What are some of the factors affecting residents in Jacksonville when buying a heating or cooling system?

Size and operating capacity – When it comes to finding the right air conditioning or heating system for a home, most homeowners have no idea what size unit they need.  HVAC systems are measured according to a number of different factors, such as tons, BTUs and other abbreviations that may all sound like a lot of “mumbo jumbo” to the average homeowner.  However, despite the confusion, buying the right size system for your home is a key factor in keeping you and your family comfortable while also making the purchase and the ongoing operating costs as affordable as possible.  Since most people can’t gauge on their own what size unit they need, it is best to let a trained HVAC salesperson or contractor recommend the proper sized unit for you, based on a number of factors that they will either ask you about related to your home, or that they will come out and see for themselves.

Energy efficiency – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that more than half of all energy utilized by homeowners throughout the United States can be attributed to operating their heating and air conditioning systems.  Therefore, choosing an energy efficient model when you are buying a new heating or cooling system can make a big impact on your monthly utility bills, as well as the impact that operating that new system will have on the environment.  When looking for energy efficient products, look for the ENERGY STAR labels as a basis for comparison.  There are also rating systems for each unit that a qualified HVAC sales professional can explain to you which will provide you with the information you need to determine how energy efficient any particular product is.  Other considerations to keep in mind when purchasing a new system that can affect the level of energy efficiency it offers include additions such as programmable thermostats.  Of course, sticking to a regular maintenance schedule will also help you to reap the full effect of energy efficiency because a clean and properly operating system is a more efficient system.

Warranty information – Not all systems come with the same type of warranty, and since a new HVAC system will be around for a very long time, this is one product that it is worth checking the warranty information on.  You should check how long the warranty is in effect for, whether it is a full or limited warranty (and what it covers), whether the warranty is transferrable if you sell your house, as well as other factors that will provide you with insight as to how dependable the product should be and how long you can expect it to last without the need for a major outlay of money on your part.

Tax credits and rebates – If you are buying a heating or cooling system at a time when it is not an “emergency” (meaning yours just broke down in the middle of a heat wave or an unusual cold spell), you may have the luxury of finding out about any upcoming rebates by manufacturers and tax credits or rebates that are being offered by the government.  A reputable HVAC specialist can provide you with any information you need to help you save money wherever possible.

For more information about buying new HVAC products in Jacksonville, give us a call at 904-781-7060 or fill out the contact form on our website and we will contact you.

The name Payne, however, may not be one of the more recognizable brand names when you think of heating and cooling systems.  In fact, Payne is part of the Carrier Corporation and has been around for nearly 100 years.  During that time, Payne has led the way many times in the heating and cooling market, introducing a number of new products and systems along the way and forging ahead as a pioneer in the industry.

Here is a bit of background info about Payne:

The Payne Heating & Cooling company began back in 1914 and was started by D.W. Payne and his sons.  At the outset, Payne and his son were building gravity-type furnaces and were doing so out of a converted barn in Los Angeles, California.  Shortly after they began this endeavor, the company introduced the first floor furnace that could be installed in a home’s conventional crawl space area.

This floor furnace was only the first of a number of “firsts” that Payne introduced to the American people during the last century.  In 1933, Payne Heating & Cooling introduced the first forced-air, down-discharge furnace, and Payne was also the first company to market a forced-air furnace that was approved for closet installation.  Less than twenty years later, in 1950 to be exact, the Payne Company introduced perimeter and zone heating.

Expansion and innovation continued for the Payne Heating & Cooling Company and during the 1950’s, the company added a remote air conditioning product line to its repertoire of dependable heating and cooling product offerings.  Long a pioneer in the industry, in 1962 Payne introduced the first horizontal forced-air furnace that was approved for outdoor installation, as well as vertical combination heating and cooling units that could be used in apartments, school rooms and other applications.

In 1974, the Carrier Corporation formed the BDP Company, with the ending “P” in the name standing for Payne.  From the 1980’s on, Payne continually improved the efficiency of its products and began expanding across the country.  Beginning strong in the west and southwest, the company started to make headway into the Midwest and northeast states throughout the decade.  It was not until the 1990’s that Payne expanded into the southeastern part of the U.S., which is why residents of Jacksonville may be less familiar with the Payne name than other heating and cooling brands.

Payne’s claim to fame is that their products are dependable, efficient and affordable.   Their products are designed to work hard and to last a long time.  There is nothing fancy about Payne HVAC products – they are simple, dependable and reasonably priced.  The products are built to high engineering standards and are backed by a limited warranty.

Some of the products available in the Payne line of heating and cooling products include:  central air conditioners, duct-free AC systems, fan coils, gas furnaces, heat pumps, thermostats and zoning products.

For nearly a century, Payne has been a well-trusted name in homes looking for reliable, long-lasting and affordable heating and cooling products.

For more information about the Payne HVAC products in Jacksonville that we offer, give us a call at 904-781-7060 or fill out the contact form on our website and we will contact you.

1. Reduce the cooling load by preventing heat build-up during the day

Make it easier on your air conditioner to keep your home cool by delaying (when possible) heat-generating activities such as running the dishwasher or the dryer.  These two appliance specifically increase the humidity in your home as well as the temperature, turning a cool 78° into what feels like a sweaty sauna at 85°.

Another great way to keep your home cool and getting maximum efficiency out of your air conditioner or heat pump is to keep the blinds shut and providing shade for your east and west facing windows.  This prevents direct sunlight from getting into your home and creating an imbalance of temperatures that your AC needs to work harder to maintain.

2. Increase air circulation and ventilation throughout the home

Open those windows or use window fans for ventilation in the morning and evening hours, which are typically cooler, and also improves indoor air quality levels.  The use of ceiling fans can also increase comfort levels while using a higher thermostat setting – a slow turning ceiling-mounted paddle fan can easily provide enough air flow to extend your comfort level to 82°.

 3. Change your air filters

Once a month during the cooling season you’ll need to change your air filters to ensure peak performance.  Normal dust build-up can reduce airflow by 1% each week!  A dirty filter can cause your air handler (indoor unit) and your compressor (outdoor unit) to work harder and decrease the lifespan of your AC.  Many times you can order air filters online.

 4. Have annual or semi-annual preventative maintenance performed

To increase the life span and efficiency levels of your current air conditioner system, get a preventative maintenance done which is equivalent to getting the oil changed in your car.  Many A/C companies offer Preventative Maintenance plans, which include a 13 point inspection on your indoor and outdoor HVAC components.  If an AC repair is needed, you’ll be able to get this done often at a reduced rate and you’ll be able to prevent an emergency service call from being needed in the future.

5. Buy a high-efficiency air conditioner with a rating of at least 14 SEER

If your air conditioner or heat pump is over 10 years old, chances are it’s not operating at its maximum efficiency levels any more.  Make sure that your new air conditioner is properly sized for your home’s square footage.  Your local Jacksonville HVAC company can do this for you and will often provide you with a free estimate.

Be sure to get a second opinion to ensure that what you’re being quoted is not too big for your home or your air conditioner cannot be repaired at a reasonable price.

For more information about the importance of routine AC maintenance, to find out about our annual AC maintenancecontracts in Jacksonville, or to schedule an appointment for an AC tune-up, give us a call at 904-781-7060 or fill out the contact form on our website and we will contact you.

System Inspection – During your regular AC maintenance appointment, Jacksonville air conditioning specialists will come out to your home and will perform a thorough inspection of your air conditioning system.  This inspection entails looking closely at all of the key components, as well as any moving parts, that comprise your system and allow it to function properly.  Most of this inspection is done visually, although the system will be put through testing to be able to not only see that all parts move as they’re supposed to when the system is operating, but also to make sure that everything sounds as it should.  Often, it is a louder than usual sound or something that sounds unfamiliar that indicates that there may be a problem with how a particular component is functioning.  The inspection of your AC system will entail everything from the thermostat to the compressor, evaporator, blowers, and all components that keep your home cool.

Safety Inspection – Not only does your system have to operate properly in order to cool your home, but above all else, it has to operate safely.  To that end, your Jacksonville AC maintenance appointment will involve a complete check of all electrical wiring, plugs and other components that can pose a potential fire hazard.  Any frayed wires, loose connections or parts that can overheat can be a potential safety concern so these issues are addressed during all AC maintenance and tune-up inspections.

Lubrication – One of the best ways to keep your air conditioning system running optimally is to ensure that all moving parts are well lubricated.  That’s why your Jacksonville AC maintenance contractor will lubricate any necessary parts during your routine maintenance appointment.  Lubrication helps to prevent excessive wear on any moving parts and also prevents the system from overheating, which can lead to a breakdown.

Check of Coolant Levels – Another key component of a regular AC tune-up involves checking the coolant level inside of your air conditioning system.  Overheating of the system can occur if proper coolant levels are not maintained, which can lead to premature wear of the system or a complete breakdown.  Low coolant levels can also be a sign that there is a leak, which needs to be addressed promptly if it occurs.

Dust and Debris Removal – The biggest culprit leading to premature wear of an air conditioning system is overheating.  In addition to making sure all parts are well lubricated and coolant levels are as they should be, another important factor that will keep your air conditioner from overheating is as simple as keeping it clean.  During your routine maintenance appointment, the AC technician will remove any dust and debris from the condenser coils, the evaporator and other key components of the system.  Doing so will help to prevent overheating that is caused by a build-up of debris which can retain heat and decrease the functionality of the system.

Filter Check – Your air filter will also be checked to see if it is ready to be replaced.  Failure to replace the AC air filter on a regular basis can lead to a build-up of dust and debris that diminishes the optimal functioning of your equipment and also leads to less healthy indoor air, as dust and other particles circulate throughout the house through the air conditioning system.

For more information about the importance of routine AC maintenance, to find out about our annual AC maintenance contracts in Jacksonville, or to schedule an appointment for an AC tune-up, give us a call at 904-781-7060 or fill out the contact form on our website and we will contact you.

One of the best ways to avoid headaches and aggravation when it comes to cooling your home is to make sure that you stick to a regular maintenance plan for your HVAC system.  This can be anything from replacing the air filter on a regular basis and making sure that the system is free from any other dust and debris, to purchasing a maintenance contract with a reputable company like AllWeather Contractors that will come out once a year, preferably before the height of the season, to check all parts and to make sure that everything is ready to go and is working as planned.

By sticking to a regular maintenance schedule, you will avoid the inconvenience, discomfort, and potential high costs that can often accompany a faulty or failing air conditioning system in the middle of the worst heat wave of the season.  You may be laughing right now – but you know that Murphy’s Law seems to dictate that if something is going to go wrong with your cooling system, it will naturally wind up happening during the most grueling and uncomfortable stretch of weather during the whole year.

So when that does happen – what do you think you’re most inclined to do?  Just about anything possible to get your home cool and comfortable again!  This can result in you paying more for service calls than you would otherwise pay because you’re willing to have anyone come out, at any time of day or night, or even on a Sunday, to get your AC fixed.  You don’t care at that point if they’re going to charge you an extra fee for an after-hours service call, or if you find an unscrupulous dealer, if you’re charged for things you’re not sure you really want or need at all.  All you can think of at that point is “please, make it cooler in here.  I can’t take it anymore!”

Aside from trying to avoid the hassles that come with trying to find an HVAC technician during the midst of a heat wave, when everyone in town also needs one, or potentially paying more than you need to for convenient service calls or rushed parts, the fact is that by adhering to a regular maintenance schedule, you are more likely to be able to ward off any potential serious problems from occurring with your equipment in the first place.

A full professional maintenance call will include checking all parts for signs of wear and tear, ensuring that all seals and connections are tight with no leaks, and making sure that everything is clean, well lubricated and ready to run at optimal levels.  If there is something potentially wrong or that may need to be fixed or replaced, you can make decisions about what to do in a more clear-headed manner and can have the time to do more research and save more money if you find yourself facing a large repair bill or are in need of a replacement.  These are all good reasons to take the time now to maintain your cooling system, before a problem with the system makes your temperature, and your temperament, take an undesirable turn, sky high.

For more information about the importance of HVAC maintenance, or to find out about our AC maintenance contracts in Jacksonville, give us a call at 904-781-7060 or fill out the contact form on our website and we will contact you.

It all started over one hundred years ago.  Back in 1902, Willis Carrier invented what is now recognized as modern air conditioning.  At the time, he submitted drawings that made authorities in the field recognize that modern air conditioning systems must perform four primary functions – they must, of course, control temperature, but additionally, they must control humidity, control air circulation and ventilation, and also cleanse the air.  It took a few years before Willis Carrier’s drawings were refined and tested enough to receive a patent, but in 1906, he received a U.S. patent for his system.

The initial system designed and patented in 1906 was spray-type equipment that was developed to humidify or dehumidify air by heating or cooling water.  A year later, Carrier filed a patent for an automatic control system based on the law of constant dew-point depression and received the patent in 1914 for it.  In 1915, Willis got together with a half dozen engineers to form the Carrier Engineering Corporation, and five years later, they purchased a manufacturing plant in New Jersey.  Today, the Carrier Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of United Technologies Corp, employing over 43,000 people in 170 countries across the globe.

Carrier is the largest producer of HVAC systems in the world, and in addition to heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, they also manufacture and distribute commercial refrigeration systems.  In addition to products sold under the Carrier name, the corporation manufactures products under the names Bryant, Payne, Day & Night Heating and Cooling Systems, Weathermaker, Weathermaster, Centurion, and Aquazone.

Although the invention of modern air conditioning came about early in the century, it wasn’t until the post World War II economic boom during the 1950’s that what we now know as residential air conditioning systems became really popular.  Prior to that time, however, the Carrier name was continuing to grow in popularity and received recognition for a variety of key projects.  For example, in 1925, centrifugal chillers made by the Carrier Corporation were used in Madison Square Garden to produce the perfect environment and ice surface on which to play hockey.  A year later, Carrier completed its first multi-story installation in Fresno, California at the T.W. Patterson Building.  At the World’s Fair in 1939, the Carrier “Igloo of Tomorrow” was an extremely popular attraction, drawing over a million visitors.  It wasn’t until modern air conditioning was fifty years old when it really started to become more common in residential properties, and by that time, the company offered a variety of system types in varying sizes and capacities.
Today, over one hundred years later, Carrier is still known for quality products, as well as innovative technologies.  The company’s HVAC systems are primarily grouped into three series for residential use – the Performance Series, the Comfort Series, and the Infinity Series.  The Infinity system offers some of the most advanced technology available today in heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, including highly efficient GreenSpeed technology.

For more information about Carrier HVAC products, or to find out more about the Carrier products we sell in Jacksonville, give us a call at 904-781-7060 or fill out the contact form on our website and we will contact you.

Split AC systems are the most common type of central air conditioning systems and provide a number of benefits over window units that are placed in individual rooms throughout the home.  For one, these types of systems cool a home more efficiently and keep temperature levels more consistent throughout the indoor space.  Another big benefit to split air conditioner systems is that they are very quiet.  Since the loudest portions of the unit, the compressor and the compressor fan, are located outside, it reduces the noise level that occupants of the home or building hear.  Of course, another obvious benefit to using a split system as compared to a window AC unit is aesthetics.  There is no unsightly unit that sits in a single window or multiple windows in the home, blocking views to the outside and detracting from the overall look of the structure.

Most central split systems not only provide air cooling, but also provide heating in the home.  This means that when temperatures drop, the indoor unit functions to create and distribute warm air through the home through the same ductwork that is used to distribute cool air when the air conditioning system is used in warmer months.

In additional to traditional split systems, there are also ductless split systems available for use in homes or businesses.  These systems still have an outdoor compressor or condensing unit, as well as an indoor unit that distributes the cool air.  The primary difference between a traditional system and a ductless one is that with a ductless system, rather than there being a series of ductwork that runs through the house to cool the air, the two units are connected only by wires and refrigerant tubing.  The ductless systems operate more like a window unit, in that it provides cooling only to a specified space where the unit resides, but it is quieter and more unobtrusive looking than traditional window units, due to the fact that the condensing unit is situated outdoors.

Ductless or duct-free split systems can provide versatility for homes and businesses that do not have a central air conditioning system already set up and don’t want to go through the high expense of installing ductwork throughout the property.  They are also a good solution when there is an area of a building that is not covered by existing ductwork, or they can even be used in conjunction with a central unit, in areas that require additional cooling.

For more information about split AC systems, give us a call at 904-781-7060 or fill out the contact form on our website and we will contact you.

Well, one of the best ways to chip away at utility costs while not drastically reducing comfort levels is with the use of a programmable thermostat.  These devices allow us to pre-program our HVAC equipment so that it provides us with the heating or cooling we need, while not wasting valuable resources (including our hard-earned money!) to heat or cool an empty home when we’re not around to enjoy it.

By using a programmable thermostat, we can set the temperature levels on our equipment to rise or fall based on occupancy in the home.  So, for example, if we know that everyone leaves the house at 8 am to go to work and school and doesn’t return again until 5 pm, we can allow the temperature to moderate while everyone is out of the house and can then set the temperature to go back to a more comfortable level shortly before everyone arrives home so they are none the wiser.

We can also do the same thing when we drift off to sleep at night.  Many people prefer different temperature settings at night, or are able to tolerate a different temperature once they are already asleep, so a programmable thermostat can be set to change at the family’s typical bedtime, or shortly thereafter.  Then in the morning, a different temperature can be set at or before the time that everyone wakes up so the family wakes up refreshed and feeling ready to start their day, in part due to comfortable indoor air temperatures.

Most programmable thermostats allow for a variety of changing temperature patterns throughout the day, and also allow you to vary the way the thermostat is programmed on a daily basis, or by differentiating between weekdays and weekends.  There are also settings that can be used during vacation times when the house will be unoccupied for extended periods of time.

The good news is that by pre-programming a thermostat, you can maximize use of your heating and cooling budget without wasting energy to heat or cool a home when no one is around to appreciate it.  Almost all of the programmable models of thermostats also have an override button that allows you to manually change the temperature settings if it turns out that you are home and want the temperature set at something other than what you had originally planned for.  The hold button will keep the temperature in place until it is released, at which time it will resume to the programmed settings.

By mindfully programming your thermostat, you can reduce energy consumption and therefore lower utility bills.  Of course, it is important to note that there is a trade-off between keeping temperatures at a desired level on a consistent basis and letting them vary too much.  If a home is allowed to get too warm or too cool, it may take longer to return temperatures to a comfortable level and may expend more energy, so it is best to play around with the temperature settings that produce the most efficient results for your particular home’s environment.

For more information about programmable thermostats, give us a call at 904-781-7060 or fill out the contact form on our website and we will contact you.

When it comes to purchasing a new HVAC system, you have a number of options to consider.  There are different manufacturers, different models offered by each manufacturer, different heating and cooling options, various sizes, and of course a spectrum of price points.  Buying a new HVAC system can be a rather expensive proposition, so it is worth keeping in mind a number of factors prior to making your final decision so you can make the best decision to meet all of your needs.

Although some people may be tempted to go with the lowest cost option when buying a new heating and cooling system, the fact is that the lowest cost option is not always the best value option.  HVAC systems are a long-term purchase, and keeping in mind costs over the life of the system, as well as the benefits and features that will be offered throughout the equipment’s lifespan, will help you make a choice that you can not only be happy with today, but for many years to come.

Here are four of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a new HVAC system:

Comfort – Or course, comfort is a key reason why you purchase a heating and cooling system in the first place.  In order to realize the level of comfort you desire from your new HVAC system, you need to ensure that you are purchasing the proper sized unit to meet the needs of the space in which you live.  You will need to pay attention to features such as BTUs and tons, as well as the SEER and HSPF ratings of the system.  You will also want to inquire about the options that accompany the system, such as whether the system offers variable speed operation, how quiet it is, what the humidity control is like, as well as any other features or available options that can enhance the comfort of your home.  Remember that even if systems that have more comfort features included seem a bit pricier, that extra cost will be spread out over many years of operation and may very well be worth the added expense for the years of added comfort it can deliver.

Value – The value of an HVAC system is about more than simply the final price of one system as compared to another.  For one, you want to consider the cost of each system versus the comfort features that the system affords you in order to determine the relative value of that system in meeting your particular needs.  Another factor that affects the value of the system relates to the quality, dependability, durability and expected longevity of the system.  If you purchase a system that requires fewer repairs or lasts longer than a model that is initially less expensive, you may actually save yourself money in the long run.  The same goes for energy efficiency ratings.  More energy efficient systems may cost more initially but will save you money over years of operation.  You should also look into any available rebates, tax credits or other incentives that may impact the value of one system as compared to others that are available on the market.

Energy Efficiency – As mentioned, energy efficient systems may be pricier initially, but due to their lower cost of operation, they may wind up saving you money over the life of the system.  Additionally, more efficient systems are better for the environment.

Available Options – Most new HVAC systems offer a variety of features that can add to the indoor comfort of your home, as well as factors that affect the air quality.  Therefore, look to see what type of options are available for the type of system you are purchasing to make sure that your system can handle any add-ons you might want to consider, such as programmable thermostats, air cleaners, UV treatment systems, humidity controls, and other features that can add to the comfort, quality, and energy efficiency of your new system.

For more information about the various options available if you are looking to buy a new HVAC system in Jacksonville, give us a call at 904-781-7060. 

Installation, repair, and AC maintenance are the three primary residential HVAC services that keep people cool when the weather gets hot.  AC installation and AC replacement sets up a new air conditioner by picking a location that is optimal for the system’s efficiency and safety and then handling all necessary installation steps to get the new system up and running.  AC repair is necessary when the air conditioner malfunctions.  The most common problems that cause noisiness or a lack of cooling from the system include a displaced fan lodge, blocked grills, and frozen coils.  In addition to fixing these problems, technicians can stop water leaks originating from the air conditioner.  AC maintenance that is scheduled periodically helps prevent issues from arising in the future, which leads to a longer lasting and more efficient system.  Preventative maintenance is also the best way to guard against potential warranty issues with an AC system.

In a similar fashion to air conditioning services, residential HVAC heating services typically involve installation, repair, and maintenance.  Heating installation can be considerably more complicated than AC installation because there are a wide variety of potential heating systems, including electric baseboard, central, and forced air systems, among others.  The electric baseboard heating system is the most versatile of the three because each room contains its own unit with a temperature gauge that can be adjusted separately.  However, the central and forced air systems often last longer and need less maintenance.  The central heating system entails a furnace that is connected by pipes to radiators in various rooms, while the forced air heating system requires the installation of ducts throughout the home to accompany a central furnace that can be fueled by electricity, oil, or gas.  Technicians will safely install any of these systems with the intention of maximizing efficiency.

Heating repairs may include fixing a heat pump or gas furnace.  For gas furnaces, it may be necessary to reignite a standing pilot or replace an electronic ignition, both of which would return the furnace to its normal functioning capacity.  Heat pump problems are often a result of malfunctioning thermostats, blown fuses, or tripped circuit breakers.  Preventative heating maintenance often lengthens the system’s lifespan and increases its efficiency.

Residential HVAC services also extend to ventilation systems.  This includes the installation of air purifiers, air cleaners, ventilators, humidifiers, UV lamps, cabinet air filters, and carbon monoxide alarms.  Repairs and maintenance can be performed on these systems in order to keep them functioning effectively.  By improving the air quality, ventilation systems protect against potential health problems that are associated with inhaling unhealthy air.  Though many people associate pollution with outdoor air, the air inside a home is likely to be between two and five dirtier than the air outside of it.

Residential HVAC services are critical for maintaining health and comfort in homes, so it is important to be familiar with these different kinds of services and to know when each service is needed.

For more information about residential HVAC services in Jacksonville, contact AllWeather Contractors at 904-781-7060.