A Quick Guide to Summer HVAC Maintenance in Fort Myers, FL
The high temperatures during the Fort Myers summers are 91°F on average. Just imagine if our HVAC fails you during a day that has such a high temperature. You'll get very uncomfortable very fast.
You should want to prevent this from happening. Performing summer HVAC preventative maintenance can help you prevent summer problems. Read on to learn some DIY HVAC maintenance tips.
Clean the Outdoor Unit
Your HVAC outdoor unit is, well, outdoors. That's where a lot of dust and dirt is. This, along with a lot of weather debris like branches, trash, and so on, can wind up on top of your unit.
All this mess can lead to heating and cooling problems. To prevent this, you must clean off your outdoor unit.
It's easy to do this. Just turn off the unit and pull off all the debris sitting on top. You should also get a cloth and wipe any dust and dirt off the consensus coils.
Replace Air Filters
Your HVAC air filters improve your indoor air quality. They catch any air pollutants flying through the air. But if they build up, your HVAC will struggle to blow temperature-controlled air into your home.
You can avoid a lot of HVAC problems if you replace your air filters regularly. Most HVAC services suggest that you replace your air filters at least once every two months.
Doing this yourself may seem daunting at first. But all you need to do is get the right filter, open up your unit, pull out the old filter, and slide in the new filter. It's one of the easiest heating and cooling maintenance tricks ever.
Check/Replace Your Thermometer
Is your HVAC starting and stopping too much? You may end up typing "AC repair near me" or "heating and cooling near me" into a search bar and contacting an HVAC company. Then you could end up spending lots of money on a simple thermometer replacement.
You can avoid contacting AC companies in this case. Keep checking your thermometer. If it stops working, just buy a new thermometer and replace the old one yourself.
Know When to Call Experts
Don't try to perform a full AC and heating tune-up yourself. If you know you need a more complex AC and/or furnace repair, get a technician right away. Small problems like an AC pan leaking can quickly turn into big problems.
Also, consider getting regular HVAC maintenance before the more extreme months start. Technicians will get your units ready for the upcoming low or high temperatures.
We Perform HVAC Preventative Maintenance
Most of the time, typing "cooling and heating near me" is a good idea. However, as you can see, there are some HVAC preventative maintenance steps you can take yourself.
But if you're having trouble with your air conditioner leaking, rumbling, smelling like it's burning, etc. in Fort Myers, call Ellsworth's Heating and Cooling. We can respond to your call 24/7 and send our fully licensed and insured team.
Contact us now to schedule an appointment. You can also ask for an AC repair free estimate or a free furnace estimate.
The Complete Guide to Hiring an AC Repair Service in Fort Myers, FL
In 1906, Stuart Cramer was the first person to use the term “air conditioning.” These days AC units are expected in most commercial and residential properties.
While AC units are a household staple, it's important to understand how to maintain your unit. When issues occur it's important to consider hiring an AC repair service to come and take a look at your unit. A small issue can lead to big problems later on, so it is better to act quickly.
Keep reading to find out what you need to know to ensure you're getting the best deal when hiring an AC repair service.
Read the Reviews
When it comes to hiring services from a company you've never interacted with, it's important to look at their reviews. Online reviews are just as trustworthy as personal recommendations.
While you're reading online reviews, it's important to make sure you're looking at the most recent reviews. When it comes to hiring a service, 5-year-old reviews aren't the best source.
While researching potential service providers, you should also talk to previous clients. You can ask them about their experience and find out what they would have done differently. You'll be able to get a full view of the repair service this way.
Compare Costs
While you want to find the best repair service in your area, you also need to consider your budget. Comparing AC repair costs will give you an insight into the average cost. If a company is charging much more or less than the average, you need to ask yourself why.
This way you'll be able to ensure you don't get overcharged while also keeping your budget in mind.
Are They Available?
Depending on how soon you need a repair service to come out, you might find some options aren't available. Before digging too deep into a company, consider asking them if they're available to work in your area when you need them. If they aren't available on short notice, you don't want to waste any more time doing research.
If your AC unit is experiencing serious issues and can't wait to be repaired, you might need to find a 24-hour service. If you're unsure about the service, you can always get them to temporarily fix the issue and then hire a repair service to inspect the work later on.
Hiring an AC Repair Service Made Easy
If you live in Florida, you know how important it is to have a working AC unit. Hiring an AC repair service means comparing AC repair costs and doing your research. You want the best bang for your buck, so it's important to consider all your options.
If you're having problems with your AC unit, or simply want to schedule routine maintenance, contact us. Ellsworth’s Heating & Cooling services the Fort Myers, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, or Cape Coral, FL area.
Signs It's Time for New AC Filters
Maintaining your home can feel like a full-time job sometimes. There's always something to fix, replace, or upkeep. But the thing that gets forgotten about the most is replacing the AC filters.
Since the air conditioning filter is tucked away, it's easy to overlook it and get behind on replacing it. However, an old air filter can make your home uncomfortable quickly. Not only will your AC system not work as well, but the air quality in your home will suffer.
To keep your air conditioning running smoothly for a long time, you need to replace the filters regularly. Let's look at how often you should replace your AC filters and what signs to look for to know it's time.
Learn How To Know When Your AC Filter Needs to Be Replaced
The first obvious sign that it's time to replace your AC filter is if you can't remember the last time you replaced it. That's typically an indication that it's been too long. Even if that's not the case, replacing your filter too often is better for your system than not replacing it enough.
Next, take a look at your energy bill. Has it gone up lately? If it's been a while since you replaced your AC filters, your system is probably working overtime to cool your home. This will raise your bill quickly, so don't let months go by before you notice a change. Stay on top of your bill and replace your filter so you don't spend more money than you need to on air conditioning.
If your allergies start to act up at home, that's another sign that it's time to replace the AC filter. A dirty air filter can't cleanse the air of dust and allergies as well, which means they will start to affect you more.
Speaking of dust, you can also do a visual inspection of your air filter to see if it needs to be replaced. If it's covered in dust, it's time for a new one. You may even see dust around the air vents if it's been a really long time since the last time you changed out the air filter.
When to Replace Your AC Filters
Every home is different, so there's no one size fits all answer when it comes to how often you should replace your AC filters. It can depend on things like how many air filters you have, the kind of filters you use, if you have pets in your home, and where you live, and other factors.
However, if you're looking for a hard and fast rule, check your air filters once a month. If they look good, check them again after 30 more days. Most air filters shouldn't last longer than 60 days.
Ellsworth's Air Can Help
If you need more help figuring out how often to replace your AC filters, Ellsworth's Air can help. We are the full-service heating and cooling company that Fort Myers, Florida, trusts.
We treat our customers like family members, so you can always feel good about our advice and expertise. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our air conditioning professionals.
How to Know When It's Time to Repair or Replace HVAC Systems
The first air conditioner was invented more than a century ago in 1902. Heaters have been used in different forms, like cast iron stoves, for even longer.
Since their creation, these systems have been improved many times. Unfortunately, this doesn't mean they last forever.
Many homeowners wonder how they can tell if it's time to repair or replace HVAC systems. Continue reading to find out everything you need to know.
How Long Does a Heater or AC Unit Last?
Many homeowners wonder what the expected lifespan of their heater or air conditioner is. The age of a system also helps when deciding whether to repair or replace your system.
The average lifespan of HVAC systems include:
- Air conditioner - 15 to 20 years
- Furnace - 15 to 20 years
- Heat Pump - 16 years
Keep in mind these are only averages. If a unit is used more than average, it might need replacement sooner. Units that are used less often might last longer.
Another factor in whether your HVAC system will last its lifespan is how well maintained it is. If you keep up on routine maintenance, your system might last longer.
When to Repair HVAC Systems
If possible, it's better to repair your unit rather than replace it. Repairs generally cost less than replacing HVAC systems. They're also quicker and generally more convenient.
If your system is appropriately aged, you can usually repair it. Some situations warrant replacing the system regardless of its age.
When to Replace HVAC Systems
Besides age, a primary consideration in whether to repair or replace HVAC systems is the cost. If a repair costs more than a new installation, it's time to replace your AC or heater.
You'll also want to replace HVAC systems if any of the following apply:
- Your air conditioner uses R-22 Freon (which is being phased out by the government)
- Your heating or cooling costs are steadily rising
- Your unit is unable to keep your home at a comfortable temperature
- Any damage makes the unit unsafe (such as when the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is increased)
- You see more dust accumulation throughout your home than usual
These are just a few of the most common signs it's time to replace your air conditioner or heating system. Sometimes, it can be hard to tell whether you should repair or replace your unit.
When You're Not Sure Whether to Repair or Replace
If you're not sure whether to repair or replace your systems, ask for a professional opinion. An HVAC technician can help determine the best course of action for a faulty heating or cooling system.
Homeowners should always avoid working on air conditioning or heating systems themselves. There are a lot of risks involved only a trained professional fully understands.
Besides obvious breaks, there are a few other reasons you might want to call a professional HVAC technician. These include:
- Hearing strange noises when your AC or heater is running
- Smelling unusual odors coming from your HVAC systems
If you ever have doubts about the safety of your heating or cooling system, call a professional. It's always better to be safe than sorry.
If possible, find a technician who is certified to work with specific brands. For example, we're a certified Trane dealer. This would make us a great choice if you need to repair or replace a Trane AC unit.
Do You Need to Replace or Repair Your HVAC System?
The most significant considerations when deciding whether to replace or repair your HVAC systems are age and price. In some situations, other things need to be considered.
Do you have more questions about when it's time to replace HVAC systems?
Contact us today. One of our associates would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.