Discover a better way to buy HVAC today.
Build Your System
On the hottest summer days, it can be difficult for the AC system to keep upwith the demands of the house. Many homeowners struggle with certain areas of the home becoming too hot to enjoy by the late afternoon. This may be the result of a poorly functioning unit, or a bad install job. No matter what the reason, here are a few tips to help you cool off those hot spots:
Cold weather has returned and it’s time to turn up the heat! Most furnaces get a 4 to 7 months break during the warm weather months, and as many as 1 in 50 furnaces won’t restart come fall. Don’t be left out in the cold!
Don’t Wait
Test your heat once or twice during the warm weather months. If you find that there is a problem with your furnace, call a contractor and have it serviced as soon as possible. This way, you aren’t put on a waiting list in the fall when everyone else discovers that their furnace has failed.
Inspect Your Heating System Annually
A furnace is no different than a car – it needs maintenance! Have your HVAC system inspected annually to make sure it functions and runs well. Be sure that the inspector examines the ignition source, gas pressure, oil filter (for oil furnaces), and all other key components of the system.
Kick the Tires
If your furnace doesn’t start, there are a few things you can do at home before calling a contractor. Ensure the thermostat is set to “Heat” mode. You may be surprised to learn that this is the #1 cause of “No Heat” service calls. Has your breaker tripped? Check the circuit breaker panel to make sure it hasn’t tripped. If you have an oil furnace be sure to check the tank, is there oil in the tank?
When to Call a Contractor
When in doubt, call a contractor. The most important thing is to have a problem or potential problem addressed as soon as possible, and hopefully not when it becomes cold! Beware that contractors increase their rates as demand for their services rises.
If you ask any resident of Peoria, what is the most important device in the home during the summer period, they will probably answer – the air conditioner. After the introduction of residential air conditioners in the 1970s, their popularity has been increasing every year. It is assumed that the vast majority of the 45,000 households in the River City have an air conditioner. Some of them have more than one air conditioner. Since residents of Peoria, Illinois have much experience with air conditioners, they are qualified to share easy AC tips that will help anyone stay cool this summer. Keep reading if you want to learn more about these easy AC tips.
Shade your AC unit
Numerous tests have shown that AC units with adequate shading are reaching the desired temperature much faster. They are also able to maintain this temperature without any problems. As we all know, air found in a shaded space is much cooler than the one exposed to sunlight which means that your device will cool the air easily.
Close the vents, doors, and windows
There are two ways in which you can use this advice. First of all, whenever your AC is on, you should make sure that every window and door in the room is closed. The second way to maximize the effects delivered by your AC unit is to close the doors of the rooms that you are not using. There is no point in cooling the areas that you don’t use.
Don’t expose the thermostat to heat
AC users should avoid putting TVs, lamps, audio equipment or other devices that create heat close to the thermostat. One of the main goals of the thermostat is to measure the heat and in this way, you will provide incorrect indicators which will only make your AC work harder without any need. Of course, it would be great if the thermostat is not exposed to sunlight directly.
Set the right temperature
While we are talking about the thermostat, we should also mention that it is a smart move to turn it up a few degrees. A temperature between 75 and 78 degrees inside your home during a hot summer day will definitely make you feel comfortable. You will prevent shocks when you enter or leave your home.
Consider AC replacement
There is a chance that your AC is outdated and inefficient. In cases like this, AC replacement is your best option. Opt for a wholesale air conditioner with a good energy efficiency ranking. Think about the size of the AC unit you are buying.
Call a professional AC service provider
Finally, you should take care of your air conditioner by calling a well-established AC service provider. They will clean the components of your AC unit and maximize its efficiency helping you enjoy a cooler summer in your home. These professionals will also provide useful advice and small tips that will optimize the work of your AC unit.
Spring, summer, and fall are the three seasons when many people in Peoria have to fight seasonal allergies. The specific humid continental climate and frequent winds in this area make the situation even worse for some seasonal allergies sufferers. For many people, going outside is a real nightmare and many of them don’t feel safe even at home. However, this is not something new, which means that people have already discovered some ways to combat seasonal allergies in Peoria and we will now highlight some of these efficient methods.
Keep the windows and doors shut
It’s very easy to get carried away by the beautiful weather in Peoria especially in Spring and Summer. That’s why many people are opening their windows and doors wide. However, they are inviting all the allergens inside their home too. When you are in your home, keep the windows and doors closed to prevent worsening of your allergy symptoms. While we are talking about windows, it’s also good to mention that keeping your car windows closed while you are driving is another smart move. Simply turn on your car’s AC and enjoy.
Optimize your air conditioner
Now here’s more valuable advice. When the allergy season begins (or right before it), call a professional AC service provider to check your air conditioner. Ask them to clean or replace the filters. They should focus on the quality of indoor air because the air conditioner contributes to the quality. There are special filters that can prevent even the tiniest particles from entering your home. In some cases, these professionals might recommend AC replacement. Don’t be afraid because there are some great wholesale air conditioner offers that will allow you to feel the benefits of having a new, modern air conditioner without spending a small fortune on it.
Maintain cleanliness
If you are outside for a longer period of time, it is a good idea to wash your clothes and take a shower. Mold spores and pollen are everywhere around us during this season so we must be careful. This will help you will minimize the symptoms and stay safe.
Spend more time indoors
Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should spend a few months inside your home, but it is highly recommended to stay at home when the level of allergens is very high. Wait for the days when the wind is not active and when you won’t be exposed to high amounts of allergens. Generally speaking, it’s better to go outside early in the morning or at night.
Take your pills regularly
The truth is that there is a myriad of over the counter pills that can help you prevent or ease allergies. In case these pills can’t help you, ask your doctor for prescription pills. Once again, you should be careful and look for pills that suit your allergic reactions. Remember to follow the instructions. Feel free to try some remedies based on natural ingredients after talking to your doctor.
Enjoy the next allergy season in Peoria with these simple tips!
When running the fans and opening the windows isn’t enough to keep you cool, you switch to using your air conditioner. Simple enough, right? Well, not always. Sometimes, there are problems that can interfere with your air conditioner, and keep it from running at its best. It will take some human intervention (you), to help your cooling system reach its potential. Before you head out to Fowler Park or Sawnee Mountain Preserve, take a look at these tips so you can come home to a super cooled home after a long day out in the sun.
The more you run your air conditioner, the more air will flow through your air filters. Keeping this in mind, be sure to check your air filters for any excessive buildup of dust or other gunk that may be caked onto it. If it’s beyond cleaning, purchase a quality air filter from a wholesale air conditioner, or hardware store. You’ll be breathing in cooler and cleaner air in no time after completing this inexpensive maintenance job can be done by virtually anyone.
If you suspect your air conditioner isn’t cooling you as much as it has in years past, you may have a problem on your hands. Any small refrigerant leaks in your cooling system will have a noticeable effect on the coldness of air coming from your system. Have a professional air conditioner serviceman look at your refrigerant levels and fix any leaks as necessary. Not only is this hazardous, it is a costly problem in the long run. Refrigerant isn’t cheap.
If your air conditioner is 8 years or older, it may be time to start considering an AC replacement. Newer models can keep you cooler, not to mention with greater efficiency.
While your air conditioner is cycling on, run the ceiling fans for an added bonus. This effect is enhanced even more if you have the fan running counter-clockwise. The reason for this is the fan blades are angled in such a way that when they’re spun in the opposite direction than usual, they will push the air down. This will keep the cool air down where it needs to be, instead of dispersing to places where you won’t feel it.
If your air conditioner isn’t doing a good job keeping your home dry, consider using a portable dehumidifier in rooms that have the most trouble with humidity. Since humidity holds heat, you’ll want to do everything you can to keep it as low as possible in the hot summer months. You will notice a big difference in the overall comfort of a room with low humidity compared to a room with high humidity.
The heat in Tampa in the summer is no joke. During the warmest months of July and August the temperature regularly is in the 90s or even over 100. Tampa has great beaches but sometimes during the summer it’s just too hot to be outdoors even at the beach where it’s usually a few degrees cooler. Staying at home with the air conditioner running on high is a great way to spend a hot summer afternoon in Tampa. Here are some other ways that Tampa residents keep cool during the intense summer heat in Florida:
Visit The Tampa Theater
The Tampa Theater is one of the few remaining movie theaters that really gives moviegoers a thrilling Old Hollywood experience. The beautiful architecture and vast theaters inside are air conditioned and cool throughout the day so you and the kids can watch a movie and stay nice and cool while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
Have An Indoor Picnic
When you want to have a summer picnic but it’s just too hot to be outside have an indoor picnic instead. Put a tablecloth on the floor in the sun room or in the middle of the living room and sit on the floor with the kids eating snacks and sandwiches. Heat rises so sitting on the floor will enable all of you to stay cooler. If you have wood or tile floors they will be nice and cool to sit on too.
Keep Air Flowing In The House
Sometimes in the heat of a Tampa summer air conditioners can have trouble keeping the house as cool as you’d like. One way to make the air conditioner work more efficiently and cool off the whole house is to make sure that the house has good air flow. Ceiling fans can move air from one room to another without making your power bill jump. If you don’t have ceiling fans table top fans or box fans work well too. Keeping the air flowing will bring down the temperature in the house quickly.
Keep The Temperature Constant
You might be tempted to turn up the thermostat during the day to save money on your power bill. But it’s actually easier for your air conditioner to keep the temperature constant. It will also use more power if you keep raising and lowering the temperature. Pick a comfortable temperature and leave the thermostat at that temperature to keep the house consistently cool.
Have you ever had your air conditioning fail in the brutal summer heat of Tampa? If so you know just how hot it can get while you wait for an AC replacement. But you can avoid the long wait and the extra expense of replacing your air conditioner. Pay attention to these signs that your air conditioner is about to fail and take action because you are left in the 90 degree or warmer temperatures of Tampa without air conditioning:
The Fan Is Blowing But It’s Not Getting Cooler
You might think that your air conditioner is working fine because you hear the fan blowing. But then you notice that it’s really warm and it doesn’t seem to be getting cooler even though the fan has been blowing for a while. You check the thermostat and find the temperature in the room is actually climbing instead of decreasing. If that happens to you that is a big red flag that your air conditioner is about to quit on you. Take action immediately if that happens to you.
By acting fast you can get the problem fixed before the house gets too hot and before the whole air conditioning system fails. It could be that your drain hose is clogged. Or it could be that your filter needs replacing. It could just be that your air conditioner needs coolant. But getting an air conditioner expert out to your house to check the system is critically important. You may even be able to save money by using wholesale air conditioner parts to fix whatever is wrong.
Water On The Floor
If you notice puddles or pools of water on the floor near the air conditioner that water should tell you that there is something wrong. Central air conditioning units should never leak water. Room size air conditioner units that attach to the window will sometimes have water draining out the back but if the water is draining into your home call a service technician right away. Most likely the cause is a clogged drain hose or a broken or loose connection in the air conditioner. But if it’s not fixed it could cause the whole system to break down and it could ruin your floors or carpets. It’s best not to clean up the water until the repair person arrives so that they can see how much water the air conditioner is leaking. But if you have carpet and need to clean up the water before it soaks into the carpet padding take photos of the water so that you can show the technician how much water has leaked.
Mild Tampa winters combined with hot springs and very hot summers make the Tampa area tough to live in for people with seasonal allergies. In fact, Tampa ranks in the top 100 cities in the country when it comes to having allergy issues. But having a good air conditioning system in your home can help with seasonal allergies in Tampa. Here are some tips from other seasonal allergy sufferers in Tampa to help you get through allergy season in Tampa:
Leave The Air Conditioner Running
You might be tempted to turn the air conditioning off during the spring in Tampa since it’s usually just a little warm. But allergens can start popping up as early as December in Tampa. Leaving the air conditioner on and the windows closed even in spring can help prevent seasonal allergy problems. Make sure that you clean the filter on your air conditioner regularly so that the filter will filter out any pollen or other allergens that get inside the house.
Clear The Area Around Your Air Conditioner
If you have central air conditioning like most homes do in Tampa check the area around your air conditioning unit outside. Make sure that there are no trees or shrubs that could produce allergens that could get inside the air conditioning unit. Mow the grass in the area and check to be sure that there are no roots growing near the unit. Roots that grow too close to the air conditioner could interfere with the air conditioning or even cause the system to fail. AC replacement is not cheap and you can avoid having to replace the system by making sure that the area is clear of vegetation and roots.
Vacuum The Vents
Allergens can exist inside the house too. Without meaning to you or your family can track pollen and other allergens into the house on your clothes or shoes. Dust and pet hair can also make allergies worse. To make sure that you’re not at risk for indoor allergens make it part of your regular cleaning routine to vacuum the air conditioner vents and keep them clean. That will cut down on the number of allergens inside and make your home a haven free from allergens that can make seasonal allergies worse.
There’s no way to avoid coming into contact with allergens in Tampa. But you can take steps to minimize the amount of allergens in your home and make your home more comfortable.
Whether you’re out kayaking on the Myakka River or visiting the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, you’ll likely be experiencing the subtropical climate of Sarasota, Florida. What does this mean? Hot and sticky weather. After a muggy day in nature, it’s nice to relax in a cooler environment. An air conditioner is arguably the best way to keep yourself and your home cool in hot and humid climates. They aren’t infallible though—an air conditioner needs the same care and attention as any other hard-working appliance.
Below are some do-it-yourself maintenance tips to improve the workings of your air conditioner:
But hold on a second. Before you do any maintenance or cleaning on your AC, be sure to turn it off to avoid injury.
If your outdoor air conditioner is surrounded by shrubs, branches, tall grass, or any other types of obstruction, clear them out. You don’t want anything disrupting the flow of air into the outdoor portion of your air conditioner, as it will hinder the efficiency of the whole system. You’ll want to give your air conditioner around two or three feet of space around it to breathe.
The outside unit of your air conditioner is exposed to the elements year-round, which means it’s going to take some abuse. Take it upon yourself to vacuum the dust out from the all of the metal fins and other crevices on the outside of the unit first. After this, remove to top grate and use a garden hose to spray from the inside out.
Do you notice the thin metal slices that line the outside of your air conditioner? These are called fins. They are delicate and prone to bending. Well, this is yet another way that air can be blocked. To fix this, straighten up the fins with a tool called a fin comb. This inexpensive tool is specifically designed to quickly turn those mangled fins back to the vertical lines they once were.
The fan blade at the top of your condenser unit (outside portion of the air conditioner) is subject to the elements as well, and may get covered in dust, rust, or even worse, it may become damaged. If there is any severe damage to the condenser fan, consider replacing it for improved airflow.
The constant flow of outside air through your ducts brings dust, dirt, allergens and other debris. Checking on your air filters is one of the easiest ways to maintain your air conditioner. A buildup of grime on the filter will impede airflow throughout the entire system.
Ignoring maintenance doesn’t make problems go away. It’s always better to know the condition that your appliances are in you don’t want to need an AC replacement in the middle of the summer. You’ll see yourself in a wholesale air conditioner outlet or big box hardware store sooner than later if you put off maintenance on your air conditioner. Be sure not to neglect your air conditioner this season. Give it the spring cleaning that it needs before the summer heat rolls in.
Sarasota is a city and seat of Sarasota County located on the southwestern coast of the State of Florida. According to the United States Census Bureau, Sarasota had a population of 53,326 in 2013. The islands that mark the end of Sarasota from the neighboring Gulf are called Keys. The Keys have become very famous in the U.S. and beyond because of sandy beaches that attract thousands of visitors every summer. Florida is one of the best places to live because of warm winters, lovely sandy Atlantic beaches, natural features and friendly people.
In places such as Central Sarasota, the scenic view of the Gulf Beaches and the Atlantic Ocean in the background leaves a lasting impression. While every American would dream of living in Central Sarasota, FL, he/she has to contend with high power costs. The monthly power costs in Florida are 40% higher compared to other parts of the US. Besides, the power costs take approximately 27% of the entire monthly cost in every home. The following are top monthly maintenance tips during summer for Florida residents in Central Sarasota.
Monthly maintenance tips during summer for Central Sarasota, FL
Inside the house, appliances such as the oven and light bulbs contribute to heat buildup. Instead of using the appliances all the time, consider microwaving or grilling. Switching to more energy efficient bulbs will also help. The Department of Energy recommends natural clothes and utensil drying to reduce the use of dryers that cause a lot of heat and also raise utility bills.
After many months of use through the year the air conditioner or some of its parts might be damaged and require repair. In particular, you should check the status of the filters, thermostat, and coils to have them replaced for optimal operation. It is also advisable to consider AC replacement if it is suffering from regular breakdowns or is very old. A fully functioning AC will help to keep your power cost lower as well.
There are several ways to keep your home cool without raising associated power demand. First, you can acquire the latest AC system and have it installed by a professional. Look for a wholesale air conditioner dealer in Central Sarasota, FL to enjoy lower costs and higher value for your money. Second, you can use home improvement to help absorb solar radiation or reflect it away. For example, you might consider installing solar panels to capture light and reflect the excess away. Others include reflective roofing and reflective blinds that reduce the amount of heat getting into the house. With a cooler house, the need for air conditioning and demand for power will be reduced.