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

4 Factors That Affect 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.

Thermostat Location and Its Impact on Heat Pump Efficiency

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.

Proper Heat Pump Size for Maximum Efficiency

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.

How Heat Pump Age Affects Energy Efficiency

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.

Regular Heat Pump Maintenance for Better Efficiency

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What factors can affect the efficiency of a heat pump?
Answer: Several factors can influence how efficiently a heat pump operates. These include proper system sizing, regular maintenance, the condition of air filters, and the quality of installation. When these elements are properly managed, the system can maintain consistent comfort while using energy more efficiently.

Question: How does regular maintenance impact heat pump efficiency?
Answer: Routine maintenance helps ensure that a heat pump operates at peak performance. Tasks such as cleaning coils, checking refrigerant levels, and inspecting system components can prevent small issues from becoming major problems. Regular service helps the system run more efficiently and can extend the lifespan of the equipment.

Question: Does system size affect heat pump performance?
Answer: Yes, the size of a heat pump plays an important role in its performance and efficiency. A system that is too small may struggle to maintain comfortable temperatures, while an oversized unit may cycle on and off too frequently. Proper sizing helps ensure balanced operation and better energy efficiency.

Question: Can air filters influence heat pump efficiency?
Answer: Air filters play a key role in maintaining airflow throughout the system. Dirty or clogged filters can restrict airflow, forcing the heat pump to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. Regularly replacing or cleaning filters helps improve system performance and supports energy efficient operation.

Question: Why is professional installation important for heat pump efficiency?
Answer: Professional installation ensures that the heat pump is correctly sized, properly connected, and optimized for the home’s layout. Poor installation can lead to airflow issues, energy waste, and reduced performance. Having the system installed by qualified technicians helps maximize efficiency and long term reliability.

Image provided by iStock

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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 From 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.

Advantages of Variable-Speed Heat Pump 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.

Disadvantages of Variable-Speed HVAC 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.

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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.

What are the top reasons to consider replacing your heating and air system?

  • The system is older than 10–15 years and no longer efficient
  • Frequent breakdowns or high repair costs signal diminishing returns
  • Energy bills are steadily increasing despite consistent usage
  • Modern heat pumps or systems deliver both heating and cooling in one unit
  • Upgrading allows you to take advantage of improved technology and incentives

Boost HVAC Efficiency with a New Heat Pump

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.

Reduce Energy Costs by Replacing Your Heat Pump

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.

Upgrade for Better 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What are the main benefits of replacing an aging heat pump?
Answer: Upgrading to a newer heat pump improves energy efficiency, lowers operating costs, and enhances comfort in your home.

Question: At what age should I start considering a heat pump replacement?
Answer: If your heat pump is more than 10 years old and you’re noticing declines in performance or higher costs, it’s time to consider replacement.

Question: How does an older heat pump affect my energy bills?
Answer: Older heat pumps tend to lose efficiency, which can lead to higher utility bills and more frequent repairs over time.

Question: Can replacing my heat pump help improve indoor comfort?
Answer: Yes. A properly sized, modern heat pump can maintain more consistent temperatures and better indoor comfort than a worn out unit.

 

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Signs That You Should Call an HVAC Contractor

Wednesday, 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 to Ask When Choosing a New 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 to Consider When Choosing a 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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Does Your Air Conditioner Really Require a Yearly Tune-Up?

Thursday, 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, especially if you’re weighing options like ductless air conditioning installation.

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, including air conditioner fuse issues.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Does an air conditioner really need a yearly tune-up?
Answer: Yes, a yearly AC tune-up helps keep your system clean, efficient, and reliable. Regular service gives a technician the chance to find worn parts, airflow issues, refrigerant concerns, or electrical problems before they turn into expensive repairs during the hottest months.

Question: What happens during an AC tune-up?
Answer: An AC tune-up usually includes checking refrigerant levels, inspecting electrical connections, testing system controls, cleaning key components, checking airflow, and making sure the thermostat is working properly. These steps help the air conditioner cool more effectively and operate with less strain.

Question: Can annual AC maintenance lower my energy bills?
Answer: Annual AC maintenance can help lower energy use by improving system efficiency. When coils, filters, electrical parts, and airflow are properly maintained, the air conditioner does not need to work as hard to cool your home, which can help reduce monthly cooling costs.

Question: When is the best time to schedule an AC tune-up?
Answer: The best time to schedule an AC tune-up is before the hottest part of the year, when your system will be working the hardest. In Florida, many homeowners schedule service in spring so their air conditioner is ready for heavy summer use.

Question: What problems can a yearly AC tune-up help prevent?
Answer: A yearly tune-up can help prevent weak airflow, uneven cooling, clogged drain lines, dirty coils, electrical failures, refrigerant-related performance issues, and sudden breakdowns. It also helps identify small concerns early, before they become more disruptive or costly to repair.

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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.

 

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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.

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Conditioned Air plots major expansion

Wednesday, August 7th, 2019
Conditioned Air of Naples recently announced plans to build a 52,710-square-foot operations center in Fort Myers.

The march up Florida’s west coast from Collier County to grab more market share continues to blow quickly for Conditioned Air of Naples.

The latest news: The company recently announced plans to build a 52,710-square-foot operations center in Fort Myers, a replacement of its current facility in the area and the culmination of a two-year search. The air conditioning contracting and service firm company, with 370 employees and $51 million in revenue in 2018, also plans to double in size in the next five to seven years, mostly in Lee and Sarasota counties. “We are very excited about the future of Conditioned Air, with a combination of organic growth through the company and potential acquisitions,” Conditioned Air President and CEO Tim Dupre says in a statement.

The new complex will be in the Southwest International Commerce Park, just across from Southwest Florida International Airport, off Interstate 75. The building will be slit into some 10,800 square feet of office space, 31,110 square feet of warehouse space and 10,800 square feet of mezzanine for storage and future expansion.

Founded in 1962, Conditioned Air’s 370-person payroll is divided into 185 people in Collier County, 124 in Lee County and 61 in Sarasota County. The new building — replacing an existing smaller facility nearby on Jetport Loop — will be the company’s central hub for the growing Lee and Charlotte county markets. It will provide operational support for its Naples headquarters and Sarasota branches, the release states, and will also be the company’s main training facility, with a fully functional training lab for hands-on education.

Officials hope to break ground for the project in October, with expected completion and occupancy scheduled for July 2020. The developer is Seagate Development Group, and the architect/designer is McHarris Planning & Design.

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CONDITIONED AIR TO EXPAND OPERATIONS

Thursday, July 25th, 2019

Conditioned Air plans to build a 52,710-square-foot operations center in Fort Myers to accommodate the air-conditioning contracting and service firm’s current and future growth throughout Southwest Florida. The building will be located at the intersection of Jetport Loop and Global Parkway in the Southwest International Commerce Park across from the Southwest Florida International Airport. The building will encompass 10,800 square feet of office space, 31,110 square feet of warehouse space, and 10,800 square feet of mezzanine for storage and future expansion. The building will be Conditioned Air’s central hub for the growing Lee and Charlotte County markets and provide operational support for its Naples headquarters and Sarasota branches. It also will serve as the company’s main training facility, with a fully functional training lab for hands-on continuous education and onboarding of entry-level technicians. The new operations center will replace an existing smaller facility nearby on Jetport Loop. Permitting is currently underway on the location. It is anticipated that ground will be broken on the site in October with completion and occupancy scheduled for July 2020. The building will be designed by McHarris Planning & Design and developed by Seagate Development Group. Conditioned Air plans to double in size in the next five to seven years, according to a press release.

-Gulfshore Business Daily

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