Conditioned Air Company of Naples, LLC Blog: Posts Tagged ‘a/c efficiency’

Summertime temperatures are heating up!

Tuesday, August 8th, 2017

It’s August in Southwest Florida, the hottest month of the year. Here are 5 top tips to keep your home cool this summer.

To optimize your comfort, set your thermostat to 78°F when you’re at home and 85°F when you’re not*.

Lower blinds or close curtains during the daytime. This prevents the sun’s heat from entering your home.

Set ceiling fans to counterclockwise. The cooling effect on your skin will make the room feel 8° cooler.

Use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air. This will leave you feeling cooler even on the hottest days.

Cooking adds heat to your home. On hot days, avoid using the oven. Instead, grill outside or use a microwave oven.

At Conditioned Air of Naples, Fort Myers & Sarasota we are here 24/7 to keep you cool.

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3 Easy Ways To Boost Cooling System Efficiency

Tuesday, April 25th, 2017

Once the heat and humidity reach their peak in the Southwest Florida region, it can be difficult to keep your air conditioning costs under control. By taking a few steps to boost cooling system efficiency, however, you can lessen the effects of the higher temperatures and save money, while still remaining comfortable.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

One of the easiest and most effective ways to boost cooling system efficiency is by replacing your older thermostat with a new programmable model, then optimizing it to fit your schedule perfectly. By raising the temperature 10 degrees while you are at work or away, and reducing it just before you arrive home, you can reduce your cooling costs by up to 20 percent. Try to find a model that fits your routine, such as one with a separate program for weekends and weekdays, if you have a standard business schedule, or one with an individual program for each day, if your schedule is more flexible. The newest models offer features like self-programming, Wi-Fi connectivity and touchscreen interfaces that make them simple and convenient to use.

Maintain Your Air Conditioning System

Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the condenser and evaporator coils, replacing the air filter and cleaning the air handler, can keep your air conditioner running more efficiently and extend its lifespan. Have your system professionally inspected and serviced at least twice a year for the best results, and check the air filter yourself monthly.

Reduce Heat Gain

Adding extra heat during the daytime can make your cooling system work harder to keep you comfortable. Seal and insulate your home to prevent unnecessary heat gain, and close blinds or curtains during the day to block solar gain. Postpone heat-generating activities like bathing, cooking, laundry or washing dishes until the evening, and be sure to use exhaust fans to eliminate extra humidity. Replace inefficient incandescent bulbs with LEDS or fluorescents to save energy and reduce heat output.

For more ways to boost cooling system efficiency, talk to our experts at Conditioned Air, serving Ft. Myers, Naples and Sarasota since 1962.

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Understanding A/C Efficiency Ratings

Tuesday, November 15th, 2016

With the hot and humid weather of the Southwest Florida area, the overall efficiency of your air conditioning system can make a significant difference in your cooling costs during the summer. By understanding what each of the basic A/C efficiency ratings represent, you will be able to make an informed decision when purchasing a new air conditioning system or heat pump.

EER

The energy efficiency ratio, or EER, represents the cooling capacity of an air conditioning system measured in British thermal units or BTUs, divided by the amount of electrical power required to provide that cooling measured in kilowatt-hours. This rating represents the amount of energy used to provide cooling during peak conditions, such as the hottest days of the year, and is not the most reliable estimate of how the system will perform over time. A system with a higher EER will be more efficient, and today’s best systems feature EER ratings of over 16.

SEER

The seasonal energy efficiency ratio, or SEER, is a long-term measurement of the cooling efficiency of an air conditioning system. It is a ratio of the cooling output provided for a full season in BTUs, divided by the amount of energy, in kilowatt-hours, required to power the system. It is a better representation of how the system will perform in a variety of weather conditions, and, like the EER rating, higher is better. Today’s federal standards require A/C efficiency ratings of 13 or 14 SEER depending on location, and the best systems offer SEER ratings of over 23.

HSPF

The heating seasonal performance factor, or HSPF, measures the amount of heat provided during a heating season,in BTUs, divided by the power required in kilowatt-hours. This rating is applicable to heat pumps, which can provide both heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. A higher HSPF is represents greater efficiency, and the most efficient systems feature a rating of up to 13 HSPF.

For more information about A/C efficiency ratings, talk to our cooling experts at Conditioned Air. We serve the Southwest Florida area, including Ft. Myers and Naples.

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