Why Air Conditioning Matters

Many people misuse air conditioning, which is something that we have addressed before. Inversely, some people don't use air conditioning at all. We aren't fans of extremism, we do believe there is healthy medium to using air conditioning for health reasons without having a largely detrimental impact on your energy consumption. While record heat is a definite occurrence this summer, you can still use ac in moderation and maintain a comfortable temperature.

In current US numbers, 87% of American homes are equipped with air conditioning. While multiple literary pieces de resistance have been published recently, touting the evils of air conditioning, have praised the benefit of lounging in the heat and encouraging fresh, warm, balmy air over engineered and chemical ridden air conditioning air.

The criticism is interesting--as very few bash the use of a heater in the cool winter months, many are ready to speak the evils of using air conditioning in the summer. While environmental factors are certainly changing, for the scarier, the fact is air conditioning alone can't be the cause. Scientific data has shown that more energy is used to heat homes than to cool them. The point is that you can use air conditioning wisely, in moderation and with the help of ceiling and stationary fans, and be comfortable. Browse our Miami air conditioning blog for more tips on using less and staying comfortably cool.

AC & The Planet

With many concerned about environmental issues, living more "green," and global warming- we have to address the role of air conditioning and how you can consume less energy and reduce your impact on the environment. The Miami air conditioner experts want to help you stay cool by consuming less--let's examine why that's important.

You've probably noticed that temperatures are rising with each year that passes. Air conditioning is used more and more each year also, to maintain comfort.

Developing countries are adding air conditioning, meaning thousands more are going to be using air conditioners throughout the months and years that pass. Electricity will be used more and more to power these units.

Freon was replaced with new HFCs, which are supposed to help lessen the impact on the ozone layer. Unfortunately, HFCs are greenhouse gases and they too will eventually leak out. Air conditioning has also made unlivable areas like Arizona and New Mexico livable. These areas do not have water and inflows of energy, and air conditioning is a necessity to survive in these areas. In the US, air conditioning byproduct accounts for half a million metric tons of energy. Air conditioning is often overused and is handled in a non-essential way by users--cranking it all day, setting thermostats in the 60s when a cool climate can be in the 70s and use less energy.

We want to encourage using your air smartly, not only for environmental reasons but also to lessen your utility bills. Keep the air on a timer, and if you have pets in the home all day you will need some air flow, but not set at 60. You can even have it go on and off and hour intervals, which is better than running all day.

What's the Deal on AC Pollution?

Improper use of air conditioning equipment can cause dangerous and severe indoor air pollution. So how do you protect yourself and your loved ones? The South Florida air conditioning team is here to tell you. First, let's examine possible illness or problems that can arise from air conditioners.

Air conditioning and it's pollutants may cause bacteria based respiratory tract infections. Pollutants flow into the home through the ventilation system and they come in a variety of types--biological, physical and chemical. Biological pollutants can accumulate in the air system and multiply throughout the fan coil and heat sinks. They are very dangerous to your health. Allergic diseases may also arise from pollutants.

Filters and heat sinks can accumulate a lot of debris and dirt--and these particles are transferred into the air supply. Bacteria, viruses, and other dangerous microorganisms can multiply rapidly. Heat sinks and filters need to be cleaned out and maintained to avoid health risks and complications. The air conditioner and all of its components should be cleaned once (or twice) each year to ensure that there is nothing breeding and growing inside the coils or vents that could harm you or your loved ones.

Prep Your Air Conditioner Before Storms

Hurricane season is one of the potential dangers that we must cope with as South Florida residents. Few things can be more troublesome than a storm headed straight for us, excessive winds, power outages and of course torrential downpour. There are precautions you need to take to protect machinery and other areas of your home, such as the windows. As Miami air conditioning repair professionals, we are going to focus on prepping your air conditioning unit for a storm.

Regular maintenance is a key element to a well-functioning air conditioner, whether in a storm or not. So keeping up on diagnostic checkups and easy tasks like changing the filter are a mandatory element of a healthy functioning air unit. As far as further storm precaution, you want to make sure the outdoor unit of your central air conditioning is strapped down to the concrete, which is a requirement of hurricane-prone areas.

Cool your home as much as you can pre-storm, then turn it off when the storm actually hits. The unit off will prevent the likelihood of power surges of system burnouts. Make sure the outdoor unit is free of damage before switching it back on. Also be sure there is not a puddle or pool of water around it, which can fry the unit when it is turned on.

Air Conditioning Helps Many Withstand Heat

With the increasing heat levels throughout South Florida this summer, homeowners are not only relying on their existing air conditioning units, but also buying additional units and undergoing upgrades and repairs to ensure their homes are steadily cooled and comfortable.  The Miami air conditioner experts know how hot is is outside--and the importance of air conditioning not only on your comfort, but also on your health.

In addition to tending to your air conditioner, there are steps which need to be taken to ensure your home is also conducive to conserving energy. Utility bills will reflect how efficient your home is- and there are also a few key elements to inspect in your home to see how it fares in energy efficiency. First of all, you should inspect your air unit. The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) is a rating that can tell you about your energy usage. Air units from about 10 years ago have ratings between 5-10 SEER, and more current models that are designed with more modern environmental concerns in mind have around a 13 SEER on average.

Keep in mind, the higher the SEER, the higher the efficiency of the unit!

Happy 110th Birthday to Air Conditioning!

Or should we say Happy Belated? Two weeks ago, on July 17th, the air conditioner turned 110. For over a century, some form of cooling apparatus has been utilized by people to make temperatures and living conditions more tolerable. The first unit to change the way indoor air conditioning worked was in 1902 at a Brooklyn office building. This device not only served to provide cool air, but also to remove humidity from the space--a first of its kind.

The model in 1902 was created by Willis Carrier, "The Father of Air Conditioning" and the namesake behind today's Carrier air conditioners. The Miami air conditioning experts are thankful by Carrier's skill and study, and glad that he sought to improve the existing air conditioner models. Happy Birthday to the air conditioner, and may you continue to grow, evolve, and improve!

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.