The Best Air Conditioners of 2022
Everyone knows living in Southwest Florida means you are no stranger to the heat. The summer sun is brutal, with temperatures reaching the high 90s. Keeping your home cool and comfortable is essential!
To do that, you need an AC unit that can compensate for the high temps without breaking the bank. Luckily for you, there are plenty of options out there. You have your choice of window, portable, and central air conditioners.
Plus, installation is easy with help from top-rated companies.
We've gathered a list of the best air conditioners for you to browse. Read on and find the one that works best for you!
Window Air Conditioners
LG and MIDEA are the best air conditioner brands for window units. Their designs are sleek and slim, making them easy to fit any size window.
LG Electronics 14,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
Keep medium to large rooms comfortable with this model. It has a range of up to 800 square feet. You can customize the cooling speed, and it has a sleep mode that keep sit quiet.
You can even pair it with your smartphone or Alexa.
MIDEA U Inverter
The U-shape design of this unit makes it easy to install into a window. You don’t have to remove it when you want to open and close your window. The noise level is 42 decibels, making this unit one of the quietest of its kind.
It also comes in three sizes to suit your needs. It also includes fan adjustments, sleep modes, and a timer. It's no secret why it gets the vote for best window air conditioner.
Portable Air Conditioners
An air conditioner that moves with you is a good investment. These well-working systems are convenient, cost-effective, and work like their stationary counterparts.
Whynter ARC-14S
This is the best portable air conditioner if you want to move it between rooms throughout the day. It has built-in wheels, making transportation a breeze. It even operates as a dehumidifier and a fan.
The auto-drain function ensures you won't have condensation buildup as it's running.
Rollibot ROLLICOOL
Snag this portable air conditioner if you want a unit that does it all. It comes in three different sizes and can cool areas up to 375 square feet. A hose connects the back of the machine to a small window kit you place into a cracked window.
It’s tech-savvy, meaning you can connect it to your Wi-Fi and pair it with your smartphone or Alexa.
Central Air Conditioners
Keep your entire home cool with these power-house units. They are bigger and are installed outside the home.
Goodman and American Standard
These are two of the best air conditioner brands for central AC units. Their SEER ratings ensure their units are quiet, energy-efficient, and durable. The Goodman units can withstand salt spray, making them perfect for beach-side residents.
Get the Best Air Conditioners Installed Today
Ellsworth’s Heating & Cooling is here to keep Southwest Floridians comfortable year-round!
Get a high-quality installation service for the best air conditioners and schedule maintenance and repairs at affordable rates.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
What To Know About Home Heating Installation
While the Fort Myers, Florida area rarely drops below 42˚F, winter storms have been growing stronger. Stronger winter storms can lead to colder temperatures in the Florida area. Are you ready for cold weather events?
Heating installation is the perfect way to create a warm environment in your home. A modern home heating system will create a comfortable space in every room.
Before you install a heating system, there are a few things you need to know. Our guide is here to help you make the right choices and feel prepared for the heating installation process.
How Does A Home Heating System Work?
Every heating system has three main components.
The heating source is the system and fuel that creates heat in your home. A furnace is one of the most coming heating system sources.
Energy from the heat source spreads through channels. These channels move heat across your home using radiators, hot water, and steam. A great heating tip is to leave vents that expel heat into a room uncovered so heat can flow properly.
Finally, a control system like a thermostat helps regulate the temperature of your home.
What Are the Heating System Types?
There are a variety of options you can use when picking a home heating system. Heating services and installers will help you understand what the best option for your home is. In this guide, we'll walk you through the three most common options.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps use electricity to take heat from outside and move it inside. This pump is great for warm temperatures too because it can remove heat from inside the home and force it outside as well.
Air to Air heat pumps moves heat using airflow. The system will take cooler outdoor air and exchange it with warm indoor air. This method reduces electrical costs.
Geothermal pumps use a water or ground heating system. This energy-efficient option uses consistent underground temperatures to create a warmer temperature in your home.
Boilers
Boilers use fuel oil, coal, or natural gas to warm up water inside the boiler. The water moves through pipes that can reach up to 180˚F. The copper tubing in the radiator creates heat that will radiate into a room.
Boilers come in steam, hot water, and air options. Steam boilers can reach higher temperatures than the other two options.
Solar Power
Florida is one of the sunniest states in the country. If you want to make your home environmentally friendly, take advantage of solar power technology. Solar power heating uses the warmth of the sun to heat your home, and homeowners can take advantage of solar tax credits.
One option for solar power is heating fluid in a basin. The warm liquid spreads through your home with a boiler. Air systems use the sun to heat air and warm up a room directly.
What To Look For in Heating Services
When trying to decide heat heating installation service you should go with, nothing beats looking at online reviews. Many companies will have reviews on their website, but you can always find more online. You can see how other customers feel about the installer.
Another sign that an installer will be reliable is if they sell a variety of heating services. This shows that they understand what your options are and can help you pick out the best heating system for your home. You can even contact the same heating installation company when you need maintenance.
Take Advantage of Heating Installation Services in Your Area Today!
Heating installation is a great way to create a warmer environment in your home. Stay comfortable all year round by taking advantage of heating services in the Fort Myers, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, and Cape Coral, Florida areas.
Ellsworth Heating & Cooling are heating installation experts for the Lee County, FL area. Our team of experts can help you find the perfect system for your home and keep you comfortable all year. Reach out to us today to get started!
5 Signs Your Heater is Broken
What's that noise? Why is the room so cold? If you're asking these questions, these are signs you may have a broken heater.
You've done everything you could to keep your heater running as it should, including regular maintenance. But there still comes a point when we need to call an HVAC company for heater repair.
If your heater shows any of the below signs, it's time to schedule a repair service.
1. Unusual Noises
You should be used to the sounds your heater makes during normal operation, but weird noises can be a sign you need to call the heater repairman.
Common noises that indicate a broken heater include squealing, loud and disruptive humming, or rattling noises.
Squealing is often caused by loose bearings or problems with the pulley or motor belt. Rattling or banging can indicate loose screws or an unbalanced motor. Loud humming is usually a sign the blower fan motor is starting to fail.
2. More Dust in the Home
Are you or your family members sneezing more often? Do you notice an increased amount of dust in the home? If so, it could indicate poor air quality.
Changing the filter or upgrading to a better filter can sometimes help improve indoor air quality. However, your system may also need a good cleaning. Your system may be packed with debris and dust, which causes your heater to work harder than it needs to.
If left ignored, your overworked heater could break down. That's why it's crucial to call for repair or maintenance as soon as you notice this sign.
Are you looking for more ways to improve your indoor air quality? The EPA has some great suggestions.
3. Cold Spots
No, it's not a ghost—cold spots in the house can indicate an underlying issue with your heater.
If you notice dramatic changes in room temperature in your house, it's usually due to a struggling heater. It may be too small to effectively heat your home, for instance.
You may notice small fluctuations in the temperature, especially in older homes, that come from drafts. But a dramatic temperature difference often means you need HVAC maintenance.
4. You're Constantly Using the Thermostat
Does it seem like you're always adjusting the thermostat to try and make your home comfortable? If some rooms seem too hot or too cold, your heater isn't working efficiently. The system isn't evenly distributing heat.
The issue might be a broken thermostat, but you can usually troubleshoot this on your own. If your thermostat is working properly, it's likely your heater.
5. High Energy Bills
If you notice a dramatic spike in your energy bills that don't seem right, your heater could be to blame. It's likely the case if you notice the system turning on and off again more than it should. This can indicate a system that's struggling to keep your home warm.
Compare your current bill to past bills, and you might see a pattern.
Need Heater Repair?
If you notice any of the above signs, it's time to call for heater repair. The longer you wait, the more likely your system is to break down on you!
You can rely on us at Ellsworth's Heating & Cooling for all your HVAC needs in Lee County, FL. Send us a message or call us today.
5 Common Reasons Your Home Air Conditioner Smells... Off
If it wasn't already obvious, if your air conditioning makes your home smell like you're living in the landfill you may have a problem.
Let's be honest, one of the things you don't want when it comes to your home is any displeasing smells. One of the most concerning things is when that smell comes from your air conditioning. When there's a strange scent coming from your air conditioning there are several things that it might be.
Before you drive yourself crazy wondering why your air conditioner smells, let's take a look at several possibilities. One of these may be the reason for that unpleasant smell wafting around your home. Let's take a look and see if we can solve that air quality issue.
1. Rotten Eggs Stench
If there is the scent of rotten eggs it may be a hint that your air conditioning unit has a dead animal stuck in it. These pests can cause major damage and result in your air conditioning unit breaking completely.
If this occurs the best thing to do would be to call your HVAC company to have them take all of the necessary precautions.
2. The Scent of Gas
When your central ac smells like gas it means that gas may be getting into places your house doesn't need it. This might mean that your ductwork needs to be taken apart and examined.
If your air conditioning smells of gas, a natural gas company may need to be consulted. There could be a bigger problem than you realize at work.
3. Moldy Scent Is A Water Indicator
When an air conditioner smells musty it means that there is excess water where it shouldn't be. Your drain pan may be collecting stilled water. This could mean a number of different things for your air conditioning unit.
Your HVAC company knows how to remove musty smells from the air conditioner. They will be able to get rid of those scents and make your home cool and fresh again.
4. The Smell Of Fire
There are plenty of electrical connections inside of your unit. In some cases, there may be misfires that cause your air conditioning unit to smell as though it is on fire. This may be a cause of significant worry in your home.
In some cases, you may even need to replace your air conditioning unit in order to prevent any damage to your home.
5. A Strong Chemical Scent
If your central air conditioner smells like chemicals a problem is typically in your refrigeration line. This could also be the cause for your home not cooling off as usual.
Any scent of chemicals should be the cause for a light alarm. There are several different areas the scent of chemicals may pertain to.
Take Those Air Conditioner Smells Seriously!
Any of these air conditioner smells can make your surroundings very unpleasant. They may cause you to not feel comfortable in your home. Calling an HVAC company will bring you back a sense of calm within your home.
Have further questions about your HVAC system? With questions like that we'd be happy to help you. Contact us today and get started solving all of your heating and cooling problems.
How to Find the Best HVAC Company In Your Area
Many people fail to appreciate how much value heating and air conditioning contractors provide to society. In fact, the market for HVAC contractors in the United States alone is worth more than $119 billion every year!
Of course, not all HVAC companies are created equal. If you want the best service possible, you might have to look around to make sure that you find the best company.
So how can you make sure that you find the best company for your situation? Read on to learn all about the best ways to find a great HVAC company!
Check Out Ratings and Reviews
The first thing to do is to get as many options as possible. If you can find the best company out of town options, you are likely to get a better company than if you get the best company out of only three options.
Check out the ratings for different HVAC companies on Google and Yelp. The best HVAC company probably has pretty high ratings.
However, you should also check out the reviews to learn more about each HVAC service. If you want HVAC installation, then you might not want to place as much weight on reviews that emphasize HVAC repair.
Ask Around
Finding the best heating and cooling company can also rely on word-of-mouth. Ask your friends and family if there are any companies that they have especially good experiences with. Sometimes, you can find even better companies than you do online this way.
Call Them up First
You can learn a lot about a company based on how they treat people who call them up. A quick call can let you assess the professionalism and friendliness of each company.
While you are talking, you can also ask for some references. Of course, there is a good chance that they will only give you references from customers who like them a lot. Nonetheless, it can still be useful information.
It is also important to distinguish between the best company in general as opposed to the best company for your particular situation. Even if a company has 50 years of experience, if that experience is fully general, then it might not always be the right choice for you.
For example, you might need a very specific job done. If a company has 20 years of experience, but they have spent all of those years and exactly the kind of problem you need help with, and they probably know even more about it than an older company with a board general focus.
Enjoy All of the Benefits of the Best HVAC Company
We hope that you were able to take away something helpful from this brief article on some of the most powerful tools you can use to find the best HVAC company for your situation. Although doing your due diligence can take a little extra time, it is more than worth it to find a great company to work with.
To learn more about how to find the best company for your needs, feel free to reach out and get in touch with us here at any time!
5 HVAC Maintenance Tips to Prepare for Winter
Winter is just around the corner. If you’re looking to keep your house as warm as possible this year, you’ll need to know a few HVAC maintenance tips.
Keeping your HVAC systems in good working order is essential year-round, but it’s especially important during the colder months of the year.
Keep reading this article to find out how to get the most from your heating system.
HVAC Maintenance Tips
There are a few easy tips you can follow to prepare your HVAC system for the coming winter.
These tips will help you keep your house warm and toasty during the colder months. Learning how to maintain your system will give you the knowledge to take care of your system the whole year-round.
1. Change the Filters
The filter is one of the most important parts of your HVAC system. It works to remove dust, allergens, and other pollutants from the air in your home.
If it gathers too much dust and debris, it begins to get clogged. Once it’s blocked, it doesn’t allow as much air through. This is why you need to change the filters regularly.
How often you need to change the filters depends on the filters that you currently have. Be sure the check the packaging for this information.
2. Inspect the System
There’s a lot you can tell just by looking at your system. This is why it is a good idea to routinely carry out a visual inspection of the system.
Start by looking over your furnace and making sure the components seem in good shape and are working correctly. Then take a look at the filters and ducts for the rest of the system.
Take a note of all the problems that you find. Some might be easy to fix. If you have issues that are too difficult for you to fix, you should contact an HVAC technician to come and repair the broken parts for you.
3. Make Sure Your Home Is Insulated
One of the best ways to keep your house warm in winter is to make sure that it is properly insulated.
Insulation helps to keep the warm air inside your house and prevents it from escaping. When your home is poorly insulated, you will lose a lot of the hot air generated by your heating system, and your system will have to work harder and harder to keep the house warm.
4. Ensure Your Thermostat Is Working
The thermostat is the part of the heating system that tells your furnace what temperature to run at and when to heat the house.
It’s an essential component of the system, but it’s also one of the most common HVAC repairs. If your thermostat is faulty, you’ll need to get it replaced. This is a very quick and easy job for most HVAC technicians.
5. Get Regular Maintenance
The biggest HVAC tip we can give you is to get your system seen by a technician regularly.
You should be getting regular checkups and maintenance long before winter comes around so that you can go into the winter with complete confidence that your heating system is running at its very best.
Find an HVAC Maintenance Service Today
Now you know these HVAC maintenance tips. You can keep your system efficiently running all winter long.
However, some of these repairs and checkups need to be conducted by qualified professionals. Ellsworth’s Heating and Cooling is your go-to for HVAC maintenance in South West Florida. We’re based in Lee County and would be happy to talk to you about what you need.
Contact us today to see how we can help you.
Florida Business: What to Expect From Your HVAC System Design Team
There's nothing worse than walking into a stuffy room during summer in Fort Meyers, FL. Except walking into a cold one in winter.
In extreme weather, your HVAC system design makes all the difference. A good design will heat and cool your home with efficiency. A poor design will leave you at the mercy of the elements and cost more money.
Here are a few things you should expect from your HVAC design team.
System Types
Your designer will first decide what type of HVAC system will work best for you. There are a variety of options, and each has its own benefits.
Split Systems
These units have two systems. One for heating and one for cooling. Typically, this system relies on a gas furnace in the basement and a cooling unit. Since many homes in Florida don't have basements, this won't work for many.
Ductless split systems are a popular option for hotels and apartments. It's commonly used because individual units are placed in the ceiling or walls providing each room with a customizable climate.
Hybrid split systems work by utilizing a heat pump and a furnace. These two units give you more control over how to heat and cool your home.
Other Systems
Packaged systems are a more compact option. Combing the heating and cooling type of units into one makes this system ideal for small spaces. Smaller houses where storage is limited are perfect for this system.
Geothermal systems are leaders in energy efficiency. They can be up to four times as efficient as the other systems. Here's how it works. It utilizes pipes to transfer heat into your house. In the summer, they pull heat out.
HVAC System Design Process
After you've chosen your system type, your design team can start with the installation process. This involves calculating air requirements to guarantee that every room will be a unified temperature.
It's important that the designers give you an idea of the ductwork once installed. This includes the location of vents and any new units.
HVAC Installation
No one wants their home turned into a construction zone. Our team works very hard to ensure there will be minimal disruption to your everyday life.
Once your system is installed, you can't forget about the importance of maintenance.
Commercial or Personnal HVAC
There are different requirements and regulations for each. Your design team should specialize in your unique needs.
At Ellsworth's Heating and Cooling, our licensed professionals are experts in both. We are familiar with zoning and multi-stage systems, designing and implementing air conditioning, and much more.
Design Your New HVAC System Now
For those located in Fort Meyers, FL, you know how important working air conditioning is. Don't waste money with old and inefficient systems. Proper HVAC system design will change your life.
We take pride in our work. Our design team is efficient and knowledgeable. Contact us to turn your home into an oasis from the heat and cold today!
HVAC and AC: What’s the Difference?
In 2018, the world demand for AC was over 111 million units. As our climate changes, we will see the need for heating and cooling services increase. You may hear the terms HVAC and AC used more often than before.
People use the terms HVAC and AC interchangeably when talking about air conditioning within a home or business. HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, whereas AC just means air conditioning.
So, even though the terms get shifted about, they have different purposes. It is important to know the difference between HVAC and AC. But how do they actually differ, and what job does each unit do?
Read on to discover how HVAC and AC differ from each other so that you can talk about the topic in the future without as much confusion.
HVAC Units
An HVAC unit is a multi-purpose installation that can often be quite complex and contain several elements. One major difference between an HVAC and AC unit is that HVAC often contains a furnace to provide central heating.
An HVAC furnace is usually in the basement or outside of a home. It burns fuel to create the heat to keep your home warm. The heat travels around the internal piping and gets released via vents into each of the rooms. Furnaces tend to be more common in colder climate areas and are not present in all HVAC systems.
Another key HVAC system is the heat pump. The heat pump will provide both cool and warm air to the property. They come in two forms: packaged or split units.
A split unit heat pump will have the evaporator coil inside the property whilst the rest is outside. However, in a packaged heat pump, everything remains outside.
So one of the key differences is that an HVAC unit will have an air conditioning unit, but not all ACs are part of an HVAC.
AC Units
An air conditioning unit can be installed entirely separately from an HVAC. This is ideal for climates where heating is rarely needed. There is no sense in installing a full HVAC when all you need is AC.
There are two main types of AC: window AC and central AC. Window AC is used in a single room to keep it cool. Central AC runs throughout the house via ventilation ducts and is often part of a centralized HVAC system.
You can also have portable AC units that you can move from room to room as required. They need a ventilation tube which is often stuck through a door or window.
Key HVAC and AC Differences
So, an HVAC unit can contain an HVAC furnace and AC, but an air conditioning unit is just for cooling. It is actually a straightforward difference between HVAC and AC, and one that is often confused and interchanged.
If you are looking for HVAC or AC services and live in the Fort Myers area, we can help you. We provide residential AC and commercial HVAC services in your area, and can help you with everything from design to installation and maintenance.
Please take a look at our services pages to find out more.
4 Tips on Preparing Residential HVAC Systems for the Fall
In Fort Myers, we're blessed with some good weather all year round. The summer can be blistering hot at times, but once fall hits, the temperatures cool down.
However, by some other Americans' standards, it can still be quite hot. After all, the average high is 83.8 degrees and the average low is 72 degrees!
Understandably, you'll want to make sure your air conditioning is working during this season so you can stay cool and comfortable. So here are 4 tips on preparing residential HVAC systems for the fall.
1. Check Your Air Filters
Chances are, you've been running your AC all summer long to keep cool. This means your air conditioning has been working hard, and lots of air has passed through it.
Before fall arrives, take a moment to check your air filters. Hold them up to a light; the light needs to come through for it to work effectively.
If your air filters are clogged up, either clean or replace them. A good schedule to follow is doing so every 60 to 90 days, although depending on your usage and air quality, you might need to adjust that schedule accordingly.
2. Check the Outside Unit
Debris will build up on your outside unit, no matter what time of the year it is. So it's always good to check your outdoor HVAC unit at least once a season.
Take a moment to sweep the area around your outside unit and to get rid of leaves, dirt, and other debris. Then, give the unit a visual inspection to make sure there are no damages. If there are, make sure you call for HVAC repair service right away.
3. Check for Air Leaks
Air leaks will be very costly, so do yourself a favor and check for air leaks. Take a walk around your house to see if you feel any drafts near windows and doors. If you find any, seal them.
If you don't do so, this can cause your AC to work harder than it needs to. This means that you're putting unnecessary wear and tear on it, as well as driving up your utility bills.
4. Schedule an HVAC Maintenance Checkup
It's always a good idea to keep up with regular HVAC maintenance. Having a professional's eye means they'll be able to catch any problems early on, before they turn into nastier (and more costly!) ones.
Getting regular maintenance also means you'll prolong the lifespan of your HVAC unit. This can help you save money in the long run!
Follow These Tips for Residential HVAC Systems in the Fall
By following these tips on prepping residential HVAC systems for the fall, you'll be set up for success. Not only will you have a working unit, but you'll also enjoy it for longer!
Do you need a professional in Fort Myers to come look at your HVAC system this fall? Then get in touch with us now. We at Ellsworth Heating & Cooling will be more than happy to help you out!
How to Tell When It’s Time to Install a New Air Conditioner
The summer will be here officially here on Monday, and you know what that means for Floridians. The summer will be bearing down on many people and home air conditioners.
For the Fort Meyers area, in particular, it was too long ago that the National Oceanic Atmospheric Association (NOAA) said that Fort Myers was ranked 21st in the country where heat is concerned.
In 2019, it recorded more than 90 days with 90 or higher temperatures. With that being said, it may be time for a new air conditioner.
Read on to find how to tell if that's the case for your household.
How to Know When It’s Time for a New Air Conditioner
Preparing for Florida’s heat can take a toll on you and your air conditioner. You may run into these symptoms if your air conditioner is on the fritz:
- You have a refrigerant leak
- The evaporator coil in that appliance is frozen
- The AC fan stops working
- There is water leaking
- You have dirty AC filters
- The electric controls on your AC unit are not functioning properly
- The AC constantly runs or not at all
- Only hot air blows
- The circuit breaker goes in and out
Another key factor in determining when to replace AC is the age of the unit. Much like a mattress, you can survive on the appliance for about 8-10 years.
Is air conditioner repair the answer? If you have had the unit for a decade or more, and it keeps going out, you’re much better off getting a new one from Ellsworth Heating and Cooling.
How Much Will it Cost?
Estimates could range from $4,000 - $8,000, which is a steep price for many people.
New air conditioner cost has several factors involved:
- The kind of unit you choose
- Installation costs
- Ductwork repair
- Square footage of your home
You must budget for this ahead of time. Consider doing regular AC checks yearly to make sure that the unit is in good shape.
The track record of yearly checks will give you a good indication of when to replace ac system.
The summer heat in Florida is no joke, so your home should be the refuge from it. The dangers of being out in the heat involve headaches and the worst-case scenario of heatstroke.
When the body reaches a dangerous temperature such as 104 degrees Fahrenheit, your brain is affected, and you can potentially lose consciousness or die.
Be Cool and Stay Out of the Heat
Google ac installer near me, and you'll find Ellsworth Heating and Cooling on the search list. Getting a new air conditioner may seem stressful because of the cost, but it can be a smooth and easy process with the right provider.
Contact us to learn more about our air conditioning replacement or repair services, and you can feel confident knowing that your home is in good hands.