Tips for Relieving Indoor Allergy Issues

May 25th, 2016

If you or a family member suffer from allergies, sometimes the air inside your home can be worse than the outdoor air. There are a few simple ways, however, that you can improve your home’s air quality and reduce or eliminate many indoor allergy issues.

Common Sources of Symptoms

Household dust, dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, insect droppings and pollen can all be triggers for allergy symptoms, and they can even affect those without allergies. When present in high enough concentrations, these irritants can cause sneezing, coughing, wheezing, congestion, sore throat and watery or itchy eyes, among other problems, and the symptoms can be difficult to treat.

Reducing Indoor Allergy Issues

One of the best ways to minimize the presence of allergens in your home is to keep your HVAC system in good condition. It should be inspected at least twice a year, before the heating and cooling seasons, to make sure that it is clean and running properly, and that all routine maintenance, like changing the air filter and cleaning the coils, has been performed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. You should also consider having the ducts cleaned every few years, to remove dust and allergen accumulations, and you should replace the air filter yourself every few months to improve indoor air quality. For better filtration, upgrade to an air filter featuring a greater MERV rating, or consider installing a HEPA filter.

Other things you can do to reduce allergy issues include vacuuming regularly with a machine that uses a HEPA filter and dusting often with moist cloths or electrostatic wipes. Try to minimize clutter and store unused items in sealed containers or bags, especially soft materials like clothes and bedding, to reduce dust accumulation. Install hypoallergenic mattress covers, sheets and pillowcases in all the bedrooms, and wash the bedding at least once a week. Consider installing an air cleaner to help remove allergens and to improve indoor air quality further.

For more information about reducing indoor allergy issues, talk to our HVAC experts at Conditioned Air. We have been serving the Southwest Florida area since 1962.

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Summer Air Conditioner Maintenance: It’s Not Too Soon

May 11th, 2016

Summer may seem like it’s a long time away, but it’s never too early to think about summer air conditioner maintenance. By scheduling your summer air conditioner maintenance visit now, you can make sure that your system is completely ready for the hot and humid weather of Southwest Florida. You’ll also avoid your HVAC contractor’s busy season which is often during the early summer when people discover that their air conditioners are not working as expected.

Why Routine Maintenance is Critical

Routine maintenance extends the life of your air conditioning system by eliminating unnecessary causes of major system problems, such as a compressor that overheats and fails due to dust accumulation on the evaporator coil. By performing regular maintenance and correcting small problems that could cause major failures, you not only extend the life of the system, you also ensure that it continues to run efficiently, reducing energy usage, lowering your utility bills and protecting your system’s remaining manufacturer warranty.

What is Done During the Maintenance Visit

The HVAC technician will inspect your system thoroughly, checking for problems such as dirty coils, refrigeration leaks and electrical problems. The technician will then perform routine maintenance, which typically includes cleaning the condenser and evaporator coils, checking refrigerant levels, cleaning the blower fan, adjusting the blower motor belt, lubricating the blower motor and pulleys, changing the air filter and inspecting the electrical system. If any problems are found, the technician will recommend possible solutions and perform any repairs that you have agreed to.

What You Can Do Between Visits

There are also several things that you can do between service visits to keep your system running properly. This includes checking your air filter regularly—about once a month—and replacing it when it becomes dirty. You should also keep the supply and return vents free of obstructions, such as furniture or curtains, and keep the area around the condenser coil clean and free of debris.

For more information about summer air conditioner maintenance, talk to our cooling experts at Conditioned Air.

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How to Stop Springtime Allergies from Making You Miserable

May 4th, 2016

In southwestern Florida, the mild weather of spring is often the best time for outdoor activities—before the oppressive heat and humidity of summer makes air conditioning necessary. But if you have allergies, spring weather brings allergens and marks the start of several months of suffering. To make yourself more comfortable during the spring, there are several things you can do around the house to minimize the effects of springtime allergies.

Replace the Air Filter Often

The air filter in your HVAC system helps to remove pollen and other allergens from the air, and it should be changed at least every three months. During spring, it is a good idea to replace it at the beginning of the season and check it monthly thereafter, replacing it as necessary. Consider upgrading to filters with a higher MERV rating to remove more allergens, or consider installing a HEPA or electrostatic filter for even better overall filtration. It is also beneficial to have your HVAC system serviced, during which the evaporator coil, the air handler and other components will be cleaned, minimizing the amount of dust and allergens in the air.

Use Proper Ventilation

When the weather is mild, it is tempting to open the windows and let fresh air in. If you have springtime allergies, though, this invites pollen and other allergens into your home. To reduce your allergy symptoms, consider using the air conditioner more often, which filters and cools the air, or consider installing a whole-home ventilation system, which supplies plenty of fresh air while also filtering it to remove allergens.

Minimize Dust

Vacuum your home often using a machine that features a HEPA filter to minimize dust and allergens, and dust at least weekly using moist cloths or electrostatic wipes. Minimize clutter—especially in the bedrooms, closets and living areas—to reduce the amount of surface area that collects dust, and store items that you do not use often in sealed bags or containers to minimize dust accumulation.

To learn more about preventing springtime allergies, talk to our air quality experts at Conditioned Air, serving the Southwest Florida region.

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What to Expect from Indoor Air Quality Testing

April 27th, 2016

Because most people spend significant amounts of time indoors—especially during the excessively humid summers in Southwest Florida—the indoor air quality of your home is an important factor in your overall health and comfort. Pollutants such as dust, pollen or other substances can cause or contribute to symptoms like runny noses, congestion, itchy eyes, coughing and sneezing, especially for those who already suffer from breathing conditions such as asthma or allergies. Indoor air quality testing can help to determine if there may be a problem with your home’s air quality, and what steps are required to mitigate it.

How Indoor Air Quality is Tested

The indoor air quality testing procedure typically includes a blower door test, which places your home under negative pressure using a large fan placed in an exterior opening. A professional HVAC technician can then find the sources of air infiltration, determine how often per hour the air in your home is exchanged, and use specialized equipment to sample the air for pollutants. Depending on the equipment used, the technician can test for:

  • Dust
  • Pollen
  • Pet dander
  • Microorganisms
  • Carbon monoxide
  • Radon
  • Volatile organic compounds or chemical vapors

The samples often have to be sent off for laboratory testing, and after the technician receives the results, he or she can recommend solutions such as upgrading your air filters, installing air purifiers, cleaning your air ducts or installing a ventilation system.

What to Expect From the Tests

Indoor air quality testing can help pinpoint the source of a suspected air quality issue, and with professional help, you can work to improve the quality of the air in your home. Except for carbon monoxide and radon, there are no explicit rules about the allowable amounts of air pollutants, only guidelines. Indoor air quality testing should only be used as a guide to improve air quality in general, and not as a specific diagnosis of a problem.

To learn more about indoor air quality, talk to our HVAC experts at Conditioned Air. We serve many areas in Southwest Florida, including the communities of Naples, Ft. Myers and Sarasota.

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3 Simple Spring Energy Saving Tips

April 20th, 2016

With the mild weather of spring, energy efficiency is not necessarily a top concern for many homeowners, but there are still a few things that you can do to cut energy costs. With these simple spring energy saving tips, you can shave a few dollars off your utility bill and prepare for the hot and humid summer that will soon arrive in the Southwest Florida region.

Have Your HVAC System Serviced

After a long winter, the HVAC system in your home is due for a thorough inspection, some cleaning and a bit of routine maintenance. By having your system serviced now, you can make sure that your cooling system is running efficiently and is ready for the summer heat. During the service visit, your HVAC technician will inspect the system, clean the condenser and evaporator coils, change the air filter, clean and adjust the blower fan, check the refrigerant levels and inspect the electrical system. This can increase cooling efficiency by up to 15 percent, saving energy and reducing cooling costs. You should also check the air filter yourself at least once a month, and replace it when it becomes dirty or clogged.

Take Advantage of Natural Ventilation

With mild weather of spring, it is the perfect time to open up the windows in your home and take advantage of natural ventilation, especially during the mornings when it’s cooler. By reducing the use of your air conditioner during nice weather, you can save significant amounts of energy and reduce your utility costs.

Avoid Heat Gain

You can keep your air conditioner off for longer periods by controlling the amount of heat introduced into your home, saving significant amounts of energy. Use curtains or blinds to shade south or west-facing windows during the afternoon to prevent the sun from heating your home, and avoid cooking, washing dishes, or using heat-generating appliances during the hottest parts of the day to keep your home cooler.

For more spring energy saving tips, talk to our professionals at Conditioned Air today, proudly serving the Ft. Myers, Sarasota and Naples areas.

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What is a NATE Certified Technician? (And Why Do I Care?)

April 13th, 2016

It is important to both your comfort and your safety that the people working on the HVAC equipment in your Florida home are both experienced and knowledgeable. NATE certified technicians are extensively trained, tested and certified by the NATE industry organization to provide quality installation, maintenance and repair service on all types of HVAC equipment.

The NATE Organization

NATE, the North American Technician Excellence organization, is an association of industry professionals that includes equipment manufacturers, contractors, distributors, technicians and educators. It offers training, testing and certification of HVAC technicians that ensures they conform to the highest industry standards, and can competently install, maintain and service all types of HVAC equipment, including furnaces, boilers, air conditioners, ventilation systems and refrigeration systems. NATE certification is a voluntary process, and the NATE organization works with both industry partners and government organizations to ensure that NATE certified technicians meet all quality, safety and professional standards.

Why Choose a NATE Certified Technician?

If your HVAC system isn’t installed or serviced correctly, not only can it impact the life of your HVAC equipment, reduce your comfort and increase your energy costs, but it could also lead to safety problems. By choosing an HVAC professional that employs NATE certified technicians, you can be sure that your equipment is installed and serviced correctly.

A NATE-certified technician will know how to size your system properly for your home, using the Manual J procedure instead of a rough estimate, and how to service it properly, according to the manufacturer’s recommended procedures and service intervals. This extends the life of your system, protects its warranty, keeps it running efficiently and minimizes your energy costs. It also keeps your home and your family comfortable, with the proper temperature, good indoor air quality and healthy humidity levels.

To learn more about the benefits of choosing NATE certified technicians, talk to our heating and cooling experts at Conditioned Air. We offer professional installation, maintenance and repair services throughout Southwest Florida, including the Ft. Myers and Sarasota areas, and we proudly feature highly-experienced, NATE certified technicians.

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3 Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality

April 6th, 2016

Poor indoor air quality can cause symptoms such as stuffiness, coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes or a runny nose, and it can be especially detrimental to those with asthma, allergies or other respiratory conditions. With just a bit of work, though, there are a few simple ways that you can improve the indoor air quality in your Florida home and make it more comfortable.

Change the Air Filter on the HVAC System Often

The primary job of the air filter in your HVAC system is to protect the system from dirt accumulation and damage, but it also helps to keep the air in your home clean. It should be checked every month that the HVAC system is used, and replaced when it becomes noticeably dirty or clogged, or about every three months. To improve indoor air quality, choose a filter with a higher MERV rating, or upgrade to an electrostatic or HEPA filter. Also, consider installing a whole-home air cleaner.

Avoid Dust Accumulation

Vacuum your home at least once a week with a machine that uses a HEPA filter, and dust tables, shelves, ceiling fans, wood trim, and other areas with moist cloths or electrostatic wipes. Remove throw rugs once a month and take them outside to beat the dust out of them. Reduce clutter and store extra clothes and other items in sealed containers to avoid dust accumulation. Wash bedding at least once a week, and consider installing washable slipcovers on upholstered furniture.

Keep Humidity at Healthy Levels

Dust mites and many microorganisms prefer high humidity, and by keeping humidity levels between 40 and 50 percent, you can improve indoor air quality. Have your HVAC system inspected and maintained at least twice a year to make sure it is running well and dehumidifies properly, and consider adding a separate whole-home dehumidifier. Use ventilation fans in the bathroom and kitchen when bathing or cooking to avoid adding extra moisture to the air.

For more ways to improve indoor air quality, talk to our HVAC professionals at Conditioned Air, serving the Southwest Florida area.

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Good News for Tax Season: The Latest on Federal Energy Tax Credits

March 30th, 2016

Nearly every year, the federal government (through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program) offers federal energy tax credits for people who have purchased appliances and other products that are Energy Star–qualified. By installing Energy Star–certified appliances throughout your Florida home, not only can you save up to 30 percent on your energy bills—you can also qualify for these federal energy tax credits.

Incentives for Qualifying Products

For most qualifying HVAC equipment, insulation, windows and doors, the total tax credit is either a predetermined amount or 10 percent off the purchase price, up to a predetermined maximum. Other products, such as geothermal heat pumps and solar systems, may qualify for a credit of 30 percent off the purchase price.

  • Air source heat pumps: Split Systems are eligible for a $300 credit, if they have an HSPF of greater than or equal to 8.5, an EER of 12.5 and a SEER of 15. Packaged systems must have ratings of 8 HSPF, 12 EER and 14 SEER or above.
  • Central air conditioners: The credit is up to $300 for air conditioners, with at least 16 SEER and 13 EER ratings for split systems, or at least 14 SEER and 12 EER for packaged systems.
  • Furnaces: Gas, propane and oil furnaces are eligible for a $150 credit if they have an AFUE of 95 or above. The furnace fan can qualify for an additional $50 credit if it uses 2 percent or less of the total energy that the furnace requires.
  • Boilers: Gas, propane and oil boilers with an AFUE of at least 95 qualify for a $150 credit.
  • Insulation: New insulation qualifies for a credit of 10 percent of the purchase price, up to $500 total.
  • Windows and Doors: Energy Star–certified windows and doors qualify for a 10 percent credit, up to $200. The limit applies to all units installed since 2005.

To learn more about these federal energy tax credits, visit the Energy Star website or talk to our HVAC experts at Conditioned Air. We have been serving the Southwest Florida area, including Naples and Sarasota, since 1962.

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Sealing Your Ductwork: What You Need to Know

March 23rd, 2016

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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How to Lower Heat Gain in Your Home

March 9th, 2016

When you turn on your air conditioner this summer, one of the last things you need is more heat in your home. Heat gain is a common source of additional indoor heat that comes from multiple natural and man-made sources. Not only will heat gain make your home less comfortable, it will also increase your monthly cooling costs as your air conditioner or heat pump works harder to compensate. Here are some ways to lower heat gain in your home and save money and energy while staying consistently cool.

  • Close the curtains and drapes: Heat gain through windows is probably the most common source. If you’ve ever seen your pet sleeping in a sunny area, you know that those spots of sunshine can be very warm. Excess sunshine can also raise indoor temperatures by a significant amount. To stop this source of heat gain, close your curtains and drapes during those times when there is likely to be a lot of sunshine coming through the windows.
  • Reconsider using heat-generating appliances: Cooking using stoves, ovens, and other appliances can produce significant amounts of heat gain. Consider using other methods of cooking during the hottest parts of the day, such as small toaster ovens or microwaves. Reserve the use of ovens and cooking stoves for early morning or late evening hours.
  • Run ventilation fans in the bathroom: Using hot water in the bathroom can produce both heat and moisture. When showering or bathing, make sure to turn on the ventilation fans in the bathroom to pull out moisture and heat that could otherwise get into your larger living spaces.
  • Insulate the attic: Attics can get extremely hot in summer, so make sure the attic spaces and roof are well insulated to reduce heat build-up in that area. Attic ventilation systems can also help remove hot air.

Conditioned Air has served the needs of HVAC customers in Bradenton, Sarasota, Ft. Myers, and the neighboring communities since 1962. Contact us today for more information on how to lower heat gain in your home and keep your living spaces cooler and more comfortable this summer.

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