The Benefits of Having a New Air Conditioning Unit
Is your central air giving you trouble? It could be time to upgrade your current central air unit.
Being a Floridian, one of the most essential aspects of life in Florida is having your air conditioner in full working order.
Those long, hot summer days could be constant hassle for those living life without the benefits of central air. If you are still fighting the good fight of trying to stay cool in the Florida heat and humidity, now is one of the best times ever to change out an old central air conditioner for a new and more efficient unit.
With the current economy in the United States, swapping out your old central air unit for a more efficient offers a few major advantages.
First, many of the residential central air conditioners are manufactured in the United States, so buying one can help revitalize our economy. Almost all of the new super-high-efficiency models now use ozone-safe R410A refrigerant instead of old R-22.
The second major advantage is that it may save not only in terms of staying cool in the summer, it will also save you in your wallet.
One thing that consumers may not know is that if you purchase an energy-efficient product or renewable energy system for your home, you may be eligible for a federal tax credit. In order to qualify for the federal tax credit (this is a tax credit, not just a tax deduction), the central air conditioner must have a SEER of 16 or greater. A SEER translates to “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio”. Your old central air unit likely has a SEER of 10 or less. Your new energy-efficient product must be installed in 2011.
The more efficient central air conditioners provide a SEER of up to 24.5. Installing one of these models would reduce your summertime heating costs by up to 60 percent. It would also dramatically improve your indoor comfort and operate significantly quieter, particularly at night.
These 24.5- SEER models use a super-efficient rotary compressor. Most other models use scroll compressors, and some still use reciprocating piston compressors. What makes this rotary compressor so efficient is it uses inverter technology to provide nearly totally variable speed control and cooling output.
Two-level output compressors have been around for many years. They are reliable and provide adequate comfort for most families. The advantage of two-level cooling is it runs at a lower cooling output level during mild weather. This allows the system to run longer for better dehumidification and even indoor temperatures using less electricity.
The inverter technology rotary compressors take this several steps further by providing variable cooling output levels from about 25 percent to maximum cooling output. The matching thermostat is constantly sensing the air temperature and making fine adjustments to the cooling output for maximum comfort and the lowest electric bills.
All of the two and variable output air conditioners use a variable-speed indoor blower. This not only matches the air flow with the cooling output, but it provides better control of indoor humidity levels.
Many Florida residents are making the change and swapping out their older unit for a more efficient, energy-saving unit to beat the upcoming summer heat.
Do It Yourself Air Conditioner Repair and Maintenance- Getting Rid of Mold
While scientific studies are inconclusive about whether dirty air ducts contribute significantly to indoor air pollution, many homeowners feel that an annual or bi-annual cleaning of the air ducts increases the air quality of their home. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not have a blanket recommendation for or against duct cleaning; they, along with industry association and practitioners suggest cleaning the ducts if:
- there is visible mold and mildew present.
- your ducts are infested with rodents or insects
- the ducts are clogged with excessive amounts of dust and/or dirt.
The combination of displaced dust and dirt with the condensation of your air conditioner may lead to mold. Since mold thrives in environments with humidity above 70%, keeping your air conditioner running will help combat the problem. Should you decide to tackle the issue, it’s a fairly easy do-it-yourself project. Many companies also specialize in air duct cleaning and mold removal. Whether you do it yourself or call in an expert, the steps are the same.
You’ll need some basic equipment to battle the mold:
- a muffin tin or old ice cube tray, to keep the screws separated once they are removed.
- A vacuum
- a long handled brush
- oil can
- clean cloth or paper towels
- household cleaner
- a screwdriver
- a new filter
Begin by removing the filter. Remove the front grill from the outside of the unit. Place the metal screws in your tray, and then check the fan for holes. Add a few drops of oil to keep it running smoothly. Use your long handled brush to remove any surface dust and dirt. Spray with cleaner and let stand 15 minutes before wiping with a clean cloth or paper towel. Vacuum any remaining residue.
Brush and clean (with cleaner) any dirt and dust from the condenser. Spray with cleaner, let stand and wipe clean. Wipe the fan blades, and give the entire unit an additional once over with the vacuum cleaner. Empty and clean water base. Because this section of your unit holds the most standing water, expect to see more mold in here. Let it dry completely and then reassemble the unit.
Your local heating and cooling technician can also perform this service, as either part of, or in addition too, your yearly tune up. Be sure to ask about eliminating mold when you call to have your air conditioner serviced.
Saving Green by Going Green: Easy ways to reduce your air conditioning bills and carbon footprint
Americans spend $11 billion keeping their homes cool every year, and the average American air conditioning unit releases almost 2 tons of carbon dioxide every year. While home air conditioning units set the standard for keeping your house cool in the summer, there are some simple tips to lower both your carbon footprint and your energy bill:
- Keep your air filters clean. During the summer months, when A/C usage is at its highest, replace them every month. When you pay your utility bill, change the filter.
- As mentioned in previous posts, give your unit a professional tune up. Having a technician come out and take a look can help identify small problems before they become big expensive ones. Your technician should the note the conditions of the coil, the filter, condensation tray line, the refrigerant pressure, the blower motor, the outdoor condenser, the fan motor and the electrical connections.
- Set your thermostat a few degrees higher. You won’t notice the difference, but your bank account will.
- Install a programmable thermostat and set it to automatically kick on a half hour before you return. This will ensure your house is cool when you’re home, and a little warmer while you are away.
- Shade your air conditioning unit. When installing a home cooling system, place them in indirect sunlight. Place window units on the north facing windows, if possible.
- Inventory your home for easy to do improvements. Seal leaky ducts and “bulk up” your insulation if you live in older home. Both these solutions will keep the cool air from escaping.
- If your unit is more than 10 years old, consider replacing it for a more energy efficient unit. Technology has come a long way, and you’ll recoup the initial investment over time through lower energy bills.
- If you are installing a new unit, be sure it is sized properly for your home. One recent study suggests most air conditioning units are 50% oversized for the cooling needs of the home.
- Wash and dry dishes and laundry early in the morning or later in the evening. This will eliminate added heat from the washer, dryer, or washing machine.
- Use ceiling fans to increase airflow and comfort levels.
- Install window shades or blinds to decrease sun exposure.
- Keep them drawn throughout the day.
These inexpensive easy to implement strategies can help your household go a little “greener” while adding some “green” to your bank account.
What To Do To Get Your Home “Energy Ready” For The Summer
Summertime is almost here, and before it gets too warm it may be time to make sure you’re ready for the hot Florida weather.
While the Florida panhandle is home to some of the most pristine beaches in the world, the emerald water and sandy beaches are not going to help your home stay cool during those scorching hot days of summer.
So what do you do to get ready for the heatwave?
- First, change your filters in your heating/cooling system. make sure to check and change them regularly, at least monthly.
- The next thing is to change your thermostat over to “cool” and test the system by turning the temperature down. If the air conditioner does not turn on, first check to make sure no breakers are tripped. If you can’t figure out the problem, it would be a good time to call Beachside Air Conditioning. Calling early may keep you from making an “emergency” call when the temperatures are soaring and the repair people are too busy.
- If your cooling system turns on, make sure it is putting out adequate cooling. If it’s not, and you can’t figure out the problem, call Beachside Air Conditioning. Make sure you set it at 78 degrees.
- If your air conditioner needs replacement, it is always better to do it before the hot Florida summer weather hits.
- You may also want to consider changing your old thermostat to a programmable one. You can save up to $100 a year by using a new programmable thermostat. If your thermostat is really old and uses a mercury switch give Beachside Air Conditioning a call today.
- Consider installing a whole-house fan that uses cool air in the evening to cool the entire house and push hot air out of the attic area.
-Install living room and bedroom ceiling fans as well as whole house fans to help reduce your need to use the air conditioner.
- Take down the old storm windows, if you live in areas where you need them, and put up screens in their place.
With these energy-ready tips in place you should be ready for that Florida summer heatwave.
The Trane Brand Name: Cool Air, Warm Air, Clean Air.
Trane is all about air – cool air, warm air, clean air.
As a world leader in air conditioning systems, services and solutions, Trane controls the comfort of the air for people in homes and many of the world’s largest and most famous commercial, industrial and institutional buildings. They also apply their expertise in environmental technology and energy conservation to make a difference in energy efficiency around the globe.
Trane offer a broad range of energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems; dehumidifying and air cleaning products; service and parts support; advanced building controls and financing solutions. The company sells under both the Trane and American Standard brand names, and their systems and services have leading positions in premium commercial, residential, institutional and industrial markets; a reputation for reliability, high quality and product innovation; and a powerful distribution network.
Large commercial systems designed, manufactured and maintained by Trane provide the heating, ventilation and air conditioning for prominent buildings on every continent. Trane custom designs solutions for each building and our substantial services business gives Trane the resources to partner with each customer for the life of a building.
You can find Trane systems working behind the scenes to provide a comfortable environment for office workers in Beijing’s World Trade Center complex, audiences at Milan’s famous La Scala opera house, baseball fans in Toronto’s Skydome and even tourists visiting the Washington Monument.
As a leader in green building technology, Trane custom designs building systems that operate with maximum energy efficiency. This is what customers want and the environment needs. Trane’s commitment to clean air extends from the air people breathe in their customers’ buildings to the air those buildings emit into the atmosphere.
Trane has long been the world’s largest producer of the massive chillers in commercial air conditioning systems. But their industry leadership today is based on the comprehensive systems they design to accommodate the specific needs of our customers’ buildings, complete with sophisticated controls as well as chillers, all supported with Trane parts and services.
What can an AC repair company do to reduce suffering from allergies?
Jeff from Beachside AC explains new technology to help reduce allergies in your home.
Learn from My Experience–Get Your Air Conditioner Checked Before Summer
Spring may not be a time when most of us think about air conditioning, but now is definitely the time to give your air conditioning system a spring checkup. Add it to your spring cleaning list and make sure that’s your house is ready for the arrival of summer. I know from experience how important this pre-warm weather check up can be.
Years ago, my husband and I purchased a new home in a lovely subdivision outside of Washington, DC. We were excited about showing off our new residence to friends and invited our best friends to join us for the DC’s official Commencement of Spring, the flowering of the cherry trees. We looked forward to seeing our friends and I made certain that everything was in ready for their arrival. Neighbors had advised me to have our air conditioning system checked as their units required coolant. My husband, being the every thrifty, save-a-penny kind of guy, assured me that it was not necessary. After all, he said, “This is a new unit and a very good and reliable brand. “I should know, he further stated, “I manage the company that sells these units and they are the best.”
Our friends arrived on Friday. We had a lovely afternoon. May can be a fickle month for weather in the DC area. Sometimes you get snow and cherry blossoms, and sometimes you get showers or humidity. That year, summer decided to make its appearance in a big way that very weekend.
After we arrived back from sightseeing, my friends commented that the house was hot. I couldn’t help but notice the heat as well. I turned the air conditioning on and we all parted to shower and dress for our dinner engagement. We had made reservations at one of the best Washington restaurants, well-known for its French cuisine and extensive wine list. Before leaving, my friends commented that the house was still hot. I turned the thermostat way down and we left. Little did I know, the air conditioning system was blowing nothing but hot air!
In blissful ignorance of what was yet to be, we had a lovely dinner paired with several bottles of delectable wine. Upon arriving home after dinner, we were welcomed by a “hot” house. I do not mean just warm, I mean hot. There is nothing like Washington heat and humidity. Mother Nature picked this very day to bring summer in with a sizzle. I gave my husband a not so sweet look; but nothing could be done. You can’t get a technician out at 11:00 at night to check out your air. We tried to make conversation, but the heat was unbearable. We were smoldering. My friends jokingly took ice from the ice maker and rubbed it over their arms and faces. Heat and too much wine do not agree. My friends said they were going to bed, where they could at least undress and be comfortable. It was even hotter upstairs in the bedrooms. It was so hot, no one could sleep. Finally, my girlfriend knocked on the door and said they were going to check into a nearby hotel—they just couldn’t take the heat any longer. I couldn’t blame them. As a matter of fact, I wanted to join them, but mustered enough reserve not to beg. I finally took some blankets and sheets outside on the back deck and made a pallet for myself. My husband could suffer upstairs for all I cared at the moment. My husband came out and asked if I weren’t afraid to sleep outside in the open. I think he was really more concerned about what the neighbors might think when they saw me. I told him that I should be so lucky as to be slashed by Jack-The-Ripper or carried off by some wild animal. At least I would be spared this misery and embarrassment. Just when I thought that I could not endure the heat any longer, a cool breeze brought sweet relief. I was finally able to sleep. Unfortunately, the cool breeze was the forerunner of sunrise. I arose and went back inside to take another shower, still trying to cool down.
Our friends called from their hotel room and asked us to join them for breakfast. Of course we agreed—at least we would be in air conditioned comfort for a few hours. We toured some other DC attractions and said goodbye to our departing friends, who said they could never repay us properly for this “hot” weekend. Amazingly, we are still friends and laugh about that weekend, but it wasn’t funny at the time.
The money my husband thought he saved by not making that service call, turned out to be costly. Was it really worth ruining a great weekend with good friends? Take my advice and schedule an air conditioning tune up—before you need the cool air. Air conditioning maintenance can prevent small problems from becoming big problems and save you money as well as friendships. Your technician can catch small problems before they add up to major expenses. Repairing a small refrigerant leak costs little more than a regular service call. However, buying a new compressor when low refrigerant levels burn your unit out can cost dearly. HVAC problems, if you have them, are not going to disappear with summer’s heat. You may find, as we did, that all the pros are booked and emergency service will cost you dearly.
Heating & Cooling Energy Tips
As much as half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling. So making smart decisions about your home’s heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can have a big effect on your utility bills and your comfort.
Follow these five tips to increase the efficiency of your heating and cooling system.
Tip #1: Make sure to change your air filter on a regular basis
- Check your air conditioning filter every month, especially during heavy use months (winter and summer). If the filter looks dirty after a month, make sure you change it. At a minimum, change the filter every 2-3 months. A dirty filter will slow down air flow within your vents and make the system work harder to keep you warm or cool — wasting energy.
- A clean filter will also prevent dust and dirt from building up in the system — leading to expensive maintenance and/or early system failure.
Tune up your HVAC equipment yearly - Just as a tune-up for your car can improve your gas mileage, a yearly tune-up of your heating and cooling system can improve efficiency and comfort.
Tip #2: Install a programmable thermostat
- A programmable thermostat is ideal for people who are away from home during set periods of time throughout the week. Through proper use of pre-programmed settings, a programmable thermostat can save you about $180 every year in energy costs.
Tip #3: Sealing your heating and cooling ducts
- Ducts that move air to-and-from a forced air furnace, central air conditioner, or heat pump are often big energy wasters. Sealing and insulating ducts can improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system by as much as 20 percent — and sometimes much more.
- Focus first on sealing ducts that run through the attic, crawlspace, unheated basement, or garage. Use duct sealant (mastic) or metal-backed (foil) tape to seal the seams and connections of ducts.
- After sealing the ducts in those spaces, wrap them in insulation to keep them from getting hot in the summer or cold in the winter. Next, look to seal any other ducts that you can access in the heated or cooled part of the house.
Tip #4: Consider installing ENERGY STAR qualified heating and cooling equipment
- If your HVAC equipment is more than 10 years old or not keeping your house comfortable, have it evaluated by a professional HVAC contractor. If it is not performing efficiently or needs upgrading, consider replacing it with a unit that has earned the ENERGY STAR. Depending on where you live, replacing your old heating and cooling equipment with ENERGY STAR qualified equipment can cut your annual energy bill by nearly $200. But before you invest in a new HVAC system, make sure that you have addressed the big air leaks in your house and the duct system. Sometimes, these are the real sources of problems rather than your HVAC equipment.
Tip #5: Ask about Proper Installation of your new equipment
- Replacing your old heating and cooling equipment with new, energy-efficient models is a great start. But to make sure that you get the best performance, the new equipment must be properly installed.
- In fact, improper installation can reduce system efficiency by up to 30 percent — costing you more on your utility bills and possibly shortening the equipment’s life.
Save Money with a New, Energy-efficient Furnace from Your Local Okaloosa HVAC Dealer
The cost of a furnace is more than the cost of materials and labor to install the furnace. The estimated cost of a new furnace is $2,500-$4,000. The estimated cost of labor to install this new system is around $4,000 in the Okaloosa County area. How is this expenditure going to help you save money? If you decide to install a new more fuel-efficient unit, you will make up the difference starting immediately. These new units are much more fuel efficient. To calculate your potential savings costs, you may want to consult your local Okaloosa Utility Company or call your local Okaloosa County HVAC dealer. They can help you figure the savings on your heating bills and the payout period for the return on this investment.
If your home is heated by a forced air system, you may want an energy audit to test for leaks in your ducts or other potential problems to help you assess your current system. Leaky ducts can lose up to thirty-five percent of the hot air produced by your furnace and rob your home of warm air. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, dirt and neglect are the main causes of heating systems to operate inefficiently and can also cause them to fail. An energy audit can tell you where problems or potential problems may lie with your heating and cooling system.
Long term investments in energy efficient products can help you save money and save energy over the years to come. Are you aware that approximately 43% of your utility bill goes to heating your home? Approximately 60% of your utility bill goes to cooling your home. These are real considerations when considering a new purchase to make your home more energy efficient. Making smarter choices on your heating and cooling systems can save you big in the long run.
Your first step should be to make certain that your present HVAC system is operating as efficiently as possible. By spending a nominal sum of money twice a year on a service call, you can save a lot in energy bills over the entire year by keeping your system operating at peak efficiency and saving costs on expensive repairs by catching minor problems before they become big ones.
Are you aware that manufacturer warranties may be invalidated if the units are not properly maintained and inspected, normally twice a year? Even if your system is working okay, you still could recoup your investment in a new; more energy efficient system in as little as three years, with the benefit of getting paid back with lowers monthly utility bills. Heating and cooling systems efficiency has been increased tremendously over the past five years. Even if your system is working just fine, it may be worth taking a look at whether it makes sense to upgrade now rather than waiting. And if you need more encouragement, you may also qualify for the 2010 Federal Tax Credit.
Evergy Saving Air Conditioning Tips
Tips to keep your Air Conditioning Unit in full working order.
The days of summer will soon be upon us, and in order to make sure you have your central air unit in full working order we are here to offer you a few helpful energy-saving tips.
Depending on your region of the country, air conditioning can account for anywhere from 5 to 50% of your household budget. Living in Florida, air conditioner is such a sizable investment. You can save money and energy by carefully purchasing and operating your air conditioner.
Maintenance and Operation Tips
- Air Conditioning filters are a major factor in your unit.
- A dusty filter can reduce air flow within your home.
- Examine your air conditioning unit’s air filters at least once a month and clean or replace the filter when necessary.
- Keeping your air conditioning filters clean can cut energy consumption 5 to 15%.
- For a central air conditioning unit, make sure the ducts are properly insulated, especially those that pass through the attic or any other unconditioned areas.
- Make sure furniture does not obstruct air conditioning vents. Close off unused rooms and close vents in those rooms.
Energy Saving Tips:
- Good conservation habits also help hold down electric bills. For instance, only use your unit when the temperature is above 78 degrees F. Close windows and draw drapes and shades during the day to keep out the heat. At night, open the windows and turn on window or attic fans to draw in the cooler air. In addition, passive cooling techniques such as shading, ventilation, and vegetation can reduce your cooling needs.
- A heat pump can be an alternative to the conventional air conditioner. In its cooling mode, an air-to-air heat pump works like an ordinary air conditioner. But unlike an air conditioner, the heat pump can reverse during cold weather, absorbing heat from the outdoor air and transferring it indoors. Though air-to-air is the most common type of heat pump, water-to-air and ground-to-air heat pumps are also available. Water-to-air heat pumps exchange heat with either ground surface or well water.
- Ground-to-air heat pumps are most cost effective when included in a new home’s design rather than as an addition to an existing home.
- Fans can also help cool your home. While fans cannot replace air conditioners, they can provide supplemental cooling, especially on mild summer days. Substituting fans for air conditioners can save 60% or more in energy.
- Evaporative coolers, or “swamp coolers” also can cool your home. An evaporative cooler works on the principle that it takes heat to evaporate water. An evaporative cooler uses the outside air’s heat to evaporate water that is held by pads inside the cooler. The heat is drawn out of the air through this process and ‘the cooled air is blown into your home by the cooler’s fan.