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.
Should I Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner?
Around 90% of Americans use air conditioning in some shape or form. Many people in Fort Myers have central air to protect their homes from the Florida heat.
Unfortunately, HVAC systems don't last forever, and you may experience issues with your AC at any point after air conditioner installation.
Do you think it might be time to repair or replace your air conditioner? If so, you need to figure out which option is the best for your circumstance.
Keep reading to learn about common issues you may have with your AC unit and how you can tell if air conditioner repair or replacement is more appropriate.
Common Issues You May Experience With Your Air Conditioner
If you're reading this article, likely, you're already having some problem with your air conditioning unit.
Luckily, some issues are much more common than others, and if you're dealing with a popular problem, an HVAC professional will have an easier time diagnosing the concern.
Some of the most typical problems you may come across include:
- The refrigerant is leaking
- The evaporator coil is frozen
- The AC fan isn't running
- There is leaking water
- The filters are dirty
- Electric controls are not functioning
- The AC is always running or won't run at all
- Only hot air is blowing
- The circuit breaker is repeatedly tripping
Repair or Replace: Which Is Best?
The sad truth is that not all AC problems can be repaired. So, if you have an issue that is more severe or serious, it is likely to be necessary for you to replace the entire unit.
There are some things that HVAC pros can fix. Unfortunately, since repairs aren't always possible, you will need to have a professional look at your AC unit before it can be determined if a repair is possible.
This is why it's a good idea to get in touch with an HVAC company, like Ellsworth's Heating and Cooling, as soon as possible after you notice an issue.
Factors to Consider Before Air Conditioner Replacement
If your air conditioner is 10 years old (or more), it likely is time to replace the entire system regardless of what type of issue it's having. This is because air conditioning units wear out over time, especially in hotter regions like Florida.
Another factor to consider is whether your air conditioner not working properly is happening to you all the time. If this is a frequent problem you're having, it likely is easier for you (and less expensive overall) to replace the whole thing.
An older AC unit may use R-22 refrigerant, which has been found to contribute to ozone depletion. If your unit is still using this, it may be worth it to get a replacement just for this reason.
Lastly, if your energy bills are extremely high and you can't figure out why, a more efficient AC unit may be the answer.
Do You Need an HVAC Service Provider?
An HVAC company will help you figure out if your air conditioner needs to be repaired or replaced. They have the skills needed to help you determine what is best for your specific situation.
Do you think you may need to repair or replace your air conditioner? Don't sit in the uncomfortable Fort Myers heat any longer!
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
The Importance of Routine HVAC Maintenance
As summer is approaching, temperatures are heating up. Now is the time to invest in HVAC maintenance. The last thing you want to happen is a system failure when temperatures are approaching 100 degrees.
Preventive maintenance will help prolong the life of your system. In most cases, routine maintenance will catch problems before you have a total system failure.
Is your HVAC system in need of some TLC? Have you gone years with an HVAC check-up? Keep reading to learn the importance of routine HVAC service.
What Does HVAC Maintenance Include?
HVAC maintenance may vary by company. There are several services the best HVAC companies will include in their plans. These items should be every routine maintenance plan.
Here, we'll go over the most crucial preventive care you should look for on the checklist.
Change Filters
Your HVAC system has multiple filters. Homeowners often focus on the filter in the air handler. However, internal filters help keep your unit running.
Routine maintenance will ensure these filters are cleaned to improve airflow.
Flush Drain Lines
Sediment, algae, and mold can accumulate in the lines of your HVAC system. When this happens, condensation builds up in the system and creates a backflow that can cause leaks.
In more severe cases, the water can freeze in the line, leading to severe issues within the system.
Replace Thermostat Batteries
Most homeowners do not know the thermostat operates on batteries. Others forget until the HVAC unit fails to turn on.
Your HVAC service technician will notate when the batteries are installed. During routine maintenance, they can check their records and know when to replace the batteries.
It's a good idea to keep batteries on hand in case they fail between maintenance appointments.
Clean Evaporator and Condenser Coils
The coils in your HVAC unit are located inside the system. It is vital to the longevity of the HVAC system to keep these parts clean and clear of debris.
Your technician will open the unit and clean the coils.
Check Air Ducts for Tears
The air ducts to your unit are located in the attic or crawl space above the ceiling. These ducts get damaged when critters get into the area. A tear in the ducts means a loss of airflow and less cooling in the house.
Clear Area Around Compressor
The compressor for your AC unit is located outside. Some are mounted on the rooftop. Others are at ground level on the side or back of the house. The HVAC tech will check the area around the compressor is clear.
Weeds, tree branches and other debris needs to get cleared. The compressor is easily compromised if foreign objects get inside the unit.
Beat the Heat Call the Pros
Now is the best time to schedule your HVAC maintenance. Summer is the peak of HVAC services. Don't wait until the demand for technicians is high.
Are you ready to give your HVAC system a checkup? Click here to contact Ellsworth Air, the best HVAC service provider in the Fort Myers 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 Get Your HVAC System Prepared for the Coming Spring
According to a 2019 article published by the American Cleaning Insitute, 77% of households in the country participate in spring cleaning. Many people think of clearing out their wardrobe or getting rid of items they don't use anymore when they think of this activity.
But if you're a homeowner, there's more to spring cleaning than that. You've got to make sure that your home HVAC system is ready for those warmer months.
To learn about what steps you can take to ensure that it is, keep on reading.
1. Patching Air Ducts
The last thing you want is to turn on your AC and have that cool air slip through the leaks in your air ducts. It's inefficient and will end up costing you a lot more to keep your house cool.
Not to mention, if your air ducts have cracks, dust, and debris, they are likely to collect there. When you have it sealed, ask about getting them cleaned out as well.
2. Installing New Air Filters
The outdoor air quality starts to decline in the spring, in part because the pollen count increases. By replacing your filters, you prevent your home's air quality from decreasing too.
Like many HVAC manufacturers, the EPA recommends that you change them out every two to three months. Check your filters' measurements before purchasing new ones, as not all rooms have the same size filter.
Instead of going through the hassle of switching them manually, you have the option to hire our team of professionals to do it for you.
3. Checking the Thermostat (and the Humidistat)
After months of having your AC turned off, you're going to need to reset your thermostat. In doing so, note what temperature your house is without the residential HVAC system running, and adjust accordingly.
Once you alter the thermostat, listen for any strange noises. They are a sign that your system has underlying issues, and you'll need a technician to look at it.
When you live in a muggy climate, you might want to consider getting a humidistat installed. It helps dehumidify the air in your house and keep you from having to crank the AC up all the way.
Once you start to cool your house, set the humidistat is no lower than 35%. Home HVAC systems are more susceptible to mold and mildew when the humidity level is below that point.
Get Help Maintaining Your Home HVAC System
While it may seem like a tedious task, checking on your HVAC system is essential. Sometimes, though, you'll run into a problem that you need assistance fixing.
If you live in Lee County, Florida, look no further than Ellsworth's Heating and Cooling. Our services will help you get your home HVAC system ready for spring, so you can enjoy the warm weather without having to worry about it malfunctioning.
Contact us today to schedule a time for one of our experts to come out and take a look at your HVAC system just in time for spring.