Conditioned Air Company of Naples, LLC Blog: Archive for March, 2017

Ductless Heating And Cooling: A Handy Reference

Tuesday, March 28th, 2017

In a conventional HVAC system, as much as 30 percent of the energy used for heating and cooling is wasted, due to leaking or inadequately-insulated ductwork. A better alternative, especially for homes without an existing HVAC system, may be a ductless heating and cooling system. By placing the air handler directly in the room to be heated or cooled, and eliminating the air ducts, a ductless heating and cooling system can be far more efficient and easier to install. Before installing a ductless system, there are a few things to consider.

Installation Process

Ductless or mini split systems consist of an outdoor condenser and compressor unit, one or more interior air handlers that contain and air filter, evaporator and fan, plus a conduit that connects the two halves. The air handlers are available in a variety of styles, including floor-level, wall and ceiling-mounted models, and a conduit containing the refrigerant and electrical lines connects each air handler to the condenser through a small 3 to 4-inch opening in a wall or ceiling. Ductless systems require minimal remodeling to install, and are perfect for homes or additions that lack a complete cooling and heating system.

SEER and HSPF Ratings

SEER stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio, and represents the amount of electricity used for a cooling season. Ductless systems typically have a SEER from 16 to 20 or more, with higher ratings indicting greater efficiency. The HSPF, or heating seasonal performance factor, measures the electricity used for a heating season, with average systems receiving ratings of 7 to 8, and high-efficiency models receiving an 8 or above. By investing in a more efficient system, you will reduce your long-term utility costs.

Single or Multiple-Zone Systems

Some ductless heating and cooling systems serve one room or area only, while larger systems have an upgraded condenser and typically up to 5 air handlers to provide whole-home heating and cooling with independent temperature controls for each zone.

To learn more about ductless heating and cooling systems, talk to our team at Conditioned Air, serving Southwest Florida, including the Sarasota and Ft. Myers areas.

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Air Conditioning Installation, News | Comments Off on Ductless Heating And Cooling: A Handy Reference

How Can I Qualify For an Energy Tax Rebate?

Tuesday, March 21st, 2017

For many years, the federal Energy Star program has encouraged homeowners to reduce energy usage by offering tax credits for certain energy-efficient products, such as HVAC equipment and water heaters. Some products that qualify for the energy tax rebate include:

HVAC Equipment

  • Central air conditioning systems: A $300 credit is available for cooling systems that are featured on the Energy Star Most Efficient 2016 list, as well as certain models that feature a SEER of 16 or above for split systems or 14 or above for packaged systems. To determine if your system qualifies, visit the Energy Star website or contact the manufacturer.
  • Air source heat pumps: A $300 credit is available for Energy Star-certified models. Split systems must have an HSPF of greater than 8.5, an EER of over 12.5 and a SEER of over 15. Packaged systems must have an HSPF of over 8, an EER of over 12 and a SEER of over 14.
  • Furnaces: Gas, propane or oil furnaces that are Energy Star-certified with an AFUE of over 95 qualify for a $150 credit, and Energy Star-certified furnace fans that use less that 2 percent of the total energy for the furnace qualify for a $50 credit.
  • Boilers: Boilers on the Energy Star Most Efficient 2016 list with an AFUE of over 95 qualify for a $150 credit.

Geothermal Heat Pumps: A credit for up to 30% of the system’s purchase price is available for both new or existing homes.

Water Heaters

  • A $300 credit is available for Energy Star-certified electric water heaters, as well as certain Energy Star-certified natural gas models with an energy factor of over 0.82 and heat pump models with an energy factor of over 2.0.

To qualify for the energy tax rebate, these products must have been purchased by December 31, 2016 and installed in an existing home that is your primary residence. IRS form 5695 must be filed with your federal income taxes by April 18, 2017 to receive the energy tax rebate.

To learn more about the energy tax rebate for HVAC equipment, contact our team at Conditioned Air.

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Energy Efficiency, News | Comments Off on How Can I Qualify For an Energy Tax Rebate?

3 Benefits Of Home Service Agreements

Tuesday, March 14th, 2017

One of the best ways to protect the air conditioning system in your Florida home is with regular maintenance, which will help keep the system running efficiently and prevent premature failure. HVAC service agreements make keeping up with your system’s maintenance requirements simple and convenient, and they offer several benefits for Southwest Florida homeowners.

Automatic Service Reminders

When it is time to perform routine maintenance, like cleaning the coils, replacing the air filter and checking the refrigerant levels, your HVAC provider can send reminders that service is due, so that you can schedule an appointment for a convenient date and time. This makes it less likely that you will forget, and allows your provider to make sure your service is completed before the busier parts of the year, when it will be harder to schedule an appointment.

Reduced Cooling Costs

HVAC service agreements prevent common air conditioning problems like dirty air filters and coils, which can make it harder for the system to move air through the ducts and to remove heat from your home. With proper maintenance according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, your system will run more efficiently, reducing your cooling costs and helping the environment.

Avoiding Future Problems

With frequent service visits, your HVAC provider will become familiar with your system and will be able to spot minor problems, like airflow obstructions or refrigerant leaks, before they cause further damage to the system, or a complete system failure. Not only will this reduce your repair costs, but it will extend the life of your air conditioning system. Finally, if you do have a problem, because you have a maintenance agreement and an existing relationship, you will receive priority service and other valuable incentives.

To learn more about the many benefits of HVAC service agreements, or to learn which plans are available for your system, talk to our HVAC experts at Conditioned Air today. We have been serving Southwest Florida, from Bradenton to Marco Island, since 1962.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning, News | Comments Off on 3 Benefits Of Home Service Agreements

3 Easy Ways to Keep a Lid on Energy Consumption

Tuesday, March 7th, 2017

Keeping utility costs under control in Southwest Florida can be a challenge, especially as peak air conditioning season arrives. By taking a few simple measures to control your energy consumption, however, you can reduce your utility bills, while helping the environment.

Have the Air Conditioning System Serviced

Routine maintenance, such as changing the air filter and cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils, will help the air conditioning system to transfer heat and move air more efficiently. Not only does this reduce energy costs, but it also helps to extend the life of the system. Adding a programmable thermostat and setting it to raise the temperature 5 degrees anytime you are away from home can also lower your energy consumption significantly.

Reduce Heat Gain

Another way to reduce energy usage is by eliminating some of the extra heat produced in your home, making the job of the air conditioner easier. Use shades and blinds during the daytime to block the heat of the sun, and open the windows during cooler periods for natural ventilation and cooling. Avoid using heat-generating appliances like clothes dryers, dishwashers and ovens during the day, and wait until the evening when it is cooler to cook or bathe. When the air conditioning system is installed, place the outdoor unit in a shady location, if possible, or consider adding some shade.

Use Efficient Appliances

Choosing the right appliances and electronics can have a significant impact on your energy costs. When replacing older models, purchase the most efficient versions possible, such as those that are Energy Star-rated. Turn off appliances, lights and electronics when they are not in use, and consider using outlet strips to completely turn off devices that have a continuous power draw, such as televisions and cable boxes. Replace older incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient CFL or LED models, and turn down your water heater to 120 degrees, instead of the typical 140-degree factory setting.

For more tips to reduce energy consumption, talk to our HVAC professionals at Conditioned Air today. We have been serving the Southwest Florida area, from Bradenton to Marco Island, since 1962.

 

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Energy Efficiency, News | Comments Off on 3 Easy Ways to Keep a Lid on Energy Consumption