Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Thieves Still Targeting Air Conditioners

In an epidemic sweeping the country, thieves are still targeting the outdoor air conditioning units at homes, churches, schools, businesses, and other buildings to rob the units of scrap metal. For the past year (possibly longer), news headlines have talked of the growing crime rates of air units due to thieves wanting the copper and aluminum scraps from the machine's interior.

One enormous problem with the copper and aluminum theft is that for the owners, it is quite costly to replace the stolen goods. While a thief may make a few hundred bucks off of parts, the cost for the owner is well into the thousands. Surveillance and alarm systems are recommended at this point to deter thieves from targeting your machinery.The Miami air conditioning team knows what an investment air conditioners can be....so protect yours!

Amazon Workers Finally Get A/C

A while ago we were horrified to hear about the disgruntled Amazon employees who were in dire working conditions as heat level skyrocketed yet air conditioning failed to be provided. Finally, the workers have got what they asked for, lessening the need for the emergency medical techs Amazon had on site to remedy heat exhaustion and other maladies. The company has installed 40 rooftop air conditioners to cool its 615,000 square foot warehouse in Allentown, PA.

The Miami air conditioner experts know what a difference cool air flow makes. Employees are also happy--as outside heat levels broke 90 degrees, employees inside the factory didn't even break a sweat. We're excited these hardworking individuals finally get the cool break they deserve.

Cooling Your Home for Less

Part of getting the most out of your air conditioner is understanding how to use it in the right way. While we've all heard ideal temperature settings and also about set thermostats, there's also a key to understanding energy efficiency and monitoring your consumption. Here at the Miami air conditioning experts, we want to help you beat the heat--for less, of course!

Utilizing technology is certainly one way to get your utility bill on your side, but also realistically using what you need. Often, when you cool your whole house, you let a lot of air not only go to waste, but you work your a/c harder and run the risk of tiring out your unit. Learn to utilize fans--whether ceiling or floor standing, to help circulate air that is cooled rather than having cool air cranked out in droves. Also, you can likely cut back your usage just by realizing how much you are using day to day...it's certainly worth looking in to!

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Are You Spending Like the Average American on AC?

According to a recent study by the U.S. Department of Energy, a typical single-family home spends about $2,200 each year on home energy expenses. Houses equipped with central cooling often see that as the main culprit of energy consumption totaling about $1000 per year of usage of the total $2,200.

So how to reduce your usage? Let's see if we can't bring the national average down a hair. Insulation and sealing is one of the most effective ways to cut your bill down, you can even get cost-effective and energy-saving windows put in!

Energy efficient siding is also a worthwhile investment, which will contribute to the home's insulation ability. Higher insulation levels can save you around 20 percent on your electricity bill, a percentage that can certainly be of value over the course of a year.

Monday, May 21, 2012

Beat Summer Heat & Save Money

As the temperatures rise, your air conditioning consumption likely does too. While usage may be the obvious cause for air conditioner bills, there is also lesser known factors that could raise your bills. Even the installation could be causing you problems! Here at the Miami air conditioner experts, we want to help you save money, stay cool and have an enjoyable residential climate year-round.

Obvious tips like keeping the temp set at a moderate level and cleaning the filter are been-there, done that information. We want to broaden your knowledge of your air unit. Getting a diagnostic check-up can help curtail big problems by nipping small issues in the bud. Little parts are easier to replace than overhauling systems or the need to buy a new unit all together! We can't stress the importance of preventative maintenance. Hire an expert to inspect your air unit today.

Quick Fixes for Your Leaky A/C

When it comes to problems with your air conditioner, you want to nip them in the bed sooner rather than later. Air leaks are one of those problems that may be small, or may be a clue to a bigger issue underway. It's no surprise to the Miami air conditioner pros that leaky a/c problems are the cause for about 90% of air service calls, so we want to help you by understanding what you may be able to handle on your own.

Sometimes, the cause for a leak is one of the main problems that you need to check out first. There may be a crack or hole in the overflow drain pain. A more obvious cause would be that the air filter is clogged with dirt, and the other culprit is the condensate line--it may be blocked.

The overflow pan problem is easy to check out with the help of a flashlight. Check corners, the edges and near where the most leakage seems to take place.

Second, the clogged filter. This is an easy problem to fix and to avoid in the future. You should change the air conditioning filter monthly, as debris can accumulate rather quickly.

The third cause, the condensate line, is the most common problem for many. You can call for help on this, or you can pick up an online goodie called the Mighty Pump. Retailing for $50, you can be the judge if it's worth the investment.

Air Conditioning Reserved for Honors Students Only?

According to a recent article in the news, a school located in Southern China is allowing only their honor students to utilize the classrooms with air conditioning. According to China Daily, most classrooms are left to cool off with fans, while the honors classes (filled with the smartest students) can take advantage of the a/c.

Here at the Miami air conditioner professionals, we know that unpleasant air temperatures can put a huge strain on the learning process. Students in the average classes even pooled money to buy air units, but school administrators denied their endeavor. We've heard stories over here with school/air conditioning problems, but to allow only a certain group of students to benefit from comfortable air conditions just doesn't quite make sense to us. What are your thoughts?

Don't Get Scammed by Fake Duct Cleaners

While we here at the Miami air conditioning experts often stress the value of air conditioner maintenance and check-ups, we also want to remind you to keep your wits about you when you schedule a new company to check out your air unit and recommend maintenance or new parts. As reported in a Boston paper, there are shady companies who have solicited themselves as duct work cleaners--only to swindle trusting homeowners out of their money.

While duct work cleaning isn't astronomically expensive, it isn't generally under $100. When companies are offering $49 or $99 service, you should be wary. Angie's List is also a great resource to use to look for solid and reputable companies, and also to read reviews.

Also, ask around! Compare estimates, ask neighbors and co-workers who they use, and do your research before jumping in with a new company. It could save you a major headache!