1. Get with the program. Install a programmable thermostat to ensure you only pay for conditioned air during times you’re awake or at home.
2. Be open. Take advantage of the cool evening air by opening windows in the later hours and using a whole-home or window fan to circulate air throughout your rooms.
3. Use your grill. Indoor cooking can raise temperatures, making your A/C work even harder. Utilize your outdoor grill as much as possible, or cook indoors during the cooler part of the day.
4. Change your bulbs.  Lower summer electricity bills by switching out your incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescents which use less energy and produce less heat.
5. Embrace the fan. Alone, or in conjunction with the A/C, ceiling or floor fans can make a room feel around five degrees cooler.
6. Insulate. A properly sealed, insulated and ventilated attic space can lower the temperature significantly and prevent heat transfer to the conditioned space below.
7. Fix leaks. Check for leaks around windows, doors and wall sockets to ensure your conditioned air stays inside, and seal leaks with weatherstipping or caulking.
8. Check your ducts. Look for visible breaks or holes in your ductwork and seal with duct mastic, not duct tape.
9. Block the sun. Use curtains or blinds to block intense rays during the daylight hours, particularly in rooms that get direct sun. Use the same method for west-facing windows later in the day.
10. Raise the dial. Turn the temperature setting up. For each degree over 78 degrees, you can save between 5 and 8 percent on your energy bill.

For more tips on lowering your summer electricity bills, call the experts at Conditioned Air. Since 1962, we’ve been proudly serving the residents of the southwest Florida area.

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Here are seven of the most significant advantages to upgrading to an air conditioner replacement before summer arrives.

• Reduced spending – Due to the fact that new air conditioners are designed to run far more efficiently than models which are only a few years old, you can expect your monthly cooling costs will go down.
• Increased comfort - Advanced technologies promote comfort through providing a constant stream of conditioned air, better moisture control and more even temperatures.
• Improved air quality – Better moisture control means that you’ll be able to breathe easier because your home will be at a lowered risk for the growth of mold and mildew.
• Tax credits - If you want to get an even higher return on your investment, the time to upgrade your A/C is now. Through the end of 2013, homeowners can receive a tax credit of up to $500 when they purchase eligible, energy-efficient HVAC equipment.
• Warranty protection – Newer systems typically have longer initial warranties and almost all qualify for extended warranties, including some that cover not only parts but labor as well.
• Dependability - A total system replacement, on the other hand, can provide you with the peace of mind that your equipment will run dependably and safely for many years into the future.
• Friendlier refrigerant - The R-22 refrigerant probably used in your current air conditioner is being phased out by the federal government in response to environmental concerns. Today’s units make use of a more eco-friendly, EPA-approved refrigerant known as R-410A.

For help with selecting the best air conditioner replacement for your home, contact us at Conditioned Air. We’re proud to serve residents of southwest Florida.

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A leaky duct system can result in the loss of 20 to 30 percent of the conditioned air produced by your air conditioning system. Poor duct sealing will result in reduced comfort, safety, indoor air quality and environmental protection.

All joints in the duct system must be tightly sealed with adhesive — not tape. Air leakage from duct joints can account for as much as 30 percent of the airflow in poorly-sealed systems. Even with systems located totally within the conditioned area, leaks create room-to-room imbalances and system inefficiency.

Symptoms of poorly-sealed ducts

Indicators of poor duct sealing include higher utility bills, rooms that are difficult to heat or cool, and rooms that always feel stuffy and uncomfortable.

These conditions can be aggravated if your duct system is partially located in the attic, garage or other areas outside of the conditioned space. Leaks within the conditioned space can result in uneven air distribution among rooms.

Benefits of proper duct sealing

• Family comfort - Proper sealing can eliminate rooms that are too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer.
• Indoor air quality - Reduce the risk of pollutants and airborne particles entering your home and keep your indoor air quality high.
• Home safety – Reduce the likelihood of gas or carbon monoxide fumes entering your home and being distributed throughout the house.
• Save money – Lower utility bills mean more money in your pocket. It’s that simple.
• Environmental protection – A reduction in power usage yields a reduction in fossil fuel usage, thus lessening the carbon footprint of your home.

Conditioned Air has been serving southwest Florida homeowners since 1962. For more information about duct sealing, give our team a call.

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NATE, or North American Technician Excellence, is a nonprofit organization that offers certification for technicians in the heating, cooling, ventilation and refrigeration industries. These tests are designed to test real-world knowledge and are recognized as the gold standard for certification. Any technician who takes and passes these tests can become certified in a variety of skill areas including, air conditioning, air distribution, heat pumps and commercial refrigeration.

NATE certification isn’t required by the industry, but it’s definitely encouraged. The tests are extremely challenging, and not every technician passes on their first time. While these tests are difficult, they’re designed to help the consumer feel confident that the technician they’ve hired to work on their home is highly qualified. It’s also believed that a technician who takes a NATE test is more likely to stay in the industry longer and provide better quality service over the long run.

The benefit of having a technician with NATE certification work on your HVAC systems goes beyond just peace of mind. By hiring a certified technician, you can feel confident that the installation or maintenance required will be done right the first time because the knowledge and skill set provided is versed in the latest technology. Certified technicians are able to provide better service to ensure your home cooling and heating systems run properly and with greater energy efficiency.

For more expert advice about NATE certification and other issues related to home comfort, please contact us at Conditioned Air. We’ve been serving the Southwest Florida area since 1962.

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Here are some points to keep in mind as you work with your architect and HVAC contractor in planning and building your new space:

• Ducts should be sized so that conditioned air can be delivered to every room in your house using the smallest air handling equipment possible. This will reduce your up-front costs and save energy over the life of the system.
• Avoid right angles and other tight turns in your ductwork. Gentle turns offer less resistance to airflow and will reduce the power required to move air through your system.
• Return air ducts should be positioned to allow balanced airflow to and from every room. A return duct in each room is ideal, but louvered vents in doors or walls can also provide access to the return air system.
• Ducts should run inside your home’s conditioned space wherever possible. If you have to run ducts through your garage or attic, be sure the ducts are adequately insulated to prevent energy losses.
• Duct joints and seams should be sealed with mastic and mechanically fastened with screws or clamps. It’s especially critical for ducts to be sealed if they run through areas that might contain potentially harmful gases, such as your garage or utility room.
• Consider a ductwork design that lets you isolate your new addition or other areas of your home into independently conditioned zones. Baffles to regulate airflow controlled by independent programmable thermostats will let you customize the heating and cooling of different areas of your home while reducing your utility bills.

Let the energy experts at Conditioned Air help you with your ductwork design and installation in your new addition. We’ve been working with homeowners and businesses throughout Naples and southwest Florida since 1962.

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A zoned heating and cooling system uses multiple thermostats to monitor the temperature in specific areas, or zones, of your home. Each of the programmable thermostats is wired to a single control panel. The control panel controls different dampers in your forced air HVAC system to monitor the airflow to each zone independently.

Here are tips to decide if upgrading to a zoning system is right for your home.

• Do you have a multi-story home? If so, you’ll benefit from zoned cooling this summer. Because heat has a tendency to rise, it’s common for upper levels to be uncomfortably warm. A zoned system will ensure both stories are kept at your desired temperature.
• Are there rooms/areas of your home that are rarely used? It’s a good idea to establish independent zones for those spaces so your A/C isn’t using unnecessary energy to cool rooms that aren’t being used.
• Do your family members seem to have individual thermometers? In many cases, couples prefer a cooler master bedroom, while young children may require a warmer sleeping environment. Zoning systems can provide different micro-climates under one roof.
• How often do you have to super-cool one area of the house in order for another to be tolerable? This is often the case in homes with large expanses of windows with a southern or western exposure, or rooms with vaulted ceilings. In order to combat the solar heat gain in these living spaces, you may have to freeze out other areas of the house. Zoned systems create a balance.

Once you’ve upgraded to a zoning system, your utility bills should begin to decrease, reflecting the energy conservation achieved when your house is heated and/or cooled more efficiently.

For assistance in deciding whether upgrading to a zoning system is a smart move for your home, please contact Conditioned Air. We’ve provided exemplary HVAC service for our Southwest Florida customers for five decades.

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.

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To get the most out of these units, be sure to follow these simple guidelines.

• Maintain a constant temperature as much as possible. It’s important to maintain the same setting for several hours in a row (minimum of 8 hours is optimal) before switching to a new temperature. Constantly changing the temperature over the course of the day can negatively affect your energy conservation and compromise comfort.
• A good location is essential. Getting the most out of your programmable thermostat begins with its installation. Avoid placing the unit in a location that’s typically cooler or warmer than the rest of your home. For example, areas where drafts commonly occur or locations that are exposed to sunlight will skew the unit’s temperature sensor and cause your heating or cooling equipment to kick on even when your entire home’s at a comfortable level.
• Find the middle ground. Contrary to popular belief, if you turn your thermostat to a very low or very high setting, your home will not cool off or warm up more quickly. This is simply not the way your HVAC system works. Doing this will only result in your heating or cooling equipment operating longer than necessary, which can lead to a waste of both energy and money.
• Remember to keep your comfort level in mind. We all want to save energy and money, but it’s not worth the savings if you’re always miserable. When setting your programmable thermostat, be sure that you’re not compromising your family’s comfort for a few bucks.

For more expert advice about using a programmable thermostat, or for questions relating to home comfort, please contact the friendly professionals at Conditioned Air. We’ve been serving the HVAC needs of southwest Florida since 1962.

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Size

Nothing affects the performance of a central air conditioner more than its size. A system that’s too small won’t be able to cool your home when the weather is exceptionally hot, and one that’s too large won’t run long enough per cycle to remove enough humidity. The short cycles also drive up your energy bill and increase the wear and tear on all the parts in the system.

Professional HVAC contractors use a tool called Manual J to calculate the size of the A/C replacement you need rather than going by the size of your existing equipment. Changes or improvements to your home affect its needs, and therefore the size of the A/C replacement. Manual J takes into account the cubic footage you cool, insulation levels, window efficiency and placement, along with other factors related to your home and yard.

Efficiency

The minimum energy efficiency rating for central air conditioners stands at 13 SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio). Anything higher may lower your energy bills.

Upgraded features ideal for southwest Florida’s humid climate include:

• Variable-speed air handlers - These adjust the motor in the air handler to run at different speeds depending on your cooling needs. They tend to run longer and slower, which removes more humidity.
• Dual-speed compressors - A compressor with two speeds runs on its lower speed when temperatures are moderate and saves the high speed for the warmest weather. This saves energy during the spring and fall when it’s cooler.

Installation

Your HVAC contractor should examine your ductwork before installing the A/C and seal the leaks if necessary. The outdoor condenser should be placed in a shady location away from the dryer vent and any heavy vegetation.

If you’ve got questions about an A/C replacement for your home, contact Conditioned Air. We’ve provided HVAC services for southwest Florida since 1962.

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.

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!   

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Control humidity

Humidity makes a hot day feel miserable, but it can also affect indoor air quality. Mold and mildew thrive in warmth and humidity and may lead to respiratory allergies. Using a whole-house dehumidifier is one sure way to control your home’s humidity.

Control dust

Dust is unattractive, a respiratory irritant, and it can harbor dust mites, which cause allergic reactions in many people.

• Dust your home weekly and use microfiber cloths to make this job as successful as possible. Dust clings to these cloths rather than simply being displaced.
• To prevent extra dust in your home, keep soil outdoors where it belongs. Wipe shoe soles on mats placed just outside the threshold and remove your shoes upon entry.

Purify the air

• Consider investing in air purification systems. These can greatly improve indoor air quality by removing dust, mold and even some viruses from the air.

Change HVAC filters regularly

• Despite what some may tell you, it’s important to clean or change your filters more often than twice yearly. Check filters once a month and clean or change as needed.
• If your system’s compatible with them, convert to HEPA filters for the best pollutant control. If you’re not sure if HEPA works for your system, ask your trusted HVAC technician.

Reduce clutter

Items such as cardboard boxes and intricate knickknacks attract dust and, sometimes, mold. Of course, you may want to keep some decorative items out to enjoy. However, reducing the number of items that collect dust will mean easier cleaning. If you have a collection of small figures or similar items, consider placing them in a curio cabinet behind glass doors, allowing you to enjoy them without having to constantly dust them.

For more information about improving your home’s indoor air quality and other HVAC related advice, please contact us at Conditioned Air. We serve southwest Florida and look forward to helping you.

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.

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! 

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A yearly tune-up of your system is your first line of defense in keeping your heat pump operating efficiently this summer, preventing the need for service and saving you money on your utility bills.

A qualified HVAC professional will do the following during a comprehensive tune-up:

• Inspect the indoor coils and blower for dirt and other obstructions, and clean as needed.
• Check the ducts for loose joints and leaks, and seal with metal tape or mastic sealant.
• Measure for optimum airflow to the system.
• Measure the refrigerant charge and adjust if necessary, as well as check for refrigerant leaks.
• Clean and tighten electrical connections.
• Lubricate the moving parts of the system to prevent friction.
• Tighten loose belts and check them for wear.
• Check the electrical controls to ensure heat is locked out when the thermostat is set for cooling and vice versa.
• Check and adjust the thermostat for accuracy.

Heat pump maintenance doesn’t stop at the professional tune-up. There are several important tasks you should do year-round to maintain your heat pump’s efficiency and extend its operating life.

• Check your air filter on a monthly basis and replace it when it’s dirty. A dirty filter prevents optimum airflow and makes your heat pump work harder to keep you comfortable. This in turn causes higher energy bills and more wear on the system, not to mention a reduction in your indoor air quality.
• Clean the outdoor coil unit regularly to prevent dirt from building up on the unit.
• Keep the outdoor unit free of debris, such as grass clippings and weed growth.
• Keep your supply registers clean and free of obstructions, which can hamper airflow to your system.

For more expert advice about heat pump maintenance, or to schedule your yearly tune-up with one of our HVAC professionals, contact the team at Conditioned Air. We’ve been serving southwest Florida with attention to detail and exceptional customer service for over 50 years.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about heat pumps 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!   

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