Checklist of Things to do to Your A/C During the Winter Months in Florida

Florida’s sweltering summers mean that you rely heavily on your home’s A/C. Come the cooler months, your thoughts are turning to the holidays, relatives visiting and maybe even cuddling up in front of an outdoor fire. The A/C is a distant memory, but it shouldn’t be. This is a great time of year to make sure your A/C is in good condition for when it temperatures start soaring again. Here’s what to include on your winter A/C checklist.

Schedule Professional Maintenance

Winter is the best time to get A/C maintenance in West Palm Beach, FL, because not many people are scheduling A/C repairs during this time. HVAC technicians will clean internal components, check for wear and tear, and ensure the unit operates at peak performance. They’ll also inspect refrigerant levels, test electrical connections, and lubricate moving parts. Investing in expert maintenance can extend the life of your system and prevent costly breakdowns.

Keep the Outdoor Unit Clear

Fallen leaves, dirt, and debris can clog your outdoor unit, restricting airflow. Take a weekend to clear the area around it, but leave deeper cleaning of the actual unit to the professionals. They have the tools to safely clean condenser coils without damaging the equipment.

Replace or Clean Air Filters

Dirty filters can strain your system and lower indoor air quality. Replace disposable filters or clean reusable ones every one to three months, depending on usage. Refer to your owner’s manual to learn how to maintain A/C filters.

Regular winter maintenance prepares your A/C to handle Florida’s unique climate. Let the professionals take care of the heavy lifting, so your system stays reliable. Book an appointment today with your West Palm Beach, FL A/C company, Pro-Star Air Conditioning.

How to Know if You Should Repair or Replace Your Air Conditioner

The signs that your air conditioner is not working as efficiently as it could are not always obvious, and you may wonder whetherair conditioning repair in West Palm Beach FL or replacing the unit would be best. While we cannot make that decision for you, we hope that letting you know what to look for and what to expect with our services will be helpful.

Signs Your Air Conditioner May Not Be Working Properly

Below are several indications that your air conditioner needs service. Unless you have completed training in air conditioning repair, we urge you to contact Pro-Star Air Conditioning, Inc. for diagnostic testing before attempting to fix the unit yourself.

  • High levels of dust in your home
  • Higher energy bills for several months in a row
  • Mold inside the unit
  • Noises such as grinding, grating, squealing, or vibrating that seem to be getting louder
  • Odors such as mold or a burning smell coming from the unit
  • Refrigerant or water leak
  • Thermostat malfunctions
  • Uneven cooling throughout your home
  • Unit releases hot instead of cool air
  • You cannot turn the unit on or off
  • Your home feels more humid

Although it is frustrating when your air conditioner does not work right during a Florida summer, the good news is that we can repair most of these issues. We are happy to provide a written cost estimate after evaluating your air conditioner.

You may wish to consider replacing your air conditioner if it is over 10 years old, you have frequent repair bills, or the cost of repairing it would be better going toward a new unit. Our technicians are happy to make a recommendation after determining the repairs your current unit needs. Please contact us to scheduleair conditioning repair in West Palm Beach FL today.

Disassemble and Clean Air Conditioner Parts by high pressure water or air from nozzle or vacuum. Device Maintenance, Health Care, Germ Proactive Prevention, In House Cleanliness and Hygiene concept.

Is My AC Broken, or Do I Have a Dirty Evaporator Coil?

It’s never fun when your air conditioner isn’t working properly. Your first thought is probably, “Oh no, I’m going to have to replace my air conditioner.” But truth be told, that might not be the case. It might just be a dirty evaporator coil. You will still need to contact an air conditioning contractor in West Palm Beach, FL though. A professional will diagnose the issue and provide you with your options.

Signs of a Dirty Evaporator Coil

If you haven’t had your evaporator coil cleaned in a while, this could be why your air conditioner isn’t working like it should. A residential HVAC services contractor will let you know if this is the case.

These are the signs of a dirty evaporator coil.

  • A/C Not Cooling Well
  • A/C Running Longer Than Usual
  • Frost or Ice Buildup on the Evaporator
  • Higher Utility Bills
  • Reduced Airflow

When you start noticing any of these things, it’s better to have your A/C looked at than to wait. If you wait, it could result in severe damage that might require a complete replacement. If you had had it looked at sooner, a repair might have been sufficient.

The Benefits of Keeping Your Evaporator Coil Clean

A clean evaporator coil will provide you with many benefits. These benefits all result in you saving money month after month and year after year. Not to mention, you and your family will be comfortable whenever you’re home.

  • Longer Coil Life Expectancy
  • Fewer Repair Costs
  • Improved Home Comfort Levels
  • Lower Utility Bills

The moral of the story is…always keep your evaporator coil clean, whether that means learning how to do it yourself or calling a professional to do it for you.

Looking for an Air Conditioning Contractor in West Palm Beach, FL?

Don’t take any chances. If your air conditioner is acting funny or has gone out completely, Please Contact Pro-Star Air Conditioning Inc today. The sooner you call, the sooner we will be able to get your system back to normal — one way or another!

The Importance of Clean Air Filters

Now that spring has arrived, it is the ideal time to check your air conditioner’s filters. People often forget about the filters in their heating, ventilation, and cooling systems (HVAC) until the unit breaks down, and they feel miserable. Pro-Star Air Conditioning Recommends changing your air filters at least every three months or at the start of each new season. We can also do this for you as part of ourair conditioner repair services in West Palm Beach, FL.

What is the Purpose of Air Filters?

Just as your clothes dryer catches lint while drying your clothes, your air conditioner’s filters trap substances that could harm you and your family. Dust mites, pet dander, and cigarette smoke are just three typical examples of substances the air filters trap to allow everyone living in the home to breathe a bit easier.

When air filters get too full of debris, it affects the efficiency and performance of your air conditioner. Some of the problems you may notice include:

  • Asthma sufferers experience worsening symptoms.
  • Need for more frequent air conditioner repairs.
  • Premature replacement of your air conditioner.
  • Uneven cooling patterns throughout your home.
  • Utility bills are higher than normal.
  • You and those you live with have more frequent respiratory illnesses.

While these issues can be annoying, the solution is often as simple as having one of our service technicians replace your dirty air filter. After installing a clean filter, our technician will inform you about other potential issues and provide you with a service quote upon request.

Schedule Air Conditioner Service with Us Today

Air conditioner repair in West Palm Beach, FL need not be involved or expensive, especially when it comes to filter replacement. Please reach out to let us know your service needs, and we will be happy to help.

Signs of Black Mold in HVAC System

If you live anywhere near West Palm Beach, FL, know that mold is a part of life in South Florida. The humidity levels in summer are nearly off the charts, and mold loves hot and humid environments. However, that doesn’t mean you should resign yourself to living with mold in your home. Mold—black mold in particular—harms the human respiratory system. And if black mold infiltrates your residential HVAC system in West Palm Beach, FL, you and your family members will have a lot more to deal with than a few sneezes and coughs. Black mold is life-threatening, so it’s important to know the signs of black mold in an HVAC system.

Signs of Black Mold in HVAC System

Musty Odor

A musty odor emanating from the vents is one of the first signs that black mold may be present in your HVAC system. This unpleasant smell, often described as earthy or damp, can indicate the presence of mold spores circulating through the air.

Black “Dust” Around Vents

Black “dust” or dark spots around the vents often comprise mold spores that have settled on surfaces and can be a visible indicator of mold contamination.

Persistent Nausea

Exposure to black mold can cause persistent nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort. If you or your family members experience ongoing feelings of queasiness or stomach upset while indoors, it could be a sign of black mold exposure through the HVAC system.

Disorientation

Black mold toxins can affect cognitive function, leading to disorientation, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. If you feel mentally foggy or disoriented for no apparent reason, it’s essential to investigate the possibility of black mold in your HVAC system.

Contact Pro-Star Air Conditioning in West Palm Beach, FL, to have your HVAC system checked for black mold. Our job is to help ensure your HVAC system operates as it should!

Signs of Mold in Your Air Ducts

The humid climate in South Florida makes mold a common HVAC problem for homeowners. Mold affects the health of residents in more ways than one. Regularduct cleaning in West Palm Beach, FL, helps to keep mold out of your air ducts. Here are signs of mold in your air ducts.

Visible Signs of Mold

Mold leaves visible signs of its presence. Take a look at the air vents around your home, including around ducts and on the VAC unit itself. If you notice black, brown, green, or white dots or specks, that’s mold. You should contact your West Palm Beach, FL, HVAC professional as soon as possible to have the ducts cleaned.

Increase in Respiratory Symptoms

Mold in the air exacerbates asthma and can increase or cause respiratory symptoms. If you notice that you or your family members are exhibiting respiratory symptoms—especially if it’s relatively recent—chances are that you need professional duct cleaning services.

Inconsistent/Blocked Airflow

Excess mold growth in the ducts can actually obstruct airflow, leading to inconsistencies in the distribution of treated air in your home. If you notice that some rooms become harder to cool or heat, or if you notice a decrease in airflow, mold could be a contributing factor.

Recent Water Damage

Flooding in West Palm Beach, Florida, has become a more frequent problem due to more unpredictable weather patterns. If your home has recently experienced water damage or if there are leaks near the HVAC system, this can create a conducive environment for mold growth. High humidity levels or condensation around or in the ductwork can also promote mold proliferation.

If you notice any of these signs, or if you can’t remember when the last time you had your air ducts cleaned, contact Pro-Star Air Conditioning today forduct cleaning services in West Palm Beach, FL.

5 Signs You Need A/C Repair

Air conditioning in West Palm Beach isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. So when your air conditioning goes out, it’s an emergency that needs to be taken care of as soon as possible. Typically, air conditioning doesn’t just quit out of the blue. There are usually warning signs. Here are X of the most common signs you need A/C repair.

1. You’re Feeling Warm Air, Not Cold

If your A/C is blowing warm air, or air that doesn’t quality as being actually cold, this could indicate that the air compressor isn’t working as it should.

2. You Have Higher Electric Bills Than Usual

When temperatures soar, most people’s A/C bills rise a little. But if your energy bills are higher than the same season as last year, then your A/C unit likely isn’t working as efficiently as it could.

3. You’re Hearing Unusual Noises

As a homeowner, you’re accustomed to what your A/C sounds like when it’s running. If you start hearing any unusual noises–particularly clicking, knocking or humming–book an appointment for A/C service in West Pam Beach, FL right away.

4. Water is Leaking Near the A/C

Contrary to what some people might think, your A/C shouldn’t be leaking, even when you’re running it a lot. This kind of problem might have something to do with excess condensation buildup, but you’ll need to contact an HVAC technician to be sure and to resolve the issue.

5. Thermostat Adjustments Seem to Have No Effect

If your A/C system isn’t cycling on and off like it’s supposed to, or if it seems like your thermostat adjustments are having no effect on the temperature in your home, this is a sign that your A/C needs repair. It’s likely a problem with the thermostat, but there could be an underlying cause that needs to be addressed.

Don’t spend a minute longer than necessary dealing with an A/C system that needs repair. If you notice one or more of these signs, contact the leaders in HVAC services in West Palm Beach, FL for help.

3 Things a Visual Inspection of Your HVAC System Might Miss

A visual inspection of an HVAC system can reveal any number of details, which is why they’re important for all property owners to conduct on a regular basis. The more often you look at your unit, the easier it will be to determine what’s normal and what could be cause for concern. However, no matter how thorough your visual checks are, the reality is that you can still miss a few major things that only an HVAC professional in West Palm Beach, FL, will be able to find.

Internal Issues

Internal issues can include anything from wiring problems with your electricity to the compressor to condenser coils. If these components are wearing down or the ongoing vibration of the unit has caused them to become misaligned, you might see anything from higher gas bills to hazardous flames.

Leaks

Not all leaks show up on the floor or around the unit. If your refrigerant is leaking, the leak will stay in the system. Over time, you may see operations start to slow down or stop altogether.

Ductwork

Leaking ductwork will eventually reduce the efficiency of the system because it puts more pressure on the system to heat or cool the air. Plus, it can lead to back drafting, which will put more allergens in the air. You may be able to tell that your ductwork is leaking just from looking at a shaft of air through the sun, but the important thing is to keep an eye on it all.

HVAC Inspections in West Palm Beach, FL

While you shouldn’t skip your visual checks, they can’t be done in place of a professional inspection. If you could use a professional HVAC inspection in West Palm Beach, FL, the staff at Pro-Star Air Conditioning Inc. is here to give your systems a thorough once-over.

The Importance of Clean Indoor Air

People sometimes assume that they only encounter germs and harmful bacteria outside the home. The reality is that you breathe in more contaminants in your own home than you may realize, which can cause common illnesses like colds or the flu. According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cognitive defects, cancer, and heart disease are some of the diseases people can develop when exposed to indoor air pollution over an extended period.

Common Sources of Air Pollution in the Home

Knowing the triggers that contribute to poor indoor air quality is the first step towards improving respiratory health for you and your family. Some of these include:

  • Asbestos found in siding, shingles, and insulation
  • Cigarette smoke
  • Dust mites
  • Formaldehyde found in wood products
  • Mold spores
  • Pet dander
  • Pollen that attaches to clothing and makes its way inside your home
  • Radon found in the soil underneath and surrounding your home
  • Residue from cooking and cleaning chemicals

One of the simplest things you can do to reduce the number of potential allergens and other triggers at home is to change the air filter on your HVAC system at least every 90 days. Pro-Star Air Conditioning also offers an in-duct air purifier in West Palm Beach FL that can significantly improve the quality of your indoor air.

What is the Remo-Halo Air Purifier, and What Does It Do?

Our air purifier removes contaminants such as smoke, pet dander, and dust mites from the air in your home while reducing odors at the same time. With the Remo-Halo product installed, you can expect up to a 99 percent reduction in bacteria, germs, and viruses in the air and on hard surfaces. Please contact Pro-Star Air Conditioning to learn more about what a difference our in-duct air purifier in West Palm Beach FL can make for your family’s health.

Tips for Keeping a Cool, Comfortable Home

When the warm weather arrives, this can create a very hot and uncomfortable home. While a properly working air conditioner can help, feeling warm is still common for millions.

Looking for easy ways to find relief? Check out the following tips for keeping a cool and comfortable home environment:

Enhance your windows

Your windows are where tons of heat enters your residence. That said, try to make some window upgrades to keep the added heat to a minimum. Installing reflective window films is a great option, which can block out a significant amount of solar heat and harmful UV rays.

Air conditioning maintenance is also very important to ensure your home stays cool. Reach out to Pro-Star Air Conditioning Inc today for trusted AC maintenance in West Palm Beach, FL!

Keep sunlight out

If you enjoy opening your blinds or shades to let in that amazing sunlight, this can also create a much warmer home. In addition, not only can it make your home warmer, but it also puts more pressure on your AC system. Keep your blinds closed as much as possible to keep the indoor temperature low.

Clean AC filters

As warm weather hits, this causes your AC unit to work overtime, which can lead to a buildup in your air conditioning filter. To ensure your unit stays running at its best, clean your AC filters every few weeks.

Schedule air conditioning maintenance

A properly working air conditioner is essential to staying cool. That said, schedule inspections and system maintenance to ensure it stays in good working order. This service can also increase the lifespan of your unit.

If you’re searching for the most dependable AC maintenance in West Palm Beach, FL, make an appointment at Pro-Star Air Conditioning Inc today!

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