Satisfaction Guarantee

July 20th, 2017
Satisfaction Guaranteed

We’re confident you’ll love our work, so we protect your investment with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. We want you to be happy with our work. So, if Conditioned Air cannot make you completely satisfied with any residential replacement system or accessory you buy from us, we will take back your equipment and refund your money, in full, for up to one year after installation. Every residential replacement system or accessory carries this guarantee. Period. There is no fine print. Cities in our service area include:

 

  • Bradenton
  • Fort Myers
  • Cape Coral
  • Naples
  • Sarasota
  • Port Charlotte
  • North Port
  • Englewood
  • Venice
  • Lakewood Ranch
  • Longboat Key
  • Siesta Key
  • Boca Grande
  • Punta Gorda

 

 

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3 Easy Ways To Help Control Summer Allergies

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

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

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

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

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.

What are the signs it’s time for heating and air replacement?

  • The system is more than 10–15 years old and showing wear.
  • Energy bills are rising despite similar usage.
  • The unit needs frequent repairs or breakdowns.
  • Some rooms are unevenly heated/cooled or airflow is weak.
  • Strange noises or odors are coming from the system.

When to Replace vs. Repair Your AC Unit

  • If your system is over 10–15 years old, major problems become more likely and newer units offer better efficiency.
  • If your energy costs have been steadily increasing—older, inefficient units cost more to run.
  • If the unit is under SEER‑13 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), upgrading to a modern system can reduce cooling costs significantly.
  • When repairs become frequent or costly, especially for major parts like the compressor.
  • If the system uses outdated refrigerants (e.g. R‑22) which are harder to maintain or replacing parts is expensive. 
  • If your home is no longer maintaining comfort (struggles with temperature/humidity/durability), it may be more cost‑effective to replace.

You should consider A/C replacement when any of the following are true, especially if you’re unsure about when to get a new air conditioner.

  • 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 while also improving dehumidification for summer comfort.
  • 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, especially if you prepare your ac for summer heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How old should an AC unit be before considering replacement?
Answer: When an AC unit is 10 to 15 years old, chances of major component failures increase, efficiency drops, and repair costs tend to rise. At that age range, it’s often more cost‑effective to replace the system than keep repairing it. 

Question: What SEER rating makes replacement worthwhile?
Answer: If your existing unit has a SEER rating below about 13, upgrading to a newer model with a higher SEER can dramatically cut cooling costs over time. 

Question: When do frequent repairs indicate it’s time to replace the AC?
Answer: If your AC requires service or major repairs often, replacing it may be more economical. Frequent breakdowns mean high ongoing repair costs and declining reliability.

Question: Why is using outdated refrigerants a sign to replace the AC unit?
Answer: Older units using R‑22 refrigerant (or earlier types) are being phased out. R‑22 is expensive and harder to source. Newer AC systems use current refrigerants and are more efficient.

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

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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Conditioned Air Receives The Dave Lennox Award

June 8th, 2017

Conditioned Air of Naples, Fort Myers & Sarasota announced that it has received the Dave Lennox Award from Lennox Industries for the third year. It is the most prestigious award bestowed by the international heating and air conditioning equipment manufacturer, recognizing the top 25 dealers in the United States and Canada.

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What Are The Benefits Of NATE Certification?

June 6th, 2017

For homeowners in the Southwest Florida region, an air conditioning system is critical for comfort throughout the year, and it represents one of the most significant investments in the average home. To protect your system and keep it operating properly, you need an experienced, qualified HVAC professional, and with the North American Technician Excellence or NATE certification, you can be sure your technician has the ability and knowledge to do the job properly. For homeowners, the benefits of NATE certification include:

Quality Installations

An air conditioning system that is oversized, undersized or simply not installed properly can have its operating efficiency reduced by up to 30 percent, leading to higher utility costs, as well as the potential for more frequent repairs and maintenance. A NATE certified technician can provide a high-quality installation, with proper load calculations, sizing, system design and equipment installation.

Effective Repairs

NATE certified technicians have the experience and knowledge necessary to quickly diagnose and repair nearly any air conditioner problem, from refrigerant leaks to compressor overheating issues.

Comprehensive Maintenance

Routine maintenance is the key to keeping your air conditioner running efficiently, preventing unnecessary repairs in the future and protecting its warranty. NATE certified technicians can provide complete maintenance services according to the manufacturer’s requirements, ensuring that your system is protected and operating properly.

Longer System Life

With repairs and maintenance performed by a NATE certified professional, your system will receive the care it needs to maximize its potential lifespan, eliminating the costs of premature system replacement.

Energy Savings

Maintenance issues like a clogged air filter or dirty condenser can hinder airflow and heat transfer, reducing cooling efficiency significantly. With your air conditioning system kept in peak condition by a NATE certified HVAC professional, you can keep your energy usage to a minimum.

Improved Comfort

With proper maintenance and repairs, your air conditioner will be able to cool and dehumidify more effectively, provide more balanced airflow and minimize uneven temperatures, improving your comfort.

Contact our team at Conditioned Air today to learn more about the benefits of NATE certification. We serve Southwest Florida, including Bradenton and Naples.

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Nest In Southwest Florida

June 6th, 2017

The Nest Learning Thermostat has finally arrived in Southwest Florida with lots of options to help save you money. Conditioned Air of Southwest Florida, with locations in Naples, Fort Myers and Sarasota is now your Nest Pro Elite Partner. Please check out our new page dedicated to great Nest Products now here. If you have any questions how we can help you with Nest Products please let us know.

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