When summer’s heat is beating down, and you can’t get away for a day at the beach or on the Cape, returning to a home cooled by central air conditioning is a real treat.
When it comes to central air conditioning needs on the South Shore, look no further than Atlantic-Pratt Energy. We are your trusted source for sales, installation, maintenance and repair of air conditioning systems from leading manufacturers, such as Carrier, Ruud, American Standard and Unico. Our team of skilled and experienced service technicians ensures top-notch service and reliability.
As a full-service air conditioning service provider, we are equipped to handle all aspects of your needs. Our knowledgeable experts will assist you in selecting the perfect central A/C unit for your home, taking into consideration your budget. Rest assured, our estimates are free and without any obligation. Additionally, we can also guide you through the process of claiming any qualifying rebates for your new air conditioning system. Your satisfaction is our priority.
You can rely on our highly skilled service technicians to expertly and safely install your new central air conditioning system. Furthermore, we are committed to providing ongoing maintenance and repair services to ensure your system continues to operate at its best. Rest assured, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
If your home does not have ductwork, you can still enjoy the comfort of energy efficient cooling with our expert ductless mini-split installation and service! Ductless mini-splits are much better at cooling than inefficient, noisy window units.
We also offer installation and service of heat pumps, which are efficient at providing heating and supplemental heating.
Proper maintenance of your home’s central air conditioning system ensures its smooth operation and extends its lifespan, sparing you from the inconvenience and cost of repairs. By taking proactive measures, you can enjoy optimal performance and long-term savings.
Regular maintenance tune-ups by our skilled service technicians are essential in ensuring optimal performance of your air conditioning system. During the thorough inspection, we clean, lubricate and adjust all components, allowing us to identify and address any issues before they escalate and lead to a breakdown. This proactive approach not only keeps your air conditioning running efficiently but also helps reduce your summer energy bills. Trust us to keep your system in top-notch condition.
If you’re experiencing issues with your central air conditioning or it has malfunctioned, Atlantic-Pratt is here to assist you with speedy repair services. As your neighbors, we prioritize fixing your home’s A/C correctly the first time. Rest assured, we’ll ensure prompt and reliable solutions.
Atlantic-Pratt offers cost-effective Maintenance Plans to safeguard your home’s central air conditioning. With each service plan, you receive an annual maintenance tune-up and comprehensive coverage or discounted rates on parts and labor costs for repairs, ensuring minimal expenses in the event of a breakdown. Enjoy peace of mind knowing that your air conditioning is protected and well maintained.
Your home’s central air conditioning operates on a closed-loop cycle. When the temperature inside your home exceeds the thermostat’s set temperature, the central air conditioning system activates. The warm air inside your home is drawn into the return ducts and passes through a filter to eliminate pollen, dust, dirt and other particles. This filtered air then flows over the cold evaporator coil, causing the liquid inside the coil to transform into gas, thereby cooling the air. The indoor unit’s blower fan subsequently distributes the cooled air through the ductwork, ensuring circulation throughout your entire home.
The refrigerant gas is expelled from your home through copper tubing into the outdoor unit’s compressor. In the compressor, the gas is compressed and directed to the outdoor unit’s condenser coil. Utilizing the condenser, the outdoor unit’s fan draws in outdoor air, facilitating the absorption of heat from the house and its subsequent expulsion. This process also involves the conversion of the refrigerant back into a liquid state. The liquid refrigerant then embarks on its return journey through the copper coil to the indoor unit, where it awaits the next activation of your air conditioner.
Q. What causes short-cycling in my air conditioning system?
A. Short-cycling is when your central air conditioning unit frequently turns on and off without running a full cooling cycle. This problem increases energy costs, lowers efficiency, and can cause premature wear on your system. Here are the most common causes.
Oversized System: If your AC unit is too large for your home, it will cool the space too quickly and shut off before it can properly dehumidify the air, leading to inefficient, rapid cycles.
Clogged air filters: Dirty filters restrict airflow, causing the system to work harder, overheat, and shut down prematurely. Regularly replacing or cleaning your filters is a simple fix.
Thermostat problems: A thermostat placed in direct sunlight or near a heat source can give false readings, causing your system to cycle on and off. A malfunctioning thermostat can also be the culprit.
Low refrigerant levels: Low refrigerant, often due to a leak, makes it difficult for your AC to cool effectively, forcing it to cycle more frequently. Refrigerant issues should always be handled by a professional, like the trained and experienced service technicians at Atlantic-Pratt.
Electrical problems: Faulty wiring, relays, or capacitors can disrupt the system’s operation and trigger short-cycling. These issues require professional attention to prevent further damage.
Dirty or frozen evaporator coils: When evaporator coils are dirty or frozen over, they block airflow and prevent the system from working correctly. This can be avoided with regular professional maintenance. By the way, a tune-up is included in our Maintenance Plans.
Addressing these issues promptly can improve your AC’s efficiency and help you avoid high energy bills and costly repairs. If short-cycling continues, get in touch with Atlantic-Pratt so we can get to the bottom of this and make any needed fixes.
Q. Should I cover my outdoor air conditioning unit during winter?
A. While covering your AC unit may seem to be the right idea for protecting it over winter, it’s actually not. Most industry experts and manufacturers advise against covering your air conditioner, especially with plastic, vinyl, or other materials that restrict airflow. AC units are built to withstand the elements, and trapping moisture under a cover can lead to costly problems like rust or corrosion when spring arrives.
Other consequences of covering your AC unit over the winter include damaging electronic components, the growth of mold and mildew, and attracting rodents and other animals seeking shelter. Also, covering your unit may void your manufacturer’s warranty.
Stay cool with central air conditioning services from Atlantic-Pratt Energy! Contact us today.