Conditioned Air Company of Naples, LLC Blog: Posts Tagged ‘HVAC’

Is a Ductless Mini Split a Good Idea for Your Garage or Home Addition?

Monday, August 11th, 2025

When you’re transforming a space like a garage, basement, or home addition into a livable area, one of the biggest questions is: How do I keep it comfortable year-round? The answer is often simpler than you think—a ductless mini-split system. Compact, energy-efficient, and easy to install, these systems are tailor-made for rooms outside the reach of your main HVAC system, especially if your existing unit is nearing replacement as outlined in knowing when to replace your ac.

Why choose a ductless mini‑split heat pump for your garage or home addition?

  • It requires no ductwork — just a small conduit through the wall connects the indoor unit to the outdoor compressor, avoiding invasive construction.
  • You get zoned temperature control, so you can condition just the addition or garage without heating/cooling the whole house.
  • They are energy efficient: inverter technology keeps temperature steady, and there’s no loss from leaky ducts.
  • Most units are heat pumps, so they both heat and cool, making them useful year‑round in spaces not originally built for comfort.
  • Quiet operation and sleek, unobtrusive design make them a good choice for finished spaces like offices, guest rooms, or media areas.

Here’s why ductless mini-splits are such a smart solution for these types of spaces.

Continue Reading

3 Sounds You Don’t Want Your Heat Pump to Make in Venice, FL

Thursday, December 28th, 2023
Heat Pump located in the back yard

A heat pump that is in good condition produces soft humming sounds as it works to heat or cool your Venice, FL home. Any other disturbing noise from your system may be an indicator of trouble. Learn more about some potentially worrisome heat pump noises and what they mean.

Continue Reading

Should I Replace or Repair My Heat Pump in North Venice, FL?

Wednesday, November 29th, 2023
Strategies for efficiency

If you notice your heat pump in North Venice, FL continuing to have issues even after it’s had repair work done, it might be time to consider replacing it. We’ll help you understand when repairs are sufficient to handle an issue and when an outright replacement is in order.

Continue Reading

Understanding 3 Vital Heat Pump Components in North Venice, FL

Thursday, October 19th, 2023
Children Helping Parents With Household Chores In Kitchen

A heat pump has multiple parts that collaborate to regulate your indoor temperatures in North Venice, FL. Each part has its unique function. We’ll discuss three vital heat pump components.

Continue Reading

4 Factors That Impact Heat Pump Efficiency in Sarasota, FL

Monday, June 19th, 2023

The efficiency of a heat pump in Sarasota, FL depends on many factors. Understanding the components of your system and how each factor contributes to its energy efficiency can help you make decisions that save you money on energy costs. Here are four factors to consider when it comes to maximizing the efficiency of your heat pump.

1. Thermostat Location

Thermostat installed in a location that receives direct sunlight from windows will have to work harder to maintain the desired temperature, resulting in decreased efficiency. The ideal location for your thermostat is away from direct sunlight and drafts. However, if the thermostat gives false readings when not placed in direct sunlight, it could be defective, and you may need to replace it.

2. Size

If the heat pump is too small, it will struggle to keep up with the demands placed on it. Conversely, if your system is too large, it will cycle on and off more frequently than necessary, resulting in higher energy costs. A qualified HVAC technician determines the size of your heat pump by assessing the size of your home and other factors to determine the right unit for you.

3. Age

Most heat pumps last between 15 and 20 years. If you’re using an older unit, it may be time to invest in a new one. Newer models have improved technology that can help you save money on your energy bills.

4. Maintenance

Proper maintenance helps extend your heat pump’s life. Regular tune-ups can help you identify potential problems before they become more serious and costly. During maintenance, technicians can inspect and replace worn parts and check the refrigerant levels to ensure optimal performance.

Reduce the amount you spend on energy costs by making sure your heat pump is running at its highest efficiency. Understanding the factors that affect its performance can help you make decisions that can save you money in the long run. Contact Conditioned Air today for help optimizing the efficiency of your heat pump.

Image provided by iStock

Continue Reading

Are Variable-speed Heat Pumps Worth the Cost?

Friday, April 28th, 2023

Variable-speed systems deliver consistent indoor temperatures. The high-efficiency HVAC systems accomplish this by making constant incremental adjustments to output based on the real-time needs of your home.

Who Benefits Most With Variable-speed Heat Pumps

These high-end heat pumps deliver maximum homeowner benefits in hot, humid regions like Naples. In cooler regions of the U.S., this cutting-edge heating and cooling technology can still be beneficial depending on your indoor comfort preferences.

What Are the Advantages of Variable-speed Systems

Variable-speed heat pumps are one of the most energy-efficient HVAC options on the market. A variable-speed system can boost energy efficiency from 20% to 50% while maintaining your comfort and saving you money in the bargain. These cutting-edge systems maintain consistent indoor comfort by running at low speed almost constantly instead of turning off and on.

These high-efficiency units keep indoor temperatures within one-half of a degree or less of the thermostat setting. With a variable-speed heat pump, you’ll be rid of those sudden temperature shifts. Although variable-speed systems are almost always running, they are still exceptionally quiet. Long running times mean more air passing through the filter and cleaner indoor air. The long, slow running times also permit greater humidity control.

What Are the Disadvantages of Variable-speed Systems

Variable-speed systems are a high-tech and relatively new technology. As such, they are at risk for installation errors. Not all HVAC contractors understand how these complex systems work. If you think a variable-speed system is for you, find an experienced contractor with the skills and expertise to install variable-speed systems properly.

The specialists at Conditioned Air have mastered the science of variable speed heat pump installation. Call us in Naples to learn more about efficient HVAC equipment.

Continue Reading

Reasons to Consider Replacing Your Heat Pump

Friday, March 10th, 2023

Heat pumps are a practical way to keep things cool in summer and warm in winter in the state of Florida. If your system is getting older, however, a heat pump replacement can be a great way to save money while keeping things comfortable indoors inside your Naples, Florida home or business. Here are three reasons to consider investing in a heat pump replacement this year.

Improved Efficiency

If your current heat pump is more than 10 years old, you can often reduce the energy needed to keep temperatures cool indoors by upgrading to a high-efficiency heat pump. This can lower your carbon footprint while allowing you to enjoy cool comfort indoors during the hottest parts of the year.

Lower Costs of Operation

A heat pump replacement can also save you money on heating and cooling your Florida home or business. Newer systems are less likely to require frequent repair services, which can also cut down on the amount of money needed to maintain comfortable temperatures inside your home or business.

Improved Indoor Comfort

Finding a company that offers professional installation services for heating and cooling systems will ensure that your new heat pump is sized right for your interior spaces. This can ensure that you and your family enjoy the greatest comfort during every season of the year in Sarasota, Naples, and the surrounding areas in Florida.

At Conditioned Air, we serve Fort Myers, North Venice, Naples, Bradenton, and all the surrounding areas in Florida with top-quality systems and friendly service you can depend on when you need repairs, maintenance, or installations. We can design a heating and cooling system that is precisely right for your needs and your interior spaces. To learn more about our heat pump options, give us a call today. Our team is here to help you keep things cool all summer long.

Continue Reading

Important Questions When Choosing Your Next Air Conditioner

Tuesday, 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.

Continue Reading

HONEST AIR CONDITIONING OF VENICE JOINS CONDITIONED AIR; MERGER CREATES ONE OF THE LARGEST AC FIRMS IN SARASOTA COUNTY

Wednesday, October 2nd, 2019

HONEST AIR CONDITIONING OF VENICE JOINS CONDITIONED AIR; MERGER CREATES ONE OF THE LARGEST AC FIRMS IN SARASOTA COUNTY

NAPLES, FL. – Conditioned Air and Honest Air Conditioning of Venice announced a partnership under which Honest Air will be acquired by Conditioned Air and operate as a division of the air-conditioning contracting and service firm. This merger expands Conditioned Air’s presence in Sarasota County and enables Honest Air Conditioning to provide enhanced products and services.

 

“This is a great partnership as our two companies share the same core values and a commitment to serve our customers with honesty and integrity and to provide service that will exceed their expectations,” said Tim M. Dupre, President and Chief Executive Officer for Conditioned Air.

 

Once the transaction is completed, Honest Air Conditioning will operate under its existing name as a division of Conditioned Air. A number of improvements also are in the works to allow the company to better serve customers, such as an updated dispatching/operating software program.

 

“We will have more access to employee training programs to ensure that we have the best technicians in the market,” said Nicholas J. Masher, President of Honest Air. “Our service fleet also will have increased inventory, which will allow us to serve customers faster, and improved buying power will ensure our ability to provide fair and competitive pricing in the local market.”

 

Headquartered in Naples, Conditioned Air is currently the region’s largest air-conditioning contracting and service firm with a total of 390 employees serving Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota and Manatee counties. The company expanded into Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties in 2011, mostly to serve existing clients in those markets. The company has since experienced tremendous growth, increasing revenue and boosting its employment throughout the region.

 

To accommodate further growth in the northern region, Conditioned Air last year moved into the remaining flex space in its northern headquarters building located on Knight’s Trail Road in North Venice, growing from about 5,000 square feet up to 15,000 square feet. The company also has been increasing employment and expects to hire an additional 15 to 20 people over the next year.

 

The acquisition of Honest Air Conditioning fits with Conditioned Air’s strategic plan to grow the company both organically and through acquisitions of companies with similar corporate cultures.

 

Honest Air Conditioning has served the South Florida community since 2000. It is owned by husband and wife team, Nick and Brooke Masher. The couple is committed to the local community, to providing superior service to their customers and to running a successful company that provides a rewarding career to their employees. The Mashers will remain in a leadership role.

 

Founded in 1962, Conditioned Air offers local expertise in light commercial and residential HVAC systems, including design, engineer, estimate, installation and maintenance of new construction, refrigeration, indoor air quality and dehumidification systems. For additional information or to schedule service, call 1-888-COLD-AIR or visit  www.conditionedair.com.

 

Continue Reading

THE END OF R22: WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOUR OLD AIR CONDITIONER

Wednesday, August 14th, 2019

Florida homeowners with older air conditioning systems may soon be facing a difficult choice: replace their entire air conditioning system or continue to pursue increasingly costly and hard-to-find R22 refrigerant when it’s time for AC service. For many, the smarter option is upgrading to newer technology, such as ductless mini split systems for additions. Standards for types of refrigerants used in air conditioning repair and maintenance are changing, and this means that this most common and least expensive refrigerant will soon be phased out. When the phase-out is complete in 2020, R22 refrigerant will no longer be available.

Why replacing your old AC may be better than maintaining R‑22 refrigerant?

  • R‑22 refrigerant is being phased out due to environmental rules; no new R22 can be produced.
  • As R‑22 becomes scarce, its price rises and availability becomes limited, making maintenance increasingly expensive.
  • Old units using R‑22 often are less efficient than modern units that use newer refrigerants like R‑410A. 
  • Replacing the entire AC system with one designed for compliant refrigerants is often more cost‑effective in the long run than repeated R‑22 recharges and repairs.

R22 refrigerant, sometimes known as R22 Freon or HCFC-22 Freon, is an environmental danger because it contributes to the depletion of the ozone layer. The U.S. government has placed restrictions on R22 and has issued the requirement that R22 refrigerant must be eliminated from use in cooling systems by the year 2020, making regular maintenance tasks like changing your air filters even more important for system efficiency. At this point, R22 will no longer be manufactured and cannot be used as a refrigerant in new air conditioning systems. R22 is being replaced by R-410A, a safer material which is the current, compliant standard refrigerant in air conditioning equipment.

The refrigerant change means several things for homeowners with older ACs:

  • You can continue to use R22 refrigerant in existing systems, but it will only be available through after-market sales, such as when it is recovered from older systems that have been salvaged.
  • Prices of R22 refrigerant have been rising and are expected to continue to rise. By the time the phase-out is complete, R22 will most likely be very expensive. Even if you need a recharge of R22 in the future, there can be no guarantee that the refrigerant will be available, especially as summertime temperatures continue rising.
  • Availability of R22 will be limited since it cannot be purchased new. Even if you need a recharge of R22 in the future, there can be no guarantee that the refrigerant will be available.
  • Complete air conditioning system replacement to an R422 model may be the most cost-effective solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What is R‑22 refrigerant and why is it being phased out?
Answer: R‑22 (also known as Freon or HCFC‑22) is a refrigerant commonly used in older air conditioning systems. It is being phased out because it depletes the ozone layer and contributes to environmental harm. Regulations require its production to stop and its use to be restricted. 

Question: Is it still legal to use R‑22 in existing air conditioning units?
Answer: Yes. Existing AC units that use R‑22 can still operate and be serviced, but R‑22 is no longer manufactured or imported. Only recovered or recycled R‑22 is available, which tends to be more expensive and less easily sourced. 

Question: What are the cost implications of continuing with an R‑22 AC system?
Answer: Costs tend to rise because R‑22 supply is limited. Repairing leaks, recharging refrigerant, or maintaining such systems becomes more costly. Over time, these rising service costs can make keeping an old system less economical than replacing it. 

Question: Can I retrofit my old R‑22 air conditioner to use a newer refrigerant?
Answer:
In some cases it may be possible to retrofit, but there are limitations. Differences in system design, oil types, and compatibility can make retrofits costly, less efficient, or technically impractical. It’s not always guaranteed or cost‑effective.

Question: When is it more sensible to replace an R‑22 AC unit rather than keep repairing it?
Answer:
It’s generally more sensible to replace when the unit is older (often over 10‑15 years), requires frequent repairs, has major component failures, or if the costs of maintaining R‑22 and its parts outweigh the benefits. Also when energy efficiency and environmental compliance are priorities.

Conditioned Air has the mission of keeping the residents of Ft. Myers, Sarasota, Naples, Bradenton, and the surrounding Florida communities cool and their air conditioners working properly and reliably.

Contact us today for more information on the types of refrigerants used in air conditioning system maintenance and what the new refrigerant changes will mean for your cooling system.

Continue Reading