The Importance of AC Maintenance

In the summer, you use your air conditioning a lot. What would happen if you woke up one morning and it wasn't on--or you woke up in a sweat from lack of air flow? Avoiding these scenarios is crucial to your well-being and health. Poor air circulation or lack of air conditioning can lead to moisture and mold problems, in addition to creating an uncomfortable environment to live in.

That's why at Edd Helms, your go-to Miami air conditioning resource, we value maintenance on your air unit. Stop a problem before it starts--and you could save yourself time, discomfort, and of course, money! We've been helping families and individuals in the South Florida area for decades. As you probably are aware, summers in Miami are brutal. Without air conditioning, you can fall susceptible to heat exhaustion and other ailments. Call Edd Helms today for a diagnostic check up of your air conditioner and ensure that you've got a cool time ahead.

Fixing Your AC Can Cost a Lot

We've mentioned the likelihood of sticker shock in terms of air conditioning repair, but its official: RU-22 is expensive to replace. The chemical commonly used as Freon in air conditioners across the globe for the past 40 years skyrocketed in price in recent months due to the federal government's call to quit producing it. Specifically, it's about a 300 percent uptick in price compared to last year.

The Miami air conditioner experts know its put air conditioner owners in quite a predicament-after all, with costs exceeding $500 to repair Freon leaks, it makes you wonder if it's cheaper or more cost efficient to upgrade to a newer unit that doesn't require Freon. Considering that Freon is already up to $90 a pound, up from $10 a pound a few years ago, the trend is likely to continually rise.

Renters & Their Rights for AC

Believe it or not, here in Florida, tenants are not entitled to working air conditioner in their leased residences. As if that isn't enough, mold and leaks aren't legitimate excuses to exit a lease. Inside some apartments, it can reach in excess of 90 degrees. We hear horror stories in the news of people found dead in apartments with soaring temperatures--so what gives?

Apparently, the law in Florida requires landlords to provide heating in the wintertime, but no requirements for cooling in the summertime. When temps easily hit 100 degrees, it's quite a confusing law. Basically, what this teaches tenants (whether its intended to or not) is that you should read your lease with a fine tooth comb and be sure any amenities, such as ac, are clearly spelled out and provided to you.

The Miami air conditioning team want to be sure you are happy with your living arrangements and also living in comfortable temperatures. Be sure to take the necessary steps and protect yourself--don't trust that someone will fix a broken ac out of the goodness of their hearts.

Air Conditioning & the Economy

A new book has been released detailing the effects of air conditioning in terms of productivity and the economy. While some third world countries experience droughts and other conditions that have debilitated their economies, the United States is an example of a western civilization that has increased its productivity output thanks to air conditioning. Let's examine.

According to Stan Cox, author of "Losing Our Cool," U.S. historically had work patterns that mimicked the weather. In historical times prior to air conditioning, worker productivity and store hours were grossly affected. Cities were emptied in summer months and many Americans spent time on porches and by the water. The advent of air conditioning allowed for city populations to resume in the summer, and for stores to stay open year 'round.

However, the impact of ac has not been all positive. In fact, air conditioning consumption in American homes has doubled in the past 12 years, and now is a whopping 20 percent of the average household's electricity use. As air conditioners gain popularity in China and India, the global use of air conditioning will be quite damaging in terms of emissions. Here at the Miami air conditioning experts, we recommend using a smart and programmable air conditioner with Energy Star approval ratings.

Air Conditioners & The Noise They Make

Air conditioner compressors can be a noisy piece of equipment, either for you or for your neighbors depending on where it is positioned. Depending on the model, the usage, and how close your homes are, anything from vibrations to loud thumps can occur and be quite irritable. Luckily, there are tricks you can use to cut back on noise and vibration, and the Miami air conditioner experts are going to share them with you.

Getting the compressor balanced is a good place to start, and it can help with the vibration greatly. If it is still an issue after balancing, you may need to use some shock absorbers underneath the compressor or HVAC unit. You can also reduce vibrational noise with a compressor cover. Also, when placing the compressor try to place it behind your house or in a place that is farthest away from a neighboring home.

Make Sure the Elderly Have AC

Often, we hear of people losing their lives due to heat exhaustion and a lack of air conditioning. Many times the people who pass away in these conditions are elderly. Because of this, we here at the Miami air conditioning professionals want to make sure you and your loved ones have appropriate air conditioning and survive the hot summer days.

Sometimes, the elderly either have an inclination to feel cooler, no matter the actual temperature. Other times, they may not be able to get up and change the thermostat. Luckily, there are things you can do to ensure your family members are ok. One way to keep your elderly relatives healthy and hydrated is by stocking them with popsicles, water and jello on hot days. Fill a thermos with fluids and keep it close to where your elderly relatives sit, so they don't have to get up and use energy to hydrate.

Also, have yourself or another family member pop in periodically and tend to the elderly relatives. While they  might not have the energy to get up get water, they will likely appreciate someone bringing them a refreshing glass of water or other cooling liquid.

The Air Conditioning Epidemic

About 30 years ago, air conditioning was not a normal amenity for people to have--it was by all means a luxury. Hot summer days meant sweating, lemonade, and the sprinklers in the yard. Today, however, many Americans crank the air conditioning regardless of the environmental or financial detriment. Gone are the days of fanning yourselves amongst your neighbors--now people would rather hole up indoors and watch tv alone with the a/c on high. Unfortunately, it's been debated that the reason the temps keep climbing higher and higher is directly related to the overuse of air conditioning and the negative impact it adds to global warming.

So what do we, at the Miami air conditioner team, suggest we do to remedy this? Well, first off, monitor your usage. There's no need to keep your air blasting at 65 degrees when you're at work--learn to use the timers. Also, spending time outdoors and using the air only when you are home and sleeping is a great way to cut down on consumption. Here in Miami there's not denying that air conditioning is a crucial element to indoor comfort. Also, use ceiling fans more to cut back air conditioner use. Pumping in cold air and letting a fan circulate it is a great way to use less energy and chemicals.

Leaky Air Conditioners Can Cause Fires

Recently, South Florida news outlet the Sun Sentinel reported on how air conditioners may be associated with cooling and making you more comfortable, there are dangers associated with these pieces of equipment. Increasingly across the South Florida area, firefighters are being called to put out air conditioner-caused blazes.

Leaky air conditioners not only drain freon and other chemicals, but they are also a fire hazard. Of the recent three air conditioner fires in South Florida, the cause of the infernos was a leaking air handler in a condo storage closet. The leaks caused short circuiting and subsequent flames. These took place in Delray Beach and one near Boynton Beach. The Miami air conditioner repair team are glad to report that no one was injured thanks to smoke alarms.

There are precautions you can take to avoid a potential fire, and we'd like to share them. Pouring diluted bleach can clean out the pipes from forming algae resulting in clogs. Find out if your units have floater switches that prevent drainage overflow. Check the unit regularly and monitor leakage and drainage or any lack thereof.