3 Florida Cooling Solutions That Improve Air Quality

It’s easy to underestimate the importance of air quality. Humans spend 90% of their time indoors—whether that’s at home, work, or inside a gym. For that reason, it’s crucial to have clean air quality, otherwise, it creates long-term health hazards.

Despite common belief, indoor air quality can be 5% worse than outdoor air. Just as outdoor air’s subject to gas pollutants, indoor air has comparable air quality threats.

Mold, dust, and natural particles from Florida weather infiltrate the home every minute. Without proper Florida cooling methods, it’s all-too-easy to breathe unhealthy air.

Here’s what to know about tackling Florida’s biggest air pollutants.

Florida Cooling Musts

The HVAC industry alone’s worth more than $130.5 billion, reflecting the importance of quality air. Without clean air, invisible pollutants leave people subject to the following symptoms.

• Increased allergies
• Lung and respiratory problems
• Exacerbations of co-occurring disorders like COPD, cardiovascular disease, and inflammatory conditions 

Beyond in-home air quality systems, weather and geography also impact air quality. Cooling solutions for Florida’s heat may look different than other places.

Here are the top three Florida cooling solutions.

1. HVAC Florida Upgrade

A faulty or outdated HVAC system’s the easiest way to circulate dust in the home. If you have the following HVAC symptoms, your air quality’s likely compromised.

• Dusty or clogged air ducts
• Bad smells
• Pools of water
• Inconsistent airflow
• High energy bills

Even one symptom reflects a greater issue. Upgraded HVAC units ensure you’re not making air quality worse in your home.

2. AC Maintenance Florida

Florida heat can feel unmanageable without proper AC. Different Florida home AC systems can include:

• Window air conditioners
• Ductless cooling systems
• Central air conditioners
• Portable air conditioners

Your preferences may vary depending on your space. A professional opinion can help you learn how to maximize airflow for your specific home.

If you experience frequent summer storms or live in direct sunlight, a ductless cooling system may be best. Some systems can pick up indoor or outdoor debris, so Florida Cooling Solutions can help you weigh the pros and cons. 

Once you upgrade your Florida cooling system, be sure to change air filters often and track weather patterns for optimal air quality.

3. 5-Star Air Quality

Whereas other locations open windows to circulate air, Florida heat makes that impossible. If you want to balance using AC with your home fans, make sure yours are dust-free before you do.

If you don’t have fans, you have to rely on your Florida home AC unit. Professional consultations can help you achieve a 5-star air quality life.

Cooling Solutions for Cape Coral

It’s easy to combat visible health hazards but bad air quality’s tricky. Threats are often unseen.

Don’t wait until you’re coughing or riddled with headaches to tend to your home. Air is a basic need for optimal health, and your home is not the place to compromise it.

The Florida Cooling Solutions team cares about more than Florida cooling. We care about finding Florida cooling solutions for your specific home and budget.

Get a free quote today to see how improved air quality improves your quality of life!

3 Florida Cooling Solutions That Improve Air Quality syndicated from https://floridacoolingsolutionsinc.com/

That Sweltering Florida Heat! 5 Ways to Make Your Home Cooler This Fall

Ah, fall in Florida—or, as we like to call it, “second summer.” With most of our trees staying green, plus tourists out on our beaches for a few more months, our primary concern is still keeping cool as autumn makes its move.

If you’re looking for ways to keep your home comfortable without running up your AC bills, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to make your home cooler in Florida’s fall weather.

1. Make the Most of Your Window Treatments

It may be tempting to let the sunlight in with the start of fall, especially once it seems less likely to scorch us like it does in the summer—but resist the urge.

In the cool months of the year, 76% of the sunlight that falls on your windows will enter as heat, unless you use window treatments and coverings. For more efficient Florida cooling, and to avoid costly utility bills for an overworked air conditioner, it’s a good idea to keep direct sunlight away where you can.

2. Use Fans Wisely

Even with a functional air conditioner, chances are you use fans around your home to help escape the heat. Here’s a trick to keep cool: placing a box fan near your window, facing the screen, can act as an exhaust and help draw hot air out of your room.

In addition, if you didn’t ensure that your ceiling fans spin counter-clockwise at the start of summer, it’s a good idea to do so now. This pushes warmth toward the ceiling instead of blowing it down to you.

3. Time Your Chores Well

In the hottest parts of the day, avoid doing things like cooking in your kitchen, using heat-inducing appliances like your washer or dryer, or ironing laundry. All of these activities can add unnecessary warmth to your home’s interior. Where possible, do these in the cooler evenings to keep your home comfortable.

4. Keep Your AC Running Strong

You should be maintaining your HVAC system at least twice a year—usually once in the spring and once in the fall. In the rest of the country, the fall maintenance is meant to get your furnace up to speed in time for cool weather, but here in Florida, it’s just as important to check your air conditioner as well.

Make sure you’ve replaced the air filter as needed, and clean your vents and registers to be sure they’re free of dust. Clean any debris or dust on any part of your unit, and consider getting some professional HVAC maintenance in Florida’s warm fall weather.

5. Turn Off the Power

It may seem like a minor factor, but incandescent light bulbs radiate heat. If you have these antiquated bulbs in your home, consider turning them off when possible to keep them from warming up your home. You might also want to replace them with energy-efficient options when you can.

How to Make Your Home Cooler in Florida’s Fall Heat

With heatwaves sandwiched between cool fronts, Florida’s fall weather can throw you for a loop. Knowing how to make your home cooler can help you keep your house at a comfortable temperature without causing your air conditioner bills to skyrocket!

As always, if you’re seeking more personalized tips to keep your home’s air conditioner running strong, we’re happy to come help inspect and maintain your system. Contact us today to set up an appointment. 

That Sweltering Florida Heat! 5 Ways to Make Your Home Cooler This Fall syndicated from https://floridacoolingsolutionsinc.com/

Did You Hear That? What Those Strange Sounds Coming From Your AC Unit Mean

The average AC unit lasts 15-20 years. As air conditioners age, the internal parts wear down.

The wear and tear on your AC aren’t always visible. But if you listen, you can hear when your AC isn’t working right.

A healthy AC unit makes a soft whirring noise from the compressor. Any AC sounds louder than that might mean it’s time for a maintenance visit. Waiting to repair your AC unit will shorten its lifespan. Routine maintenance could make your AC last another 5 years. 

Are you unsure if the strange AC noises you hear mean trouble? Let’s take a look at what causes those noises.

What Does a Bad AC Compressor Sound Like?

The AC compressor is where warm air turns into cold air in the unit. The fan pushes the cold air into the ductwork throughout your home. If the compressor breaks, your home won’t cool down this summer.

If your AC buzzes when the power is on, turn it off immediately. Buzzing could mean there is a loose wire in the unit. Loose wires can spark a fire, so contact an AC repair company before using the AC again.

Does your AC hum when it runs? It’s a sign that the compressor motor or capacitor broke. 

What Is That Strange AC Hissing Sound?

When the AC unit hisses, it means you have a leak. The worst-case scenario is it’s a coolant leak. Be careful. Exposure to these chemicals can be dangerous.

If you hear hissing, check for liquid around the unit. No matter what liquid you find, all in an AC technician to fix the leak. Better to be safe than sorry.

AC ducts with leaks also make a hissing noise. Seal the ducts to save 20% on your power bill.

Why Is the AC Unit Squealing?

The belt connects the blower in the AC unit to the motor. After a while, the belt wears out or is too brittle to work right. 

A squealing noise and low airflow mean your AC has a bad belt. It’s a simple repair that doesn’t take much time. Call in an AC technician to fix the belt before it breaks.

What Is the Thumping Noise in the AC?

Any sort of rattling, clanking, or thumping could signal a big problem. The most common cause for these AC sounds is a loose part.

Over time nuts and other small parts work their way loose. The air in the condenser blows the parts around and they make a banging noise. A louder noise may mean part of the fan broke off.

Does your AC unit rattle a lot? This could mean there is something caught in the blower. 

Don’t Ignore Odd AC Sounds

We often take our AC units for granted because they’re reliable. Neglect lowers the life expectancy of your air conditioner by 5 years or so.

When you hear weird AC sounds, contact an AC repair company as soon as possible. Catching the problem early will keep your trusty AC running for years.

Looking for quality AC repairs in Lee County? Contact Florida Cooling Solutions today. We offer same-day emergency repair services, and our work has a 100% guarantee. At Florida Cooling Solutions, your comfort is our top priority. 

Did You Hear That? What Those Strange Sounds Coming From Your AC Unit Mean syndicated from https://floridacoolingsolutionsinc.com/

AC Unit Freezing up in Summer? Here’s What to Do in Cape Coral, FL

Florida is known as the sunshine state, and appropriately so because their average daily temperature during the summer is often above 90 degrees.

If you’re a South Florida resident, you’ve probably adapted to the heat by investing in a powerful AC unit.

What do you do if you experience your AC unit freezing up in summer?

No one wants to suffer through such extreme temperatures. Here are some common causes for your AC unit freezing up, and tips for how to fix it!

Causes for an AC Unit Freezing Up in Summer

If your AC unit is freezing up, there are three primary culprits to the problem: the filter, the coils, and the refrigerant. Let’s start with the filters.

Filters

The filters in an AC unit are responsible for providing sufficient air quality. As air circulates, the filter will clean it for pollutants and other contaminants.

Additionally, the filter acts as a barrier. A proper filter will protect any stray material from entering the AC unit and causing mechanical problems.

One of the easiest ways to take care of your air conditioning unit is filter management, which is simply switching out your filter for a new one. This should be done every couple of months to prevent dirt and debris build-up.

Build-up is the beginning of most air conditioning problems because it impedes airflow, which requires your unit to work that much harder to keep your house cool.

When the air can’t circulate, it becomes trapped in the AC unit and risks freezing the coils.

Coils

The coils in the AC unit are responsible for absorbing heat inside the house and expelling it outside of the house.

When they freeze, as a result of a dirty filter, it causes an ice build-up and stops the cooling process. Unfortunately, the cooling process leaves moisture within the system, which can also freeze onto the coils.

Frozen coils will keep your AC running but they won’t release any cool air.

This is another problem that can be avoided with regular cleaning. Because of their location inside the AC unit, I’d seek out professional help for the maintenance.

Refrigerant

The refrigerant works by expanding the coils inside of a unit to help your house reach comfortable temperatures.

Insufficient levels of refrigerant interrupt the temperature exchange that takes place with the coils and causes them to freeze. These low levels are often indicators of a leak. 

Without refrigerant to monitor the cooling process, the AC unit can be overworked. This can ruin the mechanics and lead to a full replacement of your system.

AC technicians are equipped to measure your refrigerant levels and repair potential leaks.

Next Steps

As you can see, your AC unit freezing up in summer can happen for various reasons. At the end of the day, you want to keep your house cool.

If you’re a South Florida resident or live in the Cape Coral area, contact Florida Cooling Solutions.

As a community-centered business, their primary goal to provide excellent customer service.

Whether you need installation, repair, or maintenance they have several licensed service technicians that are prepared to assist you.

AC Unit Freezing up in Summer? Here’s What to Do in Cape Coral, FL syndicated from https://floridacoolingsolutionsinc.com/

5 Ways Summer Storms Can Affect Indoor Air Quality In Your Sanibel Home

During the hot summer months, Sanibel’s temperatures can average a high of more than 90 degrees Fahrenheit. During these same months, the area is plagued by a considerable number of summer storms. These storms can range from mild to intense, but they all have one thing in common.

Summer storms can negatively affect your home’s indoor air quality.

But how can they affect the air inside your home? Continue reading to learn five ways summer storms can negatively affect the air quality inside your home.

1. Wind Carries Pollutants to Your Area

The wind that comes both during and before summer storms can carry with it pollutants from other areas. Depending on the strength of the wind, this can be either environmental or industrial pollutants. These pollutants can decrease your indoor air quality through open windows, shoes, and clothing.

2. Sun and Wind Create Hazardous Fire Conditions

Summertime is generally a high-risk for wildfires. When the sun combines with the winds of summer storms, this risk is magnified. Forest fires release carbon monoxide and particle pollution into the air, which can then get inside your home.

3. Filters Dirty Faster

When summer storms bring more pollutants into your home, your HVAC system’s air filters dirty faster. When filters become too dirty, they no longer get rid of pollutants and allergens in the air. To keep your air quality as high as possible, you may need to change filters more often.

4. Higher Chance of Mold Spore Creation

When summer storms make the weather wet and warm, your home is at an increased risk of mold spore creation. If there’s damage to your roof or windows, this risk is increased. The risk of mold spores is also increased in certain rooms like the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room.

Mold spores can have adverse effects on human and animal health. Certain people are at a higher risk of severe complications.

5. High Humidity Makes It Difficult for You and Your Home

High humidity is common with summer storms. When the humidity is higher, it can make it more difficult for certain people to breathe. It can also make your indoor temperature rise, causing your air conditioner to work harder to keep things cool.

When your air conditioner works harder, it’s less likely to work as efficiently as it should. This means you AC may not be keeping the air inside your home as free of allergens, contaminants, and pollutants as it usually would.

Do You Have More Questions About How Summer Storms Affect Indoor Air Quality?

Summer storms can negatively affect your home’s indoor air quality in multiple ways. It isn’t only during these storms that indoor air is affected, but also before and after.

Do you have more questions about how summer storms affect indoor air quality? Or would you like to learn how to improve your home’s air?

Contact us today. One of our associates would be happy to answer any questions you still have.

5 Ways Summer Storms Can Affect Indoor Air Quality In Your Sanibel Home syndicated from https://floridacoolingsolutionsinc.com/

HVAC System Hurricane Essentials for the 2020 Hurricane Season

A few years ago, Hurricane Irma caused over $50 billion in property damage. Each year, the Florida coast is battered with storms.

Is your HVAC system prepared for hurricane season?

Protect your air conditioning system by preparing in advance, so it’s ready for high winds, heavy rains, and potential flooding.

If you want to keep your unit safe, read on to learn the hurricane essentials for your home air conditioning system.

Book a Pre-Hurricane Season Service

Before preparing your hurricane kit, book a pre-season service for your HVAC unit. A trained professional can check out your system and make sure it’s prepared for the upcoming rough weather.

During the service, they will make sure there are no loose parts that can be damaged or blown away in a storm and can check that there are no exposed parts of your system that can be damaged by floodwater or high winds.

After a hurricane, it’s always smart to have an HVAC professional make sure your system is safe before trying to turn it on again. The storm could’ve caused unseen electrical damage.

HVAC Unit Covers Are Hurricane Essentials

One of the most important hurricane supplies for your HVAC system is a cover for your unit.

Purchase a tarp that’s large enough to cover your entire unit. This will protect your HVAC unit from rain and water damage, so make sure it’s ready to go as soon as a storm is on the way.

When using a tarp, make sure it’s securely fastened, tightly, to your HVAC unit. This way it will withstand the storm and stay connected. You can also use this in conjunction with hurricane straps. 

Make sure you’ve also pruned any large branches and tree limbs before storm season, as these can get blown off and break or damage your system.

Hurricane Straps

When you purchase a new HVAC system, make sure you also purchase hurricane straps to keep it safe in a storm.

Hurricane straps go over your HVAC unit to safely secure it to the ground. In case of a hurricane or severe storm, this will keep your system in place so it’s not knocked over or damaged.

Sandbags

If your HVAC system is in a location where flooding can occur, consider having sandbags ready to prevent water from reaching the system.

Rows of sandbags can be essential to keep your home safe in rising waters and can give you more time to move items to higher ground.

If you’re able, it might also be worthwhile to move your HVAC unit up onto an elevated platform, to keep it away from any water.

Contact Us For Your Hurricane Season Preperation

Are you ready to prepare your HVAC system for the upcoming hurricane season? If so, contact us today for all of your hurricane essentials when it comes to your HVAC unit.

Our friendly and professional team have over 50 years of combined experience in the heating and cooling industry. We will make sure your air-conditioning system is safe and prepared for any storm.

With the necessary preparations, you can keep your home safe during hurricane season. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you keep your home secure. 

HVAC System Hurricane Essentials for the 2020 Hurricane Season syndicated from https://floridacoolingsolutionsinc.com/

Great Tips And Advice You Should Know Before Repairing Your Air Conditioner

There’s nothing like a pleasant, climate-controlled, air-conditioned room in the heart of the heat of the summer. If yours stops working or is beginning to struggle, it’s a nightmare, and it’s nothing short of heartbreaking.

Many people assume that air conditioners are rather complicated and that they are difficult to fix, but that’s not always the case. Repairing your air conditioner is often easier than you might think.

This is great news for DIY enthusiasts, and even more for budget-minded individuals. When you can repair something on your own, you will feel accomplished and you will save money, too.

Read on to learn some great tips for air conditioning maintenance and repair to keep you in a comfortable environment all summer long.

Keep It Clean 

One way to ensure that your air conditioner will last you for years to come is to keep the AC unit clean. Regular maintenance will do wonders for your home cooling.

Outdoor air is sucked into the unit through the fins and when they get clogged, your air conditioner will struggle to work efficiently. Sometimes these fins are easily accessible from the outside; other times, you’ll have to unscrew and remove an outer casing to reach them.

Cleaning an air conditioner is easy, but for safety, make sure you turn off the power and unplug it before you begin. 

Make It Quiet

Suddenly, you noticed that your air conditioner is very loud. This likely happened over time, but this is not a problem that is uncommon. In newer air conditioners, the sound is likely coming from the compressor.

This is a very easy problem to fix. Manufacturers are aware of this sort of problem and have created solutions for it.  You’ll need a sound blanket, and it’s likely that there is one available for your specific air conditioner model. If you want to save a little money, there are universal ones available, too.

Installation is intuitive and will only take a few minutes. You’ll be amazed at the difference a sound blanket can make.

Unclog It 

If you discover water on the floor around the furnace when you have the air conditioning running, chances are that the culprit is a clogged condensate drain tube. This is a common problem with an easy fix. Condensation from the air conditioning contains bacteria, and the resulting slime can cause clogs. 

To repair this problem, you have two options. The first is to use pan tablets; these are available at most home improvement centers and plumbing supply stores. Simply shove a tablet into the condensate drain and let it do its magic.

Alternately, you can install new tubing to encourage drainage. The old tubing attracts the slime and this is hard to overcome, but a fresh tube will make a world of difference.

Repairing Your Air Conditioner Is Easy

When it comes to repairing your air conditioner, some things will require professional assistance, but other things can be done on your own. These small repairs will leave you feeling triumphant as you enjoy cool, quiet air conditioning in your home.

The most important thing to do is regular maintenance; if you maintain your air conditioner, you are far less likely to encounter obstacles down the road. Replace the filter and keep it clean.  You’ll be glad you did. 

If you need air conditioning repairs or installation in the Fort Myers area, give us a call. We would love to assist you and we can’t wait to meet you!  

Great Tips And Advice You Should Know Before Repairing Your Air Conditioner syndicated from https://floridacoolingsolutionsinc.com/