When you’re installing air conditioning in a new home, you can rely on Conditioned Air’s expert service. We will put in a cooling system that is carefully evaluated and designed to meet all indoor comfort needs. It will run safely and reliably and to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Our HVAC professionals can design, estimate the cost of and install an air conditioning system designed to keep everyone in the home cool and comfortable throughout Florida’s hottest summer days. They can add a dehumidification system that will reduce indoor moisture, preventing problems associated with high humidity. Because the home will feel cooler, the temperature can be kept a bit higher, and energy bills will fall.

Conditioned Air experts can conduct a complex technical assessment of the cooling load — what’s needed to meet your desired comfort level — and can design a system to meet that cooling load. They can provide energy load calculations and an airflow design that will work best. They can work with your architect  and builder to incorporate air conditioner design, ductwork and other elements directly into blueprints and building plans. This ensures that construction professionals will know where cooling system components are going.

At Conditioned Air, our technical abilities are supplemented by our on-site duct fabrication shop. We can work in both sheet metal and fiberboard to create the ductwork system you need.

Whether you’re a construction professional or you’re a homeowner who’s building a dream home, the experts at Conditioned Air can provide the system you need.

For 50 years, Conditioned Air has provided air conditioning sales, maintenance and repair to residential and commercial customers in Naples and southwest Florida. Contact us for help, whether you’re buying and installing a new system or maintaining the one that you have.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about air conditioners and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Having a dehumidifier in your home can make the difference between a comfortable summer and a miserable one here in southwest Florida. Besides our humid climate, we also have moisture accumulating in our homes from washing dishes and clothes, bathing, cooking, etc. 

Combine this with the fact that homes today are better sealed and insulated for energy-efficiency than in the past – and you have a problem. What’s the most effective, energy-efficient and convenient solution to high home humidity? A whole-house dehumidifier; it’s the only comprehensive way to control humidity in the home.

Air conditioners aren’t designed to handle excessive humidity. Over-cooling (overworking your air conditioning system) to combat humidity is uncomfortable and costly. A system with variable speeds or an advanced air handler can help with partial dehumidification, but efficiency will be compromised and utility costs will increase.

What about portables? A portable unit controls humidity in just one room – and who wants to buy and maintain one for every room in the house? Portables typically require lots of maintenance: frequent cleaning to prevent mold, daily emptying of the accumulated water in the receptacle – and frequent replacement of the unit.

Whole-house systems require little upkeep and last 15 years or more. Residents using whole-house dehumidification (incorporated into their central air conditioning systems) enjoy many advantages. Controlling humidity:

• Allows you to use less A/C to maintain comfort by setting the thermostat a little higher
• Helps control allergens and lessen symptoms
• Protects furniture from moisture damage
• Eliminates window condensation
• Prevents moisture stains on walls/ceilings, and flaking, peeling paint or wallpaper
• Retards mold and mildew growth
• Avoids insect infestations
• Transforms a muggy, uncomfortable indoor environment into a healthy, comfortable home

Use your whole-house humidity control system to keep relative humidity between 30 and 50 percent. Indoor humidity levels above 60 percent encourage mold and dust mites.

If you have questions about dealing with your home humidity problem, contact the experts at Conditioned Air. We can give you tips to lower indoor humidity and improve air quality, whether you’d like a whole-house system or not. Visit our website for more information or just give us a call.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about dehumidifiers and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Humidity meter image via Shutterstock

Because of our long, hot and humid summers, most homes in Southwest Florida require some sort of dehumidification system to feel comfortable. Many air conditioners come with a dehumidifying function, but because their main role is to cool the air, they can’t always achieve ideal humidity levels.

That’s why many homeowners turn to whole-house dehumidification systems dedicated to removing excess moisture from the air. Whole-house dehumidification systems are installed as part of your existing HVAC system, so they can control humidity levels in every room in your home.

Among the benefits of whole-house dehumidification for homeowners:

• Better health. Mold, bacteria and viruses thrive at relative humidity levels above 60 percent. These and other microorganisms in your home can contribute to asthma attacks, allergy problems and other respiratory conditions, as well as damage to your furnishings and the structure of your home. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends keeping your humidity between 30 percent and 50 percent, levels whole-house dehumidification systems can achieve with ease — limiting the proliferation of potentially harmful microbes.
• Improved comfort. Hot, sticky days can be unbearable without an air conditioner. But sometimes even the dehumidifying function of the A/C unit can’t keep up with demand. And then there are mild days where the temperature is at the thermostat set point and the air conditioner doesn’t run, but the air still feels too humid. That’s where whole-house dehumidification comes in to remove moisture without overcooling your home. This helps to avoid that clammy feeling or stuffy smell.
• Energy savings. By running the whole-house dehumidifier without overcooling your home, you save energy. Also, because your skin feels cooler when there is less moisture in the air, you can set the relative humidity lower and the temperature a few degrees higher and still feel comfortable. You don’t have to run the air conditioner more than necessary simply to remove moisture from the air.

A whole-house dehumidification system could be the solution you have been looking for. To learn more, contact the certified HVAC professionals at Conditioned Air.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Indoor air quality image via Shutterstock

Southwest Florida’s mild and wet climate often presents a humidity problem in the home. Humidity levels reach well above 60 percent outdoors, and even indoors. High humidity levels present many problems, including the growth of mold and mildew and the increase of dust mites and bacteria that thrive in wet conditions.

Humid air also feels warmer on the skin. Adding 10 percent humidity can increase the heat index by 3 degrees. When using the air conditioner, additional humidity in the air leads to increased costs.

A whole-house dehumidification system can prevent the humidity levels from becoming too high in your home. The humidification system will keep humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent, which is considered ideal.

The system works by sucking excess moisture from the air. This benefits energy savings because dry air feels cooler on the skin. Dry air tries to suck moisture out anywhere it can, and often takes moisture from your body, leaving a cool feeling behind. With dryer air, you can raise the air conditioner setting by 3 or 4 degrees and feel just as cool as you did at cooler temperatures in humid conditions.  You can save up to 10 percent in cooling costs by raising the temperature a few degrees.

For more information on how a whole-house dehumidification system can benefit your Southwest Florida home and save you money this winter and in the future, contact us at Conditioned Air. With more than 40 years of expert HVAC service under our belt, we are happy to answer any questions you have.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Humidity gauge image via Shutterstock

Relative humidity levels in southwest Florida can cause more problems than just uncomfortable living conditions. High indoor humidity can establish an environment where micro-organisms, such as mold, bacteria and fungi, flourish. It can seriously compromise indoor air quality. High levels of indoor moisture can also affect your building and belongings, causing rot and warping. Because moisture can pose such a hazard to your health and investments, it’s a good idea to consider installing a whole-house dehumidification system.

Your air conditioner just isn’t designed to handle southwest Florida’s high humidity all by itself. For that, you may need a whole-house dehumidification system. These dehumidification systems work with your existing air conditioning system and ductwork, pulling moisture out of your air typically at a rate of 10 of gallons per day. They automatically drain this water out of your house, so you won’t have to empty tank after tank, like with a portable dehumidifier.

Here are a few advantages of installing a whole-house dehumidification system:

• Create an inhospitable environment for allergens, mold and micro-organisms.
• Can decrease allergic reactions to moisture-loving allergens.
• Prevent paint and wallpaper from peeling due to moisture.
• Prevent water spots on your ceilings, walls and floors.
• Reduce “muggy” or “sticky” sensations in your home.
• Reduce musty odors in certain rooms, or coming from ducts.
• Decrease dust mite infestation.

A whole-house dehumidification system can be worth the investment for the prevention of mold alone. It only takes 24 hours and a little moisture for mold to grow, and if the spores are circulated back into your HVAC system they can also be distributed throughout your entire home. Mold may be visible, but often grows behind the scenes, in walls and insulation. If you can see a little mold, chances are there’s a lot more growing out of sight.

Call Conditioned Air today to learn more about whole-house dehumidifiers. We’ll be happy to answer your questions.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about dehumidifiers and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Conditioned Air services Southwest Florida including cities Marco Island, Ft. Myers or anywhere in between. Visit our website to see our special offers to get started today!

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

Summers in Southwest Florida get very humid. Your air conditioner will help remove some of the extra moisture from the air, but your A/C isn’t designed for dehumidification. A whole-house dehumidification system works better to bring down your indoor humidity.

Unlike portable dehumidifiers, whole-house dehumidifiers work with your existing heating and cooling system to remove excess moisture from every room in your house. The water is automatically discharged, so you don’t have to empty receptacles or worry about standing water in your home.

Among the benefits:

• Home comfort. If you are using your air conditioner as a form of humidity control, you know that you can make your home uncomfortably cold as you lower the thermostat in an attempt to reduce the humidity. A whole-house dehumidifier lets you achieve both the temperature and humidity settings that you prefer. Your home will no longer feel clammy, and you will notice that musty odors will disappear.
• Health. Pathogens such as mold, mildew, bacteria and dust mites can thrive in indoor environments with excess humidity. These microorganisms can aggravate health issues like allergies or asthma. Whole-house dehumidification will reduce the humidity in your entire home, helping to remove ideal living conditions for microorganisms.
• Protection. Mold and mildew can damage the structure of your home, invading your walls, floors and carpets. A whole-house dehumidifier will help protect your books, upholstery and drapes from damage.
• Energy efficiency. Whole-house dehumidification systems are more energy efficient than portable units. You will also find that lower indoor humidity allows you to turn up the thermostat in summer, reducing energy use.

If you’re interested in learning more about how whole-house dehumidification might work in your home, contact the professionals at Conditioned Air. We’ll help you find the best solution for your home.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about dehumidification and other HVAC topics, click here to download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Conditioned Air services Southwest Florida including cities Marco Island, Ft. Myers or anywhere in between.  To get started, check out our website or see our special offers.

Dehumidification is a must-have in Southwest Florida homes. High indoor humidity is not only uncomfortable, it’s an invitation to mold spores, rot and pests, and can cause serious structural damage to your home. Building materials such as wood as well as furniture and other belongings absorb moisture. This causes them to expand and warp — literally changing shape. A whole-house dehumidification system removes the moisture from your indoor air, protecting your home and your belongings and maintaining a healthy environment for your family.

A whole-house dehumidification system works with your existing HVAC equipment. It pulls in humid air from your living space, then passing the air over cold metal coils. That causes condensation to develop, in much the same way that it develops on a cold soda can removed from the refrigerator. The water drips into a collection tank and is pumped outside of the house.

If you’re experiencing any of the following problems in your home, a whole-house dehumidifier could help:

• Musty smells.
• Mold or mildew growing on windowsills, equipment or any other place in the home.
• Peeling wallpaper or paint.
• Water stains on walls and ceilings.
• Condensation on pipes or windows.
• Chronic respiratory troubles, such as allergies or asthma, skin irritations or other problems that may be attributed to mold growth or humidity.
• High quantities of dust.

The most comfortable indoor humidity levels are between 35 percent and 50 percent. In Southwest Florida, opening a window isn’t a great solution, as outdoor humidity is frequently higher than that. Whole-house dehumidification systems have been known to remove moisture from indoor air at the rate of 10 gallons every 24 hours. That’s a lot of water that isn’t being absorbed by your belongings!

With a whole-house system, you don’t have to worry about moving a small portable dehumidifier from room to room, keeping up with emptying the tank, and other maintenance those smaller units require. Whole-house systems typically involve less maintenance and last longer.

If you’re interested in a whole-house dehumidification system, please don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Conditioned Air. We’re always happy to help.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about dehumidifiers and other HVAC topics, click here to download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Conditioned Air services Southwest Florida including cities Marco Island, Ft. Myers or anywhere in between.  To get started, check out our website or see our special offers.

Found in abundance in the Arctic, the Antarctic and everywhere in between, mold and mold spores are virtually impossible to avoid. Mold especially flourishes in warm, humid climates like ours in Southwest Florida.

Though air cleaners and UV lights can reduce the number of mold spores in your home, they can never be eliminated completely. Keeping your home dry can go a long way toward inhibiting interior mold growth.

Mold can grow on nearly any surface as long as water is present. Aside from producing stains and damaging wood, drywall, carpet and other furnishings, mold spores can cause detrimental health effects ranging from mild to life-threatening.

Cleanup and removal of mold can be difficult and expensive. It is far easier to avoid mold problems in the first place. Some tips for keeping your home dry and mold-free:

• Clean up spills or leaks immediately. Mold growth can begin within 24 hours.
• Ensure good ventilation, especially in bathrooms, attics and basements.
• Use fans or windows to improve ventilation while cooking or showering.
• Do not overwater houseplants or leave damp clothing or other materials sitting around.
• Cover pipes and other surfaces prone to condensation with waterproof material.
• Make sure appliance drip pans and drain routes are clean and functioning.
• Use air conditioning and/or a dehumidifier to keep your home’s humidity below 55 percent.

Air conditioners remove some water from the air as it is treated, but in the high-humidity climate of Southwest Florida a dehumidifier will be considerably more effective at reducing moisture. Dehumidifiers are available in small, portable units to address trouble spots. But a whole-house dehumidifier will optimize the moisture level throughout your entire home.

When it comes to mold, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. At Conditioned Air we are always happy to answer any questions you may have, and our professionals are standing by ready to help you take control of your home’s humidity levels. Contact us if we can help.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about mold prevention and other HVAC topics, click here to download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Conditioned Air services Southwest Florida including cities Marco Island, Ft. Myers or anywhere in between.  To get started, check out our website or see our special offers.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

Any resident of our Southwest Florida area knows what high humidity can do. It makes you feel slow and lethargic. And when the humidity is really high it saps all of your energy.

High humidity can cause a lot of troubles inside your home as well.  For example, high, indoor humidity can grow mold colonies indoors, cause dust mite infestations, rapidly deteriorate fabrics and furnishings and make it hard for you and your family to sleep. Many residents rely on portable dehumidifiers to wring out some of the moisture in our Florida air . Others just trust that their air conditioning will take care of the problem.

First of all, air conditioning does remove some humidity, but that is just a side-effect of the cooling process. Air conditioners only remove a small part of the moisture in our indoor air.

Portable dehumidifiers help but only in the room where they are used. A portable model can only process the air immediately surrounding it. Besides, on really humid days, smaller portable dehumidifiers can fill up in a matter of hours.

Another option for you to consider is a  whole-house dehumidifier.

A whole-house dehumidifier does everything and more that a portable can for the entire home. It keeps an optimum moisture level in your home for comfort and health. The best range of indoor humidity is 40 to 55 percent.

So, if you are tired of running noisy portable room units that have to be emptied and cleaned all the time, contact us at Conditioned Air about a whole-house unit. We can give you information on how they work, the type that is right for your home and how easily they can be installed into most  home heating and air conditioning systems. Let us help you keep the humid air outside and the comfort inside.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about whole-house dehumidifiers and other HVAC topics, click here to download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Conditioned Air services Southwest Florida including cities Marco Island, Ft. Myers or anywhere in between.  To get started, check out our website or see our special offers.

Excess humidity can cause a whole host of problems.  Aside from feeling “sticky” and uncomfortable in your own skin, your home and the health of your family may be affected when too much moisture is in the air.  There are several dehumidification systems available today, some of which can be mounted directly to your ductwork.

When humidity levels are too high in your home it can result in mold, mildew and damage to furnishings, paneled walls and even wood.  Wood tends to swell in an environment that is too wet, and humidity levels that remain above 60 percent on a regular basis often lead to the growth of fungi which can affect your family’s health.

Homeowners frequently use portable devices for dehumidification, but this method is often insufficient for treating your entire home.  To achieve comfortable indoor air that is also healthier, whole-house systems are effective.

A duct-mounted system offers many benefits:

• No tank to empty, as the unit can be drained into a floor drain or attached to the home’s water drainage system.
• Maintains optimum humidity levels automatically, and runs only when excess moisture needs to be removed.
• Can be operated manually when you want to control humidity in a single location such as a bedroom or basement.
• Removes far more moisture from the air than portable dehumidifiers.

A duct-mounted dehumidification system also allows fresh air to come in to your home from outside, while, if needed, removing the excess moisture from this air.  In general you will experience improved indoor air quality and comfort levels while lowering the risk of mold, mildew and damage to your home.

Conditioned Air services Southwest Florida including Ft. Myers, Marco Island and surrounding areas.  We invite you to download our free Home Comfort Resource guide to learn more about dehumidification and other HVAC topics regarding energy and home comfort issues.