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

2023 SEER2 Ratings in Florida

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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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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When you have an air conditioning unit you rely on to keep your family or employees comfortable and productive, you want to stay on top of repairs. While AC repairs are a necessary part of owning a unit, many repairs can be prevented.

Here are a few tips to ensure you have a comfortable summer with as few AC repairs as possible (if any at all).

#1: Schedule Service Before the Hottest Months

You don’t have to wait until you have an issue to call and have your air conditioner serviced. Call before the hottest months and have your AC unit cleaned and inspected by a professional so you stay on top of any issues the heat can bring about.

If you notice you need an AC repair, don’t hesitate to call because it’s summer and you think the company will be too busy. Call when you need to, but if you can be proactive, you may save yourself some time and discomfort.

#2: Get a Programmable Thermostat

If you want to avoid needing AC repairs, invest in a programmable thermostat so you have control over your temperatures when you’re away from home.

The more you learn about the best practices for programmable thermostats and temperature settings, the more money you’ll save on your energy bill and the longer your unit will last.

#3: Start Paying Closer Attention to Filters

When the weather is perfect and you don’t have to use your AC as much, you often won’t have to change your filters as frequently. However, be sure you don’t use this as the standard for how often to clean filters.

In the hottest months of the year, you’ll need to change your filters more often because the unit works harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.

#4: Insulate Your Home Better

You can give your air conditioner a major break when you have a well-insulated home, from the windows to the attic. Take the time to ask the AC repair company what you can do to make sure your home is properly keeping the cool air in.

You’ll be surprised how many things you can do that are affordable, plus a few updates you can make to add value to your home and prevent AC repairs.

#5: Don’t Forget the Outside Unit

While people tend to focus on the thermostat and filters, make sure you spend a little time outside cleaning up any debris that has fallen and removing any vines that may have grown into the fan.

When you keep this area of your cooling system clean and stay aware of how it should sound and act when it’s working properly, you’ll find you’re much quicker to spot signs of trouble.

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Odd HVAC Smells & What You Should Do About Them

While living in or around Pensacola, Walton Beach or Panama City, you know what it’s like to live with hot days and nights, and humidity.  Humidity and excessive moisture can be as tough on your body as they are on your air conditioner. 

Once that moisture gets trapped in your air conditioner and flows through your home’s ductwork, you could be in for a rough, smelly time in your home, not to mention putting your health at risk.  Ask yourself what smells you notice in your home every time you use your air conditioner.  Do you notice any of these odors?

Dirty, Old Socks

Does your air conditioning unit smell like dirty, old socks? Dirty sock Syndrome is the foul, moldy-smelling odor that comes from your air conditioner when you first turn it on. This can be really bothersome. If you have this smell coming from your ac unit, the condenser might be the problem.

At times, bacteria will grow on the ac unit condenser coils. This is what causes it to smell like dirty, old socks. With this smell, the good news is that all you probably need to do is have a Peaden ac repair expert come and clean the condenser coils. They may need to sanitize the condenser, as well.

Gun Powder

Are you smelling gun powder wafting throughout your home? If so, this is not a good thing. It means that there is something burning. If this smell occurs, you should instantly go to your breaker box and turn the HVAC system off. Then, contact your local fire department, and don’t go back into your home until you are told it is okay.

Once you do go back into your home, you can call a Peaden AC repair expert. The gun powder smell can indicate a short from the air conditioner’s circuit board, or fan motor.  The smell could also be from an overheating motor, a wiring issue, or some other mechanical problem.

Dirty Trash Smell

Do you notice the smell of trash coming from your vents after turning on your air conditioning unit? If so, different things could cause this. However, one of the main causes is that an animal died in the HVAC system and needs to be taken out. This happens a lot in the winter. If you suspect this has happened, you should turn your air conditioning unit off, open your windows, and contact an ac repair expert.

These are some of the most common smells that come from air conditioning units. If you notice that any of these smells have been coming from your vents, you should reach out to Peaden ac repair experts. The expert that comes to your property will asses the issue and they can make any repairs that are required. Sometimes it is just a matter of cleaning something out and other times something has been damaged and needs to be repaired.

Rotten Egg or Sulphur Smell

Never, ever ignore the Rotten Egg Smell! It could be the smell of leaking gas!

While natural gas is naturally odorless, manufacturers are required to add a chemical called mercaptan to give it that rotten egg smell. If that is what you are smelling, it’s an emergency, so follow these steps:

1. Don’t operate anything electrical.
2. Don’t operate matches or lighters.
3. If there are any open flames, such as candles, put them out.
4. Open as many doors and windows as you can.
5. Turn off your gas supply at the meter.
6. Contact the gas company.
7. Have the gas company turn the gas back on for you when it is safe.

Fumes from Exhaust

Do you smell fumes from an exhaust through your vents? If this is the smell you have in your home, one of the main reasons is that your ac unit or condenser is leaking fluid. It is more than likely leaking on the motor or a different portion of the ac system that is warmed up. If this is happening, contact an ac repair expert right away.

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