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

Do Not Believe These Common Air Conditioning Myths

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2020

Air conditioning technology has been around for decades, but many people still have a difficult time determining what is true and what is not when it comes to air conditioning, as it relates to service, maintenance, repairs, and more. As time goes on, many people have accepted some of the myths and misconceptions as facts.

Today, we want to help set the record straight by busting some of the common myths and misconceptions you may have heard. Conditioned Air has been in the business since 1962, so trust us when we say we’ve seen a lot of misinformation in our day!

Myth 1: I Can Ignore Minor AC Unit Issues

Some people believe that as long as the air conditioner turns on and works, everything will be fine. Some people will ignore problems as long as the issues seem minor. Some people may choose to ignore unusual sounds or smells that will come out of the air conditioner. This can be compared to our breathing; as long as we are breathing, people will automatically assume we are fine.

Unfortunately, thinking this way has numerous flaws. If you notice any type of sound or smell that is out of the ordinary, we do not want you to ignore it. We want you to reach out to an experienced professional to have your air conditioning checked out. If you choose to ignore any problem with the air conditioner, you could find yourself without a working air conditioner.

Myth 2: I Do Not Need To Pay For Yearly Maintenance

We understand that many homeowners may believe paying for yearly maintenance will result in wasted money. However, this is not the case. Yearly air conditioning maintenance is not a scam or a waste of your money. If you make the decision to have your air conditioner maintained on a consistent basis, you will be contributing to having an effective and efficient air conditioner.

Having your air conditioner routinely checked will help prevent the need for more costly repairs. A professional air conditioning contractor or technician will inspect all aspects of your air conditioning unit. If the air conditioning technician finds any type of issue, your AC unit will receive the necessary repairs. So, you can actually save money by paying for yearly maintenance.

Myth 3: I Should Use The Lowest Setting On My AC

One of the common myths we have heard is that setting your thermostat on a low setting will cool your home faster. While this may seem like the case, it does not work this way. Your air conditioning unit will work the same way regardless if you take your thermostat down by 20 degrees or by 5 degrees. We encourage homeowners to use the thermostat setting that is needed at the time.

Do not let common air conditioning myths and misconceptions stop you from scheduling an air conditioning tune-up. If you have any questions about your HVAC system, give us a call! We’re more than happy to answer your questions and offer solutions where we can.

 

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4 Insightful Tips for Improving HVAC Efficiency

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2020

The phrase, “work smarter, not harder” is a good fit for certain situations… It applies well to your AC system! Proper maintenance of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system can save you money by considerably reducing the heating and cooling costs. When your system isn’t weighed down by lack of care & maintenance, it’ll pay back in no time. Here are some tips to keep your air conditioner efficient.

  1. Seal Your Home

If there’s hot air entering your room, the air conditioner will have to work harder to maintain a constant internal temperature for your house. Keep the doors and windows closed to reduce air inflow from outside. You can also enhance the insulation in your home to minimize air inflow.

  1. Calibrate Your Thermostat

A thermostat controls your AC unit turning on and off. However, you shouldn’t trust it entirely. It is possible for a thermostat to slightly veer off from the correct temperature with a percentage range of about one to five degrees. You should get an accurate thermometer and keep it close to your thermostat, which will help you calibrate the thermostat appropriately.

  1. Clean Your Coils

HVAC systems are mostly kept in out-of-the-way areas like rooftops and attics. These areas are rarely cleaned; hence your HVAC unit collects a lot of dirt and grime. Dust in the HVAC’s coils makes it work more to maintain the same air quality. Ensuring that you schedule coil cleaning at least once annually will save you money in the long run.

  1. Consider a Home Warranty

A home warranty will ensure that your HVAC is always in good shape. If it breaks down for no apparent reason, your home warranty will be responsible for contracting a qualified HVAC maintenance company to diagnose and fix the problem. The good thing about it is that you will have a lower flat fee for any work that is performed.

With time, your AC system gets older and becomes less efficient than it was when new. You should hence schedule regular maintenance to avoid high replacement costs.

At Conditioned Air, we’ve been providing solutions to the Southwest Florida area since 1962. For any of your HVAC issues, feel free to contact us, and we will be more than willing to assist.

 

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Air Conditioning Services That Contribute to High Performing HVAC Systems

Tuesday, April 21st, 2020

With summer here, homeowners need to give focus to the overall health of their HVAC systems. Our teams of highly skilled and experienced HVAC technicians strive to provide all our valued clients with the highest quality air conditioning services this side of the state. With that said, we want to share some important tasks our techs can perform to ensure that your cooling system is operating effectively and efficiently.

  • Condenser unit checkup – The outside condenser unit pulls the hot air from your home and delivers it to the outdoors. If the condenser is not working properly the heat will not be able to escape freely causing your system to run longer and harder in order to keep the atmospheres cool in your home.  Our technicians will inspect the condenser unit to ensure that all its components are working at peak levels and, perform necessary repairs as needed.
  • Duct sealing – Most homes have leaky duct work that ultimately forces the AC system to work harder and run longer. Our team will perform necessary duct sealing using a sealant or metal tape to cover the existing leaks, add a layer of insulation around the duct work, and will also reseal or refit any ducts that are poorly connected. These effective solutions are not only energy efficient, but will help to provide more comfortable atmospheres in your home.
  • AC system inspection – If your system presents with unusual sounds or unfamiliar smells coming from the ventilation system, be sure to contact our team of specialists. Our certified HVAC technicians will inspect the system, identify problems and their sources, and provide effective and efficient system solutions as needed.
  • Routine AC maintenance – Annual maintenance of your cooling system is essential to the proper performance and functionality of your system. Routine maintenance contributes to the efficiency of your AC, helps to prevent costly repairs and breakdowns, and minimizes energy bills.  We highly recommend you schedule your AC tune-up and inspection in the spring.

We’re at the time of year when having a high function system is critical to avoid having multiple visits to your home from your HVAC company. No one wants to have frequent visits from their HVAC company so be sure to contact our team of friendly technicians to schedule your routine maintenance today. We look forward to serving you and to providing you with only the best all round air conditioning services year after year.

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Happy July

Monday, July 8th, 2019

July is here and it’s time to save big! Lennox has just unveiled new rebates just in time for summer. You can now save up to $1600 on select units. This doesn’t include the money you will save on your utility bills this hot and humid Florida summer. Get in now and find out more here

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Lennox Rebates Are Coming

Tuesday, June 25th, 2019

It’s Summer in Southwest Florida and your AC Unit is running overtime. If your unit is over 8-10 years old, now is the time to be thinking about a replacing that old tired AC unit. You will be amazed by the money a new unit will save you on your utility bill. Our friends at Lennox are offering great rebates to help you save money and stay cool all summer long. Starting July 1st you can save up to $1600 on a new high efficiency AC Unit from Lennox. Find out more details by clicking here

 

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Florida Rainy Season & Your AC Unit

Thursday, June 6th, 2019

All over Southwest Florida, heavy rains are common, especially as tropical storms or hurricanes approach. No matter if you are in Sarasota, Fort Myers or Naples, Conditioned Air has you covered. If you have ever wondered “Does rain affect my air conditioning unit,” the short answer is “No.” In most cases, rain is safe for your air conditioning system, though there are some exceptions, and a few precautions to take during strong storms.

The Effects of Rain on Your Air Conditioning

The outside portion of a central air conditioning system, known as the outdoor unit or condenser unit, houses both the condenser and the compressor, as well as a system fan, electrical connections and other accessories. Most of the components are made from aluminum, copper, plastics and other materials that are not prone to corrosion or damage from moisture, and the electrical connections are sealed, allowing the system to run properly even in heavy rain.

Only during heavy flooding, when the condenser is partially or completely submerged, should you shut the air conditioning system off, which can be done using the breakers in your main electrical panel. If the system is submerged for a significant period of time, have it inspected by an air conditioning contractor before tuning it back on.

Should the Condenser be Covered?

In most cases, the condenser unit should never be covered. Rain cannot harm the condenser, as long as the moisture can evaporate freely, and neither can the cooler weather of a Florida winter. In colder climates, some people cover the condenser during the winter to prevent accumulations of snow, leaves and debris, but it is not necessary. In fact, it can actually cause damage by trapping condensation beneath the cover, leading to corrosion and other damage.

The only time that you should cover the condenser is during extremely strong storms, such as hurricanes, to prevent damage from wind-blown debris. For this purpose, something strong, like plywood, should be secured with the power off, and it should be removed immediately after the storm. Otherwise, simply keep the condenser free of debris, and rinse the dirt out periodically.

When you have questions like “Does rain affect my air conditioning unit” or if you need air conditioning service, contact our team at Conditioned Air for helpful answers and HVAC advice. Conditioned Air serves customers from Bradenton to Naples, Florida, part of Southwest Florida.

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Hurricane Season in Florida Starts this Saturday

Wednesday, May 29th, 2019

If you live or own a home in Florida, Hurricanes are always a concern. Hurricane season starts this Saturday, June 1, 2019 and ends November 30, 2019.  Are you prepared? If not here’s some tips for you to consider:

Now/Prepare

 

Sign up for local alerts and

warnings. Monitor local news and weather reports.

Prepare to evacuate by testing your emergency communication plan(s), learning evacuation routes, having a place to stay, and packing a “go bag.”

Stock emergency supplies.

Protect your property by installing sewer backflow valves, anchoring fuel tanks, reviewing insurance policies, and cataloging belongings.

Collect and safeguard critical financial, medical, educational, and legal documents and records.

 

During/Survive

 

Follow guidance from local

authorities.

If advised to evacuate, grab your “go bag” and leave immediately.

For protection from high winds,

stay away from windows and seek shelter on the lowest level in an interior room.

Move to higher ground if there is flooding or a flood warning.

Turn Around Don’t Drown.®

Never walk or drive on flooded roads or through water.

Call 9-1-1 if you are in life- threatening danger.

 

After/Be Safe

 

Return to the area only after

authorities say it is safe to do so. Do not enter damaged buildings until they are inspected by qualified professionals.

Never walk or drive on flooded roads or through floodwaters.

Look out for downed or unstable trees, poles, and power lines.

Do not remove heavy debris by yourself. Wear gloves and sturdy, thick-soled shoes to protect your hands and feet.

Do not drink tap water unless authorities say it is safe.

To learn more about how you should prepare for the upcoming hurricane season in Florida check out more tips from Ready.gov here.

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Summer is back in Southwest Florida!

Monday, May 6th, 2019

Summer in Southwest Florida can be brutal. Are you ready? Most importantly, is your AC Unit ready?

Don’t be surprised and left out in the heat this summer. We can come out and make sure your unit is ready for summer. Manufacturers suggest getting your unit checked twice per year to keep your unit under warranty.

In case you didn’t know, we offer maintenance agreements where we come make a house call twice per year to keep your HVAC unit cleaned and running properly. It’s just like your car, it needs love too.

If you have any questions about just what our maintenance agreements are all about, please feel free to live chat with us here on our website or by calling us anywhere in southwest Florida at 1-888-COLD-AIR.

We are proud to serve from Bradenton to Naples so let us keep you cool all summer long!

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Florida Snowbird Checklist

Tuesday, April 9th, 2019

Are you wondering what to do before you head back north for the summer? Here’s a checklist of what to do before you go.

  • Close your blinds
  • Bring in your lanai furniture or any other things that could blow away in a storm
  • Clean your kitchen thoroughly: You don’t want to attract bugs.
  • Empty all trash cans in your home or you will come back to smells you may not like
  • Do a Marie Kondo type purge of things you may not need. Goodwill is a great place to drop off things you may no longer use.
  • Shut off your water
  • Cover toilets, sinks and drains with plastic cling wrap
  • Check all appliances to verify they are off so you conserve power over the long summer
  • Move furniture away from your homes walls to help prevent mildew
  • Open interior doors so air flow can happen
  • Lock all entrances especially your garage door from the inside.
  • Engage thermostats and humidity controls, try a Nest thermostat so you can operate your home’s temp from wherever you are this summer
  • Turn on your alarm before you leave
  • Let your condo or association you will be gone and when you will return.
  • Contact the USPS and hold or forward your mail.
  • If you are leaving a car in the garage, make sure you take the battery cables off to prevent the car from draining the battery over the summer.
  • Drive safe!

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Spring Tune-Up Time

Tuesday, April 2nd, 2019

 

Before you head back north, make sure you schedule your preventive maintenance tune-up today. If you are a snowbird and leave Southwest Florida for the summer it’s always a good idea to have us come out and make sure your hvac system is in tip-top shape to survive the long hot Florida summer. The last thing you want to come back to in the fall is mold. Mold is always a concern when you are going to be away from your home for a long period of time.

With technology today, you can also have us install a Nest thermostat, which you can control right from your smartphone, anywhere in the world. It’s a really good option if you are indeed a snowbird who visits us just in the winter here in Southwest Florida.

Want to learn more about tips for snowbirds? Call us anytime at 1-888-COLD-AIR from anywhere in Southwest Florida.

 

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