The Most Common Air Conditioning Problems.

Having air conditioning is not only a blessing and a God send; it’s pretty much a requirement. With summers that can reach 100+ degrees and an average summer temp in the 90’s, having A/C that not only works but cools efficiently is paramount. But what happens when you’re A/C fails in the middle of the 100+ heat wave? If this has ever happened, you know how quickly your house will heat up. The good news is that there are a couple of things that you can do before you call in your local Niceville A/C Repair person.

Common Failures.

Most of the time, the problems are of the “failure” kind, basically meaning the unit is no longer cooling your office or home. The machine is running, but no air is moving or circulating. One of the most common symptoms of this problems is sounds. A/C units are designed to be remotely quiet, and if your machine is making loud, squealing noises, then you need to look at it. Usually, these noises are going to come from the fan belt. Turn off the power, check the belt, and if is in good repair, make sure that the pulley’s turn properly. If not, it’s time to lubricate the bearings. This should stop the problem. If the belt is worn, loose, or off, simply replace with a good belt, and/or place the belt back onto the pulleys.

Frozen Units.

Another common problem is frozen coils. Frozen coils are easily recognizable because the pipes and unit will usually be frozen solid in a block of ice. This causes circulation problems. The good news is that if you turn off your system and use a hair dryer or hot air gun, you can melt the ice and pipes quickly, and this should restore A/C to your building. To fix this problem if it happens often, getting a calibration of your system will be needed.

Leaks.

If you’re A/C unit leaks water inside, and you have determined that your unit is not frozen, then you probably have a bad drain on your unit, or the drain is simply clogged. Check to make sure that the condensation pan isn’t rusted out, and then move your way down the drain checking for clogs and obstructions.

Dirty.

One of the most common causes of A/C failure is that the grills are blocked. After turning off the power, disassemble the unit, and clean well, taking care not to get electronics wet. After reassembly, see if that fixes the problem. Dirty A/C units wont operate at peak efficiency, and simple cleaning like this can help restore a unit back to like new status.

Harder To Spot Problems.

Other problems are not as easy to identify, such as Freon leaks, a broken thermostat, or even short circuts in the A/C machine itself. IF your Freon gas levels are low, even after recharging the unit, then have the system checked by a HVAC specialist for leaks. If the circuit breaker keeps tripping on you’re A/C unit, then odds are you probably have a short circuit, and will need to call in a repair person to fix.

When you’re A/C unit isn’t working, and you can’t figure out why, sometime diagnostic tools are needed. Identifying the problem specifically is important so that when you call the repair man, he will know what to bring to fix your problem right the first time. Letting him or her know things such as if the fan or compressor are running without each other, or if service is sporadic, or if it’s simply not cooling enough or too much. Letting them know things like this and more can help the technician zero in on possibly problems before they even get to your home, and once they arrive, will be able to fix your problem faster and more efficiently.

Contact us...Telephone: 305.767.0610, Email: info@thebestminisplit.com

Multi Split Type Ductless Systems, Up to 4 Zones

Multi-Zone Mini Split Air Conditioners.

Main advantages of using a Multi Zone Ductless Split Type Air Conditioning or Heat Pump System are the independent zoning capability and the ease of installation. These systems are built with 2, 3 or 4 independent circuits to condition 2, 3 or 4 separate areas of a building, independently. Each system zone comes with its own controller system, and they can be turned on or off, simply like a light bulb. Also, each system zone can be independently set to heat, cool, ventilate or dehumidify, and operate at different temperature settings. They provide the same advantages as outlined for the Single Zone Mini Split Ductless Systems, yet all indoor units share a single outdoor unit, which saves space and makes the installation even simpler. Partial load efficiencies are also higher as compared to single zone systems. There is a different style of indoor unit to match every decor and requirement for utilization. 

Any of the 4 different type of indoor units can be utilized for each of the circuits in any combination. In other words, a complete system can have same type or a variety of different types of indoor units, mix-matched. Only important point is to select the right capacity indoor unit to match the refrigeration capacity of the independent circuit it will be attached to. Since these units can be mix-matched in any combination, it is up to the engineer or the consultant to decide the capacity and models to be selected. There are no fixed system matches and all systems are totally customizable. This provides the utmost flexibility for a multi zone conditioning application.

Why Choose a Multizone Air Conditioning System?

Multi-zone mini split air conditioners offer a unique, efficient way to cool several areas of your home. An outdoor condenser unit sends cool air to as many as four indoor units, and they disperse cool air around your space. Each indoor unit represents a zone, and most models let you cool multiple zones at the same time. Multi-zone mini-split air conditioners are popular in apartments, basements, and doctor offices; some models can cool multiple floor levels thanks to long refrigerant lines. Below are our available tri-zone mini split ACs and quad-zone mini split air conditioners. Each zone (or indoor unit) has its own level of cooling power, so purchase a model that offers adequate cooling for each area you need cooled.

Ductless mini-split ACs don’t need to be vented and also don’t use ductwork, which can lead to inefficient operation. This zone cooling method also gives you greater temperature control and only cools areas of your home you use most often, which is more efficient than cooling your entire home.

Advantages.

Flexibility – Individual room temperature and air flow control (as you have a split in each room).

Running Costs – Potentially lower running costs than many ducted reverse cycle air conditioners if you need to treat less than the zoned area designated with ducted reverse cycle air conditioning.

Design  - No worrying about return air or temperature sensor location. (Which can cause performance issues with poorly designed ducted reverse cycle air conditioning).

Contact us...Telephone: 305.767.0610, Email: info@thebestminisplit.com

Looking for Ductless Mini Split! Get Ready for Summer.

How Energy Star Works?

Energy Star®.

Energy Star® was formed in 1992 as a joint venture between the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United States Department of Energy. Their goal was to create a way to promote energy efficient products. Since then, they have saved United States consumers millions of dollars, and have helped to greatly reduce energy consumption.

Before a product can be certified by Energy Star®, it must first go through a rigorous testing phase. Technicians measure the amount of energy a product requires. Then they make suggestions on how to make the product require less energy while still being cost effective for the customer. If the manufacturer can meet the minimum requirements set by Energy Star®, they can advertise their product as being an Energy Star® product.

Energy Efficient Rating System.

Energy Star®’s energy efficient rating system is based on the average amount of energy consumed by a type of product. For example, an Energy Star® dishwasher needs to use 41% less energy than average non-energy efficient models. A washing machine needs to use 20% less. Energy Star® products usually cost a little more than regular products, but they save consumers money on their electric bills.

There are a wide variety of available Energy Star® products. Computer products were the first to be certified by Energy Star®. Heating and cooling appliances were added in 1995. New homes could also be certified by Energy Star at that time. Since then, Energy Star® has certified home appliances, office equipment, electronics, and more. As of 2006, there were more than 40,000 Energy Star® products available. There are rebates, through both stores and through government programs, to encourage consumers to purchase Energy Star® certified products.

Since 1992, Energy Star® has been encouraging consumers to do their part to protect the world by reducing the amount of energy used. Conserving energy cuts down on the greenhouse gases produced, which slows the rate of the global warming. In a society that is increasingly worried over their effect on the environment, Energy Star® has given consumers a way to do their part in preserving our planet.

Contact us: Telephone: 305.767.0610, Email: info@thebestminisplit.com

Eco-Friendly R410-A Refrigerant.

Choose HVAC Equipment with Eco-Friendly R410-A Refrigerant.

Eco-friendly refrigerant R410A offers zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and allows for higher heat transfer coefficient (COP). This innovative feature means a reduction in equipment size, a reduction in piping size, and higher pressure for greater performance. Smaller equipment also means less impact on the environment at the end of the product's life cycle.

Alternative to Replace R-22.

R-410A refrigerant was developed as an environmentally friendly and more efficient alternative to replace R-22 (Freon). R-410A refrigerant--also known as Puron--does not deplete the ozone the way R-22 does but does have a higher global warming potential than the R-22 coolant.

Benefits.

There are many efficiency and economical benefits to R-410A. It has become very important for techs to inform their customers of the many benefits of R-410A products. Some of the benefits of R-410A are low energy consumption, increased product performance, no ozone depleting chemicals (no chlorine), and improved product reliability. The new products that use R-410A are state of the art technology, feature enhanced heat pump and air conditioning performance.

One of the best benefits of R-410A refrigerant is its exceptionally quiet operation. Other key benefits of R-410A and the air conditioning systems that use it are higher EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) better heat-pump performance, increased efficiency and reliability. There is also no ozone-depleting chemicals. 

- R-410A does not contribute to ozone depletion.

- Air conditioning systems that now use R-410A have a higher EER (Energy  Efficiency Ratio) for increased heat pump efficiency.

- Parts that are compatible with R-410A will be available well into the  future, but production of R-22 units ended in 2010. If you are installing a new  air conditioner or heat pump, be sure that the new unit uses R-410A refrigerant,  as parts for R-22 will become increasingly scarce.

Installing a Mini Split System (Complete the Split System Air Conditioner Installation).

Installing a Mini Split System.

Most people hire a professional to install a split system air conditioner. However, if you have some experience with plumbing and electrical work, you can install the unit on your own. Each split system or ductless air conditioner is unique to its manufacturer, but this article explains the general instructions for installing a split system air conditioner.

Complete the Split System Air Conditioner Installation.

1. Bleed the air and humidity from the refrigerant circuit.

- Remove the caps from the 2-way and 3-way valves and from the service port.

- Connect a vacuum pump hose to the service port.

- Turn the vacuum on until it reaches an absolute vacuum of 10mm Hg.

- Close the low pressure knob and then turn off the vacuum.

- Test all of the valves and joints for leaks.

- Disconnect the vacuum. Replace the service port and caps.

2. Wrap the joints of the piping with insulating covering and insulating tape.

3. Affix the piping to the wall with clamps.

4. Seal up the hole in the wall using expanding polyurethane foam.

Installing a Mini Split System (Install the Outdoor Condenser).

Installing a Mini Split System.

Most people hire a professional to install a split system air conditioner. However, if you have some experience with plumbing and electrical work, you can install the unit on your own. Each split system or ductless air conditioner is unique to its manufacturer, but this article explains the general instructions for installing a split system air conditioner.

Install the Outdoor Condenser.

1. Choose the best place to install the outdoor unit.

-The outdoor unit’s location needs to be away from any heavily trafficked, dusty or hot areas.

-The outdoor unit needs 12" of space surrounding its perimeter to ensure proper functioning.

2. Lay the concrete pad on the ground and make sure that it is level. 

The pad should be high enough so that the condenser will sit above the level of winter snows.

- Set the outdoor condenser on top of the pad. Use rubber cushioning under the unit's feet to minimize vibration.

- Make sure that no antenna of a radio or television is within 10 feet (3 meters) of the outdoor condenser.

3. Connect the electrical wires.

- Remove the cover.

- Refer to the unit’s wiring diagram and make sure the cable wires are connected as the diagram suggests. Following the manufacturer's instructions for wiring is crucial.

- Fasten the cables with a cable clamp and replace the cover.

4. Secure the pipes’ flare nuts to the corresponding pipes on the outdoor unit.

Installing a Mini Split System (Install the Indoor Unit).

Installing a Mini Split System.

Most people hire a professional to install a split system air conditioner. However, if you have some experience with plumbing and electrical work, you can install the unit on your own. Each split system or ductless air conditioner is unique to its manufacturer, but this article explains the general instructions for installing a split system air conditioner.

Install the Indoor Unit.

1. Select an unobstructed location on your interior wall to mount the indoor air conditioning unit.

- Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources.

- Avoid locations where gas may leak or where oil mist or sulphur exists.

- The indoor unit requires at least 6" (15 cm) of open space surrounding its top and sides. The unit should also be mounted at least 7 feet (2.13 m) above the ground.

- Install the unit at least 3.3 feet (1 m) away from antenna, power or connecting lines that are used for television, radio, home security systems, intercoms or telephones. The electrical noise from these sources could cause operational problems for your air conditioner.

- The wall should be strong enough to hold the unit's weight. You may need to construct a wood or metal frame to provide added support.

2. Secure the mounting plate to the interior wall.

- Hold the mounting plate against the wall where you want to install the indoor unit.

- Use a level to make sure the plate is both horizontally and vertically square.

- Drill holes into the wall at the appropriate spots to affix the plate to the wall.

- Insert plastic anchors into the holes. Secure the plate to the wall with tapping screws.

3. Create a hole in the wall to fit the piping.

- Find the best spot for the hole to the exterior based on the opening in the mounting bracket. You should also consider the length of the pipe and the distance that it needs to travel to reach the outside unit.

- Drill a hole that is 3" (7.5 cm) in diameter through the wall. The hole should slope downward toward the exterior to ensure adequate drainage.

- Insert a flexible flange into the hole.

4. Check the electrical connections.

- Lift the unit’s front panel and remove the cover.

- Be sure the cable wires are connected to the screw terminals. Also, make sure that they match the diagram that comes with the unit.

5. Connect the pipes.

- Run the piping from the indoor unit toward the hole drilled through the wall. Minimize bending to ensure that the unit performs well.

- Cut a length of PVC pipe 1/4" (6 millimeters) shorter than the length between your interior and exterior wall surfaces.

- Place the pipe cap on the interior end of the PVC pipe. Insert the pipe into the hole in the wall.

- Bind the copper pipes, the power cables and the drain pipe together with electrical tape. Place the drain pipe on the bottom to ensure a free flow of water.

- Secure the pipe to the indoor unit. Use 2 wrenches, working in opposite directions, to tighten the connection.

- Join the water drainage pipe to the indoor unit’s base.

- Run the bound pipes and cables through the hole in the wall. Make sure that the drainage pipe allows water to drain in an appropriate place.

6. Secure the indoor unit to the mounting plate by pressing the unit against the mounting plate.

Ductless Mini Splits: Preventive Maintenance.

Ductless Mini Splits Need Maintenance Too.

Ductless Mini Split Systems are an ideal cooling and heating choice for many homeowners, who capitalize on their unobtrusive installation, comfortable zoning control and energy efficiency. Properly maintaining ductless mini splits helps them continue to provide these benefits for years. Preventative maintenance is an important factor to increase the life span of your ductless air conditioner and reduce break downs. Every year there are a few little things that you can do to make a big difference.

As soon as you notice a change in the effectiveness or efficiency of your ductless mini split heating and air conditioning system, you should call for professional service. Even when an issue seems minor, it is never a good idea to wait to have it checked out by one of our experienced technicians.

That is because when we catch problems earlier, they are generally easier and cheaper to fix. When you wait until a problem is severe, you are almost certainly going to pay more, and you may have to go without heating or air conditioning for longer than you would have otherwise. Another way to limit the need for repairs for your ductless mini split heating and air conditioning system is to keep up with regular professional maintenance for your system. This type of attention helps your ductless mini split system run more efficiently and last longer; both of which save you money in the long run.

Ductless Mini Splits have an average life span of 12 to 15 years. Mini Splits require some light maintenance. Here are some tips for maintaining ductless mini splits:

a. Check the air filters in the air handlers every month. A clean filter improves indoor-air quality, energy efficiency and performance and prevents freeze-ups.

b. Spray down the outdoor unit every few months with the garden hose to help keep it clean. If it’s not cleaned regularly, the compressor may overheat, causing damage to the system.

c. Keep the outdoor unit clear of debris, including weeds, grass, leaves or anything else that might hinder operation.

d. Check monthly to ensure that the system is draining properly by noting runoff.

e. Schedule regular preventive maintenance visits with a heating and cooling professional to optimize performance, efficiency and longevity. Your heating and cooling technician will check points including refrigerant levels, moving mechanical parts and electrical connections.

How to Size Ductless Heat Pumps?

How Do I Know What Sized System My House Needs?

Ductless systems are sized to meet the heating and cooling needs of a home’s individual zones. There is a great deal of flexibility when it comes to system sizing as one indoor unit can provide between ¾ and 2 ½ tons of heating/cooling depending on its BTU capacity rating. Some common capacities for indoor units are 9k, 12k, 18k, 24k, and 30k BTU. Outdoor units are sized to meet the combined load of all heating/cooling zones. More than one outdoor unit may be necessary for multi-zone systems.

Why Is Ductless Heat Pump Sizing So Important?

If you're considering a ductless split system installation, you probably have some questions. Proper ductless air conditioner sizing is essential for high efficiency performance and the level of cooling capacity. If the sizing is too small or too large, the system won't cool properly, and it won't operate efficiently. And if the system is improperly sized, if the indoor units are mounted in the wrong locations, or the installation itself is done incorrectly, you'll be left with an expensive problem to fix. Systems that are incorrectly sized and improperly positioned can seriously interfere with humidity control and cost a bundle in high electric bills.

Ductless splits cool a larger area at the same BTU level than do window air conditioners and portable air conditioners. Below is an Approximate Sizing Guide:

350 square feet = 9,000 BTU

500 square feet = 12,000 BTU

750 square feet = 18,000 BTU

1000 square feet = 24,000 BTU

1250 square feet = 30,000 BTU

1500 square feet = 36,000 BTU





Variables that Reduce an Air Conditioners Useful Area:

Climate: If you live in an area of the world that has seasonal temperatures in excess of 90° F. Increase 30%.

Windows: If you have south facing windows in your designated area, or if you have large windows. Increase 20%.

Ceiling Height: High ceilings increase a room’s size reducing the air conditioners effectiveness. Increase 20%.

Appliances: Heavy kitchen appliances and electronics increase the heat created in an area. Increase 20%.

People: The more people in the area the more heat produced. Increase 20%
6. Insulation: Poorly insulated homes are much more difficult to cool or heat. Increase 30%.

Example:

If our area is a 16’ x 16’ room (256 sq. ft.) in Orlando, Florida (Increase 30%) with south facing windows (Increase 20%) you would need an air conditioner that can cool a 384 sq. ft. area.

Advantages of Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioning.

Compact Size and Versatility.

The main advantages of Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioning & Heat Pump units are their compact size and versatility for zoning or heating and cooling individual rooms. Many Mini-Split models can have as many as four indoor air handling units connected to one outdoor unit. Since each of the ductless zones will have it’s own thermostat, you only need to Air Condition or Heat when someone is there, saving energy and money.

Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioning Systems are also often easier to install than other types of Air Conditioning systems. If necessary, you can locate the outdoor unit Up to 100 feet from the indoor evaporator making it possible to provide Air Conditioning to rooms on the front side of a building house with the compressor in a more desirable place on the outside of the building. In addition, indoor and outdoor units are a quiet as 50-dB; barely audible under most circumstances.

Efficient Heating and Air Conditioning. 

Since mini-splits have no ducts, they avoid the energy losses associated with ductwork of central forced air systems; which can be as high as 30%, especially if the ducts are in an unconditioned space such as an attic.

The main advantages of a ductless mini-split HVAC system are its small size, quiet operation, and the flexibility it has for heating and cooling individual areas within your home. It’s a good choice if:

• You have an older house that lacks ductwork.

• You’re building an addition that will be difficult to tie into your central air-conditioning system.

• You want to supplement your existing heating and cooling without resizing your existing HVAC system.

They’re easy to install. These cooling systems can be installed in much less time than it takes to put in central air conditioning. A two-person crew would need at least a week to install the ductwork and other components of a central air conditioning system. A ductless minisplit system could be installed from start to finish in a day.

They don’t take up much space. Their compact size makes ductless AC units perfect for cooling small living spaces, such as apartments and dorm rooms. They’re also great for cooling individual rooms in larger homes, particularly basements and attics, which are usually not ventilated well. Also, ductless air conditioners are easy to store because of their small size.

They're easy to operate. Most ductless air conditioners have a remote control that enables you to easily increase or lower the temperature of the air coming from your unit. Feeling too cold in bed? You can adjust the room temperature with your remote control, without getting out of the covers. Try doing that with a central air conditioning system.

They’re cost-effective. Ductless air conditioners use considerably less power than traditional air conditioners, which saves on your energy bill. In addition, if you use multiple units, you can control the individual room temperatures in your house, which is more energy efficient than using a central air conditioning system to cool the whole house.

They’re quiet. Traditional air conditioners can make a lot of noise, but ductless ones are quiet. The noise they make is usually no more than a quiet hum. It amounts to background noise that is easily drowned out by conversation, music and television.

How Do Ductless Heat Pumps Work?

A Ductless Heat Pump.

A Ductless Heat Pump system consists of one outside compressor/condenser unit and indoor units mounted on the wall or ceilings of each room or area that you wish to heat and cool. Free-standing floor units are also available. The outside condenser unit is connected to the inside air-handling units by individual conduits which house power cables, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing, and a condensate drain. The indoor units essentially replace the ductwork.

How Does a Ductless Heat Pump Work?

Ductless Systems are reversible, two-way heat pumps that use electricity to transfer heat between outdoor and indoor air by compressing and expanding refrigerant. Using a refrigerant vapor compression cycle, like a common household refrigerator, ductless systems collect heat from outside the house and deliver it inside the house on the heating cycle, and vice versa on the cooling cycle. Ductless systems use variable speed compressors with inverter technology (AC to DC) in order to continuously match the heating/cooling load, avoiding the on/off cycling of conventional electric resistance and central heating systems commonly associated with uncomfortable temperature variations and high energy consumption.

A Ductless Heat Pump transfers heat by circulating a substance called a refrigerant through a cycle of evaporation and condensation. A compressor pumps the refrigerant between two heat exchanger coils. In one coil, the refrigerant is evaporated at low pressure and absorbs heat from its surroundings. The refrigerant is then compressed en route to the other coil, where it condenses at high pressure. At this point, it releases the heat it absorbed earlier in the cycle.

Ductless Systems consist of Several parts, including:

1. An outdoor unit that contains a condensing coil, an inverter-driven variable speed compressor, an expansion valve and a fan to cool the condenser coil.

2. An indoor unit that contains an evaporator and a quiet oscillating fan to distribute air throughout the living space.

3. A refrigerant line-set that is made of insulated copper tubing and is housed in a conduit alongside a power cable, and a condensation drain.

4. A remote control that can be used to set the desired temperature and program for nighttime settings.

A Mini-Split System (Heat Pump).

What is a Mini-Split System?

A Mini Split System is a type of air conditioner that works without the use of a central system of duct work. Mini-Split Systems are made up of two primary parts, the outside part called a "condenser" (for cooling-only models) or “heat pump” (for heating and cooling models), and the inside part that mounts on an outside wall called an "air handler”. Some units have secondary back-up electric heat which gives them greater heating capabilities.  The air handler may be ceiling or wall-mounted, and can be set on the surface of these structures or recessed into the drywall. The outdoor unit can be placed anywhere outside of the home as long as it's within 50 feet of the evaporator. Depending on its size and weight, it may be set on a concrete pad or directly on the ground.

The home temperature is set and changed by convenient remote control(s). Mini-split systems are available to operate with one, two or three indoor air handlers, depending on the model. Each air handler is referred to as a "zone". The systems here come with condenser or heat pump, air handler(s), and remote control(s). Select a system by size (heating and cooling capacity, rated in "BTUs"). The heat pump and air handler are connected together with copper pipes called a “line set” sold separately (see our "Accessories" tab on product page for line sets). 

Applications.

Ductless, Mini Split-System Air-Conditioners (Mini Splits) have numerous potential applications in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings. The most common applications are in multifamily housing or as retrofit add-ons to houses with "non-ducted" heating systems, such as hydronic (hot water heat), radiant panels, and space heaters (wood, kerosene, propane). They can also be a good choice for room additions and small apartments, where extending or installing distribution ductwork (for a central air-conditioner or heating systems) is not feasible.