5 Tips to Prepare for the Arrival of an AC Repair Technician

April 16th, 2017

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When you call in an AC repair technician, you may be anxiously waiting for them to arrive to get your unit working in prime condition again. To help ensure the process goes smoothly, there are a few things that you can do before the arrival of the technician. While you may already do most of these, here is a quick checklist to help you prepare before your next AC repair so you don’t miss anything.

#1: Know the Age and Manufacturer of Your Unit

To help the AC repair technician learn more about your unit, you’ll want to have some basic information handy such as the age of the system, the brand, and the manufacturer. While the technicians will come prepared with tools and parts, the model can alert them to the inner workings, common issues and the specific parts that should be brought.

#2: Have Information Ready to Help Identify the Problem

Have information ready such as when the problem started occurring and any warning signs such as poor air flow or strange noises. You should also let the AC repair technician know how often you change filters and how often you have service calls. Even information that feels minor to you like your past energy bill can help move the process along faster and give the technician a better idea of what they are up against.

#3: Clear a Path Around the Unit

Make sure that the AC repair technician can easily get to the outside of the unit without too many obstacles. You can clear a path around the unit by removing any ladders, vines, and debris that is in the way. Safety is going to be the primary concern of the technician, and you want to make sure that they can reach and see all of the components easily.

#4: Learn About Finance Options

While you are preparing for the AC repair company to show up, you can learn about finance options and what getting a new unit would entail if that is recommended. The more you know about what your next steps are if a repair isn’t going to get the job done, the better prepared you’ll be if you need a new installation.

#5: Write down Questions and Take Notes

There are plenty of questions that will pop in your mind when you know the AC repair technician is coming, and this is the ideal opportunity to write them down so that you can get as much information as you can to care for your unit. Trust that the best technicians want you to save money and have fewer AC repairs, and they’ll be more than happy to guide you towards the best practices you can do at home to ensure this. And don’t forget to write down the answers to the questions you ask so that you can refer back to them when the time comes.

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Air Conditioning History Is Part of Gulf Coast History

April 14th, 2017

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Air Conditioning History Is Part of Gulf Coast History

Everyone living on the Gulf Coast in the Cities of Panama City, Destin, Fort Walton, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Pensacola should know the history of the air conditioner because it took place in their back yard. Air conditioning is a necessity on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Even though many people consider air conditioning a necessity, they do not know who invented it or where it was created. Many Florida residents would be shocked to find out that the origins of the air conditioner go back to a small town east of Panama City.

The beginnings of the mechanical air conditioning and refrigeration began in the town of Apalachicola. Apalchicola is a small town located south east of Tallahassee in Northwest Florida. In 1833, A doctor named John Gorrie moved from New York to Apalachicola. At the time, Appalachicola had become the center of a large timber industry. The thriving timber industry drew many people to Apalachicola. Because Apalachicola is on the gulf coast of Florida, it experiences warm temperatures and heavy rainfall. These factors combined with the swamplands around the Apalachicola River basin caused many people in the area to suffer diseases such as malaria and yellow fever. Gorrie moved to Apalachicola to study the tropical diseases. Gorrie believed that the heat had something to do with the illness because malaria and yellow fever were very prevalent in tropical areas. The word malaria acutally means bad air in Italian and Gorrie believed that the air and the heat was causing the illness.

Gorrie believed that the cure for these illnesses lied with cool, clean air. He began subjecting his patients to cooler temperatures in order to heal them. In the 1800’s the only way to cool his patients was to use ice. At that time ice was hard to come by in Florida. To get ice in Florida, blocks of ice were cut from lakes up north and shipped south. In order to keep the blocks they were placed in ice houses underground. As you can imagine this was a very expensive way to cool patients and Gorrie began to search for a better way. Gorrie began to experiment with a way to make ice. He began to work on what would become the beginnings of mechanical refrigeration.

Gorrie’s experiments would lead him to use mechanical energy to compress air. By compressing air and then releasing it, Gorrie found that the air would absorb heat and this would eventually chill what ever was in contact with the cylinder. Gorrie had discovered that when air is compressed and released it expands and absorbes large amounts of heat. When this process is repeated many times the air would eventually remove heat from the water that surrounded the cylinder. Eventually, this machine would cool the water enough to turn it into ice. In 1948, Gorrie filed the first patent for an artificial refrigeration machine. Granted on May 6, 1851 the U.S. Patent No. 8080, “Improved process for the artificial production of ice” was official.

After his patent was officially granted, Gorrie would become the Father of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning. Many experiments in refrigeration were being conducted at that time but Gorrie was the first to patent a mechanical refrigeration machine. It would be many years after Gorrie’s patent that refrigeration and air condition would make it into modern lives. Although Gorrie was unable to capitalized off of is invention, his contributions to mechanical refrigeration have impacted the lives of many in the modern world.

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Services Offered by Most AC Repair Companies

April 7th, 2017

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If you’re unfamiliar with the services provided by air conditioning companies or you’re unsure of what to look for in an AC repair company, here is a brief review of the services that most AC companies offer. Whether you need a unit installation, AC repair or regular maintenance, you’ll be able to decide which service is right for you.

AC Installation

If you’re looking to install a brand new air conditioning system, most companies can help in finding and choosing the right unit for you. With their expertise and experience, they may offer a variety of AC systems that may be ideal for your home. Whether you’re looking for energy efficiency, a “smart” system, or money savings, an AC repair company can help you chose the right air conditioning system for you. They keep you in mind by giving you the best possible system for your particular home, including one that requires the least amount of maintenance and will help you avoid any unnecessary future AC repair.

AC Repair

The majority of AC repair companies offer 24/7 emergency repairs. Any company that offers this type of service is considered a good choice because of their willingness to serve at any time. Scheduling AC repair, even for just a minor issue, will save you money in the long run. Small repairs will generally keep you from having to make large repairs that will, of course, be significantly more costly.

Discounts and Deals on Air Conditioning Equipment

Many AC repair companies will offer discounts on air conditioners and their components when you schedule an installation or repair with their company. These companies can make recommendations about the best brands, units, and parts for your particular home and budget, so discussing the entire process of buying, installing, and repairing with them will only prove to be beneficial in the end. Many AC repair companies also offer extended warranties on your purchases, sometimes at a discounted rate, to ensure that you get the most out of your air conditioning system.

Regularly Scheduled Maintenance

Many companies will complete regular maintenance checks for you, particularly before extreme weather seasons take place, to ensure that your unit and all of its components are working properly. An AC repair technician will come by and make sure your air conditioning system is running smoothly and at peak performance levels. This allows you the peace of mind that a professional is keeping an eye on your unit, while also maintaining the system and helping you to hopefully avoid any emergency AC repair. Regular maintenance generally includes changing the filters, inspecting and cleaning coils, removing any clogs, and looking at your unit overall to ensure everything is in proper working order.

These services are offered by most AC repair companies, including Peaden. Whether you need an installation, repair, new parts, or regular maintenance, we can help. If you are unaware and unsure of what service is right for you, please feel free to contact us.

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How to Improve the Air Quality in Your Home

March 27th, 2017

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We spend a lot of time inside of our homes, and many people don’t know how important our air conditioner and everyday activities are when it comes to the impact on the quality of air that we breathe. And even when protecting our health and the well being of our family is a top priority, we may not think about the air circulating through the vents. Here are a few ways to improve the air quality in your home so that you have peace of mind about what you breathe in.

Stay Proactive When It Comes to AC Repair

When you start to notice that your heating and cooling system isn’t doing its job at peak performance any more, then have a professional inspect it to see if you need an AC repair. Minor repairs will not only help keep your air quality in good shape, but it will give your unit longevity. On top of paying attention to how your unit is working, make sure you’re keeping up with filter changes to ensure the best air quality.

Vacuum and Remove Dust

Dust and dirt will create a space that promotes allergy flare-ups and can cause issues with breathing. By taking the time to remove the dust and vacuum on a regular basis, you’ll find that you not only have a more comfortable ambiance, but that the air is fresher. You’ll also save your system from requiring AC repair when you keep your space as free of dust and dirt as possible. You can also install a 4-inch, extra large pleated air filter to catch more airborne particulates.

Make Sure You Keep Your Home Ventilated

Keeping the air ventilating throughout your home is a good idea to keep infections and lung issues from occurring. You want fresh air to run through your house when possible, so start opening windows when the weather feels delightful outside! Be sure that you turn your air conditioning off when you do this so that you can give it a nice break and save money on your energy bill. Your unit shouldn’t have to run 24/7 all year long, and when you allow it to rest, you’ll find that your unit will last longer and need fewer AC repairs. Try using an ionic air purifier as well. The ions kill kill bacterial and use a negative charge to cause suspended airborne contaminants to clump together and fall out of the air so they can be cleaned.

Keep Up with Visual Inspections

Be on the lookout for mold and mildew around your unit and other areas of your home that are in darker and dampened areas. While these aren’t always something that you can avoid, you can proactively work to prevent them from occurring and keep up with visual inspections.

Let the HVAC Experts Perform a Yearly Service Call

AC repair professionals will know what to look for when want to learn more about the air quality inside your home. If this is a concern of yours, let them know because they’ll not only work to identify the problem, but can perform a yearly service call to get your system working correctly. When your unit is serviced annually, you’ll improve the air quality in your home and prevent many AC repairs that can happen when it’s neglected.

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How to Stay in Control of AC Repair Costs

March 21st, 2017

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Sometimes, it’s hard stay in control of finances because so many unexpected things can pop up from car troubles to air conditioning problems. While these times can be disheartening and make you go back to the drawing board of your budget, there are a few things that you can do. If you want to stay in control of AC repairs costs, here are a few tips that you can follow to help you get started.

Start Saving Now

Even saving forty dollars a month for a year will give you almost five hundred dollars for AC repairs and will cover most service calls, and even take the edge off of major repairs. Because you shouldn’t need AC repairs on a routine basis (unless you have a very old unit or one that wasn’t installed correctly), you should have time to really put back a bit of emergency money for things like air conditioning repair. As you watch your fund grow, you can start using some of the money for smaller things like air filters and annual service calls.

Keep Up with Maintenance

If you want to be in control of AC repair costs, then you should never put off routine maintenance like changing out filters and keeping the components of your unit clean. So many people don’t realize that this is one of the most inexpensive ways to ensure that your energy bill stays down and your unit needs fewer repairs.

Practice Energy Efficiency

If you want to stay in control of AC repair costs, then practice energy efficiency throughout your home from the windows to the attic. Your air conditioning unit will work more efficiently when air isn’t escaping and isn’t working continually to fight for the thermostat settings you’ve chosen. By taking a few simple steps, you can insulate your home and see some major savings on your energy bill.

Invest in a New Thermostat

Sometimes you have to spend a little money to save a lot of money, and new thermostats will give you more control when you are in the home, as well as when you are away. Because of new technology, you’ll find that you can control the temperatures of your space remotely to ensure that your unit isn’t working harder than it should when you aren’t there to enjoy the temperatures.

Find a Reputable Company You Can Stick With

You don’t just want to hire someone that you meet in the filter aisle of the grocery store to handle your AC repair needs. If you want to stay in control of costs, your should find a HVAC company that will be there every time you call them and will have an understanding of your unit. It’s frustrating when someone handles the install or AC repair only to find that they are unavailable when you call again. Find a reputable company that works in your location and is available with comprehensive services, and you’ll find that the process is seamless and convenient at every appointment.

Know When to Throw in the Towel and Upgrade

Sometimes the best thing you can do to control costs is knowing when your AC is beyond repair. Although the thought of a large up-front cost for a new AC system can be daunting, it will save you a lot of money, time and worry in the future. Many reputable companies will offer financing to help you spread the cost out over time.

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5 AC Repair and Maintenance Tips For Pet Owners

March 13th, 2017

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We love our pets because they make life more enjoyable and are wonderful companions. However, while cats and dogs have their charms, they can also leave a mess behind. When it comes to AC repair and maintenance, you’ll find that pet owners will need to take a few extra steps. If you have a furry friend living in your home, here are five tips to help you prevent AC repair and ensure that everyone can relax in comfortable indoor temperatures.

#1: Change Filters More Frequently

In most cases, pets will bring in more dirt and dander that people will because of the way they love to roll in the grass and shake off as soon as they get in the front door. This means that your air conditioning filter is filling up faster with dirt and dander, and you’ll need to clean it more frequently. If your filter is almost clogged when you change it every four weeks, go ahead and change your filter every three weeks to see if that makes a difference.

#2: Try to Brush Pets Outside

If you’re grooming your pets inside, you’ll be stirring up a lot unnecessary dander that your air conditioner is going to work through each room and send to the filter. While some people will have animals that they can’t take outside, if you have dogs and cats that spend time in the yard, go ahead and grab a brush before the run in.

#3: Check and Clean Vents Often

You’ll need to check vents and make sure that they aren’t filled with wads of hair, toys, socks, bones, and treats. Dogs like to bury and if they see an opportunity to get something through a vent, some will attempt it! Plus, the more you pay attention to the interior of your vents, the better idea you’ll have of how much hair and other elements are being left behind.

#4: Visually Inspect the Outside Unit Carefully

If you have dogs that love to dig, then you may find that they disrupt the pad that your air conditioning unit sits on. You want this part of your HVAC unit to be as level as possible, and it’s impressive how much a dog can dig when they are on a mission whether it’s burying bones or when they are on a scent of a smaller animal that might be hiding in the area of your system.

#5: Start Training Pets

If you have pets that like to do things like chew on toys and bones directly over vents, then start the training process to break them of this habit. Because the cool and warm air will flow through here, some animals will be more attracted to this spot. In some cases, this won’t cause any issues, but if you notice a problem such as ducts filling with hair or cotton from toys, then you may prematurely need AC repairs.

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Why Putting Off An AC Repair Can Be Scary

March 5th, 2017

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When you need an AC repair, it might seem like a minor thing. Maybe you hear a small clanking noise or the air flow is okay but just not as good as it once was, but you put it off because life gets busy and it’s not a huge inconvenience. However, when you let those little air conditioning repairs go, it can actually have a scary impact on your home. Here are a few reasons to keep up with those repairs so that you can rest easy at night knowing that your home and family are healthy and safe.

The Air Quality Will Go Down

With the right maintenance, your HVAC unit will keep your home filtered and improve the quality if air. But when you don’t change out filters on a regular basis and ignore small repairs that will improve the air flow, then you’ll find that the air quality will suffer.

Dust Mites Can Become a Problem

It’s important that you don’t neglect the maintenance and AC repairs because this will help keep dust levels down, and dust mites away. When they take over your home, they’ll snack on pet skin as well as people, and they’ll leave fecal matter in spaces that you use on a regular basis. To prevent these from becoming a problem, make sure that you keep up with repairs and maintenance for your heating and cooling system.

Your Allergies Will React

If you have bad allergies, then you’ll want to make sure that you take care of all AC repairs immediately. To keep the quality of air clean and indoor allergies away, then you need to change filters and make sure that your unit is working in proper condition. You’ll appreciate that you have a space to find relief from the sneezing and itchy eyes that happen to those who suffer from allergies.

You Give Rodents a Chance to Invade

If you discover that the air flow isn’t providing you with the comfort levels that you’re used to, then there is a chance that you need to check your ducts for invaders. When rodents find their way into the AC ductwork, you’ll want immediate repairs because you don’t want to leave this entryway open for more wildlife to get through. As soon as you detect the signs of mice or rats in your home, have someone check to see if they are entering through parts of the unit.

You End Up with Major AC Repairs

If you put off AC repairs because you are scared of the cost, then you should be aware that small repairs can be affordable and you can get a quote beforehand if you’re worried about breaking the budget. Small repairs will prevent major problems that come with bigger price tags, and you’ll want to be proactive so that you can save money in the long run. Don’t put off that AC repair any longer to ensure that you have a healthy and durable unit.

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Cleaning your AC Unit: What a Quality AC Repair Company Does

February 28th, 2017

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Whether you own multiple commercial air conditioning units or you have a single HVAC unit for your home, you’ll need to have your system cleaned over time. While you can do your part and keep up with some of the cleaning on your own, make sure that you call in the pros to do a yearly service so that you know every nook and cranny got attention. Here are the areas that a quality AC repair company will clean so that your unit has longevity and stays durable throughout its lifespan.

Coils

Coils are an important part your heating and cooling system, and when you don’t have them cleaned, then you’ll find yourself calling for more AC repairs than you bargained for. Don’t skip those routine maintenance calls each year if you want to keep your coils clean and your unit functioning like new.

Registers

When you want your air conditioner working in an efficient manner and saving you money on your energy bill, make sure AC registers are professionally cleaned. When you have clogged and dirty registers, then ventilation and air flow won’t be as good and your unit will have to work much harder than it should.

Filters

Most homeowners know how important it is to change filters at least once a month. However, a quality AC repair company will offer guidance and will clean these when necessary. Commercial air conditioning systems will demand a little more attention because many have filters that are removed, cleaned, and then replaced versus the disposable options.

Air Handler

For your AC unit to properly distribute air, the air handler must be cleaned, and you want to make sure you have someone experienced handling the project. This will also help prevent AC repairs in the future and will make your home more comfortable.

Ducts

Your ducts will need to be cleaned because of the dirt and dust that can collect and cause clogs that will affect the way the air flows. If you have pets or a large number of foot traffic in your commercial property or home, then you may find that you need to have this job completed more often.

Blower Fans

The blower fans will need to be cleaned to help keep your AC unit working in prime condition, and a professional will show up with the best equipment and techniques to get the job done quickly and thoroughly. You’ll want to ensure that each aspect of your heating and air unit is cleaned with care and handled with integrity.

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Everywhere in Between

The best AC repair companies will know to clean everything above that can collect the dirt, dust, and dander that can affect the working parts. However, as they complete the cleaning of your unit, they’ll be paying attention to the entire system and responding to areas that demand attention. If you have hard-to-reach places that need to be cleaned, be sure you call in the pros to tackle the job so that you know it was done correctly.

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How Preventing Heating Repair Will Lower Energy Bill Costs

January 28th, 2017

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Saving money is on everyones’ mind these days, and it can be hard to find new ways to lower bills. However, when you want to prevent a heating repair, you’ll find that you’ll also be lowering your energy costs. By making a few simple changes to your routine, you can save hundreds of dollars, if not more, over the course of a year on your energy and heating repair bills. Here are a few tips to help you get moving in the right direction.

Change Filters Routinely

It can be easy to get off track as the cold weather moves in, but make sure you are cleaning and changing your filters just as much as you did in the summer to ensure that you save money and don’t cause unnecessary repairs. Not changing filters and keeping with simple maintenance like this is one of the primary reasons that a heater will quit working in prime condition, so keep it at the top of the list!

Seal All Air Leaks

You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on new windows and doors to close up air leaks. You can invest in much more affordable options to help prevent heating repair such as installing new weather strips and finding sealants that will get the job done thoroughly. Also be sure that you’re walking the outside of your home to close up any holes and cracks in the foundation and siding. Make sure that your attic is properly insulated as well so that you aren’t losing any air there.

Get a New Thermostat

A new thermostat will give you more control of the temperature whether you are standing in the room, or you forgot to make adjustments before your vacation. You will be able to change setting from remote settings using your smartphone and you can get many more features depending on your goals. Having this kind of control will allow you to give your heating system a break when you aren’t home.

Have Fans Rotate Clockwise

Turn your ceiling fans on a clockwise rotation so that the warm air pushes down and your heater gets a break. This will keep it from working so hard and save you on future heating repairs. Plus, you’ll save money on your bill. Don’t forget that once you seal up your windows, you should open them and use the natural sunlight to warm your space. It’s free and your heater will appreciate the help!

Close Rooms You Don’t Use

If you have large storage areas or rooms that aren’t in use, close the vents and the doors so that you aren’t forcing your unit to heat the entire home. You’ll discover that you can save a pretty significant amount of money by doing this, and your heater will be able to get the space that you are using heated without having to work harder than it needs to. Take time to practice these tips and you’ll find your heater lasts longer and stays stronger over the years, while also saving you money!

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Heater Repair Money Saving Tips

January 15th, 2017

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No one likes to have a heater repair lingering on their list of things to do, but it’s inevitable when you own a home that your heating and cooling system will demand attention from time to time. When that happens, it’s imperative that you don’t put off the call if you want to get your space comfortable and functioning as it should. Here are a few money-saving tips to follow next time you need a heater repair.

Call for Yearly Inspections

Each year you should have a yearly inspection by a professional to clean coils and look at each area to make sure that there isn’t anything that could be an issue in the future. While you can still do your visual inspections and take care of changing filters on time, you’ll want to have someone with a skilled eye to really get in there. They have the industry knowledge to know what brand of heaters are more likely to demand certain repairs, and they’ll know what elements to pay close attention to.

Don’t Wait to Get a Heater Repair

If you hear strange noises coming from your heater or you start to see condensation build up where it has never been before, don’t ignore just because your heater is still working. You should never put off heater repairs if you want to save money because they are going to be more affordable the faster you catch them. Pay attention to your heater and don’t let it be an option to put it off another month.

Use a Quality Company

The company you use for heater repair is going to be essential to the longevity of your system, as well as how it runs. If you want your heater to continue to perform in prime condition, then find a company that is certified, affordable, and easy to work with. You don’t want to let just any stranger you met in the filter aisle at the hardware store to fix your heater because you never know how much they really know. Plus, if you require further heater repairs, you may not be able to find them even if it’s their mistakes that you need corrected. The best companies will be licensed and available for you.

Invest in a New Heater Earlier Rather Than Later

You can save some major dollars on heater repair when you invest in a new unit as the fixes become more frequent. The longer you wait, the more expensive the repairs will be and you could be putting that money towards the newer and more energy efficient unit that will end up saving you money.

Make Sure Everyone Is on the Same Page

When you’re trying to save money on your next heater repair, make sure that everyone who uses the unit is on the same page. You want to know that filters are being changed as they should and that everyone is following the correct temperature setting rules so that your unit isn’t working harder than it should.

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