in variable air volume systems

  • All sizes have three cones, giving a uniform appearance where different neck sizes are used in the same areas

tms  

 

IMG_1633

 

ADJUSTABLE LOUVERED GRILLE

  • Presents a clean, functional, strong appearance, along with high performance

  • Designed for ceiling, high side wall and low side wall installations

  • Louvers are individually adjustable from the face of the diffuser

  • 2-, 3-, 4-way, 6” x 6” through 36” x 36”

louvered 4-way

 

Making Smart Choices on a New HVAC System

Did you know that 50% or more of your energy bill comes from one of your biggest investments for your home or business… your HVAC system? That’s why it’s so important to make intelligent decisions when it’s time to buy a new one.

What Type of HVAC System Should You Choose?

There are four primary types of systems in South Florida: 1. AC Split Systems, 2. Heat Pump Split Systems, 3. Duct-Free Mini Splits and 4. Packaged Heating and AC Systems. Unless you are building a new home or doing an addition, the type of system in your existing home will largely determine what type of system will be the likely replacement.

The first two require indoor and outdoor units and ductwork in your home or building to transfer the air. A heat pump system can be more energy efficient and is ideal in moderate weather because it uses outside air to heat or cool the home.

The latter two are self-contained single units. Duct-free mini splits are ideal for garages, additions, offices and other isolated areas that can’t handle ductwork. They might be a little pricier but are still energy efficient. A packaged system still relies on ductwork and is usually installed on a roof or concrete slab near the foundation.

HVAC System JupiterWhat about size?

It’s crucial to your wallet and your comfort that you choose the right size unit for your home or business. A/C units are measured in tons, which do not refer to weight, but rather to the amount of heat they can remove from a house or building in one hour. To calculate the proper tonnage, a “Manual J” energy calculation is required. Check out this info graphic.

So when is it time to buy?

The obvious answer is when it keeps breaking down and you’re facing expensive repairs. But also consider these two factors:
1) Is it more than 6-8 years old? Even if it hasn’t stopped working, it might make sense for you to replace it. New units are quieter, more powerful, and most importantly, more energy-efficient, which also means lower energy bills. Plus, you might qualify for rebates or tax breaks.
2) Does it use R22 Freon? The federal government is phasing out R22 in order to conserve energy nationwide, which means the cost of this type of refrigerant is going up significantly. Eventually, you’ll have to replace your unit in order to switch over to the new refrigerant (R410A), but it may still save you money to do it now.

Need Help with Your AC Decisions?

All these choices can get confusing. At TRAVERSAIR, we love educating our community about how to be savvy system shoppers. Call us today at 561-746-7221.

Whats Up…in Your Attic?

It’s easy to ignore your attic since you don’t see it every day. And it can be a little scary to climb up there, much less crawl around. But think about this. Your attic can be home to leaks, unsealed cracks and holes, critters, inadequate insulation and energy loss. And those issues not only can cost you money, they can cause you discomfort as well.

In South Florida, many of these issues can occur year-round. For example, while the last two summers have been the hottest on record here, the winters have also been warmer. And if your air conditioner is running, but it’s not bringing the temperature down and your power bills are higher than normal, the problem just might be in your attic. So here are 4 things to consider that might save you money and keep you from worrying about what’s up in your attic.

Air-Conditioning-JupiterCheck Your Crawl Space

You should inspect your attic annually. In most other parts of the country, experts recommend you do it in the spring so you can do any needed work before cold winter temperatures kick in. But here, you can do it just about anytime of year. And you might want to consider hiring a professional who’s at ease in the attic and knows what to look for.

Seal up

In some cases, the nooks and crannies in your attic are intentional. But most are probably cracks and holes that need to be sealed. In addition to looking for gaps in your roof walls and floors, while you’re up there, also check your ducts. For example, grease spilling out of an opening around an exhaust duct from your kitchen range could be a fire hazard. A leak in your air conditioning duct can certainly take a toll on your system and your power bill. Be sure to check your roof tiles too.

Insulate

Nine out of ten homes have insufficient insulation. It’s important to measure the depth of your insulation and consult DIY sources or professionals to determine what yours should be. If you see exposed framing or discolored insulation, you need to increase your coverage.

Make a Choice

You can maintain your attic yourself which will save you some money. But it’s not an easy job, so hiring a professional might be a good choice. Either way, if you have issues, treating them will save you money on energy bills, up to 40%. You’ll find hundreds of DIY articles and tips on the Internet if you want to handle things up yourself. At TRAVERSAIR, we like Energy Star’s Rule Your Attic program: https://www.energystar.gov/newhomes/rule_your_attic

Need Help with Your Air Conditioning System?

Warm winter weather means air conditioners are running year-round here in South Florida. Call TRAVERSAIR today for any of your HVAC needs: 561-746-7221.

Smart Tips: Higher Comfort – Lower Energy

You may have heard that the winter months in South Florida are sometimes called “Cool Summer.” That’s because while temperatures lower, we still experience tropical sun and humidity and even some very hot days. Here are a few recommendations that apply now as much as they do in the hotter months of the year.

smart-tips-traversairCeiling Fan Myth
Did you know that ceiling fans don’t actually cool? But they give you the sensation of being cool by moving air around. And that can save you money on your electric bill if you run them while your AC thermostat is set to a higher temperature. But don’t do it for the furniture. Only run your fan when you’re around.

Open Windows to Cool Off
As temperatures get cooler in South Florida, opening windows seems like a good idea. The best results come from cracking windows in various parts of the house to create a draft. But don’t forget, here in our area, we still have humidity despite the lower temperatures. Running your AC regulates humidity, so don’t run your system while the windows are open.

hvac-tips-jupiterStrategic Placement of Outdoor Plants
Another good way to keep the temp down in the house… plant bushes and trees around your southern and western sides of your home, especially around windows and doors. Window boxes also help not to mention the aesthetics.

Consider “Outdoor” Window Treatments
Everyone knows that indoor window treatments help keep your home cool. But have you considered this too: you can cover your windows with solar screens (mesh-like screens) or transparent window films to intercept the sun’s energy before it enters the home. Solar screens block 70% of the solar energy and allow you to open the windows while still keeping the heat… and the bugs out.

A Few More Quick Tips
• Be sure to maintain your AC. Replacing an older model can result in some significant energy and electric bill savings.
• Check your ducts and insulation.
• Turn off indoor lights.
• Take a cold shower instead of cranking down the AC and speeding up the fans.
• Stay hydrated.

Keep Grilling While You’re Chilling
The great thing about Florida is you can grill comfortably outside nearly year-round. You’ll save money and keep the temp cooler in your kitchen. You can even cook complete meals on your grill. Check out recipes by barbecue expert Chef Bobby Flay at www.bobbyflay.com

Ask TRAVERSAIR!

We love to help by educating customers and solving problems. That’s why we say, “Service that’s telling, not selling.” Call us at 561-746-7211, email at info@traversair.com and we hope you’ll like us on Facebook. We’re always posting hints and helpful info there too.

The Unfiltered Fundamentals about HVAC Filters

dirty-air-filterNever skimp on changing your HVAC filter. It’s the most important self-maintenance you can do for one of the biggest expenses in your home. But people don’t realize the consequences of shirking off this crucial yet simple and inexpensive effort.  In fact, dirty filters are the most common reason HVAC systems shut down, which means you’ll be paying for a service call when that happens. And think of this: the worst-case scenario… you have to replace your entire HVAC system. How does your wallet feel about that?

Checking and changing your filters regularly will keep your system running smoothly, extend the lifespan of your AC, save on your power bill and keep your home air quality healthy. Now that’s a lot of great benefits for one easy task!

Check your filter monthly and change it when it’s dirty…. at least every 90 days.

We agree with the U.S. Department of Energy’s recommendation. Check your filter at least every month and change it within 90 days. If you have pets or smokers in your home, you should check it twice a month.

How do you know if the filter needs to be changed? In most cases, it will be obvious. But if you’re unsure, run your finger across the filter. If it picks up dirt and leaves a line across the filter, time to change.

Choose the filter that’s best for your system and your lifestyle.

Ironically, the most efficient filters, which are the most expensive, are not necessarily what’s best for you.  Conversely, the cheapest, which are the least efficient filters, are probably not your best bet either. So how do you decide?

MERV-Air-Filter-ChartYour best resource is your HVAC service company. Of course, size is an obvious factor, that you can determine yourself just by taking measurements of the filter frame. But when it comes to efficiency, our recommendations are based on the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values) system created by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning Engineers. The ratings range from 1 (least efficient) to 20 (most efficient).

The least efficient filters allow the most airflow but allow in more dirt, dust and other unhealthy particles. The most efficient ones do the best job of blocking out the particles but allow the least amount of airflow, which can be taxing on your system.  That’s why your best bet is probably somewhere in the middle – an 8 for older models or an 11 for newer models.  So who uses the lowest efficient or most efficient? People who don’t want to spend a little more (and honestly, it’s just a minimal amount) to achieve optimum results can go with the lowest. Clinical settings, such as hospitals, typically have units that require the higher ratings for obvious reasons.

Some systems do require a built-in filter. These are high maintenance and not very efficient. If you have this kind of system, talk to us about your options.

Be prepared.

First, make sure you know where your filters go. Typically, one goes right next to your air handler inside your home. You may also have air return grilles in the in ceiling or wall. When you replace your filter in a return grille, plan to also clean the grille.

Keep filters in stock and easily accessible. The easier you make it on yourself, the more inclined you will be to make filter replacement a part of your regular routine.

Ask TRAVERSAIR!

We are here for you to walk your through filter replacement and answer any questions you have about filters or anything else regarding your HVAC. Educating customers is a core value of our company. That’s why we say, “Service that’s telling, not selling.”

Avoid Contractor Nightmare on “Your” Street

Have you ever tried to save money by hiring your friend’s handyman brother to remodel your kitchen? Or your father-in-law’s retired “HVAC technician” cousin to repair your air conditioner? Or the Groupon contractor du jour?

If you have, chances are they were unlicensed, charged you more than you were quoted and/or cost you dearly over the long haul because of incomplete or shoddy work. So here are some guidelines to help you make smart decisions about hiring a contractor.

1) Make sure they are licensed and insured.

Licensed contractors are required to have liability and workers comp insurance. You could be liable for medical bills or even be sued if an unlicensed contractor is injured on your job. In addition, it takes a license to pull permits. If your contractor doesn’t pull the proper permit, you may have trouble when it comes to selling your house. You can verify licenses at myfloridalicense.com.

2) Choose those who come highly referred by reliable, trusted sources.

Don’t get sold by a total stranger. Make sure your friends and neighbors can vouch for “excellent” quality. And there are a lot of scammers out there… people who will take your money and not show up or finish the job.

3) Ask for references… and contact them.

A referral from someone you know and trust doesn’t guarantee that the contractor’s work is consistent with all customers. Contact other references and ask qualitative questions such as how pleased were you with the work and would you hire them again. Get as many details as you can to make an informed decision.

4) Meet them and ensure you have a strong sense of professionalism, knowledge and trustworthiness.

If you have steps 1, 2 and 3 in place, then this one should be a no-brainer. But not always. Have them walk you through the process and make sure you have a secure feeling of trust.

When you have peace of mind about whom you hire, you’ll end up with a quality result at a price you think is fair. Because it’s about value, not cutting corners.

To schedule an air conditioning service or preventive maintenance appointment, call 561-746-7211.

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