UNDERSTANDING INSULATION R-VALUES

January 3rd, 2018

Your home heating and cooling system is your primary tool for keeping your home comfortable, but insulation is another factor that can have a significant effect on indoor comfort. The type of insulation you use in your home must be carefully chosen, and the insulation R-values must be appropriate for your geographical area. Here is a brief guide to insulation R-values and why they are important.

THE PURPOSE OF INSULATION

Insulation prevents the flow of heat from warmer to colder areas. In a residential setting, insulation keeps warm air in during the cooler months and out during the hotter part of the year. Without insulation, or without enough insulation, heat from your furnace or heat pump escapes from your home in winter, while your air conditioner is overwhelmed with incoming heat during the summer. This makes your indoor spaces uncomfortable and increases the amount you pay for heating and cooling every month.

R-VALUES AND THEIR MEANING

Insulation R-values indicate how effective a particular type of insulation will be at resisting the flow of heat. There are several types of insulation available to choose from, including fiberglass, cellulose, and foam. Each type of insulation will have an R-value, while better-quality insulation of each type will typically have a higher R-value. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation will be a resisting the flow of heat.

The R-value of insulation can also be affected by the thickness and density of the material, and whether or not the insulation material is compressed. Each layer of insulation is considered separately when calculating R-value, with the values of each layer added together to reach the final R-value rating.

In southern Florida, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends insulation with an R-value of R30 to R60 for attics, R13 to R15 for walls, and R16 to R19 for floors.

Conditioned Air serves heating and cooling customers in the Florida communities of Sarasota, Bradenton, Ft. Myers, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today for more information on insulation R-values and the benefits that proper insulation can have for your home. Call us today!

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Happy Holidays From Conditioned Air

December 24th, 2017

We hope you enjoy your holidays with your family and friends. Thank you for your business this year. We really appreciate serving and keeping cool all of Southwest Florida. We can’t wait to see you in 2018!

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3 SIGNS YOU MAY NEED TO UPGRADE YOUR AIR CONDITIONING UNIT

December 8th, 2017

With the hot and humid summers in Southwest Florida, air conditioners are all but required, and if the system in your home is showing its age, it may be time for a new A/C installation. There are several signs that it may be time to upgrade, and they should be considered carefully.

Utility Bills Have Increased Dramatically

As the components of your air conditioner begin to wear and fail, the system’s efficiency will gradually decrease and its cooling effectiveness will wane. If the system is a few years old, it may already be inefficient, and though you could keep it running with frequent filter replacements and minor maintenance, its lack of efficiency will start to add up, leaving you with huge utility bills. Eventually, the accumulated operating costs will become higher than the cost of a new system.

Frequent Repairs are Required

When your system starts breaking down frequently, and the repair bills start creeping higher, it may be time to consider a new A/C installation. Once major components like the blower motor or compressor start failing, it’s only a matter of time before the others follow, because they all tend to have similar life spans. Upgrading to a new system can reduce your maintenance costs significantly and it will be far less trouble than scheduling all those service visits.

The System is Over 10 Years Old

Even if your air conditioner is running perfectly fine now, you should be ready to replace it if it is over 10 years old. Most air conditioners have an expected lifespan of 10 to 15 years with proper maintenance, or shorter if the maintenance was erratic or incomplete. At this point major components will begin to fail and it will start to run less efficiently. By upgrading to a new model, you can take advantage of today’s advancements in efficiency, and save up to 20%-40% off your cooling bills.

If you are considering a new A/C installation, talk to our cooling experts at Conditioned Air to learn about your options. We have been serving Naples, Fort Myers, Sarasota and the surrounding areas since 1962.

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THE RIGHT HVAC CONTRACTOR: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

November 21st, 2017

When there is something wrong with your home’s HVAC system, it won’t take long for things to get uncomfortable. You might not have the time to do an extended search of the HVAC contractors in Sarasota to find just the right one. Friends and family can also help steer you in the right direction, so ask them for referrals. You may end up with a couple good names. Still, it’s best to look a little deeper to make the perfect choice for your home. Here are some keys to look for when you are seeking a trusted and respected contractor to do the repairs on your home.

The first item on your list should be asking about HVAC certifications and national memberships. Many such organizations, like the North American Technician Excellence program, are dedicated to testing members on their comprehensive field knowledge, ensuring they are up to date.

It is important that you pick a contractor that is licensed, bonded and insured. The state of Florida requires anyone working in the HVAC industry be licensed through the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB). Being licensed through the CILB indicates the contractor meets the state’s requirements for training and field experience. Possible contractors should be bonded, which covers you if a contractor fails to meet the terms of your contract. They should also be fully insured, which covers you in case someone is injured while working at your home, or sustains injuries due to their negligence.

There are a number of signs to be wary of, as well. Choosing the right HVAC system depends on a number of factors, including the size of your home. HVAC contractors in Sarasota, Fort Myers Or Naples that offer to quote you an estimate over the phone without having ever seen your home, or that offer what seems to be a very cheap estimate should be avoided.

The name at the top of your list for HVAC service and repair should always be Conditioned Air. We’ve been serving southwest Florida homes just like yours since 1962. Contact us the next time things start to get uncomfortable in your home.

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Conditioned Air CEO honored By Stetson University

November 10th, 2017

Conditioned Air Company of Naples, LLC announced that Chief Executive Officer and owner W. Theodore Etzel III and his wife, Kim, have received the Doyle E. Carlton Award from Stetson University. The award was presented at the 2017 Alumni and University Awards Ceremony on Nov. 4 at the university. The Doyle E. Carlton Award is one of Stetson University’s highest honors and is presented annually to an alum or friend of the university in recognition of devotion to Christian higher education and in appreciation for his/her extraordinary contribution to the life and development of the university, City of DeLand and State of Florida. It is named for Doyle E. Carlton Sr., a former Florida governor and Stetson alumnus and trustee.

Congrats Theo & Kim!

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WHY YOU NEED A NATE CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN

October 27th, 2017

The air conditioning and heating systems in your Florida home are not only important to your health and your comfort, but they also represent a significant investment. To protect that investment, it’s critical that repairs and maintenance be done only by professionals, such as NATE-certified technicians from a quality HVAC service. As a consumer, the benefits of NATE certification are extensive.

What Is NATE?

NATE, the North American Technical Excellence organization, is an association of HVAC industry professionals that includes technicians, service providers, equipment manufacturers, industry associations, and government agencies, such as the EPA. It provides education and certification services for HVAC technicians, and it helps to create relevant standards for the industry.

Benefits of NATE Certification

Technicians that are NATE certified have received thorough training on all types of HVAC equipment, including air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces and boilers, and have demonstrated that knowledge and experience through an exhaustive testing and certification process.

This ensures that each technician can properly size and install a system using the applicable Manual J procedures and perform all routine maintenance on that system, including filter changes, cleaning the coils, adjusting fan belts, checking the electrical system, and inspecting heat exchangers according to the manufacturer’s recommended intervals and procedures. This protects the system’s warranty and keeps it running properly and efficiently.

The technician will also be able to perform any required repairs, including warranty work, and offer advice and knowledge about the system. NATE-certified technicians have all the knowledge and experience necessary to care for your system properly, extending its lifespan, preventing major system problems, and protecting its warranty. They represent the best technicians in the industry, and HVAC service companies that employ NATE-certified technicians demonstrate a commitment to high-quality, professional customer service.

To learn more about the benefits of NATE certification, talk to our team at Conditioned Air today. We are proud to feature NATE-certified technicians with extensive knowledge and real-world experience who can handle all of your heating and cooling needs quickly and efficiently. We serve the Southwest Florida region, including the Naples, Sarasota and Ft. Myers areas.

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YOUR DUCTWORK: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

October 16th, 2017

Air ducts are a vital component of your home’s HVAC system, and any ducts that are leaking can reduce the performance of the system considerably, increasing your energy costs and making your home less comfortable. Properly sealing your ductwork is a relatively simple process, but there are a few things that you should know first.

WHY A PROPER SEAL IS IMPORTANT

Leaking ductwork can allow up to 30 percent of the air moving through the system to be lost, increasing your heating and cooling bills by up to 40 percent. Additionally, leaks in the ductwork can allow dust, combustion gases from nearby appliances and other pollutants to enter the duct system and be carried throughout the house, reducing your indoor air quality. Properly sealing your ductwork can reduce your energy costs, especially if the ducts run through uninsulated spaces like the attic, basement or a crawl space, and it can improve your home’s indoor air quality.

HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU HAVE LEAKS

A couple of the symptoms of leaky ductwork are high energy costs, inconsistent temperatures or rooms that are hard to keep heated or cooled. You can also inspect any ducts that are easily accessible and check for damaged tape or mastic at the joints, disconnected or loose joints, holes or other damage, and obvious air leaks. Often, however, the ductwork is hidden in walls or otherwise inaccessible, and you may need a professional to inspect it.

SEALING THE DUCTWORK

Sealing your ductwork can be a difficult job, especially if it’s inaccessible, and it’s often best left to a professional. To do it properly, any loose joints need to be secured, using screws for rigid ducts or the proper clamps for flexible ducts, and each joint should be sealed with mastic or foil tape that is specially designed for HVAC systems. Despite the name, regular duct tape cannot do the job properly. Any holes or other damage should be patched, and kinks or twists in flexible ducts should be straightened.

For more information about sealing your ductwork, talk to our professionals at Conditioned Air, serving Southwest Florida.

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Let’s us help you troubleshoot….

October 10th, 2017

An air conditioner that isn’t working properly can be a cause for concern, but it shouldn’t make you panic. Sometimes a few simple troubleshooting steps can let you resolve the problem and get the system working again without the need to call for repair. Here are a few things to look for when troubleshooting air conditioner problems and A/C noises.

A/C Doesn’t Work

  • Check the power supply to the air conditioner and make sure it is plugged in and receiving power.
  • See if the circuit breaker controlling the A/C has tripped. Reset the breaker and see if the air conditioner comes on. If the A/C unit keeps tripping the breaker, there may be an electrical problem that needs to be fixed.
  • Make sure all vents and registers are open and free of blockages from furniture, boxes, clothing, or other objects that could restrict airflow.
  • Make sure the thermostat is working and that the temperature and operational settings are appropriate for the season. Change the batteries in the thermostat if necessary.

A/C Noises

  • Rattling or clattering noises coming from your air conditioner could be the result of an access panel or other cover being loose.
  • If you detect new or unusual A/C noises, give the system a short period of time to operate and see if the noises continue.

A/C Produces No Cool Air

  • If the fan is working, make sure that the system hasn’t been set to fan-only operation. Set the system to “cool” if necessary.
  • Listen to make sure the compressor is working and that coolant is being circulated through the system.
  • Check the HVAC system ductwork to ensure that there are not damaged or missing sections and that all sections are fitted tightly together. Each connection should also be sealed with mastic, a specialized sealant, or with metal tape.

Conditioned Air helps the residents of Ft. Myers, Sarasota, Naples, Bradenton, and the surrounding Florida communities keep their air conditioners working properly and reliably. Contact us today for more information on troubleshooting air conditioning problems and A/C noises when your cooling system isn’t working the way it should.

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Thank you…

September 21st, 2017

The recovery process is sometimes a slow and painful process. The amount of people coming out of the woodwork to help is outstanding. Our employees here at Conditioned Air have been incredible and are a strong bunch of folks who are not only taking care of our customers but also taking care of things at home. Our hats off to them and to our entire community from Bradenton to Naples that have went above and beyond to help those in need. Here’s just a sample of those who are due a thank you…

Our employees
Our military
First responders
Energy workers
Tree crews
Grocery employees
Gas stations
Truck drivers
Police/fire/emt’s
Teachers
State/County/City Workers
& So many more…

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Our Community Recovers

September 13th, 2017

Our community is truly amazing. Hurricane Irma cannot stop the love and beauty of Southwest Florida. It’s so amazing to see people come together helping each other and we are glad to be of service helping those in need. We will all come back stronger than ever.

So many people deserve kudos here’s just a few…

 

Wink News, WFLA Tampa, & ABC 7 Sarasota: For their extended weather coverage keeping everyone up to date

Publix Supermarkets: Before, during and after the storm getting people the supplies they need.

Gas Stations: Race-Trac, WaWa and many many others for providing fuel to the masses

FPL & Other Co-Ops from states coming in to help repair the damage.

Last but not least: Governor Rick Scott & all First Responders, for doing a wonderful job getting the word out and responding to those in need

Thank you all!

 

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