Increasing Your Home's Energy Efficiency
Did you know? According to Energy Star 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. Take these steps to increase the efficiency of your heating and cooling system.
Let's discuss how you can create a more energy efficient home or business by making a simple update to your Air Conditioning and Heating unit and incorporating new habits in your home maintenance routine!
Maintain Your Equipment
- Replace Your Air Filter
Your HVAC equipment can not run efficiently if it is not properly maintained! How do you maintain your unit on a regular basis? The most important piece of routine maintenance can be done in under a minute - regularly replacing your air filter. Checking your filter monthly and changing more often in extreme hot or cold climate seasons can prevent premature unit failure and major maintenance necessity.
- Routine Professional Maintenance
Get the most life out of your equipment and maintain your warranty by scheduling ongoing annual or semi annual maintenance by a certified technician. The shoulder seasons are the most convenient seasons to schedule your HVAC maintenance to ensure that your unit is prepared to provide the most efficient heating and cooling services prior to the peak cold or peak heat that comes along with most winter and summer seasons.
Use a Smart Thermostat
There's and app for that? Absolutely! Save money, time, and energy when you update your thermostat with a programmable Smart Thermostat. Ideal for homes that are not occupied continuously throughout the day - conveniently adjust your temperature settings for the most energy efficient daily heating and cooling conditions based on your personal preference! Set your thermostat to your preferred climate prior to your arrival home at the end of the day or during sleeping hours where Energy Star recommends setting your temperatures up or back between 4-8 degrees depending on the season.
Look for ENERGY STAR qualified central air conditioners when replacing or updating your current HVAC system for the most energy efficient ratings for your home or business and contact ACHI for maintenance, repair, installation, and new unit purchases at (850) 374-6948!
Your Next Heating & Cooling System May Be Under Your Feet
Have you ever considered what type of heating and cooling system to utilize for your future home or business? With so many options at your fingertips, the best choice may just be located under your feet!
Ground-source heat pumps, also know as geothermal heat pumps, utilize the grounds temperature by transferring heat to or from the ground. Geothermal heat pumps can heat, cool, and even supply hot water to a home.
According to Energy.gov there are 5 major things you should know about Geothermal heat pumps before you start comparing your next HVAC unit.
- Geothermal Heat Pumps Can Be Used in Any Climate
According to a report by the U.S. Department of Energy, more than half of the Geothermal Heat Pump shipments in 2009 went to 10 states, to include Florida.
- Open and Closed-Loop Systems are Available
Most Geothermal Heat Pumps in the U.S. use ground heat exchangers to circulate fluid through a closed-loop design.
- Geothermal Heat Pumps are a Long-Term Investment
Initial costs associated with the installation of your GHP are several times higher than your traditional HVAC unit but within 10 years your energy savings will exceed your financial output.
- Geothermal Heat Pumps Reduce Peak Electricity Demands and Carbon Emissions
More efficient, these units can help reduce carbon emissions.
- Geothermal Heat Pumps Create U.S. Jobs
Buy local, the majority of the parts of GHPs are manufactured in the U.S. and installation creates a demand from the local economy.
Is Your HVAC Unit Leaking Refrigerant?
Your HVAC unit has been working hard all Summer long. Have you scheduled a Fall check-up to make sure your system made it through the heat unscathed? Paying attention to your unit and its performance can be the key to detecting issues early, preventing damage and avoiding expensive repairs.
One easily missed problem is a refrigerant leak. Loose rubber seals, rusted valve stems and general wear and tear on your system can cause this issue. If your system has copper tubing, pin hole leaks could be a potential problem. A naturally forming acid, Formic, can eat away at this tubing causing your system to lose refrigerant.
How do you know if your HVAC system has sprung a leak? Look for these common indicators.
- Bubbling/ Hissing Sound | If your outdoor system isn’t running, but you can hear strange bubbling or hissing sounds coming from the unit, that could be a sign of a major leak.
- Humidity Indoors & Lack of Cool Air | If your home is feeling warm during the heat of the day and your air conditioner cannot keep up, a refrigerant leak could be the culprit. A leak not only comprises a unit’s ability to cool a home, it also reduces its dehumidifying ability. Your home will feel sticky and hot.
- Higher Utility Bill | Because your system is working harder and running for longer periods of time trying to cool your home, you will see a spike in your utility bill.
- Ice on Evaporator Coils | One visible sign of a leak is ice on your evaporator coil. You will see frost forming on your outdoor coil—even during the heat of the day.
It is important to catch this issue early to avoid costly repairs. Repairs could include replacing a condenser coil, replacing an evaporator coil or recharging your system.
If your system is showing signs of a refrigerant leak, please contact your local comfort experts at
Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc. today—850.267.3538!
Why Should You Install a Programmable Thermostat?
From Nest to Honeywell systems, the demand for programmable thermostats is on the rise. Find out the benefits of having this type of system in your home.
1. Saving Money | Programmable thermostats offer cost savings. As energy bills continue to rise, you can reduce your energy usage by installing a smart thermostat that controls the temperature of your home based on your schedule.
2. Consistent Temperatures | Maintain consistent temperatures throughout your home. Instead of turning the air conditioner up during this heat of the day, your home is consistently comfortable due to thermostat programming.
3. Home Efficiency | Many households waste energy. With a programmable thermostat, consumers reduce their energy waste, making their home more efficient. By effectively programming your thermostat, you reduce the wear and tear on your system and reduce negative impacts on the environment.
4. Expands the Life of your HVAC System | Because your system is operating consistently, it does not have to work as hard to heat and cool your home, giving it a longer lifespan.
Our team is ready to answer all of your questions about programmable thermostats and installation. Call us today for all of your thermostat needs-- 850.27.3538.
Why do Compressors Fail?
On most days, our HVAC systems run like a well-oiled machine. All components working together seamlessly to keep your home cool and comfortable. What happens when one of those components stops working—specifically the compressor?
Essentially the heart of your HVAC system, the compressor is located in your outdoor unit. It works hard to circulate the refrigerant through the coils of your unit while also applying energy to the coolant. Without a working compressor, your home will not have cool air. During the Spring/Summer season, especially in Florida, the compressor works overtime to keep your home air conditioned.
There are several factors that can cause the compressor in your HVAC unit to fail.
• Lack of Lubricant
• Overheating- This can be caused by dirty coils, low suction pressure or a low charge.
• Electrical Issues
• Bad Capacitor
• Low Voltage
• Electrical Spike
Signs of compressor issues include: an odd noise at the start-up of your HVAC unit, ice on the coils or loss of cool air in your home. If you start experiencing any of these issues, contact your local comfort experts at Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc. immediately. Your HVAC system cannot run efficiently and effectively without it’s heart.
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 24/7, 365 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.
We are available 24/7 for all of your maintenance and repair needs.
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.