Signs That You Should Call an HVAC Contractor

October 13th, 2021

Few things are more frustrating than having to deal with a malfunctioning heater in the dead of winter or a fickle air conditioner during a blazing summer. When worst comes to worst, all you can really do is call the professionals and have them either fix the problem or replace the appliance entirely. However, you can save a lot of stress and money if you catch these issues before they bloom into complete catastrophes. In order to give you the most comfortable home possible, here are some key signs that you should call out an HVAC contractor ASAP.

Your Air Quality Is Low

There are a variety of ways that low air quality can manifest, ranging from increased sickness in the house to a noticeable scent when the air conditioner or heater are turned on. In some cases (and especially if cash is tight), this may seem like a temporary problem and mild inconvenience that will soon pass, but that’s not always true. Poor air quality is often a warning sign that things will be getting much worse in the future. The filters could be clogged, which can lead to overheating and damage in the appliances themselves. Mold can grow quickly and spread throughout the home via ventilation, leading to severe health risks.

Your Appliance Is Making Strange Noises

If you hear strange noises coming from your heater or air conditioner while they’re running, then those may be indicators of much worse problems. If pieces are loose inside, then they may break entirely. This isn’t necessarily a common problem in state-of-the-art models, but it can be a serious issue for older appliances. In the worst-case scenario, this could potentially lead to an electrical or gas hazard that could become a fire.

How a Contractor Can Help

Getting a contractor to your home as soon as possible is one of the best ways to nip these problems in the bud. They can identify what’s causing the problem, how serious it is, and determine the best way to go about fixing it. Of course, they can also help you in other ways that people don’t often think about. Your air conditioner may be working fine, and the problem may be minor, but it may also be an extremely old model that simply doesn’t have the efficiency of modern air conditioners. A contractor can help you decide if an upgrade is worth it and how much you stand to save.

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Important Questions When Choosing Your Next Air Conditioner

September 14th, 2021

Your air conditioning unit has finally gone out on you, or at least, you are being proactive in replacing it. While you can certainly find a model that is likely very similar to your old one, it might be worth considering other options. If you are looking to replace an air conditioner, there are some things to keep in mind when making the choice.

Key Factors When Deciding On Your New Air Conditioner

While you will need a professional to help you correctly size what air conditioner you need and to do the installation work, deciding on the type of air conditioner you need is all about asking yourself the right questions.

How Are Your Ducts?

If you do not have ducts in your home, installing a central air system will be an expense. However, they are seen as the standard. Alternatively, even if you have ducts, if you only spend time in certain areas of your home or rarely use your air conditioner, ductless systems may be something to consider.

Do You Want Customizable Cooling?

These days air conditioner systems and temperature control systems have come a long way. You can control temperature in each room if you so desire. This may mean a need for supplemental systems or choosing a system like a heating pump rather than just an air conditioner.

If your home previously had issues with uneven temperatures in rooms, you will also want to bring this up to your technician. It could be an issue in appropriate sizing or it could be a sign of duct issues as well.

Do You Need a Heater As Well?

If your heat system is on its last legs as well, or you don’t have one, you may want to consider a system that does both. Heat pumps, despite the name, do both heating and cooling of a home. They are actually excellent choices for areas that are mostly warm, but do have some chiller moments.

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3 Benefits of Routine Air Conditioning Maintenance and Why Hire a Professional to Do it

August 6th, 2021

Keeping your AC unit operating efficiently helps keep your home comfortable and healthy. Nobody wants to suffer from heat and humidity. But, it’s not just this. Humidity can also cause mold and mildew growth, which can impact your respiratory health. Therefore, it’s important to keep your air conditioning system well-maintained. Below are three benefits of routine AC maintenance and why hiring a professional to perform this maintenance is a good idea.

Benefits of Routine AC Maintenance

A few advantages you’ll experience from ensuring your air conditioner is well-maintained are:

1. Reduces the Need for Costly Service Calls

Routine AC maintenance checkups allow HVAC technicians to make sure your AC system is operating smoothly and is in the best condition possible. They can replace any worn or damaged parts before they further deteriorate which could damage other components of the AC unit and impede the unit’s operation. This will save you a costly repair or replacement down the road.

2. Generates Better Air Quality

The trained and experienced HVAC technician will remove any debris and dirt particles that accumulate in your unit. If allowed to build up, the dirt and debris could end up in the duct system where it can spread throughout your house, causing poor air quality.

3. Boost your Air Conditioner’s Performance

Your AC unit won’t run efficiently without routine maintenance. If you notice spotty cooling where some rooms in your home are warm and others are like an icebox, it’s an indication that your unit requires maintenance.

As dust and debris accumulates inside your unit and certain components and parts of your system experience wear-and-tear, your AC unit tends to become less efficient and doesn’t cool as well as it should. 

Why Hire a Professional AC Maintenance Technician?

Not only will a professional HVAC technician perform routine maintenance on your AC unit, but there are other services they’ll do as well to ensure it continues operating at peak performance.

Some other services they perform:

  • Checking the refrigerant levels
  • Testing for refrigerant leaks
  • Checking for and sealing central system duct leakage
  • Checking belts for wear and tightness and oiling motors
  • Measuring evaporator coil airflow
  • Checking thermostat accuracy
  • Inspecting electric terminals, cleaning and tightening connections and applying a non-conductive coating if needed

In climates like Florida, you can keep your home cool and comfortable with a high-efficiency AC system. With proper routine maintenance, you’ll continue staying comfortable, even on the hottest days, while keeping your utility costs down. 

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Does Your Air Conditioner Really Require a Yearly Tune-Up?

July 8th, 2021

Does your A/C really require a yearly tune-up? If you want a reliable air conditioner that doesn’t call it quits halfway into the cooling season, the answer is yes. While you may get lucky the first or second year you skip out on a tune-up, the lack of maintenance will eventually catch up to your unit, meaning either a major malfunction will occur or your system’s efficiency will dip, significantly. If you’re still questioning the importance of having your air conditioner tuned-up, the consequences listed below will definitely change your mind.

Restricted Airflow

During a tune-up an air conditioning specialist thoroughly cleans your system. This includes checking and replacing the air filter and cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils. Excessive dirt and grime on the unit’s coils and a filter left unchanged for too long are contributing factors to poor airflow. Restricted airflow can cause a number of issues, including frozen evaporator coils and a drop in efficiency. A lack of efficiency also means your air conditioner is forced to work longer and harder while trying to cool your home, which inevitably leads to components inside your A/C wearing down faster than they should.

Expensive Repair Bills

An air conditioner technician does a lot more than just clean your unit; they also inspect your A/C for damaged, loose, and leaking components, which, if left in disrepair can cause a major or even dangerous malfunction. During a tune-up an air conditioning contractor will perform a thorough examination of your system’s fans, wiring, refrigerant level, and motor. If any issues are spotted they will either repair or replace the offending component. When you choose to skip your systems yearly tune-up, the parts in your unit that are beginning to wear down will continue to deteriorate, meaning what could have been a simple repair will likely turn into an expensive one.

Reduced Lifespan

Having your air conditioner tuned-up on a yearly basis is key to extending its life, on the opposite side of the fence, neglecting to get your system tuned-up every year will accelerate the aging process, meaning your A/C will call it quits earlier than its estimated lifespan. If you don’t want to spend a large amount of money replacing your air conditioner prematurely, a yearly tune-up is extremely important.

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You Get What You Pay for with Air Conditioning Installation

June 24th, 2021

When you’re getting air conditioning installation done, it’s important to go with the right contractor because this is a complex and expensive process. You can’t afford to have an amateur install your air conditioning or you might have to get it done all over again.

Although someone with less experience will probably offer to do the installation for less, the fact is that you get what you pay for. This doesn’t mean that you have to go with the most expensive contractor on the market. But go for someone reputable who has been around for a long time and has good reviews. And such a contractor will usually charge you a reasonable amount which is neither too high nor too low.

Researching Air Conditioning Systems

Make sure that you consult the contractor about the various air conditioning systems available on the market. Also consider the pros and cons of getting central air conditioning and window air conditioners. Depending on how much you use your air conditioning, one or the other of these might be better for you.

Doing your research before you decide on an air conditioning system and an air conditioning contractor is necessary or you might end up with an air conditioning system that blows out within a couple of years and have to go through the whole process of installation again.

Installation, Repair and Service

It can be quite bothersome when your air conditioning system has to be repaired over and over after installation. This is something you can avoid by doing some research and getting the right system for your needs. If you get a good air conditioning system and have it installed by a reliable contractor, you shouldn’t need to call them for more than routine tuneups or service.

But keep in mind that these tuneups are necessary to keep an air conditioning system going in the long run. Just as you might take yourself to the doctor for checkups, you need to do the same with your air conditioning system.

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Get Your Home a New AC

May 14th, 2021

With the ongoing pandemic, it is more important than ever to make sure you can breathe normally in your own home. As breathing difficulties increase, so do your chances of getting a disease. Not only would having a new AC installed help your life become easier to handle, it will also help ease your energy bill and can increase the value of your home.

Get Comfortable With a New AC

We tend to panic even more when we are uncomfortable and an improperly heated home can definitely add to that stress.  Not only can you help yourself stay calm by keeping your home cool, you also help prevent your body from losing an excessive amount of water which can cause dehydration. Having a heat stroke or suffering from dehydration isn’t any prettier than any other reason for going to the hospital, so prevent yourself from having massive medical bills because you couldn’t stay cool with your new AC.

People with breathing difficulties associated with asthma and allergies are also more likely to be affected by the current pandemic and may require trips to the hospital as well. Newer AC’s have better air filters than older models. Humidity is one of the primary factors for bacterial and mold growth which are also known causes for breathing difficulties. Having a new, properly maintained AC can slow or prevent these problems from getting worse.

Lower Your Electric Bills with a New AC

It is expensive to keep an AC running. Newer AC’s are way more energy efficient than the older ones which can drastically lower your electric bill. You can keep yourself occupied during these self-quarantine days by running more of your entertainment systems and running more appliances in general because you now have a lower electric bill.

New AC’s Can Add Up To 5% Value to Your Home

According to Consumer Reports, home automation is one of those new ways to increase the property value of your home and a new AC system is one of the popular ones, whether you are selling your home or not. 5% may sound insignificant but that translates to roughly an increased value of $5,000 – $15,000 to your home (assuming a typical value of 100k – 300k). For a 500 or 1000 dollar investment, that is a significant return.

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Stay Cool and Save Money with Annual AC Tune-Up

April 14th, 2021

Spring is in the air! The birds are chirping, the trees are budding, and temperatures are rising. It’s the time of year to plant gardens, host cookouts, and schedule an air conditioner tune-up. What? Spring doesn’t automatically bring to mind annual air conditioner maintenance? Well, it should and here are three reasons why!

Maintenance Extends Your Air Conditioner’s Life Span

Without regular maintenance, minor problems can turn into significant issues, shortening the life of your air conditioning unit. Friction caused by a lack of lubrication can damage parts. A plugged drain line can cause household water damage.  An HVAC professional would catch and address such issues during an annual inspection. Ensuring your air conditioner is in proper working order will extend the life of your unit and save you money in the long run. 

Maintenance Prevents Breakdowns

Summer is a great time of year for pool parties, lazy afternoons, and long walks on the beach. Summer is not the time of year to be caught without a working air conditioner. Yet, without annual tune-ups, your chances of roasting in the heat increase substantially. You may not be aware that your air conditioner has faulty electrical connections, an overburdened filter, or bent coil fins. According to the US Department of Energy website, “An air conditioner’s filters, coils, and fins require regular maintenance for the unit to function effectively and efficiently throughout its years of service.” An annual tune-up will remedy any issues before they become problems, saving you the cost of an expensive repair call on the hottest day of the year.

Maintenance Saves on Energy Costs

A well-maintained air conditioner is not only reliable, but it is also energy efficient. Dirt and debris can interfere with your unit’s functionality. According to Angie’s List, “Left unchecked, your A/C system can lose 5 percent of its operating efficiency each year because of this buildup, meaning it can’t cool your house as capably as it could if it were clean.” Neglecting maintenance results in a decline in performance and increased energy use. Even a 5 percent loss of efficiency can result in increased energy costs. An efficient air conditioner is reliable, saves you money, and keeps you cool! 

You may think you are saving money by not scheduling an annual tune-up for your air conditioner. You will soon discover, though, that any savings are eclipsed by the expense of emergency repair calls and increased energy costs, not to mention the shortened life span of your unit. We will take care of all your air conditioning maintenance needs, ensuring your unit will run reliably and efficiently throughout the hot summer months. Contact us to make an appointment! 

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Avoid These 4 Mistakes When Hiring an Air Conditioning Contractor

March 31st, 2021

If you need to install a new heating and cooling system, or if your existing HVAC system needs major repairs, you’ll need to hire an air conditioning contractor. Unfortunately, it’s easy to make mistakes when you’re trying to find the best contractor for your job, especially if you’re new to the process. Here are four mistakes to avoid when you’re hiring an air conditioning contractor.

Getting Only One Bid

A new heating and cooling system or a major repair is a big investment. Before selecting an HVAC contractor, shop around and get several bids. Don’t automatically hire the first company you meet with. Shopping around will ensure you’re getting quality work for the best price.

Basing Your Decision Only on Price

While it’s important to get multiple bids, the initial price doesn’t always tell the whole story. You don’t just want the lowest price; you also want the best value for your money. Find out how much experience your potential contractor has, what type of equipment they’ll install and why, and whether they guarantee their work. Those details make a big difference.

Not Asking for References

One of the best ways to avoid problems with your air conditioning contractor is to ask for references. Ask your contractor for the names of customers with projects like yours. Any reputable contractor will be glad to provide you with references.

Not Getting a Written Estimate

Any contractor can give you an estimate for an HVAC repair, but you must ensure that they stick to it. A reputable company will give you a quote in writing, including an itemized list of the services they will perform. Before you hire an air conditioning contractor, make sure you get a written estimate.

In the Sarasota area? Contact us now to request an appointment!

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4 Health Benefits of Air Conditioning

February 26th, 2021

Air conditioning has become more than an ordinary home appliance today. By purchasing an air conditioner for your home in Sarasota FL, you can create a health-friendly environment. Besides giving you personal comfort, this home appliance can improve your living standards by creating a clean, healthy, and safe environment. Additionally, it can maintain a cooler temperature during summer. Below is a list of the top merits of installing an air conditioner in your home.

Reduced risk of dehydration and heatstroke

Dehydration occurs due to a lack of enough water in the body. One major cause of dehydration is sweating profusely. The more you sweat, the more you increase your exposure to dehydration. On the other hand, heatstroke occurs when your body begins to overheat due to hot temperatures in the surrounding temperature. A fully functional air conditioning unit will be beneficial in keeping you warm during the cold winter period. 

Reduced asthma attacks

The air conditioning unit helps to minimize your exposure to an asthma attack. It purifies air in your immediate surroundings by filtering the dirty air that might contain dust mites or pollutants. Plus, it also eliminates dampness that might result in the growth of mold. All of these may cause asthma attacks. Failure to replace your air filters from time to time will only result in the cycle of the same dirty air in your home. 


Provides comfort

Every homeowner in Naples, FL has his or her comfort zone. Some are sensitive to heat situations, while others are sensitive to cold weather. With an air conditioning unit, you can customize your surrounding environment to suit your preferences. Installing this electrical appliance improves your health status and reduces stress by eliminating any possible discomfort.


Enhances sleep and boosts productivity

A refreshing environment is ideal for sleeping as it lowers both your blood pressure and heart rate. Thus, allowing you to sleep comfortably without any distraction. Lastly, a room with the perfect room temperature and fresh air contribute to boosting your productivity and your well-being. 

Any questions at all, please contact us at (239) 643-2445.

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Does an Air Conditioner Filter Work Against Viruses?

January 25th, 2021

After a global pandemic, one can’t help but think about the quality of air they keep in their own home. During the warm months, your air conditioner helps improve your indoor air quality by filtering the air before it is treated and pumped into your home. These air filters can filter out dust, allergens, and even smoke to prevent them from going into your home, but what about viruses?

In the case of COVID-19, it is transmitted through contact from the skin and close airborne contact when breathed out from the lungs. This makes it particularly difficult to filter out of the air. However, it is not just COVID-19 that air conditioner filters will struggle with; all virus particles are just simply too small to be reliably caught by an air conditioning filter. This is perhaps because people think the air conditioning filter is specifically meant to improve their air quality in the home. In truth, the filter is actually meant to protect the appliance. Dust and other contaminants can build up in the appliance, the ducts, and effect overall performance. The air filter keeps that from happening and produces cleaner air as a byproduct. Small virus particles aren’t really a threat to the appliance and an air filter thick enough to catch them would greatly diminish air flow and efficiency, so it just can’t be done.

While there are other ways of removing viruses from the air, they are not really available or reliable on a residential level. They are designed for sterile rooms and large facilities. Trying to add them to your home would be a huge expense. Unfortunately for now, the best way to stay safe is to adhere to CDC guidelines for specific viruses. If you are using an air filter in your air conditioner and changing it as needed, your air is as clean as it can get.

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