New Innovations in Home Thermostats Mean Big Energy Savings

November 25th, 2015

Compared to older thermostats, especially mechanical models, today’s thermostats are extremely advanced and incredibly easy to use. Many manufacturers now offer at least one type of touch screen thermostat, which eliminates older technology like mechanical armatures or physical buttons that operate confusing menus. The touch screen thermostat offers many helpful features that set it apart from less sophisticated models, especially when it comes to saving energy and reducing your utility costs.

 

Enhanced Programming Options

Unlike earlier programmable thermostats that were difficult to program, especially if you had a complex schedule, the typical touch screen thermostat is very easy to program, with menus that are simple to use and organized intelligently. This ensures that you will be able to easily optimize the program to maximize your energy savings and reduce your utility costs. By having the thermostat reduce the temperature automatically when you go to sleep or to work in the winter, or raise it during the summer, you can save up to 20 percent off your utility bills. Some of the most advanced models offer automatic programming, which learns your schedule and sets the thermostat to the optimal settings automatically.

WiFi Connection

Most touch screen models offer network access over WiFi, allowing you to control and program the thermostat from a computer, tablet or mobile phone that is connected to the local network, or even from a device that is connected over the internet. This allows you to easily edit the thermostat’s program and settings so that you can save the most money, or, with remote access, adjust the program as necessary to accommodate schedule changes.

Other Features

Thanks to the Internet connection, a touch screen thermostat can display local weather information, and some models can even use it to adjust the temperature automatically. If you are away from home and a problem arises with your HVAC system, a few models can alert you by email, text or phone.

For more information about the features available on the latest touch screen thermostat models, contact our team at Conditioned Air today. We have been serving the Southwest Florida area since 1962.

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Why Sizing Matters So Much for Home Cooling

November 18th, 2015

Installing an HVAC system that is not properly sized for your home can lead to problems, such as poor heating and cooling performance, excessive energy usage and higher maintenance and repair costs. Sizing HVAC systems properly is essential to their performance and takes far more than a simple “rule of thumb” estimate.

Effects of Improper Sizing

Many systems are oversized to compensate for any leaks in the exterior of the home or any problems in the ductwork, such as leaks, damaged ducts or missing insulation. A system that is oversized will turn on and off frequently, which can lead to the following problems:

  • Hot or cold spots between cycles
  • Excessive wear and tear on the blower motor or compressor when starting and stopping
  • Poor dehumidification during the summer, leading to reduced comfort
  • Poor heating and cooling performance
  • Increased energy usage, since HVAC systems are less efficient when cycled frequently

An undersized system will also have problems with increased part wear because it has to run constantly to keep up with the heating or cooling requirements; and even with it constantly running it will not keep your home as comfortable as a properly-sized system would.

Sizing HVAC Systems Correctly

For an HVAC system to both heat and cool effectively and efficiently, it must be sized properly for your home using a Manual J load calculation. Unlike traditional estimates, which take into account only the square footage of a home, a Manual J load calculation takes many factors specific to your home into account, including:

  • Size of the home
  • Number of rooms
  • Arrangement of the rooms
  • Number of occupants
  • Indoor and outdoor temperatures
  • Quality of the insulation in the home
  • Heat and moisture generated by appliances

This allows the HVAC installer to get a more complete picture of your home’s heating and cooling requirements and to select the correct HVAC components, without over sizing or under sizing them.

For more information about the importance of properly sizing HVAC systems, talk to our team at Conditioned Air. We have served Southwest Florida, including the Naples, Fort Myers and Sarasota areas, since 1962.

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New Advances in Pool Heaters

November 11th, 2015

As the temperature changes through the seasons, it is nice to have a pool heater installed that can keep the water in your pool at the perfect temperature no matter how cool it is outside. While many older pool heaters were difficult to use and inefficient, new advances have increased their efficiency significantly, and new technologies enable easy control over the temperature of your pool or spa.

 

Natural Gas or Propane Heaters

Natural gas and propane models have made significant improvements in efficiency, and tend to heat faster than heat pump or solar models, but they typically are more expensive to operate. Some of the more significant improvements include:

  • Dual thermostats: Dual thermostats monitor incoming and outgoing water temperatures to ensure proper heating.
  • Electronic ignition: Piezoelectric or hot surface igniters use less energy than pilot lights and cannot be blown out in windy conditions.
  • Better heat exchangers: Titanium or nickel heat exchangers provide more efficient water heating.
  • Digital controls: Digital controls are easier to use, and can be programmable to provide automatic control.

Heat Pump Pool Heaters

Heat pump-based models, such as the ComfortSwim Pool Heater, have benefited from significant improvements that make them easier to use, more efficient, and quieter. These advances include:

  • Improved heat exchangers: Titanium heat exchangers resist corrosion and provide better heat transfer.
  • Better expansion valves: Improved expansion valves provide better control over refrigerant flow, improving efficiency, especially at lower outdoor temperatures.
  • Improved coil designs: Better coil designs lead to more efficient heat transfers.
  • Better compressors: Optional scroll compressors are quieter and more efficient, reducing energy usage.
  • Quieter fans: Variable-speed system fans are quieter and more efficient.
  • Electronic controls: Digital controls make the system easy to use.

Solar Pool Heaters

Improvements in the collector designs and materials continue to increase the efficiency of solar heaters, and when used in combination with gas, propane or heat pump models, they can significantly reduce energy costs.

To learn more about the features available on pool heaters, contact our team at Conditioned Air today. We serve southwest Florida, including the Naples, Ft. Myers and Sarasota areas.

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New Innovations in Ductless Mini-Split Systems

November 4th, 2015

One of the easiest ways to add a cooling system to an existing home is by installing a ductless mini split air conditioning system. Unlike central air conditioners, these systems do not require a duct system and they use only a small conduit to connect the indoor and outdoor portions. Today’s ductless mini split systems are extremely efficient and offer many great innovations and features.

Variable-Speed Compressors

In many conventional air conditioners, the compressor runs at a single speed, and can only switch on when the temperature becomes too high, and switch off when the desired temperature is met. This can be inefficient and cause excess wear on the system’s compressor and other components, while creating unnecessary temperature swings between cycles. Variable-speed inverter compressors can run at any speed, allowing the system to adjust the cooling capacity precisely to the current conditions, which increases the system’s efficiency and keeps your home comfortable regardless of the temperature outside.

Variable-Speed System Fans

Like the variable speed-compressor, variable speed fans on the condenser and evaporator coils allow the system to better adjust the cooling capacity to current conditions, and they reduce the energy usage of the system. In addition, when the evaporator fan is allowed to run at slower speeds, it makes the system much quieter and reduces noise levels in the room where the indoor unit is installed.

Efficient Coil Designs

Specially designed coils maximize the heat-transfer surface and increase the efficiency of the transfer process. Improved R-410 refrigerant also helps increase the efficiency of the coils, while protecting the environment.

Improved Control Systems

Efficient control systems use multiple sensors to detect current conditions and adjust the output accordingly. Advanced remote controls allow you to control your ductless mini split air conditioning system from a distance, and some systems can even be controlled remotely from the Internet.

With all these advances, today’s ductless mini split air conditioning systems are about twice as efficient as older models. To learn more about mini split systems, contact our team at Conditioned Air today. We serve Southwest Florida, including the Sarasota, Ft. Myers and Naples areas.

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Air Conditioner Freezing Up? This Could Be Why

October 28th, 2015

One of the most common air conditioning problems in South Florida is a frozen evaporator coil, which happens when the evaporator coil cannot absorb heat correctly and its temperature drops below freezing, turning any condensed moisture on the coil into ice. Not only does this prevent the system from cooling properly, it can also cause permanent damage to certain components. To get the system running properly, you will have to determine the cause, correct it and thaw the coil.

Airflow Problems

In many cases, poor airflow can prevent the coil from absorbing the heat in your home, allowing it to freeze up. Reductions in airflow can be triggered by a dirty or clogged air filter, an obstructed supply or return duct, or problems with the blower fan. Replace the air filter, if necessary, and check your air ducts for obstructions. Make sure none of the vents are covered by furniture, curtains or other items. Check the blower fan and make sure that it is relatively clean and operating correctly, and that its belt is not damaged or slipping.

Dirty Evaporator Coil

Household dust, pet hair and other debris can accumulate on the evaporator coil over time and prevent it from absorbing heat properly. If your evaporator coil is excessively dirty, allow it to thaw, then clean it gently using a soft brush and a vacuum cleaner, being careful to not bend any of the delicate cooling fins.

Refrigerant Problems

Low refrigerant levels, leaks or a clog in the lines can also cause major air conditioning problems like freezing. To correct a refrigerant problem, or any other serious issue, you will need to call a professional.

Thawing the Coils

To thaw the evaporator coils, turn off power to the system and allow the ice to melt naturally. To speed things up a hair dryer or heat gun can be used in a pinch, but never use tools to remove ice, as they may damage the refrigerant lines.

For help with your air conditioning problems, call our cooling experts at Conditioned Air. We serve Ft. Meyers, Naples, Sarasota and the surrounding areas.

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Quick Guide for Troubleshooting Your AC Unit

October 21st, 2015

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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The End of R22: What it Means for Your Old Air Conditioner

October 14th, 2015

Florida homeowners with older air conditioning systems may soon be facing a difficult choice: replace their entire air conditioning system or continue to pursue increasingly costly and hard-to-find R22 refrigerant when it’s time for AC serivce. Standards for types of refrigerants used in air conditioning repair and maintenance are changing, and this means that this most common and least expensive refrigerant will soon be phased out. When the phase-out is complete in 2020, R22 refrigerant will no longer be available.

R22 refrigerant, sometimes known as R22 Freon or HCFC-22 Freon, is an environmental danger because it contributes to the depletion of the ozone layer. The U.S. government has placed restrictions on R22 and has issued the requirement that R22 refrigerant must be eliminated from use in cooling systems by the year 2020. At this point, R22 will no longer be manufactured and cannot be used as a refrigerant in new air conditioning systems. R22 is being replaced by R-410A, a safer material which is the current, compliant standard refrigerant in air conditioning equipment.

The refrigerant change means several things for homeowners with older ACs:

  • You can continue to use R22 refrigerant in existing systems, but it will only be available through after-market sales, such as when it is recovered from older systems that have been salvaged.
  • Prices of R22 refrigerant have been rising and are expected to continue to rise. By the time the phase-out is complete, R22 will most likely be very expensive.
  • Availability of R22 will be limited since it cannot be purchased new. Even if you need a recharge of R22 in the future, there can be no guarantee that the refrigerant will be available.
  • Complete air conditioning system replacement to an R422 model may be the most cost-effective solution.

Conditioned Air has the mission of keeping the residents of Ft. Myers, Sarasota, Naples, Bradenton, and the surrounding Florida communities cool and their air conditioners working properly and reliably. Contact us today for more information on the types of refrigerants used in air conditioning system maintenance and what the new refrigerant changes will mean for your cooling system.

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3 Benefits of a Whole-House Air Filtration System

September 29th, 2015

The quality of your Southwest Florida home’s indoor air is just as important as the air quality outdoors. Considering how 90 percent of an average person’s time is spent indoors, it pays to have an effective way of keeping your home’s indoor air healthy. Fortunately, a whole-house air filtration system offers the perfect solution to your indoor air quality concerns.

Whole-house air filtration systems are designed to tackle airborne pollutants that come from inside and outside of your home through a wide variety of methods. For example, many air filtration systems use HEPA filters and ultraviolet (UV) lamps to capture and neutralize an array of pollutants, including microorganisms and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from common household sprays.

To understand how whole-house air filters can benefit your home, consider these three pieces of information:

  1. As the name implies, a whole-house air filtration system takes care of the entire home. Most portable air filters can only handle one or two rooms, at most. This makes buying a whole-house system a more cost-effective investment than buying multiple portable units.
  2. Whole-house air filters can also extend the life of your heating and cooling system by reducing the prevalence of dust and other airborne particles throughout the system. A cleaner HVAC system offers better performance and greater longevity.
  3. Whole-house air filters have the added benefit of being able to purify your home’s air without being seen or heard. By integrating filtration systems neatly into the existing HVAC, they’re able to operate with little to no noise.

With a whole-house air filtration system, you’ll be able to enjoy cleaner, healthier indoor air, with the peace of mind that comes in knowing that your whole-house air filters are more effective at capturing airborne pollutants than most ordinary air filters.

To learn more about how whole house air filters can benefit your home, or if you need air conditioning repair in Southwest Florida, contact the professionals at Conditioned Air today.

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Best Practices for Air Conditioner Maintenance

September 15th, 2015

The air conditioner in your home or business means more to you than comfort on hot Florida days. It also represents an investment of hundreds, perhaps thousands of dollars in equipment that should give you years of reliable service. The best way to ensure your cooling system works at its best for as long as possible is through regular preventive maintenance. Here are some useful best practices for air conditioner maintenance and some reasons why you should consider a maintenance service agreement.

  • Check the filters: The filters in your air conditioner help clean the air moving through your cooling system and into your indoor spaces. They also contribute to the airflow needed to ensure the equipment operates properly. Dirty, clogged air filters are a major contributor to cooling system malfunctions and breakdowns. Check these filters at least once a month and change them when they get dirty.
  • Ensure proper airflow: The conditions surrounding the outside unit of your air conditioning system also affect system airflow. Make sure that grass, weeds, hedges, tree limbs, and other vegetation is trimmed away from the outside unit to provide plenty of clearance for proper airflow. Remove mud, dirt, leaves, sticks, and other material from the cabinet vents.
  • Hire a professional: Almost anyone can change an air conditioner filter, but when it comes to the more complex technical elements of preventive maintenance, always hire a professional HVAC technician. Your HVAC expert will be able to evaluate the performance and condition of your cooling system and make necessary adjustments and minor repairs that will improve performance and extend the equipment’s lifespan.
  • Purchase a maintenance service agreement: Sometimes called a service contract, a maintenance service agreement provides for an agreed-upon schedule of maintenance services from your HVAC service provider. Your HVAC company will schedule maintenance visits for you. Many service agreements also provide benefits such as discounts and expedited service.

Conditioned Air serves residential and commercial air conditioning customers in Ft. Myers, Naples, Bradenton, and Sarasota. Contact us today for more information on air conditioner maintenance and to find out more about our maintenance service agreement plans.

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Picking the Right HVAC Contractor: What You Need to Know

September 8th, 2015

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 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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