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We’ll regularly post energy saving tips, how-to’s on troubleshooting your systems, and breakdowns on even the most complex industry related terms and concepts.
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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?
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.
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.
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!
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.
With so many plants blooming, summer can be a difficult time for allergy suffers in Southwest Florida. While there is not much you can do about the pollen counts outside, there are several simple ways to control summer allergies inside your home, creating a comfortable retreat for the worst days.
Service the Air Conditioning System
Closing the windows and using the air conditioner when pollen counts are high is one of the best ways to control summer allergies, but if your system is not properly maintained, it can actually make the problem worse. Pollen, dust and other allergens can accumulate in the air handler, air filter and evaporator, and can then be distributed throughout you home when the system is used. Have your air conditioner inspected and serviced at least twice a year, which should include cleaning the coils, replacing the air filter and cleaning the air handler. Between service visits, change the air filter yourself every two to three months.
Use Hypoallergenic Linens
Choose hypoallergenic mattress covers, pillows, sheets and other bedding products, and wash them weekly to minimize allergens. Remove unnecessary clutter in your bedroom and closet to reduce the surfaces that can accumulate allergens, and when working outside, wash your clothes immediately, rather than storing them in a hamper, to eliminate excess pollen. Store seasonal clothes and bedding in sealed bags or bins to minimize dust and allergen accumulations.
Clean Often
Vacuum your home at least weekly using a machine with a HEPA filter, and dust often using electrostatic wipes or moist cloths. Whenever possible, use wood, vinyl or tile flooring, instead of carpets, to reduce allergen accumulations. When softer surfaces are desired, add throw rugs and take them outside monthly to beat the dust and pollen out of them.
At Conditioned Air, our team can help you control summer allergies with regular air conditioner maintenance, air cleaners, ventilation systems and more. Contact us today for service in the Southwest Florida area, from Bradenton to Marco Island.
Many of today’s building materials, furniture and flooring products contain potentially harmful chemicals that can off-gas for days, weeks or even longer after installation, and with homes that are highly insulated and tightly sealed to improve energy-efficiency, the effects of these chemicals on indoor air quality are significantly greater. In studies by NASA, the Associated Landscape Contractors of America and others, however, it has been found that common houseplants can help clean the indoor air, with as little as one plant per 100 square feet. While some only remove one or two chemicals, the best air-purifying plants can remove multiple chemicals.
Garden Mum
Also known as the Florist’s Chrysanthemum, this plant is effective at removing benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, ammonia, toluene and xylene from the air. All of these chemicals can be harmful in large amounts, causing symptoms like nausea or dizziness, serious illnesses, or even cancer.
Dracaena
Most types of Dracaena can remove benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene from the air, while some, like the Red-Edged Dracaena, can also remove toluene and xylene.
Snake Plant
Requiring minimal care and only occasional watering, the Snake Plant is one of the most resilient air-purifying plants, and it can remove benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, toluene and xylene.
Peace Lilly
This flowering plant can remove benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, ammonia, toluene and xylene from the air, but it can also release pollen, which may be problematic for allergy sufferers.
Ficus
Also known as the Weeping Fig, Ficus plants can remove formaldehyde, xylene and toluene from the air, and some types can also remove benzene and trichloroethylene.
All these air-purifying plants should be used with care, as they can potentially be toxic to pets. Non-toxic alternatives, like Spider Plants, Boston Ferns or Bamboo Palms can remove formaldehyde, xylene and toluene, while others, like the Barberton Daisy, can remove benzene and trichloroethylene, allowing you to combine multiple plants for the best results.
To learn more about air-purification products and how they can work with your HVAC system to improve indoor air quality, talk to our HVAC experts at Conditioned Air, serving Southwest Florida.
