Here are three good reasons not to ignore filter maintenance:

• Clean filters preserve the life of your HVAC system. HVAC systems are designed to circulate healthy air through your home, and filters are an integral part of their design. Filters keep indoor pollutants from running through the system and becoming airborne. As the filter removes particles from the air, it becomes caked with allergens and dust. Your HVAC equipment has to work harder to blow air through a dirty filter, and that extra work can shorten the life of your system.
• Clean filters reduce allergens in your home. Modern HVAC systems recirculate air throughout the house, which helps maintain a comfortable temperature. But it also means allergens such as molds, pollen, pet dander and dust get recirculated. To reduce allergens in your home, choose efficient filters and check them monthly during Southwest Florida’s hot summers.
• Clean filters save money on your utility bill. HVAC systems are designed to run as often as is necessary to achieve and maintain the desired temperature in your home. If your filter is dirty or clogged and air can’t easily pass through, your system will nonetheless continue to work to reach your desired temperature. All that extra work shows up as large numbers on your utility bill. Give your HVAC system and your wallet a break and change those filters.

Filter maintenance is an easy but easily overlooked task. If you’re prone to forgetting to change the filter, set a certain day each month for checking it or install an air filter gauge to help you change it frequently enough to preserve your system, reduce allergens in your home and keep your utility bill under control.

For more ideas on how to improve or preserve your home’s HVAC system, contact the professionals at Conditioned Air. Serving Southwest Florida, 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 other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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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.

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There are a couple of efficiency ratings to consider in particular when considering a heat pump upgrade:

• HSPF, or “heating season performance factor.” HSPF measures the energy efficiency of both the pump’s compressor and electricity-resistant elements. The heat pumps that are most efficient in this area will be rated from 8 and 10 on the HSPF scale — anything lower means you’ll be using up more energy during heating mode.
• SEER, or “season energy efficiency ratio.” This rating measures how efficiently a heat pump uses energy during its cooling mode. Heat pump upgrades that are higher on the SEER scale are usually more expensive upfront, but they pay off in long-term energy savings. If you can afford to invest in a higher efficiency pump now, you’ll probably recoup much of that cost down the road. The most cooling-efficient heat pumps out there are rated from 14 and 18 on the SEER scale.

In a warm region such as Southwest Florida, SEER is the more important factor, as you’ll rely more on the pump’s cooling mode. If you have questions or could use help weighing your options when it comes to heat pump upgrades, contact the experts at Conditioned Air. We’re proud to help keep Southwest Florida homeowners comfortable — while helping improve energy efficiency, too.

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.

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Of course, nobody can predict the future, so this can sometimes be a difficult decision to make. Use these six tips to help you decide when to replace an HVAC system:

• Equipment age: If you have had your furnace or air conditioner for 15 years or longer, it is probably time to consider an upgrade. New models are much more efficient and replacing your equipment before it breaks can save you a lot of stress and discomfort.
• Increasing energy bills: Although fuel and electricity are getting more expensive, as your equipment ages it will become less efficient and cost more each month to operate. Your contractor can help you compare monthly usage to costs to help you determine whether your HVAC system is getting more expensive to run.
• Frequent repairs: If you have had any necessary repairs in the past two years it is a sign of equipment aging and may be time to replace an HVAC system.
• Strange noises: Any odd noises coming from your HVAC system should be examined by a professional. Another sign to watch for is excessive running of the blower fan.
• Home comfort: Do you achieve home comfort in every room in your home?
• Humidity levels: If you experience extreme humidity or dryness in your home, you may benefit from new equipment that has more advanced features.

If you are ready to replace an HVAC system in your home or business, call the trained professionals at Conditioned Air for expert installation and maintenance. We’ll help you properly evaluate your cooling and heating needs so you can get the most from your new investment. Serving Southwest Florida, 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 other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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A variable-speed air handler provides consistent airflow at a low fan speed. When additional heated or cooled air is needed, the speed of the fan increases until the thermostat temperature is met. This type of home comfort technology provides many advantages to you and your family:

• Quiet operation: If you have ever been jolted awake by the sound of your heating and cooling system coming on, you know how noisy a conventional system can be. Constant operation at a low speed is almost unnoticeable, and when the higher fan speed is needed, it gradually increases without making sudden noises.
• Enhanced air quality: Because variable-speed air handlers constantly filter the air that flows through them, the air in your home is much cleaner than with a traditional blower motor. Constant air circulation also means fewer odors and unwanted contaminants, because stale, old air is regularly removed and replaced with air that has just been through the air filter.
• Better energy efficiency: The electricity consumption of a variable-speed air handler is significantly less than a conventional system, saving you hundreds of dollars each year.
• Consistent humidity levels: When your heating and cooling system cycles completely on and off, it also affects the humidity levels in your home. How many times have you turned on the air conditioner not because you were warm, but because the air in your home felt too humid? Constant operation means a consistent humidity level, too.
• Improved home comfort: With no more major temperatures swings, you can feel comfortable all day long.

If you are interested in having a variable-speed air handler installed in your home, call the professionals at Conditioned Air in Naples, Fort Myers, Charlotte or Sarasota. We’ll match your new air handler to your heating and cooling system for optimal operation.

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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Inefficiencies in any one of these areas can result in higher utility bills and reduced home comfort. However, duct efficiency plays a particularly important role because ductwork is the delivery system for heated and cooled air.

In Southwest Florida, the highest energy expense is typically for air conditioning during the long cooling season. Improving duct efficiency can help reduce energy bills by keeping more cooled air within the ductwork so it is delivered to your living spaces. These three tips will help improve duct efficiency in your home:

• Find and seal air leaks: Over time, joints between ducts can become loose, flexible ductwork can tear or be punctured and seals can become cracked. Look for air leaks near supply and return registers, at the point where the ductwork connects to HVAC equipment and at any other connection points in the duct system. Seal leaks with mastic tape and replace flexible ductwork when necessary.
• Insulate ductwork: If you have ducts running through unconditioned spaces like the garage or an unfinished basement, heat can be transferred between the air in the ducts and the air outside, heating conditioned air in summer or allowing heat to be lost in winter. This heat transfer causes your heating and cooling system to run more frequently to keep your living spaces at the desired temperature and increases energy bills.
• Ensure proper equipment sizing: If you are purchasing a new heating and cooling system, a proper load calculation is essential for maintaining good duct efficiency. While it may be tempting to buy a larger air conditioner, overloading the ducts can actually reduce energy efficiency and cost you more in the long run.

The experts at Conditioned Air can help you evaluate the performance of your entire HVAC system, including duct efficiency. Contact us at any time to schedule an appointment or just to ask for advice from one of our courteous professionals. Serving Southwest Florida, 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 other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Adjusting your thermostat settings while you are at work or sleeping is a smart and easy way to reduce energy use and lower your utility bills. But coming home to a cold house in winter or a hot, stuffy house in summer is not pleasant for anybody. Using programmable thermostat settings around your regular schedule can help you avoid these problems.

Did you know that in winter you can save up to 3 percent on your energy bills for every degree you lower the thermostat? In summer you can save as much as 4 percent for every degree it’s raised. These savings can really add up, but to get the most from your programmable thermostat, you need to consider a couple key factors:

• Thermostat calibration: Professional installation is highly recommended for new thermostats because correct calibration is critical for proper operation. Your technician should also check the thermostat calibration and settings as part of annual routine maintenance. Don’t forget that your thermostat is a key part of your heating and cooling system.
• Thermostat placement: If your thermostat is placed on a wall that is exposed to a lot of daytime sun or drafts from doorways, the reading will not reflect the actual temperature in the room. Your contractor can help you identify the best thermostat placement, taking into account both external factors and the need for easy access. When exploring your thermostat options, consider the benefits of installing a zoning system at the same time.

Professional installation and maintenance ensures that you get accurate readings, and following these thermostat setting tips will help you maximize energy savings.

If you are ready to upgrade to a programmable thermostat, or even if you just need a little help with the one you already have, contact the friendly experts at Conditioned Air. Serving Southwest Florida, 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 other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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These particles can settle on surfaces and be inhaled by you and your family, causing potential health issues. One of the first steps to improving indoor air quality is to control dust in your home.

Regular cleaning is essential for controlling dust, but in some cases it is simply not enough to vacuum and change the bedding on a weekly basis. There are a number of ways you can control dust in your home with the help of indoor air quality solutions:

• Use an advanced air filter: Your furnace or air conditioner filter traps particles as air flows through. However, many standard filters do not trap smaller particles. Upgrading to a high-efficiency filter can reduce the amount of dust that is allowed to pass through, but they can also restrict airflow. Ask your contractor what type of filters are appropriate for your system.
• Install a whole-house air cleaner: Although portable air purifiers are effective for removing dust and other contaminants in individual rooms, they only impact a small area. A whole-house system is integrated into your ductwork to provide clean air to every room in your home.
• Control the humidity: Dust mites thrive in a humid environment. Although your air conditioner does have some impact on your indoor humidity level, installing a whole-house humidity control system is a much more effective way to control dust in your home. You will also enjoy improved home comfort.

If you want to control dust in your home, contact the indoor air quality experts at Conditioned Air. We’ll help you find and install the products that make the most sense for your family. Serving Southwest Florida, 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 other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Energy management thermostats work similarly to programmable thermostats, but you have the additional option to control them remotely. If your schedule changes and you want to alter your thermostat settings accordingly, just log on to the Internet and make the necessary changes.

There are several advantages to installing energy management thermostats in your home:

• Increased energy savings: With even more control than a conventional programmable thermostat, you can make adjustments to reduce your energy use. If you’ll be home late, changing the programmed settings can ensure that you don’t spend more money to heat or cool your unoccupied home.
• Get meaningful alerts: You’re used to getting a text message, email or other alert when you have a calendar appointment, so why not get a similar alert when you need to change the furnace filter or schedule annual preventive maintenance?
• Protect your home: If you own a vacation home or travel frequently, it is comforting to know that you can control the thermostat while you are away. In colder climates, you can turn on the heat if you are worried about frozen pipes. In a warmer, humid climate such as Southwest Florida, briefly running the air conditioner each day can help prevent the growth of mold and mildew.

Some energy management thermostats can also be integrated with other systems in your home, such as a security alarm or lighting and appliance controls. If you are considering a thermostat upgrade, talk to your contractor about the available options.

Serving Southwest Florida, the professionals at Conditioned Air are here to help you with thermostats and all of your other home comfort systems. Whether you want to purchase new equipment or maintain your existing HVAC system, our trained experts will provide service with honesty and respect. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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

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Getting a professional load calculation done before you purchase and install new HVAC equipment is essential for maintaining good energy efficiency and keeping your home comfortable.

A common mistake that homeowners make when upgrading a heating and cooling system is simply getting a newer version of the the same sized equipment. Even if your existing equipment was properly sized when it was installed, the load calculation can change. Factors that may affect the heating or cooling load of your home include:

• Installation of a new roof
• Sealing leaks in ductwork
• Adding insulation to the attic or other areas
• Getting new windows or doors
• Adding new rooms or extensions
• Finishing a basement or attic

Doing a proper load calculation requires much more than just determining the square footage of your home. Your contractor will also account for the following factors:

• The climate in Southwest Florida
• The layout of your home, not just its size
• The amount of insulation in your home
• The type of windows you have and where they are located
• How much air infiltrates your home through leaks
• How many people live in your home and their ages
• Your home comfort preferences
• The appliances in your home the emit heat

All of these factors are combined to determine the heating or cooling load of your home so you can select the proper HVAC equipment size.

If you are considering an HVAC system upgrade, contact the professionals at Conditioned Air first. Our professional load calculation will help ensure that you do not spend more than necessary on a system that is too large for your home. A properly sized system also operates more efficiently, saving you even more money over the lifetime of the equipment.

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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