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Top Tips to Remember When Taking Care of Your Air Conditioner

Top Tips to Remember When Taking Care of Your Air Conditioner – The opinions expressed by the author in this and all guest blogs are not necessarily those of Gainesville Restoration and Remodeling.

 

Taking Care of Your Air Conditioner

Top Tips to Remember When Taking Care of Your Air Conditioner

 

Having an air conditioner at home can be a great asset during the hot summer months, but it also requires regular maintenance and upkeep to keep it running efficiently. Taking care of your AC unit the right way can help you avoid expensive repairs and make it last longer. Here are some pointers to help you maintain your air conditioner and make the most of your investment in a new AC unit.

How to Take Care of Your AC

Taking care of your air conditioner is important if you want it to work well and efficiently. Consider the following advice to keep your AC unit in good condition:

Regular Maintenance: Schedule annual maintenance with a professional to clean and inspect your unit. It helps catch any issues before they turn into bigger problems.

Maintaining an air conditioner to keep it running well and avoiding expensive repairs is important. Setting up a professional maintenance appointment once a year is a simple way to ensure that your unit stays in good shape. During the appointment, the professional will clean and check the unit, which will help them find any problems before they get worse.

Additionally, regular maintenance makes the air conditioner last longer, which ultimately saves you money. Set up a maintenance appointment for your air conditioner with a professional today. Knowing your unit is running at its best will give you peace of mind.

Change Filters: Replace your air filters regularly, typically every three months. Dirty filters can reduce the efficiency of your AC unit.

Changing your air filters regularly is key to keeping your air conditioning unit running efficiently. To make sure your air conditioner is working at its best, you should change the air filters every three months.

Dirty filters can make your air conditioner less effective, which means it will run longer, use more energy, and make less-good air. You can make sure your air conditioner works well, uses less energy, and gives your home the best air quality possible by changing the filter often. Remember to change your air filters every three months for optimal performance.

Keep the Area Around the Unit Clear: Ensure that the area around your AC unit is clear of debris and plants. It will allow the unit to breathe and operate properly.

To ensure your air conditioner works well and efficiently, keep the area around it clean and free of plants and trash. Allowing the unit to have plenty of space and air to breathe will help it run properly and reduce the amount of maintenance it needs. To maximize the performance of your AC, regularly check the area around your unit and keep it clear at all times. It is important to ensure that your air conditioner runs smoothly and efficiently.

Keep the Unit Level: Make sure the unit is level so it operates efficiently and doesn’t wear down unevenly.

For optimal performance, it’s important to keep the unit level. It will ensure that the unit works well and lasts longer because it won’t be worn down in different ways. Properly leveling the unit will also ensure it runs smoothly without any hiccups.

It’s a good idea to check the level of the unit regularly to ensure it’s in the correct position and continues to function as it should. Leveling the unit can help keep it running efficiently and extend its lifespan.

Invest in a New AC Unit: It could be time to get a new AC unit if your old one is over ten years old and needs frequent repairs. A new unit will be more energy-efficient and cost-effective in the long run.

Investing in a new AC unit can be one of the best decisions for your home. It won’t just consume less energy, which will lower your energy costs, but it will also need fewer repairs in the long run. In fact, purchasing a new AC unit can be an excellent long-term investment.

Newer AC units have features like energy-saving settings that can help you save even more money on energy costs. A new AC unit can also increase your home’s air quality, making it a safer and healthier environment for your family. If your current AC unit is over ten years old, now may be the perfect time to invest in a new AC unit.

Final Words

By following these tips, you can keep your air conditioner in good shape and avoid having to pay for expensive repairs. Remember to invest in a new AC unit if it’s time to upgrade!

 

About the author

Stella Ohler is a Senior Content Editor for We Write Best and has written a blog for New AC Unit. She has an extensive background in writing and editing, as she has worked on several high-profile publications. Stella is dedicated to providing the highest quality of content to her readers. With her dedication to producing well-written, accurate, and engaging pieces, she ensures that her readers get only the best content.

The Health Effects of Poor Indoor Air Quality

The Health Effects of Poor Indoor Air Quality – The opinions expressed by the author in this and all guest blogs are not necessarily those of Gainesville Restoration and Remodeling.

Poor Indoor Air Quality

The Health Effects of Poor Indoor Air Quality

 

Here’s an alarming fact: according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the level of pollutants indoors is two to five times higher than outdoors. Polluted indoor air is also considered one of the top public health risks.

 

On average, people in the United States spend 90 percent of their time indoors. This makes adequate ventilation, air filtration, and proper HVAC maintenance important as they can help minimize exposure to airborne contaminants and harmful emissions.

Common Indoor Air Pollutants

 

The following are some of the most prevalent air pollutants indoors:

 

  • Biological Particulates. This includes pet dander, dust mite feces, bacteria, viruses, cockroach exoskeleton particles, dust, pollen and other biological pollutants that are invisible to the naked eye. If you have an allergy, exposure to particulates can be harmful to your health. It has also been known to trigger asthma attacks.
  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Volatile organic compounds are typically found in pesticides, new flooring, dry-cleaned clothes, adhesives, and air fresheners. VOCs are also known to produce hazardous chemical emissions that have short- and long-term effects on the health.
  • Mold develops when there is inadequate ventilation and excess moisture. Depending on your sensitivity, molds can trigger asthma or allergy symptoms. You can also develop respiratory illnesses or allergy-like symptoms when exposed to the mycotoxins produced by mold colonies.
  • Combustion Pollutants. Items that use oil, wood, or gas like furnaces, water heaters, gas stoves, and fireplaces produce combustion pollutants that can be harmful to health. According to the World Health Organization, combustion pollutants are considered the most dangerous for children, especially those in third world countries. This type of indoor pollutant has been known to cause acute lower respiratory infections that can be life-threatening. Two of the most dangerous combustion pollutants are carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide.

 

How Poor Indoor Air Can Affect Your Health

Poor indoor air quality can cause infections, chronic lung diseases, and lung cancer. Understandably, those with lung diseases are at a greater risk. Below are some of the most common indoor air pollutants and how they can affect your health:

Building and Paint Products

Remodeling and construction materials can emit dust or fumes that can endanger your health. Older building materials can also release indoor air pollutants when removed or disturbed. Building materials like furniture, plywood, and other pressed-wood products can contain chemicals that give off odors and gasses as the materials age.

When it comes to building materials, opt for those with low or zero emissions. Fortunately, many building materials are now produced using alternative chemicals that emit less harmful chemicals. Refrain from using products with benzene as it has been known to cause cancer.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide or CO is a colorless, tasteless and odorless gas. This highly dangerous gas is produced when fuels like kerosene, charcoal, natural gas, and oil are burned. Carbon monoxide can minimize the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. Other possible sources of CO include wood stoves, camp stoves, and charcoal grills.

Breathing even low levels of carbon monoxide can produce symptoms like disorientation, nausea, weakness, headache, confusion, and dizziness. On the other hand, breathing high levels of CO can cause vomiting, anxiety, sleepiness, impaired vision, and impaired coordination.

Pet Dander

Pet dander can linger in the air longer compared to other allergens. This can be attributed to the fact that they are jagged in shape and can easily stick to bedding, fabrics, and furniture.

Exposure to pet dander can cause symptoms such as sneezing, watery or itchy eyes, stuffy or runny nose, and shortness of breath. Pet dander can also trigger asthma and cause hives or skin rash. It can also cause contact dermatitis.

Dust Mites

Dust mites are insect-like and very small pests that thrive in humid settings and feed on dead human skin cells. Inflammation or swelling of the nasal passages caused by dust mites is considered a dust allergy.

Dust mites can also live in curtains, carpets, bedding, mattresses, and upholstered furniture. Since dust mites are found almost anywhere, four out of five homes in the United States are exposed to them.

Lead

Lead is a harmful and toxic chemical. Exposure to lead can be very detrimental to the body. Lead can accumulate in the kidneys, liver, bones, and blood. In some cases, lead poisoning continues even after the source of the exposure has been eliminated. Children are more prone to lead pollution because their nervous systems are still developing.

Some of the ill effects of lead pollution include paralysis, anemia, vomiting, abdominal pain, decreased IQ, behavioral problems, constipation, increased blood pressure, reproductive system damage, and kidney and brain damage.

Final Thoughts

Considering all the health risks involved, it’s never a good idea to ignore poor air quality indoors. Just like contractor insurance, investing in HVAC maintenance is a wise idea. After all, proper mitigation begins with seeking help from qualified and experienced professionals. They can help you decide on the indoor air quality solutions that would suit your needs best.

 

 

About the author

 

Rachel Watson is the Senior Content Editor of New AC Unit. Aside from heading the company’s content marketing strategies, she writes articles about how to stay fit and energy-efficient home living.

Can a High Efficiency AC Unit Really Help You Save Money?

Can a High Efficiency AC Unit Really Help You Save Money? – The opinions expressed by the author in this and all guest blogs are not necessarily those of Gainesville Restoration and Remodeling.

High Efficiency AC Unit

Can a High Efficiency AC Unit Really Help You Save Money?

Air conditioners are essential to comfort, whether you live in a place that enjoys sunshine all-year round or the changing of seasons. But with energy prices rising across the country – and likely to continue doing so in the foreseeable future, homeowners may find themselves torn between comfort and economy in the hopes of reducing their overall energy consumption and saving money on utility bills.

 

With heating and cooling accounting for about half of the energy use in the average U.S. home each year, even slight changes in the HVAC system can significantly influence a household’s utility costs. That being said, upgrading to a high-efficiency air conditioner is one of the best ways to save on AC expenses both in the short and long term.

 

What is a High-Efficiency Air Conditioner?

 

To understand energy efficiency is to comprehend how it is measured. For heating and cooling systems, the energy efficiency of an equipment is reflected by its SEER or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient an AC unit is.

 

The average SEER rating of modern air conditioners is between 13 and 14, but you can find ultra-efficient units with ratings reaching as high as 25 for standard split systems. Around 15 years ago, most air conditioners in the market only have a SEER rating of 10. If your system is more than a decade old, you should seriously consider switching to a newer model to improve your home’s overall energy efficiency.

 

How A High Efficiency AC Can Save You Money

 

AC units with high SEER ratings are generally more expensive, but they can offer more cooling per watt, which helps offset the expense and result in bigger long-term savings.

 

Here are the top four money-saving benefits of a high-efficiency AC unit:

 

  1. Lower Energy Consumption

 

Installing a new energy-efficient air conditioner in you home won’t come cheap, but it’s likely to save you more money in the long run. The right choice of high-efficiency AC can result in a dramatic decrease in your household energy consumption – as much as 30% in the first month!

 

  1. Less Repair Expenses

 

An AC unit that operates at a higher efficiency level will not have to work as hard to cool your home. Since the equipment receives less stress, it’s likely to last longer, become less prone to wear-and-tear issues, and require fewer repairs over time. You get to save more money on the upkeep of the unit.

 

  1. Increased Lifespan

 

Along with fewer breakdowns and lesser maintenance expenses, a more efficient AC unit will also have a longer life expectancy. Air conditioning systems cost a lot of money; you’ll want them to last as long as possible. With proper care and regular professional AC maintenance, a high-efficiency AC unit can last 15 to 20 years, or even longer.

 

  1. Possible Rebates and Incentives

 

Most states offer rebates and incentives for eco-friendly home improvements, including a new energy-efficient air conditioner. If you’re planning to install a new high-efficiency AC, make sure to check for potential rebates and incentives in your area. Your local HVAC company should know about these programs and how you can qualify for them.

 

 

About the author

 

Rachel Watson is the Senior Content Editor of New AC Unit. Aside from heading the company’s content marketing strategies, she writes articles about how to stay fit and energy-efficient home living.

Is It Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner?

Is It Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner? The opinions expressed by the author in this and all guest blogs are not necessarily those of Gainesville Restoration and Remodeling.

 

Air Conditioner

Is It Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner?

 

Let’s face it; most of us like holding on to things for as long as we can and only replace them when they can no longer serve their purpose or get damaged beyond repair. But while this practice is often a good way to save money and cut on unnecessary spending, it’s not always practical especially when it comes to your air home conditioner.

It can be difficult to decide whether or not to get rid of an outdated air conditioner, so you need to know what exactly to look out for. If your any of these signs or characteristics apply to your current unit, it could be time for an AC replacement:

 

1. Too Old 

Is your air conditioner more than ten years old? You may want to seriously think about an upgrade. After a decade (or more) of cooling your home, your AC unit will start to show signs of wear and tear more often.

Most manufacturer warranties are only valid for five to ten years, which means that if your unit is too old, you will have to pay for all types of repairs out-of-pocket. In this case, it would be wiser and more cost-effective to invest in a new air conditioner with a valid warranty and much better features.

 

2. Outdated Refrigerant

Freon is being phased out in favor of ozone-friendly refrigerants in most countries, resulting in a drastic increase in Freon prices worldwide.

If your AC unit is still running on R-22 Freon, it would make a lot of sense to make the switch to an updated model. Your wallet and the environment will both benefit from an air conditioner that uses an eco-friendly refrigerant.

 

3. Strange Noises

Are you hearing weird noises coming from your air conditioner? Any grinding, rattling, pounding, or similar sounds that aren’t normally heard in your house? These noises could be the result of a blockage caused by the accumulation of dust and debris or, worse, a faulty motor or compressor.

Most of the time, all it takes to fix a noisy air conditioner is a call to your local AC repair company. However, if your air conditioner has been around for at almost ten year, these noises could be a sign of a much bigger problem and it may be best for you to replace the unit instead of repair.

 

4. Foul Smells

Your air conditioner is supposed to make your home feel relaxing and comfortable, not make it smell bad. If your AC is emitting strange odors, then there’s definitely a problem and you’ve got to have it diagnosed immediately.

Some of the common causes of foul AC smells are burnt wire and the presence of mold in the air ducts. These problems are generally fixable, but if they keep coming back, you may need to have the entire system checked or replace your AC unit to solve the issue for good.

 

5. High Energy Bills

 

The air conditioning system consumes the most energy in most households. This means that even the smallest inefficiencies can have a substantial impact on your home’s energy usage.

Air conditioners become less efficient as they get older. As their components acquire dirt and wear out over time, AC units have to work harder and use more power to achieve the same cooling level. That being said, if you have noticed an unusual spike in your electric bill over the past months, it may be because of your aging air conditioner. You’ll be saving money by investing in a new unit with excellent energy-saving features.

 

6. Poor Cooling Efficiency

 

Does the room still feel a little hot or humid even with the air conditioner turned on? It’s either your AC’s overworked or the wrong size for the space. A unit that’s too small or too worn out will not be able to cool a room efficiently and use more power in the process.

If your air conditioner is no longer serving its purpose well, it’s time for you to get a new one. An AC professional can help you choose the right unit for your space and cooling needs.

 

7. Frequent Breakdowns

 

Have you been calling a professional service too frequently to repair your malfunctioning air conditioner? Then it’s definitely – DEFINITELY – time to replace your old AC unit.

The cost of maintaining and repairing an old air conditioner could easily exceed the price of a new AC unit in the long run. Replacing a worn out AC will save you the trouble of having to call for air conditioning repair every few months, and all the costs and hassles that come with a faulty AC unit.

 

About the Author

Rachel Watson is the Senior Content Editor of New AC Unit. Aside from heading the company’s content marketing strategies, she writes articles about how to stay fit and energy-efficient home living.

 

Is It Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner?

Why You Should Upgrade Your Commercial HVAC System

Why You Should Upgrade Your Commercial HVAC System – The opinions expressed by the author in this and all guest blogs are not necessarily those of Gainesville Restoration and Remodeling.

 

HVAC

Why You Should Upgrade Your Commercial HVAC System

 

If your building is operating with an obsolete HVAC system during the spring and summer months, you need to prepare yourself for over the roof utility bills once your central air is turned back on. In addition, obsolete HVAC systems are notorious for not working as efficiently as the new ones.

Just like commercial heating installation, there are things you need to take into account when upgrading or replacing your commercial HVAC system. However, once you have things all figured out, you can look forward to enjoying many long-term benefits. If you are hesitant about upgrading your HVAC system, below are some reasons why you should:

Energy Efficiency

Energy bills you can incur from using an obsolete HVAC system can take up a considerable percentage of your business expense. If spending a huge amount of money on energy bills is something you would like to avoid, you should consider upgrading to an energy-efficient system with energy-saving technology. Also, since new HVAC systems rarely break down, you can save a significant amount on maintenance and repair costs.

Better Health

Undeniably, good indoor air quality can help improve the health of your employees. New HVAC systems often come with air filters and purifiers that can kill contaminants like bacteria and viruses that are present in the air. Keep in mind that contaminants might also cause illnesses that can impact employee productivity and business profitability.

Increased Comfort

A new HVAC system comes with technology that will enable reliable temperature and consistent humidity throughout the building. A work area or office that’s too cold or too hot can dramatically affect the productivity of employees and the comfort of customers. In addition, new HVAC systems operate silently, creating a peaceful work environment for employees. It can help significantly improve the customer experience as well.

Less Impact on the Environment

Your HVAC system will not only have an impact on your business, but it can also have an impact on the environment. It is crucial to keep in mind that high-efficiency HVAC systems use less electricity than obsolete ones and can help minimize waste. Also, new HVAC systems can also help lessen carbon monoxide emissions that are known to be harmful to the environment.

Remote Operation

Once you have upgraded to a new and smart HVAC system, you no longer have to turn the system on and off manually. Nowadays, some air conditioners can be turned on and off using a smartphone. Undoubtedly, new HVAC systems allow you to use the system in ways that will benefit your business.

Easy Repair and Maintenance

Old HVAC systems often have high operating costs. Not only that, replacing components of old HVAC systems like coils and motors can be costly. Fortunately, new systems come with programs that can notify you of any problems before it breaks down.

Other Peerless Benefits You Should Not Miss Out On

If your HVAC equipment has been used for years, it would be a great idea to switch to a new and efficient one. New and smart HVAC systems will not only allow you to accomplish more, but it can also help warrant that you enjoy the following peerless benefits:

Less Downtime

When your air conditioning system breaks down, it can interfere with your business one way or another. For instance, if your air conditioner is not working accordingly, your workers might not be able to work as efficiently and as comfortably.

In addition, there is a high probability that your customers might leave if the temperature becomes unbearable in your office building. Finally, if you have a building occupied by tenants, you will surely receive complaints from the occupants if your system breaks down.

Seamless Business Expansion

If you intend to expand your business, an efficient system can help accommodate your expansion. This is especially helpful if you add more space to your business and your old HVAC system can no longer effectively power the whole building.

Smart Investment

Operating commercial buildings can be expensive, so investing in smart systems can help you save a significant amount in the long run as it can lower your operating cost dramatically.

Final Thoughts

Investing and installing a new and high-efficiency HVAC system can benefit your business in more ways than you can possibly imagine. If you want to lower your energy bills, reduce your environmental footprint, and enjoy all the benefits laid out above, investing in a new HVAC system is the best thing you can do.

 

 

About the author

 

Rachel Watson is the Senior Content Editor of Precision Air & Plumbing, a full-service HVAC, plumbing, and home performance contractor operating in Chandler, Arizona. Rachel enjoys yoga and writing articles about how to make home living more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

 

Do You Need a New AC Unit This Summer?

Do You Need a New AC Unit This Summer? – The opinions expressed by the author in this and all guest blogs are not necessarily those of Gainesville Restoration and Remodeling.

New AC Unit

Do You Need a New AC Unit This Summer?

This is perhaps one of the worst things to happen to you in the middle of the summer – your trusty and frankly, necessary air conditioner seems to be on its last legs and you need to replace it. You need to consider so many factors when it comes to a new air conditioner; not only the cost but also the discomfort of not having a functioning AC unit in your home.

In states like Arizona, living without a functional AC unit is virtually impossible, which is why we reached out to AC repair experts at Hughes Air from Chandler, AZ to share their guide on the simple identification of a faulty AC. Do you need to replace or just repair your AC? Read on and find out.

Can You Smell the Unit?

Having the air in your house smell bad can really throw you off. If the air starts smelling off when you start your air conditioner, that should be a clear signal that something is wrong. What exactly is the matter depends on several factors.

For instance, if you start smelling smoke and the electrical smell, you need to act quickly. Turn off the unit as soon as possible and consult an HVAC technician to come and inspect the potential problem. That does mean that you will be out of AC for the time being, but you may be avoiding a more serious problem down the line.

Musty and moldy smells are also relatively common, but they don’t typically require you to replace the whole AC. More likely, the problem is in your ducts or in your air filter – remember to clean or replace those as often as the manufacturer recommends.

Does Your Device Work Longer?

If you’ve had your AC unit for a while, you should be familiar with how long it typically works. Things like how often it turns on and overall, how much electricity it uses – just from your monthly electricity bill in the months when you use the AC heavily.

So, if you start to notice certain things being off, like your AC turning on more often than usual, or it running for a long time just to achieve the same temperature, that should be a clear sign that something is wrong.

If you catch it in time, you can have an HVAC technician take a look at it and potentially offer a repair solution. However, if left untreated, this condition will cause one or more elements of the system to fail. Depending on the age of your system, repairing it may not be the best course of action. If your system is older than 10 years, chances are that replacement is a more viable option.

Strange Noises

Finally, if you notice strange noises either accompanying the above problem or even occurring on their own, this is a cause for concern. Any behavior out of the normal for your AC should tell you something is wrong.

If you hear hissing near the indoor or outdoor unit, the most likely cause is the leak in the coolant system –something that is easy to repair and can be done by any technician. However, if you hear buzzing, it’s more likely to be an electrical problem or a part malfunctioning. Turning off the device and calling an HVAC expert is the best course of action there.

Finally, if you hear banging or similar loud noises, the issue might be with the compressor or the motor – once again requiring a professional’s help.

Whether you will be seeking to repair or replace your unit will largely depend on the age and state of your AC device, as well as the severity of the problem you have. However, always keep in mind that you shouldn’t ignore the AC issues.