R22 to Triple in Cost This Summer

We have previously reported on how the use of R22 is being phased out by new air conditioner models. While the initiative is great for the environment, it's also put air conditioner owners in a financial quandary as rates are set to rise. The fact that NEW models won't use the chemical doesn't help the existing air conditioners that families and businesses have installed in their home or office. Now, refilling an air conditioner with the discontinued chemical will cost up to three times its usual charge, due to the low supply and existing demand.

R22 is the previous coolant to Freon. The chemical is being phased out by declaration of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Here at the Miami air conditioner experts, we advise getting your unit checked out and any leaks or problems fixed sooner rather than later. The longer that time passes the more the price may be driven up for R22.

Michigan Students Walk Out of Hot Classrooms

Today, the Flint, Michigan school district had an interesting occurrence, when between 150-200 students decided to walk out of classrooms due to the heat. The Flint Northern High School air conditioners were not turned on, despite temperatures outdoors around 80 degrees. Despite the uncomfortable conditions and amount of students who left, classes were not officially cancelled.

In fact, not only were classes still on, but the students who left can now be disciplined to unlawful protest, according to district spokesperson Bob Campbell.

What do you think? Here at the Miami air conditioning experts, we know what's its like to be in extreme heat and no air circulating. While it may be early for Michigan to experience temperatures like today, the school should have a way to activate the air conditioners to avoid overheating of students. Agree?

Extend Your Investment by Tuning Up Your A/C

So, you've made the plunge and purchased a new air conditioner. Now, you need to take the necessary steps to protect your purchase and maximize the money that you've put towards this machinery. Make it a point to perform regular maintenance on your air conditioner, because it requires a little TLC, as most machines do. The Miami air conditioning experts are here to tell you everything you need to know about your new purchase!

In a place like South Florida, air conditioners are constantly cranking. Regular maintenance check-ups will ensure that the machine is performing at its best, isn't being overworked, and that failure isn't around the corner. In fact, it's been said that with regular check-ups, your air conditioner will last around 15-20 years, unlike the unchecked units that fizzle out around 10-12 years.  Check ups that ensure your air unit is running properly will also save money on your monthly utility bill.

Air Conditioning Companies Prepare for Competition

As we begin to near the global air conditioning "season," there is plenty of chatter going around regarding all of the developments in the air conditioning industry. Big Korean brands such as LG and Samsung have reported a loss in sales in recent months, but prices for air conditioning units are on the rise. Japanese and Indian air conditioner brands showed to be viable competition last year, with flagship brands such as Hitachi, Toshiba and Panasonic.

Here at Edd Helms Miami air conditioning, we support brands Rheem, York, Trane and Carrier. We also sell and service every major brand.

ACR Show in Birmingham

In about two weeks, the first ACR (air conditioning and refrigeration) Show will be held at the NEC in Birmingham, UK. From March 13-15, visitors will come view the latest products and technology for commercial and industrial air conditioning. Also taking place over the event will be a seminar addressing issues affecting the entire industry.While we understand this is a long ways from Miami, it's essential to remember that Miami air conditioning is only a small portion of the market that is out there.

The exhibitor list is long and thorough, and sure to be filled with networking opportunities galore. Check out the official event website to learn more: http://www.acrshow.co.uk/page.cfm/Link=1/t=m/goSection=1.

Stabilize Your Monthly Utility Bill

One vital aspect of your financial planning is knowledge of what it costs to power your home and business each month. Here at the Miami air conditioning team, we want to help you maximize your comfort and also your savings. We’ve told you before about programmable thermostats, sealing ducts, and other nifty tricks for around the home—but now we want to tell you about stabilizing your energy usage and reaping the benefits!

Different areas of your home use different amounts of power, respectively. Refrigerators, air conditioners, washers &dryers—all of these are machines in your residence that run off of inductive motors. Wile basically each household uses these items, they are all not used the same amount. Therefore, your home is unique in its energy consumption.

Here in South Florida, we have the ability to speak directly with the power companies and levelize our monthly utility bills. As the summer months are scorchers and the fall months cool off just a hair, the fluctuation in power bills can be a guessing game as you open the bill. Why not be prepared? Levelizing will take your annual average usage and divide it to figure out your usage.

Up Your A/C Efficiency

As we've told you time and time again here at the Miami air conditioning repair team blog, air conditioning maintenance is essential to a healthy air conditioner unit and also to conserving energy and money. As with other electronics and machinery that is used daily--such as your car, your coffee maker or even your computer, maintenance is key. Changing oil, cleaning out coffee grinds, or even running anti virus software are examples of how these items need maintenance. For your air conditioner, it's a little different, but still important.

The air conditioner has several parts that you need to show some TLC to. One of the easiest and most important parts of a functioning air conditioner is the filter. The filter is an easy and inexpensive piece that you swap out each month to maximize air flow. An old filter gets build up of dirt, dust and other debris that inhibits free flowing air into your home. Subsequently, your air conditioner works harder and uses more energy--no good for your machine or for your wallet!

We recommend marking a date to change your filters and setting it in your Outlook or your phone, so that you don't let months go by without changing it. It takes 5 minutes and goes a long way!

Use the Sun to Cool Your Home

It's no secret that Florida is one of the sunniest places in the US. Because of this fact, it makes Florida the ideal place to dive in to solar power. Aside from the fact that solar power can cut energy bills by up to 60%, it's also incredibly beneficial to the environment and cuts down on fossil fuel usage.

As local South Florida air conditioning repair professionals, we understand the value of harnessing solar power. For those who can't undergo the full transition, however, there are energy conserving tricks that can help you maximize your air conditioning consumption and also to stay comfortable in the famous Florida heat.

If you need air conditioning tips and advice, don't hesitate to contact your favorite a/c team at Edd Helms. We've been helping families and individuals "cool it down" for decades here in Miami!