Peaden Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical Blog: Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category

Can an Air Conditioning System Rust?

Monday, July 1st, 2024
old-air-conditioner-unit

Is rust on a machine ever a good thing? No, because rust weakens metal and causes it to decay away. You definitely don’t want to see your AC rusting away—but is this something that can actually happen?

The simple answer is: yes. And because where we live in Florida, rust can easily get its corroding grip on an air conditioner without proper care. We’ll explore the case of rust and your AC below.

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Signs You’ve Got a Dying AC Compressor

Monday, June 17th, 2024
compressor-in-ac-unit

The compressor is the heart of the AC, responsible for the circulation of refrigerant that allows the unit to move heat from inside your home and deposit it outside. The powerful and complex device can’t be easily repaired if it fails. When a compressor dies, professionals will need to replace it. Because of the cost of a compressor, it’s usually more cost-effective to replace the entire AC instead.

To help you know when you’ve got a compressor in trouble so you can possibly avoid an early air conditioning replacement in Panama City, FL, we’ll list warning signs to watch for that you’ve got a compressor that’s in trouble.

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When to Know It’s Time to Replace Your AC

Monday, June 3rd, 2024
old-air-conditioner-unit

Even with the best and most diligent maintenance, you won’t be able to get your home’s air conditioning system to last forever. All ACs will reach a point where it’s much more expensive and risky to keep them around and try to continue with repairs than to invest in a new air conditioning installation in Pensacola, FL

We understand that you’ll want to get the most use from your AC as possible, but you need to know the signs that an air conditioner has come to the end of its practical service life. Below is our guide for how to tell you’re ready to upgrade to a new AC.

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Spring Is the Time for Annual AC Maintenance!

Monday, May 6th, 2024
service-blue-marker

Spring is an important time for HVAC professionals like our Peaden Pros. It’s when we help our customers save money and enjoy superior summer comfort with air conditioning maintenance Mobile County, AL. AC systems do plenty of hard work each summer in our weather, and unless they receive professional care, they’ll run into numerous problems. Regular maintenance is the best prevention tool and the best way to get years of quality service from your air conditioner.

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How to Tell If You Need a New Central AC Before Summer

Monday, May 6th, 2024

The summer weather will be here faster than we think. That’s a relief for those of us who love warm weather and outdoor activities. But if you have a home with an AC that’s old or unreliable, the summer weather won’t be much fun at all. 

We don’t recommend you try to push a failing central air conditioner as far as it can go until it finally breaks down. Not only will that trap you with an emergency AC situation, it will also result in expensive energy waste and poor cooling performance during those final months. It’s best to get ahead of the summer by preparing and scheduling your air conditioning installation in Baldwin County, AL with the Peaden Team. 

But how can you know you need that new central AC? We’ll look at the major warning signs:

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Do Air Conditioners Bring In Fresh Air From Outside?

Friday, September 29th, 2023

When temperatures rise, and we’re trying to find solace in our homes, there’s a common question many homeowners ponder: do air conditioners bring in fresh air from outside? The simple answer might surprise you. But to truly grasp the concept, it’s essential to understand the mechanics behind the AC unit and the process it uses for cooling the air.

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How to Save Energy During the Summer Months

Monday, May 22nd, 2023

As the summer heat approaches, it is normal to want to turn up the air conditioning, take multiple showers a day, and run the laundry more frequently. But with all these activities comes an increase in energy costs that can quickly add up over time. So, if you’re worried about your wallet, you might want to know how to save energy during the summer months. Luckily, you can take steps to increase your savings while still keeping cool and comfortable in your home.

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What Are the New HVAC SEER Rating Minimums in Florida?

Monday, October 10th, 2022

2023 SEER2 Ratings in Florida

Outdoor AC unit beside brick home.

Florida’s heat and humidity make it extremely important to have an air conditioning system that’s reliable and energy-efficient. With so much energy dedicated to cooling, even small improvements in AC efficiency can significantly impact energy consumption and utility costs.

That’s why the federal government is instituting new SEER rating requirements throughout the United States. In Florida, this will directly affect the types of air conditioning systems that can be installed after January 1, 2023.

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What’s a SEER Rating?

An air conditioning system’s efficiency is characterized by two ratings: the EER and SEER. The EER, or energy efficiency ratio, indicates the amount of energy used by an AC unit during a controlled test that simulates an outdoor temperature of 95 degrees, an indoor temperature of 80 degrees, and relative humidity of 50%.

The BTU rating is then divided by the amount of energy used to determine the EER. For instance, a 15,000 BTU system using 1000 watts of power would have an EER of 15. A higher EER means greater efficiency and, in turn, lower costs to keep your home comfortable during a Florida summer.

The SEER, or seasonal energy efficiency ratio, is an average of the EER over varying cooling conditions for an entire cooling season. It offers a better representation of the real-world performance of an air conditioning system. The rating makes it easier to compare different brands and models when choosing a new air conditioner to install.

Minimum SEER ratings for Florida and the southeast will increase on Jan. 1, 2023, so if you need to install or replace an air conditioning system soon, it’s best to choose a system that will meet the new rating requirements.

Why SEER Ratings Are Changing

Air conditioning takes significant amounts of energy, which is bad for your wallet and bad for the environment. By increasing HVAC energy-efficiency standards in the United States, energy consumption can be significantly reduced while helping the environment, lowering energy costs, and reducing the load on the utility grid.

The changes will differ by region. The northern United States, with its shorter, milder summers, will have less stringent requirements. The Southwest and Southeast regions will require more efficient air conditioners, as they can make a greater difference in energy consumption with their longer, warmer summers.

What Are the New SEER Regulations for Florida?

Starting on Jan. 1, 2023, any new central air conditioners or heat pumps installed in Florida or the Southeast will need to have a SEER of 15 or above, whereas the current minimum is 14. Any new single-packaged AC units will need to have a SEER of 14 or above.

Simultaneously, a new rating system is being introduced, SEER2, which changes how air conditioners are tested, with parameters like higher static pressures to better reflect real-world performance. This means an AC unit with a SEER of 15 will have a SEER2 of about 14.3.

The minimum SEER requirements are based on the original SEER rating, not the SEER2 rating.

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Trust Peaden Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical for Your HVAC Services

When you want the highest-quality, most energy-efficient air conditioning system for your Florida home, turn to Peaden Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical. Our company has been in business since 1969, and we serve Panama City, Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, and the surrounding communities in the Florida Panhandle.

We feature exceptional service with expert technicians, upfront pricing, and great financing options for AC replacements or installations. With our quality work, great products, and friendly, trustworthy personnel, you can be sure your comfort is in good hands.

Ready to upgrade to an AC unit that meets the new 2023 SEER ratings?

Call Peaden today at (855) 557-7878 or contact us online to schedule an AC installation or replacement in the Florida Panhandle.

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How Does Salty Air Affect HVAC Systems?

Friday, August 5th, 2022

Technician servicing AC unit outside.Florida’s warm climate and ocean breeze make it an ideal place for vacationers and residents. However, the abundance of salt in the air can wreak havoc on an HVAC system.

Salt and sand particles in the air can clog or corrode your system, leading to inadequate cooling, higher energy costs, and costly breakdowns.

Peaden Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical is here to ensure your HVAC unit stays in tiptop shape.

We’ll keep your cooling system working well in Pensacola, Panama City, and Fort Walton Beach and slow the negative effects of salty air on your HVAC system.

How Long Do HVAC Systems Last at the Beach?

While you can expect most HVAC systems to last over 15 years, systems in areas exposed to ocean air typically need to be replaced after a decade due to salt exposure, which causes AC corrosion and rust on the air conditioner.

How Can I Protect My HVAC Unit from Salty Air?

There are ways you can protect and maintain your HVAC system to prolong its life span in Florida, including in Pensacola, Panama City, and Fort Walton Beach.

Schedule Routine Maintenance

In these areas, nothing is as important as routine maintenance from professionals like those at Peaden. This allows you to remove debris, including salt, from your system and defend it against untimely deterioration. 

Keep Your Condenser Clean

We also recommend that you rinse your outdoor condenser unit once a month to help prevent salt and sand buildup. Run hose water through the unit’s top and side grills to adequately flush out debris.

Consider Covering Your Unit With a Breathable Barrier

While air conditioners are designed to be out in the elements, a breathable AC cover like one made of canvas may be helpful in coastal climates. However, you should never cover your unit with a tarp, plastic, or vinyl, which make up the bulk of AC covers on the market. These materials trap the salt air and moisture, creating condensation, which can cause issues.

Trust the Experts at Peaden Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical 

Our team at Peaden Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical is here to answer any questions you may have about preserving your HVAC system in Florida’s humid and salty air. You can trust our professional, friendly, and quality work and service for all your HVAC needs in Pensacola, Panama City, and Fort Walton Beach.

We provide convenient maintenance plans, upfront pricing, flexible financing, and free estimates on replacements.

For all your HVAC maintenance, repair, and replacement needs in the Florida panhandle, call Peaden at (855) 557-7878 today.

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How To Best Prepare Your AC for Summer in Florida

Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022

Peaden technician servicing ACSummer is when the Florida sun really beats down, causing you to seek relief in the cool AC. Ensure your air conditioner can keep you comfortable without failure with a few simple maintenance steps that can also help you increase system efficiency!

1. Change Your Air Filter

Start summer off right with a clean air filter. When your air handler filter is clogged with dust, it restricts cool air from flowing throughout your home. Some cool air will make it through a dirty filter, but the air will circulate dust and other irritants.

Changing your filter every one to three months allows your AC to run more efficiently, saving you money on your energy bills and improving the indoor air quality for you and your family.

2. Clear Debris From the Outdoor Condenser Unit

Outdoor condenser units tend to get cluttered with twigs and leaves over time. They can also house critters during the winter season.

Ensure your AC is off, and clear away any debris you see near the base of the outdoor unit.

3. Check the Refrigerant Lines

While you’re outside clearing debris around the condenser, inspect the coolant lines. They should be thick insulated tubes or pipes that run from the condenser.

Check for holes, fraying, chew marks, leaks, or other damage that needs professional repair.

4. Schedule a Professional Maintenance Appointment

Now that your AC is thoroughly cleaned and a new filter is in place to ensure efficiency and indoor air quality, schedule air conditioner maintenance with an HVAC technician to complete the tasks that only a professional can do, such as:

  • Checking and topping off refrigerant
  • Inspecting breakers and fuses
  • Cleaning evaporator and condenser coils
  • Testing thermostat accuracy
  • And more!

Choose Peaden for Routine AC Maintenance in the Florida Panhandle

The best way to ensure your air conditioner is ready to keep you cool all summer long is by scheduling maintenance with Peaden Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical.

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Since 1969, our team has helped homeowners in the Florida Panhandle correct minor problems and avoid major repairs with SmartCare, our routine maintenance program.

Call [site_info_phone_number] or contact us online to schedule a maintenance appointment or sign up for Peaden SmartCare!

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