Furnace Upkeep & Maintenance | Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc.
Did your furnace make it through Florida’s winter months? Keep your furnace in shape for next year!
1. Keep the system pipes clean. | Modern furnaces use an external intake pipe for their air supply. While more efficient, this pipe can become clogged with dust and debris.
2. Block or Close Vents. | Don’t overwork your system. Did you know that by closing vents you actually make your system work harder? It causes an imbalance in the system and forces the blower to work harder, increasing energy used. Blocking a vent with a rug or furniture can cause the similar problems.
3. Replace the filter on a regular basis. | Filters get dusty—full of pet hair and dander. It is important the change the filter as often as needed. This improved your indoor air quality and reduces the amount of energy the furnace has to put out.
4. Don’t skip annual maintenance. | Having a professional look over your system ensures that the unit is powered correctly, clean and ready to work. This annual once over can extend the life of your unit and make sure your home stays warm throughout the Winter months.
Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc. is here to make sure your furnace is in tip-top shape.
Our team is available for any HVAC emergency or sign up for our maintenance plan
and our skilled professionals will keep your system running smoothly all year long!
850.267.3538
Important Factors When Purchasing a New HVAC Unit
Purchasing a new HVAC unit is one of the biggest investments within a home. The lifespan of an air conditioning system is usually 10 to 20 years and controls the comfort of your house. Here are 6 things to consider when making this important purchase.
- SEER Values | SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The higher the SEER value the more efficient a unit is. Federal regulations require a minimum SEER value of 13 on all newly installed HVAC units. Depending on where you live, you might benefit from a higher SEER rating.
- Proper Unit Size | Homes come in all shapes and sizes so it is important to find the right size unit to keep your home comfortable. A “ton” is a measurement of an HVAC unit’s cooling power. Consider these factors when deciding the size of your unit: insulation, location and size of home. Your AC contractor can properly size your home for you so you can make an educated purchase.
- HVAC Contractor | One of the most important decisions you will make when preparing to purchase a new HVAC system—who will you trust with your purchase? Your HVAC contractor is responsible for answering your questions, guiding you during the purchase process, properly installing your unit and then maintaining it.
- HVAC Maintenance Plan | Did you know that maintaining your system is required to keep your warranty intact? A maintenance plan is the best way to ensure your
- Incentives/ Rebate for Model | Both states and manufacturers offer rebates to entice sales and offset costs. Don’t miss these savings!
- Pair with a Programmable Thermostat | Thermostats are at the top of their game. Smart, programmable thermostats are energy and money saver and can also increase the lifespan of your HVAC unit.
Leaving for Vacation? Prepare your HVAC.
Bags are packed, boarding pass printed and you are ready to go. Before you head out the door, there are a few things you should do to prepare your HVAC system for your absence.
Make sure you mark off this checklist before hitting the road!
1. Thermostat- Turn it down, not off! HVAC units are used to running on a regular basis. It is important it not leave them inactive for long periods of time. Moisture can build up or components can go bad from lack of use. Adjust your thermostat so the unit does not run as often as normal, but often enough to keep it in working order.
2. Close All Blinds & Curtains- Reduce the temperature inside your home by blocking sunlight. This will reduce your unit’s workload.
3. Open All Vents- Keep the air flowing. Make sure all your vents are open.
4. Change Air Filters- In your absence, your HVAC system will not be running as often. Replacing the air filter will protect your unit against dirt and dust while you are gone.
5. Use a Smart Thermostat- Smart thermostats make it easy to pre-program your system to run at certain times or to maintain a certain temperature inside your home. If you do not have a smart thermostat, it might be a good time to invest in one.
Preparing your system for your vacation, will reduce your energy bill and could help you avoid an uncomfortable home and HVAC problems when you return.
If you do come home to a hot or cold home and HVAC issue,
call your local comfort experts at Air Conditioning & Heating Inc.—850.267.3538.
What is a SEER Rating?
Shopping for a new HVAC unit can be overwhelming—especially if you do not know understand the lingo. What does energy efficient mean? What is a SEER rating?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It is a metric used to measure how much energy is needed to provide a specific cooling output. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is. Higher-SEER models ae more expensive up front, but end up saving you money month to month vs. less efficient models.
The Department of Energy recommends a minimum SEER rating of 13. Depending on where you live, you might need a system with a higher rating. In Florida, a 14 SEER unit is recommended.
If you have additional questions about purchasing a new HVAC unit and SEER ratings, please contact our team of experts at 850.267.3538.
Is Your Furnace Ready for Winter?
Don’t wait for temperatures to drop to mark off your furnace maintenance to-do list. Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc. can help you make sure your home is warm and cozy this winter.
1. Replace Filters and Clean Equipment | Make sure you change the filter every 1-3 months depending on your home environment. Clean any debris or build up from the coils.
2. Test Your Thermostat | Turn up the temperature on your thermostat to make sure your system turns on and runs properly.
3. Check for Leaks | Make sure your windows and doors are sealed. Sealing leaks and cracks keeps cold air out and warm air in.
4. Check Your Air Conditioning System Pressure | Find the leaks! This check-up will help you correct any system leaks before you need your furnace to keep you warm.
5. Check your System | Your system needs a thorough once over to make sure your belts are in working condition, not cracked. The exhaust flue should be free of branches and leaves. Make sure the area around your furnace is uncluttered. Make sure the blower is clean and the burner flames are in working order.
6. Check Your Carbon Monoxide Detector | It is important that your carbon monoxide detector is working especially during the winter months. We suggest changing the batteries at the beginning of the season.
Some of these items should be completed by an HVAC professional. Contact our team of experts today to make sure your furnace is in working order and your home stays warm this winter- 850.267.3538.
8 Signs it's Time for a New HVAC System
You made it through the Summer, but your HVAC system is on the brink? Are you unsure if your unit needs repairs or replacing? Here are 8 signs that it is time to invest in a new HVAC system for your home.
- Blowing Warm Air | If your home isn’t staying cool because your system is pushing out warm air, you have a problem. This is a sign that your HVAC unit is in need of repair. The lack of cool air could mean your compressor is failing or that your Freon levels are low. This is a sign that it might be time for a new unit.
- Poor Air Flow | If air isn’t circulating through your home and you don’t feel consistent cool air coming from your AC vents, the unit’s compressor could be going out. If one area of your home is cool and other sections are warm there could be issues with your duct work. Debris, dust and dander can clog your ducts obstructing air flow. This is bad for your system and your family’s health.
- Thermostat Issues | Sometimes the issue is not with the unit itself, but with the thermostat. One telling sign that your thermostat is causing the problem is if one part of your home is extremely cold where another area stays at the same temperature.
- System Leaks and Unwanted Moisture | If you see moisture around or leaking from your HVAC unit that is a major red flag. Your refrigerant could be leaking which could cause health concerns for you and your loved ones. If you discover pools of water near your air conditioning unit, it could mean your drain line is clogged or broken—which can be easily repaired by an HVAC expert.
- Abnormal Sounds & Odors | Listen closely. If you are hearing squeaking, grinding, groaning or grating sounds coming from your HVAC system, you have a problem. There is a slew of issues that can cause these noises. It is important to have an expert look at your system immediately. Failure to repair the unit could result in costly problem. Strange odors are also an indicator that your unit needs attention. From burned out wiring to mold, smell is an immediate warning sign that there is something wrong with your ventilation system.
- Increase in Electricity Bill | If your electricity bills drastically increases without any obvious reason for doing so, that is a strong indicator that your HVAC unit needs attention or replacing.
- HVAC Unit is more than 10 years old | When your system reaches its 10th birthday, it is usually time to upgrade your ventilation system. At this point, units tend to start needing major repairs.
- R-22 Freon | If your unit uses R-22 Freon, it’s time to upgrade. Freon is being phased out by the federal government. Because of this, the cost of Freon is steadily rising. Eventually you will have to replace your unit for a newer version that runs with a new refrigerant (R410A).
If it is time to replace your home HVAC system, call your local experts. We are here to help you find the right size and most efficient unit for your home. Schedule an appointment with our team today- 850.267.3538.
Extend the Life of your HVAC Unit with Coastal Protective Coating!
Don't let your system rust, call us! Coastal Protective Coasting will add years to the life of your HVAC unit and prevent increased energy costs. This application is especially beneficial to residents who live within 10 miles of the coastline.
These coating materials will not crack, chip, powder or flake, and we offer a 5-year coil re-coating warranty on our products.
Coastal Protective Coating protects equipment in most corrosive environments including:
• Salt Air
• Salt Spray
• Hydrogen Sulfide
• Chlorine
• Sulfuric Acid
• Nitric Acid
• Ammonia
• Muriatic Acid
• and much more...
Protect your HVAC investment! Call us today to find out more about Coastal Protective Coating and how it can greatly extend the life of your unit.
Why is it Important to Clean Your Air Ducts?
Did you know that dust, dander and dirt can clog your air ducts compromising the air quality of your home? Poor indoor air quality can cause allergies, asthma and illness. Ensuring that your air ducts are clean and clear of the debris has the following benefits.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
The HVAC unit breathes air in and out of your home—like lungs. The HVAC system circulates air 5-7 times per day causing a build-up of contaminants and dirt. These pollutants are then filtered again through your home. Cleaning your air ducts greatly improves your home’s air quality.
Energy Savings
When your air ducts are dirty, you HVAC system has to work harder to cool your home. This uses more energy and reduces the life of your unit. When your system is clean, it doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your home cool, improving its effectiveness.
Removes Unpleasant Smells and Odors
Pets, tobacco use, food smells and more circulate through your home. When dust and dirt collect in you ducts, it absorbs these smells causing a musty scent that then circulates through your home. An in-depth duct cleaning removes all odor trapping articles resulting in a fresher smelling home.
Click HERE to learn more about this service or call 850.267.3538 to schedule a duct cleaning appointment.
Why Should You Choose a Maintenance Plan for your HVAC System?
One of the most beneficial investments you can make in your home is an annual maintenance plan for your HVAC system. A maintenance plan ensures your system will run at its prime and your home will stay at a comfortable temperature no matter the season.
Maintain Your Warranty
You MUST have your system checked twice a year by a licensed HVAC technician to maintain the warranty on your system.
Carefree Scheduling
A maintenance plan makes caring for the HVAC system in your home convenient and effortless. With your busy lives, it is easy to let things fall through the cracks, including system checks. Regular system checks improve your system’s performance and alerts you to minor issues before they become larger problems. A maintenance plan relieves you from having to worry about your unit, we will take care of it for you.
Consistent Performance
It’s 100 degrees outside and your AC system is on the brink. Not only is this an inconvenience, it is dangerous for senior citizens, small children and pets. Don’t let this happen. A regular maintenance plan is more than changing air filters and adjusting coolant levels, technicians can spot issues within the system and make repairs so your system continues to run smoothly all year long.
Protect Your Investment
Your HVAC system is an expensive investment. Don’t put it at risk. Neglecting maintenance of your unit can also cause a void in your system's warranty. By regularly performing maintenance on your system, you avoid costly emergency repairs and extend the lifespan of your unit.
Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. has been here for you for over 32 years. Call us today to choose a maintenance program for your system- 850.267.3538.
Is Your AC Ready for Summer | Summer Maintenance Checklist
Servicing your home HVAC system is just as important as getting the oil changed in your car. Proper maintenance insures your system is running efficiently and effectively and increases the lifespan of the unit.
The summer season is upon us! The last thing your want is your air conditioner to fail on a 100 degree day. How many boxes have you checked on our Summer Maintenance Checklist?