4 Tips to Save Energy This Fall

December 6th, 2016

With the mild weather of fall, now is the perfect time to make a few improvements around your home. If you are suffering from high utility bills, here are four easy ways that you can reduce energy consumption in your Southwest Florida home:

Have Your HVAC System Serviced

Things like clogged air filters, poorly-lubricated blower motors and dirty condenser or evaporator coils can make your HVAC system work harder than necessary to keep you comfortable, increasing your energy consumption and utility bills. To save energy and extend the life of your system, have an HVAC professional inspect it and perform any routine maintenance that may be required. After the visit, check the air filter often and change it as necessary to keep your system running efficiently.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

By adjusting the temperature in your home while you are at work or asleep, you can reduce the energy consumption of your HVAC system by as much as 10 percent. A programmable thermostat is the easy way to do this, as it can automatically adjust the temperature, then return it to normal so that your home is comfortable when you come back from work or wake up. In warm weather raise the temperature 10 to 15 degrees, and in cool weather reduce it.

Seal and Insulate Your Home

Air leaks can significantly increase energy usage in any season by allowing conditioned air to escape and outside air to enter.. Use weatherstripping and caulk to seal around drafty windows or doors, and use caulk or expanding foam insulation to seal penetrations made for pipes, cables, dryer vents and other openings in your exterior walls. Have your insulation levels checked, especially in the floors, walls and attic, and add more if necessary.

Reduce Your Water Heater Temperature

Many water heaters are set to 140 degrees or higher from the factory, which not only wastes energy but also may cause scalding. A setting of 120 degrees can reduce your costs, while still providing plenty of hot water.

For more ways to reduce energy consumption, talk to our HVAC professionals at Conditioned Air today.

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Upgrading? Tips for Choosing a Central Air Conditioning System

November 29th, 2016

Air conditioning is important in Southwest Florida, and if you’re getting ready to upgrade your system, it’s critical to find one that both falls within your budget and that is efficient enough to keep you comfortable without making your utility bills skyrocket. Here are a few tips for choosing a central air conditioning system that will meet you needs:

Consider Both Short and Long-Term Costs

When you’re choosing a central air conditioning system, it’s important to consider both the initial costs of buying and installing the system, and the long-terms costs of operating and maintaining it. An air conditioning system is a large investment, and while it may be tempting to choose a model with a lower initial price, chances are that its lower efficiency and reliability may wind up costing you more over the life of the system.

By upgrading to a more reliable and efficient system and paying a bit more up front, you can enjoy long-term energy savings, reduced maintenance and lower utility bills. Typical models have an energy efficiency rating of 13 or 14 SEER, while the most efficient models have SEER ratings of over 20 and can reduce your energy costs by up to 40 percent.

Size the System Properly

In the past, air conditioning systems were often sized by rough estimates and installers tended to oversize systems to improve comfort, leading to maintenance problems and reduced efficiency. For a system that both performs efficiently and cools effectively, it must be properly sized by an HVAC professional, using the appropriate Manual J procedures. This method takes into account more than just the size of the home, including the layout of the house, the number of rooms, the materials used, occupancy and other important factors.

Prepare Your Home

Another key to an efficient air conditioning system is the condition of your home. Have an energy audit performed to make sure your home and air ducts are properly sealed and insulated.

For more tips on choosing a central air conditioning system, talk to our HVAC professionals at Conditioned Air today.

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What is the Average Air Conditioner Life Span?

November 22nd, 2016

In Southwest Florida, air conditioning is vital to both your comfort and the value of your home. If you are selling your home, buying a home, or are simply curious about your current system, it’s good to know what the average air conditioner life span is and what can affect it.

Typical Air Conditioner Life Span

In general, you can expect an air conditioning system to last between 8 and 12 years with a reasonable amount of maintenance. If the system has had little or no maintenance, it may last a significantly shorter period of time. And with diligent maintenance, it may last the full 12 years or longer. As the air conditioner ages, however, it will begin to lose efficiency, costing more to operate not cooling as effectively.

Extending the Life of Your System

Routine maintenance is the key to keeping your air conditioner running efficiently and extending its life. The air filter should be replaced every few months to maintain your home’s air quality and to protect the system from damage. A clogged filter can restrict airflow and cause the system to overheat, harming sensitive components. The outdoor coils should be kept free of debris at all times, and the indoor coils should be cleaned at least annually. Finally, twice a year the entire system should be inspected and serviced by a professional.

When to Consider a Replacement

If your system is over 10 years old or is starting to have significant issues, such as compressor problems, refrigerant leaks or a failing blower motor, it may be time to consider a replacement. Newer models can be up to 40 percent more efficient, reducing your cooling costs significantly.

For more details about air conditioner life span, talk to our team at Conditioned Air. We serve Southwest Florida, including the Naples and Sarasota areas.

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Understanding A/C Efficiency Ratings

November 15th, 2016

With the hot and humid weather of the Southwest Florida area, the overall efficiency of your air conditioning system can make a significant difference in your cooling costs during the summer. By understanding what each of the basic A/C efficiency ratings represent, you will be able to make an informed decision when purchasing a new air conditioning system or heat pump.

EER

The energy efficiency ratio, or EER, represents the cooling capacity of an air conditioning system measured in British thermal units or BTUs, divided by the amount of electrical power required to provide that cooling measured in kilowatt-hours. This rating represents the amount of energy used to provide cooling during peak conditions, such as the hottest days of the year, and is not the most reliable estimate of how the system will perform over time. A system with a higher EER will be more efficient, and today’s best systems feature EER ratings of over 16.

SEER

The seasonal energy efficiency ratio, or SEER, is a long-term measurement of the cooling efficiency of an air conditioning system. It is a ratio of the cooling output provided for a full season in BTUs, divided by the amount of energy, in kilowatt-hours, required to power the system. It is a better representation of how the system will perform in a variety of weather conditions, and, like the EER rating, higher is better. Today’s federal standards require A/C efficiency ratings of 13 or 14 SEER depending on location, and the best systems offer SEER ratings of over 23.

HSPF

The heating seasonal performance factor, or HSPF, measures the amount of heat provided during a heating season,in BTUs, divided by the power required in kilowatt-hours. This rating is applicable to heat pumps, which can provide both heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. A higher HSPF is represents greater efficiency, and the most efficient systems feature a rating of up to 13 HSPF.

For more information about A/C efficiency ratings, talk to our cooling experts at Conditioned Air. We serve the Southwest Florida area, including Ft. Myers and Naples.

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How to Get the Most from Your Air Conditioner

October 19th, 2016

Even with an efficient air conditioning system, the hot and humid climate of Southwest Florida can make it difficult, not to mention expensive, to stay comfortable. Here are a few A/C operating tips for Southwest Florida that can help you stay cool at a reasonable cost:

Have the System Maintained Regularly

Routine maintenance helps your air conditioning system run at peak efficiency, saving energy and money. Have the system professionally inspected at least once a year. By making sure that the air filters are replaced often, the coils are cleaned, the refrigerant is topped off, and the blower motor is cleaned and lubricated, your system will not have to work as hard to keep you comfortable.

Reduce Heat Gain

Any sources of additional heat in your home can make it harder for your air conditioner to cool properly. Minimize heat gain by avoiding activities like cooking, washing dishes, washing clothes or bathing until cooler periods of the day, and add shades or blinds to block the heat of the sun. Locate your air conditioner condenser in a shaded area, if possible, and make sure the attic is vented to draw out excess heat.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

Add a programmable thermostat to your system and set it to raise the temperature 5 to 10 degrees while you’re away from home, then reduce it about an hour before you are due to arrive. This can reduce cooling costs by up to 15 percent without sacrificing comfort. Add fans to make it feel cooler, and you may be able to save money by raising the temperature a few degrees.

Seal and Insulate

Many homes in Southwest Florida are poorly insulated. Have your home inspected and add insulation where necessary, especially in the attic, which will help your system cool more efficiently. Use weatherstripping, caulk or spayed foam to seal around windows, doors, pipes, wires and other places where cold air can escape.

To discover more A/C operating tips for Southwest Florida, talk to our home comfort team at Conditioned Air. We have been providing quality A/C services to Southwest Florida since 1962.

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Repair or Replace: Air Conditioner is Blowing Hot Air

October 5th, 2016

When an air conditioner is blowing hot air instead of cool air, it’s not necessarily a sign of a major system failure. In many cases you can repair it yourself, or you may have to call in a professional. Here are a few things to check when your air conditioner is blowing hot air.

Thermostat Settings

Verify that your thermostat is set to cool your home and that the fan is set to “Auto.” When the fan is set to “On,” warmer air may be circulated between cooling cycles.

Breakers

Be sure that the breakers for the system are on — turn them off and then back on if you’re unsure. A tripped breaker can shut down the compressor while still allowing the fan to circulate warm air.

Air Filter

Make sure the air filter is not dirty or clogged. A dirty air filter can reduce airflow, causing the system to shut down and blow warm air.

Outdoor Coil

Make sure that the outdoor condenser coil is not covered or blocked by furniture or other items, and that the coils themselves are not clogged with leaves, grass or small debris. Turn off the power and clean the coils if necessary. A clogged condenser can prevent heat from being properly released.

Indoor Coil

A clogged evaporator coil can cause airflow problems, leading to a frozen coil and the distribution of warm air. If the evaporator coil is accessible, it can be cleaned with a soft brush and a vacuum.

Refrigerant Level

Low refrigerant can also lead to cooling problems. Have a professional check for leaks and proper refrigerant levels.

If these steps have not solved the problem, it may be more serious, such as a major refrigerant leak or a damaged compressor. Have a professional inspect the system and determine the cause. If extensive repairs are required or the air conditioner is over 10 years old, it may be time to replace it.

If your air conditioner is blowing hot air, contact our team at Conditioned Air for assistance. We have been serving the Southwest Florida area since 1962.

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How to Control Moisture in Your Southwest Florida Home

September 28th, 2016

Excess moisture in your home can lead to increased humidity, which makes a hot day even more uncomfortable and has negative health effects. By taking steps to control moisture in your Southwest Florida home, you can keep your cooling costs to a minimum while also protecting the health of your family.

Maintain Your Air Conditioning System

One of the major jobs of an air conditioning system is dehumidification. As it cools the air, it also removes moisture from it. And if your system isn’t running properly, it will not dehumidify effectively. Have your air conditioning system inspected by a professional at least once a year to make sure it’s running properly and efficiently. Between visits, make sure that you change the air filter every few months to keep it operating well.

Size Your System Properly

If your air conditioning system is oversized for your home, it will cycle on and off frequently, not giving it enough time to properly dehumidify. An undersized system may not be able to process the volume of air necessary to remove moisture properly. When installing an air conditioning system, make sure that it is sized properly for your home, using the proper Manual J procedures instead of general square-foot estimates.

Increase Ventilation

When you are cooking, bathing, washing dishes, washing clothes or doing other activities that add humidity to the air, use exhaust fans to draw out any excess moisture. If moisture is still a problem, consider installing a separate dehumidification system.

Keep Appliances Maintained

Natural gas or propane appliances can add moisture to the air, especially if they aren’t operating properly. Have appliances like stoves, furnaces and hot water heaters professionally maintained annually, and make sure their flue systems are properly sealed to prevent condensation.

For more tips to control moisture in your Southwest Florida home, talk to our heating and cooling experts at Conditioned Air. We have been serving the Southwest Florida area since 1962.

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3 Ways to Lower Heat Gain in Your Home

September 21st, 2016

With the hot and humid climate of Southwest Florida, cooling costs are high enough without appliances and other heat sources adding to your energy costs. By taking steps to lower heat gain in your home, you can keep your cooling costs to a minimum and reduce your energy usage.

Use Exhaust Fans

Activities like cooking, washing dishes, washing clothes and bathing can release excess heat and humidity into the air. Turn on exhaust fans in the kitchen or bathroom when these activities are necessary, and avoid performing these tasks during the hottest parts of the day.

Minimize Appliance Use

Many appliances like dishwashers, irons, coffee pots and clothes dryers generate significant amounts of heat when used. Avoid using such appliances until it’s cooler, such as during the evening, and turn off heat-generating electronics and lights during the daytime. Computers, set-top boxes and game systems often produce significant amounts of heat. Also, turn your water heater down to 120 degrees to save energy and reduce heat gain, and replace incandescent light bulbs with cooler, more efficient LED or CFL bulbs.

Shade Your Windows

Southern and western windows can let in large amounts of heat from the sun during the daytime. Install curtains, blinds or shades on these windows and close them during the daytime to minimize solar gain. Open the windows during cooler times, like the evening, to allow natural ventilation. Another option is to install exterior awnings over the windows or to extend the roof to provide shade, while still allowing the windows to be opened.

Other steps that you can take to lower heat gain in your home include using trees and shrubs to shade your windows and air conditioner, using light-colored materials for roofing or siding, and sealing any holes or drafts in the exterior of your home.

For more tips to lower heat gain in your home, talk to our cooling experts at Conditioned Air. We serve Ft. Myers, Sarasota, Naples and beyond.

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Tips for Installing Air Conditioning in an Older Home

September 19th, 2016

In the hot and humid climate of Southwest Florida, air conditioning is practically a necessity during the hottest parts of the year, and a quality system can increase the value of your home significantly. Many older homes lack a central air conditioning system, so here are a few tips that will help when installing air conditioning in an older home:

Prepare Your Home

For an air conditioning system to run efficiently without dramatically increasing your energy costs, your home must be reasonably sealed and insulated. Drafts around windows, doors and other penetrations in your exterior walls can allow cool air to escape, significantly increasing your cooling costs, and a lack of insulation will make it hard for your home to maintain a cool temperature. Before installing air conditioning in an older home, consider having an energy evaluation done to find out where your home needs proper sealing and additional insulation.

Choose a System Type

If your home has existing ducts for a furnace, adding a central air conditioning system can be a relatively inexpensive choice. If, however, ducts must be added, the costs will increase dramatically. In that case, you may want to consider adding a ductless mini-split system, which can cool one or more rooms without the need for traditional air ducts. If you are upgrading your heating system at the same time, another option may be a heat pump, which requires air ducts, but can both heat and cool your home efficiently and cost-effectively.

Size It Correctly

Often, especially in older homes, air conditioners are oversized to compensate for any problems with air leaks or poor insulation. An air conditioner that isn’t properly sized will run inefficiently, increasing energy costs. Oversized systems will cycle on and off frequently, preventing proper dehumidification and stressing components like the blower motor and fans. Systems that are too small will work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. A professional should be used to size the system, using the proper Manual J procedures.

For more tips on installing air conditioning in an older home, talk to our team at Conditioned Air.

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3 Signs it’s Time to Upgrade Your Air Conditioner

September 7th, 2016

A dependable air conditioning system is vital to weathering the hot and humid conditions of Southwest Florida comfortably, but as your system ages, it may become ineffective at cooling, inefficient and expensive to operate. Here are a few signs that indicate upgrading your air conditioner may be a wise investment:

It Requires Frequent and Expensive Repairs

Air conditioners require annual maintenance to run efficiently and properly, but if your air conditioner starts requiring frequent repairs to keep it running, or if a major component like the condenser or compressor must be replaced, it may be time to consider upgrading your air conditioner. As those repair bills start to add up — especially on an older system — they can quickly approach the cost of a new, much more efficient air conditioner.

It Runs Inefficiently

As an air conditioner ages, it will begin to run less efficiently, reducing your comfort and significantly increasing your energy costs. While some of that efficiency may be gained back through frequent maintenance, eventually the costs of operating the system will outweigh the benefits, especially if it’s an older model with a SEER rating of less than 13. Today’s most efficient air conditioners have SEER ratings of over 20, which can significantly reduce your cooling costs, often by over 20 percent.

It’s Over 10 Years Old

If your system is over 10 years old, it’s time to consider an upgrade. Most air conditioners have a usable lifespan of 10 to 12 years. If your air conditioner is showing signs of age like reduced efficiency, strange noises, or increased maintenance costs (and it has already had a long life), upgrading to a new, more efficient model will improve your comfort and reduce your energy costs significantly.

By upgrading your air conditioner, you can not only save money on your cooling costs, but you can also make sure that your system will operate reliably through even the highest temperatures. Talk to our team at Conditioned Air in Southwest Florida to learn about the latest in energy-efficient air conditioning systems.

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