Amazon Workers Claim Warehouses Don't Even Have Air Conditioning

South Florida air conditioning is an essential function to beating the heat on a daily basis. In fact, in the summer months, that goes for most homes and businesses. However, it's apparent that perhaps not all companies feel that way. A recent expose into the Amazon working conditions in the Pennsylvania warehouse are apparently so poor, that employees passed out during summer heat waves because the company didn't have air conditioning in the factories where shipping was organized. Some people even quit over it. In fact, on June 2, 15 employees passed out inside due to the 102 degree work environment.

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Also reported, Amazon even had paramedics on standby to wheel out employees post-collapse. They would revive workers, and if people wouldn't get better right away then they were sent home. Amazon representatives couldn't be reached regarding the high turnover rate or the conditions for employees.

You can read more about the article and the incidents here.

Introducing the Portable Air Conditioner!

With the global fascination on all things "mobile," it was only a matter of time before the industry of air conditioning joined in on the fun. Whether you want a little extra cool air at home, at your office or anywhere else you may need a cool down. Aside from not requiring any installation, it's also extremely energy efficient and used on an as-needed basis. Air conditioner repairs are probably a breeze--considering you can take it to whoever needs to fix it!

While it may seem silly to take a portable air conditioner unit around, it's actually smart. You can position it exactly where you want, and you can cool the general area you're in as opposed to an entire home or office. It's keeping you cool without wasting the effect on empty rooms and spaces.

Not that us here in South Florida have much need for a heater, but for those who get chilly, the air conditioner on the go also doubles as a heating mechanism.

Understanding Your A/C

Sometimes, there's questions about your air conditioner that you can't quite figure out. Understanding how your air conditioner works is vital to caring for your air conditioner and also to prevent air conditioner problems. For example, this interesting question was circulating the internet:

"My husband and I are at odds over the temperature of the air that blows out of our air vents. He thinks that if you lower the temperature on the thermostat, the air blowing out of the vents gets colder. I think the air temperature stays the same, regardless of the setting. Who is correct?"

In fact, lowering the temperature of the room does not change the temperature of the air. It simply makes the air conditioner run longer to cool the room/home/office to the desired temperature you've set.

How to Take Your A/C Units into Fall

After several months of grueling heat, your overworked air conditioner could use some TLC. Air conditioning units are a big investment and therefore should be maintained and checked to prevent problems or failures. It is recommended that your home air unit receive bi-annual checkups. For businesses, the frequency is higher--smaller problems can be flagged before big problems arise, disrupting employee productivity and general well-being in the office. Air conditioner elements such as filters, motors, and electrical fittings should be monitored and checked to avoid problems. Aside from preventing problems, the air conditioner units also perform better when they receive attention and maintenance--think of comparing it to an oil change in your car!

If you find yourself seeking a diagnostic visit or have a current problem with your air conditioner, contact the expert air conditioning service repair team at Edd Helms of South Florida for same-day, family-run service.

Toshiba Introduces Voice-Controlled A/C

Remember the clap-on, clap-off lights? Toshiba has taken wireless convenience to a new level by creating a voice controlled air conditioning system. The first of it's kind, the voice activated machine follows 21 basic phrases such as "start," "stop" and "cool breeze," among others. Aside from being a hands free, voice activated breakthrough, the system is also geared to conserve energy. The Toshiba group estimates that the monthly cost for this system is at a groundbreaking low of about $10/month, thanks to the dual compressor which utilizes the same energy a fan would use to power the central cooling. Add in tweaked plumbing and dehumidifiers and 45W energy usage, and you've cut back serious dollars and wattage.

We're excited to see how the Toshiba voice controlled air conditioner fairs as it enters the consumer market. Remember, if you're searching for tips on cutting back energy and monthly air conditioning costs, be sure to check out our expert air conditioning tips! What are your thoughts on this voice-activated development? Would you like this better than traditional home air conditioners? 

Protect Your Air Conditioner

Few things are less comfortable than a sunny afternoon with a broken air conditioner. Those of you who have experienced it know what an inconvenience it can be. Luckily, there are tips you can practice to keep from dealing with a broken air conditioner! One common problem is debris that builds up in the air conditioner. This can result in several points of the a/c/, from debris at the outside unit such as grass and dirt, or junk that actually gets into the indoor part and can clog the drains, resulting in water backup and leaks.

Ants are a common pest in backyards, and their presence can cause serious damage to your air conditioner. Deter these bugs by spraying Lysol or sprinkling baby powder around the unit to keep them at bay. Also, strategically place your a/c in the shade to cut back on draining effects of direct sunlight. Remember to also change the filter frequently--once a month should be safe to prevent debris from building up and preventing air flow.

Stay Cool for Less

As we near Labor Day, the proverbial end of summer to most, the heat really shows no signs of leaving South Florida any time soon. Thankfully, your favorite air conditioning specialists are here to offer a few tips to maximize your air conditioning dollars as we slowly transition into less-scorching temperatures.  Safeguard your air conditioner first and foremost by regularly changing the filter.

Yearly maintenance is vital to the health of your air conditioner. Think of it like your medical check up, once a year, to make sure everything is working as it should. This small fee will be worth it when it saves you from massive repairs.

Utilize what you've got. Let plants and trees bloom and flourish near your home to "shade" it. Just like when you need a break from the sun, you seek refuge under a big tree, your outdoor a/c/ unit can benefit from the blocked direct sunlight too.

Remember that your air conditioner is a valuable piece of machinery that requires a little TLC to operate at its best, just like your car.

Close Doors to Avoid Cold Air Escaping

It may seem like common sense, but all to often homeowners and business owners alike complain about how high their utility bill is, thanks to cranking the air conditioning full blast. But what's one money drain they are causing for themselves? Leaving their doors wide open. Air, by nature, will travel to open space. Therefore, if you leave your door open, or slide the back door open to allow easy access to and from a back porch for example, you're letting air conditioning escape back outside. This not only causes the air conditioner to work harder, but also longer--adding up to more dollars coming out of your pocket.

Aside from the money issue, it's also incredibly wasteful. Many of us have gotten so used to leaving fans and air conditioning running full blast, or leaving lights on when we leave rooms or the house altogether, that we've lost sight of how much energy we are completely burning away. By practicing habits such as leaving the air set at 78 and incorporating ceiling fans, you can ensure that cold air will circulate without the continuous crank of the potentially overworked a/c unit you've got running. The better you treat your unit, the less likely you'll be dealing with a broken air conditioner.

Hire the Right A/C Repair Company

When you're searching for a company to repair your broken air conditioner, you want to make sure you go with the right company--one that is credible, reliable and has a great reputation. You'll want to be sure of a few things before trusting them to overhaul the air conditioning system in your home or business, such as:

1. Licensing information. Some sneaky business entrepreneurs may try to operate a legitimate company (this applies to all fields, not just air conditioning) without the proper credentials. For the safety of yourself and your family, make sure you go with a company who has all the necessary licensing up to date.

2. Written Estimates. Unfortunately, a person's handshake or verbal quote isn't as reliable as it used to be. To make sure you don't get burned, get a written estimate and assessment so there are few to no surprises once the work is complete. Companies who refuse to do so should signal a red light in your brain!

3. Warranty Information. Does a company stand by their work? If so, what are the terms? These are important things you'll want to know before they begin any work whatsoever.

4. Products. For the past 5 years, every company in the United States who sells residential air conditioners must offer products that have SEERs of at least 13. Energy star models must have SEERs of 14 at the minimum. This is an effective way to reduce power use, and you shouldn't be getting anything less.