What to Do if Your AC Is Leaking Water: A Guide for Fort Myers Homeowners
Florida summers are an incredibly sweltering experience. The average temperature in Ft. Meyers, Florida stretch into the 90s in July. You melt until you can find your way into that perfectly cooled, air-conditioned home.
Everything is perfect until you discover you have a broken air conditioner.
What do you do, though, when your AC is leaking water? You should have a moderate amount of moisture in your drain pan or running from your drain line, but a big puddle under your AC or in your home isn't normal or safe.
By the time you've finished reading this article, you will understand what to do when your air conditioner is leaking water.
Check Your Filter
Before you google "AC repair near me in Ft. Meyers, FL," check your air filter. Dirty air filters will cause your air conditioner evaporator coils to freeze. As the coils thaw, they will leak water and give you that telltale puddle.
Air conditioner experts call air filter maintenance and replacement a critical maintenance task. Keeping a clean air filter will solve a myriad of problems, including a leaky air conditioner. Not changing your filter will ultimately cause significantly bigger problems for your air conditioner unit.
Check Your Drain Line
Your drain line, also known as your condensate line, is the hose that takes moisture from the AC unit out of your home or to a floor drain in your basement. Over time, debris can accumulate in the line and clog it.
When the line is clogged, moisture will back up and then eventually collect in your unit. It will then spill out of the drain pan and into your home. AC companies will check the line when they conduct the annual maintenance call, so you can save yourself some trouble by checking this line after you check the filter.
Check Your Drain Pan
Sometimes you don't have a broken air conditioner when you have a leaky air conditioner. You just have a faulty drain pan.
The drain pan sits under your AC's evaporator coils. It catches the condensation as it drips. Drain pans will eventually corrode and then leak.
If you have an older AC, you could also have an older drain pan. If the AC is older than 15 years old, replace the original drain pan, and make sure you find one that fits your unit.
Listen For Your Condensate Pump
The condensate pump plays a critical part in draining water from your unit. The pump will have a float switch on it. If the pump or the float switch malfunctions, then the pump won't kick in when it is supposed to, and water will rise and overflow from your air conditioner.
You will have an air conditioner leaking water all over your basement or wherever you may have it.
Call For Help When Your AC Is Leaking Water
When your AC is leaking water, many things can cause excess moisture. These are just a handful of the potential problems. You won't know the real crux of the issue, though, until you call in an air conditioning repair expert.
An air conditioner technician has the experience, training, and certification to diagnose and fix your leaky air conditioner. Are you looking for a quality air conditioning repair technician in Ft. Meyer? If so, contact us.
We have an emergency 24-hour service and will answer your calls night or day. Let us help you repair your AC and have your home cooled once again.
7 Signs You Need an AC Duct Repair in Cape Coral, FL
Your home's HVAC unit is as essential as any other system in your home, so you want it running in top condition all year round. When your system is in disrepair, it can lose up to thirty percent of the air, which leads to air quality issues for your home. With this in mind, it's essential to watch for the warning signs that your AC needs some duct repair.
What are some signs that your air vents and ducts need some tender loving care? What do you need to be on the lookout for with your heating and cooling system? Read on to learn seven signs that you need AC duct repair in Cape Coral, Florida!
1. Temperature Difference Between Rooms
When your ducts have an air leak, there isn't enough air moving through them to properly heat or cool the house. The difference could also come from debris in the air vents. There are many causes of temperature differences throughout the house.
2. Dusty Vents
Over time, your air vents collect dust and debris that impedes the flow of air and impacts your air quality. Your air filters should remove most of the dust, but clogged filters will allow for dust to get into the air ducts. If you have leaky ducts, dust and debris can get into the system and collect there, clogging and lowering the efficiency of your HVAC unit.
3. Strange Noises
If something strange is going on, and you hear spooky noises coming from your AC unit, you likely need duct repair. Extra air causes the metal ducts to expand which creates the booming, popping, and banging you hear. No need for the Ghostbusters, just your friendly neighborhood air conditioning repair technician.
4. Bad Airflow
Bad airflow throughout your HVAC unit means you have tears or cracks in your ductwork. When this happens, you need duct repair as soon as possible. Bad airflow through your home brings a host of air quality issues into play.
5. Bad Smells
Cracks in your ductwork or even uneven installation can lead to humidity and moisture in your air vents. Mold, mildew, and other things can grow in your vents in these conditions. The consequences of this are more than needing duct repair, it can lead to serious health concerns.
6. Pests
When your air ducts develop holes or crevices, they can shelter any number of unwanted creatures. Insects, mice, and rats can gather in your ductwork and cause a lot of problems. Bad odors, droppings, and dead things are signs that you might have a pest problem.
7. High Energy Bill
When your HVAC unit needs to work harder to condition the air in your home, your energy bills go up. If your air vents have holes or cracks or are poorly put together, you will pay more money every month. When you notice this, schedule an appointment to look into air conditioning repair!
Duct Repair In Cape Coral
Duct repair is essential in keeping your HVAC unit running efficiently all year round. Keeping an eye out for all these problems means you pay less money when you catch small issues before they become big issues. Don't wait to call for duct repair when you notice something is wrong.
Enjoy this article? Then contact Ellsworth's Heating & Cooling for the best duct repair specialists in Cape Coral and the surrounding area!
Is Your AC Not Turning On in Fort Myers, FL? What to Do
If you live in Fort Myers, Florida, your AC not turning on can be devastating. Temperatures in Fort Myers have average highs in the 90s four months out of the year.
Having a broken AC is stressful, especially in hot areas. Before you panic, however, there are some potential solutions.
Read on to learn everything you need to do when you find your air conditioner not working!
Possible Reasons for AC Not Turning On
Air conditioners use several components to keep your home cool, and there are many different types of AC systems. As a result, potential causes for your AC unit not turning on can vary greatly.
Some common reasons for your AC not coming on include:
- Electrical system issues
- Thermostat problems
- Full drain pan
- Blower motor damage
- Dirty air filter
AC Not Turning On: Potential Fixes
Often, problems with air conditioning equipment have simple fixes. Before you start planning to replace your whole system, try these solutions:
Inspect the Thermostat
The first thing you should do if your AC won't come on is to check the thermostat.
Check if you have it switched to "cool." Ensure the thermostat is set above your home's current temperature.
If your AC still doesn't come on, it could be a wiring issue in your thermostat. Look for any wires that are sticking out, disconnected, or exposed.
If there is a wiring issue, you should consider replacing your thermostat.
Check Your Electrical System
If the thermostat isn't on and the AC won't start, you may have an electrical issue. The first place you should look is your circuit breaker.
Check to see if any breakers have been tripped (a tripped breaker will be in the "off" position). Simply switch any tripped breakers back on.
In an older home, there may be a fuse box. Instead of a tripped breaker, these systems can sometimes blow a fuse.
Do not attempt fuse repair unless you have electrical experience, as these systems can be dangerous.
Check Your Air Filter and Drain Pan
Sometimes an air filter can get so clogged that it prevents airflow. Check to see if your air filter is especially dusty.
If your filter looks good, move to the drain pan. When air conditioning systems run, they can accumulate condensation and drip water. Any runoff is collected in a drain pan to prevent water damage.
Some systems have a safety shutoff switch that turns the system off when the drain pan is full. If your drain pan has collected a lot of water, empty it out to see if the system comes back on.
To empty the pan, cut power to the unit and remove the water with a vacuum, then turn the power back on.
Keep Your Home Cool
If you notice your AC not turning on, try these possible fixes. If your AC still won't come on, it's time to call in the professionals.
We've been providing AC repair Fort Myers residents trust for over 50 years. Contact us today for a free estimate!
The Best Air Conditioners of 2022
Everyone knows living in Southwest Florida means you are no stranger to the heat. The summer sun is brutal, with temperatures reaching the high 90s. Keeping your home cool and comfortable is essential!
To do that, you need an AC unit that can compensate for the high temps without breaking the bank. Luckily for you, there are plenty of options out there. You have your choice of window, portable, and central air conditioners.
Plus, installation is easy with help from top-rated companies.
We've gathered a list of the best air conditioners for you to browse. Read on and find the one that works best for you!
Window Air Conditioners
LG and MIDEA are the best air conditioner brands for window units. Their designs are sleek and slim, making them easy to fit any size window.
LG Electronics 14,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
Keep medium to large rooms comfortable with this model. It has a range of up to 800 square feet. You can customize the cooling speed, and it has a sleep mode that keep sit quiet.
You can even pair it with your smartphone or Alexa.
MIDEA U Inverter
The U-shape design of this unit makes it easy to install into a window. You don’t have to remove it when you want to open and close your window. The noise level is 42 decibels, making this unit one of the quietest of its kind.
It also comes in three sizes to suit your needs. It also includes fan adjustments, sleep modes, and a timer. It's no secret why it gets the vote for best window air conditioner.
Portable Air Conditioners
An air conditioner that moves with you is a good investment. These well-working systems are convenient, cost-effective, and work like their stationary counterparts.
Whynter ARC-14S
This is the best portable air conditioner if you want to move it between rooms throughout the day. It has built-in wheels, making transportation a breeze. It even operates as a dehumidifier and a fan.
The auto-drain function ensures you won't have condensation buildup as it's running.
Rollibot ROLLICOOL
Snag this portable air conditioner if you want a unit that does it all. It comes in three different sizes and can cool areas up to 375 square feet. A hose connects the back of the machine to a small window kit you place into a cracked window.
It’s tech-savvy, meaning you can connect it to your Wi-Fi and pair it with your smartphone or Alexa.
Central Air Conditioners
Keep your entire home cool with these power-house units. They are bigger and are installed outside the home.
Goodman and American Standard
These are two of the best air conditioner brands for central AC units. Their SEER ratings ensure their units are quiet, energy-efficient, and durable. The Goodman units can withstand salt spray, making them perfect for beach-side residents.
Get the Best Air Conditioners Installed Today
Ellsworth’s Heating & Cooling is here to keep Southwest Floridians comfortable year-round!
Get a high-quality installation service for the best air conditioners and schedule maintenance and repairs at affordable rates.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
What To Know About Home Heating Installation
While the Fort Myers, Florida area rarely drops below 42˚F, winter storms have been growing stronger. Stronger winter storms can lead to colder temperatures in the Florida area. Are you ready for cold weather events?
Heating installation is the perfect way to create a warm environment in your home. A modern home heating system will create a comfortable space in every room.
Before you install a heating system, there are a few things you need to know. Our guide is here to help you make the right choices and feel prepared for the heating installation process.
How Does A Home Heating System Work?
Every heating system has three main components.
The heating source is the system and fuel that creates heat in your home. A furnace is one of the most coming heating system sources.
Energy from the heat source spreads through channels. These channels move heat across your home using radiators, hot water, and steam. A great heating tip is to leave vents that expel heat into a room uncovered so heat can flow properly.
Finally, a control system like a thermostat helps regulate the temperature of your home.
What Are the Heating System Types?
There are a variety of options you can use when picking a home heating system. Heating services and installers will help you understand what the best option for your home is. In this guide, we'll walk you through the three most common options.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps use electricity to take heat from outside and move it inside. This pump is great for warm temperatures too because it can remove heat from inside the home and force it outside as well.
Air to Air heat pumps moves heat using airflow. The system will take cooler outdoor air and exchange it with warm indoor air. This method reduces electrical costs.
Geothermal pumps use a water or ground heating system. This energy-efficient option uses consistent underground temperatures to create a warmer temperature in your home.
Boilers
Boilers use fuel oil, coal, or natural gas to warm up water inside the boiler. The water moves through pipes that can reach up to 180˚F. The copper tubing in the radiator creates heat that will radiate into a room.
Boilers come in steam, hot water, and air options. Steam boilers can reach higher temperatures than the other two options.
Solar Power
Florida is one of the sunniest states in the country. If you want to make your home environmentally friendly, take advantage of solar power technology. Solar power heating uses the warmth of the sun to heat your home, and homeowners can take advantage of solar tax credits.
One option for solar power is heating fluid in a basin. The warm liquid spreads through your home with a boiler. Air systems use the sun to heat air and warm up a room directly.
What To Look For in Heating Services
When trying to decide heat heating installation service you should go with, nothing beats looking at online reviews. Many companies will have reviews on their website, but you can always find more online. You can see how other customers feel about the installer.
Another sign that an installer will be reliable is if they sell a variety of heating services. This shows that they understand what your options are and can help you pick out the best heating system for your home. You can even contact the same heating installation company when you need maintenance.
Take Advantage of Heating Installation Services in Your Area Today!
Heating installation is a great way to create a warmer environment in your home. Stay comfortable all year round by taking advantage of heating services in the Fort Myers, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, and Cape Coral, Florida areas.
Ellsworth Heating & Cooling are heating installation experts for the Lee County, FL area. Our team of experts can help you find the perfect system for your home and keep you comfortable all year. Reach out to us today to get started!
5 Signs Your Heater is Broken
What's that noise? Why is the room so cold? If you're asking these questions, these are signs you may have a broken heater.
You've done everything you could to keep your heater running as it should, including regular maintenance. But there still comes a point when we need to call an HVAC company for heater repair.
If your heater shows any of the below signs, it's time to schedule a repair service.
1. Unusual Noises
You should be used to the sounds your heater makes during normal operation, but weird noises can be a sign you need to call the heater repairman.
Common noises that indicate a broken heater include squealing, loud and disruptive humming, or rattling noises.
Squealing is often caused by loose bearings or problems with the pulley or motor belt. Rattling or banging can indicate loose screws or an unbalanced motor. Loud humming is usually a sign the blower fan motor is starting to fail.
2. More Dust in the Home
Are you or your family members sneezing more often? Do you notice an increased amount of dust in the home? If so, it could indicate poor air quality.
Changing the filter or upgrading to a better filter can sometimes help improve indoor air quality. However, your system may also need a good cleaning. Your system may be packed with debris and dust, which causes your heater to work harder than it needs to.
If left ignored, your overworked heater could break down. That's why it's crucial to call for repair or maintenance as soon as you notice this sign.
Are you looking for more ways to improve your indoor air quality? The EPA has some great suggestions.
3. Cold Spots
No, it's not a ghost—cold spots in the house can indicate an underlying issue with your heater.
If you notice dramatic changes in room temperature in your house, it's usually due to a struggling heater. It may be too small to effectively heat your home, for instance.
You may notice small fluctuations in the temperature, especially in older homes, that come from drafts. But a dramatic temperature difference often means you need HVAC maintenance.
4. You're Constantly Using the Thermostat
Does it seem like you're always adjusting the thermostat to try and make your home comfortable? If some rooms seem too hot or too cold, your heater isn't working efficiently. The system isn't evenly distributing heat.
The issue might be a broken thermostat, but you can usually troubleshoot this on your own. If your thermostat is working properly, it's likely your heater.
5. High Energy Bills
If you notice a dramatic spike in your energy bills that don't seem right, your heater could be to blame. It's likely the case if you notice the system turning on and off again more than it should. This can indicate a system that's struggling to keep your home warm.
Compare your current bill to past bills, and you might see a pattern.
Need Heater Repair?
If you notice any of the above signs, it's time to call for heater repair. The longer you wait, the more likely your system is to break down on you!
You can rely on us at Ellsworth's Heating & Cooling for all your HVAC needs in Lee County, FL. Send us a message or call us today.
5 Common Reasons Your Home Air Conditioner Smells... Off
If it wasn't already obvious, if your air conditioning makes your home smell like you're living in the landfill you may have a problem.
Let's be honest, one of the things you don't want when it comes to your home is any displeasing smells. One of the most concerning things is when that smell comes from your air conditioning. When there's a strange scent coming from your air conditioning there are several things that it might be.
Before you drive yourself crazy wondering why your air conditioner smells, let's take a look at several possibilities. One of these may be the reason for that unpleasant smell wafting around your home. Let's take a look and see if we can solve that air quality issue.
1. Rotten Eggs Stench
If there is the scent of rotten eggs it may be a hint that your air conditioning unit has a dead animal stuck in it. These pests can cause major damage and result in your air conditioning unit breaking completely.
If this occurs the best thing to do would be to call your HVAC company to have them take all of the necessary precautions.
2. The Scent of Gas
When your central ac smells like gas it means that gas may be getting into places your house doesn't need it. This might mean that your ductwork needs to be taken apart and examined.
If your air conditioning smells of gas, a natural gas company may need to be consulted. There could be a bigger problem than you realize at work.
3. Moldy Scent Is A Water Indicator
When an air conditioner smells musty it means that there is excess water where it shouldn't be. Your drain pan may be collecting stilled water. This could mean a number of different things for your air conditioning unit.
Your HVAC company knows how to remove musty smells from the air conditioner. They will be able to get rid of those scents and make your home cool and fresh again.
4. The Smell Of Fire
There are plenty of electrical connections inside of your unit. In some cases, there may be misfires that cause your air conditioning unit to smell as though it is on fire. This may be a cause of significant worry in your home.
In some cases, you may even need to replace your air conditioning unit in order to prevent any damage to your home.
5. A Strong Chemical Scent
If your central air conditioner smells like chemicals a problem is typically in your refrigeration line. This could also be the cause for your home not cooling off as usual.
Any scent of chemicals should be the cause for a light alarm. There are several different areas the scent of chemicals may pertain to.
Take Those Air Conditioner Smells Seriously!
Any of these air conditioner smells can make your surroundings very unpleasant. They may cause you to not feel comfortable in your home. Calling an HVAC company will bring you back a sense of calm within your home.
Have further questions about your HVAC system? With questions like that we'd be happy to help you. Contact us today and get started solving all of your heating and cooling problems.
How to Find the Best HVAC Company In Your Area
Many people fail to appreciate how much value heating and air conditioning contractors provide to society. In fact, the market for HVAC contractors in the United States alone is worth more than $119 billion every year!
Of course, not all HVAC companies are created equal. If you want the best service possible, you might have to look around to make sure that you find the best company.
So how can you make sure that you find the best company for your situation? Read on to learn all about the best ways to find a great HVAC company!
Check Out Ratings and Reviews
The first thing to do is to get as many options as possible. If you can find the best company out of town options, you are likely to get a better company than if you get the best company out of only three options.
Check out the ratings for different HVAC companies on Google and Yelp. The best HVAC company probably has pretty high ratings.
However, you should also check out the reviews to learn more about each HVAC service. If you want HVAC installation, then you might not want to place as much weight on reviews that emphasize HVAC repair.
Ask Around
Finding the best heating and cooling company can also rely on word-of-mouth. Ask your friends and family if there are any companies that they have especially good experiences with. Sometimes, you can find even better companies than you do online this way.
Call Them up First
You can learn a lot about a company based on how they treat people who call them up. A quick call can let you assess the professionalism and friendliness of each company.
While you are talking, you can also ask for some references. Of course, there is a good chance that they will only give you references from customers who like them a lot. Nonetheless, it can still be useful information.
It is also important to distinguish between the best company in general as opposed to the best company for your particular situation. Even if a company has 50 years of experience, if that experience is fully general, then it might not always be the right choice for you.
For example, you might need a very specific job done. If a company has 20 years of experience, but they have spent all of those years and exactly the kind of problem you need help with, and they probably know even more about it than an older company with a board general focus.
Enjoy All of the Benefits of the Best HVAC Company
We hope that you were able to take away something helpful from this brief article on some of the most powerful tools you can use to find the best HVAC company for your situation. Although doing your due diligence can take a little extra time, it is more than worth it to find a great company to work with.
To learn more about how to find the best company for your needs, feel free to reach out and get in touch with us here at any time!
5 HVAC Maintenance Tips to Prepare for Winter
Winter is just around the corner. If you’re looking to keep your house as warm as possible this year, you’ll need to know a few HVAC maintenance tips.
Keeping your HVAC systems in good working order is essential year-round, but it’s especially important during the colder months of the year.
Keep reading this article to find out how to get the most from your heating system.
HVAC Maintenance Tips
There are a few easy tips you can follow to prepare your HVAC system for the coming winter.
These tips will help you keep your house warm and toasty during the colder months. Learning how to maintain your system will give you the knowledge to take care of your system the whole year-round.
1. Change the Filters
The filter is one of the most important parts of your HVAC system. It works to remove dust, allergens, and other pollutants from the air in your home.
If it gathers too much dust and debris, it begins to get clogged. Once it’s blocked, it doesn’t allow as much air through. This is why you need to change the filters regularly.
How often you need to change the filters depends on the filters that you currently have. Be sure the check the packaging for this information.
2. Inspect the System
There’s a lot you can tell just by looking at your system. This is why it is a good idea to routinely carry out a visual inspection of the system.
Start by looking over your furnace and making sure the components seem in good shape and are working correctly. Then take a look at the filters and ducts for the rest of the system.
Take a note of all the problems that you find. Some might be easy to fix. If you have issues that are too difficult for you to fix, you should contact an HVAC technician to come and repair the broken parts for you.
3. Make Sure Your Home Is Insulated
One of the best ways to keep your house warm in winter is to make sure that it is properly insulated.
Insulation helps to keep the warm air inside your house and prevents it from escaping. When your home is poorly insulated, you will lose a lot of the hot air generated by your heating system, and your system will have to work harder and harder to keep the house warm.
4. Ensure Your Thermostat Is Working
The thermostat is the part of the heating system that tells your furnace what temperature to run at and when to heat the house.
It’s an essential component of the system, but it’s also one of the most common HVAC repairs. If your thermostat is faulty, you’ll need to get it replaced. This is a very quick and easy job for most HVAC technicians.
5. Get Regular Maintenance
The biggest HVAC tip we can give you is to get your system seen by a technician regularly.
You should be getting regular checkups and maintenance long before winter comes around so that you can go into the winter with complete confidence that your heating system is running at its very best.
Find an HVAC Maintenance Service Today
Now you know these HVAC maintenance tips. You can keep your system efficiently running all winter long.
However, some of these repairs and checkups need to be conducted by qualified professionals. Ellsworth’s Heating and Cooling is your go-to for HVAC maintenance in South West Florida. We’re based in Lee County and would be happy to talk to you about what you need.
Contact us today to see how we can help you.
Florida Business: What to Expect From Your HVAC System Design Team
There's nothing worse than walking into a stuffy room during summer in Fort Meyers, FL. Except walking into a cold one in winter.
In extreme weather, your HVAC system design makes all the difference. A good design will heat and cool your home with efficiency. A poor design will leave you at the mercy of the elements and cost more money.
Here are a few things you should expect from your HVAC design team.
System Types
Your designer will first decide what type of HVAC system will work best for you. There are a variety of options, and each has its own benefits.
Split Systems
These units have two systems. One for heating and one for cooling. Typically, this system relies on a gas furnace in the basement and a cooling unit. Since many homes in Florida don't have basements, this won't work for many.
Ductless split systems are a popular option for hotels and apartments. It's commonly used because individual units are placed in the ceiling or walls providing each room with a customizable climate.
Hybrid split systems work by utilizing a heat pump and a furnace. These two units give you more control over how to heat and cool your home.
Other Systems
Packaged systems are a more compact option. Combing the heating and cooling type of units into one makes this system ideal for small spaces. Smaller houses where storage is limited are perfect for this system.
Geothermal systems are leaders in energy efficiency. They can be up to four times as efficient as the other systems. Here's how it works. It utilizes pipes to transfer heat into your house. In the summer, they pull heat out.
HVAC System Design Process
After you've chosen your system type, your design team can start with the installation process. This involves calculating air requirements to guarantee that every room will be a unified temperature.
It's important that the designers give you an idea of the ductwork once installed. This includes the location of vents and any new units.
HVAC Installation
No one wants their home turned into a construction zone. Our team works very hard to ensure there will be minimal disruption to your everyday life.
Once your system is installed, you can't forget about the importance of maintenance.
Commercial or Personnal HVAC
There are different requirements and regulations for each. Your design team should specialize in your unique needs.
At Ellsworth's Heating and Cooling, our licensed professionals are experts in both. We are familiar with zoning and multi-stage systems, designing and implementing air conditioning, and much more.
Design Your New HVAC System Now
For those located in Fort Meyers, FL, you know how important working air conditioning is. Don't waste money with old and inefficient systems. Proper HVAC system design will change your life.
We take pride in our work. Our design team is efficient and knowledgeable. Contact us to turn your home into an oasis from the heat and cold today!