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Signs That AC Replacement May Be Needed Before the Start of Summer

Warning Signs Indicating the Need for AC Replacement

As the weather starts warming up, many homeowners start thinking about their air conditioning system and whether it's ready for summer. It's essential to address any issues with an air conditioner before the temperatures rise, as nobody wants to be left without cool air in the sweltering summer heat. This article will discuss some warning signs that indicate it may be time to replace the AC unit before the start of summer.

The Importance of Upgrading an Old Unit Before Summer

As with any appliance, air conditioning units have a limited lifespan. The average lifespan of an air conditioner is around 10 to 20 years, depending on factors such as the type of AC system, frequency of use, and maintenance. Once an AC unit reaches this age range, it is more prone to breakdowns and repairs, especially during the summer when it runs more frequently.

By upgrading to a newer, energy-efficient unit before the old one breaks down, homeowners can avoid being stuck without air conditioning during the hottest months of the year while saving on their energy bills and repair costs since older units are typically less energy efficient and require more frequent repairs. Older AC units may also use outdated refrigerants that are being phased out and can be expensive to replace. Replacing an old air conditioner before it completely breaks down can save homeowners from the inconvenience and discomfort of being without cool air during the hot summer months and save them money in the long run.

A Decline in the Energy Efficiency of the AC

As an air conditioner ages, it loses energy efficiency. This causes the unit to use more energy than necessary and can lead to increased utility bills. Any malfunctioning components or neglected maintenance can also lead to decreased energy efficiency and higher energy costs. In some cases, inefficient air conditioners may need to be replaced due to their age or the level of damage. However, if a newer AC is experiencing an energy efficiency issue, it may just need to be repaired to restore its energy efficiency and lower utility bills.

Proper maintenance on an air conditioner can help preserve the unit’s energy efficiency and lifespan while also helping to save homeowners money on energy bills in the long run. Regular maintenance checks can help identify any issues and prevent them from causing damage that necessitates the unit's replacement. It is essential to have a professional HVAC technician inspect the system to determine whether repair or replacement is the best course of action.

AC Not Cooling Your Home Enough

If homeowners notice that their air conditioner is not keeping their home as cool as it used to or is not cooling at all, there could be several reasons for this. Here are some common causes to consider:

The AC unit is undersized or incorrectly installed
The air ducts are leaking air or obstructed
The refrigerant levels are low
The compressor is failing
The AC unit is old and has lost its efficiency

If an AC system is experiencing issues cooling the home or warm air blows out of the vents when the air conditioning is on, it may be time to replace it before summer to ensure the house stays comfortable in the hot months ahead. Professionals can inspect the air conditioner for the cause of the issue and determine whether repair or replacement is the best option.

About Elite Electric, Plumbing & Air

Elite Electric, Plumbing & Air has over three decades of experience serving Port St. Lucie and the surrounding areas. They provide upfront pricing, personal attention, and 24/7 emergency service. Call them today for air conditioning replacements in Port St. Lucie, FL.

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Three Signs That an Electrical Panel Needs to Be Inspected by Professionals

Is Your Electrical Panel Failing?

Electrical panels are essential for ensuring the safety of a home. They provide the necessary protection against fire, damaged electronics, and other hazards associated with electricity. A well-functioning panel is also important for the optimization of electricity usage in the home.

Electrical panels can help to prevent damage to electrical devices and the home by tripping the circuit breakers when the circuit is overloaded. However, a malfunctioning electrical panel cannot provide the same protection, so it’s important to get them serviced by an electrician. This blog will share some signs of a faulty electrical panel in need of repair or replacement to alert homeowners when to call professionals.

Dim or Flickering Lights

If homeowners notice that some of the lights in their homes are flickering or not as bright as they used to be, it is important to assess what could be causing the issue. In many cases, this problem can be solved by replacing an old lightbulb with a new one. However, it could also indicate a larger problem within the electrical system of the home.

If the flicking and decreased brightness are happening for multiple different lights in the home or if the lights begin to dim or flicker when another appliance is plugged in, it could be a sign of an issue with the electrical panel. This problem can occur when too many appliances are drawing power from the same circuit, meaning that certain appliances may be using more power than can be provided by the circuit it’s on.

Burning Smell

When homeowners smell something burning, particularly if it comes from the electrical panel, it is never a good sign. This usually means that the electrical panel is overheating, arcing, or experiencing an electrical malfunction, most likely caused by overloaded circuits, old components, or defective wiring.

In cases like this, the circuit breaker may have to be replaced since it can no longer handle the power requirements of the home, and allowing it to continue as is, could lead to serious problems, like the possibility of an electrical fire. A burning smell should be taken as an urgent warning that the existing panel is no longer safe and that a qualified electrician must be called in to handle the problem immediately.

The Electrical Panel is Old and Outdated

While homeowners may be happy to know that a standard electrical panel is built to last, most professionals agree that 25 to 40 years is the average lifespan of a panel before it becomes old enough to be considered obsolete and should be replaced to adhere to current safety standards. Electrical panels should also be inspected as a part of routine electrical system inspections to ensure it’s in good condition.

Most homeowners probably won’t have to upgrade their electrical panel more than a handful of times in their lives, but for those who are moving into older homes, it is imperative to check the age of the panel. If a home is over 20 years old and has an original electrical panel that has never been replaced, it typically needs to be upgraded. Doing so will give homeowners the peace of mind of knowing that their homes are powered safely by an electrical panel that can handle their modern appliances.

About Elite Electric, Plumbing & Air

Elite Electric, Plumbing & Air has over three decades of experience serving Port St. Lucie, FL, and the surrounding areas. They provide upfront pricing, emergency service, and personal attention. Call them today for electrical panel repair and installation services in Port St. Lucie, FL.

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Warning Signs of a Broken Thermostat

How to Know When to Replace the Thermostat

The thermostat is a very important element of a home HVAC system. The thermostat controls the temperature and tells the heating and cooling systems when to turn on and off. Without a functional thermostat, the HVAC system can run into various problems. This blog post discusses three warning signs that a thermostat could be broken.

When troubleshooting HVAC problems, experts recommend that homeowners first try replacing the batteries in the thermostat. Dying thermostat batteries can lead to the thermostat not functioning properly, and switching them out is an easy fix. When changing the batteries does not resolve thermostat problems, it is time to call an HVAC technician for thermostat repair or replacement. Here are the signs of thermostat issues.

Utility Bills Are Too High

Higher energy bills can be a result of a broken or malfunctioning thermostat. Upgrading to a new and more efficient thermostat can help homeowners significantly reduce energy bills. Smart thermostats are very effective at learning the home's climate and adjusting automatically for optimal energy efficiency.

A broken thermostat can cause a sudden spike in utility bills because the HVAC system is overworking itself. A broken thermostat cannot read temperatures accurately, which causes it to turn the HVAC system on and off constantly, short cycle, and run for way longer cycles than it should. Fixing the thermostat with repairs or replacing it with a new, energy-efficient model can go a long way in cutting back on heating and cooling costs.

Incorrect Temperature Readings

Incorrect temperature readings are another broken thermostat symptom homeowners should watch out for. When the thermostat cannot read temperatures correctly, it can cause the HVAC system to overwork itself. Homeowners can verify if their thermostat is correct by placing an accurate thermometer on the wall next to it and comparing the readings.

It may also be obvious that the thermostat is reading the wrong temperature based on the house's temperature. For example, if the homeowner is cold, but the thermostat says it’s 78 degrees, the thermostat is probably wrong. Incorrect temperature readings are one of the most common reasons people replace their old thermostats.

AC Short Cycling

Short cycling is an HVAC term for when the heating or cooling shuts off prematurely. When the system short cycles, it fails to complete the full heating or cooling cycle. This means that the home’s HVAC system will struggle to reach the optimal temperature because it cuts off too early. This leads to an increase in utility bills. It is also bad for the environment to waste energy on inefficient cooling.

Homeowners may notice short cycling when the AC constantly cuts on and off. An HVAC system that is working properly will start the cycle and continue to run until it reaches the temperature on the thermostat. It only shuts off when the desired temperature is achieved. When the system short cycles, it stops before the process completes and then starts back up again.

About Elite Electric, Plumbing & Air

Elite Electric, Plumbing & Air has over three decades of experience serving the residents of Port St. Lucie, FL, and the surrounding areas. They offer upfront pricing, 24/7 emergency service, and personal attention. Call them today for thermostat replacement and repair in Port St. Lucie, FL.

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Signs That It's Time To Consider Air Duct Replacement

How To Know if the Air Ducts Need Repairs or Replacing

If your home or office building has a heating and air conditioning system, keeping the air ducts in good condition is important. Not only do they help circulate air throughout the space, but they also play a role in maintaining a comfortable temperature. Over time, air ducts can become clogged with dust and debris, reducing their efficiency. Sometimes, it may be necessary to repair or replace the air ducts altogether. Here are some signs that it may be time for air duct repair or replacement:

Warning Signs

One should consult with an HVAC expert if they notice:

Foul smells coming from their home’s AC vents: Most air ducts are made of materials that prevent the growth of mold and mildew. However, water damage can cause these substances to grow and produce musty, unpleasant smells. The smell could also come from a dead animal. If a rat (for example) dies inside the home’s air ducts, one should hire a professional to address the issue. Ignoring the problem could compromise the home’s indoor air quality.
Poor airflow: Over time, some air ducts can suffer damage. For instance, changes in air pressure can cause the ducts to bend or wrap, affecting how air flows through the system. Other reasons for poor airflow may include obstructions inside the system.
Rumbling sounds from the home’s air ducts: No loud rumbling sounds should come from the air ducts, only the sound of blowing air. However, if one hears rumbling, popping, or cracking sounds, this could mean that air pressure is warping the ducts themselves.

If a homeowner suspects that their air ducts have problems, they should consult a professional to ensure the best course of action. These are not issues that homeowners should fix on their own, and DIY home improvement measures could only worsen matters.

How Can New Ductwork Help the Home?

While replacing the entire air duct system can seem like an unexpected expense, the benefits greatly outweigh the investment. For starters, with new air ducts in place, homeowners can expect improved airflow throughout the entire home, which means no more drafty or overly stuffy rooms.

Similarly, being overly dirty or damaged can force your AC to work harder. With new air ducts in place, homeowners can expect better circulation throughout the home and lower energy costs since less debris will get in the way. Finally, the overall system will be quieter without any damaged or leaky air ducts, allowing everyone to enjoy a cool, quiet, and comfortable home.

Examples of Air Duct Repair Methods

When a professional comes to repair an AC system, they will first look for any issues. Then, they may:

Clean the ductwork. This may include vacuuming dust, removing mold growth, and cleaning the metal tunnels with non-corrosive fluid.
Remove damaged sections. Unlike the human body, air ducts do not heal themselves. A professional can identify a damaged section of ductwork and replace the old section with a new one without having to replace the entire ductwork.
Patch any leaks or holes in the ductwork. If an air duct system has any leaks or holes, it could allow cool air to leave the system. This can make it difficult to maintain the home’s indoor temperature. A professional may use caulk, a patch, or another substance to patch the hole.

At first glance, these measures may seem like anyone can do them. However, as noted, one should consult a professional for help regarding their HVAC system.

About Elite Electric, Plumbing & Air

Elite Electric, Plumbing & Air has over 30 years of experience serving the residents of Port St. Lucie, FL, and the surrounding areas. They provide upfront pricing, 24/7 emergency service, and on-time arrival. Call them today for air conditioning services in Port St. Lucie, FL.

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5 Signs You May Not Be Sick … It's Just Your Indoor Air Quality

5 Adverse Health Effects of Poor Indoor Air Quality

As the seasons begin to change, it is easy to overlook symptoms such as a common cold or allergies rather than attribute them to poor indoor air quality. Air quality is a crucial component of our health and contrastingly easy to overlook due to its transparent and odorless nature. The average American spends 90% of their time indoors, so it is important to pay attention to the signs of indoor air pollutants. Continue reading to find out the common misconceptions between the common cold and poor indoor air quality!

Respiratory Issues

Respiratory problems are a common indicator of indoor air pollutants. If you begin to notice consistent unrest inside your home that is accompanied by coughing, congestion, sore throat, and sneezing, you may want to consider receiving an indoor air quality evaluation.

Headaches

Finding the cause of headaches or migraines is never an easy task. If you notice that you are experiencing an influx of headaches while being inside, or in a particular space, this may be an indication of poor air quality.

Asthma Flare-Ups

If you or a family member is experiencing an increase in asthma attacks with no change in routine, the culprit could potentially be indoor air pollutants. Instant relief is attainable with a medicated inhaler, but it is important to get to the root of the problem by contacting our ELITE team for an air quality evaluation. If these flare-ups continue, we urge you to contact a medical professional.

Flu-Like Symptoms

Poor indoor air quality can lead to a combination of symptoms that may be easily confused with the flu. While air quality is most commonly linked to respiratory issues, it has the potential to lead to other issues like dizziness, headaches, and watery eyes. Fortunately, these issues can be alleviated with an air purifier that traps common household air pollutants.

Fatigue

If you begin to notice yourself constantly feeling tired, your air quality may be the cause. Long-term exposure to poor indoor air quality not only can cause fatigue but also long-term effects such as accelerated aging of the lungs, asthma, and bronchitis.

Fortunately, indoor air quality can be quickly improved by the installation of air filtration systems, UV air purifiers, and duct cleaning by our ELITE team. Give your home a seasonal refresh this year with a $49 Indoor Air Quality Evaluation! Call 772-940-5724 to schedule an appointment with our team today!