Air Conditioning: Things You Need a Contractor For

August 5th, 2022

Air Conditioning: Things You Need a Contractor For 

When it comes to air conditioners, there are a lot of things you can do with nothing but a search engine, some ingenuity, and your local hardware store. However, there are still things that you will need outside help with; things that are utterly beyond even the most determined Googler and expert DIY aficionado. The biggest one of all is air conditioning repair and maintenance which is one of those things that can be both expensive and dangerous to try to do yourself. Attempting to repair your AC unit without professional help can result in both a more expensive repair and exposure to deadly chemicals (which also could mean a hospital visit and paying even more money as a result).

If it is necessary to call a professional in to perform maintenance on your AC, you want to make sure it is done safely and accurately. This should include the following:

  • Removing internal debris from your AC unit
  • Cleaning away mold and other types of growth
  • Replacing the filter
  • Wiping down pans, water collections as well as the various fins, motors, and coils

Now, this might sound quite straightforward and there are certainly some things on that list (such as changing the filter) which are within the abilities of your average air conditioner owner and don’t necessarily require a pro to get done safely. However, the problem is that many owners tend to clean rather roughly and unintentionally damage their AC unit while they’re trying to clean it. Also, many of the parts have quite the build-up of dirt and other kinds of residue by the time they get cleaned so many owners simply do not know how much force to use and go all-out which can result in long-term damage to the parts in question.

The benefit to hiring a professional to do this work is that they know exactly what the right amount of force needed to clean the various parts is. They are also in the right position to keep an eye out for unforeseen problems you may have overlooked which crop up during the cleaning process, therefore allowing you to see to those problems as they are discovered rather than you having to call them back because you cleaned your motor to vigorously and your AC unit is now making a strange noise and only putting out half the air it used to or something like that.

Contact us today at Conditioned Air for more information or to schedule an appointment!

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Why Your Air Conditioner Keeps Tripping the Circuit Breaker

July 6th, 2022

Have you turned on your air conditioner only to have it trip the circuit breaker? Do you turn it back on only for it to happen again? First thing is first, you will want to stop flipping the breaker back on. The circuit breaker is specifically installed to prevent your appliance and your home from damage. If the circuit breaker has tripped, it means there is something wrong with your air conditioner, and that will need to be addressed.

A common reason the air conditioner will trip the circuit breaker is because it has run for too long and the unit has overheated. This was done to ultimately protect a fire. If your AC was on for a while and the day is particularly hot, your air conditioner likely overheated. This means it may have been struggling to cool your home due to a problem. These problems include:

Dirty Air Filter

A dirty air filter impedes airflow. This forces your air conditioner to work harder to circulate cool air and makes your air conditioner struggle to get its job done. As this is the easiest fix, it should always be checked first.

Dirty Condenser Coils

When was the last time your air conditioner has been inspected? If you cannot remember, then dirty condenser coils are likely the cause. Yearly AC inspections are not just to look for problems, but the technicians clean the inner workings of your air conditioner as well. If your air conditioner has overheated enough to trip the circuit breaker, then you have likely seen a huge rise in your energy bills as well.

Not Enough Refrigerant

This is the least likely cause as refrigerant in your air conditioner works in a closed-loop. If your air conditioner is leaking refrigerant, it is a big problem that needs to be addressed immediately.

Contact Us for Your Air Conditioner Needs

Conditioned Air helps Florida residents keep their air conditioners working properly and consistently. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment!

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Air Conditioning Service: Give Your Unit A Chance This Summer

June 2nd, 2022

As we enter the month of June, you are likely already prepared to face some significant heat and more trying times. If you are a homeowner, your air conditioning system is always working hard to cool your home in an effective and efficient manner. If your air conditioning system has to work harder than usual, it could fail right when you need it the most.

We want to provide you with some tips and advice that can help prevent your air conditioning system from failing this summer. 

Schedule an Inspection

If your air conditioning system has not been inspected this year, you still have time to get it inspected as we anticipate hotter days this summer.  If it is discovered that you need to have repairs on your air conditioning unit, it will be better to find out now and not on the hottest day of the summer where you will be without the services of your unit.

Air Conditioning Unit Cleaning

When was the last team you inspected your air conditioning unit for mold, dirt, debris, etc.? If you inspect your air conditioning unit and discover dirt on the coils or evaporator, your air conditioning unit may eventually fail because it will no longer be able to absorb the excessive amount of heat this summer. We encourage you to take a look at your outside unit and clean the coils that have become dirty.

Air Filters

Cleaning your air filters a great way to ensure your air conditioning unit will run as efficiently as possible this summer. There are some air filters that will need to be replaced monthly and there are some that can last for an entire year. Make sure you have an understanding of your air filters and how often they need to be replaced.

While we know anyone’s air conditioner can fail for any given reason, there are things you can do to ensure your air conditioning unit has a great chance of surviving during the hottest days of the summer. If you want to have your air conditioning unit inspected or serviced, please do not hesitate to reach out to the experts at Conditioned Air today.

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3 Reasons for Expectant Parents to Call for HVAC Service

May 5th, 2022

Although “Schedule HVAC service” is likely not on the to-do lists for expectant parents who are preparing for the arrival of their little ones, it should be. The condition of a home’s HVAC system can have an impact on air quality, which could lead to problems for both mother and child. If you are expecting, here are a few reasons that you should schedule service immediately. 

Air Quality 

Over time, an air filter traps dirt, allergens, and other debris that would normally pass through your HVAC system. Unfortunately, if the filter is dirty, the debris will be pushed through anyway and can wind up being spread throughout your home through the duct system. Poor air quality could mean respiratory issues for the expectant mother and a weakened immune system for the unborn child. 

Comfort 

As the baby grows, being in a comfortable environment is important. Whether that means turning up the heat or cool air, it is important that the HVAC system is ready to go when needed. Problems, such as dirty filters and frozen evaporator coils, have an impact on how well a unit can perform. A poorly functioning system can mean discomfort for the mother. 

Utility Bills 

Finances are often a concern of expectant parents and a malfunctioning HVAC system can add to those woes. When a system has not been properly serviced, it can sometimes work harder to function. This results in a higher energy bill. It could even mean facing the expense of replacing the system sooner rather than later. 

Give our team a call to learn more about how important it is to service your HVAC system while waiting on the arrival of your baby. You can learn more about servicing the unit and also what steps you can take to ensure that it continues to operate smoothly before and after the baby’s birth. Contact Conditioned Air today at (239) 643-2445 for additional information or to schedule an appointment!

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Three Qualities to Look for in an Air Conditioning Contractor

April 4th, 2022

Hiring the right air conditioning contractor can be the difference between having a miserable summer and enjoying your life in the cool breeze. You should search for a provider that has these three qualities to fulfill your needs: 

Tenure and Longevity

A long tenure can provide you with confidence about the contractor who’s going to work on your air conditioning unit. Any business that has survived for longer than a decade is doing something right. That company has exceptional customer skills, or they provide outstanding quality services. 

Make sure that your air conditioning contractor has many years of services, as well as accolades, certifications, and positive reviews from clients. You can ensure that your experience will be pleasant if you can find such a provider. 

Affordable Pricing

An honorable service provider knows when the community is going through challenging times economically. That provider will want to ensure that all clients receive affordable pricing that makes their air conditioning repair attainable. Therefore, you should search for a contractor that shows obvious signs of its willingness to offer savings, discounts, and promotions that will help you receive the work you need on your unit. 

Compassion and Empathy

Compassion is a quality that the world doesn’t have enough of anymore. Empathy is its understanding neighbor. Only a rare breed of air conditioning contractors have a genuine caring disposition that will make you feel secure about your business with them. You can sense this quality when you contact a contractor and first speak with them about the services you need. A caring person will be prompt, knowledgeable, and willing to listen to your needs and concerns. 

Conditioned Air has all three of the elements mentioned above and more. We’ve been serving local residents and keeping their heating and cooling systems running since 1962. Contact us today at (239) 643-2445 for additional information or to schedule an appointment.

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Scheduling AC Maintenance In The Spring

March 10th, 2022

When you live in a place like Southwest Florida you know how important it is to have an efficient air conditioner to cool your home. While you are currently thinking about your air conditioning system and how often you will need it as the weather heats up, let’s take a moment to think about other things. If you have to walk outside to kick your air conditioning system or do little tricks in order to get it running, you may have a harder time cooling your home than you may think. Is your system really up to the task of cooling your home during the hot spring and hot summer months? 

If your system has to work twice as hard or three times as hard to run it, you can expect to see a significant impact on your future utility bills. This is why we encourage you to schedule an appointment with an air conditioning contractor. Having your air conditioner inspected by a professional will ensure your system has enough efficiency to cool your home whenever you need it. 

Making An Appointment With A Professional Contractor

An appointment with a maintenance contractor will leave your air conditioning system cleaned, adjusted, and inspected to the highest extent. The appointment will also address common and uncommon problems with your AC system, including dirty coils and screws that need to be tightened or replaced. 

Generally, spring is the best time to have your air conditioning unit inspected by a professional. If you have your air conditioning system inspected before the extreme hot weather arrives, you will not have to suffer through days of uncomfortable weather. 

When you need any type of assistance with your air conditioning unit, you will need the help of a team you can depend on and trust. Contact Conditioned Air today for more information on scheduling air conditioning maintenance. You can contact us at our Corporate Office, (239) 643-2445. If you need emergency service please do not hesitate to call, we are available 24 Hours a Day!

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Should I Repair or Replace My Aging Air Conditioner?

February 19th, 2022

If you turn on your air conditioner and it doesn’t seem to be working right, or it won’t run at all, you may be wondering if you should have your air conditioner repaired, or if it is finally time to have your aging HVAC system replaced. While a variety of factors will influence whether it is worth it to have your AC system repaired, here are a few things that you should consider when trying to decide whether to repair or replace your home’s air conditioner.

Your System’s Age

When trying to decide whether to repair or replace your ailing AC system, the first thing that you should consider is your unit’s age. The average life expectancy of a residential air conditioner is around 10-15 years. This means that if you are experiencing problems with your air conditioner and it is 15 years old (or older), then it likely doesn’t make financial sense to have it repaired. You will likely only continue to experience problems with it, and it could end up costing you more money in the long-run to maintain an aging system.

The Cost of Repairs

The next thing that you will want to consider is how much it will cost to repair your air conditioner. If your air conditioner is fairly new, it may make sense to put $800 into having it repaired. However, if the cost of repairs approaches 50% the value of your unit, then repairs likely no longer make sense. You should also consider how much money you have already put into having it repaired if this is not the first time that you have encountered problems with your air conditioner. If you have had it repaired multiple times in recent years, this may be a sign that your system is failing and needs to be replaced.

Energy-Efficiency

Has your air conditioner gotten more expensive to run in the last year? As air conditioners age, they lose their energy efficiency. Ultimately, you will want to consider how expensive it has gotten to run your air conditioner, and how much it will cost to have your system repaired, as it may end up being more cost-effective to invest in a new energy-efficient HVAC system.


If you are unsure whether your ailing HVAC system needs to be repaired or replaced, contact us at Conditioned Air to schedule a consultation. One of our skilled HVAC technicians can inspect your unit and help you to decide whether to have your air conditioner repaired or replaced.
You can call us toll-free in Southwest Florida (888) COLD-AIR valid in Collier, Lee, Charlotte, & Sarasota Counties. Service Available 24 Hours a Day!

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Things to Consider When Buying a New Furnace

January 24th, 2022

Having an efficient furnace is critical to ensure your comfort on colder winter nights in Florida. However, if you have found yourself bundling up in recent weeks because your furnace no longer seems to be doing its job, you may want to consider having it replaced. Yet, purchasing a new furnace represents a major investment, and you may be unsure of where you should start when making such a big decision. If you are considering having your furnace replaced, here is a look at just a few of the things you should consider before doing so.  

Make Sure to Get the Right Size Furnace 

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a new furnace is what size furnace will be right for your home. Choosing the right size furnace is critical since a furnace that is too small will not be able to heat your home properly, and a furnace that is too big will waste money by cycling on and off frequently. Many factors go into determining the size of furnace you will need including the local climate as well as your home’s square footage, ceiling height, number of windows, and the quality of insulation in your home. This makes it critical that you work with a skilled HVAC contractor who can help you to determine your heating needs.  

Consider Fuel Sources 

Next, you will need to consider which fuel source you prefer, as this will help you to determine what type of furnace you want. The most common fuel options for residential furnaces are natural gas, oil, and electricity. While each type provides certain benefits, natural gas furnaces are the most popular because this fuel source is readily available and usually inexpensive. If natural gas is unavailable in your area, an oil furnace will likely be your best option. While oil furnaces are more expensive initially than their electric counterparts, electric furnaces are more costly to operate and maintain, and they do not heat large homes very efficiently. 

Look at Efficiency Ratings 

Next, you will want to consider energy-efficiency. When looking at furnaces, you will notice that they all list an AFUE number; this stands for annual fuel utilization efficiency, and it lets consumers know how energy-efficient a unit is. While high efficiency furnaces (with an AFUE over 90%) will cost more than a regular furnace (AFUE 80%), they can significantly reduce energy-consumption. If you live in an area with long and extremely cold winters, you will likely save a lot of money investing in a high efficiency furnace.  

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Prevent Your Commercial Air Conditioner from Freezing with These Tips

December 27th, 2021

Commercial air conditioners are usually larger, unlike their residential counterparts. That means they are costlier, not just upfront but in repairs as well. Therefore, keeping your commercial air conditioning system in a good functional condition will always go a long way into reducing your business expenses. One of the common problems you’re likely to face with your commercial air conditioning is freezing. This can happen even during hot months. Freezing reduces the efficiency of your air conditioning system, and in most cases, you’ll need to shut it down until you fix the problem to prevent high energy bills. Below are tips on what to do when your commercial air conditioner freezes up.

Inspect Your Air Filters and Clean/Replace If Necessary

Airflow problems are the most common culprits when it comes to frozen air conditioners. That’s because proper airflow is imperative for keeping the cold air warm and preventing freezing. Therefore, check the air filters for dirt and other debris and clean or replace them depending on the model of the filters. Keep in mind that sometimes an air filter that isn’t the right size can also cause airflow issues. If your air filters aren’t the problem, schedule a ductwork inspection too. Blocked ducts can also prevent proper flow of air through your air conditioning system.

Check Your Refrigerant Lines for Leaks

If you have recently replaced your air filters or ductwork inspection doesn’t reveal any blockages, consider scheduling an inspection of your refrigerant lines. That’s because you could be dealing with low refrigerant or coolant levels. The refrigerant plays a crucial role in the cooling process. Usually, the refrigerant operates at a certain level of pressure. A drop in this pressure resulting from refrigerant leaks can facilitate the condensation of moisture on the refrigerant lines. While refilling the refrigerant may seem like a viable solution here, leaky refrigerant lines should be repaired. Refilling will only cost you more since the refrigerant will continue leaking.

Inspect Your Blower Fan

The blower fan is a crucial component of your commercial air conditioning system whose function is to aid the movement of the warmer indoor air outside your home to allow the cold air to settle inside. A defective blower fan will allow the cold and denser air to settle on the coils instead, resulting in condensation and freezing. Some of the things to watch out for when inspecting your blower fan for damage include breakages and cracks.

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Why You Should Choose A Roof-Mounted Air Conditioning System for Your Business

November 10th, 2021

When it comes to making your commercial space comfortable for your employees as well as customers, an air conditioning system is among the key investments to consider.

While there are plenty of options in the markets to choose from, it can be tricky finding one that will work the best for your business. When planning to acquire one, it’s wise to consider the costs, size and the number of occupants in the building per given time. You also need to determine the ideal place to install the unit.

If you are wondering whether to install your air conditioning system on the ground or on the roof of your commercial building, here are 4 reasons why you should consider installing it over there.

 

Saving space

Many commercial buildings usually have a lot of unused space on their rooftops. You can utilize this space by installing a roof-mounted air conditioning system. This frees the ground space for other things such as landscaping and extra parking or for future expansions of your building.

 

Promoting a quieter working environment

With a roof-mounted air conditioning system, you won’t need separate indoor and outdoor units, as is the case with split systems. All the components including the compressor, the blower fans, the evaporator coil, and the condenser coil are housed in a single unit. Most roof-mounted air conditioning systems come in an all-in-all, thus the name-packaged units. This configuration greatly eliminates noise pollution in your business, giving both your employees and customers an easier time as they go about their businesses.

 

Preventing dust and debris

Ground air conditioning systems are prone to dirt and dust accumulation. That means more maintenance work will be required, especially when it comes to cleaning. A lot of dust and dirt accumulation can also affect the performance and efficiency of your air conditioning system. Roof-mounted systems, on the other hand, are better positioned to reduce such issues.

 

Enhancing security

The location of roof-mounted air conditioning systems makes them more secure than the ground-mounted types. Air conditioning systems installed on the ground are more likely to be damaged, vandalized, and even stolen. Such circumstances can result in significant losses for your business. With roof-mounted air conditioning systems, you won’t have to worry about dealing with such problems.

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