September 2022 -

Generators & Air Conditioning: Know about an essential item of your home

in Air Conditioning Orlando, HVAC Orlando, News

The power supply is something that every home needs, no matter how small or large it is. However, natural climatic events like hurricanes, wildfires, and storms can disrupt the power supply. Living without a power supply is no less than a nightmare. Problems become severe when you run out of clean water and have no idea what to do now. In such situations, the generator can be the only solution. It can keep your air conditioning unit in working condition without a power supply. You can use lights, TV, Wi-Fi, and other electronics too.

Many companies are manufacturing generators and a common person has no idea about the suitable one for his needs. Here we are discussing some basic things about generators. We will discuss the size, type, and model of common generators, which you can use when there is no power supply. Our focus will be on the HVAC system, and we will discuss generators with particular reference to that.

Suitable generator size for your air conditioner

Generators act as a power source for your home, when there is an outage. You can use appliances and use lights and air conditioning systems too. Generators are available in different sizes, usually from 800 watts to more than 500,000 watts. Depending on needs, types of generators are also different. You have to find the suitable one according to your requirements. Following are a few things that you must know.

Running watts: If you look at your HVAC system closely, you will notice a label that has the wattage requirements of the unit. Usually, a standard window Air conditioning unit requires 1,000 watts of power to run, but the requirement of a central heating and cooling unit could be 10,000 watts. So, you have to decide according to your needs.

Power to start the unit: Every generator requires more power to start, as compared to the running power. You can find details about the start-up watts in the manual of every home appliance. Normally, Start up wattage is more than two times that of running watts.

Surge watts: If you are running your HVAC unit at a high level but for a short time, it will need surge wattage. It’s required for a few seconds only. You can find it in the user manual.

Calculate your requirements: If you want to run other appliances with your generator, you need to calculate the power requirements before you buy. To run multiple appliances you will need a large generator and if you want to run an air conditioning unit only, a small one will be enough.

Calculate your requirements

When we talk about calculating the power you need, usually people have no idea about the power usage of different appliances. If you know the watts required to run these appliances, buying a new generator will be easier for you. Every home Appliance has different power requirements. For instance, a central air conditioning unit needs 2000- 4000 watts, and a window air conditioner can run on 600 – 1500 watts. The requirement for room heat will be 1300 and for the water heater, it will be more than 3000. These are just the general average requirements for the guidelines. For specific requirements, you have to see the user’s manual.

Another important thing is the duration of use. If you want to run the air conditioner for a few hours, a small generator will be enough but if you want to use it for a long time, you may need a larger one.

Which is the best generator for an Air conditioning unit

The Watt size of generators is different and we can divide them into three different categories.

The largest generator is the one designed to provide power to the entire house. In case of a hurricane or any accidental blackout, it acts as a power source for all home appliances. These generators are very large in size and are installed in the house. You can shift to them as your primary source manually, but automatic switches are also available.

The other type of generator is called a portable generator. It is usually used for outdoor activities like camping and outdoor parties. It’s small in size and its price is also affordable. They can run one or two small appliances of the house during a hurricane. These generators cannot run huge HVAC units.

The third type of generator is called an inverter. They also provide electric supply but they don’t make a noise like other generators. They convert AC power into DC, so they are named inverters. They are suitable to run battery-operated devices.

So to run your air conditioning units you will need a large-sized generator, as small ones have low power capacity.

How does a generator work?

Generators use different power sources to generate power for your home, diesel and gasoline are the common fuels but some work on other propane fuels as well. Gasoline generators are commonly used as they are easy to operate and can be shifted from one place to another. A good gasoline generator can run a window air conditioner. But these are very noisy. Moreover, they also produce fumes, which are harmful to human health.

Nowadays, solar power generators are also available. These are safe for the surroundings, but they are expensive as compared to others. Moreover, they need more maintenance than gasoline generators. The initial cost is high and the maintenance cost is also high.

Where to buy a generator?

Once you have decided about the type of generator you need and what should be its power capacity, now you need a reliable source to buy. If you are on a budget and you need a generator for a specific function, you can get it on rent as well.

If you want to buy, contact a reliable vendor. Hire professionals for installation as the installation of new switches and Wires is involved.

No matter if you are installing a generator or have a portable one, always use it outside the home. It must be 20 feet away from the building. Don’t forget to install carbon monoxide alarms, before you start your generator.

About Century Air Conditioning & Heating

Century Air Conditioning & Heat was established in 1986. We’re a family owned and operated HVAC contractor in Orlando, FL. For over 36 years, we’ve been a trusted source for air conditioning equipment, heating equipment and related services. Century is an A+ BBB accredited business.

Air Conditioning & Heating Services Offered in Orlando and surrounding Central Florida Areas:

Orlando Air Conditioner Installation	Orlando Air Conditioner Installation
HVAC Air Conditioning Maintenance	Orlando Air Conditioning Service

Is your Air Conditioning System ready for Hurricane Season?

in Air Conditioning Orlando, HVAC Orlando, News

For the seventh time in a row, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts the possibility of an “above-normal” season with 14 to 21 named storms. Of these 6, to 10, are likely to turn into hurricanes (storms turn into hurricanes when the winds exceed the speed of 74 miles per hour) as well as 3 to 6 are likely to be “major” hurricanes. Storms are deemed “major” hurricanes (category 3 or greater) at the point that their sustained speeds are the speed of 111 miles per hour.

If you’re from Florida, there’s a good likelihood that you have a routine that you can break into whenever there’s an approaching hurricane in Florida. You bring in furniture for your patio as well as related “projectiles”, you stock with food and water perhaps filling the tank. You’ve got the basics, but how do you handle your air conditioning unit?

Protect your air conditioner

Protect your air conditioner prior to and after summer storms, hurricanes, and other severe weather. Follow these steps to limit the damage to your AC and return it up and running as soon as you can once the power is restored.

Elevate / Raise Your Outside AC Unit

Have you ever considered that more than thirty percent of Tampa metro residents live in a moderate or extreme risk zone for flooding? The State of Florida building code (see our latest post regarding HVAC Permits) stipulates that all new AC systems installed in flood zones be elevated to limit damage during a flood or extreme weather storms. Why wait to install the brand-new AC system? Raising your old or existing outdoor AC condenser is possible to avoid flooding or water damage.

Contact Century Air Conditioning to schedule a service call so we can assist you in raising the height of your AC condenser system securely, which is consistent with the guidelines of the Florida Building Commission and FEMA. Remember that HVAC systems are only to be raised or moved by experts. Homeowners and DIY HVAC handy persons are often guilty of making the error of causing damage to refrigerant lines during the process of elevating.

Keep Your Home Cool before the Storm

Power outages are common following severe storms hitting in Florida. To keep your home warm when the power goes out, you should turn down the thermostat to a lower temperature than usual. It is also possible to close the blinds, pull your shades and make sure that the doors and windows are shut to keep cool air inside and the hot Florida outside air.

Remove all debris from the Unit

Tropical depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes are characterized by high winds (anywhere between 34 mph and 112 mph or more) that could cause debris and other objects to fly away and damage the AC unit. Make sure you store your furniture, garden decor, and lawn equipment in your home or garage, and trim any weak branches off branches that might break in the event of a storm. Also, take away excessive quantities of dirt, leaves, and other debris in close proximity to your outside equipment.

Turn Off Your AC System

If you choose to stay at a safe place, switch off the power supply to your AC system by turning off the circuit breaker or thermostat after the storm has commenced. Lightning can trigger electrical surges, which can harm your system. The force of the wind can cause debris to become stuck inside your Unit and ignite the motor.

Cover and Secure Your Unit

When the power has been cut off to your system, think about protecting your outdoor Unit using a tarp, weather shield, and AC covers (like that one) to prevent debris from entering. Be sure that it’s secured tightly to the ground, and if you have an air condenser located on a different story, you can secure it using hurricane ties as well. After the storm, remove your cover before turning it back on.

Turn-Off Electricity

The storm is accompanied by lightning. It can result in an electrical surge. An outage can damage your A/C Unit. To ensure the safety of your home appliances and devices you could install a full-house surge protector. There is also the possibility that debris could be entangled in your exterior Unit, causing the engine to overheat. Make sure you shut off the electricity supply to your air conditioning. We recommend that you turn off your thermostat as well as circuit breakers.

Visually Inspect Your Unit

Don’t turn on your AC to the off position until, you’re sure. The first step is to visually inspect the inside and outside of the Unit for any debris, broken wires or pipes, and flooding water (especially in areas where storm surge poses a danger near beaches or shorelines in Florida. It is recommended to take photos of any visible physical damage to document and for insurance purposes. If you notice something that isn’t or feels right, you can call Century for an HVAC tech via Century Air Conditioning to schedule an inspection or repair for your Unit.

If you find that your air conditioners outside condenser unit are not straight after the storm, it is best to give us an appointment to avoid further destruction to your HVAC system. In the lower part of your AC compressor, you’ll want the oil to remain straight (to ensure that the motor is lubricated correctly). Alongside problems with compressors caused by tilted units on the outside, an appropriately tuned AC system lets refrigerant effortlessly move across its coils (remember Newton’s universal gravity law).

Plan an AC Tune-Up using Air Care

Even if your condenser outside the Unit appears to be in good shape following the storm, we recommend scheduling an appointment through Century Air Conditioning & Heating to do a tune-up. An AC tune-up is a low-cost service that could save you hundreds of dollars following a strong storm or hurricane.

Conclusion

The impact of hurricane season can be catastrophic. This is why being as prepared as possible is essential if you follow these guidelines to help ensure that your air conditioner is protected from a storm. Contacting a professional technician to assess your Unit to determine if it has suffered damage from storms is the most secure method of action. It will give you the confidence that your system is working correctly and safely. They can also help with the need to purchase a brand-new system.

About Century Air Conditioning & Heating

Air Conditioning & Heating Services Offered in Orlando and surrounding Central Florida Areas:

Orlando Air Conditioner Installation	Orlando Air Conditioner Installation
HVAC Air Conditioning Maintenance	Orlando Air Conditioning Service

Higher Air Conditioning Bills? These Mistakes Might Be Responsible for This

in Air Conditioning Orlando, HVAC Orlando, News

Air conditioning is a necessity in summer in most parts of the world, and Florida is one of them. To combat very high temperatures use of air conditioners increases. But more use of air conditioners leads to very high energy bills. However, some people have to suffer hot temperatures even if they had an air conditioner. To solve this problem, they have to keep the thermostat of their air conditioner low, and their energy bill increases even more.

So, people will not believe it, but following a few simple tricks and tips can help you to save your energy bills. These tips will not only increase the efficiency of the air conditioning unit and enhance its lifetime and save the money which you have to spend on the replacement of your air conditioner.

Many people suffer from humid and hot temperatures, just because they cannot afford to pay high electricity bills. However, if you avoid some common mistakes, you can enjoy a comfortable temperature at home without paying high electricity bills. Following these tips will help you to save money and reduce the stress on your air conditioning unit as well. Here are the common mistakes which you must avoid to save on your electricity bills.

Careless cleaning of the air conditioner

If your air conditioner is not clean, it can be a big reason behind your high energy bills. Filters and coils of the air conditioner should be properly cleaned. If they are dirty and poorly maintained, your u it will not work properly or its efficiency will reduce. A dirty filter causes stress on the air conditioner and it has to work more than its capacity. So, to avoid this problem check the filters and coils of the air conditioning unit and clean them properly, whenever needed. Moreover, outdoor u should also be regularly checked and cleaned to avoid high energy bills.

However, you have to be careful before you start checking these things. Firstly, turn off the thermostat of the air conditioner temporarily. If the filters of the unit are disposable, change them every month. If they are not disposable, clean them every month. It will help to maintain the efficiency of your system. If you ignore this practice it will increase the workload and energy efficiency of your system. The result will be high energy bills.

Another important thing that requires regular cleaning is the condenser of your air conditioning unit. The outer unit holds the condenser of the air conditioner and as it is exposed to the dust and dirt more, it gets dirty more frequently. You have to spare some time to clean dust, dry leaves and other debris which are dangled with coils. A Clean condenser is about the efficient working of the unit and steady airflow. You can also clip a shrubbery around the condenser, it will ensure airflow without any hindrance. If you have no idea about cleaning digger g parts of the air conditioning system, you can hire a technician for this Job.

Adjust thermostats at inappropriate settings

Optimal setting of air conditioning thermostats is very important to save your energy bills. If your thermostat setting is at low temperature, you will get very high energy bills. So, when you are not at home, you can adjust it at high temperature and lower it again when you are back at home.

The solution to this problem is the use of the programmable thermostat. It helps to raise the temperature when you are away and you can save your money. You can connect these thermostats with your smartphones and change the temperature when you are away from home. In this way, you can save hundreds of dollars in a year.

Using fans can also help you. Fans circulate the air and you can bet a colder temperature indoors without a very low temperature on your thermostats. Another way is to keep doors and windows tightly closed. It will not allow the indoor cool air to escape outside and your home will remain cool for a long, reducing your electricity bills.

Neglecting regular Air Conditioning Maintenance

Proper maintenance is important for any home appliance and the same rule applies to the air conditioning units as well. Maintain your unit regularly. It will not only increase its efficiency but also reduce repair costs and high energy bills. Experts suggest maintenance of air conditioning u it should be done twice a year.

An experienced technician can help you to maintain your unit in good condition. Regular maintenance will help you to identify potential problems, which you can fix well in time. It will help you to avoid emergency repairs, which are usually very costly. Another advantage of maintenance is the extended lifespan of any appliance. However, make sure you hire a certified professional technician for the maintenance.

Having inexperienced technicians

All home appliances including the air conditioner need maintenance, cleaning, and repair. Another big mistake that people usually make is to hire inexperienced technicians for the job. People search online or see ads in local magazines and call the company which comes first on the list. If you are lucky they can be professional but most of the time they are inexperienced, unprofessional people who don’t know technical details about air conditioners.

So. It’s very important to have a professional technician for the job, no matter whether you have a scheduled maintenance task or repair job. Only a professional and experienced person can handle these things properly. Get a recommendation from your colleagues or family members to find a good professional. You can also read reviews before hiring a company.

These are the few mistakes that you must avoid to reduce the electricity bill of your air conditioning unit. Keep in good condition and properly cleaned. Replace the parts when needed and replace the unit once it completes its life span. Hire a professional for regular maintenance and if you see any problem don’t ignore rather hire a professional to fix it. Avoid these mistakes and have a great summer time without paying very high electricity bills.

About Century Air Conditioning & Heating

Air Conditioning & Heating Services Offered in Orlando and surrounding Central Florida Areas:

Orlando Air Conditioner Installation	Orlando Air Conditioner Installation
HVAC Air Conditioning Maintenance	Orlando Air Conditioning Service