Conditioned Air Company of Naples, LLC Blog: Archive for the ‘News’ Category

TOP 4 AIR CONDITIONER TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS-TRY THESE FIRST!

Friday, August 24th, 2018

Air conditioning problems can be inconvenient and uncomfortable even on mild days in Southwest Florida, but in many cases, the cause may be simple, such as airflow problems from a dirty filter or a compressor that overheats on an especially hot day. Before calling a professional, there are a few air conditioner troubleshooting tips that you should try first, possibly saving valuable time and money.

Check for Power

When the air conditioner will not turn on, make sure that the thermostat is set correctly and that it has power, replacing the batteries if necessary. If the thermostat is working, check for tripped breakers, and reset them, even if they are not tripped. This will often reset the control systems or safety systems. If the compressor has an overheat safety switch, reset it, as well.

Check for Airflow Problems

Poor cooling performance or frozen coils could be the result of airflow problems. Check for a dirty air filter and replace it if necessary. Check all vents and ducts for obstructions, such as furniture or curtains that block the vents, or items that have fallen into floor ducts. If the problem remains, check the evaporator and blower fan for dust or dirt accumulations, and carefully clean them with the power off.

Clean the Condenser

Poor cooling performance can also be caused by a dirty condenser outside. Make sure the area around the condenser is free of debris, such as tall grass or lawn furniture. Check the condenser coil for debris, such as leaves and grass, and clean it with a garden hose, if necessary. Make sure the fan spins freely and operates properly.

Clean the Condensate Drain

If you notice water leaking from the air conditioner or it will not turn on, make sure the condensate drain is clean. Some systems will shut down automatically if the drain is clogged. Use a shop vacuum or a thin wire to remove dirt and algae from the drain line.

For more air conditioner troubleshooting tips, talk to our professionals at Conditioned Air today. We have been serving homeowners throughout Southwest Florida since 1962.

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Naples Daily News features Shorty’s 50 Years at Conditioned Air

Monday, August 6th, 2018

Our friends at Naples Daily News did a nice feature on Shorty’s 50th celebration here at Conditioned Air. Read more here

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The Life of “Shorty”

Tuesday, July 24th, 2018

Today marks a big milestone in the life of William “Shorty” Sander, our longtime service professional and Field Supervisor. Longtime does not do it justice as today is Shorty’s 50th anniversary with Conditioned Air. Yes, five zero, 50. He came to work on July 24, 1968 when CAC had only 12 people. 50 years of loyalty to the people of Conditioned Air, our customers and clients all over southwest Florida and the industry and profession he loves. What a landmark day in Shorty’s life and fortunately for all of us, our lives as well.

 

Shorty is part of the foundation and fabric that is Conditioned Air and his contribution to the lives of people here and the people we serve cannot be overstated.

 

Congratulations Shorty!!

 

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Choosing Air Filters For Your Home: Understanding Your Choices

Tuesday, July 25th, 2017

In many HVAC systems, the air filter is primarily designed to protect the system from dust accumulation and particles that could cause system damage, but higher-quality filters can also help to improve indoor air quality by removing, dust, pollen, pet dander and other undesirable particles. Air filters are classified by their MERV ratings, with a higher number representing better filtration.

  • Fiberglass filters: These filters are mostly intended to protect the HVAC system, and they typically have a MERV rating of 1 to 4, meaning that they only remove about 10 percent of pollutants. Most fiberglass filters are disposable, though some can be washed and reused.
  • Pleated filters: Pleated air filters have multiple folds to increase the surface area compared to fiberglass filters, and with MERV ratings of about 5 to 13, they can remove up to 45 percent of airborne particles.
  • High-efficiency media: These denser, thicker pleated fitters have MERV ratings of about 14 to 16 and can remove up to 85 percent of contaminants.
  • Electrostatic filters: These filters use an electric charge to attract particles, increasing filtering efficiency without slowing the airflow like dense high-efficiency filters.
  • HEPA filters: High-efficiency particulate air filters can remove up to 98 percent of airborne particles, but they are often too large and restrictive for use in standard HVAC systems. They are typically added with a whole-home air cleaning system.

As the MERV rating of a filter increases, the amount that it restricts airflow also increases. This can make the HVAC system work harder, increasing your energy costs. For most homes, an air filter with a MERV rating of between 8 and 10 provides a good balance between filtering efficiency and airflow. For improved air filtering, you may consider adding a whole-home air cleaner with either an electrostatic filter or a HEPA filter.

To learn more about the different types of air filters, talk to our team at Conditioned Air. We can help you find the best filtering solution for your needs and your budget. Since 1962, we have been providing Southwest Florida residents with superior air conditioning and air quality services.

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3 Easy Ways To Help Control Summer Allergies

Tuesday, July 18th, 2017

With so many plants blooming, summer can be a difficult time for allergy suffers in Southwest Florida. While there is not much you can do about the pollen counts outside, there are several simple ways to control summer allergies inside your home, creating a comfortable retreat for the worst days.

Service the Air Conditioning System

Closing the windows and using the air conditioner when pollen counts are high is one of the best ways to control summer allergies, but if your system is not properly maintained, it can actually make the problem worse. Pollen, dust and other allergens can accumulate in the air handler, air filter and evaporator, and can then be distributed throughout you home when the system is used. Have your air conditioner inspected and serviced at least twice a year, which should include cleaning the coils, replacing the air filter and cleaning the air handler. Between service visits, change the air filter yourself every two to three months.

Use Hypoallergenic Linens

Choose hypoallergenic mattress covers, pillows, sheets and other bedding products, and wash them weekly to minimize allergens. Remove unnecessary clutter in your bedroom and closet to reduce the surfaces that can accumulate allergens, and when working outside, wash your clothes immediately, rather than storing them in a hamper, to eliminate excess pollen. Store seasonal clothes and bedding in sealed bags or bins to minimize dust and allergen accumulations.

Clean Often

Vacuum your home at least weekly using a machine with a HEPA filter, and dust often using electrostatic wipes or moist cloths. Whenever possible, use wood, vinyl or tile flooring, instead of carpets, to reduce allergen accumulations. When softer surfaces are desired, add throw rugs and take them outside monthly to beat the dust and pollen out of them.

At Conditioned Air, our team can help you control summer allergies with regular air conditioner maintenance, air cleaners, ventilation systems and more. Contact us today for service in the Southwest Florida area, from Bradenton to Marco Island.

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How To Calculate Your Energy Usage

Tuesday, July 11th, 2017

Electricity costs can be significant in Southwest Florida, and if you would like to minimize your utility bills, the best way to start is by calculating your energy usage. Every appliance, light and electronic device has its own electricity requirements, and the first step in calculating your energy usage is determining what that figure is for each device.

Using the Energy Guide Label

Many appliances and electronics, including large appliances like air conditioning systems, have a yellow Energy Guide label that makes determining energy usage simple. For electrical devices, the label will list estimated yearly energy usage in kilowatt-hours, which are the same units used on your electricity bill. To determine a device’s monthly usage, simply divide that number by 12, and to determine its daily usage, divide by 365.

Using Wattage

If no Energy Guide label is present, check the device for a label listing its electrical requirements, which is often found near the electrical cord. Many products will list the device’s wattage. To convert watts to kilowatts, simply divide by 1000. For example, a coffee maker that uses 800 watts would use 0.8 kilowatts of power. To find the kilowatt-hours used by a device, multiply the kilowatt rating by the number of hours the device is used daily. For example, the coffee maker that is rated for 0.8 kilowatts would require 2.4 kilowatt-hours of electricity a day when used for 3 hours.

Using Amperage

Some devices do not list wattage, so it must be calculated by multiplying amperage and voltage. For most devices, the voltage will be 120, though larger appliances may use 220 or 240 volts. A device that uses 5 amps at 120 volts would require 600 watts of power, while one that uses 0.5 amps would require 60 watts. Smaller devices may be rated in milliamps, which must be divided by 1000 to find the amps. Once the wattage is found, the kilowatt hours can be calculated, then simply add all your devices to calculate your total energy usage.

For help with calculating your energy usage, or reducing it, contact our team at Conditioned Air, serving Southwest Florida.

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5 Plants That Help Clean The Air In Your Home

Tuesday, July 4th, 2017

Many of today’s building materials, furniture and flooring products contain potentially harmful chemicals that can off-gas for days, weeks or even longer after installation, and with homes that are highly insulated and tightly sealed to improve energy-efficiency, the effects of these chemicals on indoor air quality are significantly greater. In studies by NASA, the Associated Landscape Contractors of America and others, however, it has been found that common houseplants can help clean the indoor air, with as little as one plant per 100 square feet. While some only remove one or two chemicals, the best air-purifying plants can remove multiple chemicals.

Garden Mum

Also known as the Florist’s Chrysanthemum, this plant is effective at removing benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, ammonia, toluene and xylene from the air. All of these chemicals can be harmful in large amounts, causing symptoms like nausea or dizziness, serious illnesses, or even cancer.

Dracaena

Most types of Dracaena can remove benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene from the air, while some, like the Red-Edged Dracaena, can also remove toluene and xylene.

Snake Plant

Requiring minimal care and only occasional watering, the Snake Plant is one of the most resilient air-purifying plants, and it can remove benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, toluene and xylene.

Peace Lilly

This flowering plant can remove benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, ammonia, toluene and xylene from the air, but it can also release pollen, which may be problematic for allergy sufferers.

Ficus

Also known as the Weeping Fig, Ficus plants can remove formaldehyde, xylene and toluene from the air, and some types can also remove benzene and trichloroethylene.

All these air-purifying plants should be used with care, as they can potentially be toxic to pets. Non-toxic alternatives, like Spider Plants, Boston Ferns or Bamboo Palms can remove formaldehyde, xylene and toluene, while others, like the Barberton Daisy, can remove benzene and trichloroethylene, allowing you to combine multiple plants for the best results.

To learn more about air-purification products and how they can work with your HVAC system to improve indoor air quality, talk to our HVAC experts at Conditioned Air, serving Southwest Florida.

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3 Key Advantages Of A Ductless System

Tuesday, June 27th, 2017

Ductless mini-split air conditioning systems are an efficient and effective way to add a cooling system to an existing home, an addition or even a new home. The advantages of a ductless system are numerous, but there are three key advantages that make them distinct from conventional systems:

Greater Efficiency

Ductless systems are extremely efficient, largely because they lack air ducts, which can waste up to 30 percent of the energy used for cooling through leaks or poor insulation. Many systems also feature variable-speed air handlers, inverter-driven multiple-speed compressors, improved coil designs and optional zoning systems that help to increase energy efficiency further. The latest models feature a seasonal energy efficiency ratio, or SEER, of up to 22, compared to the federal minimum of 14 SEER for Southwest Florida.

Easy Installation

With an outdoor unit, one or more interior air handlers, and a few refrigerant and electric lines connecting them, ductless systems are easy to install. They require only a small 3 to 4 inch opening through a wall or ceiling to route the electrical and refrigerant lines, minimizing damage to your home and remodeling. In comparison, a central air conditioner or heat pump requires custom ducts to be fabricated, a centralized location for the interior air handler and evaporator, and several openings for electrical and refrigerant lines.

Optional Heating

Many ductless systems can reverse the refrigeration cycle during the winter, providing heating instead of cooling. This eliminates the extra cost of a separate heating system, which is only occasionally needed in Southwest Florida. With a multiple-room system, each zone can be adjusted to the perfect temperature for the occupants, winter or summer.

To learn more about the advantages of a ductless system, talk to our cooling experts at Conditioned Air today. We serve Southwest Florida, from Bradenton to Marco Island, and we have been providing quality, reliable HVAC services throughout the area since 1962.

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How To Know It’s Time To Replace Your AC Unit

Tuesday, June 20th, 2017

Air conditioning systems tend to be relatively reliable, and with proper care and maintenance, they can often last well over 10 years. As a system ages, however, it will lose both cooling performance and efficiency, especially compared to the latest models, and it will eventually become more cost-effective to replace the system, rather than paying its ever-increasing repair and operational costs. You should consider A/C replacement when any of the following are true:

  • The system is over 10 or 15 years old: Once an A/C unit is over 10 years old, it is nearing the end of its expected lifespan and major problems will be far more likely to occur. By upgrading to a new system, you can enjoy improved comfort, reduced energy costs, and the many improvements in technology and design that have occurred over the last decade.
  • Energy costs have increased: Gradual increases in your energy usage are to be expected as the system loses efficiency, and you can often save significantly on your long-term energy costs with an A/C replacement.
  • Your system is less than 13 SEER: Modern systems have SEER ratings of 13 to over 20, and with the proper A/C replacement, you can reduce your cooling costs dramatically.
  • Your A/C requires frequent repairs: If your air conditioner requires service or has a major problem like a damaged compressor, it is often more cost-effective to replace the system than to continue repairs.
  • Your system uses an outdated refrigerant: If your system uses R-22 or an earlier refrigerant, it may be more cost-effective to install a new system with R410A than to retrofit an existing system.
  • Your home is no longer comfortable: As the performance of your A/C unit degrades, it may no longer be able to keep up with the heat and humidity in Southwest Florida. A new system can offer better cooling and dehumidification, as well as improved reliability.

If you are considering A/C replacement, talk to our team at Conditioned Air today. We can help you find the right system for your needs and your budget, and we serve homeowners throughout Southwest Florida.

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Central Air Conditioning Vs. Room Air Conditioning: How To Choose

Tuesday, June 13th, 2017

Air conditioning is essential for comfort in Southwest Florida, and if you are considering adding a cooling system to your home, there are several options. Central air conditioning tends to be the most popular, because it cools the entire home, but it is also a significant investment. Room air conditioning, or window units, cost less initially, but they have some disadvantages.

Room Air Conditioning

Window units are easy to install and are a quick, inexpensive way to add cooling to one or more rooms, and each room can be set to a different temperature. Because they lack air ducts, there are no losses from leaks in the ductwork or missing insulation, which can increase energy usage significantly. They are far less efficient, however, than a properly-installed, well-maintained central air conditioning system, especially as multiple units are added to cool individual rooms. They also do not dehumidify as well as central air conditioning systems, making it feel hotter than it actually is in the humid climate of Southwest Florida.

Central Air Conditioning

Central air conditioning systems operate more efficiently than window units, and they are far better at removing moisture, making you feel cooler on a humid day. They also provide more even cooling, with air distributed from multiple ducts, rather than a single location. Central air conditioners also add to the value of your home, and are a wise investment, especially high-efficiency models that can reduce your long-term energy usage and utility costs. However, without a zoning system, the temperature cannot be adjusted independently in each room, and, if the air ducts are not maintained properly, energy could be lost through the ducts as the system ages.

For an area like Southwest Florida, where humidity is a major concern, a central air conditioner will tend to provide better comfort, especially if it has a zoning system to allow temperature adjustments in each room. The initial investment will be higher, however, though that can be earned back through lower energy costs.

 

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