Did you know that the air inside your home can be as much as five times dirtier than the air outdoors?  In fact, indoor air quality is a top concern of the EPA, potentially causing health issues for children and adults alike, or at the very least, making the air that we breathe less than the ideal quality that it could, and should, be.  Jacksonville indoor air quality levels can especially be affected by heat and humidity due to the local climate.

The good news, however, is that there are steps you can take to improve the quality of the air in your home.  Some of these steps involve staying up to date on HVAC preventative maintenance and repairs so that your equipment is running at optimal levels.

If indoor air quality is a concern for your home or family, there are enhancements that you can add to your current HVAC system or standalone systems that can improve the quality of the air in your home.  Consider accessories such as air purifiers, air cleaners, air ventilators, UV lamps, cabinet air filters, humidifiers and carbon monoxide alarms to keep the air in your home as healthy and clean as possible for you and your family.

One of the most important ways to keep your indoor air quality at healthy levels is to make sure your heating and air conditioning equipment is running properly.  The best way to do that is to stick to a regular maintenance schedule, so that a qualified technician can assess all aspects of the equipment and can repair or replace faulty or deteriorating parts.  The more efficiently the equipment runs, generally the better the quality of air that flows through it. Regular maintenance visits also typically include an overall cleaning of any parts of the equipment that circulates air, such as filters, vents and so on.  If the equipment is cleaner, the air that flows through it is generally cleaner as well.

Another way to improve the air you breathe within your home is to make any necessary repairs, or if your HVAC equipment has seen better days, to replace your equipment with newer models.  When equipment begins to age, it may not be as effective at removing the typical culprits that can diminish the quality of the interior air in your home.  Items such as pollen, dust, mold, fumes, smoke, and even skin flakes or radon gas can build up within the equipment and circulate more readily through your home.

With the push to make our homes more energy efficient, therefore reducing the transfer of air in and out of the home through tighter seals, it is becoming ever more important to make indoor air quality a top priority.  But, there are many ways to make sure that the air inside your home is as clean, and easy to breathe, as possible.

If you are looking to improve the indoor air quality in your Jacksonville home, contact All Weather Contractors at 904-781-7060 to find out more about our indoor air quality services and indoor air quality equipment.  Our Jacksonville indoor air quality specialists can make recommendations on ways to improve the quality of air within your home.

Northeast Florida’s hot, humid summers can put a lot of strain on your air conditioning in Jacksonville. All Weather Contractors, a leader in Jacksonville air conditioning, has a few tips for making sure your AC units primed and ready for another sizzling season.

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  Spring and Summer is on their way. To help prepare your air conditioning, Jacksonville's All Weather Contractors offers air conditioner tips and services.

  The AC Doctor is In: Well, a doctor of sorts, anyway. Our expert cooling and heating technicians can inspect your AC unit and diagnose any existing or potential problems that threaten your unit’s efficiency and running costs. The number one cause of system failures in Jacksonville air conditioning and heating is the lack of routine manufacturer-recommended maintenance. Our 13-point tune-up and preventative maintenance performed regularly will assure your AC unit continues running strong throughout the year – even during the most intense temperatures.

• Replace your Filters: Replacing your air conditioning filters is the No. 1 thing that property owners can do to help keep their heating and cooling units operating at an optimum level. A dirty or clogged filter forces your work longer and harder to cool your home, significantly slashing your air conditioner’s efficiency, causing undue wear and tear on its operational parts and forcing pricey repairs.
• Give it a Good Washing: Just like clogged filters, dirty coils can overtax your unit by forcing a heavier amp draw from the compressor – and thus, from your wallet. Hosing down your exterior air conditioning unit occasionally will help keep its coils clean and free of damaging debris such as dirt and grass. Make sure your unit is turned off, then gently spray water into the coils.
• Give it Some Time Off: Reduce your home’s reliance on your Jacksonville air conditioning unit by using low emission windows, curtains, awnings and strategically placed trees and shrubs to limit the amount of sunlight coming into your home.

If you’ve lived in Northeast Florida for long, you know that a top priority is reliable air conditioning. Jacksonville’s All Weather Contractors can help keep yours in top condition whether ac repair or replacement. To schedule your springtime maintenance call 904-781-7060.

If you’ve lived in Northeast Florida for long, you know how miserable the summers can be without air conditioning. Jacksonville-area residents know that come summertime, the heat and humidity can drag down even the most avid outdoorsman. So keeping the AC running well is a top priority.

Statue of Dr. John Gorrie, known as the father of refrigeration and air conditioning. Part of the National Statuary Hall Collection.

Not surprisingly, the first air conditioner was invented and installed in Apalachicola, a near-straight, due-west shot across the state from Northeast Florida on the Gulf Coast, which has a very similar climate. During the 1830s, Dr. John Gorrie, a physician, scientist inventor and humanitarian for whom a Jacksonville junior high school is named, was studying tropical diseases. The going theory at the time was that many were airborne diseases and could be treated in part by cooling the air around a patient. To this end, he cooled sickrooms using ice in a basin suspended from the ceiling. Because it’s heavier than warm air, the cool air flowed down across the patient and exited through an opening near the floor.

Results proved positive, but lugging ice from boats coming in from the northern lakes proved tough. So, Dr. Gorrie began tinkering with the idea of artificial ice. In 1845, he gave up his medical practice to further his research and in 1861, was granted Patent No. 8080 for an ice-making machine. Out of money by this time, Dr. Gorrie began looking for investors to fund the manufacture of his machine. But the venture failed when his partner passed away and Frederick Tudor began a smear campaign against Dr. Gorrie’s idea. Known as the “Ice King,” Tudor made his fortune by harvesting ice in New England ponds and shipping it throughout the Caribbean, Europe and India.

Dr. Gorrie died in 1855 and his idea faded for nearly half a century. Then, in 1902, American engineer Willis Carrier developed an “Apparatus for Treating Air” for a lithographing and publishing company in Brooklyn, NY. The idea caught on and, by 1914, Carrier’s machines were installed in printing plants, textile mills, hospitals and one Minneapolis millionaire’s home. Breakthroughs followed, including the addition of a central compressor that reduced a unit’s size and a benign coolant that replaced toxic ammonia. Movie theatres, office buildings, department stores and railroad cars were the next to get Carrier’s machines. And when window units debuted after World War II, sales escalated from 74,000 in 1948 to 1,045,000 in 1953.

Today, it’s nearly unheard of for a home to lack air conditioning. Jacksonville residents make keeping theirs in working order a priority – especially as summertime approaches. For top-notch care of your air conditioner, Jacksonville’s All Weather Contractors offers a preventative maintenance program that includes a periodic 13-point tune up and discounts on ac repair, AC replacement and AC products. Contact us at 904-781-7060.

Heating and cooling systems generally account for about one third to one half of energy costs within a home.  When Jacksonville, FL homeowners neglect proper heater maintenance of their systems, home energy costs can increase, since systems do not run as efficiently over time without proper maintenance.  Neglecting heating systems can also diminish the lifespan of the equipment, making it more likely that the equipment will have to be replaced earlier than expected or will need to undergo heating repairs.  Therefore, sticking to a regular heating system maintenance schedule is a cost-effective solution for homeowners.

Heating maintenance should be done on a routine basis – generally once a year before the season begins is sufficient.  If your heating system is combined with a cooling system, you may also want to have a second maintenance check performed prior to the start of prime air conditioning season.  Regular maintenance of your heating system, performed by a reputable service provider, will help to ensure that your system is running in optimal fashion and will also determine whether you potentially need to repair or buy replacement parts, before the system malfunctions in the midst of the coldest night of the year and winds up costing you a fortune due to an emergency service call.

Studies have shown that energy bills can be reduced by as much as 30-35% when proper maintenance is performed on heating systems.  This is because, according to Energy Star (a division of the EPA responsible for energy efficiency), dirt and neglect can cause heating systems to run less efficiently and can even lead to system failure.  Heating systems that are blocked due to debris or that are not functioning properly due to loose or broken parts have to work harder to keep the air temperature at desired levels.  This means they will use more energy to perform the same functions and their parts will also wear out sooner.  By ensuring that all dirt and debris is removed and all components of the system are checked for proper functioning, a heating system maintenance check can result in the system running more efficiently.  More efficient systems result in lower energy costs and smaller utility bills.

Safety is another key reason to perform routine heating system maintenance.  Carbon monoxide leaks can cause serious health hazards or can even be fatal, making sure your carbon monoxide alarm is working is crucial.  Loose electrical connections can be a fire hazard, as can blockages in heat and air exchangers.  Improperly functioning heating systems can put the safety of family members in jeopardy – a risk that is not worth taking.

The good news is that heating system maintenance is not that expensive – and it can save you lots of money over the long run.  Periodic maintenance typically cost around $150 – $200.  Some companies, like All Weather Contractors, offer annual heating preventative maintenance programs that are even more cost effective.  In fact, AWC is currently offering a program for routine heating maintenance in Jacksonville for just $99/year!  Through this program, homeowners receive an annual 13-point precision heater tune-up and inspection, designed to keep heating systems in tip-top operating condition.  The heating maintenance program offers additional benefits as well.

Adhering to a regular heating maintenance schedule should be a priority if you own a home.  Improving energy efficiency, lowering utility bills, increasing the lifespan of your heating equipment and ensuring the safety and comfort of your family are just some of the reasons it’s important to properly maintain your heating system.

For more information about routine heating maintenance services in Jacksonville, contact All Weather Contractors at 904-781-7060.  We offer an annual heating preventative maintenance programs  for just $99/year, which includes a 13-point tune-up of your heating system.  Our heating specialists provide heating maintenance services throughout the Greater Jacksonville area, including Duval, Clay, Nassau, Flagler, Putnam and St. John’s counties in northeastern Florida.

Buying a new heat pump, gas furnace or packaged heating system is not on most homeowners’ lists of “favorite things to do”.  But, sometimes it becomes necessary to buy a new heater because the home’s existing heating equipment is completely inoperable and not worth fixing.  Other times, it just makes sense to look into a new heater purchase because the existing heat pump or furnace is nearing the end of its operable life and is not running efficiently.  No matter what the reason for having to replace a heating system, however, the fact is that there are benefits to having a new heating system installed that will offset some of the purchase costs.

When in the market for a new heating system, it is important to consider a few key factors so that the system you purchase is the best option to meet your needs, keeping your home comfortable and your energy costs in check.  Below is a list of factors to consider before buying a new heater or furnace.

• Energy Efficiency – This is one of the most important factors in choosing a new heater.  Any heating system you purchase will operate more efficiently than the one that you are replacing, but some will be more energy efficient than others.  Energy efficiency is not only good for the environment, but it is good for your wallet, since systems that have higher energy efficiency ratings will result in lower utility bills, saving you quite a bit of money over the long run.  To compare systems, look for the AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating, SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) or HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor).  These numbers will help you determine the most efficient models.  The higher the numbers, the better.  Also look for models that have Energy Star labels on them, since they have been certified as energy efficient by the EPA.

• Heating System Size – It is important to select a home heating system that will be effective in heating the size of your home.  Consider factors such as your home’s square footage and number of heating zones when choosing a new heat pump or furnace.  If you plan to add on to the size of your home or remodel an unused space (such as the basement) in the future, factor that into your calculations.

• Heating System Type – There are numerous types of heating systems available.  Some differ in the type of fuel source, such as oil, gas or electric.  Others differ in the type of heat and air exchange delivered, such as radiant heat, forced air, etc.  You can choose from heat pumps, gas furnaces and hybrid heat dual fuel systems, among others.  If you are replacing a heating system, you should look for the same type of fuel source and heat/air exchanger as you currently have, unless you plan to do a major overhaul of the pipes and energy delivery system in your home.

• Brand and Warranty – Heaters, heat pumps, furnaces and complete home heating systems are a major purchase.  They also last for many years, often for as long as you own your home.  You can expect a heating system to last between 15 – 25 years, if properly maintained.  Therefore, it is important to stick to reputable brands and to carefully check the length and coverage of all warranties.

• Extras – In addition to the basic components of any heating system, some systems offer extras that can make a home more comfortable, can make the air cleaner and can lower operating costs.  Options such as air filtration and air purification systems, programmable thermostats and whole-house humidifiers may be compatible with certain models and not others, so choose accordingly.

All Weather Contractors sells new heat pumps, gas furnaces and hybrid heat duel fuel heating systems from reputable name brand manufacturers such as Carrier, Bryant, Payne.  For more information about buying an energy efficient heating system in Jacksonville, contact us at 904-781-7060.  Our heating specialists install new heating systems throughout the Greater Jacksonville area, including Duval, Clay, Nassau, Flagler, Putnam and St. John’s counties in northeastern Florida.

Many people worry about the unpredictable nature of heating system problems, resulting in needed heating repairs and the cost that goes along with having to repair a faulty heater.  Luckily, for residents of Jacksonville, heating repair is not as much of an issue overall as it can be in other parts of the country, where temperatures stay cold for much longer periods of time during the winter months.  But, even in Jacksonville, heating repairs are on the minds of many, since problems with heating systems can result in costly repairs.

Most heating repairs are needed during extended cold snaps when heating systems are working overtime to keep a home or business warm and comfortable.  This can result in higher costs because emergency heating repair service is needed, which may be billed at a premium price because service is needed immediately (and service may be requested during nights, weekends or holidays).  Heating system emergencies can also result in homeowners being left without heat for a period of time because when temperatures start to dip, more and more people face the need for heating repairs, leaving heating repair technicians busy and unable to service customers immediately.

The best way to tackle heating repairs is to try to avoid them in the first place.  That is not always possible, of course, but by being vigilant about keeping up with routine heating maintenance, many costly repairs can often be avoided.  Even though parts and portions of a heating system may need to be repaired over the years, if you keep to a regular heating system maintenance schedule, it is more likely that you will be made aware of potential issues with your heating system that can be addressed before they turn into an emergency heating repair call in the middle of an unusually cold Jacksonville night.  By knowing about issues ahead of time, you can have your heating system repaired or a particular part replaced at a lower cost and with no disruption to your heating service or comfort levels.

If you know that your heating system is in need of repair, it is best to try to tackle repairs during the off-season.  Some Jacksonville heating repair service companies will offer incentives to customers to address heating repair issues off-season by offering coupons, discounts or lower fees.  It will also be easier to get a heating repair technician out at a time that is convenient to you.  Another good reason to handle heating repair issues sooner rather than later is that if a part needs to be ordered, you have the luxury of waiting for it.  The same goes for the fact that if you deem it necessary to replace rather than repair your faulty heater or furnace, you have more time to make an informed decision about what the most practical and economical choice is when it comes to repairing or replacing your heating system.

Other ways to avoid costly heating repairs are to make sure that simple steps are taken to ensure your heating system runs smoothly and efficiently.  Make sure that all supply and return air vents are clear and that air flow through them is unobstructed.  Check the thermostat periodically to ensure that it is in good working order and that the heating system fully functions through a complete cycle when turned on.  Ensure that all wiring is in good shape and is not frayed or burned (this can be a major safety hazard).  Also ensure that all connections to pipes, chimneys and vents are secure and have not deteriorated.  Keep debris and other items away from the heating system.  These are all small steps that can be taken by a homeowner to keep the heating system in good working order.  Of course, it is still important to have professional professional heating maintenance performed on any system and to have an experienced heating repair specialist come out when problems do occur, but every little bit helps in keeping your heating system running at optimal levels.

The key to keeping down heating repair costs is to keep your heating system in optimal working condition by performing routine maintenance on the system and addressing any potential issues before they become full-blown emergencies.  This is best done by obtaining a heating service maintenance contract with a reputable company (like All Weather Contractors).

If you are looking to avoid costly heating repairs in Jacksonville, contact All Weather Contractors at 904-781-7060 to find out more about our affordable heating maintenance contract.  We also offer 24 hour emergency heating repair services throughout the greater Jacksonville area.  We guarantee that we will service your faulty heater within 24 hours of a call, or we’ll waive the diagnostic charge!

If you purchased a new, qualifying air conditioning and heating system in 2010, it’s time to cash in. All Weather Contractors offers these step-by-step instructions on applying for your Energy Star tax credits for your new air conditioners, Jacksonville.

First, make sure that the air conditioning and heating system you purchased qualifies for the Energy Start tax credit. To qualify, your new HVAC system and related components must have been purchased in 2009 or 2010 and installed in an existing home that is your primary residence by December 31, 2010. Newly constructed homes and vacation homes or homes that you rent to tenants do not qualify. Covered items include central air conditioners, air source heat pumps, furnaces and boilers.

Next download and complete the IRS Form 5695 to submit, along with your receipts, with your 2010 taxes. Although you submitting your Manufacturer’s Certification Statement with your taxes isn’t necessary, be sure to keep one for your records should you ever be audited by the IRS. The MCS is a signed statement from the manufacturer of your new air conditioning system confirming that a particular product or component qualifies for the tax credit. You likely received one when your new unit was purchased or installed. If not, they typically are available on manufacturers’ websites or by calling the manufacturer.

Did you do lots of renovation work on your home this year? Energy Star tax credits also are available for new windows and doors, insulation, metal and asphalt roofs, biomass stoves (wood or fossil fuel burning stoves) and water heaters including gas, oil, propane and electric heat pump water heaters.

Each household is eligible for tax credits equaling 30% of the total Energy Star-approved, qualifying products, up to $1,500. Visit Energy Star’s tax credits webpage for all the details. And keep your new air conditioner in top shape with scheduled preventative maintenance by All Weather Contractors, providing quality air conditioning and heating services in Jacksonville.

If you’re looking to save money on air conditioning, Jacksonville’s All Weather Contractors recommends considering upgrading to a hybrid heat split system by Carrier. This variation of the traditional heating and air conditioning spit system allows you to choose from two heating sources – an electric heat pump or a gas furnace. That choice can save you money throughout the year.

When it comes to finances, it's always better to have choices. Carrier's hybrid heat split system air conditioner gives you two options for the most economical heating of your home.

Carrier’s hybrid heat split system gives you more control over your monthly energy bills. As weather conditions change and prices on electricity and gas fluctuate, one heating source may prove the most economical one month, but not the next. A hybrid heat split system allows you the option to switch between the two heat sources, choosing the most economical source for current conditions.

A Carrier hybrid heat split air conditioning system includes:

• A heat pump that cools and/or heats refrigerant
• Furnace and evaporator coils that convert refrigerant and circulate air
• Ducts to carry the air throughout your home or building
• Control or thermostat for controlling temperatures
• Optional air quality accessories such as air cleaners or ventilators designed to clean your air before it circulates throughout your home or building.

If you’d like to learn more about Carrier hybrid heat split system air conditioners, Jacksonville’s All Weather Contractors can schedule an in-home or on-site consultation with a heating and air conditioning specialist. Call 904-781-7060 or contact us via our online email form.

Good, strong air conditioners are Jacksonville’s hottest commodities. The area’s nearly year-round hot and humid climate means air conditioners in homes may run almost continuously for seven to eight months through spring, summer and fall, getting only a short break before heating things up for the typically short but cold winter season. And because the Northeast Florida region’s temperatures have been known to fluctuate throughout seasons (you won’t have to look far to find a Jacksonvillian who has donned shorts and a tank top in December), air conditioners sometimes get flipped between cooling and heating modes several times over just a few weeks.

All this can mean wear-and-tear on air conditioners. Jacksonville residents, however, can get complacent about quality AC maintenance, so long as they are cool and comfortable. A well-made AC can last 15 years or more with routine maintenance, but loses 5% of its efficiency each year without maintenance. Air conditioners are pricey, so you definitely don’t want to replace yours more often than needed. To help maintain your air conditioner, Jacksonville-based All Weather Contractors offers these tips:

• Perform a seasonal check on your air conditioner, preferably several weeks before you’ll need it. Check all hoses for leaks and make sure that the condensate tube is draining freely.
• Replace your AC filters monthly, especially during the summer when there is a higher level of dust and pollutants in the air.
• Clean and vacuum your AC registers and air vents, and make sure the registers are not blocked by furniture, curtains or other household items.
• Keep the area surrounding your outside AC compressor clear of hedges, grass, weeds and debris – especially in the fan area.
• Use a programmable thermostat to regulate temperatures during high and low use times, especially if your home will be vacant for any period of time.
• Install ceiling fans or attic ventilation fans to reduce demand on your air conditioning unit.
• Plant shade trees and cover east-facing windows to help keep your home cool naturally during the summer.
• Schedule a professional preventative AC tune up once a year. Annual tune-ups can cut your yearly operating costs by up to 5 percent.

All Weather Contractors offers 13-point precision tune ups with 15% discounts on any needed AC and heating repairs in Jacksonville. If you live in Northeast Florida, you know how much you depend on a strong, efficient air conditioner. Jacksonville’s All Weather Contractors can keep your AC in great working condition – even if you bought it elsewhere. To schedule your next AC repair or tune up, call 904-781-7060.

Weather experts forecast a milder winter this year than last – great news for those looking to cut costs on heating and air conditioning. In Jacksonville, locals know that seasonal temperatures can fluctuate. It’s not uncommon to experience temperatures in the 70s one week, 50s the next. The up and down, up and down in degrees can add dollars to your heating and Air Conditioning bill. Meanwhile, our economy remains on the mend. So in any case, cutting costs is on everyone’s minds these days.

To help curb your heating and air conditioning costs, Jacksonville’s All Weather Contractors offers these tips:

• Turn down the thermostat by 10 degrees just before you leave for work or dive under the covers for the night. The drop can help you save an average of 14% on your heating bill. But resist the temptation to your heater or AC off. The resulting wear and tear on your system could end up costing you even more not too long down the road. Got too much on your mind to remember to turn your AC down each day? Invest in a smart thermostat and set temperature changes according to your daily schedule.
• Close fireplace dampers and doors and vents of seldom-used rooms. Heat rises, so warm air that travels upward escapes through a damper like it’s a hole in the roof. And heating those rarely-used rooms racks up unnecessary costs.
• Set your water heater at 115-120 degrees. You’ll still have plenty of hot water suitable for a luxurious soak, while keeping your power usage – and cost – at a reasonable level.
• Keep the space around heating vents clear of furniture, heavy rugs and other items so that warm air can circulate effectively and efficiently.
• Open the shades on your home’s south-facing windows during the day to allow solar radiation to warm up your living spaces. Then, close them at night to keep the warm air inside.
• Block any potential air leaks around window sills, doors, moveable joints and electrical outlets. The combined space created by small gaps around doors and windows in an average size home is comparable to a gaping nine-square-foot hole, energy experts say. Blocking drafty areas with door sweeps or new caulking can save you up to 10 percent on your heating and air conditioning costs.
• Inspect your heating and AC ducts for connection gaps and poor insulation. They can allow up to 60% of heated air to escape into attics, basements and crawlspaces before reaching your vents. Do-it-yourselfer’s can use metal-backed tape to fix gaps and wrap duct interior with duct insulation.
• Replace your furnace and AC filters. Filters blocked with dust, grime and pet dander force your system to work longer and harder, running up your costs. And since many common winter illnesses involve respiratory troubles, keeping the air in your home clean is imperative for your family’s health as well as your wallet.

To make sure your heating and air conditioning unit is ready for winter, Jacksonville’s All Weather Contractors offers preventative maintenance services including a 13-point precision tune-up on your heating and air conditioning repairs in Jacksonville. Call 904-781-7060 to speak with a specialist today.