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3 Benefits to Having an Ongoing Service Contract

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service agreementLike any complex system, routine maintenance is the key to keeping your HVAC system running efficiently and extending its lifespan. An HVAC service contract is the ideal way to make sure that your system receives the care that it needs at regular intervals, and it offers several tangible benefits for both you and your HVAC system.

Regular Professional Maintenance

By choosing an HVAC service contract, your system will receive regular maintenance by professionals that are familiar with your system and that you can trust, according to the guidelines recommended by the manufacturer of the system. Not only does this keep your HVAC system operating properly and efficiently, it also protects its warranty and value. Service will be scheduled according to the requirements of the system, and typically includes things like changing the air filter, cleaning the air condioner coils, checking the refrigerant levels and cleaning the air handler.

Lower Energy Costs

With an HVAC service contract, your system will be kept in prime condition, preventing issues like clogged air filters, worn belts and dirty condenser or compressor coils. Such problems can make your system work harder to keep your home comfortable, increasing your energy usage and your utility costs.

Extended Service Life

An HVAC system that receives regular maintenance will last much longer than a system that receives only the minimal amount, and will experience fewer problems over its lifetime. Regular maintenance also helps to reduce long-term repair costs by catching problems early, preventing them from doing further damage to the system and extending its lifespan.

To learn more about the benefits of an HVAC service contract, talk to our professionals at Conditioned Air today. We have HVAC service contracts available for both our residential and our commercial customers, and we offer service throughout the Southwest Florida region, from the Bradenton area to Marco Island, including the communities of Ft. Myers, Sarasota and Naples.

What to Expect when Upgrading your AC Unit

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new air conditionerNow that the weather is a bit cooler in Southwest Florida, and the demand on your air conditioning system is lower, it is the perfect time to consider upgrading if your system is showing its age. Here are a few of the many benefits you can expect when upgrading your air conditioner:

Improved Energy Efficiency

Today’s air conditioning systems use much less energy than systems made even 10 or 15 years ago, which will significantly reduce the amount of money you spend cooling your home each month. The energy efficiency of an air conditioning system is represented by a rating known as its SEER, or seasonal energy efficiency ratio, with a higher number being the most efficient. Older systems could have a SEER of as low as 6 to 10, while today’s minimum is 13 SEER, and the most efficient systems earn ratings of 20 SEER or above.

Better Sizing Methods

Many older air conditioners were sized for a home using rough estimates based on square footage alone. This often lead to systems that were smaller, or, more often, larger than necessary, which results in inefficient operation and increased maintenance costs. Today’s professional HVAC technicians use a Manual J load calculation to properly size air conditioning and heating systems, which accounts for not only the size of the home, but also the number of rooms, the interior layout, the type of insulation, the number of occupants and many other factors. This results in a much more efficient and longer-lasting system installation.

New Technologies

Not only will upgrading your air conditioner result in better energy efficiency and lower cooling costs, but you will also be able to enjoy the latest technologies for improved comfort and convenience. Many of today’s most popular systems feature improved coil designs that cool more efficiently, variable speed compressors or fans that improve comfort, optional zoning systems that allow independent temperature adjustments in different areas, and optional WiFi thermostats that save energy and are easily programmed.

For more information about upgrading your air conditioner, talk to our team at Conditioned Air, serving the Naples and Sarasota areas.

Common AC Problems in South Florida and What to do About Them

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southwest florida air conditionerWith weather that is quite often hot and humid, a large part of maintaining your Florida home is making sure that your air conditioner is running correctly and efficiently. There are several problems that, as a homeowner, you may be able to solve yourself to avoid an unnecessary service fee.

Frozen Coil

In many cases, a frozen coil is the result of a simple airflow issue. The air filter could be extremely dirty or clogged, or the return ducts could be blocked. Check the air filter and replace it with a new one if necessary, or clean and reinstall it if it’s reusable. Check all the supply and return vents in your home for blockages and clear the obstructions. If the problem remains, the cause may be more serious, such as a refrigerant leak, and you will need professional assistance.

Poor Cooling Performance

If not enough cool air is being delivered into your home, the problem may be a dirty evaporator coil, which is located in or near the air handler. Carefully clean the coil with a soft brush and a vacuum. Also, make sure there is no debris in or around the outdoor condenser unit. If there is, turn off the power, remove large debris by hand and rinse the coil with a garden hose to remove the rest.

System Won’t Turn On

In most cases, this is a simple electrical fault. Reset the breakers that power the air conditioning system, and make sure that the compressor overheat circuit has not been tripped. If this does not fix the problem, or the breakers and safety circuits trip repeatedly, your air conditioner may need professional repairs.

System Cycles On and Off Excessively

This typically happens when the outdoor condenser unit is dirty or its airflow is blocked by vegetation or debris, though it could also be caused by a dirty evaporator coil. Clean both coils and have the system inspected if the problem remains.

For more tips about maintaining your Florida home and its cooling system, talk to our HVAC experts at Conditioned Air, serving the Southwest Florida region.

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