Which Air Filter to Choose?

We've told you time and again how important it is to keep the air conditioning filter clean and free or debris. We've also discussed the importance of changing the filter--and we realize we haven't really offered guidance on how to pick a new one when the need arises. You want to be sure that the filter you get is one of good quality and simple in its design. The Miami air conditioning repair team is here to offer tips & tricks on knowing which model is best for you.

The best choice for a filter used to be fiberglass, but these days the most common options are the pleated style which offer optimal energy efficiency. Media filters are a common feature in new construction homes. Basically, this is a large filter on the backside of the furnace system that filters everything from the house and requires replacement every 6 months.

If you're in doubt and need a quick bit of expert advice, take a few photos of your current filter and head to a hardware store.

Seal Gaps to Maximize Your AC

Sealing gaps in your home is a low expense, high result way to ensure that you keep cool air inside your home and rather than leaking out the windows and doors. Weather stripping, caulking, and insulation methods are all materials available at a local hardware store where you can save yourself substantial money and also save your air conditioner from cranking extensively without satisfactory cooling as a result.

The Miami air conditioner professionals have a few ways for you to ensure that cracks and other air leaks are sealed and closed up:

Check windows. Cracks in the windows, windows that don't close all the way or don't line up properly can be an easy escape route for central air to escape.

Doors. Door frames with poor alignment or aged insulation strips can be a sneaky way for air to escape your home. Re-applying weatherstripping and replaced old warped food can help you fix these potential leaks.

Insulation. In the attic, pipes, and around the air conditioner there are areas where air can potentially leak out. Picking up some rolls of insulation is an inexpensive and effective way to seal up where leaks can be remedied and you can get the most cooling for your buck.

American Schools Look for AC Solutions

Throughout the nation, schools are still trying to devise plans to work adequate air conditioning into their school year budgets. While it should seem to be a no-brainer that air conditioning is a valid expense, the debate seems to lay around what date to begin turning on air conditioning from the county office to the district schools.  Classroom temperatures are controlled by an offsite office, so in the classroom teachers and officials have no control on in classroom settings, which is why the county needs to come to an agreement where students will be able to get the fresh flowing air that they need to stay healthy and focused in the classroom.

From Chicago to Baltimore, among other cities, these air conditioning debates are rising. Here in Miami, we know how essential air conditioning is, but in states where they get significant winter months, its easier to understand the confusion on when the need for air conditioning truly begins. Generally, the school year was the coolest time in many cities, but as annual temps continue to rise the need is greater.

The Best Way to Use Your AC

When it comes to the air conditioning, there are a lot of unanswered questions and theories on how to get the most out of your own air unit. Popular site Angie's List has asked a few questions to industry professionals for top tips on using your air conditioner to its fullest potential. The Miami air conditioner team wanted to share these ideas with you and ensure that you are troubleshooting problems and preventing breakdowns. We know how important air conditioning is here in Miami!

Programmable Digital Thermostat. This is the best way to use less energy and also to have it reach desired temps at various scheduled times.

Wi-Fi Thermostat. Take control of your home a/c settings by remotely accessing your system via wireless connection. Your computer or smartphone will be able to make this happen.

Maintenance. Low-fee preventative checks for your system are a way to curtail problems down the road.

Filters. Clean & change filters regularly to ensure there is no blockage through your vents and that dust and debris are cleared away.

How to Pick an Efficient Air Unit

In South Florida, an air conditioner is not a luxury--it's a necessity. With temperatures regularly in the 90s and even into the 100s, you have to have an affordable and effective method of cooling your home and beating the heat when the summer is at its most brutal.

One key element of getting a highly efficient air conditioner involves getting a unit sized right to your space. The right air conditioner is an essential decision as your family will rely on it heavily through much of the year here in South Florida. Not to mention, air conditioning units cost several thousands of dollars, so you want to research what made, model, and size are best for you. Don't be afraid to read reviews and explore consumer reports. The Miami air conditioning installation team have a few easy things to remember when it comes to selecting a model:

-Quieter models usually have less problems and are made to last
-SEER ratings are definitely worth reading--the higher the number, the more efficient
-Research which models and brands pride themselves on using the least energy
-Measure the area of your home, of course factoring in the ceilings, to get an accurate number of how much space the air unit will have to cool

Time to Check Your Air Units

As we near the closing months of 2012, your friends at the Miami air conditioning team want to urge you to have a maintenance and efficiency inspection performed on your air unit. Although many of us won't actually make a switch from using a/c to using our heater functions, it is important that we inspect and troubleshoot any issues that could arise in our air systems. Generally, performing these checks once or twice a year is encouraged. Ideally, you are able to use less cool air lately, and a great time to do these inspections is after the heaviest usage period--aka summer.

Many people make the incorrect assumption that they don't need someone to look at their air unit until something acts up or seems fishy. This is a dangerous misconception, especially since 99 percent of air conditioner breakdowns are preventable and usually traced back to lack of maintenance as a trigger for error. Save yourself from whopping air conditioner repair bills and the potential for dangerous error by getting your air unit inspected by a professional today.

Growing Up Without AC

Today, many Americans are dependent on their air conditioning like never before in history. While the temperatures are getting warmer in recent years, the dependence on ac is seemingly all around. Unfortunately, the problem with many homeowners and consumers is the way that they use air conditioning. Homes and offices are cooled to frigid temps where people are forced to pile on sweaters in the middle of summer. While we believe in the benefits of air conditioning, the Miami air conditioning team is also cautious to point out that people need to use their units in the right way.

One of the best ways to do this is by regulating air flow on a timer. There is no sense in letting air crank full blast while no one is in the space being cooled. Additionally, timers can allow units to turn on a period of time before people enter the building so that it is comfortable and cool upon arrival.

Also, people should rely on other entities aside from the air conditioning system to cool their homes. Using ceiling and oscillating fans and also keeping curtains drawn can contribute to a cooler climate in your space.

Aside from actual usage, there are also maintenance steps you can take to get the most out of your air conditioner. Cleaning the filter, having bi-annual checkups and draining coils and pans will be essential in a healthy and top-notch air conditioner.