FPL Energy and Money Saving tips include:

• Cleaning or replacing your air conditioner’s filter on a regular basis will help your AC run more efficiently and save on electric bills
  
  
• Setting your thermostat at 78 degrees or warmer and switch your air conditioner’s fan to auto. If you are away from your home for long periods set your thermostat to 82 or warmer for those periods. When the weather is cooler set your thermostat to 68 degrees or cooler at night or when the house is empty.
  
  
• Maintaining the proper airflow by keeping interior doors and vents open
  
  
• Close drapes, blinds, and shades during the hottest part of the day to block direct sunlight
  
  
• Use floor and ceiling fans throughout your house and turn off fans when you are not in the room
  
  
• Seal or replace leaky duct systems: Two-thirds of homes in the USA have leaky duct systems that need repair or replacement. These leaks can negatively impact the Indoor Air Quality of your home and increase your electric bills.  It is a good idea to have your duct system inspected by a qualified HVAC professional
  
  
• Install a High Efficiency HVAC system:  If you AC unit struggles to keep your house cool, is over 10 years old, has had a number of costly repairs it may be time to consider replacing your HVAC system.  While replacing an HVAC system can be a major home investment you can recover some of the cost be opting for a high energy system. High-efficiency air conditioning systems help reduce electric bills year after year.
  
  
• Add Attic Insulation: In Florida attic temperatures can easily reach 130 degrees during the hottest days of summer.  Put some heat absorbing insulation between your living area and that heat.

Caulking windows and doors is another easy way to save energy .  For heating and cooling purposes caulking can mean big energy savings.  Sealing and caulking windows, doors, and areas where plumbing and electrical components enter your home can help prevent energy loss by stopping air from entering or leaving your home. 

Anderson Service for Home & Business provides Air Conditioining Repair, Maintenance, and Replacement for homes and business throughout Southwest Florida, from Bradenton to Venice, Port Charlotte, Fort Myers, and more.  Call today for a Free System Evaluation at 941-488-9633 or use our convenient online Scheduling form.

Carbon Monoxide monitoring is an often overlooked home safety issue. Carbon Monoxide is a tasteless, odorless, colorless gas. Some activities, such as burning oil, gasoline, and wood produces. 

The Carbon Monoxide levels in our home are determined by how much incomplete combustion is formed from such flame-fueled appliances and devices as ovens, water heaters, clothes dryers, space heaters, furnaces, power generators, grills, and vehicles in attached garages or stored near the home. When water heaters and furnaces are properly vented, Carbon Monoxide will escape to the outside of the house. Vehicles, often parked in attached garages, are the most common cause of monoxide poisoning

To monitor your Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) you should consider having your home inspected by a Carbon Monoxide Analyst to test combustion appliances and any area that is used for vehicle storage.  Your Certified Contractor will have the tools and knowledge required to do a proper analysis of your Indoor Air Quality. 

Once your house has been inspected you will have the information you need to decide if installing a Carbon Monoxide Monitor or Alarm is an important step in safeguarding your home.  You can further educate yourself on Carbon Monoxide safety and monitors by watching the National Comfort Institute’s video on Carbon Monoxide Safety.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms /Detectors are designed to protect healthy adults.  If your household includes infants, the elderly, or those with respiratory problems you will want to take that into consideration.

The Carbon Monoxide levels in your home are impacted by several factors including:

• The amount of fresh air circulated through the home – Is your house is well ventilated?
• Automobile exhaust from attached garages
• Tobacco Smoke
• Whether combustion products are contaminating the Indoor Air Quality (e.g. leaky furnace, air intakes too close to idling vehicles, gas appliances, gas powered generators in the house or garage, etc)

In the United States close to 500 deaths and 15,000 emergency room visits happen each year as a result of inadvertent Carbon Monoxide exposure.

As of the end of 2011 twenty-five states have statutes that require Carbon Monoxide alarms in certain kinds of residential buildings. Florida is one of them.

The Florida statue on Carbon Monoxide alarms:

“Requires that every building for which a building permit is issued for new construction on or after July 1, 2008, and having a fossil-fuel-burning heater or appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage shall have an approved operational carbon monoxide alarm installed within 10 feet of each room used for sleeping purposes.”

This means that that all new construction after July 1, 2008 requires the installation of Carbon Monoxide alarms.  While existing homes are not included in this statute, it might be a good preventative measure to have your Indoor Air Quality tested. 

Anderson Service for Home & Business is a Certified Contractor for Carbon Monoxide Inspections. Our Certified Technicians have the knowledge and tools to analyze your Indoor Air Quality. In Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte (North), DeSoto, and Hardee Counties call us at 941-488-9633

Regular AC maintenance will help keep things running smoothly, however, as your AC system ages you will begin to experience performance problems that need the attention of an HVAC professional.  Sometimes just replacing an AC part will extend the life of your unit for years.  However when major repairs are called for then you will need to compare repair costs versus the cost of system replacement.

At Anderson Service for Home & Business we have an outstanding record of high quality service to thousands of homes and businesses throughout Southwest Florida. 

Air Conditioning Problems

If your air conditioning system stops functioning then you need to act fast and you need a reliable AC contractor that will respond just as quickly.  Our 24/7 Emergency Service is for those times when your air conditioining system goes down unexpectantly.  Be prepared by keeping an eye out for early warning signs that trouble is imminent.

If your AC system exhibits any of the following warning signs call us so we can help prevent a breakdown:

• Decreased airflow coming from your air conditioning vents
• Do you hear any loud noises coming from either your indoor or outdoor AC components (evaporator or compressor/condensor)?
• Do your electrical circuit breakers and fuses short out frequently?
• Does your AC unit turn on and off frequently?
• Pay attention to how often your air conditioning system is running.  Is your AC system running continuously?
• Is there ice forming on the unit?
• Are your electrical bills climbing higher each month (compared to a similar time period)?
• Is there a reduction in cooling performance
• Does your unit leak refrigerant?
• Are there hot spots in your home – rooms that are not as comfortable as before?

These early warning signs should be followed up on quickly to prevent a loss of service from your AC unit. Call an HVAC professional to have it diagnosed and repaired right away. 

By paying attention to the warning signs you may be able extend the life of your air conditioning system and continue to enjoy a properly air conditioned living space. Early detection of an air conditioning problems can also save you from months of high utility bills as your AC unit struggles to deliver some level of cool air.

Efficient, Fast AC Repair

Minor problems can turn into major problems if not addressed quickly.  Have your system serviced by a licensed HVAC professional to make sure the work is done properly. 

We Repair and Service All Air Conditioner Brands, Makes and Models including:

• Trane
• York
• Maytag
• Carrier
• Rheem
• Bryant
• American Standard
• Janitrol
• Lennox
• Ruud
• and more…

Anderson Service for Home & Business has over 55 years of experience.  Our highly trained HVAC technicians will diagnose your problem quickly and efficiently. Call us today at 941-488-9633 or complete a Service Request form Online. 

Flexible Air Conditioning Alternatives

Is a difficult to cool room spoiling your home comfort?  Why lose the use of one room in your house because of a hot spot?  A room addition, converted garage or even a master bedroom can be causing comfort problems due to poorly conditioned air.  For many people a window air conditioner is not a suitable solution due noise and aesthetic concerns.  Ductless mini split air conditioning is an excellent solution for all these problems.

Ductless mini splits are seeing a growing acceptance in the United States. They have been a popular air conditioning solution in Japan for many years.

With mini splits you can choose between a straight cool with electric heat strip and heat pump versions.  Like traditional air conditioning units, they have two main parts: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling unit. A conduit that encloses a power cable, condensate drain, suction tubing, and refrigerant tubing connects the indoor and outdoor components.

The advantages of ductless mini splits include room zoning or the flexibility for heating and cooling individual rooms.  Ductless mini splits also offer greater energy efficiency because they avoid the energy loss of inefficient ductwork.  Approximately 30% of the energy consumed for air conditioning is lost due to poorly designed and insulated AC ductwork.

Ductless Mini splits also offer a variety of model types including wall-mounted, floor standing and ceiling mounted options.  One of the most popular advantages of a ductless mini split is the attractive way the unit displays in the home, complete with decorative jackets that blend the indoor air-handling into the room’s décor.  The wall-mounted units typically have a seven-inch deep profile.  Most mini split systems come with a remote control for additional convenience.

The most notable disadvantage of ductless mini split systems is their cost.  Expect to pay about 30% more for a mini split over the cost of central air conditioning (not including ductwork).  Window air conditioners of similar capacity will run you about half the cost of a mini split unit.

Professional sizing of your ductless mini split system is essential for energy efficient operation. A system that is too large or too small or improperly placed will cancel out much of the benefit of individual room cooling.

If a noisy, ugly window air conditioner is detracting from your home comfort and enjoyment call us to see if a ductless mini split system is the right choice for your unique home environment.

Anderson Service for Home and Business has more than 55 years of experience in air conditioning installation, and maintenance in SW Florida. Call for a Free AC System Analysis or fill-in the short form below and we will contact you.

cforms contact form by delicious:days

If your air conditioning coils are dirty or debris, plants, or other obstructions are too close to the outdoor AC unit, then the system’s fan will have difficulty moving enough air for your air conditioning system to perform properly. Clean, properly maintained AC coils will maximize the performance of your air conditioning system.

Your indoor evaporator coils need can be protected by regularly changing the air filter to help prevent the build-up of dirt and grime.

Keeping the indoor and outdoor coils in your AC system clean is an important way to reduce repairs, lower utility bills, and maintain a comfortable living environment. 

We recommend twice yearly professional cleaning of your AC coils.  This will protect your AC system and  extend the life of your unit, reduce costly repairs, lower your electric bills, and increase the comfort of your home.

Your HVAC system Maintenance should include cleaning indoor and outdoor coils, a check of the electrical connections, and replacement of air filters.  Our comprehensive HVAC Maintenance Plan includes a complete checklist of items to be performed by our professional HVAC technician.

Anderson Service for Home & Business provides a Comprehensive HVAC Maintenance Plan for your air conditioning system to make sure you benefit from your air conditioning system investment.

Check out our Air Conditioning Maintenance Plans and Equipment Coverage Plans for details.

To schedule your AC Maintenance call 239-694-8300 or use our Online Scheduling form.

High monthly electric bills? It may be time to replace your old air conditioning system?  You have probably been spending a lot of extra money on your electric bill for years because of your SEER 9 or 10 air conditioning system. 

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and it means the amount of cooling your system can deliver per dollar spent on electricity. Take a moment and check your outdoor AC compressor to see what the SEER rating is – it should state the rating on the outside of the unit.

Back in 2006 the Department of Energy mandated that all new cooling equipment must offer at least a SEER rating of 13.  The difference between the old SEER ratings and even the minimum new rating is hundreds of extra dollars spent on energy every year.

By upgrading to new energy-efficient air conditioning system and repairing, sealing or replacing your AC ductwork you will save money on your utility bills, enjoy better indoor air quality (IAQ), improve your home’s value, and contribute to a greener environment.  A new energy-efficient air conditioning system can reduce your energy consumption by 30%-40%.

Florida Power and Light (FP&L) encourages you to get the highest energy-efficient AC system your budget allows.  FP&L even provides a rebate based on the energy-efficiency of the HVAC system you purchase.  Read the AC Buying Guide at FP&L and then calculate your savings with a new high energy-efficient air conditoning system.

Don’t settle for the lowest minimum SEER rating of 13.  By going with the minimum SEER rating you will continue to spend more than necessary on your utility bills for the life of the system.  Where is the savings in that?

Regular AC Maintenance

Regular system maintenance will add to the efficient operation of your AC equipment, reduce repairs and untimely breakdowns, increase savings on energy consumption, and help to extend the life of the equipment.

At Anderson Service we recommend two maintenance visits a year and offer Planned Maintenance programs to make it easy to keep you AC equipment in good working condition and protect your investment.  Manufacturers can and do deny warranty repairs for unmaintained equipment.

System Settings

Ask your HVAC professional about the ideal settings for your system.  Your professional HVAC technician should setup your air conditioning equipment, you will need to be able to set and adjust the settings on your thermostat to make sure your family enjoys the full benefits of your new system.

Air Conditioning Installation By Professionals

When selecting your HVAC installation contractor don’t settle for two guys working out of their garage. Use a qualified Professional HVAC contractor for the installation of your AC system. More than half of the air conditioning and heating equipment  in the United States in improperly installed.  This creates reduced system performance and can shorten the life of the system.  Evaluate the HVAC contractors you are considering for the installation work to be sure they have a long-term record of Customer Satisfaction.

Warranties and Labor Coverage

New HVAC systems usually have a limited Warranty.  Ask questions about what the warranty covers and what it does not cover.  Has your HVAC contractor offered you an extended Labor Coverage package?  Did you order an extended Labor Coverage package?  Your new system may have a Parts Warranty you should not assume that Labor Coverage is included.  Extended Labor Coverage is USUALLY a premium option and a very Important one! HVAC parts do not install themselves.

You are the property manager for your home.  Managing your home’s energy consumption means researching the energy-efficiency of every piece of equipment used to operate your home at the comfort level you want.  The government website EnergyStar.gov/Central Air provides more information about central air conditioning.

Call Anderson Service for Home & Business for your Free Air Conditioning and Heating System Evalution Today or use our convenience Online Schedule Service form and we will call you.

The latest model heat pumps also offer a higher level of energy-efficiency than units manufactured 25 years ago. 

The Newest Heat Pump Models Provide:

• More efficient variable speed blowers
• Increased efficiency of the refrigerate run out to the indoor coil
• Copper Tubing
• Improved electric motors, as well as superior spiral and dual-speed compressor designs

Heat pumps are not a good selection in sub-zero climates.  They provide the most benefit in climates such as we have in Southwest Florida with very mild winters. Heat pumps with variable speed blowers use less energy and improve the comfort level of your home. They are generally quieter than traditional air conditoning and heating systems and distribute heat evenly throughout your home.

The most efficient heat pumps are Air-source heat pumps. They can pump out three times the amount of heat energy for the electrical energy they use.  In home heating and cooling an air source heat pump is used to absorb heat from the outside air and release it inside your home during the winter and does the reverse in summer.

It is important for homeowners with heat pumps to know how to maximize the performance of their systems by regulating the pump’s thermostat.  Temperature settings that are extremely low may create stress on the equipment and overly high temperature settings can significantly reduce the benefits of your unit.

Most HVAC manufacturers build systems in both Heat Pump and Straight Cool with Electric Heater models.  When considering which type is best for your home ask your HVAC professional for their recommendation.

If you are looking to replace your air conditioning and heating system call Anderson Service for Home & Business today for a Free HVAC System Evaluation or submit an evaluation request using our Online Scheduling form.

Keeping your living space comfortable requires maintaining a narrow temperature range and the relative humidity of air or % RH. 

The primary difference between the single-stage and the two-stage air conditioning unit is the number of pistons used to move air through the cooling fins and into your home. 

With a single-stage AC unit, you have a single piston and the two-stage air conditioning unit has two pistons.  Two pistons allow the two-stage system to move air faster – one piston runs during milder temperatures and both pistons run when the temperature is very hot.

A two-stage air conditioning system is more energy-efficient and better at maintaining a narrow temperature range and it will save you money on your utility bill.

A two-speed air conditioner or heat pump compressor has two levels of operation:  a high setting for the extreme heat of summer and a low setting for more moderate days. The two-stage low setting will work for about 80% of your home comfort needs.  Two-stage systems run for longer periods of time, they also provide a more even temperature for your home, and will be more energy-efficient.

A single-stage air conditioner will initially be less expensive, but will be more costly to operate over the life of the system.  With a single-stage unit you are never truly comfortable since it is either on or off.  Each time the unit starts up it is costing you more money due to the extra energy needed for start up. Since this start up phase is repeated frequently during the hottest days of summer the operating cost is greater.

Though the two-stage air conditioning system will give you better overall performance both systems provide benefits.

Two-Stage Air Conditioning System Benefits:

• The two-stage air conditioning system will cool your home about twice as fast as a single-stage system.
• Two-stage AC units are more likely to run continually, though at a much lower rate of motion than the single-stage system and provide more even comfort for your home.
• The two-stage system will cost you less to operate because it is more energy-efficient, which means greater savings on your electric bills over the life of the unit.

Single-Stage Air Conditioning System Benefits:

• Single-stage systems generally cost less than two-stage AC systems
• The single-stage system has less complex electronics, which could mean fewer repairs and less expensive repairs over the life of the system.
• Under certain circumstances, the single-stage system may dehumidify your home more efficiently.

Visit EnergySavers.gov to discover more ways to improve your home’s energy-efficiency.

With more than 55 years of excellent customer service Anderson Service guarantees your 100% satisfaction. 

Contact Anderson Service for Home & Business for all your Air Conditioning and Heating needs or for your convenience, use our Online Schedule Appointment form and we will contact you.

Anderson Service for Home & Business offers 24/7 Emergency service – call our employee Dispatch Operator at 941-488-9633 or use our toll-free number 800-572-0852. For emergency service do not use the form – call us directly for service around the clock.

Your home’s air leaks and drafts becoming increasingly noticeable as the weather gets colder.  Most air leaks are found in your attic. The air that you have paid to cool or heat your home escapes from your living space and is drawn into your attic through cracks, gaps, and openings.  Moist or dusty air from the outside may be pulled into your attic through poorly sealed areas in and around your roof.

An improperly  sealed attic can cause increased cooling and heating bills, moisture problems, as well as poor ventilation.  Your primary living area is sealed at your attic floor and this is a significant area for attic sealing. Sealing the attic at the attic floor and at the roof prevents energy loss and reduces dust and mold throughout your house.

To correctly seal your attic start with a good roof.  If you are building a new home make sure you hire a professional roofing contractor that uses high-quality materials.  If you have an existing home then weatherproof the flashing to make sure your home is protected from weather damage and to ensure a long useful life for your roof.

Many attic sealing problems require a professional contractor.  Check with a professional for the following items:

• Moldy or rotten attic rafters or floor joist mean moisture problems
• Damp or wet  insulating material can indicate a roof leak and need a fast remedy
• Rotted or moldy attic rafters or floor joist mean moisture problems
• Leaky air conditioning ductwork
• Poor attic ventilation
• Unsealed and uninsulated recessed “can” lights need insulation with non-combustible materials.

An attic with air leaks from below allows the moisture from your home to become trapped in the attic causing loss of energy efficiency and moisture damage.  Your attic hatch, or what is sometimes called the scuttle hole cover, can be a significant source of air leakage as can your air conditioning ductwork and areas around wiring, plumbing, and light fixtures.

Professional consultation on airflow in your home will provide a balance between attic sealing and the requirement for sufficient controlled ventilation to maintain a good air envelope in your home.

Call today for your home operational and efficiency needs or fill out our Online Service Request form.

An investment in attic sealing can help decrease your heating and cooling bills and provide your greater comfort in your living space.

Anderson Service has provided service to SW Florida homeowners and businesses for more than 55 years and we can help improve the energy efficiency of your home.

There are several parts to an air conditioning and heating system. They all work together to keep you home comfortable throughout the year. Knowing how these different components work together will improve your understanding of the essential function of the Air Handler in the HVAC system of your home.

The split system air conditioning unit consists of two parts, the air handler and the condensing unit. Your air handler is usually located in a closet, the attic, or your garage. In a split system, your compressor/condensing unit is usually located outside of your house.

If your air conditioning system is a package unit then the air handler and comdensing unit will be included as a part of the single packaged unit.

Your air handler performs the function of moving the air throughout your living space. Contained within the air handler are the evaporator coils, blower motor, and some of the HVAC system controls. Your air handler may be an up or down flow or a horizontal flow unit.

The air filter is most commonly located in the return register, however sometimes it can be found in the air handling unit itself or in a return duct. Ask your HVAC service professional where the filter is located for your system so you can make sure it is replaced on a regular basis.

Filtering the air not only improves the quality of air in your home, but it is necessary for the effective operation of your air handling unit (AHU). If air filters are not changed frequently, then dirt, dust and debris will build up and drawn in through the return vent. This inadequately filtered air can cause the evaporator coil to become blocked. When your coils become blocked, your heat exchanger will operate at higher than recommended temperatures. This lack of proper filtration will cause the unit to operate less and less efficiently and can reduce the lifespan of your unit.

The Air Handler’s Evaporator Coils

Your air conditioner’s evaporator coil carries the refrigerant within the coil. The coil and refrigerant absorb the heat from the air passing through the coils during the heat exchange process. Heat absorbed during this process causes the refrigerant inside of the evaporator coils to boil and change state. The refrigerant that enters the coils is mostly a liquid. By the time the refrigerant reaches the end of the coils, the heat it has absorbed will be enough to turn it into a vapor.

On the outside of your air handler there are two copper pipes. One is a large insulated line and one is a small uninsulated line. The suction line is the large insulated line. This large line transfers the vaporized refrigerant back to the air compressor. The uninsulated smaller line is referred to as the liquid line. The liquid line carries the liquid refrigerant from the condensing coils back to the evaporator in your AHU. If your unit is running then the large suction line should be cold and the small liquid line should be hot.

The temperature of these two lines is partly dependent on the ambient outdoor temperature and the heat in your house.

A significant problem that some people experience with the evaporator coils is clogged coils. This may happen as a result of a collapse duct, or if the coils are plugged with debris or dirt, or if too many supply vents have been closed in your home.

For your evaporator to work properly the evaporator coils must be free of any blockage and have good airflow. Replacing your air filter will help filter out particles before they clog the evaporator coils.

Your Air Handler’s Blower Fan Motor

The blower motor typically consists of a few different components. It will include an electric motor and a cage, often referred to as a squirrel cage. Some units have belt driven motors, however most have direct drive motors on the blower fan.

Maintenance for the blower motor usually consists of oiling the oil ports or if it is belt driven a check on the condition of the belt.

Condensate Lines for the Air Handler

For those homes where the air handler is located in the attic, it is critically important that the condensate line is checked to make sure it is not clogged. Since the evaporator coil runs at a temperature that is less than the dew point it will condense the moisture in the surrounding air.
The evaporator coil is designed to get rid of excess moisture into a drain pan.

The majority of drain pans have a 3/4” PVC line fastened to it that permits excess moisture to drain to the outside of the house. Occasionally the PVC line becomes blocked with algae or other muck and needs to be cleaned out to clear the obstruction and prevent overflow.

If you air handler is installed in your attic it should have a secondary drain pan with a float switch as a backup safety measure. The float switch will shut down the unit if the secondary drain pan begins to overfill. No homeowner wants to reinstall their ceiling because a float switch and a secondary drain pan were not installed or were not checked for blockages.

Protect your investment in your HVAC system and your home by taking the necessary steps to maintain the major systems responsible for your building’s performance.

At Anderson Service we recommend two maintenance visits a year from an HVAC professional contractor to avoid cost repairs, improve your home comfort level, and extend the life of your air conditioning and heating system.

Preventive maintenance can save you money and prevent hardship.