The first obvious sign that your air conditioning unit needs to be replaced is if it is older than ten years, and needs frequent repairs. If you do replace your unit, there are also other benefits including increased energy efficiency, which will lower your electric bills, improved air quality, and a reduction of carbon emissions, which can help reduce our carbon footprint on the environment.

Another major sign that your air conditioning unit needs to be replaced is temperature inconsistencies. It is easy to tell because one room may be extremely hot, while the other is cool. This could be due to poor insulation, duct problems, or a malfunctioning unit. It is crucial to your comfort that if you’re experiencing any of these issues with your air conditioner, you take care of them now, before the weather gets even more unbearable!

If from the outside your air conditioning unit seems to be working fine, it might still be a good idea to get it checked out. Replacing a unit between the ages of 10-12 years old can save you a great amount of time and money. The typical SEER (season energy efficiency ratio) for an air conditioning unit that is ten years old is typically a 7, which is low, and can increase your air conditioning operating cost. The new required minimum is actually a 13, but units that are as high as 23 can cut your ac operating cost by half over the life cycle of your unit. Therefore, a new unit without a doubt, will cut your cooling costs in half.

Air Flow Designs offers replacement air conditioning units for any cooling problem or repairs. We know how unbearable the summer heat can be in Florida, so give us a call today at 321-397-2210 to learn more about our ac services.

1. It’s recommended that you replace your Orlando air conditioner if the unit is over 15 years old. Energy Star appliances run much more efficiently than any other machine, for higher performance and higher levels of comfort. The more efficient your system is, the less likely it will be overworked and in need of repair.

2. Energy Star qualified air conditioners are less noisy because they have more insulation, variable speed fans, and improved compressors that not only run quieter than other models, but also allow for that extra efficiency.

3. The energy used to power the appliances in our homes often come from power plants, which burn fossil fuels to keep things operating. The less energy needed to run your air conditioner the better, because it helps reduce the amount of fossil fuels burned, which in turn makes for “greener” and more environmentally friendly choices.

4. Although the initial price of purchasing an Energy Star appliance is more expensive, some government agencies offer rebates to reward those who buy them. Meeting specific requirements may also allow you to qualify for a tax deduction when you replace your air conditioner with an Energy Star unit.

Now that you know the benefits of having an Energy Star qualified appliance, we can help you pick a unit out for you. Air Flow Designs Heating and Air Conditioning are the number one Orlando air conditioner experts who can provide you with superior ac services that fit your budget. Call us today at 321-397-2110 to learn more about our services and how we can help you.

• Using a HEPA air filter reduces the likelihood that dust and dirt will get recycled back into the air you breathe. Just don’t forget to change it every 3 to 4 months at the most!

• Regularly cleaning, dusting and vacuuming your home can reduce the amount of particles that you breathe and can reduce the amount of dust and dirt that will end up in your filter, which can prolong your filter’s lifetime.

• Avoid smoking indoors! Not only can it be harmful to you and others around you, but tobacco smoke can also add to dust and dirt build-up in your air conditioner, vents and filters.

• Try to use more organic and environmentally friendly cleaning products. The chemicals in cleaning products can irritate your respiratory system, and affect your indoor air quality.

• One of the biggest concerns with indoor air quality is proper ventilation. By increasing the amount of air coming in from outside, you can dilute the amount of pollutants that may be floating around in your air. It can be difficult to get the balance just right, but your Orlando air conditioning experts are here to help.

• Invest in a dehumidifier. Dust mites and mold thrive in environments that have higher levels of moisture in the air. You can keep allergens under control when you keep humidity around 30-50%.

Keep your air conditioning unit regularly maintained to avoid issues that can be easily avoided. Air Flow Designs Heating and Air Conditioning are the number one Orlando air conditioner experts who can provide you with superior a/c services that fit your budget. Call us today at 321-397-2110 to learn more about our services and how we can help you.

Orlando AC repair and maintenance should not be forgotten if you and your family regularly use your a/c. Whether you’re cooling down during the summer or keeping warm during the winter, neglecting your air conditioner can end up being costly without ongoing maintenance. Make sure you know when it’s time for a routine checkup to avoid a broken system. If you suspect that your air conditioner is acting up, call your Orlando ac company to make sure your system is running efficiently.

One of the most common signs that you may need your a/c repaired is the lack of cool air coming from your vents. This can be caused by dirty evaporator coils, which prevent cold air from generating efficiently. Dirty coils can also affect your energy bill because the a/c is working harder than it needs to.

If your Orlando air conditioner tends to turn off shortly after it’s been turned on, there may be an issue with the electricity reaching the unit. Turn off your breakers and then turn them back on. There also may not be an adequate amount of electricity reaching your unit, which could be a more serious problem. You should call your air conditioning repair company to properly assess the issue.

Airflow can be inhibited if you have a dirty filter, which can also lead to icy buildup that can have a large impact on the efficiency of your system. Simply changing your air filter can save you money on your energy bill and can help avoid unneeded Orlando ac repairs and maintenance.

Keep your air conditioning unit regularly maintained to avoid issues that can be easily avoided. Air Flow Designs Heating and Air Conditioning are the number one Orlando air conditioning company who can provide you with superior services that fits your budget. Call us today at 321-397-2110 to learn more about our Orlando AC repair services and how we can help you.

1. Keep the temperature of your a/c around 78 degrees. Anything below this average will have your air conditioner almost constantly running. If that’s too warm for you, try leaving it higher during the day and cooler at night to avoid the constant use. You can even install a programmable thermostat if you want your a/c to change temperatures when you’re not home.

2. Change your air filter about every three months, or when it becomes too dirty. Some homes might have to have it changed more often, depending on if you have animals, or if you smoke inside your home. A clean air filter prevents the a/c and heat pumps from over-working.

3. Have an air conditioning company do regular maintenance to make sure your system is running efficiently. You can even have your air conditioning unit replaced with a more energy and cost efficient system.

4. Close your curtains and drapes to avoid excess sunlight from reaching the inside of your home. This keeps it cooler so the a/c doesn’t have to work harder than it should. If you enjoy having the drapes open, consider installing a ceiling fan for those warmer days. This allows you to raise the temperature of the a/c while keeping cool and cutting costs.

5. Make sure your doors and windows are properly sealed to keep the warm air from seeping inside. It also helps keep the cooler air inside. Don’t pay extra just to have the cold air leak outside of your home!

Air conditioning can contribute up to 60% of your energy bill if you live in warmer areas! Consider these tips and more to avoid expensive monthly utility bills. Many people don’t realize the amount of money you can save on your energy bill (up to 40%!) just by taking advantage of these easy tips. If you’re in need of air conditioning repair, maintenance or installation, call your choice for air conditioning Orlando services today at 321-397-2110 and Air Flow Designs can provide you and your family with a solution that fits your needs.

During the summer,you want to keep your Orlando heat pump around 78 degrees, with only about a 15 degree change in temperature to avoid overloading your system to cool down your home. If the weather is in the 40s outside, and you increase your thermostat into the 70s, you will be paying almost 30% to 40% more on your bill! Believe it or not, you will want to keep your thermostat around 68 degrees during the winter to avoid high utility bills.

If you’re looking for other options to save money during the winter, you will want to find some other ways to keep warm inside your home!

• Make sure all of your windows are closed properly to avoid incoming drafts inside your home.
• Open your drapes during the day so the sun can come in. If you keep your windows airtight, less cold air will also come in.
• Close your drapes at night or when the sun isn’t out.
• Dress in layers to keep yourself warm and snuggle up in your blankets. Socks will become your best friend!
• Cook inside! The warmth will spread through your home, AND you get a home cooked meal!
• Engage in something active, like cleaning the house or exercising.
• If you have a ceiling fan, put it on reverse so the warm air will get pushed to the ground.

If your heat pump unit needs maintenance before the winter, Air Flow Designs will be more than happy to inspect your system to help save you money on your next utility bill. Call us today at 321-397-2110 to receive an estimate of our services.

Call Air Flow Designs today at 1-800-247-3561 in Tampa and Jacksonville or 321-397-2110 in Central Florida to arrange a free estimate for replacing that old system before it fails during the peak of the heat this summer. We are currently running special promotions that can save you over $1,000 on your investment through the end of February. That doesn’t even factor in our special Financing Offers or Utility Company rebates which can also go over $1,000 with Florida Power and Light. Progress Energy, TECO, Peoples Gas, Jacksonville Energy Authority and other smaller utilities all offer some form of rebate either to us as your dealer or to you as the homeowner. If it comes to the dealer, we immediately subtract the rebate from your purchase investment by that amount.

If your system is over 8 years old and you believe your utility bills were higher last summer than they should have been, give Air Flow Designs a call to get your free system replacement estimate. We also have one of the largest Service Departments in the state if a simple tune-up or a diagnosis of the problem issues are your needs. Air Flow Designs also offers a complete line of Indoor Air Quality Products to reduce the dust in your home, extend the life of your equipment and some that will even kill bacteria and viruses on surfaces and in the air. Call Today!!

Also, with the vast majority of Mid Florida and North Florida heated with heat pumps and the occasional straight cool unit with electric heat strips, it is significantly more expensive to heat your home to a comfortable temperature than it is to cool your home in the summer to a comfortable temperature.  After all, if you set your thermostat for even a pretty cool 68 degrees in the winter when it is 35 degrees outside, your system has to work hard to overcome that 33 degree differential.  However, if you have your thermostat set on a comfortable 78 in the summer and it is 94 degrees outside, you are only asking it to overcame a 16 degree differential or about ½ of the heating differential.  So you can see why it is more expensive to heat your home than to cool it.   The big difference is that we usually have a lot of 94 degree days and not too many 35 degree days but some years we have a bunch of those 35 degree days.  Two years ago, we had extended, lengthy “cold snaps” in both January and February which, in many cases, produced the highest electrical utility bills of the entire year.

That’s why this is the perfect time of the year to be considering either having your system tuned up by a professional technician from Air Flow Designs or to request a free estimate on replacing your air conditioning and heating system from one of our Comfort Consultants.  A properly tuned up system will more than pay for the tune-up and save you money throughout the year.  If your system is even only 8 years old, in most cases it is either a 10 or 12 SEER Efficiency System.  Today systems start at 13 SEER (30% more efficient than a 10 SEER system) and range up to the 18-19 SEER ranges.   These new systems all carry 10 years parts and compressor warranties and are all eligible for the Air Flow Designs Protection Plan which covers all labor costs and tune-ups as well for one low annual fee after the first year.

Call today to arrange for one of our Service Technicians to come out and perform a money saving tune-up or one of our Comfort Consultants to provide a free in home visit to discuss your savings options with you.  We also offer Blown-In Insulation to save you even more.  In Central Florida, call 321-397-2110 and in Northeast Florida , call 904-398-0831.  In the greater Tampa Bay area please call 813-962-7887.  Call today to find out how much you may be able to save…and let the Utility Companies help with that savings, too…..there are currently High Efficiency Heating and Cooling Utility Rebates in effect from: FP&L, TECO, People’s Gas, Progress Energy, OUC, JUA and others.  After paying them for years, let them pay you!

Currently, through the end of June, Carrier, in conjunction with Air Flow Designs, is offering up to $1,350.00 in Instant Cash Rebates on the Top of the Line Infinity systems along with an Infinity Air Cleaner and Extended 5 Star 10 Year Labor Warranty.  They are also offering rebates on less expensive, but still high efficiency systems, ranging from $1000.00 down to $50.00.

Utility Rebates vary widely based upon your provider but they are offered by Florida Power and Light, TECO, Progress Energy, Peoples’ Gas, Jacksonville Energy Authority and Orlando Utilities.  These rebates can range from $125.00 to over $1,000 based upon your providing utility, the size of your system and the efficiency of the system that you elect to purchase.  Also, today’s systems are much more efficient than even the systems of 6-10 years ago which were typically 10 SEER Systems.  Today’s minimum SEER rating by government mandate is 13.0 SEER and they can range up to 18 SEER for heat pumps, the most popular choice for heating and cooling in Central and North Florida.    The difference between a 10 SEER unit and a 13 SEER unit should provide you with approximately 30% savings on your cooling costs or about 15% on your total electrical bill during the peak summer season.  Moving up to 15 SEER would reduce the cooling costs by nearly 50% relative to a 10 SEER system.

Also, there are special financing options available currently co-sponsored by Carrier Corporation and Air Flow Designs.  You can, with approved credit through Wells Fargo, have a full 12 months with minimum payments monthly to pay off your new system with absolutely no interest incurred.  These savings can be substantial as well.

And finally, the federal government is still offering a $300.00 Tax Credit on your taxes for this year (filed in 2012) on qualifying equipment!  That’s a Tax Credit….not a Tax Deduction.  You must have a tax liability of at least $300.00 to qualify but it’s not often you can get a deal like this from Uncle Sam!

So let’s count up the Potential Savings:

$1,350 in Carrier / Air Flow Designs Cool Cash
$1,050 In Florida Power and Light Rebate (Less for smaller systems or other  Utilities)
$500+ in Energy Usage Savings
$700 in Interest savings in Financing in first year
$300 Federal Tax Credit

Total Savings…..$3,900 on a Top of the Line Carrier / Air Flow Designs Infinity system…..with more savings every month that your utility bill comes in!

Call Today to start saving money!  In Central Florida, call 321-397-2110.  In Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco Counties, call 813-961-7887 and in N.E Florida, Call 904-398-0831 but wherever you live in these service areas, call Today!

An example of one such ad recently started with “Receive a $X,XXX 15 SEER 3-Ton Heat Pump for only $X,XXX where the promotional offering price was less than ½ of the original price.  The key word here is “Receive.”  It says nothing about having it properly installed so….it wouldn’t be a bad price …..if you could install it yourself but EPA guidelines and laws make that virtually impossible.

Some things to watch for if you are having a system quoted to you as a homeowner:

1. Does the final price you are quoted appear to have any relationship to the price you saw in the newspaper, on television or heard on the radio?  If not, why not?

2. Are they putting specific equipment model #’s on the contract so you know exactly what you are getting or just talking about SEER and Efficiency and avoiding telling you exactly what you are getting?

3. Are the installers company employees or sub contractors?  If they are subcontractors, they won’t be covered by Worker’s Compensation insurance, in all likelihood, so you could  be held responsible if one of them were to be injured on your property.

4. What kind of training have these “Sub-Contractors” received on today’s more sophisticated, higher efficiency, new refrigerant based equipment as opposed to company employees that have regular manufacturer sponsored training?

5. Do you have to pay extra for the use of credit terms?  Ethical companies typically factor this in and the price is the price.

6. Are they showing you a breakdown on how the final price was arrived at including showing you all the discounts and rebates to which you are entitled?  If not, how do you know you are getting the appropriate discounts and rebates?

7. Does the contractor have an acceptable record with the Better Business Bureau and a minimal # of complaints?  Most contractors, over the years, may get the occasional complaint that is normally resolved quickly with the BBB.  Be concerned if the contractor you are considering has a high # of complaints and a number are not resolved.

8. If they are quoting a variable speed indoor unit, are they providing a humidity control thermostat  to take advantage of the benefits of variable speed units and truly see the savings you are being promised?

9. If the company is providing additional services, like duct cleaning, is the company certified to do the work? In Duct Cleaning that National Certification usually comes form NADCA-National Air Duct Cleaners Association.

10. Are their Technicians NATE Certified?  Again NATE (North American Technical Excellence) is the leading certification program for Heating and Air Conditioning Technicians in the United States and these techs are the most trained and knowledgeable in the country.

11. When they advertise extremely low prices on service and preventative maintenance, does it really make sense that they could  answer the call, dispatch a trained technician in a company truck with all the overhead associated with that tech and truck for under $10.00?  Or is this simply a marketing ploy to get the tech in your home to find additional work and charges?

These are a number of questions that you should be asking yourself if you are considering investing in a new AC unit this year…and now is the time to ask them before it gets to the peak of the summer season when you may be willing to pay just about anything to get a system installed quickly, even overlooking some of the above issues that you know are important.

Call Air Flow Designs Today to arrange a free  no hassle low pressure estimate on replacing your current system.  With Carrier’s Spring 2011 Cool Cash Promotion, Utility Rebates, Federal Tax Credits and Energy Savings, along with Special Financing Offers, there has rarely been a better time to invest in your family’s comfort and health with indoor air quality options as well.

Again, call Air Flow Designs At 321-397-2110 in Central Florida to arrange for one of our representatives to arrange a personal, in home visit to assist you in your decision making process.  We believe in ethically helping homeowners make informed decisions and then doing an excellent job of installing the selected system.  In the Tampa Bay area, call 813-961-7887 and in Northeast Florida call 904-398-0831.