The mission of Conditioned Air is to provide products and services in an honorable way that exceeds the expectations of each and every one of our clients within an industry whose reputation is tarnished with mistrust and deceit.
Honesty, integrity, respect and 100% purposeful effort will be afforded all our stakeholders: our customers, our employees, our vendors and our owners.
Editors Note: This excerpt is from the book “Invest Your Heartbeats Wisely” by Theo Etzel
By: Theo Etzel, Chairman Of The Board
I also understand that being cordial, interested, even committed to your staff’s personal accomplishments and professional contribution does not address the financial aspects of the big picture – we are in business to make a profit.
Let me share an example. In the HVACR industry, it’s very common for technicians to get paid a percentage of the repair ticket or commissions on parts that they use in a repair. There is a trust factor there when someone shows up at your house and suggests all sorts of expensive parts and repairs – they often receive a commission on those repairs. But how when someone is making a percentage of a repair ticket, can the trust factor remain uncompromised? It can’t.
That is why our technicians do not do that – they are there to fix your system. They are paid a very good hourly wage for their education and expertise. They are not burdened by sales quotas or commissions and there is no incentive to be in their favor for upselling the customer.
Make sure the carrot and the intention line up and that gets to the root of how to do business with customers who want to trust you and continue doing business with you. There is a “why” of those principles that must come from the leader of the company. There is a “how” of those principles.
As a leader I say, “This is how we will do business.” But then I equip my staff with the right tools and let them do their job. I don’t micromanage and I don’t like to be micromanaged. I want to set people up for success – to be doing business and living in that business world aligned with beliefs and personal philosophies that differentiate what is right and wrong.
In the “Business Ethics” section of this book, I delve into the absence of classes at business school years ago and how nowadays, business ethics is part of just about every business degree. I don’t know how to separate business ethics and life ethics
Out team does a great job but that does not come without a lot of focused efforts. Our true employers are outside this building – which means we must have a corporate culture that supports that.
Here is an example: it’s likely that my team knows I believe government creating jobs is garbage economics. They could help with that by not fighting business owners, but all of our employees understand that the customers are really their employees. Therefore, our #1 mission is to serve our employees out in the field. My staff needs our support to do that, and as a leader part of my job is to see that they have it in all areas.
So how do we reward our staff without compromising the trust our customers have placed in us?
We do so by catching people doing the right thing and holding that up in front of the right people in our company culture. We have several ways that that happens.
Our “Ata’ Bucks” system begins when a customer writes in to share a positive experience. In the service meeting or whatever department that person is in, the customer’s comments are read aloud in front of everyone. Everyone applauds.
The technician or whomever has received these accolades collects “Ata’ Bucks” which they can redeem for gift cards. We also award “Safety Bucks” every month to people who remain accident free. Personnel can nominate other staff members for going above and beyond as well.
This only scratches the surface of what you can do for your staff that keeps sacred that bind between you and your customers.
Our air conditioning units in Southwest Florida run more than anywhere else in the United States. The average lifespan of a HVAC unit in Southwest Florida is 10-12 years which means it is very important to make sure your unit has proper care and preventative maintenance. We recommend our maintenance plans for proper and professional cleaning twice per year but in the meantime here is some do-it-yourself tips to help get the most out of your hvac unit all year long.
To maintain your home’s heating and cooling system, start by keeping all air vents and registers clean and clear for steady airflow. Adjust your thermostat to run efficiently when you’re away or asleep. Replace or clean air filters monthly to keep your system running smoothly, and remove debris around outdoor units while cleaning condensate drain lines to prevent blockages.
Keep your ac unit running year round and make sure you follow these tips and more on our website
Question: What are easy DIY tasks I can do to maintain my AC unit?
Answer: You can clean and unblock all vents and registers, program your thermostat for efficient cooling, flush the drain line with hot water and vinegar, and clean or replace the air filters. These tasks help keep your system running smoothly between professional visits.
Question: Why is cleaning or replacing the air filter important for AC maintenance?
Answer: A dirty or clogged filter restricts airflow, forcing the system to work harder, raising energy bills, and shortening the unit’s lifespan. Regular filter maintenance improves efficiency and helps preserve the system.
Question: How does the condensate drain line affect my AC system?
Answer: The drain line removes moisture from the indoor coil area. If it gets blocked, water may back up, causing leakage, damage or mold. Flushing it regularly with hot water and vinegar helps prevent clogs and maintain proper drainage.
Question: Why should I program my thermostat and keep vents/registers clear?
Answer: Proper thermostat programming ensures your AC isn’t over‑cooling when it’s not needed, saving energy. Keeping vents and registers unblocked allows consistent airflow, so your system can cool effectively without strain.
Question: When should I call a professional instead of doing DIY maintenance?
Answer: When you notice signs like strange noises, refrigerant leaks, major airflow issues, or if the system hasn’t been professionally serviced in over a year, it’s time to call an HVAC technician. DIY is great for basic upkeep, but professional check‑ups catch deeper issues.
CONDITIONED AIR EARNS OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Conditioned Air Co. of Naples received the Southern Business Unit (SBU) Outstanding Achievement Award on Oct. 29 at the at the Mitsubishi Diamond Dealer Meeting in Baltimore, Maryland. The company was one of three Florida firms to earn the honor and the only one from Naples to Sarasota. The SBU Outstanding Achievement Award recognizes Conditioned Air as the largest heating, ventilation and air-conditioning company in its market, utilizing state-of-the-art inverter-driven intelligent systems as the future of the industry and home automation. Based in Naples, Conditioned Air has more than 375 employees serving Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota and Manatee counties.
An HVAC system is an important investment for your home and your family especially here in Southwest Florida. Installing a new system in Sarasota, Naples & Fort Myers may seem expensive, but repairing an old inefficient system may cost you a considerable amount of money as well. High utility bills and maintenance costs may continue to pile up. An overworked system can also lead to fires, mold or structural weaknesses. It’s a fact that our AC Units run more than anywhere in the country. Is it time to upgrade your AC system?
Having the unfortunate surprise of a failing system is never pleasant. Lack of air conditioning in the hot summer months can cause serious discomfort and safety risks especially with the elderly and children. If you’re unsure whether it’s time to replace your current system, there are several signs it’s time to replace your HVAC unit.
Here are four signs that you may need to consider a new HVAC system for your home:
Your System Was Installed Over 8 Years ago
This may seem obvious but there is good reasoning behind a new system. If your unit is older than 8 years, it is probably not energy efficient and does not perform as well. Newer efficient systems can save you up to 40% on utility costs and may offer programmable thermostats which are easier for your family to use. Upgrading can save you time and money on your electric bill.
Repairs Keep Adding Up
When motors, coils or compressors fail in your old system, the labor and parts costs can add up quickly. Replacing your old, deteriorating system with a new system may be a much more beneficial investment over time when compared to mounting repair costs. Even tasks like cleaning your AC coils might not be enough if the core components are failing.
Your System Is Loud
If your air conditioning and heating unit is making aggressive and loud sounds, this could be a sign of more serious, underlying problems. Blowers, motors and fans within your HVAC system should work without squealing or grinding sounds.
Your Indoor Air Quality has diminished
Old or run down systems can carry mold, allergens, excess humidity and dust into your living space. If this is the case, your current system may just need some duct sealing and leak repairs to improve it, or you could need a new system entirely.. Having a Conditioned Air tech inspect your home’s HVAC will uncover the extent of the problem. If your old system is insufficient or malfunctioning enough, you should consider budgeting for a new one, instead of pouring resources into something that can only be marginally improved upon.
One thing to note here is that our techs never work on commission so you can rest assured. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms with your home’s HVAC system, or you have any questions, Call Conditioned Air at 1-888-COLD-AIR to schedule a an inspection of your heating and air conditioning unit! We are happy to help 24/7!
Question: What are some early signs that my HVAC system may need to be replaced?
Answer: Some common early signs include an older unit (especially 8+ years), rising energy bills, frequent repairs, loud or unusual noises, and declining indoor air quality. These symptoms suggest your system may no longer be running efficiently and replacement might be more cost effective than continued repairs.
Question: Why does the age of an HVAC system matter when considering replacement?
Answer: As HVAC systems age, they tend to become less efficient, parts wear out, and repair costs climb. Many professionals suggest that once a unit starts reaching about 10 to 15 years (or even as early as 8 years depending on usage), replacement becomes more practical.
Question: How do unusual noises or sounds factor into HVAC replacement decisions?
Answer: Unusual sounds such as squealing, grinding, rattling, or banging may indicate that critical components like motors or fans are failing. If such noises persist despite maintenance or repairs, they often signal the system is nearing the end of its useful life.
Question: Can poor indoor air quality be a reason to replace an HVAC system?
Answer: Yes. A system that’s old or poorly maintained may circulate dust, allergens, excess humidity, or even mold. While duct repairs or filter changes might help, sometimes the system itself is the root cause and replacement could restore healthier air quality.
Question: How should I decide between repairing my HVAC system and replacing it entirely?
Answer: Consider factors like the system’s age, frequency and cost of repairs, rising energy bills, and performance issues (like inadequate heating or cooling). If the system is old, inefficient, requiring frequent expensive fixes, replacing may provide better value and comfort long term.
Our friends at Carrier discusses in this blog Why Indoor Quality Should Matter To You and why it’s important especially during the Red Tide Event we have been experiencing now for twelve months. Read more from Carrier here.
It has been a rough summer dealing with Red Tide here in Southwest Florida. Just remember the quality of your Southwest Florida home’s indoor air is just as important as the air quality outdoors. Considering how 90 percent of an average person’s time is spent indoors, it pays to have an effective way of keeping your home’s indoor air healthy. Fortunately, a whole-house air filtration system offers the perfect solution to your indoor air quality concerns.
Whole-house air filtration systems are designed to tackle airborne pollutants that come from inside and outside of your home through a wide variety of methods. For example, many air filtration systems use HEPA filters and ultraviolet (UV) lamps to capture and neutralize an array of pollutants, including microorganisms and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from common household sprays.
To understand how whole-house air filters can benefit your home, consider these three pieces of information:
With a whole-house air filtration system, you’ll be able to enjoy cleaner, healthier indoor air, with the peace of mind that comes in knowing that your whole-house air filters are more effective at capturing airborne pollutants than most ordinary air filters.
To learn more about how whole house air filters can benefit your home, or if you need air conditioning repair in Southwest Florida, contact the professionals at Conditioned Air today.
Keep Doors and Windows ClosedWhen pollen counts are high, it’s best to keep your windows and doors closed and use the air conditioning as much as possible to avoid unnecessary allergens. This is especially true in the early morning hours — from about 5:00 to 10:00 a.m. — when pollen counts tend to be the highest.
Avoid Bringing Allergens Inside
When you do work outside during the summer, such as mowing the lawn or cleaning the yard, pollen, dust and other allergens can easily hitch a ride indoors on your clothing. To avoid adding extra allergens to your indoor air, change your clothes and take a shower after the job is finished and wash your work clothes often.
Clean Often
Minimize the accumulation of allergens by vacuuming and dusting often, using a vacuum with a HEPA filter and either moist or electrostatic cloths. Install hypoallergenic sheets, pillowcases and mattress covers in each bedroom, and wash them at least once a week. Reduce clutter throughout your home and reduce the number of surfaces that can collect dust and allergens.
Keep Your HVAC System Maintained
Have your HVAC system professionally inspected and cleaned twice a year to prevent system problems and reduce dust accumulation. Check the air filters monthly and replace them as necessary, and upgrade to filters with higher MERV ratings for better air filtration. Consider installing a whole-home air cleaner or ventilation system to improve indoor air quality and to reduce the amount of allergens and dust in your home.
For more suggestions about coping with summer indoor allergy issues, talk to our air quality experts at Conditioned Air. We have been serving the Southwest Florida region since 1962 including Naples, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch.
How Humidity Affects Comfort
In the summer, a hot day with low humidity feels much cooler than a similar day with high humidity. This is because the humid air prevents sweat from evaporating, interfering with your body’s natural cooling system and leaving your skin feeling sticky and uncomfortable. High humidity can also make it harder to breathe for those with allergies, asthma or other respiratory illnesses, and it can encourage the growth and reproduction of bacteria, mold, mildew, dust mites and other irritants. By maintaining healthy humidity levels of 50 percent or lower, you can make your home much more comfortable and avoid moisture-related problems.
How to Improve Dehumidification
Any home with a properly-sized, well-maintained air conditioning system and decent ventilation should be able to control humidity sufficiently in all but the most humid areas. If a home lacks proper ventilation, however, moisture from cooking, bathing, washing dishes, and fuel-burning appliances can accumulate, increasing humidity levels. Likewise, an air conditioner that’s oversized and doesn’t run long enough to properly dehumidify will leave moisture in the air; and if vents are blocked, the air filter is dirty or there are other maintenance problems, it may make the problem worse.
To improve dehumidification, make sure your home is properly ventilated, that your air conditioner is sized correctly, and that it is professionally maintained annually. If you live in an excessively humid area or still have moisture problems, then you may want to consider installing a whole-home dehumidification system to supplement your air conditioner.
To learn more about dehumidification systems and how they can improve your comfort, talk to our experts at Conditioned Air. Our team can help solve your humidity problems throughout the Southwest Florida area, including Naples, Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch and Ft. Myers.
Check out the infographic for stats and tips on how to save money on your electric bill this summer in Southwest Florida. In Sarasota, Bradenton, Naples or Fort Myers, Conditioned Air is here to keep you cool all summer long. If you have any further questions about how to save energy this summer in florida, please feel free to give us a call at 1-888-COLD-AIR.
We are here to help you!
