Pricing Policy

We understand that no one is comfortable hiring a company by the hour. After all, we are consumers too! That is why, when you do business with GMC Air Conditioning Services, you will be quoted a flat price for your repair, and that is all you will pay, regardless of how long the job takes. We charge a small diagnostic fee in order to determine the problem with your A/C system and then we let you know exactly what the cost to repair will be. It is that simple, no hidden charges!

Our list of services include...

• Air Conditioning Replacements. 
• Duct Repair. 
• Indoor Air Quality Solutions. 
• 24 Hour Emergency Service. 
• Fast Reliable repairs. 
• Preventative Maintenance Agreements. 
• Free Estimates. 
• Free 2nd opinion of your cooling problems. 

Let us worry about your air conditioning, so you don't have to!

Dust and Your AC

If dust in your air conditioner made it more difficult and expensive to cool your home last summer, call an HVAC contractor to clean it for you. Although you can remove some of the dust yourself, you’ll need a technician who has the tools and training to access the parts that you can’t.

Dust is a major cause of air conditioning inefficiency and potentially failure. You can eliminate a good deal of dust in your air conditioner by keeping the filter clean for the indoor furnace or air handler. When dust builds on the evaporator coil, it slows the process of extracting heat from the indoor air, and may eventually cause the outdoor compressor to overheat and break. The dust also slows the passage of air through the filter, retarding the cooling process.

The other place where dust collects is in your outdoor compressor. Once you’ve removed all the vegetative debris around the unit, try hosing off the fins and coils with a light to medium spray. This can dislodge some of the dust that slows the cooling of the warmed refrigerant coming from inside.

An HVAC technician goes more deeply into the system by cleaning the outdoor coil and the electrical components. Dust impedes the flow of electricity through the wiring, interfering with the smooth operation of the appliance. The technician uses pH balanced cleaners to remove all the dirt and dust from the compressor’s coil, as well, increasing the efficiency of your A/C.

He also cleans the evaporator coil indoors and measures the amount of refrigerant in your system. The dust that collects outdoors can cause tiny leaks in the coils and connectors. If the refrigerant is low, the technician looks for the leaks and repairs or replaces the faulty parts, and refills your system to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Maintenance Checklist

Maintain your equipment to prevent future problems and unwanted costs. Keep your cooling and heating system at peak performance by having a contractor do annual pre-season check-ups. Contractors get busy once summer and winter come, so it's best to check the cooling system in the spring and the heating system in the fall. To remember, you might plan the check-ups around the time changes in the spring and fall.

A typical maintenance check-up should include the following.

• Check thermostat settings to ensure the cooling and heating system keeps you comfortable when you are home and saves energy while you are away.
• Tighten all electrical connections and measure voltage and current on motors. Faulty electrical connections can cause unsafe operation of your system and reduce the life of major components.
• Lubricate all moving parts. Parts that lack lubrication cause friction in motors and increases the amount of electricity you use.
• Check and inspect the condensate drain in your central air conditioner, furnace and/or heat pump (when in cooling mode). A plugged drain can cause water damage in the house and affect indoor humidity levels.
• Check controls of the system to ensure proper and safe operation. Check the starting cycle of the equipment to assure the system starts, operates, and shuts off properly.

Cooling Specific

• Clean evaporator and condenser air conditioning coils. Dirty coils reduce the system's ability to cool your home and cause the system to run longer, increasing energy costs and reducing the life of the equipment.
• Check your central air conditioner's refrigerant level and adjust if necessary. Too much or too little refrigerant will make your system less efficient increasing energy costs and reducing the life of the equipment.
• Clean and adjust blower components to provide proper system airflow for greater comfort levels. Airflow problems can reduce your system's efficiency by up to 15 percent.

Heating Specific

• Check all gas (or oil) connections, gas pressure, burner combustion and heat exchanger. Improperly operating gas (or oil) connections are a fire hazard and can contribute to health problems. A dirty burner or cracked heat exchanger causes improper burner operation. Either can cause the equipment to operate less safely and efficiently.

Actions To Do Yourself

• Inspect, clean, or change air filters once a month in your central air conditioner, furnace, and/or heat pump. Your contractor can show you how to do this. A dirty filter can increase energy costs and damage your equipment, leading to early failure.

Source: Energy Star

AC Tune-Up

OUR EXCLUSIVE PRECISION AIR-CONDITIONING TUNE-UP PROCEDURE INCLUDES, AS NEEDED:

1. Chemically clean and thoroughly wash condenser coil(s).
2. Thoroughly clean or replace standard air filter(s).
3. Wash and level condensing unit for proper motor and bearing wear.
4. Lubricate motor and fan bearings as well as other moving parts as necessary.
5. Clean and inspect evaporator coil and drain pain when readily accessible.
6. Clean and inspect condensate drain lines and fittings.
7. Clean, level and calibrate thermostat.
8. Adjust and thoroughly clean blower motor and fan assembly as needed. 
9. Inspect, tighten and test all electrical connections. This includes disconnect switch.
10. Inspect all cooling system electrical wires, connectors and terminals.
11. Test system starting and running capacitors.
12. Test all controls, switches, relays, transformers, contactors, motors and fans.
13. Measure starting and running amperes, line voltage and control voltage.
14. Test system starting capabilities.
15. Test system for proper air-flow and air delivery.
16. Inspect and adjust all safety controls.
17. Monitor refrigerant (Freon) pressures and temperatures.
18. Test and record super-hear and sub-cooling. Compare with factory specifications.
19. Adjust Freon metering control device per factory/manufacturer recommendations.
20. Test and measure air conditioning system for proper production and capacity.
21. Monitor fan motors and compresser operating temperatures.
22. Apply weather resistant protective coating to the outside unit. (Condensor)
23. Complete and present full written report and make any necessary recommendations.

New Home, Old AC

Congratulations on purchasing your new home! 

Let's talk about the elephant in the AC cupboard.

Sometimes a great house needs just one thing to make it perfect. In South Florida, if that thing is an AC unit, it can turn into feeling like a big thing quickly. It could be that your home inspector said

• that there are a couple of years left
• that it needs replacing immediately
• that the load test shows it is too small for the property
• that it is inefficient
• that the ductwork needs replacing

All of these are indicators of needing a new AC unit. Here's the good news:

A new AC will lower your monthly energy bill!

That's right. An older, inefficient unit will cost you more over 3 years than a new unit. It will essentially pay for itself. Plus, there are rebates you can request for replacing your AC unit from FPL and the government. Look at that, you're getting money back already!

Turn that frown upside down and trust us to do a great job replacing your AC unit and ductwork for clean, cold, fresh air!

Contact GMC AC Services at 954-973-5980 for an estimate today.

AC Q&A

Here is a most informative Q&A from the Palm Beach Post:

What are SEERS?

SEER stands for “seasonal energy efficiency ratio.” The SEER rating is the BTU of cooling output during its normal annual usage divided by the total electric energy input in watt hours during the same time frame.

SEERS range from 13 (lowest) and 21 (highest). The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the system is.

I bought my first house and am now responsible for air-conditioning care. What is the difference between all these stage systems and compressors, and what will help me with my electric bills?
A two-stage system is designed to further reduce electrical consumption. Most people purchase single-stage air-conditioning units because they are less expensive than a two- stage, but aside from the price factor, most people are not properly educated on the benefits of having a two-stage system.

A single stage starts up at 100% capacity while two stages start up at 50-66% capacity, and 15 seconds later switch to 100% capacity. A two-stage system draws less amperage on start up, which helps you save money on the electrical bill. Two-stage systems also automatically switch back to 50-66% capacity when indoor and outdoor temperatures permit, therefore lowering electric use.

Other added benefits of the two-stage system include on-demand dehumidification features. If your home reaches the desired temperature set point but the humidity level is very high in the home, the system will go into de-humidification mode that brings the humidity levels down to the requested level. This allows you to have your home set at a higher temperature set point with less humidity in the air, so you are more comfortable in your home at an even higher temperature set point because there is less humidity in the air.

It’s 98 degrees outside and my AC is not blowing. What do I do?

Check the breakers, and if it is not related to an electrical short, call for service. You can check to see if you have a dirty filter, as this may cause the unit to freeze up.

How do I care for the filter?

Filters should be changed or cleaned once per month. You can clean them by vacuuming it off and washing it with water (if it’s a washable filter). Let it dry completely before placing it back in.

Use a good quality filter like an electrostatic washable, which we sell and can have custom made to fit in the AC unit. If you prefer to change the filter every month, invest in a sponge pad smart filter that has a custom-made aluminum frame and a rubber seal gasket that goes along with the top of the filter.

With filters removed, check the coils by shining a flashlight. If they appear to have microbial growth on the coils or appear to be clogged in any way by dog hair or dirt impacts, have a specialist come in for a coil cleaning.

The fan blower inside the AC should also be removed and cleaned once every two to three years.

How do I care for my AC’s drain line?

Pour a little bit of bleach down the drain line pipe every six months — that will reduce the amount of algae build up in the drain line and reduce the chance of the drain line filling up with water.

How often should I have my AC tuned up?

It is recommended that you check your unit every six months.

SEERs?

What are SEERS?

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The SEER rating is the BTU of cooling output during its normal annual usage divided by the total electric energy input in watt hours during the same time frame.

SEERS range from 13 (lowest) and 21 (highest). The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the system is.

Source: Palm Beach Post

Florida's Winter

We in South Florida don't have to winterize our homes and cover and protect our exterior air conditioner units. However, as the weather is a little bit cooler, and before it becomes necessary to turn from cool to heat, it would be a good idea to prepare your AC unit.

Whether you use your AC every day or almost never, simply switch your AC to heat and let it blow a few moments. This will dust off the heating coils. If you notice a bit of a "burning dust" smell, that's okay. Anything greater than that, including smoke, will need an inspection.

It is better to call us out now, before you need us on a chilly night or with a house full of guests.

Importance of Clean Air Filters

Breathing fresh, clean air is important to our health. But if we don’t make it a habit to change the filters in our home air systems, the equipment can fail, making matters much worse. Maintaining a good filter maintenance schedule protects the air we breathe and the heating and cooling equipment in our homes.

Airflow goes hand-in-hand with the efficiency of your HVAC system, and furnace filters assist with this. Dirty filters restrict the airflow, which results in higher energy and even HVAC repair costs.

With your typical off-the-shelf throwaway HVAC filter, it collects particles in the filtering medium. After it collects a certain amount of particles and is full, you simply remove it, throw it away, and replace it with another.

It is important to remember the more efficient the filter or the dirtier the air, the faster the filter is going to fill up and need to be replaced. It is recommended that HVAC air filters be checked at least every 30 days for an excessive load up of particles. If the filter looks overloaded on day 30, then you will have to change the amount of time you check the filter. On the other hand, if the filter looks particularly clean, you can relax the schedule of checking it.

Aside from keeping the air in your home clean, if your air system is working with a dirty air filter, it will slow down its efficiency as it slows down to do the same job. As a result, you’ll be paying more money to keep your home warm or cool.

And last but not least, an air filter helps keep the interior of your equipment clean. If a dirty air filter I kept in use, it could damage your equipment, or even cause it to break down entirely, which won’t do you any good.

Prevent overpaying for heating and cooling your home, or repairing the equipment by maintaining a schedule to replace your air filters.

Source: Home is Where the Health Is

Pricing Policy

We understand that no one is comfortable hiring a company by the hour. After all, we are consumers, too! That is why, when you do business with GMC Air Conditioning Services, you will be quoted a flat price for your repair, and that is all you will pay, regardless of how long the job takes. We charge a small diagnostic fee in order to determine the problem with your A/C system and then we let you know exactly what the cost to repair will be. It is that simple; no hidden charges!

Our list of services includes:

• Air Conditioning Replacements.
• Duct Repair.
• Indoor Air Quality Solutions.
• 24 Hour Emergency Service.
• Fast Reliable repairs.
• Preventative Maintenance Agreements.
• Free Estimates.
• Free 2nd opinion of your cooling problems.

Let us worry about your air conditioning, so you don't have to!

Carrier Rebate Program

Get up to $1,350 cash back on a Carrier air conditioner 

when you replace your old unit 

by November 15, 2012.

Full details can be found here.

Jump on the Bandwagon!

Whether you follow my blog, are my friend under my personal Facebook account, are my friend under my old business Facebook account, or we have just met, please go to my business Facebook page and become my Fan!

I promise to remind you to change your filters, keep you up-to-date with the latest in air conditioning news, offer you discounts and deals, and even entertain you every now and then.

Please use this link and then click Like. That's it! Meet you there.

Thanks,
Skip

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The people have spoken!

We have an A+ rating on Angie's List.

See our page captures here and here.

Licensed and Insured

Why should I use a licensed and insured contractor? 

There are always those people looking for the opportunity to take advantage of the situation. Unfortunately there are those who prey on the misfortune of others in unscrupulous and often illegal ways. Do not feel rushed into making agreements with contractors. It is in the best interest of both homeowners and legitimate, licensed contractors to protect homeowners from scams by unlicensed contractors.

There are many reasons to use a licensed contractor, even if you think you can save a few dollars by accepting an unlicensed contractor’s bid. It is cheap insurance using a licensed contractor. If the homeowner contracts with an unlicensed person or company, then the homeowner can be held liable for on-the-job injuries sustained by that unlicensed person’s or company’s employees. Sometimes even the homeowner’s insurance will not cover this, all because the contractor is unlicensed. This exposes you, the homeowner to liability you never dreamed of, all because the contractor lied to you about being licensed. Using a licensed contractor offers protection to the homeowner in the following ways: The contractor knows his trade and has been tested and is bonded for this.

GMC is fully licensed and insured for all your AC / HVAC needs.

Source: YCCA

12 Tips to Beat the Heat!

1. Call the pros: All central air conditioning units should be inspected, cleaned and tuned by a professional.
2. Change your air filter regularly: This is especially important during the summer when dust and allergens circulate. If the filter gets clogged, your system will have to work overtime to supply the same amount of cool air.
3. Made in the shade: Air conditioners placed in an area with proper shading can be more efficient. Air in a shaded space is cooler than the surrounding air, meaning the A/C will have an easier time cooling the air.
4. Don’t take the heat: Your thermostat will pick up on the heat of objects around it, such as laps, televisions and other appliances. This can cause your A/C to think the house is hot, and it will run longer than necessary.
5. Dial for dollars: Remember that each degree you dial below 78 increases your energy consumption by about 8 percent. If your monthly electric bill is about $100, you’ll save $8 a month with EACH degree you can stand above 78.
6. Set and go: If it’s hard to remember to tweak your thermostat before you leave for work, consider investing in a programmable thermostat. Set the A/C to change temperatures at specific times during the day so you don't have to worry about it!
   
7. Time to replace? You may find your old air conditioner is no longer efficient. Consider replacing your unit with an energy-efficient model. They’re usually more expensive but thanks to federal tax credits and competitive prices, the prices are falling, and because they use less energy, you save in the long-run, too. When replacing your A/C, look for a properly sized unit. If you install a unit that is too large, it will cycle on and off – reducing the efficiency of the system.
8. Don’t cool the whole neighborhood: Seal air leaks with caulking and weather-stripping. Add insulation around air conditioning ducts.
9. Feel the breeze: If your home has ceiling fans, switch your ceiling fan to run counterclockwise in the summer. That will push the cool air down. You can run a ceiling fan half the day for about $1.50 a month, compared to $25 for your A/C.
10. Watch the pavement: Avoid landscaping with lots of rock, cement, or asphalt on the south or west sides of your home. If it’s not shaded it will increase the temperature around the house and radiate heat.
11. Free from debris: Keep plants, shrubs, and other landscaping about two to four feet away from your outdoor unit to ensure adequate airflow.
12. Install window film: A great home improvement idea is to install home window film or tint to the insides of your windows. Not only can it help keep your house cooler in the summer, but also warmer in the winter.

And remember, for all of your A/C needs, call us at GMC!

GG's Bar and Grill - AC Replacement Part 1

GMC AC Services recently removed an old AC unit from GG's Bar and Grill in Hollywood and replaced it with a brand new unit. Take a peek at some of the removal pictures!


Stay tuned for more from GMC AC Services!