Spring Cleaning and Your Tampa HVAC System

May 29th, 2012

If you are working on cleaning your home for spring, don’t forget your HVAC system. If you are turning your furnace off, you should change the air filter so it is ready to go next heating season. It is also important to check your air conditioner’s filter, which needs to be clean to ensure efficient operation. A dirty AC filter can reduce air flow, which can not only waste energy but possibly cause ice to build up on your coils.

While you are checking over your AC equipment, it’s a good idea to schedule an annual maintenance visit with your Tampa HVAC contractor. One of the many things they will do is clean your AC, including the evaporator and condenser coils, which will help your unit maintain its energy efficiency. Since you are cleaning the rest of your home anyway, it’s a good idea to get your air conditioner in peak shape at the same time. If you don’t know how to change your AC’s air filter, ask your maintenance technician to show you. You should also determine how often you should change your air filter, which can depend on the amount of dust in your home, the number of pets you have, and the type of air filter you use.

Other important spring cleaning tasks include changing the filter in your vacuum, which can help maintain indoor air quality, and changing your water filter. Whether you have a whole house water filter or a Brita pitcher, the filters need to be replaced on a regular basis to keep them working effectively. If you have an air cleaning system, it’s probably a good idea to replace those filters as well, and check to make sure you don’t need UV germicidal light bulb replacement. While each of these steps seems simple, it they can add up to a healthier, more efficient house.

To schedule an HVAC maintenance visit, call Air National today!

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Programmable Thermostats and Your Tampa Air Conditioning System

May 21st, 2012

Air conditioning makes our home comfortable during a hot summer day. However, air conditioners need electricity to run, and most of us are trying to reduce our home’s energy consumption. There are a number of ways you can make your Tampa air conditioning system more efficient, including upgrading to an ENERGY STAR rated unit and scheduling regular maintenance, but one of the easiest steps to implement is installing a programmable thermostat.

Programmable thermostats automatically adjust the temperature in your home depending on the time of day. You can save up to 10 percent a year by turning down your thermostat back ten degrees for eight hours a day! Most models allow you to store multiple daily settings, so you can turn you air conditioner down during the day when you are at work and while you are sleeping, and still have the temperature cooler when you need it. You can also still manually adjust the temperature without affecting the normal settings, giving you complete control and helping you save energy.

Programmable thermostats are not all made the same, and there are many different makes and models. Your Tampa HVAC contractor will go over the different features available to you so you can decide which best fits your needs. Different thermostats work better with different systems, for instance some heat pumps need thermostats that have multi-stage functions, so it is best to consult with a professional before deciding what to purchase.

Programmable thermostats allow you to save energy without sacrificing comfort, which is something that all of us are looking for. If you are looking for a simple, affordable way to improve your HVAC system, a programmable thermostat is a great choice. Most are easy to read and easy to use, call Air National name today to learn more about having a programmable thermostat installed in your home!

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Tampa AC Tip: Outdoor Air Conditioning Components

May 14th, 2012

As long as all the parts are working well, air conditioning in Tampa is a modern convenience we can easily take for granted and overlook. Cool air makes our lives simply better, but is a complicated process based on an old theory and modern technology.

No matter the size, in every unit, the basic purpose is one of extracting heat from the conditioned space and moving it to the outside, leaving cool air in its place. This process easily divides into indoor and outdoor components.

Air Conditioning 101

Utilizing the basic principal of thermal energy that heat gravitates toward cooler temperatures, compounds known as refrigerants travel through a closed looped system, repeatedly transforming between liquid and gas forms. Chosen for their ability to rapidly change at low temperatures, they alternately absorb and release heat along the way.

Having expanded to a vacuous state with plenty of room between molecules to absorb heat, the refrigerant is compressed tightly, condenses back into liquid form and releases the heat to the outdoors.

In the Box Outside

Placed on a small slab on the ground alongside many homes or on the roof of large buildings, air conditioning units contain the compressor and condensing coils that enable the main (and noisiest) function of the process.

The refrigerant is contained within a closed loop, entering the compressor as an expanded gas full of heat.  Under pressure, that heat is released when the molecules are squeezed so tightly together the refrigerant returns to its liquid state.

Then passing into the condensing coils, a series of delicate fins, the released heat is allowed to dissipate through the fins into the air where a small fan blows it away.  Water is also a by-product of the condensation and drains into a pan and eventually into the ground.

The condensing coil ends at the exchange valve where it is held to create just the right pressure for the evaporating coil indoors to operate at its maximum efficiency.

Refreshing Maintenance

When maintained on a regular basis, the system requires little attention and over sight beyond scheduled appointments with a Tampa air conditioning company like Air National.

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Upgrade and Save!

May 11th, 2012

HVAC Upgrade | Tampa | Air National

Did you know that even if your central air conditioner is only ten years old, replacing it with a new model can save you 20-40 percent on your cooling energy costs? New air conditioners also use R-410A refrigerant, which is more environmentally friendly than the R-22 refrigerant used in older models. A new air conditioning system will also cool your home more effectively and need fewer repairs than your current system. Upgrading your equipment is good not only for your wallet, it is also good for the environment!

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Save Energy and Save Money This Summer in Tampa

May 7th, 2012

Though we hate to admit it, we all do it without thinking: turn our Tampa AC higher instead of turning on a fan, or forget about the thermostat settings which are set to full-blast when we are not at home.  Oftentimes it is the simple things which can have the most impact, and with saving energy this is true as well.

Households throughout the US will spend somewhere between $1,200 and $2,200 per year on energy costs.  With the cost of living in many areas of life skyrocketing, it’s nice to know there are some easy ways to lower at least one household bill: the energy bill.  Of course, some of these fixes are free, and some cost a little time and energy, while others must be paid for as long-term investments.

Free, Do-It-Yourself Energy Solutions

These quick and easy, do-it-yourself, no cost solutions produce energy saving results almost immediately!

  • Adjust the air conditioning thermostat to higher numbers, such as 78 while at home and 85 or higher when away.  Supplement AC usage with a ceiling or room fan, as moving air feels cooler on the skin.
  • Eliminate wasted energy by turning off appliances, lights, and equipment when not in use, unplug electronic chargers when not in use, and get rid of spare appliances such as refrigerators which are plugged in but not in use.
  • Put those dishwashing gloves away and let the dishwasher do the dirty-work!  Dishwashers use less water than washing by hand.  In addition, let the dishes air-dry rather than running through the heat-cycle to save even more.
  • Do laundry more efficiently by washing and rinsing in only cold water, and line dry instead of using the dryer.
  • Use the microwave to cook and not only speed up the cooking process, but use two-thirds less energy than a stove or conventional oven.

Low-Cost, Economical Energy Solutions

Most of these energy saving options can be procured at the local hardware store, are fairly inexpensive, and can be easily done by any competent home-owner.

  • Replace HVAC filters regularly, according to manufacturer’s specifications.
  • Weather-proof your home by plugging air leaks on doors and windows with weather stripping, sealant, or caulk where applicable.
  • Purchase and install ENERGY STAR® certified products such as porch lights, floor and table lamps, pocket lights, and even programmable thermostats to ensure energy using items are using as little energy as possible.

Invest in Energy Solutions

If it is important to you to save energy and money long-term and on a larger scale, there are a number of durable energy-saving investments to consider.

  • Purchase new windows, a new air-conditioning unit, refrigerator, or other household appliances which use less energy than older units
  • Install window and house shading such as patio covers, or strategically plant trees to shade the home during peak times of heat
  • Install a whole house fan which can suck cool air into the home after sundown or in the early morning in order to cool the entire house thus reducing air conditioning usage
  • Seal and insulate all household ducts in crawl spaces and attics
  • Increase or upgrade attic insulation to higher than the standard grade to keep housing temperatures more constant

To save energy also means to save money, and by following any of the simple steps listed above the average consumer can save energy and save money almost immediately. For more information about how to save energy on with your Tampa air conditioning system, give Air National a call today!

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Tampa Air Conditioning Tip: Landscaping, Your AC, and Saving Money!

April 30th, 2012

Who knew that proper landscaping of your home could save you money?  It’s true!  During those hot, summer months all we want is respite from that heat, and maybe a cool drink to sip.  If placed in direct sunlight, our Tampa air conditioners will work harder and more frequently than we would ever want to in such direct heat.  This is the time to prepare for the inevitable by giving the AC a break while at the same time saving money on utility bills.

Inspect, prune, and pay attention!  Get out in that garden and have a look at that AC unit!

  • Cut back any overgrown bushes or plants nearby, and remove any weeds growing near or over the AC unit, in order to ensure proper air circulation is maintained in the space immediately surrounding the AC unit. It might even be prudent to place stepping stones or cement in the foot of space immediately surrounding the unit, to keep a good barrier between the unit and surrounding foliage.
  • Pull out that green thumb and plant some flowers or greenery surrounding but not too close to the AC unit, making it a part of the yard’s landscaping, rather than an eye-sore which stands out.
  • Get your air conditioner under the shade.  This can be done simply by adding trees or tall bushes near the AC unit, protecting it from the blazing sun.  AC units can also be moved to the North side of a house or other building, making sure they are under the shade during the heat of the day.  Ensuring an AC unit is in the shade can mean not only saving approximately 5% on cooling bills, but can also increase the energy efficiency of the air conditioning unit by upwards of 10%.
  • Add trees or tall foliage all around a property to provide shade directly on the home or building, which can additionally contribute to overall cooling of the yard and buildings being cooled.

Proper landscape maintenance near, upkeep of, and airflow to an air conditioning unit ensures that there is reduced wear and tear on your Tampa air conditioner, helping it to run more efficiently for a much longer period of time.  Pay attention to your AC unit and it will provide a great service for many years. For more information about how to keep your air conditioner running efficiently, give Air National a call today!

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Kind Words from Customers!

April 27th, 2012

Thank you all for the wonderful recommendations and kind words on our Facebook Fan Page. As family owned and operated company, our top priority is customer service. We strive to provide the best service we can, and to leave our customers happy with their system and happy with the service provided by Air National Tampa!

Some kind words from wonderful customers,

“Great service and very fast! Couldn’t ask for a better AC company.”

“Great Service!”

“Amazing people to deal with. Highly recommend ”

Tampa | Customer Review | Air National Heating and Air Conditioning

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Tampa Air Conditioning Guide: AC Problems You Need A Professional to Fix

April 23rd, 2012

In a hot climate, it’s great to be cool. Our Tampa air conditioning lets us sleep and helps us be our best through the hottest days.  It’s such a part of our lives that it’s easy to forget that our air conditioners must be regularly maintained.

Some things are easy for the homeowner.  Other repairs are complicated, technical and require a professionally certified HVAC company like Air National to accomplish.

Doing the Basics

For window mounts or the big units on the side of the house, regular cleanings and a filter change should be a part of every season. It’s not hard to remove the cover and replace the panel of webbing that catches lint and other particles out of your conditioned air.

Some warm water and a good shot of compressed air gently on the exposed fins will help to increase the longevity of the unit.  Be careful not to put pressure on the fragile fins and coils or use hot water that could cause corrosion.

Make sure the drain is clear, always cover the unit or store it away when more naturally cool temperatures take over and you’ve got conditioned air and relative peace of mind in the years ahead.

Big Problems

Without the regular service, however, an air conditioner begins to work much harder to produce the same amount (or less) of cool joy and parts begin to break down.  With total neglect, the unit itself may need replacement much sooner than was promised when you paid for it. These are repairs that could be avoided and require a Tampa air conditioning professional to make.

The key ingredient to cooling is a chemical called a refrigerant (most often Freon) that is capable of transforming rapidly from gas to liquid and back again at low temperatures. This runs through two intricate tubes, a compressor, and a critical expansion valve that controls the process.  It is a delicate and complicated process that calls for expertise and the right tools, especially since the refrigerant is considered hazardous and requires special handling.

When the air gets stuffy, it could be that the fan is the problem.  Belts could be worn, loose or broken.  The motor may be low on oil and is stained to the breaking point.

If mysterious signs of water or mold are showing up on the inside of the house near the unit, there could be a problem with the condensate that is released with the heat when air is cooled.  This could be a simple or complicated fix, but should be checked out professionally to ensure all is well.

If you have having any problems with your Tampa air conditioning system, give Air National a call!

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2012 Best of Tampa Award

April 20th, 2012

For the fourth consecutive year Air National Tampa has been awarded the Best in Tampa Award for Self Contained Air Conditioning Unit by the US Commerce Association.

Tampa | Best of Tampa | Air National

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Air National Air Conditioning & Heating Receives 2012 Best of Tampa Award

U.S. Commerce Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement

NEW YORK, NY, April 5, 2012 — For the fourth consecutive year, Air National Air Conditioning & Heating has been selected for the 2012 Best of Tampa Award in the Self-Contained Air Conditioning Units category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

The USCA “Best of Local Business” Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Nationwide, only 1 in 250 (less than half of 1%) 2012 Award recipients qualified as Four-Time Award Winners. Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2012 USCA Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)

U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a New York City based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.

The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.

SOURCE: U.S. Commerce Association

CONTACT:
U.S. Commerce Association
Email: PublicRelations@uscaaward.com
URL: http://www.uscaaward.com

 

 

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Tampa Air Conditioning Question: What Are Thermostatic Expansion Valves?

April 16th, 2012

The thermostatic expansion valve, sometimes known as a TEX, TEV or TXV, is a critical piece to influence the efficiency of Tampa air conditioning and refrigeration units.  A tiny sensor controlling the evaporating phase of process, the valve can have a big effect.

Cool air is manufactured by a re rapid movement of a refrigerant between liquid and gaseous states.  Compound chemicals that are able to do this at a low temperature are compressed and expanded, absorbing and releasing heat at different points along the way.  The TEV controls the flow of the refrigerant into the evaporator coils according to the temperatures of the various ingredients.

Cool Air 101

To condition air, the refrigerant, most often freon or another fast acting, low temp compound, evaporates into a gas that runs through a coil and absorbs heat.  Passing through a compressor, the freon condenses under pressure back into a liquid again and releases the heat, becoming cool enough to chill a party.

Too much freon in the evaporator tube and the pressure is not low enough to expand to gas and absorb heat, working inefficiently for no gain.  Too little freon and the conversion is also ineffective by not reaching the density needed to condense.

There are four types of valves with different benefits for different types of cooling environments.  With its ability to adjust minutely to changing conditions, the thermal expansion valve creates the perfect mixture of pressure and freon for more complicated systems.

At the Starting Gate

An interactive device, the valve senses the evaporator pressure and temperature and adjusts the flow of the refrigerant so as to maintain a given “superheat”, the differ­ence between the refrigerant vapor temperature and its sat­uration temperature.  By controlling superheat, the TEV keeps nearly the entire evaporator surface active while not permit­ting liquid refrigerant to return to the compressor.

Some valves operate on an electrical impulse from sensors that can measure the temperatures.  Others are open all the time.  The thermostatic expansion valve actually utilizes the pressure between the two sections to open or close itself, regulating flow based on the very same pressure it is designed to moderate.

Like the buildings they comfort, large Tampa central air conditioning systems are varied and diverse.  There are nearly as many thermostatic expansion valves as there are units to receive them.

If you have any questions about your home’s air conditioner or its components, give Air National a call today!

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