Should You Upgrade Your HVAC for a Home Addition?

December 28th, 2020

If you have done a home remodel and added onto your home, you have a lot that is getting your consideration. You want to make sure it is structurally sound and even looks nice with the rest of your home. However, one thing you definitely want to give your attention to, especially as the temperature drops, is if your home’s HVAC can handle it.

The HVAC that was installed in your home was specifically sized for your home before you added on to it. If the renovation was very small or not an enclosed room, you should be alright not making any HVAC additions. However, if you added a whole room to your house, you need to make plans to add onto your HVAC as well.

When you added the new room, you should have had the ducts extended as well as part of the construction. However, what you need to keep in mind is that your current HVAC system may not be able to keep up. The heating and cooling appliances were sized for your old home and you may now need to get new appliances to keep up with demand. If you have noticed that your HVAC is running longer or not reaching the temperatures you set, it is time to give it some consideration.

An alternative, particularly if you did not run ducts to the addition during construction, is to look into ductless systems to augment your needs. These systems are installed in your home without ducts as a supplemental heating and cooling system for individual rooms. They can help supplement the temperature in this case or simply allow for more flexible heating and cooling in an area. It can be a more affordable alternative to replacing both your heating and cooling appliances because your home is now too big for them to keep up.

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Hiring The Right AC Expert For The Job

November 30th, 2020

We all know them. Maybe we’ve even been one. They’re armchair experts. Those friends, family members and acquaintances that convince us they can do the job we need to have done for a fraction of what it costs to call a real expert.

You might get lucky and the “armchair” repair is a success leaving you with a few extra bucks in your pocket. Often, you pay that friend a small fee and end up calling an expert in the end. When it comes to air conditioning repair, save you time and money by working with a real expert first. 

What qualifies a contractor to be an expert in air conditioning?

From the basics to top-tier qualifications, we recommend that you look for the following when hiring an air conditioning contractor:

  1. Fully licensed and insured. This is a given. Anyone who comes into your home should be licensed and insured in the state where the work will be done. 
  2. Employs NATE-certified technicians. NATE certification tells you that the technician is committed to be a leader in his/her field. In fact, NATE stands for “North American Technician Excellence.” To become NATE-certified, technicians put themselves through rigorous testing to demonstrate their expertise in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR).
  3. Comes highly recommended. Though not a regulated qualification, you want to work with a contractor who comes recommended by people and communities you trust. This is where your friends, family members and acquaintances can lend their knowledge. If they’re happy with a contractor’s work, the odds are great that you will too. Outside of a personal recommendation, you can consult regulated review sites such as Google and Facebook. 

You want to get it right the first time when it comes to air conditioning repair (or any HVAC needs). Leave the armchair experts in the armchairs at your Super Bowl party and leave the air conditioning repairs to the experts. You’ll be more satisfied and spend less money in the end. 

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How to Tell If an Air Conditioner Fuse is Blown

October 26th, 2020

A number of different problems can occur in an air conditioner that can cause it to stop functioning. However, if you notice that your air conditioner just up and dies on you during some of the hottest days of the year, it may actually be caused by a blown fuse.

What happens when an air conditioner blows a fuse is that fuse was preventing damage to the air conditioning unit and the electrical system. A common example is during a heat wave when the air conditioner needs to run itself almost constantly. At this time, it may heat up beyond the normal levels. If it gets too hot, a fuse will blow in order to stop any damage or potential fires from happening. While this keeps your home safe, it does stop the AC from functioning.

If a fuse has blown, most commonly you will still hear a humming coming from the outdoor unit. This is the unit still asking for a current, but not getting anything. If you have a voltmeter and know how to use it, you can concretely test to see if a fuse has blown.

Is it Safe to Check for a Blown Fuse?

As this is an electrical issue, if you are ever unsure of what to do next, you will want to call a professional air conditioner technician. In most cases just because the fuse was blown doesn’t mean the current has stopped flowing. This means that while you are investigating your blown fuse and happen to find something like wire damage as the cause, you will want to avoid touching it for your own safety.

As is the case with most electrical issues, it is often safer and quicker to just call a professional. As this issue often happens when the temperatures are at their hottest, speed can be a huge deciding factor.

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Fall is the Time for Air Conditioning Tune-Ups

September 28th, 2020

Summer is fading away, and the cooler months of fall are coming. This is a perfect time for a yearly air conditioning tune-up, inspection, and servicing. Having your AC system inspected and repaired this fall assures you will be ready for next summer’s heat.

Reasons for Getting an Air Conditioning Tune-up

Maybe you started noticing problems with your air conditioning system as the summer months passed by, but you didn’t get around to calling a service technician. Even if you have turned off your AC for the season, now is a great time to take care of any maintenance issues.

The most common air conditioning problems solved by a tune-up are:

  • Squeaks and noises
  • Moisture leaks
  • Musty smells
  • Poor airflow
  • Low cooling capacity
  • Replacement of dirty filters

If your AC unit is less than about 12 years old, a tune-up by an HVAC specialist can often solve these problems. Getting this maintenance done now can save you the cost and inconvenience of repairing or replacing the unit when you need it the most.

What You Get with an Air Conditioning Tune-Up

Precisely what is needed during an AC tune-up depends on the type of system you have and how old it is. However, most maintenance of air conditioning systems involves:

  • Cleaning the condenser coils to improve energy-efficiency
  • Topping off coolant levels
  • Calibration of the thermostat
  • Inspecting ductwork
  • Lubrication of moving parts
  • Filter replacement
  • Checking the blower motor and belts
  • Safety inspection of electrical connections

Yearly servicing of your air conditioning system is the best way of keeping it running at top energy-efficiency and preventing a costly break-down later, and fall is the perfect time to have a professional HVAC specialist tune-up your air conditioner. At Conditioned Air, we’ve been the area’s leading AC service since 1962!

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5 Types of Air Conditioning Contractors to Stay Away From

September 1st, 2020

You have to be careful when you get an air conditioning contractor. Make sure that the person you contact is well-known in their field and has good reviews. A good air conditioning contractor is someone who will be punctual, professional and courteous.

They’ll be forthright about how much your air conditioning installation, repair or service is going to cost. They won’t quote one price and then charge you a different price later. And, of course, they’ll get the work done in time.

But where do you find someone like this? Well, here are certain things to stay away from:

  1. A Contractor Who Has Bad Reviews: Sometimes, you see that someone has bad reviews online but you decide to go with them anyway, either because they are located closeby or you can’t get anyone else to come at the time you want. It’s better not to do this. There’s a reason why that contractor has bad reviews and it’s better to avoid them altogether.
  2. A Contractor Whose Reviews All Sound Similar: It’s very easy to fake reviews online nowadays. And if a contractor is desperate to get some good reviews, they might register under several different names and write reviews for themselves. Or they might ask friends to do so. So if all the reviews are sounding the same, stay away.
  3. A Contractor Who Is Quoting an Absurdly Low Price: You’re thinking there’s nothing wrong with a low price. But if someone is quoting a price which is half the market price and they’re not giving you any good reason for doing so, then something’s not quite right. When it comes to air conditioning, you get what you pay for.
  4. A Contractor Who Doesn’t Know What You’re Talking About: Maybe you are getting a strange smell from your AC and you tell your contractor this. But they say that they’ve never heard of such a problem. Most good contractors have come across every problem you are likely to have. So, if it’s taking a while to explain what’s wrong, just go with someone else.
  5. A Contractor Who Can Fix Anything: Sure, there are handymen who will fix many little things for you around the house. But they are not terribly specialized. If you come across a contractor who insists that he can solve each and every problem in your home, from carpentry to plumbing to electrical, well they may be legit – but they may not. Just make sure you look into their credentials before hiring them.

 

Since our beginnings in 1962, Conditioned Air has stood the test of time as the area’s leading AC contractor. We know what it takes to offer quality service at a fair price, which allows us to stand out from the less than reputable companies. Give us a call today to find out how we can help you with your HVAC needs!

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Signs Indicating That You May Need an Air Conditioning Tune-Up

July 23rd, 2020

With summer already in full swing, it is important that you stay on top of AC maintenance in order to ensure that your HVAC system is able to keep you and your family comfortable in the weeks of hot weather that are still to come. In particular, you should be on the lookout for signs indicating that your air conditioner may need a professional tune-up, as catching any problems early can allow you to have them fixed before your AC breaks down in the dead of summer. To help you prevent such an occurrence, here are a few signs indicating that your AC may be in need of a tune-up this summer.

Weak Airflow

There may be a problem with your HVAC system if the airflow coming out of your vents is much weaker than it used to be. Without the proper airflow, your air conditioner will have a harder time cooling your home, and it may have to work harder to do so, which can put an unnecessary strain on your HVAC system. However, weak airflow can indicate a variety of problems such as a clogged filter, clogged ductwork, or it can indicate a leak in your system somewhere. You will want to schedule a tune-up to get your system running properly again.

Rising Electric Bills

You should also keep an eye on your electric bills this summer, as this can tell you a lot about the health of your HVAC system. Have you noticed a sudden spike in the cost of your electric bill compared to recent months or compared to last summer? If so, your air conditioner may be to blame. A sudden increase in your electric bill can indicate that your AC system is not working properly and is using more electricity to cool your home. A tune-up can help to diagnose the problem and save you money in the long-run.

You Can’t Keep Cool

Of course, it is particularly important that you schedule an AC tune-up if you cannot seem to get cool enough no matter what you set your thermostat to. If your air conditioner can no longer cool your home, there is a serious problem with your system that will need to be fixed before your AC breaks down entirely.

Contact us to learn more about how you will know if your air conditioner is in need of a tune-up this summer.

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Do Not Believe These Common Air Conditioning Myths

June 3rd, 2020

Air conditioning technology has been around for decades, but many people still have a difficult time determining what is true and what is not when it comes to air conditioning, as it relates to service, maintenance, repairs, and more. As time goes on, many people have accepted some of the myths and misconceptions as facts.

Today, we want to help set the record straight by busting some of the common myths and misconceptions you may have heard. Conditioned Air has been in the business since 1962, so trust us when we say we’ve seen a lot of misinformation in our day!

Myth 1: I Can Ignore Minor AC Unit Issues

Some people believe that as long as the air conditioner turns on and works, everything will be fine. Some people will ignore problems as long as the issues seem minor. Some people may choose to ignore unusual sounds or smells that will come out of the air conditioner. This can be compared to our breathing; as long as we are breathing, people will automatically assume we are fine.

Unfortunately, thinking this way has numerous flaws. If you notice any type of sound or smell that is out of the ordinary, we do not want you to ignore it. We want you to reach out to an experienced professional to have your air conditioning checked out. If you choose to ignore any problem with the air conditioner, you could find yourself without a working air conditioner.

Myth 2: I Do Not Need To Pay For Yearly Maintenance

We understand that many homeowners may believe paying for yearly maintenance will result in wasted money. However, this is not the case. Yearly air conditioning maintenance is not a scam or a waste of your money. If you make the decision to have your air conditioner maintained on a consistent basis, you will be contributing to having an effective and efficient air conditioner.

Having your air conditioner routinely checked will help prevent the need for more costly repairs. A professional air conditioning contractor or technician will inspect all aspects of your air conditioning unit. If the air conditioning technician finds any type of issue, your AC unit will receive the necessary repairs. So, you can actually save money by paying for yearly maintenance.

Myth 3: I Should Use The Lowest Setting On My AC

One of the common myths we have heard is that setting your thermostat on a low setting will cool your home faster. While this may seem like the case, it does not work this way. Your air conditioning unit will work the same way regardless if you take your thermostat down by 20 degrees or by 5 degrees. We encourage homeowners to use the thermostat setting that is needed at the time.

Do not let common air conditioning myths and misconceptions stop you from scheduling an air conditioning tune-up. If you have any questions about your HVAC system, give us a call! We’re more than happy to answer your questions and offer solutions where we can.

 

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4 Insightful Tips for Improving HVAC Efficiency

June 3rd, 2020

The phrase, “work smarter, not harder” is a good fit for certain situations… It applies well to your AC system! Proper maintenance of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system can save you money by considerably reducing the heating and cooling costs. When your system isn’t weighed down by lack of care & maintenance, it’ll pay back in no time. Here are some tips to keep your air conditioner efficient.

  1. Seal Your Home

If there’s hot air entering your room, the air conditioner will have to work harder to maintain a constant internal temperature for your house. Keep the doors and windows closed to reduce air inflow from outside. You can also enhance the insulation in your home to minimize air inflow.

  1. Calibrate Your Thermostat

A thermostat controls your AC unit turning on and off. However, you shouldn’t trust it entirely. It is possible for a thermostat to slightly veer off from the correct temperature with a percentage range of about one to five degrees. You should get an accurate thermometer and keep it close to your thermostat, which will help you calibrate the thermostat appropriately.

  1. Clean Your Coils

HVAC systems are mostly kept in out-of-the-way areas like rooftops and attics. These areas are rarely cleaned; hence your HVAC unit collects a lot of dirt and grime. Dust in the HVAC’s coils makes it work more to maintain the same air quality. Ensuring that you schedule coil cleaning at least once annually will save you money in the long run.

  1. Consider a Home Warranty

A home warranty will ensure that your HVAC is always in good shape. If it breaks down for no apparent reason, your home warranty will be responsible for contracting a qualified HVAC maintenance company to diagnose and fix the problem. The good thing about it is that you will have a lower flat fee for any work that is performed.

With time, your AC system gets older and becomes less efficient than it was when new. You should hence schedule regular maintenance to avoid high replacement costs.

At Conditioned Air, we’ve been providing solutions to the Southwest Florida area since 1962. For any of your HVAC issues, feel free to contact us, and we will be more than willing to assist.

 

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Air Conditioning Services That Contribute to High Performing HVAC Systems

April 21st, 2020

With summer here, homeowners need to give focus to the overall health of their HVAC systems. Our teams of highly skilled and experienced HVAC technicians strive to provide all our valued clients with the highest quality air conditioning services this side of the state. With that said, we want to share some important tasks our techs can perform to ensure that your cooling system is operating effectively and efficiently.

  • Condenser unit checkup – The outside condenser unit pulls the hot air from your home and delivers it to the outdoors. If the condenser is not working properly the heat will not be able to escape freely causing your system to run longer and harder in order to keep the atmospheres cool in your home.  Our technicians will inspect the condenser unit to ensure that all its components are working at peak levels and, perform necessary repairs as needed.
  • Duct sealing – Most homes have leaky duct work that ultimately forces the AC system to work harder and run longer. Our team will perform necessary duct sealing using a sealant or metal tape to cover the existing leaks, add a layer of insulation around the duct work, and will also reseal or refit any ducts that are poorly connected. These effective solutions are not only energy efficient, but will help to provide more comfortable atmospheres in your home.
  • AC system inspection – If your system presents with unusual sounds or unfamiliar smells coming from the ventilation system, be sure to contact our team of specialists. Our certified HVAC technicians will inspect the system, identify problems and their sources, and provide effective and efficient system solutions as needed.
  • Routine AC maintenance – Annual maintenance of your cooling system is essential to the proper performance and functionality of your system. Routine maintenance contributes to the efficiency of your AC, helps to prevent costly repairs and breakdowns, and minimizes energy bills.  We highly recommend you schedule your AC tune-up and inspection in the spring.

We’re at the time of year when having a high function system is critical to avoid having multiple visits to your home from your HVAC company. No one wants to have frequent visits from their HVAC company so be sure to contact our team of friendly technicians to schedule your routine maintenance today. We look forward to serving you and to providing you with only the best all round air conditioning services year after year.

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Information About Tax Credits and Incentives for Energy Efficiency

January 29th, 2020

We have good news! The residential market’s Section 25C federal efficiency tax credits have been renewed. Congress recently passed legislation that renewed the tax credits for 2020 and made them retroactive to 2018. What does that mean for you? If you’re a homeowner, you might be eligible to claim the federal tax credits equal to 10% of the installation costs and a maximum credit of $500 for qualified HVAC improvements.

Click here for more information.

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