Issues causing systems to fail to operate air conditioning or heating modes are usually simply and quickly identified. When neither the indoor or outdoor unit runs at all we know that there is a reason that power is not being connected to the motors in the system. It may be that a circuit breaker or fuse has tripped. It might be that a thermostat or controls problem is keeping the system off. Perhaps one of the safeties or limit switches has failed or has shut the system off on a fault condition. Condensate overflow safeties may have shut the system down due to a drain line problem. Technicians will systematically rule out each possibility.

Check the circuit breakers first, then confirm that system controls are set to operate correctly ; once confirmed there may be a need to have a professional investigate the cause and restore operation.

Issues causing systems to fail to operate sufficiently in heating or cooling modes can result from a wide variety of problems. It may be that all that is needed is a new filter and maintenance.

More serious problems may require a service call.

COMPONENT FAILURES of a mechanical or electrical nature can diminish performance.

AIRFLOW ISSUES resulting from indoor fan problems or ductwork related failures.

REFRIGERANT leaks or improper charging reduce system performance and efficiency.

DIRTY OR DEGRADED COILS fail to transfer heat reducing capacity / efficiency.

BUILDING RELATED PROBLEMS often cause humidity related complaints ; insufficient insulation can increase cooling demands.

IMPROPERLY INSTALLED/CONFIGURED controls and components do not deliver their rated capacity or efficiency.

SWFL Air Conditioning Systems remove thousands of gallons of condensate annually.

When the condensate fails to drain to an intended disposal point, overflows can cause water damage to building components.  Overflow pans and shut-off devices are used to prevent water damage when malfunctions occur. These devices shut down cooling operation before overflow can occur. When any of the overflow devices are triggered by drain related failures, the system will not operate until flow has been restored.

Overflow pans and safety devices are the best safeguards against water damage ; maintenance is the key to assure continuous drainage of the condensate. Vacant properties are more vulnerable to water damage because leakage may go unnoticed for long durations of time.

Air Conditioning Systems are served by a variety of electrical components and circuits, each with its unique role in operation.

MAJOR ELECTRICAL REPAIRS include electric heaters, compressors and fan motors and in some cases inverters or control boards. The most expensive electrical component for most systems is the compressor that circulates refrigerant through the system. Fan motors can be simple or complicated depending upon the type of motor needed. Advanced systems may utilize inverter drives or variable speed controllers that can also be costly to replace.

MINOR ELECTRICAL REPAIRS include low voltage transformers, relays, sensors and control components. Contactors and capacitors are among components that can be replaced proactively to prevent more expensive motor damage caused by running with defective contactors or capacitors. They are inexpensive and easy to replace.

Refrigerant leaks cause major expense even under the warranty period. Even if the leaking component is covered by the warranty and the part is being supplied at no cost by the factory the refrigerant that was lost is not covered.

Technicians use hand-held portable leak detectors to sweep system components and accessible piping segments. Larger leaks are easier to pin point ; small leaks may not be sufficient to register an alarm by the test instruments. Windy locations can make detection difficult. Multiple leaks are hard to pinpoint because the device is alarming from refrigerant coming from several points.

Underground refrigerant piping and inaccessible pipe segments have to be tested using a dry nitrogen pressure test. The piping is disconnected from the equipment and sealed at each accessible end. A pressure gauge is installed and the piping is pressurized with dry nitrogen. The holding charge is monitored over no less than 24 hours ; if the pressure drops the leak is confirmed.

Duct leaks waste energy and create comfort complaints by failing to deliver conditioned air properly into the interior space served. Duct leaks can cause pressurization and de-pressurization of rooms within the conditioned space increasing infiltration of outside air causing humidity control problems.

Air balance problems create uneven distribution to individual rooms. Where duct systems are properly sized and configured the airflow can be balanced treat all spaces equally. Test & balance procedures are used. Restrictive duct systems create too much resistance to flow for the indoor blower to overcome ; resulting in problems associated with diminished indoor air circulation.

Ducts located outside of conditioned spaces such as in vented attics or garages are prone to sweating. Condensation forms on the exterior surfaces of the ducts.