About "Ask the Energy Expert" Craig Muccio ran FPL's Conservation Research & Development Program and crunched the numbers to figure out how you can save by managing your energy use. Your questions on energy-related topics can be submitted anytime to our Ask the Energy Expert blog. Just click here to submit your question, and if chosen, it will be answered here Asked on: March 11, 2013 by Sandra G., Boca Raton, FL How do I know when it is time to replace a functioning heat pump air-conditioning unit with a new, more energy-efficient system?The question of early replacement of an A/C or heat pump that is working fine is mostly an economic decision. Ask yourself if you’re ready to make the large investment in a new air conditioning unit, and you can start saving on operating cost right away. Generally, FPL suggests considering early replacement if your existing A/C is 10 years old or more. Your possible annual savings is affected by the efficiency rating, or SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), of your existing unit and the extent of your upgrade.

For example, using an average 3 ton A/C unit, if you upgrade from a SEER 10 to SEER 16, your annual savings will be about $400 a year.why is there water under my ac unit Meanwhile, you’ll save about $150 per year by upgrading an already more efficient SEER 13 unit to a 16 SEER. window air conditioner repair diyIn addition, when installing a 16 SEER 3 ton unit, FPL will contribute $585 as a rebate to your total cost of the unit if you purchase your A/C system through a Participating Independent Contractor (PIC). how to clean a home ac unitFPL rebates vary based on size of the A/C unit and the SEER efficiency selected.  See our annual cooling cost calculator illustrating this example below. Try our "cool" calculator.

Once you use our calculator and have an idea of how much savings you can expect, you can make a more informed economic decision.  Also, you may be eligible for a rebate if you install a new A/C.  Your safety is very important to us. If this is a medical emergency, please call 911 immediately or go to your nearest emergency room. For non-emergencies, you can reach us during regular business hours via Facebook private message, or follow and message us on Twitter and one of our representatives will assist you. To report an outage, please call 1-800-4-Outage. Thank you and please stay safe. The compressor will eventually need to replaced in a home air-conditioning system that is used often. If you're air-conditioning unit is having issues and you've diagnosed it as a problem with the compressor, you can replace it yourself with these steps. The refrigerant gas, which was transformed into a high-pressure and high-temperature substance, will be transferred to the condensing coil.

The condensing oil, in turn, cools the gas into a liquid state. The gas is cooled using a fan or blower inside the condensing oil. Another way to cool the gas is through the immersion of the coil into cold water. Usually, compressor replacement is something that should be done by a professional. Although it is not your usual home-improvement project, it is possible to do it yourself, saving money in the process. Step 1 – Determine Compressor Problems Check whether the compressor is still capable of doing its job within the cooling system by checking the temperature of the air coming out from the air-conditioning system. If not, continue to replace the compressor. Step 2 – Identify the Type Before buying a replacement, make sure you identify the correct kind of compressor that you have because there are numerous types. Usually, the model type of the compressor is indicated in the manual. Step 3 – Turn Off Electrical Supply Warning: Failure to completely turn off the electrical supply can result in injury.

Before opening the air-conditioning system, you should cut off all power supply. Step 4 – Remove Refrigerant Next, open the cooling system and remove the refrigerant. The system should be ridden of all refrigerants. The latest environmental protocols require that, instead of releasing refrigerant outside, it should be captured and pumped into a storage cylinder. Step 5 – Cut Refrigerant Lines The line of the refrigerant should be cut. After this, take out the compressor. The area of the compressor is usually located outside, but you can use your manual to find where yours is specifically. Step 6 – Unbolt the Compressor Before replacing the compressor, you have to unbolt it first. When unbolting the compressor of the air conditioner, the hosing attached to it should also be removed. Usually, compressors come with a single bolt. This standard setup provides holding for both the low- and high-pressure lines. The compressor should be unbolted from this holding and the accessory bracket.

Step 7 – Replace the Compressor The replacement compressor should be placed within the condenser unit with the mounting bolts. Connect the lines of the refrigerant once gain. Given that the refrigerant needs replacing, other controls or the coils should be replaced as well. Step 8 – Assemble the Unit Assemble the unit once again, and then connect it to the power source. Check to see if the air-conditioning system is now working properly. Installing Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner UnitsIt’s a bizarre, yet common sight. There you are in the middle of summer. The sun is beating down. Everyone is wearing shorts. And your outside air conditioner unit or heat pump is caked in solid ice. How is it possible for an air conditioner to look like an igloo, even in the warmest summer months? Needless to say, it is abnormal for ice to form on an air conditioner, and it is certainly cause for concern. Several common problems can cause air conditioner freeze-ups: The buildup of ice and frost is a sure sign that your air conditioner is not operating properly.

If you notice a decline in your system’s cooling capacity, ice build-up should be the first thing you suspect. Air conditioner freeze-ups should be addressed immediately; continued ice accmulation can cause permanent damage to your a/c unit. The first thing you should do once you notice your air conditioner is frozen is to turn it off and let it defrost completely. Once it has defrosted, check the airflow. Clean or replace dirty filters or remove any visible dirt or obstructions; in some cases, this could be all that is needed. More serious airflow and refrigeration problems require professional intervention. Schedule a Service Call with Horizon Services; your Horizon service technician has all the tools necessary to troubleshoot serious air flow problems and repair refrigerant leaks. If your icing problem is due to drops in the outdoor air temperature, be sure to turn your air conditioner off when the mercury takes a drop. You should also consider installing a special ambient temperature control that will allow the unit to run properly in cooler temperatures.

While all HVAC equipment should be checked by a professional once a year, and an HVAC professional should always be called in to deal with major issues or repairs, you can extend the life of your HVAC system by performing an annual precison tune-up. And, if you are ready to install or replace your air conditioner or heater our friendly and experienced team of Comfort Specialists know air conditioning and heating systems inside and out. They’ll take the time to study your home, understand your cooling and heating requirements, show you all of your options and assist you with finding the quality home comfort system that best meets your family’s needs and budget. For Fast, Friendly Service – 24 Hours a Day/7 Days a Week: Horizon Services: The only full-service plumbing, heating, air conditioning, geothermal, drain cleaning and sewer and water line replacement company in Delaware, Southeastern Pennsylvania and Maryland that guarantees on-time service, up-front pricing and the job done right and clean the first time!