My Air Conditioner Is Dripping: What Do I Do?

In many states across the US, air conditioning units get to take a break during winter. This is because colder temperatures outside make it easier to keep their houses cool.

Florida rarely gets such a break. Our average daily temperatures reach lows of just 57°F during January. With such balmy temperatures throughout the year, Floridian air conditioners must remain in excellent shape. 

Yet, homeowners often struggle with how to repair issues with their air conditioners. For example, you may not know what to do when your air conditioner is dripping. 

If so, this guide is for you! We’ll explore what to do when your AC is leaking so you can prevent worse problems from developing. So let’s jump right in, shall we?

Check Your Air Filters When Your Air Conditioner Is Dripping

A leaky AC unit often stems from dirty air filters. When your air filter becomes clogged with dirt and grime, it restricts airflow around your evaporator coil. This airflow causes the coil to freeze over time.

When your coil freezes, it causes excess condensation to build in your system. When the coil begins to melt, it causes your drain pan to overflow. 

Fortunately, you can often resolve this issue by replacing your air filters. Doing this every thirty days can prevent a leaking air conditioning unit issue. 

Clogged Drain Lines

The primary cause of leaking AC units is a clogged drain line. This line takes condensation outside of your house. 

However, this line can become clogged by dust, dirt, and other particles. This clogging can block the water and prevent the system from disposing of it. 

Check your unit’s pan if you’re wondering whether clogged drain lines have caused your leak. If water is pooling in the pan, you likely have a clogged drain line. 

There is a DIY solution to this issue. In many cases, homeowners can remove the debris clogging their lines with a wet/dry vacuum. Usually, these devices provide enough power to suck out the grime. 

However, consider calling professionals if a vacuum can’t do the job. Professional teams have the necessary equipment and experience to ensure your AC unit remains in good condition. 

Low Refrigerant Levels in Your Unit

Another source to check when your air conditioning unit is leaking water is its refrigerant levels. When these levels get low, it can lower the pressure inside your system. This decreased pressure can cause your evaporator coil to freeze.

This issue causes a similar problem to dirty air filters. However, its consequences can be much more severe. Refrigerant leak repairs can become costly if left unattended.

It’s best to contact professionals if you notice refrigerant leaks. Otherwise, you could face much higher repair bills.

Contact Us for AC Repairs

It’s best to take immediate action when your air conditioner is dripping. When you notice this issue, check whether it could come from your air filter or drain line. Doing so can help you prevent the damage from worsening. 

However, if the issue is more severe, contact our team! We have years of experience helping Floridian homes stay cool. 

You can also schedule routine HVAC tune-ups with us to enhance your AC maintenance. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

HVAC Tune-up Checklist: What Does It Consist Of?

Strange noises, an unusual smell, and rooms that never reach the set temperature. These are all signs that your HVAC system needs a tune-up. 

If you’ve never scheduled one before, you might be wondering what an HVAC tune-up means and what to expect. This guide walks you through what you need to know and why you need them. 

What to Expect From an HVAC Tune-Up

You rely on your heating and cooling system to feel more comfortable at home or in your commercial building year-round. It also filters the air and can help improve indoor air quality. 

If you neglect regular maintenance, your system can start to break down and struggle to run efficiently. This can lead to all sorts of problems, such as higher energy bills, a higher risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, and a lack of air filtration. 

It’s a good idea to get an inspection and tune-up prior to the heating and cooling season. Technicians will look for wear and tear, suggest changes, make repairs, and more. 

An HVAC tune-up generally consists of the following: 

• Filter inspection
• Cleaning burners
• Cleaning AC components
• Checking the blower belt and the power motor
• Checking carbon monoxide levels
• Adjusting refrigerant levels
• Checking for wear
• Lubricating parts
• Checking pressure and temperature
• Testing thermostat and calibrating
• Testing the emergency shut off
• Inspecting the ductwork
• Looking at the safety controls
• Cleaning the drain line and trap
• Looking for leaks
• Tightening loose electrical connections
• Inspecting the heat exchanger
• Checking electrical wiring for ratings and connections

A professional technician will come to inspect and clean your HVAC system, ensuring that everything is working as it should. This provides several benefits, such as peace of mind knowing you’ll catch issues early. Plus, many warranties require an annual maintenance plan of some sort to remain active. 

When to Get an HVAC Tune-Up

So, what’s the best HVAC tune-up timeline? We recommend scheduling HVAC maintenance at least once a year. That includes an inspection of both your central AC system and the furnace. 

For heat pump systems, it’s a good idea to have them maintained every six months. 

Of course, if you suspect something is wrong with your heating or cooling system, be sure to schedule repairs as soon as possible. Strange sounds or smells are signs something might be broken.

Regular maintenance can spot issues early on that will reduce the chances of your system wearing down prematurely.  

Our checklist provides a general idea of what to expect, but you can always ask the HVAC company to learn more. It’s also a good idea to ask about how you can care for your HVAC system and what tasks a homeowner can do to keep it running smoothly. For instance, removing debris or cleaning around the AC unit. 

Stay Comfortable All Year

An HVAC tune-up consists of a complete inspection of your furnace and central AC system. If a technician sees anything amiss, they’ll adjust it and bring it to your attention.

Natal Air Conditioning has all of your tune-up, repair, and installation services covered! Send us a message to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment. 

AC Unit Maintenance: Don’t Patch It – Fix It!

Did you know 91% of homes in the U.S. own an air conditioner? Remember that figure next time you try to buy parts for a broken AC, especially during the summer.

You can avoid the scramble to find parts by scheduling regular AC unit maintenance. Routine maintenance also helps extend the service life of your unit.

What about those DIY patch jobs many influencers on social media recommend?

Sure, there are some DIY AC maintenance projects you can tackle. But you want reliable advice, not information put out by someone trying to make a few dollars on social media.

Read more here about why DIY repairs may create more significant problems than what you’re trying to solve.

How You Can Maintain Your AC Unit 

DIY AC maintenance should prevent future breakdowns and minimize the cost of repairs. The maintenance you can do without calling an HVAC company includes:

• Changing the air filter
• Clearing debris from around the outside unit
• Cleaning the thermostat
• Changing thermostat batteries
• Quick monthly inspection of the AC unit

None of these require specialized tools or training. All go a long way towards ensuring your air conditioner is ready to keep your home comfortable during the cooling season.

Should I Patch an AC Unit?

The older an AC gets, the more likely you’ll start experiencing minor issues. Maybe the unit doesn’t run as efficiently and has trouble keeping up on those blazing hot summer days.

Naturally, it’s tempting to fiddle around with the various components of your AC when it’s not working correctly. And it feels great when you can solve the problem on your own.

Have you ever patched a tire? Perhaps you got a few more miles out of it, but you only applied a Band-Aid and likely replaced the tire anyway. 

It’s a similar situation when you do a patch repair on your AC. You end up with a temporary solution that usually costs you more money.

Why DIY AC Unit Maintenance May Cost More

Many DIY AC repairs don’t cost a fortune. Some even utilize tools and materials that you have in your garage. You’ll likely end up paying more in the long run.

If you’ve ever checked out what’s inside an HVAC tech’s truck, you’ll see it stocked with specialized tools. Those tools are unique to the HVAC trade and not found in the average homeowner’s toolbox.

Even if they have a few tools, most homeowners don’t know how to fix an AC unit. They get on social media, watch a few videos, and away they go!

AC units contain multiple mechanical components. One mistake could turn your minor repair into an AC replacement during a DIY patch job. You may also void your existing warranty.

An HVAC technician brings the tools and expertise to fix rather than bandage a broken AC unit.

We Can Fix Your AC Unit 

A qualified technician specializes in AC troubleshooting. They fix whatever problems they find—no Band-Aids needed. A fix always works better than a patch job.

The experts at Natal Air Conditioning USA understand keeping costs down. They also know it’s better to fix problems than apply several temporary solutions.

Contact us today for AC unit maintenance or repair. Our mission is to keep you and your home comfortable.

Why It’s Important to Regularly Change AC Filters

The indoor air you breathe is as important as the air outside. AC filters are essential to keeping your home air-conditioning system working correctly. But how often should ac filters be changed?

Replacing home AC filters regularly improves your indoor air quality, helps maintain your AC system, and saves you money. You can buy AC filters online, and they aren’t even that expensive! 

Here’s why it’s essential to change your air filters regularly. 

AC Filters Improve Indoor Air Quality

Dirty air inside your home can cause all kinds of health problems, including dizziness, respiratory diseases, and even cancer. Regularly changing your home AC filters can help allergens out of the air and help you breathe easier in your own home. 

How often do AC filters need to be changed to help improve indoor air quality? You should change your home AC filters every 30 to 90 days to rid the air of pet dander, dust, and pollen. You will see a significant improvement in how you and your family breathe.

You want the air inside your home to be clear and clean. Why fight allergens with medication that makes you feel differently? Changing your AC filters can help improve your life.  

Maintain Your AC System

When dirt and debris clog your AC system, it does not run efficiently? How often should AC filters be changed? When you can visibly see the dirt, it’s time for a change!

Changing your home AC filters means your system will clog up less. It may also mean your system won’t stop during the hottest day of the year.

In considering ‘how often do AC filters need to be changed,’ it’s essential to think about increasing the lifespan of your system. You want it to last long! Maintaining your AC system with the best AC filters means you’ll reduce airflow problems and keep your system running in tip-top shape.

Saves You Money

Saving money is a top priority of any homeowner. Grocery bills, home insurance, and landscaping bills can all add up quickly. When you buy AC filters online and change them regularly, it can save you money.

When your appliances run efficiently, thanks to the best AC filters, you save money on your electric bills. Your system will not work as hard when dirt and debris clog the system. 

And with an efficient system, you won’t spend money on frequent repairs. Calling an HVAC repair company can cost you quite a bit of money, especially if you call them on the weekend. If your system doesn’t work correctly, a repair company may recommend replacing your entire system, which can run into the thousands! 

Reasons to Change Your AC Filters Regularly

Regularly changing your AC filters means improving your indoor quality, maintaining your AC system, and saving money over the long term. Doing so every 30 to 90 days can have so many benefits. 

Why wait? Change your air filters today and begin improving the indoor air quality for your family! Contact us to let us help you breathe easier today!

Why Is My Air Conditioner Blowing Hot Air?

You’re in your home when you feel a drop of sweat creep down your forehead. You start to think that’s weird because your air conditioner should be on cool.

The problem you are facing is one that many homeowners have. So, why is your air conditioner blowing hot air? There are many reasons this could be happening.

Read on to find out the most common causes.

Incorrect Thermostat Temperature

If your air conditioner is blowing hot air, the first thing you’ll want to do is double-check your thermostat. It’s possible that you accidentally set your thermostat to heat.

If this is your problem, you’ll be glad you checked instead of calling a residential AC maintenance service.

Your Unit Lost Power

Air conditioners are made up up an indoor and outdoor units. If the outdoor unit lost power, it could be causing your AC to blow hot air.

The cause of this could be the circuit breaker or a blown fuse. You can check your circuit breaker and fuse panel to see if this is the problem, but you will need to have it resolved by a professional.

Low Refrigerant

The AC unit might be low on refrigerant if the air in your home is warm. If this happens, you probably have a refrigerant leak somewhere in the system.

The air conditioner will work over time to try to reach the temperature your thermostat is set to but be unable to because of the leak.

An HVAC technician can figure out where the leak in the system is and repair it for you. After repairs and restoring refrigeration levels, your problem will be solved.

Dirty Evaporator Coils

Keeping your evaporator coils clean is one of the keys to keeping your home cool. If your AC is blowing warm air because of a dirty coil, you’ll need to complete an air conditioner tune-up.

Likewise, you’ll want your air filters to stay clean. Air filters won’t affect the temperature in your home, but they can cause your evaporator coil to get dirty.

If the evaporator coil is covered in debris or dirt, cool air won’t come from your system. Regular AC maintenance can help you avoid this issue in the future.

Clogged Condenser Coils

If you’ve checked your indoor evaporator coils and don’t see an issue, the problem could be stemming from your outdoor condenser coils.

These coils need free airflow that can only occur if they are unclogged. To clean the condenser coils, you’ll want to turn off your unit and rinse the debris off. You can do this with a garden hose.

Are You Taking Care of Your Air Conditioner?

If you keep up with regular maintenance and cleaning for your air conditioner, you should be in good hands. However, leaks and a loss of power can occur at any time.

If you can’t find the issue when your AC unit is blowing warm air, seek out a professional AC company for help.

For reliable AC services, Natal Air Conditioning is here for you. We’re just a call away so contact us today!

Blank Thermostat Issues

If you’ve noticed your AC system having blank thermostat issues, you need to know what to do. Each year, over 67,000 people visit emergency rooms because of heat-related illnesses! 

There are some common thermostat issues that you need to know. Keep reading to learn more about what these thermostat problems are and how they can get fixed. 

Blank Thermostat Issues

When it comes to common thermostat issues, one of the most frequent is having dead batteries. If that’s the case, the thermostat won’t power on. If you’ve noticed thermostat problems, you may need to replace the batteries for a quick fix. 

You could have had a breaker trip. All HVAC systems work with electrical components. Check the breaker, and if the switch got flipped, flip it back and see if that resolves the issue. That’s a problem that can happen at any time.

Pay attention to any minor problems that you can’t resolve fast. HVAC systems may have underlying issues. These may cause the transformer to stop sending voltages to the thermostat.

When that happens, you can check the safety switch located in the drain pan. When troubleshooting, if you notice a sensor has gone off, call your HVAC company to come and check it.

The safety switch is there to discover problems. It turns off when it detects high temperatures or excessive moisture. These switches work to keep HVAC systems from getting further damage.

Some thermostat problems mean it has reached the end of its life. Most thermostats last around ten years, so it may be time to get yours replaced. Your HVAC professional can tell you for sure.

HVAC Repairs

When you’ve tried the simple things, but your thermostat is still blank, you should call a pro. Since blank thermostat issues can mean problems with AC systems, a pro can help. Any performance issues need to get checked by a qualified technician. 

It could be that you are not comfortable checking into HVAC systems yourself. Anything beyond changing filters and batteries may be beyond your scope.

When things seem more technical, get a reliable company to come out and check things. HVAC systems can get complex and need the work of experienced technicians. 

If you don’t know what you’re doing, you must get someone who does. AC systems have many working parts, so you must be careful when dealing with them. Working with electricity can get dangerous and even cause death in some cases. 

AC Systems and Air Quality

When it comes to HVAC systems, all parts work together. Your thermostat controls the cooling of your home. Clean air reduces allergens and respiratory problems. 

If you’ve noticed blank thermostat issues, you should get them checked right away. Sometimes the solutions are easy, and you can take care of it yourself. If not, you need a trained technician who can get AC systems up and running like new again. 

If you’re having blank thermostat issues that you can’t fix, contact us today! We are here to help you, day or night.

What to Do About Water Leaks in HVAC Units

The average lifespan of an HVAC system is about fifteen to twenty years. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean yours will go that long without experiencing some technical difficulties. There are a wide variety of issues that could go wrong, including water leaks.  

One of the biggest concerns regarding this problem is that it can cause damage to other parts of your HVAC system, your electrical circuits, and any nearby appliances. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about HVAC water leaks and what you can do to fix them. Keep reading to learn more. 

Signs of Leakage

If your HVAC is severely leaking, a pool of water will begin to form around it. As soon as you detect a leak, you should turn off your HVAC immediately. Then, contact a technician because they can figure out what is causing the leak and fix the issue right away. 

However, when the leak is so small, there may not be any visible signs to help you detect the problem. If you’ve noticed your electricity bill has increased, but you haven’t changed the thermostat, your HVAC might be leaking. Have an HVAC contractor run some tests on your system so that they can diagnose the problem. 

What’s Causes Water Leaks?

The most common reason for HVAC unit leaks is a clogged drainpipe. It occurs because your HVAC pulls in the warm air from your house and removes the moisture before cooling it and sending it back out.

At this point, any dirt and debris will get removed as well. After a while, though, it will build up, preventing the moisture from escaping and causing it to leak out elsewhere in the system. 

Water leaks are another reason to keep an eye on your refrigerant levels. This substance ensures that the evaporator coils, which remove the moisture from the air, stay cold.

When it runs low, the remaining refrigerant freezes the coils as a result of an overworked system. When you refill the refrigerant, the temperatures will go back to normal, and the frozen parts will melt, causing this increase in water to leak. 

The evaporator coils will also freeze if you fail to change out the air filters. When they get too dirty, the air can’t flow easily through the system. Similar to what happens with the refrigerant, it gets too cold around the evaporated coils causing them to ice over. 

Other causes of water leaks: 

• The temperature is too low
• Rusted or cracked drain pan
• Clogged condensate pump 

Hire an HVAC Contractor to Help Take Care Of Your System 

Now that you know how to detect water leaks and the importance of catching them early, you can start properly maintaining yours to prevent this from becoming an issue in the future. The best way to prevent a leak from happening again is to get regular maintenance checks. 

When you need an HVAC service, contact Natal Air Conditioning. For over thirty years, we’ve helped homeowners keep their energy bills down by running maintenance checks, fixing current parts, and providing HVAC installations. Fill out our online form to schedule a service request or call us at 954-788-0099. 

Equipment To Improve Indoor Air Quality

iWave-R Air Purifier

With technology installed in over 100,000 applications, iWave-R is the world’s first self-cleaning, no maintenance needlepoint bi-polar ionization generator designed specifically for treating air in residential duct A/C systems. As the air flows past the iWave-R, positive and negative ions actively purify the supply air, killing mold, bacteria and viruses in the coil and living space. The ionization process also reduces allergens, smoke and static electricity, as well as controlling odors (cooking, pet, VOCs) and other particles (no more sunbeams) in the air without creating ozone or any harmful byproducts.

• Patent-pending self-cleaning design ensures ongoing peak performance
• Needle point ionization actively treats air in the living space
• For duct systems up to 6 tons (2400 CFM)
• Easily installs in minutes in A/C system
• Universal voltage input – 24VAC to 240VAC!
• Universal mounting with magnets

Fresh-Aire UV

Fresh-Aire UV products protect your family or business, extend the life of your air system, and reduce energy and maintenance costs. Our products clean the air throughout your home or business because they are installed directly inside your central air system. Microbes and odors are eliminated as air cycles repeatedly through the system. Conventional filtration is effective against particulates, like dust, but has no effect on the other two thirds. Fresh-Aire UV light products, such as Blue-Tube UV, are proven to sterilize biological contaminants like mold, germs, and viruses in the air and on air system surfaces. 

• Whole-house UV light
• Activated Carbon Air Purifiers
• Sterilize biological contaminants like mold, germs, and viruses
• Residential and Commercial applications

How to Deal with and Prevent a Wet Air Filter

If you notice your air filter is wet, this is an indication that there is an issue with your HVAC system that should be addressed as soon as possible. A wet air filter is not doing its job properly! Wet air filters result in less airflow and higher energy bills. They can also ultimately cause a blown motor or frozen evaporator. Lastly, they can cause mold issues and poor air quality, which can cause serious health issues.

Potential Causes of Wet Air Filters
Your air filters could be wet for a number of reasons. One of the most common reasons air filters become moist is due to a condensate pan or condensate drain line that is clogged. The water could also be dripping off of the evaporator coils. This is less typical, but happens occasionally.

If your HVAC unit is new, it’s also possible your unit or filter wasn’t installed properly. You could have a faulty compressor leaking water on to the air filter. A improperly installed filter is an easy fix, but if your whole unit is improperly installed, it’s not quite as easy.

What to Do When You Discover a Wet Air Filter
When you discover a wet air filter, remove the wet filter and dry the area up. Check the drain for debris or algae and make sure the condensate pan isn’t corroded or cracked. Turn your ac off right away, so you don’t spread moisture throughout your home. Then, put in a new fresh air filter. Make sure to call a trusted HVAC professional who can help you address the issue at hand.

Preventing Wet Air Filters
There are several steps you can take to prevent your air filters from becoming wet. Changing your air filters regularly helps prevent this issue by minimizing the amount of debris that enter the drain lines and pans that clog them. You can also pour vinegar down your drain line to clean it out and kill any mold or mildew.

You should also schedule regular maintenance on your HVAC system. A technician can identify any cracks or blockages that are developing before they become a problem.

Some key takeaways:
Schedule routine professional maintenance
Change your filters monthly and replace if they look dirty
Make sure your HVAC system is installed by a trusted professional

If you have a wet air filter, contact us as soon as possible so we can help you resolve your issue. Contact us at (954) 788-0099 for a free consultation

Healthy Benefits of a Whole House Air Filtration System

One of life’s little luxuries is an efficient air conditioner in your Florida home. Walking inside and being greeted by cool, clean air on a humid day in and around Pompano Beach is a treat that is made even better when any of the proper residential air filtration systems is installed. Think about the hours spent indoors each week. The air inside should be as good as or better than the air quality outside. The best way to reach that goal is by calling a licensed A/C professional like Natal Air Conditioning to install a whole house air filtration system.

Is there really a threat from poor inside air quality? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) places it among the top environmental public health hazards in homes, schools and many other types of buildings. Smog and mist capture our attention outside, but the indoor factors are less likely to be noticed. Indoor alarms typically alert occupants to radon and carbon monoxide. Think how much safer it would be to have those items removed with a filter even if the heater or a/c is not running. Mildew and mold are additional hazards, as well as toxic building materials. Dander from family pets and dust from a myriad of sources add to the list of common items that affect inside air quality.

Airborne pollutants are introduced into your home from both inside and outside sources. A variety of ordinary household sprays release VOCs and microorganisms during their use. Things are often tracked in on shoes or cling to clothing. Pets carry contaminants on their fur. The irritants are miniscule, but still cause trouble once they start circulating through your home. Ultraviolet (UV) lamps and HEPA filters are two methods used to grab and defuse the pollutants. Some units come with moisture resistant filters that stop the growth of microbes and bacteria.

Portable air filters can typically handle cleaning pollutants from one or two rooms. Whole house residential air filter systems are more convenient, effective, and economical because they capture airborne pollutants throughout the entire home. The long-lasting filters provide an unrestricted air flow and clean air without creating a strain on the unit. Respiratory problems including allergies and asthma are significantly reduced while improved air quality

How loud is the unit? This is a common question asked of the techs at Natal Air Conditioning. The filters are integrated in the return duct of your home’s current forced air HVAC system and make little, if any, noise. Whole house air filtration works with electric, oil, or gas units. Purified, healthy inside air is the result of this cleaner, more advanced method of operation.

Is it time to replace the current HVAC unit in your home? Take the opportunity to talk over the installation of the proper sized unit and the whole house air filtration at the same time.

Call 954-781-2665 today to speak with a Natal Air Conditioning professional about the welcome difference residential air filtration systems will make in your Pompano Beach area residence.