7 Common AC Maintenance Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Believe it or not, the average American household spends more than $104 on electricity each month. One of the biggest contributors to that cost is the air conditioning system they have in place.

Though there’s no way to completely eliminate your air conditioning system’s energy use, there are things you can do to make sure the system runs as efficiently as possible. It all comes down to taking care of routine maintenance throughout the year.

Maintenance is important, but many homeowners end up making mistakes when it comes to keeping their systems running well. Here are a few of the most common AC maintenance mistakes people make and what you need to do to avoid making them yourself.

1. Not Checking Your Filters

All air conditioning systems bring air from outside your home into the unit, cool it, and send it into your house. This helps keep the air fresh at all times. However, it does mean that any dust, debris, and allergens in the air outside your house can make it indoors.

That’s why modern systems have a series of filters in place to catch those contaminants. The more your unit runs, the more debris and contaminants those filters will catch.

For most homeowners, filters need to get inspected and replaced once every three months. Leaving dirty filters in place doesn’t just hurt your home’s indoor air quality—it also makes your air conditioner work harder to cool your home.

Replacing your filters is the best way to keep your air conditioner running smoothly for years to come.

2. Ignoring Strange Noises

Every air conditioner makes noises when it turns on. However, after living with the system for even a few weeks, you know which sounds are normal and which are different.

Those strange sounds aren’t something you should ignore. In fact, they’re a surefire sign that your unit needs repair work as soon as possible.

If you ignore these early sounds and signs of damage, there’s a chance that your system will develop more severe problems. Worse, it could break down altogether when you need it most.

If you hear strange noises, don’t wait. Schedule a repair appointment as soon as possible.

3. Forgetting to Clean Your Air Vents

Your air vents can collect a lot of dust and debris over the year. Anytime your air conditioning system turns on, the air gets forced through those vents and into your home. Any debris and dirt trapped in the vents will get sent out into your home anytime the AC system turns on.

Though it doesn’t impact your air conditioner’s efficiency, the best thing you can do is clean your air vents at least once a month. This will help keep your indoor air quality as high as possible.

The cleaner your air stays, the less likely you and your family are to develop allergies and other upper respiratory conditions.

4. Not Scheduling Routine Tune-Ups

Anytime your air conditioner turns on, the components experience wear and tear. Staying on top of routine tune-ups will help keep your system working and reduce the frequency of more expensive repairs over the years.

Just because your unit is running smoothly doesn’t mean it’s in good shape. It still needs tune-ups at least twice a year to work well.

Not scheduling regular tune-ups with your trusted air conditioning service is the easiest way to shorten the lifespan of your system and increase your risk of unexpected breakdowns.

5. Leaving an Outdated Unit in Place

No matter how often you schedule routine AC maintenance service, you will eventually need to replace your air conditioner. In fact, the average AC system lasts for roughly 15 years with proper care and maintenance.

As your system ages, it will start to develop more problems and will run less efficiently than it used to. Leaving that old system in place is never a great idea.

If your unit is approaching 15 years old or is older than that by several years, don’t wait. Get the unit replaced as soon as possible. The sooner you do, the sooner your electric bill will decrease and the more comfortable your home will be.

6. Setting the Thermostat Too Low

When your home is warm, it seems like turning the thermostat as low as it will go is the fastest way to cool your house. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The amount of air the system puts out will be the same no matter what temperature the thermostat is set at. Turning the thermostat lower won’t actually make your home cooler faster. It just forces your air conditioner to work harder until your space reaches a comfortable temperature.

Worse, if you forget to reset the temperature, the AC will keep running until it reaches that ultra-low setting. That means more wear and tear and more energy consumption every time.

7. Choosing Repair Technicians Based on Price Alone

Every air conditioning system will need repairs eventually. Though it’s important to shop around and get estimates from different HVAC contractors, you should never make your decision based on price alone.

When it comes to the quality of repairs, you get what you pay for. Choosing a contractor that charges the lowest rates often means you get the lowest quality service.

Instead, work with a contractor that has experience working on your type of unit and stands behind their work every time. You might pay slightly more, but you’ll get better service and won’t have to worry about paying for the same repair twice.

Avoid Making These AC Maintenance Mistakes

Staying on top of routine maintenance is the best way to extend the life of your home’s HVAC system. Familiarize yourself with these common AC maintenance mistakes and do what you can to avoid making them yourself.

If you’re worried about your system or know that you’ve made one or more of these mistakes in the past, schedule a repair appointment as soon as you can.

At Florida Heat & Air, our team is here to help you keep your home comfortable year-round. If you need to schedule a preventative maintenance tune-up or have an air conditioning or heating emergency, don’t wait. Contact us to get a free estimate today.

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Think Florida Heating Is a Joke? Think Again!

Florida State is one of the places in the U.S. that enjoy the best climate conditions. The people here experience long summers with a sub-tropical climate almost throughout the year. But this should not be the reason why you take Florida heating for granted because the weather can also get extremely chilly in winter.

Most homes in Florida use heat pumps that provide both heating and cooling. But this is only nice for cooling because if you run the heat for a few hours during winter, you won’t like it when your power bills show up. 

So, what can you do to heat your home during winter in Florida? Here are a few Florida heating options that can keep you comfortable throughout the chilly months.

Traditional Furnace

You can either use gas or electric furnace for heating when the weather gets chilly in Florida. You must know that these options can be pretty costly, especially if you only need to use it for a few hours. However, when the weather is too chilly, and you need some reliable heat, you have no option but to sacrifice.

Despite being expensive upfront, the traditional furnace for your heating option is energy efficient. Well, the amount you’ll spend on power bills for this will depend on the size of your home, technologies, and whether you’re installing new ducks or not.

Heat Pumps for Florida Heating

Heat pumps are a very expensive investment to have in your home but can be energy efficient in the long run. You can use heat pumps for several heating options in your home. You can connect it to your boiler system for hot water or connect a geothermal to heat the home.

With the geothermal heat, the pumps will provide the required warm air from the heat in the ground. Installing the geothermal Florida heat pump parts can be very expensive upfront. Once installed, it will provide Florida heating and cooling supply for winter and summer, respectively.

Air Conditioner

Air conditioner units in Florida come installed with heat strips for heating during the chilly months. 

This heating system is fantastic for those who’ll only need to heat at night and for a very short time. One disadvantage of this system is that the amount of energy needed for a few hours of heating can be too much, hiking your utility bills. 

You must also know that when the temperature goes below the freezing point in Florida, the heat strips will not keep up. Therefore, these are not an appropriate heating system when the weather becomes cold or when you can’t afford the high power bills.

Take Care of Windows

Sometimes, it’s unnecessary to invest in expensive equipment to improve the air quality in your house. You must improvise whatever you have with you, including the windows. To preserve heat within the house, you must understand when it’s appropriate to open or close the windows.

Opening all your windows during the day means that you’ll be inviting cold winter air inside the house and releasing the warmer air to the yard. Even if your windows stay closed, other things such as cracks and warping can still invite cold air inside.

You need to ensure all your windows have a very tight seal so that your HVAC system can deliver the required temperature. You should start considering window repairs and replacements when winter approaches.

Insulate the House

Having high-quality insulation in your house will help with the cold weather and the warmer months as well. A good home insulation system comes in handy to keep your house warm during winter and supply cool temperatures during summer.

A well-insulated house will give your heaters an easy time providing the warmth as warm air won’t be escaping. This is perfect for reducing the amount of energy needed as well as burn less fuel.

The best time to start the insulation process is during winter before the colder months catch up with you. Focus your insulation system mostly on the attic because almost half of the heat in the house can escape through the roof as warm air rises.

Warm the Floors

Cold floors result in cold feet during winter, and you must look for ways to improve the situation of your floors. One of the cheapest ways to keep your floors warm is to add some extra rugs and carpet. These thick fabrics work well in lessening the effect of moisture generated from beneath your feet.

You can also consider installing a fireplace to warm up the entire living room, ensuring everyone in the family stays comfortable. Another long term alternative is to let go of the beautiful laminate and tiles and use wood flooring instead. 

Lower heater setting to keep your floors a little bit warm is excellent. Anything that can minimize the heat loss from the floor can be of great help for your home.

Consider Cooking at Home

If you’re used to eating out or ordering food, winter should be the time to show your prowess in kitchen matters. A simple act as cooking dinner for the family can help a good deal in heating the house the entire night.

Running the oven can’t be a long time solution for the cold temperature. You can think about it as a way to save some power as well as enjoy some warm, home-cooked meal. No one will resist the warmth they’ll receive standing next to the oven during the cold days.

Stay Warm in Florida, Heat Up!

You not only need to add some heat at home during winter but also do all it takes to avoid losing heat unnecessarily. Florida heating can be costly if you don’t do it right. Think of the best heating options that are cost-friendly and comfortable for the entire family.

If you want more expert advice on how to stay warm in winter, get in touch with Florida Heat and Air for expert tips and tricks. We’re here to ensure the cold temperatures do not get the best out of you.

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Stop Summer Mold! How to Prevent Mold Using Your HVAC System

The summer season brings bright sun, warm weather, and longer days with it. But something a bit more unpleasant comes alongside those wonderful things: mold.

Mold thrives in the humidity of summertime. Once it starts to grow, it can be difficult to stop the spread. Read on to learn why mold is dangerous and how to prevent mold using an HVAC system.

How Dangerous Is Mold?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, molds are a natural part of the environment and don’t typically cause problems. But when mold begins to grow indoors, it can become dangerous fast. Once mold spores land on a wet spot, they spread quickly, releasing allergens and irritants into the air.

These allergens can negatively affect indoor air quality. Inhaling mold spores can cause allergic reactions or trigger asthma attacks in certain individuals. Exposure to mold is also associated with a variety of other health effects and symptoms, including a runny nose, irritated eyes, skin rashes, and more.

What Causes Mold to Grow?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mold grows in places with a lot of moisture. It can enter the home through doors, windows, and vents, or it may be brought in from the outside by people and pets. Once inside, it can grow on almost any type of material, including wood, tile, fabric, and more.

Chances are, you have mold in your home. It is impossible to eliminate mold, but the key to prevention is managing moisture. If mold lands on a damp or wet area, it will multiply.

You can identify mold growth by sight and smell. It may smell musty and look like dark green, yellow, brown, black, or gray spots. If you are wondering how to prevent black mold, there are ways to test for mold type, but regardless, you should remove any mold as soon as you are aware of it. 

How Can an HVAC System Help?

As temperatures and humidity levels rise in the summer, the risk of mold growing in your home increases. Mold also thrives in stagnant air. Luckily, an HVAC system can help in all those areas.

The perfect mold growth temperature in Fahrenheit ranges between the high-70s and the mid-80s. Because of this, you should aim to keep your house temperature around the low- to mid-70s. If you keep the inside of your home cool with an HVAC system, you can prevent mold from being able to grow in the first place.

Stagnant air allows mold spores to settle, enabling growth. An HVAC system is designed to improve air circulation throughout the home. This helps in keeping mold spores from landing and staying put in one area of the house, making it easier to ventilate and improve air quality.

When it comes to the ideal humidity level for mold growth, you should aim to keep indoor humidity levels under 60 percent. Low humidity means less water vapor is in the air, and mold cannot grow. If you can get it there, try to stay between 30 and 50 percent humidity indoors.

HVAC systems actually extract water vapor from the air. Removing water vapor decreases the humidity level and helps regulate it. Before summer starts, you may want to have a professional take a look at your A/C to make sure it is running optimally and removing as much water vapor as it should.

If you are going on a summer vacation, you should factor in the temperature of your home while you’re away. Set your thermostat to regulate the temperature and keep it around the low 70s. This will help prevent mold from growing, so you can enjoy your time away without worry.

What Else Can You Do to Stop Mold Growth?

While using an HVAC system can help prevent mold from growing and spreading, you may need to take additional steps to combat it.

For example, while an HVAC system can decrease humidity indoors, it can only do so much. You may need to invest in a dehumidifier to regulate areas prone to dampness. If you live in an area affected by hurricanes or floods, then a dehumidifier is a necessity to manage moisture.

Certain indoor activities can increase humidity levels, too. For instance, cooking on a stove, showering, doing laundry, and washing dishes can up the humidity inside your home. 

The key here is to ventilate. Open the windows or set up fans to improve airflow when you are doing these activities. Doing so will help keep the area dry.

Spills and leaks should also be cleaned up as soon as possible. If you are aware of a plumbing leak, don’t let it sit, or moisture will begin to build up. You should also close widows if it starts to rain to avoid wet windowsills and floors. 

If it has started to grow indoors, you need to clean up dangerous mold in house areas immediately. With a simple mix of detergent and water, you can scrub mold away on your own. But make sure the windows are open and the area dries completely. 

After cleaning up mold, you may want to get an air purifier. Setting one up near the moldy area can help grab and remove mold spores from the air. An air purifier can also extract other allergens and pollutants to improve air quality, which may help to prevent future mold growth.

If you are still struggling with mold after taking these preventative steps, you may need to talk to a mold removal professional. These experienced professionals will inspect your home and provide recommendations on how to go about cleaning up the mold. If the mold only affects a small area, you may be able to tackle it on your own, but professional removal services will be needed for large areas.

Ask an Expert About How to Prevent Mold

If you have more questions about how to prevent mold using an HVAC system, seek out professional advice. Here at Florida Heat & Air, our on-call technicians are available to answer questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We provide prompt, expert service, and we can help you schedule A/C and heating services or get a quote.

Don’t hesitate to contact us today.

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How Long Do AC Units Last in Florida and Should You Replace Yours?

An air conditioner is a life-saver when it gets hot and muggy outside. That said, they’re workhorses, they consume a lot of energy, and your unit is bound to break down one day.

If you live in Florida, you’re going to go through a few AC units in your lifetime. But how long do AC units last in Florida? We’re going to look at some crucial questions you have to ask about your air conditioner, giving you a little insight into how long you can expect it to last.

Let’s get started.

How Long Do AC Units Last in Florida: A Beginner’s Guide

The thing to remember about your AC unit is that the harder you work it, the faster it will break. Living in Florida means having consistently high temperatures throughout the year. That also means your AC unit is working proportionately hard.

In most cases, the unit isn’t just pumping out cool air at an even rate. It’s actually trying to maintain a steady temperature in your home. That means that it works a lot harder to maintain that temperature when things get hotter and muggier.

So, a rule of thumb is that the harder you work it, the shorter it will last. That said, there are a lot of things you can do to manage the temperature of your home and lighten the load of the AC unit.

That’s a discussion for another day, though.

Maintenance Makes a Big Difference

It’s not as if you should just hook up your unit and run it straight into the grave. If you treat it well over its lifespan, you’ll be rewarded. A new unit is really expensive, far more expensive than a simple tune-up here and there.

A well-maintained unit can last 15 to 20 years in Florida. On the other hand, letting a unit run without any care could mean that it only lives 10 years.

There are a few ways that you can monitor your unit’s need for a check-up.

The first one is just age. It’s not a bad idea to get your unit looked at every few years or so. This is just a precautionary measure to make sure that everything’s working and you have no issues coming.

Second, make note of the humidity in your home. AC units have an evaporator coil that works to take the humidity out of the air before it’s pumped into your home. When that goes, you might have a cool home but the humidity will increase and throw things off.

So, when you notice a jump in your home’s humidity, it’s time for a check-up. Finally, your electricity bill will significantly increase if your machine starts to break down. An old machine uses more energy to get the job done.

If you notice any of the signs above, call a professional to see what’s going on. Regular maintenance can add ten years to the life of your unit.

Need More AC Help?

So, how long do AC units last in Florida? The answer depends on how well you treat it over its life span. The nice thing is, we’re here to help.

If you think your unit could be on its last leg, or just needs a tune-up, contact us for more information on how to move forward.

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7 HVAC Hurricane Preparation Mistakes to Avoid for Homeowners

There have been more than 150 hurricanes recorded in the last 10 years. That’s an increase from the previous decade’s number. 

While these storms don’t always amount to a lot of damage, they certainly have that potential. If you live in a hurricane-prone zone it’s very important to know how to protect yourself and your property before the storm hits. 

Your home has a lot of vulnerabilities that need to be taken care of, including your HVAC system. 

We’ve compiled seven of the most common mistakes people make in HVAC hurricane preparation so you can avoid them! 

1. Insufficient Insurance Coverage

Every homeowner needs to have a homeowner’s insurance policy and usually, that’s mandated by their lender. But not all policies are created equally. 

When you live in an area that is prone to these types of storms it’s really important to have an insurance policy that will cover damage to all areas of your home. And that definitely includes your HVAC unit. 

Most insurance agencies will work with you to find the policy that has the coverage you’re looking for. 

You may have to add extra pieces onto the policy to customize it fully but it’s worth the time and the little higher price tag to make sure that if there is a hurricane and something does happen to your expensive HVAC system, you’ll be able to fix it. 

2. Forgetting to Purchase a Generator

In the event of a major storm, it’s likely that the power will be knocked out. Sometime that outage will last a few hours but sometimes it can last for days. 

Luckily, there are generators you can purchase to have on hand for just this type of situation. 

A generator is a really important thing to add to your hurricane preparation budget and get purchased. After the storm is over and the power is out, you can use the power from the generator to turn your HVAC unit on to cool down your home. 

Having a generator is hurricane preparedness 101 and will make a huge difference after a major storm. 

3. Going Uncovered 

When a storm starts and you start to get your house ready for impact, don’t forget to go outside and cover your AC unit. 

This simple task will make a big difference in how your unit works after the storm has passed. These machines are designed to be outdoors but a hurricane isn’t normal outdoor conditions. The heavy rain and wind associated can cause damage. 

A cover will protect the unit from those elements and also flying debris that could get in as well. 

It’s also important to make sure the unit has been installed with hurricane straps, just in case there are really extreme winds that could pull it out of place. 

4. Forgoing Yard Maintenance 

A major mistake that many who live in hurricane-prone areas make is not keeping up on their yard maintenance. This can lead to extreme HVAC unit damage during a storm. 

This task shouldn’t be done as the storm is on its way. Instead, residents of these areas should take care to keep a regular eye on their trees and bushes. They should trim any large and protruding branches. 

Those trimmings should be properly disposed of and removed from your property. 

This type of maintenance gives the storm less ammo to throw around in the high winds. Fewer branches and sticks mean less damage to your house. 

5. Leaving Electricity On

As you hear of a storm coming but before it gets to you, you should cool your house way down with your HVAC unit. And then when the storm is close you need to turn the power off to the unit. 

This step is often skipped because people don’t want to potentially have their homes too hot. 

But leaving the electricity on can lead to power surges, which can ruin an HVAC unit. 

A power surge often happens when the power has gone out and then when it comes back it comes with a very brief higher voltage spike. This spike can send too much power to electronics and systems, which can fry the inner workings.

Turning the electricity off prevents power surges when you turn it back on. 

6. Missing the After Storm Clean-up

Before you turn your electricity back on for your HVAC unit, you should make sure to do a visual check of your unit. 

If you’ve completed all the proper preparation steps, your unit will likely be clean and clear. When that’s the case you can turn the unit back on with no problems. But occasionally some debris will get in even with preparation. 

Debris in an HVAC unit can cause damage to the fan blades or the other machinery. With a quick check, you can see and remove the random branches, rocks, or leaves. 

This clean-up is really important to make sure everything will work correctly. 

7. Not Installing a Hurricane Kit 

A generator isn’t a fail-safe that will work every time. Sometimes a generator, especially one that hasn’t been used in a while, can have problems working at first. But a hurricane preparation kit installed by your HVAC professionals can push it to start. 

Regular maintenance and check-ups from the HVAC repairman will help you to have confidence in your setup, even if a storm comes. 

The repairman will be able to set you up for minimal damage after a storm. They’ll be able to help you make sure you have the most updated protection measures available. 

Best HVAC Hurricane Preparation Tips 

Hurricanes occasionally don’t give much warning before they hit big. Or the time you do have to prepare is spent on larger areas of your home than the HVAC system. 

But if you’ve already set a plan in place for HVAC hurricane preparation, you can quickly and easily protect your investment to be ready to go after the storm. These simple tips will keep you running throughout the whole season. 

If you are ready to get your HVAC system prepped and ready for hurricane season with a hurricane kit, contact us today! 

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Hurricane Air Conditioning Tips: How to Prepare HVACs for Hurricanes

This week begins the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season! The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a busy season this year. Have you readied your HVAC system?

Before the hurricane, air conditioning systems need protection.

If you’re not sure how to prepare your heating and cooling system so that they’re safe from the storms, you’ve come to the right post. Read on and pick up a few tips to prepare your HVAC system for hurricane season.

Keep Up with Routine Maintenance

A well-tuned machine always performs better than the one you ignore for several years.

When it comes to your HVAC system, hurricane preparation should take place every year. Start preparing your air conditioner before the first hurricane of the season ever makes landfall by performing regular AC maintenance.

HVAC technicians recommend scheduling preventative maintenance at least once each year. Routine inspections and tune-ups help your system weather not only hurricanes but also normal wear and tear. Regular maintenance also helps reduce the need for expensive repairs year-round.

Not taking preventative measures before the storm could result in much more substantial damage from the storm.

What You Should Do Before the Storm Hits

The good thing about hurricanes is they never come as a surprise. The National Hurricane Center issues a hurricane warning 36 hours before storm-force winds arrive. Florida residents usually take that time to prepare their homes for the storm.

Along with boarding up your windows and gathering food and water, you should make sure your air conditioner is also safe.

Waterproof Cover

While it’s not intended for everyday use, keep a waterproof tarp to keep on standby. Use it to cover your AC unit during a hurricane. You’ll protect it from water damage caused by heavy rains.

Concrete Slab

If you haven’t done so already, make sure your unit sits on a concrete slab. Not only does the slab ensure a solid foundation for the outside AC unit, but it also ensures your unit stays above standing water left after the storm.

Tie Downs

If you have a new AC, you likely already have tie-down straps securing your unit to its concrete slab. Florida building code implemented this requirement a few years ago. If you’re adding tie-downs to an older unit, make sure they can withstand winds up to 150 mph.

Another critical protective measure you should take is to remove anything from your yard that could become a projectile—store patio furniture and outside toys in your shed or garage during the storm.

Install a Hurricane Kit

Most Florida residents keep a hurricane kit, which includes water, food, flashlight, first aid kit, and a battery-operated radio. Storm kits help you cover necessities and safety for the short time most hurricanes last.

You should also consider installing a hurricane kit for your air conditioner. Installed on the air conditioning unit, hurricane kits are designed for use during power surges and for times when you use a generator to start your AC.

Your HVAC contractor can install the kit for you!

Cool Down Before the Storm

Power outages often accompany hurricanes. You can prepare for a power cut by cooling your home down before the storm arrives.

Let your air conditioner cool your home to a comfortable level in the hours before the storm. Set the thermostat a few degrees colder than usual.

Closing blinds and curtains add another layer of protection. You’ll conserve cold air and keep your home comfortable throughout the storm and during any power outages that occur.

Protect Your Air Conditioning During Hurricanes

To further the conversation about power outages, the first thing you should do once the storm hits is to shut your HVAC system down.

Even if the power doesn’t go out completely, you could experience power surges. The power could also go in and out multiple times. Both power situations can harm your cooling system.

Switch over to floor and ceiling fans for cooling during the storm!

Another reason to turn off the power to your AC is the threat of lightning. A lightning strike could damage your capacitor. If that happens and you don’t realize it, you may end up with a costly compressor repair.

Consider investing in a surge-protector explicitly designed for your HVAC unit. It’s an excellent way to fend off damage caused by lightning strikes and power surges.

Hurricane Aftercare for HVAC Systems

Up to now, our HVAC hurricane tips include things you can do before and during the storm. What about after the hurricane dies down?

After the storm passes and you’re sure it’s safe, go ahead and power up your cooling system.

Use caution when you turn on the AC. Look over your system, and if you notice damage, hold off on turning it on until your HVAC professional can come out and inspect. If you turn on a damaged air conditioner, you could make the damage worse.

Even if your informal inspection doesn’t reveal damage, you need to schedule an inspection with your HVAC contractor. Early damage detection will save time and money!

Need Help with Hurricane Air Conditioning Protection?

We hope reading our tips helps you with preparing your HVAC system for the current hurricane season. Before, during, and after the hurricane, air conditioning systems need protection.

We’re happy to come out and give your system a pre-hurricane inspection, take care of your annual maintenance, or help with other HVAC issues. Call Florida Heat and Air to schedule your appointment today and install your Hurricane Kit!

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7 Steps to Improving Indoor Air Quality in Florida

Breathing is a critical part of everyday life. If you have any doubts about this, trying holding your breath for a few minutes. You’ll soon develop a new appreciation for fresh air. This is especially true for anyone living in Florida.

That’s because everyone needs a constant supply of air in order to survive. And yet most people take air quality for granted. Dirt or polluted air is hazardous to your health, thus the need to make sure that the indoor air quality of your home is as good as possible.

This article takes a look at how to improve indoor air quality for you and your family. Keep reading to discover insight into best practices for providing air that will help keep everyone happy and healthy.

1. Replace Your HVAC Air Filter

The most simple step in keeping indoor air as clean as possible is to replace your air filter. Fortunately, this process is quick and easy.

Every HVAC unit has an air filter that’s designed to filter out dirt, dust, and other pollutants from the air. The key is to replace your air filter every couple of months, or as needed. Thus it’s important to get in the habit of checking your filter on a regular basis.

Filters can be purchased at any local hardware store and are relatively inexpensive. Go ahead and buy several at a time so that you’ll always have one on hand when it’s time for a replacement.

2. Have Your Carpet Professionally Cleaned

The next thing you should do is have the carpet in your home professionally cleaned. This is incredibly important for eliminating many forms of dirt and toxins that get trapped in the fibers of your carpet and then tracked throughout the rooms of your home.

After all, every time you walk into your house from outside, your shoes track in all kinds of dirt and nasty debris. This means that your family and pets will then be exposed to whatever ends up in the carpet fibers, which can then lead to potential inflammation or respiratory issues.

You can also rent a steam cleaner and clean your carpet yourself. But if you truly want your carpet to be as clean as possible, a professional carpet cleaning company will have the equipment and experience necessary to ensure the best possible results.

3. Buy an Air Purifier

If you live in Florida but haven’t yet invested in a quality air purifier, this is definitely something you should add to your must-buy list.

Keep in mind that there’s so much in the air that you can’t see. Every time you take a deep breath, you are pulling all kinds of microscopic debris into your lungs. If this sounds a bit gross, it should.

You can find good air purifiers at most home improvement stores or major retailers. They are relatively inexpensive and are a breeze to operate.

The key is to remember to keep the filter clean. Most filters can be cleaned by simply running water over them, while other air purifiers are designed with replaceable filters.

Having an air purifier in your home will help make the air safer to breathe while also reducing the amount of dust and other small debris that typically winds up in your carpet or settles on your furniture.

4. Don’t Smoke Indoors

When you’re a smoker, it’s no secret that smoke and nicotine odors from cigarettes and other tobacco products tends to seep into everything. This includes everything from furniture and curtain fabrics, to bedding and clothing. In fact, it’s nearly impossible to avoid.

Because of this, you should at least consider going outside to smoke in order to preserve the air quality inside your home and make it a much more healthy place to live. This is another reason to consider using an air purifier in your home.

5. Improve Air Circulation

Homes with good air circulation naturally have better air quality. That’s why it’s so important to find ways to create proper circulation through your house. This helps keep dust, smoke, and other pollutants from settling on furniture, carpet, and clothing.

Make sure the air vent registers in each room are open, close doors to empty rooms, and place fans in strategic locations throughout your home in order to improve airflow.

6. Make Sure Your Home Is Properly Ventilated

Keep in mind that stagnant air isn’t your friend. While good air circulation is definitely important for cultivating proper indoor air quality, proper ventilation is equally important.

Easy tips for ventilating your home include opening doors and windows, drying laundry outside, or installing a ventilation system.

7. Remove Your Shoes Before Entering

Here is another simple yet important tip for improving air quality: always remove your shoes before entering your home.

This might seem like a huge inconvenience, yet wearing shoes in the house is really just a bad habit that tracks pollutants such as dirt and pollen indoors. It also shortens the lifespan of your carpet.

Wearing your shoes also results in having to clean your floors more often. So just get in the habit of taking them off before you step through the front door.

A Guide to Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Clean air is a crucial element for healthy living. Fortunately, these tips will help improve indoor air quality so that your lungs can remain as clean and healthy as possible.

Be sure to contact us for a quote regarding A/C and heating maintenance.

7 Steps to Improving Indoor Air Quality in Florida syndicated from https://flheatair.com/
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How To Remove Unpleasant Odors With HVAC Maintenance in Fort Myers

Is a bad smell coming out of your Fort Myers HVAC system instead of delivering clean, refreshing air into your home? If so, you need to take action to find out what is causing the problem and get it fixed.

The Environmental Protection Agency lists heating and ventilating systems as some of the possible sources for indoor air pollution. You can be exposed to immediate and/or long-term effects depending on what is causing the problem.

Here are some descriptions to help identify what may be the cause of that less-than-pleasant smell in your home.

Rotten Egg Smell

If you smell rotten eggs in your home or riding in with your conditioned-air, you need to act immediately. It can mean you have a natural gas leak. You need to turn off the gas at the meter and take appropriate action.

The Florida Public Utilities recommends evacuating immediately and calling 9-1-1. They also encourage you to not engage in any activity that can cause a spark, such as smoking, using your landline phone, or lighting a match.

If the gas company determines that the problem lies in your HVAC system, you will need to get that fixed. Do not attempt to turn the gas back on yourself before the gas company comes out to check that it is safe for it to be turned back on.

Oil Smell

If you smell oil while running an HVAC system that wasn’t very recently installed, you either have an oil leak or a problem with your oil burner. Either can lead to more serious problems. Your HVAC technician will be able to determine where the oil leak is coming from or what is causing your oil burner to not function properly.

Mold and Mildew

If your conditioned-air smells musty, it is a sign that you likely have mold or mildew in your HVAC system. The Center for Disease Control suggests having any mold you find in your house removed to prevent damage to your health.

The presence of mold can cause relatively mild health symptoms similar to having a cold. For people with asthma or underlying health issues that have a compromised immune system, the effects due to mold exposure can be much more serious.

Cigarettes

A residual buildup of cigarette smoke can occur when people have smoked cigarettes inside your home. If you’re smelling cigarette smoke when you run your HVAC, you will need to change your air filter and have your system professionally cleaned. To keep the problem from recurring after remedial measures have been taken, ask smokers to smoke outside.

Stinky Feet (Dirty Sock Syndrome)

If water has accumulated in your HVAC system and become stagnant, the conditioned air will smell like dirty or stinky feet. This smell indicates there is likely a drainage problem somewhere in your system. Some causes may be blocked drainage lines, standing water in your drainage pan, or a wet air filter.

Burning Electrical Smell

A burning smell coming from your HVAC system may be something as simple as a dirty air filter. You need to turn off the electricity to your HVAC system at the breaker box prior to checking the condition of your filter.

If it isn’t a filter issue, then call a professional to help you diagnose the problem. You may have a problem with your HVAC motor or faulty wiring, either of which needs to be professionally repaired before turning the electrical back on to your HVAC.

If the burning smell includes a rotten egg or fishy odor, call the fire department because plastic parts in your HVAC may be melting down. Turn off your electricity at the breaker box while you wait outside for them to arrive.

Stinky Trash Smell

If your home begins to smell like something is dead or decomposing, it is possible a rodent or small animal has died inside your HVAC system. If this happens, call a Florida HVAC professional to get it removed ASAP. While waiting for them to arrive, do not run your HVAC and open up windows and doors to help release some of the smell.

Gunpowder Smell

If your HVAC system is emitting a gunpowder smell, it is likely that something in your system has shorted out. For example, the circuit board or the fan’s motor. Your HVAC professional will need to either fix or replace whichever part has failed.

Sewage

When your main sewer line or one of the pipes leading to it backs up or ruptures, the smell can get pulled into your home through your ductwork. Sewage creates a mixture of substances; some of which are not safe to breathe or can create a fire hazard. Call your plumber immediately and open doors and windows to ventilate your home.

Importance of Preventive Maintenance

The best way to ensure your HVAC system lasts and keeps providing you with healthier air is to have your system on a regular maintenance schedule. During these preventive maintenance checks, we can clean and inspect the various parts and operating pressures that keep your system performing optimally.

Call Your Fort Myers HVAC Tech Today

Bad smells coming from your HVAC can be both harmful and unpleasant. The air quality in your home is important to your health, so do not prolong your exposure or simply try to cover up the smell with air deodorizers.

Most of the symptoms above mean there is a problem directly related to your HVAC unit that needs to be corrected. Contact us now to schedule an inspection of your Fort Myers HVAC system.

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9 Signs It’s Time to Call a Fort Myers HVAC Fall Maintenance Provider

Regular HVAC maintenance can reduce the risk of expensive breakdowns by 95%? It’s that important.

Although your HVAC sysstem has served you well for months now, over time it’s bound to experience a few issues. That’s why you’ll need to properly maintain it to keep it running like a well-oiled machine.

Sometimes issues with your HVAC aren’t so apparent. It may be as subtle as strange rattling noises or an increase in your energy bills.

There are other telltale signs that it’s time to call your Fort Myers HVAC Fall Maintenance service. In this piece, we’ll highlight both the subtle and apparent signs that tell you need HVAC maintenance. That way, you won’t be stuck in the Florida heat during fall, and you can also keep warm during the subsequent winter.

Signs You Need to Call Fort Myers HVAC Fall Maintenance Providers

It’s common for people to overlook HVAC maintenance until everything goes wrong. At that point, you won’t be looking for maintenance; you’ll be looking for repairs which are costlier and more time-consuming. For that reason, you’re better off scheduling regular maintenance for the HVAC before you pay the price, quite literally.

Here a couple of signs that you may need some HVAC maintenance:-

1. High Humidity

In Florida, fall and summer are usually quite humid outside. It would suck if you were to experience the same humid conditions inside your home. Luckily, the HVAC regulates your home’s humidity levels automatically.

If you find your home a bit sticky, yet your HVAC is still on, then something is definitely wrong with your HVAC.  Your best course of action would be to call Fort Myers Fall HVAC maintenance provider to check if something’s wrong with your HVAC. If there’s an issue, we’ll do the necessary touch-ups so we can get your system up and running in no time.

2. Bad Odors

This is possibly the most apparent sign that you need some HVAC maintenance. Unpleasant odors emanating from your HVAC means you need HVAC maintenance ASAP. If you don’t, the bad smell gets worse and worse by the day.

You may ignore the small for a while, but after some days, it will be unbearable to live in the house. That means you can’t have any guests over or even stay at home too long. That’s why you need to call maintenance the soonest you can.

The possible reason for the smell is microbial growth within your system.  A simple duct cleaning will do to get rid of the microbials. Then UV light detects any spots the maintenance guys might have missed to prevent the incident from happening again.

3. Skyrocketing Energy Bills

Ever received your energy bill and got shocked? A problem with your HVAC may be the reason for this. Sporadic increases in your energy bills are a clear indicator that something is wrong with your HVAC.

The average American household paid about $112 for energy in 2017. This figure is just a benchmark, but you should compare it to your previous energy bills to tell whether something is wrong.

A furnace HVAC uses less than 600 watts of energy, so don’t expect any astronomical power bills when you use your furnace for a while.  If you get outrageous bills, then something is really wrong with your HVAC.

A HVAC system in good shape runs efficiently, effectively, and heats or cools the entire house effortlessly.  Astronomical power bills are usually caused by your HVAC, so have it checked out quickly and save yourself a bundle in energy bills.

4. Strange Noises

There’s a little noise your HVAC makes when starting up. Anything beyond that means that something isn’t right with your system. Now strange noises spell a whole heap of problems, and you need the right professionals to help you sort out the issue.

You may hear rattling noises, which means something is loose. Whistling noises means you might have a leak in your system. If you hear grinding noises, you need to reduce having the HVAC on until you have the matter checked out.

5. Warm Air

Sometimes you may set your thermostat to cooling mode, but it still blows warm air. If it does so, set it to a temperature cooler than your home. If it still blows warm air, then something’s wrong with your system, and it needs some checking out.

6. More Than Normal Cycles

Unusual cycles, whatever the weather, means something isn’t right with your system. Perhaps summer is an exception, but it shouldn’t have too frequent cycles. It should be just a tad more than the usual on and off cycles.

If this is your case, you need a quick tune-up to get it back to normal. It won’t take very long, just about twenty minutes tops.

7. Moisture Around Your AC

It’s normal to get a few tiny droplets around your HVAC system. However, when you have massive water droplets. It doesn’t seem much of an issue on the surface, but it could underscore a serious issue with your AC.

If the droplets start dripping, then that’s when you need Fort Myers Fall HVAC maintenance service because it limits your HVAC’s cooling potential.  Also, if it becomes excessive, it may lead to ugly water stains on your homes’ wall or puddles on the floor.

8. Poor Airflow

When you have insufficient airflow, it means your HVAC isn’t as efficient as it should be. Also, you won’t get the heating or cooling you usually get. You could either deal with the high bills or call for maintenance and solve the issue once and for all.

You could have a blockage that’s preventing enough air from passing through the ducts. Call the professionals to check the matter out before it worsens.

9. Doesn’t Maintain the Set Temperature

This is especially common for old HVAC systems. Parts start becoming sluggish, and the HVAC needs more energy to do proper cooling or heating. This makes it difficult for the HVAC to maintain the same temperature, and you get temperature fluctuation.

If you experience this call Fort Myers fall maintenance for a tune-up or for them to replace a few parts.

Don’t Overlook HVAC Maintenance

Maintenance is imperative for an effective and efficient HVAC system. Failing to maintain your system could result in expensive repairs or a revamp of the entire system.

If you experience any of the above issues, call Fort Myers HVAC Fall Maintenance as soon as you can. That way, you can remain warm through winter and cool all through summer without any hitches from your HVAC.

If you need professional and expedient HVAC services, then request a quote today, and we’ll sort you out in no time.

9 Signs It’s Time to Call a Fort Myers HVAC Fall Maintenance Provider syndicated from https://flheatair.com/
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How to Protect Your Outside Air Conditioner Unit From Florida Storms

Storm season in Southern Florida is no cakewalk.

More and more often we’re faced with tropical storms, hurricanes, and tornadoes which threaten not only our lives but also the homes we’ve worked so hard to own.

With storm season lasting from June through November, that’s a large window of opportunity for a storm to wreak havoc on your property.

It’s also the time of year when you really need to be able to rely on your outside air conditioner unit to deal with the heat and humidity of a typical Florida summer.

How can you best protect your outdoor HVAC unit? Keep reading for some handy tips.

Preparation Before a Storm

Taking the time to storm-proof your house before the storm season arrives in June will ensure that there is less clean-up to do after a hurricane or flooding occurs.

1. Cover your outside air conditioner unit – The materials you use depends entirely on what the wind speed will be. In most cases a well-secured tarp will work just fine. If you live in an area with notoriously high storm winds, it might be wise to use plywood around your unit as well as a tarp. Plywood will act as a windbreak to keep it from being yanked off its base. It will also keep flying debris from damaging your outdoor unit.
2. Store all loose yard items inside – This means everything, even that patio table you think is too heavy to move. Removing anything from your yard that may be blown into your air conditioner keeps it from being punctured. Punctured AC units can leak coolant, which will make you sick.
3. Trim dead/dying tree branches – Tree branches are also likely to puncture your air conditioner if wind speeds are high. A large branch falling on the unit will destroy it and force you to replace it.
4. Raise the air conditioner off the ground – FEMA suggests raising equipment, like outside air conditioning units, at least a foot above the flood elevation. Raising your AC unit another foot or two above the minimum suggestion will give you increased peace of mind. Brick platforms and cantilevered platforms are the best options. Wooden platforms with legs won’t last through the storm season. Wood rots after major storms. Also, the legs will catch debris during flooding, increasing the chance of the whole platform falling over.
5. Secure the Hurricane Strapping and Bolts – While you’re outside covering the AC unit, take a moment to check that all the bolts and screws are tightened properly. Even if you use plywood to cover it, a loose air conditioner will still get swept away by the wind if it isn’t secured to its platform.

Sometimes an easy fix will do the trick. But in some cases, you may need to consider some semi-major building projects in order to make sure your outdoor unit isn’t destroyed.

If you do plan to build a new platform for your AC, check with your county, first. You will most likely need to get building permits. You will also need to find out what the base flood elevation is for your area in order to know exactly how high to raise your outdoor air conditioner unit.

During the Storm

Power outages are common during major storms. To preserve the life of your air conditioner, make sure the unit is off. If you’re hesitant to turn off all the power to your home, at least turn off the system via the thermostat and switch off the breaker box circuits for your air conditioner.

It may be tempting to run it for just a little while when things look calm, but you should resist the urge. Unpredictable storms could sweep back in at any moment. A power surge while your AC is running will fry the circuitry and may damage the air compressor.

After the Storm

Once you’ve made it through the storm safe and sound, that isn’t the end of making sure your outside air conditioner unit also survived.

Timeliness is important, here. While it may feel safe to let your unit sit for a few days, that increases the likelihood that mold and harmful bacteria will grow in the AC unit itself, as well as the ducts.

Here are some important steps to take before sitting back to enjoy your cool home:

• Remove all the tarps and plywood.
• Carefully check the unit for damage. Make sure to re-tighten any loose bolts and screws.
• Look around the air conditioner to see if you spot anything leaking from it. Should there be any mysterious liquid around it, bring in an HVAC expert to make sure it isn’t leaking coolant.
• Vacuum the filters to remove dust and other debris that may have blown into it.
• Carefully disinfect the unit to remove any mold that grew while it was off. If you aren’t sure how it’s best to ask a professional.
• If the unit seems okay, turn on the breakers and let it run.
• Listen for any odd noises. If your air conditioner makes any wheezing, thudding, or loud humming sounds, switch it off immediately and call in a professional to check it out.

If you experienced flooding during the storm and your outdoor HVAC unit was submerged, do not turn on the breakers and attempt to run it. It’s likely you will need to replace not only your outdoor AC unit, but also any ducts that were also submerged during the flooding.

Let Us Help You Protect Your Outside Air Conditioner Unit

Living in Fort Myers is eventful enough during the long summer months without worrying about your outside air conditioner unit and how it will weather the storms.

Even if you do follow all these steps, sometimes Mother Nature has other plans, but that’s why we’re here to help.

At Florida Heat & Air, we want to make sure you are as comfortable as possible all year long. We offer affordable repair and maintenance work done by certified-trained technicians.

Contact us today to learn more about our services.

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My Furnace Will Not Turn on With Thermostat: 5 Possible Reasons It’s Not Working

Furnaces in Florida are a redundant concept for much of the year. While there are times where you will need heat in Florida, the climate typically lends a need for cooling services rather than making sure you have a working furnace.

Nonetheless, much like anywhere, there will be a few months out of the year where the temperature drops abruptly, especially in Florida.

You know what they say about the weather in Florida? If you don’t like it, just wait a minute!

So, you go to turn the heat on for the first time in 8 months and discover that the furnace will not turn on with thermostat. The feeling of dread begins to sink in.

It’s cold for the first time in months, and you need heat! What could possibly be the reason for your heater not working?

Here, learn about the top reasons this may be happening to your heater and what you can do about it.

Furnace Will Not Turn on With Thermostat: What’s the Problem?

There is no worse time for your heater to not be working because you typically only discover that it isn’t functioning right when you need it most!

First and foremost, it’s worth pointing out that there are ways to prevent any of this happening in the first place. If you use preventative maintenance with a quality HVAC service, the likelihood that your furnace won’t work properly when you need it to goes down significantly.

With that said, here are some of the primary reasons your furnace might not be working.

1. Thermostat Issue

One of the first things to consider when your furnace isn’t working is that your commands are simply not reaching the machine, meaning there could be a problem with the thermostat you use.

The issue could be as simple as a lack of power, as some need batteries to operate. On the other hand, it could be as serious as the entire thermostat being bad and needing replacement.

Many homes have digital thermostats these days, and appropriately have guides available for troubleshooting on the manufacturer’s site.

Additionally, sometimes the thermostat may simply not be set in the correct manner. If you set up a program and then forget about it, this may be a reason why your heat isn’t coming on. Make sure your temperature is set correctly and is set to the heat setting, as opposed to off or cool.

Wrong Thermostat for the Wrong Furnace

In order to make sure your furnace operates properly, you also have to ensure that the thermostat you have is appropriate for the system you have.

You must have a thermostat that is matched with your heating system in terms of capacity and capability.

If you install the incorrect thermostat for the system you have, you are likely to experience miscommunication between the thermostat and the system. You may even see the system fail altogether. Make sure you do your research and consult with professionals before buying a new thermostat.

2. Bad Wiring

Loose connections, frayed wires, and aged wires all can cause your thermostat to eventually lose its connection to your A/C and heating system.

Inspect your wiring thoroughly, making sure the connections are tight, and replace any wires as deemed necessary by you or an HVAC professional.

3. Clogged Air Filter

This is another common problem for heaters and air conditioning units in general. If you turn your heater on but it fails to blow anything, or at least fails to blow hot air, you very well may have a clogged filter.

This occurs when the filter gets dust buildup on it, reducing airflow throughout the entire system and can cause your heater to shut down.

You can rectify this by checking your air filter to make sure it isn’t dirty or clogged in any manner.

Now, when it comes to changing air filters, there are many different kinds and sizes depending on the size of your home and air conditioning unit.

If your air filter truly was clogged, it would be wise to see to it that you get your system checked. The reason for this is because soot may have seeped into the system as a result of the clogged air filter.

4. Tripped Breaker

This is something that you may not notice.

Sometimes, for whatever reason, the circuit breaker to the heater may trip, turning off the heater. Make sure to check all your breakers and make sure they are in good shape.

In addition to this, your furnace should also have a switch on it that will turn the furnace off. This may be the cause of your problem, and was likely switched off on accident, but be careful to ensure nobody turned the furnace off for a reason.

5. Belt Or Blower Problem

Sometimes your furnace may be working just fine, but it will seem broken due to an issue with the blower. If you hear your furnace making sounds that are high pitched, this is indicative of the blower being out of whack.

The only thing to really do is to get yourself a qualified heating repair service to inspect and fix the issue in your system. There are various reasons for this issue, some as simple as lubrication or having a worn belt.

They can also be costly, such as a complete replacement of the motor or blower. As mentioned before, getting preventative maintenance is one of the ways to avoid such situations ever occurring.

The Best Heating & Cooling Service in SW FL

When the furnace will not turn on with thermostat, make sure you get these things checked.

We’ve been serving the people of Florida since 1989. If you want to ensure you get the best service and get your job done right, contact us today for all of your heating & cooling needs.

My Furnace Will Not Turn on With Thermostat: 5 Possible Reasons It’s Not Working syndicated from https://flheatair.com/
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Diana Stearn

I am Diana Stearn from Florida,FL. I am a Poet, Lyricist and Creative Writer, and I love Re-Selling,Traveling.