Kool Breeze of Northwest Florida, Inc Blog: Archive for April, 2014

How to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

Friday, April 25th, 2014

What’s ailing your home’s indoor air? Is it mold, mildew or bacteria? Do you feel that the air is excessively wet or dry? Is it hard to breathe? Are your allergies out of control? There are plenty of substances that can be detrimental to your indoor air quality in Navarre, but, fortunately, there are an equally effective number of solutions available to the homeowner to combat such problems, including air filtration systems, air purifiers, humidifiers, dehumidifiers and energy recovery ventilators.

Considering how much time we spend indoors, it’s important to make certain that you breathe clean air when you’re at home or at work. Taking control of your indoor air quality often requires much more than cracking a window. Moreover, opening up the windows during the summer or winter can significantly raise your heating and cooling costs. It’s important to find indoor air quality solutions that directly address the problems you are out to remediate. Let’s take a look at some popular indoor air quality products.

Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality

  • Air Purifiers and Air Filtration Systems. Whether you opt for a HEPA filter to remove particles from your indoor air, or you have an electronic air purifier installed within your HVAC system, make sure that it is completed by a professional. There are numerous different types of air purifiers and air filtration systems, including UV air purifiers that are directed towards microbiological contaminants such as mold, mildew and bacteria.
  • Dehumidifier. In order to make a dent in the stifling summer humidity, you may want to consider a whole house dehumidifier. These devices integrate directly into your heating and cooling system to affect your entire indoor air, and not just a single room. There are also humidifiers available if your air is excessively dry.
  • Energy Recovery Ventilator. One of the major problems of the modern, energy-efficient home is that natural ventilation is no longer available in quite the same way. If you want to avoid the rise in energy costs that will accompany any opening of the windows or doors, then you may want to consider an energy recovery ventilator. This device provides a way for you to exhaust stale air and preconditioning incoming air.

Let the friendly staff at Kool Breeze of Northwest Florida, Inc. help you achieve excellent indoor air quality in your home or work space. Call us today.

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How Air Conditioning Works

Friday, April 18th, 2014

Life here in Florida would be uncomfortable without a whole house air conditioning system, but though we use them every day, the way an air conditioner works remains a mystery to many. For most, it’s just the production of cold air. While this is not untrue, there’s a lot more to air conditioning than meets the eye. All air conditioners as well as refrigeration equipment rely on a similar process known as the refrigerant cycle. Knowing a bit more about how your air conditioning system works is a great way to be able to recognize problems as soon as they arise.

If you have any further questions about cooling issues at your home, or you’re interested in having a new air conditioner installed, then we can help. Call Kool Breeze of Northwest Florida, Inc. today. 

The basic components of an air conditioning system span the mechanical, the chemical and the electrical. The lifeblood of the refrigerant cycle is the refrigerant, which circulates through various coils as well as the compressor in order to bring cooling into the home. How does it work? Let’s take a closer look.

Refrigerant circulates through a cycle of different system components: compressor, condenser coil, expansion valve, and evaporator coil. This is a simplification, of course, but it will give you a sense of the most important aspects of the cycle. Because the cycle is continuous, we’ll have to start somewhere. When refrigerant enters your compressor, which is located in the outdoor unit along with the condenser, it is in a low pressure, gaseous state. The compressor does just what it sounds like it should do: it compresses the refrigerant into a high pressure, high temperature gas. It then circulates through the condenser coil, where a fan will blow through, thus causing the refrigerant to condense into a liquid.

However, it’s not quite ready to be used as cooling, though it is now cooler than the outside air. An expansion valve reduces the temperature of the refrigerant further by depressurization. At this point, it is ready to be circulated through the indoor evaporator coil inside the air handler. As your warm indoor air is extracted from your living space, it is sent through the coils. This thermal exchange results in evaporated refrigerant continuing on for another round in the cycle.

That’s it in a nutshell, though the actual cycle is much more complicated. If you should have any further questions, by all means, give us a call.

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Common Air Conditioning Repairs in Florida

Saturday, April 12th, 2014

Considering how much use and abuse our air conditioners endure on a daily basis, it’s hardly surprising to learn that they will require air conditioning repair at some point. Let’s not mince words. Your AC will break down eventually. The trick is to be prepared for problems when they happen, and to avoid them wherever possible. Professional installation is critical in this respect, as is a program of routine maintenance carried out by a trained technician. However, no matter what type of air conditioner you have and how well it is maintained, there will come a time when it needs to be fixed or replaced.

Catching the signs of potential air conditioning repair in Navarre early on is the best way to avoid further damage. While any diagnosis must be completed in person by a qualified technician, there are some signs to look out for.  Here is a handful so that you can keep a watchful eye on your HVAC system.

  • Weird sounds. Does your AC sound monstrous when it kicks on? Does your cooling seem to create a lot of hissing and whistling noises? Don’t settle for such distractions. If your air conditioner makes any noise out of the ordinary, then it should be cause for concern. While it’s true that it may be a quirk in your system and relative benign, it could also indicate that you’re losing cool air through a tear in the ducts that’s driving up your energy bills, or that one of your fan blades is damaged.
  • High energy consumption. Keep your eyes glued to that energy bill every month, especially during the most expensive time of the year. Does it seem unusually high? If you notice an abrupt rise in your energy bill without a corresponding increase in cooling usage or the rate at which you purchase electricity, then it could mean you have a problem with your AC, including low levels of refrigerant.
  • Uneven or inadequate cooling. Don’t settle for anything less than your comfort. If you find that your cooling system fails to meet your needs, then don’t hesitate to give us a call.

The experts at Kool Breeze of Northwest Florida, Inc. offer excellent air conditioning repair services in Navarre and beyond. Call us anytime, day or night. 

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Choosing a Commercial Air Conditioning System

Friday, April 4th, 2014

Any business that has to contend with the Florida heat is bound to think a lot about their commercial air conditioning system. Whether you run a retail store, grocery store, or simply manage a number of commercial properties in a large office building, you’re going to need an excellent commercial AC in Navarre that can provide sufficient comfort and convenience for your clients, customers, employees, and/or tenants. Frankly, you need an expert. The ability of experienced HVAC providers to deliver comprehensive solutions is crucial—they bring technical expertise and the capacity to meet diverse client needs with tailored, innovative, and reliable service programs. The choice is always yours to make, but in order to make an informed decision, it’s best to discuss your options in consultation with a professionally trained and experienced HVAC technician who can run you through your options from the start. Professional HVAC contractors offer in-depth consultation and thorough assessments to ensure optimal system selection and performance. Not every system may be ideal for the layout and size of your commercial space, and you always have to consider budget and management of ongoing costs.

The Importance of Tailored HVAC Solutions

There are a number of commercial air conditioning options on the market today, and finding the right one for your needs is something that we can do, no problem. It’s important to remember that both heating and cooling systems are essential for commercial properties—your heating system is just as important as your air conditioning, especially during colder periods. HVAC systems must be designed and installed to meet the specific requirements of each property, whether it’s an office, restaurant, or healthcare facility, as each has unique HVAC needs. The depth of evaluation provided by professionals ensures that your system will deliver optimal performance and customer satisfaction. When choosing the right system, consider the cost implications—professional advice can help you manage and reduce long-term operating costs effectively. For example, Kool Breeze of Northwest Florida, Inc. has been manufacturing HVAC equipment for over 100 years, ensuring systems run at peak performance. Routine maintenance is essential for commercial HVAC systems to function effectively and reliably, and preventive maintenance programs help extend the lifespan of your equipment. Customized maintenance plans can be tailored to meet your specific equipment and operational needs, while customized HVAC solutions can improve energy efficiency and reduce operational costs in commercial properties.

Introduction to Commercial HVAC

Commercial HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems are the backbone of comfort and productivity for commercial properties across Pensacola, FL, and the greater Northwest Florida region. In the Florida Panhandle, where high temperatures and humidity are the norm, having a reliable commercial HVAC system is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity for businesses striving to provide a comfortable and healthy environment for employees, customers, and clients year-round.

From bustling offices and busy restaurants to hotels, schools, and retail spaces, every commercial property has unique requirements when it comes to air conditioning, heating, and ventilation. That’s why professional HVAC services in Pensacola, FL, are so vital. A well-designed and expertly installed commercial HVAC system ensures that your business can operate smoothly, regardless of the weather outside. In addition to air conditioning and heating, comprehensive plumbing services are often needed to support the overall functionality and comfort of your building, making it essential to work with a contractor who can provide complete solutions.

Choosing the right commercial HVAC contractor in Pensacola, FL, means partnering with a team that brings decades of experience, a commitment to honest and fair service, and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by businesses in the Florida Panhandle. Reliable installation services, regular maintenance, timely repairs, and efficient equipment replacement all contribute to keeping your HVAC system running at peak performance, protecting your investment and ensuring the well-being of everyone in your building.

AC Options to Consider

  • Central air unit. Whether it’s located on the rooftop as a packaged unit or as a split system, a central air unit is the most common type of cooling system in this area. It’s widely recognized as a powerful system that produces excellent results. In commercial settings, having a reliable air conditioner is essential for maintaining comfort during hot weather and keeping occupants productive. It requires ductwork, so you’ll want to make sure that you have the space for those, and you may also want to think about a dehumidifier and UV air purifier to ensure that high humidity conditions don’t get in the way of your comfort.
  • Heat pump. If you want to take care of your commercial air conditioning and heating in Navarre with one system, then you may want to consider a heat pump. These systems are not much different than central air units, except for the fact that they also heat your commercial space during the winter months. Because of our moderate winters, a heat pump is an energy efficient way to keep everyone happy throughout the year.
  • Ductless mini splits. If you want to avoid the use of ductwork altogether, whether for reasons of space, energy efficiency or indoor air quality, then we offer ductless mini splits which can be installed throughout your commercial space to keep your customers and employees comfortable year-round.

There are many different models of HVAC equipment available, and professional contractors are experienced in servicing and installing a wide range of models to meet your specific needs. Common problems can arise with HVAC systems, such as reduced cooling, strange noises, or system failures, so it’s important to address these problems promptly to avoid disruptions. Professional technicians are trained to fix HVAC issues quickly and correctly the first time, minimizing downtime for your business.

Scheduling regular maintenance and inspections is crucial to ensure optimal performance and prevent unexpected breakdowns. Consistent practice and adherence to operational procedures help maintain equipment performance and safety. Timely maintenance and repairs can extend the lifespan of your HVAC systems and keep them running efficiently. Emergency HVAC repair services are available 24/7 to address unexpected failures and provide immediate response to unplanned service events. Routine maintenance can help minimize problems and extend the lifespan of HVAC systems.

Hiring a professional is as much about selecting an appropriate system as it is about ensuring that it is installed correctly. Call Kool Breeze of Northwest Florida, Inc. 

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