How Your Heat Pump Reversing Valve Works

May 30th, 2016

In recent years, heat pumps have increased in popularity. The reasons for this include their energy efficiency and their ability to both heat and cool homes and buildings. Most homeowners aren’t aware of how a heat pump actually works though.

While it’s not necessary to understand the science behind how your air conditioner works in order to use it, knowing its components and how they function can help you if you need repairs down the road. Below, we’ve explained how exactly a heat pump works and the problems you can run into due to this part.

Continue Reading

Are Your Thermostat Practices Encouraging Air Conditioner Efficiency?

May 23rd, 2016

Let’s say you’ve just come home after a particularly warm day, and your home’s temperature offers no relief from the heat and humidity outside. Your natural reaction may be to go to your thermostat and turn the thermostat down to as cold as you can bear.

Unfortunately, this is an ill-fated effort to achieve the cooling effect you desire. In fact, if the temperature of your home is—hypothetically speaking—currently at 82 degrees and you set your thermostat down to 68, your air conditioner is not going to work any faster than had you set it to 77 degrees.

Continue Reading

What is Threatening Your Indoor Air Quality?

May 16th, 2016

We have a number of indoor air quality products and services to help improve your indoor air quality, which can actually be worse than the outdoor air quality in your area. This is particularly true this time of year. One of the biggest threats to this air quality is a poorly maintained HVAC system, or damaged ductwork.

Regular maintenance appointments will help you fend off problems with your HVAC unit, but it’s important to know everything that can threaten your indoor air quality. This is less about convenience and comfort and more about keeping you healthy. The lack of good indoor air quality can affect even the healthiest of homeowners. Below are some of the factors that can have a negative impact on this air quality.

Continue Reading

How Often Should Your UV Air Purifier’s Bulbs Be Changed?

May 9th, 2016

A UV air purifier can be an excellent addition to your home’s air filtration system. They work by causing cellular damage to, and effectively killing, particles such as mold, mildew, viruses and bacteria within your ductwork. The cool, dark environment of your ducts provide the perfect breeding ground for these microorganisms, but a UV air purifier can kill them before they have the chance to grow and get circulated through your indoor air.

Continue Reading

Is It Time to Replace Your Geothermal Cooling System?

May 2nd, 2016

Geothermal systems are known as one of the most efficient ways to cool and heat homes. They are also known to last a very long time. Traditional air-source heat pumps are not able to provide much heating during the winter on their own. However, geothermal heat pumps are ground-source. This means that they use the steady temperature of the earth—which varies only a few degrees—to both heat your home in the winter and cool it in the summer.

Despite their durability and versatility, however, geothermal systems are just like any other type of HVAC system in that they will not last forever. The good news is that in most cases, you will only need to replace the heat pump itself, and not the underground coils. So don’t panic if you do find yourself needing a system replacement. It is a good idea, however, to be aware of the signs that it may be time for a replacement.

Continue Reading

Looking to Replace Your Air Conditioner?

April 25th, 2016

With warmer temperatures already upon us, your thoughts have likely turned to your air conditioner. If you are thinking about a replacement, now is the perfect time to have a new system installed, before the weather gets too hot and HVAC technicians are busy with emergency calls.

Before you rush out to replace your current air conditioner however, it’s important to know how to choose the best system for your home and your needs. For example, if you already have ductwork installed in your home, then a traditional central air conditioner unit may be the best option for you. We’ve explored a few other types of systems along with their benefits below.

Continue Reading

Why You Should Have a Whole-House Dehumidifier Installed

April 18th, 2016

While we have touted the benefits of humidifiers in previous blog posts, including how essential they are for dry winters, in the spring and summer Florida residents suffer from an opposite problem. Too much humidity. As you are likely well aware, humidity makes the hottest day seem even hotter, and is extremely uncomfortable. Not only that, but excessive moisture is not good for your health or for your home. A whole-house dehumidifier is the solution to this problem. Keep reading to discover why you should have one installed ASAP.

Continue Reading

Should I Upgrade My Air Conditioner This Summer?

April 11th, 2016

Temperatures are already warming up, and many Florida residents area already starting to switch on their air conditioners for the first time this spring. If you have begun to use yours, hopefully you haven’t had any detrimental problems. If you have noticed that your aging air conditioner seems to be ready to retire however, then now could be the best time to upgrade.

Continue Reading

Early Season Repairs an Air Conditioner May Need

April 4th, 2016

The summer weather arrives early in Florida… usually in spring. This is one of the reasons that we recommend having your annual air conditioning maintenance done as soon as possible so that your AC is prepared to handle sudden heat waves that might strike long before the first day of summer.

Continue Reading

Why Is My Heat Pump Stuck in Heating Mode?

March 28th, 2016

Heat pumps make terrific comfort systems in Florida: they provide the necessary powerful air conditioning for the long, hot season, and then change over to working as an energy-efficient and safe alternative to a furnace during the short cold season.

Continue Reading