Air conditioners are essential to many homes and businesses. They typically make little to no noise, but some odd sounds may indicate a problem that needs addressing by an HVAC technician. Here are five common AC noises you shouldn’t ignore in Venice, FL.

1. Squealing

A high-pitched squealing noise often means that either the bearings or belt need replacing. It’s not something to try replacing yourself; an HVAC expert needs to do it. Not addressing this could cause damage to the motor or other components of the AC system.

2. Rattling

Loose screws, bolts, or other parts of the AC unit may be the source of a rattle. Debris that has become entrapped inside the unit could also be the reason. Additionally, it could be possible that a part of the unit, such as the compressor, is malfunctioning or damaged.

3. Hissing

A hissing sound can indicate a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant cools the air in the AC unit, and a leak can cause the system to stop working efficiently or even break down entirely. An HVAC technician needs to come in and check for the source of the refrigerant leak and determine a solution.

4. Grinding

A grinding noise usually means a malfunctioning motor, worn bearings or a metal component that’s rubbing or scraping against another and causing friction. Not getting the problem fixed immediately could result in the issue worsening and getting more expensive to repair.

5. Banging

A banging noise indicates a broken compressor, an issue with the fan, or a problem with the motor. It’s important to have a professional inspect the unit and have them maintain your system in the future through preventative maintenance visits. The latter can help catch minor issues before they have the potential to become major ones.

If you hear any unsettling noises, turn off your HVAC system immediately. Promptly addressing any unusual AC noise can help prevent further damage to the unit. Contact Conditioned Air to repair or replace your AC system.

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Variable-speed systems deliver consistent indoor temperatures. The high-efficiency HVAC systems accomplish this by making constant incremental adjustments to output based on the real-time needs of your home.

Who Benefits Most With Variable-speed Heat Pumps

These high-end heat pumps deliver maximum homeowner benefits in hot, humid regions like Naples. In cooler regions of the U.S., this cutting-edge heating and cooling technology can still be beneficial depending on your indoor comfort preferences.

What Are the Advantages of Variable-speed Systems

Variable-speed heat pumps are one of the most energy-efficient HVAC options on the market. A variable-speed system can boost energy efficiency from 20% to 50% while maintaining your comfort and saving you money in the bargain. These cutting-edge systems maintain consistent indoor comfort by running at low speed almost constantly instead of turning off and on.

These high-efficiency units keep indoor temperatures within one-half of a degree or less of the thermostat setting. With a variable-speed heat pump, you’ll be rid of those sudden temperature shifts. Although variable-speed systems are almost always running, they are still exceptionally quiet. Long running times mean more air passing through the filter and cleaner indoor air. The long, slow running times also permit greater humidity control.

What Are the Disadvantages of Variable-speed Systems

Variable-speed systems are a high-tech and relatively new technology. As such, they are at risk for installation errors. Not all HVAC contractors understand how these complex systems work. If you think a variable-speed system is for you, find an experienced contractor with the skills and expertise to install variable-speed systems properly.

The specialists at Conditioned Air have mastered the science of variable speed heat pump installation. Call us in Naples to learn more about efficient HVAC equipment.

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Heat pumps are a practical way to keep things cool in summer and warm in winter in the state of Florida. If your system is getting older, however, a heat pump replacement can be a great way to save money while keeping things comfortable indoors inside your Naples, Florida home or business. Here are three reasons to consider investing in a heat pump replacement this year.

Improved Efficiency

If your current heat pump is more than 10 years old, you can often reduce the energy needed to keep temperatures cool indoors by upgrading to a high-efficiency heat pump. This can lower your carbon footprint while allowing you to enjoy cool comfort indoors during the hottest parts of the year.

Lower Costs of Operation

A heat pump replacement can also save you money on heating and cooling your Florida home or business. Newer systems are less likely to require frequent repair services, which can also cut down on the amount of money needed to maintain comfortable temperatures inside your home or business.

Improved Indoor Comfort

Finding a company that offers professional installation services for heating and cooling systems will ensure that your new heat pump is sized right for your interior spaces. This can ensure that you and your family enjoy the greatest comfort during every season of the year in Sarasota, Naples, and the surrounding areas in Florida.

At Conditioned Air, we serve Fort Myers, North Venice, Naples, Bradenton, and all the surrounding areas in Florida with top-quality systems and friendly service you can depend on when you need repairs, maintenance, or installations. We can design a heating and cooling system that is precisely right for your needs and your interior spaces. To learn more about our heat pump options, give us a call today. Our team is here to help you keep things cool all summer long.

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Are you looking for a convenient, minimally invasive climate control solution that won’t blow up your energy budget? If so, it’s time to discover why homeowners are increasingly choosing ductless HVAC systems for their Naples, FL homes.

Easy and Compact Installation

The air ducts required for conventional HVAC systems occupy considerable space, which can be problematic in smaller homes. If your house doesn’t already have ductwork, it can also be messy and labor-intensive to install. By contrast, ductless HVAC systems need only small conduits to connect indoor and outdoor units, requiring little space and no disruptive demolition. Ductless air handlers can also be placed almost anywhere, giving you maximum freedom to design a system that works specifically for you.

Greater Efficiency and Comfort Control

With traditional forced-air designs, even the most efficient HVAC systems can be undermined by sketchy ductwork. Leaky, inadequately insulated air ducts waste a lot of energy, costing you money and making your home less comfortable. Dirty air filters and blocked vents only make the problem worse. Since they don’t need to distribute air around your home, ductless HVAC systems effectively eliminate these issues. Instead, they provide precise, energy-efficient heating and cooling right where you need it. With a ductless multi-split system, your family can even control their own air handlers independently to suit their preferences.

Improved Indoor Air Quality

In addition to minimizing wasted energy, eliminating air ducts also eliminates a major source of indoor air pollution. Ordinary HVAC ducts tend to collect a lot of dust and other particulates, especially if they aren’t cleaned periodically. As air flows through the ductwork, these pollutants can become airborne and spread all throughout your living space. That’s simply not a problem with ductless HVAC systems. What’s more, many high-quality ductless units incorporate advanced filtration to further improve air quality.

If this all sounds a little too good to be true, why not call Conditioned Air and see for yourself? With premium equipment and professional installation services, we’re equipped to deliver the best that ductless HVAC systems have to offer.

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Having an efficient furnace is critical to ensure your comfort on colder winter nights in Florida. However, if you have found yourself bundling up in recent weeks because your furnace no longer seems to be doing its job, you may want to consider having it replaced. Yet, purchasing a new furnace represents a major investment, and you may be unsure of where you should start when making such a big decision. If you are considering having your furnace replaced, here is a look at just a few of the things you should consider before doing so.  

Make Sure to Get the Right Size Furnace 

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a new furnace is what size furnace will be right for your home. Choosing the right size furnace is critical since a furnace that is too small will not be able to heat your home properly, and a furnace that is too big will waste money by cycling on and off frequently. Many factors go into determining the size of furnace you will need including the local climate as well as your home’s square footage, ceiling height, number of windows, and the quality of insulation in your home. This makes it critical that you work with a skilled HVAC contractor who can help you to determine your heating needs.  

Consider Fuel Sources 

Next, you will need to consider which fuel source you prefer, as this will help you to determine what type of furnace you want. The most common fuel options for residential furnaces are natural gas, oil, and electricity. While each type provides certain benefits, natural gas furnaces are the most popular because this fuel source is readily available and usually inexpensive. If natural gas is unavailable in your area, an oil furnace will likely be your best option. While oil furnaces are more expensive initially than their electric counterparts, electric furnaces are more costly to operate and maintain, and they do not heat large homes very efficiently. 

Look at Efficiency Ratings 

Next, you will want to consider energy-efficiency. When looking at furnaces, you will notice that they all list an AFUE number; this stands for annual fuel utilization efficiency, and it lets consumers know how energy-efficient a unit is. While high efficiency furnaces (with an AFUE over 90%) will cost more than a regular furnace (AFUE 80%), they can significantly reduce energy-consumption. If you live in an area with long and extremely cold winters, you will likely save a lot of money investing in a high efficiency furnace.  

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When it comes to making your commercial space comfortable for your employees as well as customers, an air conditioning system is among the key investments to consider.

While there are plenty of options in the markets to choose from, it can be tricky finding one that will work the best for your business. When planning to acquire one, it’s wise to consider the costs, size and the number of occupants in the building per given time. You also need to determine the ideal place to install the unit.

If you are wondering whether to install your air conditioning system on the ground or on the roof of your commercial building, here are 4 reasons why you should consider installing it over there.

Saving space

Many commercial buildings usually have a lot of unused space on their rooftops. You can utilize this space by installing a roof-mounted air conditioning system. This frees the ground space for other things such as landscaping and extra parking or for future expansions of your building.

Promoting a quieter working environment

With a roof-mounted air conditioning system, you won’t need separate indoor and outdoor units, as is the case with split systems. All the components including the compressor, the blower fans, the evaporator coil, and the condenser coil are housed in a single unit. Most roof-mounted air conditioning systems come in an all-in-all, thus the name-packaged units. This configuration greatly eliminates noise pollution in your business, giving both your employees and customers an easier time as they go about their businesses.

Preventing dust and debris

Ground air conditioning systems are prone to dirt and dust accumulation. That means more maintenance work will be required, especially when it comes to cleaning. A lot of dust and dirt accumulation can also affect the performance and efficiency of your air conditioning system. Roof-mounted systems, on the other hand, are better positioned to reduce such issues.

Enhancing security

The location of roof-mounted air conditioning systems makes them more secure than the ground-mounted types. Air conditioning systems installed on the ground are more likely to be damaged, vandalized, and even stolen. Such circumstances can result in significant losses for your business. With roof-mounted air conditioning systems, you won’t have to worry about dealing with such problems.

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Few things are more frustrating than having to deal with a malfunctioning heater in the dead of winter or a fickle air conditioner during a blazing summer. When worst comes to worst, all you can really do is call the professionals and have them either fix the problem or replace the appliance entirely. However, you can save a lot of stress and money if you catch these issues before they bloom into complete catastrophes. In order to give you the most comfortable home possible, here are some key signs that you should call out an HVAC contractor ASAP.

Your Air Quality Is Low

There are a variety of ways that low air quality can manifest, ranging from increased sickness in the house to a noticeable scent when the air conditioner or heater are turned on. In some cases (and especially if cash is tight), this may seem like a temporary problem and mild inconvenience that will soon pass, but that’s not always true. Poor air quality is often a warning sign that things will be getting much worse in the future. The filters could be clogged, which can lead to overheating and damage in the appliances themselves. Mold can grow quickly and spread throughout the home via ventilation, leading to severe health risks.

Your Appliance Is Making Strange Noises

If you hear strange noises coming from your heater or air conditioner while they’re running, then those may be indicators of much worse problems. If pieces are loose inside, then they may break entirely. This isn’t necessarily a common problem in state-of-the-art models, but it can be a serious issue for older appliances. In the worst-case scenario, this could potentially lead to an electrical or gas hazard that could become a fire.

How a Contractor Can Help

Getting a contractor to your home as soon as possible is one of the best ways to nip these problems in the bud. They can identify what’s causing the problem, how serious it is, and determine the best way to go about fixing it. Of course, they can also help you in other ways that people don’t often think about. Your air conditioner may be working fine, and the problem may be minor, but it may also be an extremely old model that simply doesn’t have the efficiency of modern air conditioners. A contractor can help you decide if an upgrade is worth it and how much you stand to save.

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Your air conditioning unit has finally gone out on you, or at least, you are being proactive in replacing it. While you can certainly find a model that is likely very similar to your old one, it might be worth considering other options. If you are looking to replace an air conditioner, there are some things to keep in mind when making the choice.

Key Factors When Deciding On Your New Air Conditioner

While you will need a professional to help you correctly size what air conditioner you need and to do the installation work, deciding on the type of air conditioner you need is all about asking yourself the right questions.

How Are Your Ducts?

If you do not have ducts in your home, installing a central air system will be an expense. However, they are seen as the standard. Alternatively, even if you have ducts, if you only spend time in certain areas of your home or rarely use your air conditioner, ductless systems may be something to consider.

Do You Want Customizable Cooling?

These days air conditioner systems and temperature control systems have come a long way. You can control temperature in each room if you so desire. This may mean a need for supplemental systems or choosing a system like a heating pump rather than just an air conditioner.

If your home previously had issues with uneven temperatures in rooms, you will also want to bring this up to your technician. It could be an issue in appropriate sizing or it could be a sign of duct issues as well.

Do You Need a Heater As Well?

If your heat system is on its last legs as well, or you don’t have one, you may want to consider a system that does both. Heat pumps, despite the name, do both heating and cooling of a home. They are actually excellent choices for areas that are mostly warm, but do have some chiller moments.

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Does your A/C really require a yearly tune-up? If you want a reliable air conditioner that doesn’t call it quits halfway into the cooling season, the answer is yes. While you may get lucky the first or second year you skip out on a tune-up, the lack of maintenance will eventually catch up to your unit, meaning either a major malfunction will occur or your system’s efficiency will dip, significantly. If you’re still questioning the importance of having your air conditioner tuned-up, the consequences listed below will definitely change your mind.

Restricted Airflow

During a tune-up an air conditioning specialist thoroughly cleans your system. This includes checking and replacing the air filter and cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils. Excessive dirt and grime on the unit’s coils and a filter left unchanged for too long are contributing factors to poor airflow. Restricted airflow can cause a number of issues, including frozen evaporator coils and a drop in efficiency. A lack of efficiency also means your air conditioner is forced to work longer and harder while trying to cool your home, which inevitably leads to components inside your A/C wearing down faster than they should.

Expensive Repair Bills

An air conditioner technician does a lot more than just clean your unit; they also inspect your A/C for damaged, loose, and leaking components, which, if left in disrepair can cause a major or even dangerous malfunction. During a tune-up an air conditioning contractor will perform a thorough examination of your system’s fans, wiring, refrigerant level, and motor. If any issues are spotted they will either repair or replace the offending component. When you choose to skip your systems yearly tune-up, the parts in your unit that are beginning to wear down will continue to deteriorate, meaning what could have been a simple repair will likely turn into an expensive one.

Reduced Lifespan

Having your air conditioner tuned-up on a yearly basis is key to extending its life, on the opposite side of the fence, neglecting to get your system tuned-up every year will accelerate the aging process, meaning your A/C will call it quits earlier than its estimated lifespan. If you don’t want to spend a large amount of money replacing your air conditioner prematurely, a yearly tune-up is extremely important.

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Air conditioning has become more than an ordinary home appliance today. By purchasing an air conditioner for your home in Sarasota FL, you can create a health-friendly environment. Besides giving you personal comfort, this home appliance can improve your living standards by creating a clean, healthy, and safe environment. Additionally, it can maintain a cooler temperature during summer. Below is a list of the top merits of installing an air conditioner in your home.

Reduced risk of dehydration and heatstroke

Dehydration occurs due to a lack of enough water in the body. One major cause of dehydration is sweating profusely. The more you sweat, the more you increase your exposure to dehydration. On the other hand, heatstroke occurs when your body begins to overheat due to hot temperatures in the surrounding temperature. A fully functional air conditioning unit will be beneficial in keeping you warm during the cold winter period. 

Reduced asthma attacks

The air conditioning unit helps to minimize your exposure to an asthma attack. It purifies air in your immediate surroundings by filtering the dirty air that might contain dust mites or pollutants. Plus, it also eliminates dampness that might result in the growth of mold. All of these may cause asthma attacks. Failure to replace your air filters from time to time will only result in the cycle of the same dirty air in your home. 

Provides comfort

Every homeowner in Naples, FL has his or her comfort zone. Some are sensitive to heat situations, while others are sensitive to cold weather. With an air conditioning unit, you can customize your surrounding environment to suit your preferences. Installing this electrical appliance improves your health status and reduces stress by eliminating any possible discomfort.

Enhances sleep and boosts productivity

A refreshing environment is ideal for sleeping as it lowers both your blood pressure and heart rate. Thus, allowing you to sleep comfortably without any distraction. Lastly, a room with the perfect room temperature and fresh air contribute to boosting your productivity and your well-being. 

Any questions at all, please contact us at (239) 643-2445.

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