Health Effects of Poor Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality is a concern shared by many individuals, and there is a good reason for this. The quality and cleanliness of air inside a home or workplace can be impacted by many things, and effectively, some of the pollutants inside buildings today may cause health issues that range from basic allergic responses to serious or life-threatening conditions such as cancer. Understanding more about what the pollutants found inside buildings are and what you can do to improve indoor air quality is important if you want to protect your health and the health of those who spend time inside your home or business building.
Common Pollutants Found Inside Buildings
When you think about indoor air pollutants, you may think about things like animal dander, dust and perhaps mold spores. These are commonly associated with dirty air ducts, and you may believe that you can remove the pollutants by simply replacing your air filters in your HVAC system and keeping your air ducts clean. However, there are other common pollutants found in modern homes and commercial buildings today. For example, tobacco smoke, chemicals from furnishings and cabinetry, chemicals from carpeting and flooring, radon, combustion gases from cooking and pesticides are just a few of the many types of pollutants that you and your loved ones may be exposed to on a regular basis inside your home. These can cause immediate health issues, and some can cause serious and even fatal health issues.
Why This is a Growing Problem
In previous decades and centuries, buildings were not designed with peak energy efficiency in mind. While they offered protection from the elements, many were drafty and allowed more air to circulate between the indoor and outdoor environment. Today's modern structures are well-sealed, and this means that more of the pollutants that are found or even created inside a building remain in this area. In some cases, it is estimated that indoor air quality may be considerably more polluted than outdoor air. Opening windows from time to time to allow fresh air into the structure is a great idea, but this alone is not the only step that you need to take to create a healthier indoor environment in your building.
Purifying Your Indoor Air
The United States Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, has released a statement that indicates that eliminated chemical emissions inside a home or building are the best way to effectively improve indoor air quality. Laws at the local, state and federal level generally do not regulate emissions from products, but many environmental agencies and public health organizations have released information and recommendations regarding minimal exposure levels for various products that create pollutants. You may consider becoming more aware of how your flooring, clothing, furniture, cleaning products, paint and even the materials used to construct the building can impact air quality in the building. Knowledge is essential in combating air pollution. Bryant air purification equipment may be used to reduce the pollutants that you cannot eliminate through improved product choices.
Why Air Purification Equipment Can Be Beneficial
Volatile Organic Compounds, which are also known as VOCs, are one of the most common types of air pollutants to cause immediate health symptoms in people of all ages. There are various types of VOCs, and the individual's length of time exposed to the pollutant, individual health status and overall type of exposure may impact the severity and type of symptoms. In addition, conditions inside the structure, such as temperature, humidity, type of ventilation system and the overall age of the building can also play a role in the type and severity of symptoms. Some of the more immediate health symptoms that individuals exposed to VOCs may experience include:
- Headaches, dizziness or general confusion
- Irritation in the throat, nose, and eyes
- Rashes or other allergic skin responses
- Respiratory difficulties
- Stomach upset, including vomiting or nausea
- Fatigue
- Coordination issues
- Nosebleeds
When exposed to VOCs over a longer period of time or on a regular basis, additional health issues may be a concern. Some of the long-term or chronic health concerns associated with exposure to VOCs include
- Heart, kidney or liver damage
- Central nervous system issues
- Various types of cancer
In addition to these concerns, those who are exposed to VOCs as well as mold spores through indoor air pollution may also be at an increased risk for developing respiratory diseases or for existing respiratory conditions worsening. Some of these issues may be permanent and may continue to plague the individual even when the pollutants are removed from the environment. Some of these include:
- Asthma
- Hay fever or allergies
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Health Concerns Resulting From Exposure to Mold
Mold spores are commonly found in residential and commercial structures as well, and exposure to mold may have acute or immediate health responses. Some issues may persist with a long-term impact on health. Mold exposure may result in:
- Headaches
- Concentration and memory issues
- Throat, nose and eye irritation
The mold exposure symptoms are often referred to as sick building syndrome. The acute symptoms may improve when the individual is removed from the environment or when indoor air quality improves. However, exposure to mold may cause flare-ups with existing chronic conditions, including allergies, asthma and more.
It is important to learn more about your property's indoor air quality and to take steps to purify and clean the air as needed. Call or Text us today for more details (941) 203-7955 and don't forget to check out our specials, financing, and rent-to-own options.
Puron Refrigerant A Far Superior Collant Quickly Replacing R-22 In Air Conditioners and Refrigerators
Freon, often known by the name R-22 or Freon 22, was deemed to be a hazardous refrigerant by the Clean Air Act of 1990. Freon is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC), a harmful man-made substance that has been shown to damage the ozone layer and threaten human health.
When Freon enters the atmosphere, chemical reactions occur with the sun's UV radiation. The resulting breakdown releases separate chemicals, most notably chlorine, that then react with and degrade ozone. As ozone disappears, an increasingly large amount of UV radiation is able to penetrate the atmosphere, contributing to major issues like global warming and skin cancer.
The refrigerant is also unsafe for humans and animals, although accidental exposure is rare. Freon is heavier than air, so it can displace oxygen in the lungs and stay there, causing asphyxiation and death. Furthermore, like all HCFCs, Freon is toxic. Effects of exposure can include cardiac arrhythmias, dizziness, loss of consciousness and central nervous system suppression at concentrations of only 11 percent. This presents an especially worrying problem due to Freon's chemical nature. As a colorless and odorless gas, it cannot be detected by sight or smell if it is leaking from an appliance.
Due to these factors, the use of Freon as a refrigerant is being gradually eliminated. Instead, authorities and industry leaders are now suggesting that homeowners switch to the new Puron refrigerant for their cooling needs.
Puron also goes by the name of R-410a. It has won approval from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as an ideal replacement for Freon 22 and is the first refrigerant on the market to address ozone depletion.
Phasing Out Freon 22
Freon is still found today in the vast majority of American homes. Nonetheless, under the Montreal Protocol, steps have put in place to gradually ease the country out of its dependence on Freon and ultimately abolish its production and use.
Between 1996 and 2004, the production of Freon 22 fell by 35 percent. In 2010, Freon production was further cut by between 65 and 75 percent, which, with unanimous support, was sped up by ten percent at the Montreal Protocol Agreement's 20th anniversary in 2007. Moreover, the United States government is now requiring producers of Freon to sell exclusively equipment that does not contain R-22. This has caused much industry upheaval as companies rush to change their practices in order to comply with the law.
By 2015, experts want to see Freon production fall by 90 percent. Their hope is that, by the year 2020, Freon use will be phased out almost completely. Naturally, as R-22 is becoming more scarce, the costs per-pound of the gas are expected to rise sharply because of supply and demand.
This isn't the first time this has happened. Worried about its effects on the environment, the government worked to phase out another ozone-depleting automotive refrigerant, R-12, in the late 1980s. Anyone who possessed a car during this period may recall just how quickly the prices of R-12 spiked, or the financial impact of making upgrades to accommodate the new option. Indeed, between 1990 and 1997, the prices of R-12 refrigerant jumped by a staggering 650 percent.
What It Means For You
You can generally expect to get about 12 years of use out of an air conditioner in Florida, which means:
If you buy an air conditioner today, by the time it's reached the end of its life, Freon manufacture will have been halted, rendering it obsolete.
Freon will continue to be available until 2020, but it's likely to become prohibitively expensive.
Who Manufactures Puron Refrigerant?
So far, there has been only one company that has been an industry leader in manufacturing appliances that utilize Puron, and that is Carrier. Carrier has been offering products that use Puron for almost 18 years, and they've been installed in homes across the country. Appliances that use Puron have been shown to be among the most durable ones available, and they've even gained a national reputation for their dependability.
So far, Puron is used as a refrigerant in over 20,000 active AHRI-rated appliances. You can count on Carrier to offer the quality products you require to help you achieve cutting-edge standards. If it's time to retire your old Freon-containing air conditioner, consider switching to a Puron air conditioner. It's safer for you and the environment, easier on your wallet and will become increasingly relevant technology in the coming years.
Give Mahle Cool Air a call today to find out more about our Puron systems. Call or Text us today for more details (941) 203-7955 and don't forget to check out our specials, financing, and rent-to-own options.
Program Your AC Thermostat To Save Money
Programmable thermostats can save homeowners lots of money during the course of a year. They help reduce heating and cooling bills by maximizing the efficiency of heating and air conditioning units. People waste money when they leave the air or heat on full-blast when no one is home, when everyone's asleep, or when only part of the home of a home is being used. Program your thermostat to start saving money on energy bills today.
How Programming Your AC Thermostat Saves You Money
A programmable thermostat lets you change the temperature of your home automatically six different times a day. They work on a preset schedule, and let you decide when you want to use more energy-efficient settings to save on your heating and cooling bills.
Program your AC Thermostat for Daytime
If you work during the day, program your thermostat to lower setting while you're not home. That means your heater or air conditioning unit doesn't have to work so hard while no one is in the house to enjoy it. You can set the time you want the house to return to optimal temperatures for about 15 to 20 minutes before you plan to get home. When you walk in the door, it will already be back to the temperature you prefer.
Setting Your AC Thermostat for Nights
You can also set the temperature to change itself by a few degrees while you sleep. If it gets too hot during certain parts of the summer months, you can always manually override the setting without messing up your programming. During cold weather, bundling up under covers usually means not needing to set the heat as high. You can program the thermostat to get the temperature just right for waking up and getting ready for work and then have it return to the more energy-efficient setting you use while you're at work.
Cold Weather Settings
In the winter, set your thermostat to about 68 degrees during hours when you're home and awake, but set it for a lower temperature during hours when you know you'll be away or asleep. That way, the house is warm when you need it to be, and no energy is wasted by heating it unnecessarily. It doesn't cost extra to reheat the house each day using different settings for different times a day. Doing it saves you money.
Hot Weather Settings
During the summer, 78 degrees in the optimal energy-efficient setting to stay comfortable while you're home. Set it a little higher during hours when you'll be away, and program it to go back to 78 degrees about 15 minutes before you plan to be home. You won't waste energy that way, but you also won't come home to a house that's too hot. That's the beauty of having a programmable thermostat.
We are a family owned, full service HVAC company, and we know how important it is to save on energy bills. We pride ourselves in helping our customers save money. Programmable thermostats are a great way to save all year long. We can even install or help program an AC thermostat.
We are Bryant Factory Authorized, NATE certified experts with a personal stake in helping you with all your heating and cooling needs. That means helping you and your wallet stay comfortable all year long. Call or Text us today for more details (941) 203-7955 and don't forget to check out our specials, financing, and rent-to-own options.
Click here for the latest in advanced AC controls from Bryant
Energy Efficient Heat Pumps Save Money All Year - Hot Or Cold
People who a new and energy efficient heat pump will discover that are plenty of units from which to choose from. Mahle Cool Air can help people find the model best suited for your home's needs. Once the right unit has been selected, professionals can install the unit in order to give a home the heating and cooling that it needs.
A heat pump can heat and cool a home throughout the course of a year. It can improve the quality of air during both winter and summer months. There is a variety of heat pumps that are energy efficient and can work well within a home, they have different sizes and efficiency ratings that a homeowner should become familiar with when deciding on which model they should pick for their home. There are factors that need to be considered when looking at a unit, such as the size of a heat pump, the warranty, what type of coolant it uses how much power it consumes and more. A smaller unit will not work well within a larger home because the unit will constantly be on to heat or cool a home depending upon the weather. A larger unit can be better equipped to handle the demand for hot or cold air when the weather is either extremely hot or freezing cold.
While the size of a unit is important to consider, remember that the kind of unit is very important as well. Energy efficient heat pumps can be absolutely worth the investment in terms of keeping a home at an appropriate temperature, helping the environment and having energy bills stay at low levels. Over the years, the technology for energy efficient heat pumps has improved. As a result, heat pumps that are energy efficient are more dependable and are friendly to the environment. Furthermore, homeowners who choose such units can receive various discounts and tax credits from the government. The financial assistance can help in the long term, and residents can see lower energy bills.
If you need to replace your aging heat pump or air conditioner Mahle Cool Air can help. We have been providing excellence to customers within the community for more than 15 years. we a are full-service HVAC contractor, are a Bryant Factory Authorized dealer and are NATE Certified. Our AC technicians can take out your older unit and install a newer on correctly. As a Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer, we understand the technical aspects of installing a new unit and are able to save homeowners money with their quality service. Furthermore, all Bryant certified technicians have received North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification that recognizes their expertise and experience with heat pumps and other similar units.
As a family-owned company, we stand behind our work with our name and provide excellence in all our services. We understand how a broken AC can really disrupt life in Florida and as such we are always prompt in their appointments and immediately inform homeowners of any possible problems or changes that may occur. Although there is a cost for heat, ventilation and air conditioning services, prices are designed to fit within many budgets.
Homeowners who have additional questions are always welcome to contact the company. Friendly representatives answer phones and are quite knowledgeable. A professional is able to stop over at a home to look at an existing unit and can go into details about purchasing and installing a new energy efficient heat pump. When in need, make the call today.
Mahle Cool Air is located in Venice Florida just off Jacaranda Blvd, east of I-75. We serve all of southern Sarasota County and northern Charlotte county including, Venice, North Port, Englewood, Port Charlotte, and Sarasota. Call today for your new heat pump installation.
Call or Text us today for more details (941) 203-7955 and don't forget to check out our specials, financing, and rent-to-own options.
Program Your AC Thermostat To Save Money On Your Air Conditioning Bills
Programmable thermostats can save homeowners lots of money during the course of a year. They help reduce heating and cooling bills by maximizing the efficiency of heating and air conditioning units. People waste money when they leave the air or heat on full-blast when no one is home, when everyone's asleep, or when only part of the home of a home is being used. Program your thermostat to start saving money on energy bills today.
How Programming Your AC Thermostat Saves You Money
A programmable thermostat lets you change the temperature of your home automatically six different times a day. They work on a preset schedule, and let you decide when you want to use more energy-efficient settings to save on your heating and cooling bills.
Program your AC Thermostat for Daytime
If you work during the day, program your thermostat to lower setting while you're not home. That means your heater or air conditioning unit doesn't have to work so hard while no one is in the house to enjoy it. You can set the time you want the house to return to optimal temperatures for about 15 to 20 minutes before you plan to get home. When you walk in the door, it will already be back to the temperature you prefer.
Setting Your AC Thermostat for Nights
You can also set the temperature to change itself by a few degrees while you sleep. If it gets too hot during certain parts of the summer months, you can always manually override the setting without messing up your programming. During cold weather, bundling up under covers usually means not needing to set the heat as high. You can program the thermostat to get the temperature just right for waking up and getting ready for work and then have it return to the more energy-efficient setting you use while you're at work.
Cold Weather Settings
In the winter when it sometimes actually gets cooler than we would like in Florida, set your thermostat to about 68 degrees during hours when you're home and awake, but set it for a lower temperature during hours when you know you'll be away or asleep. That way, the house is warm when you need it to be, and no energy is wasted by heating it unnecessarily. It doesn't cost extra to reheat the house each day using different settings for different times a day. Doing it saves you money.
Hot Weather Settings
During the long Florida summer, 78 degrees in the optimal energy-efficient setting to stay comfortable while you're home. Set it a little higher during hours when you'll be away, and program it to go back to 78 degrees about 15 minutes before you plan to be home. You won't waste energy that way, but you also won't come home to a house that's too hot. That's the beauty of having a programmable thermostat.
We are a family owned, full-service HVAC company, and we know how important it is to save on energy bills. We pride ourselves in helping our customers save money. Programmable thermostats are a great way to save all year long. We can even install or help program an AC thermostat. We are Bryant Factory Authorized, NATE certified experts with a personal stake in helping you with all your heating and cooling needs. That means helping you and your wallet stay comfortable all year long.
Mahle Cool Air is located just off Jacaranda Blvd., in Venice Florida and is centrally located to serve all of Sarasota county including, Venice, North Port, Englewood, Port Charlotte, and Sarasota. Contact Mahle Cool Air today for the best in Air Conditioning Repair. Call or Text us today for more details (941) 203-7955 and don't forget to check out our specials, financing, and rent-to-own options.
Is Indoor Air Quality Important?
Most people know about the dangers of outdoor pollution. However, the dangers of indoor air pollution are often underestimated. Indoor air is two to five times more polluted than the outside air. In many cases, the air inside is more than 100 times more polluted than the air outside.
Poor indoor quality has been linked to many health problems, such as asthma and allergies. The number of children and adults being diagnosed with these conditions is on the rise. According to the American Lung Association, asthma is the sixth most common chronic health condition. Nearly 40 million people in America suffer from allergies. Improving indoor air quality is one of the things that can be done to manage allergy symptoms.
Allergies and asthma are not the only health problems that have been linked to poor indoor air quality. The American Heart Association has stated poor indoor air quality can increase the risk of heart problems. Poor indoor air quality can also increase the risk of lung cancer. People who already have asthma or another respiratory condition are at an increased risk of suffering complications from poor indoor air quality.
The average person spends 90 percent of their time indoors. The Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, has stated that indoor air pollution is one of the top environmental concerns. The average person also inhales at least 15,000 quarts of air every day. The fact that people spend so much time inside and could be exposing themselves to indoor air pollution should be a concern.
The Environmental Protection Agency has conducted studies that have shown indoor air pollution is a common problem in both rural and urban areas. There are many things that can contribute to poor indoor air quality. Many of the cleaning products that people use daily have chemicals that reduce indoor air quality. Even though most people believe their home is the safest place, it is also the place where they get most of their chemical exposure.
Secondhand smoke is another thing that can have a negative effect on indoor air quality. It is estimated that cigarette smoke has over 200 chemicals, including carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. Sixty of these chemicals are known to cause cancer as well as other illnesses.
Mold, dust mites and pet dander can also reduce indoor air quality. Gas, oil, radon, insulation, and pesticides are some of the other things that contribute to poor indoor air quality. Additionally, a poorly-ventilated home can have a negative effect on indoor air quality. Pollutants can enter one's home through the cracks in the foundation.
There are many benefits that can be reaped from good indoor air quality. You will have an easier time breathing if the indoor air quality is good. Poor air quality can cause you to breathe shallowly, which can put a strain on the heart and lungs.
Your sleep quality and quantity will improve if the air quality inside your home is good. Poor indoor air quality can cause respiratory irritation, which will make it much harder for you to get a good night's rest. It can also worsen sleep apnea.
If your HVAC system is not working properly, then this can have a negative effect on indoor air quality. That is why it is important to make sure that your heating, ventilation and cooling system receives regular maintenance. Regular HVAC maintenance not only improves the air quality inside your home, but it can also help conserve energy and cut the cost of electricity.
Our HVAC company provides high-quality AC service. This family owned-company is Bryant Factory Authorized and Nate Certified. This holiday season is an important time to consider calling a Mahle technician for options that will improve the quality of air in your home. Call or Text us today for more details (941) 203-7955 and don't forget to check out our specials, financing, and rent-to-own options.
Do air purifiers really work?
A common question that homeowners in Venice and surrounding areas have is if air purifiers actually work. Some HVAC companies offer air purifier installation and maintenance service and homeowners who are concerned about the state of their home's indoor air quality may be ready to install a new air purifier in their home. With a closer look at what these models can do for your home, you may be able to make a thoughtful and informed decision that is in your best interests.
What Does an Air Purifier Do?
There are several different models of air purifiers that are available on the market today, and there are several different ways that these systems work. A common method found in many systems is for air to circulate through the system. As it passes over the system, the dust, mold spores, and other debris in the air is extracted by an electrostatic charge created by plates inside the system. In this manner, the air that passes through the system is actually cleaner than the air that is going into it. Other models work in a similar way, and most air purifiers are effective at removing particulates from the air as they state they do.
Why They Are Not Completely Helpful?
While air purifiers are effective at removing many particulates from the air, the fact is that they may not remove all of the particulates that most commonly impact the health of you and your loved ones. For example, some particulates that cause allergies actually do not float in the air, and this is due to the weight of those molecules. Many people are allergic to numerous triggers rather than just a few, and many of these triggers are found on the floors, furnishings and other items inside the home. Because of this, these particulates will rarely ever reach the air purifier. More than that, air purifiers typically must be cleaned out, and particulates that were captured by the air purifier may be freed back into the air during the cleaning process.
How Air Purifiers May Harm You?
As you can see, air purifiers are effective at cleaning the air, but they are not fully effective at cleaning your indoor environment in a manner that most believe that they do. More than that, the electrostatic charge in many air purifiers actually can create ozone. Ozone is a type of heavy oxygen that can be unhealthy to you and your family members when it remains inside a confined area like a home. In fact, the moderate health benefits provided by air purifiers through the removal of some particulates from the environment is often counteracted by the unhealthy impact that air purifiers create through the introduction of additional ozone in the home.
How an HVAC Company Can Help You?
If you are disheartened by the news you have received about the benefits of an air purifier, take heart that there are other options available. For example, introducing a HEPA air filtration system into the home can be effective. An HVAC service technician can inspect your HVAC system and your home, and he can inform you about the best course of action to take to improve your home's indoor air. If an air purifier would benefit your home, the HVAC company can recommend the right model for your home and can provide you with installation service.
Indoor air quality is a concern shared by many in the local area, and there is a good reason for this. The air quality in some homes may actually be dirtier and more polluted than the air outside the home in some cases, and this can impact the health of you and your family. While air purifiers are one way to clean the air, there are other options that may be more affordable and more effective. Through a meeting with an HVAC technician, you can learn more about the superior options for improving the air that you breathe while at home.
If you are trying to save money this holiday season, then you should consider calling a Mahle HVAC technician for options that will improve your air quality. Call or Text us today for more details (941) 203-7955 and don't forget to check out our specials, financing, and rent-to-own options.
Poor indoor air quality can cause health problems
Many people are increasingly concerned about air quality, and there is a good reason for this. There are an overwhelming number of pollutants that are found outdoors that can impact your health and well-being. However, many people have an unfortunately false sense of security when they step indoors, and they believe that indoor air quality is superior to the air outdoors.
The fact is that the EPA, or Environmental Protection Agency, has stated that indoor air quality in residences and commercial buildings may actually be more polluted than outdoor air. In fact, your home's air may be more unhealthy to breathe than outdoor air in cities like Los Angeles or Denver, which are known for having air quality issues.
Why Your Home's Air May Be Unhealthy and Polluted
Just as there are sources of outdoor air pollution, there are also sources of indoor air pollution. For example, cigarette smoking, wood burning stoves and even cooking on your kitchen stove may create unhealthy air inside the home. When pollution is created outdoors, there is a huge atmosphere for the particles to expand across, and pollution may be carried away by wind and air currents. Many homes today are well-sealed and highly energy efficient. They are designed to keep climate-controlled air inside the home. The downside to this is that they also prevent pollutants that are produced inside the home from escaping. The result is that the indoor air quality in your home may become increasingly worse over time.
The Most Common Sources of Air Pollution in the Home
Many people who are concerned about indoor air quality invest in air purifiers known as ozone generators, but ozone produced by these devices can have a negative impact on your health. Running these devices can cause ozone levels to rise inside the home. In addition, everything from dust and dust mites to mold, mildew, nitrogen dioxide sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and more are all commonly found in homes, and these have a negative impact on your health and well-being. Keep in mind that heating systems may produce many of these gaseous elements. You may even have formaldehyde from carpeting, furnishings and particle board in your home. Household cleaners are also a common source of indoor air pollution. Your home may also have hazardous elements like asbestos, lead, and radon in it.
Do You Have Poor Indoor Air Quality?
If you are wondering if you have poor indoor air quality, you are not alone. If you or your family members regularly deal with respiratory symptoms that are similar to allergies or colds, you may indeed have poor indoor air quality. In addition, if your home has an unusual or stale odor, if it lacks air movement or if it has a dirty or faulty HVAC system, it may have poor indoor air quality. An air conditioning company can provide you with more information about your indoor air quality as well as the condition of your existing system. In some cases, simply cleaning the system and replacing existing coolant with environmentally friendly AC coolant can be beneficial to you. Your HVAC company may also recommend using a dehumidifier, an air purifier or better air filters with your HVAC system.
Poor indoor air quality is a true problem that can result in coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes and significantly more severe symptoms in some cases. If you are concerned about air quality in your home, the best option is to contact your HVAC company today for a personalized consultation. You can receive customized advice regarding the steps that you can take to improve the quality of air in your home, including using environmentally friendly AC coolant and other options.
If you are interested in improving your indoor air quality contact the Venice Air Conditioning experts at Mahle Cool Air today.
Call or Text us today for more details (941) 203-7955 and don't forget to check out our specials, financing, and rent-to-own options.
Heat pumps are ideal for areas with mild winters like Venice Florida
Have you been thinking about upgrading your heating and cooling system? If so, then you may want to consider switching to a heat pump. A packaged system or air source heat pump may be a great choice for your home even if your central air conditioner needs to be replaced. Heat pumps work best in places that have mild winters.
Heat Pumps Are Versatile Types Of Equipment
A heat pump can lower the cost of cooling your home during the summer months. However, that is not the only benefit that you can reap from using a heat pump. The temperature of the air will stay consistent, which is why your home will be more comfortable. Your central air conditioner gives stop and go blasts of cold air when it is running, but you will no longer have to worry about that if you have a heat pump.
Not only can a heat pump cool your home during the summer, but it can also keep it warm during the winter. When it is used along with a packaged system that has a gas furnace or an existing furnace, it can help cut the cost of heating your home. Your furnace will be able to work less. This means that energy will be saved, and you will notice the difference in your energy bill.
How Exactly Does A Heat Pump Work?
A heat pump may seem like a very complicated device, but the way that it works is actually very simple. The system uses a refrigerant and takes the heat outside of your home and transfers it outside during the summer months. Another benefit that comes along with using a heat pump is that it removes more humidity from your home than your traditional air conditioning system.
This process can be reversed to warm the home during the winter months. All that it takes is the flip of a switch. The heat pump will draw the warm air from outside and transfer it into your home, which will help keep it warm.
If You Purchased A Heat Pump Last Year, Then You May Be Able To Save More Money
A lower electric bill is not the only way people will be able to save money by having a heat pump. Many people are not aware of this, but homeowners who purchased a heat pump may be eligible for tax credits. Keep in mind that there are certain restrictions that apply. For example, the heat pump must be installed in one's primary residence.
The seasonal energy efficiency ratio, or SEER, rating of the heat pump also determines whether a person is eligible for a tax credit. If you have an air-source heat pump, then it must have a SEER rating of at least 15. The energy efficiency rating, or EER, should be at least 12. Additionally, the heating seasonal performance factor, or HSPF, must be at least 8.5.
The requirements are different if you have a packaged system. The SEER rating must be at least 14. The EER rating must be 12 or greater, and the HSPF must be 8.5.
If you are interested in getting a heat pump for your home, then you should speak with professional technicians. They will be happy to help you find the heat pump that is right for your home. Call or Text us today for more details (941) 203-7955 and don't forget to check out our specials, financing, and rent-to-own options.
Fix Your Old AC or Replace it With a New One
For the past few years, summers have brought with them hot temperatures and high humidity. These scorching temperatures have proven to be not only uncomfortable by life-threatening to many. Everyone has either been getting out their AC systems or buying new ones. Each spring, the main question is whether to fix the old AC or replace it with a new one. Here are some things you might consider when contemplating the decision.
How Serious is the Problem?
If you AC isn’t working correctly, it could be something major like a faulty compressor or it could be something as simple as a clogged or dirty filter. Simple fixes can be not only inexpensive but can also add months or years to the life of your AC system.
Sometimes a good cleaning is all the system may need. If you’re not mechanically inclined, you may want to have a service technician check out your AC system. Maintenance checks are usually not real expensive and the technician can give you an informed answer on what it will take to get the system running as it should.
How Energy-Efficient is Your System?
We hear a lot about saving energy and being as energy-efficient as possible. This is a good idea since energy costs are at an all-time high. Although your AC may still be operating fairly good and kicking out a sufficient amount of cool air, how efficiently is it running? Hot summers that have your AC system running a lot are going to result in higher energy bills
However, if this cost seems exceptionally high or much higher than previous years, you may want to consider getting a new energy-efficient model. Sometimes, the amount you save in energy costs almost pays for the unit in just one year.
How Old is Your AC System?
The age of the AC system is generally the major consideration when consumers are contemplating what to do to meet their AC needs. How much and how heavily the system has been used will also play a factor. Some people only use their system on extremely hot days and supplement it with fans.
Other people, on the other hand, use the system almost non-stop from spring right until fall. The lifespan of AC units is usually around ten years. If your AC system is less than five years old, it may be work keeping and just having it serviced. Service technicians can often add years to the life of an AC system with just a simple maintenance check each year.
If the system is nearing its lifespan or has exceeded the ten-year span, it may be time to replace the unit. Keep in mind also that if the unit is that old, it’s probably not efficient anymore.
Is the Problem the AC or Your Home?
Just because your home was insulated ten years ago, doesn’t mean it’s still adequately insulated. Are your windows and doors sufficiently sealed or is air entering and leaving the home through cracks? Are your vents clean and allowin67g the air to flow freely?
Sometimes what homeowners think is an AC problem may be things that need fixing in the home. Another thing to consider is the size of the AC in relation to the size of the home. When you purchase an AC system, the technician will generally tell you how many square feet the system will cover.
On a window unit, this information will be listed on the box. Follow these guidelines. If you get an AC unit that’s too small for the area you want to be cooled, it’s not going to adequately keep your home cool and will ultimately cost you more in energy costs. Call or Text us today for more details (941) 203-7955 and don't forget to check out our specials.