The 3 Most Important Things to Consider Before Air Conditioning Replacement

June 27th, 2014

As summer deepens in Florida, you may start to consider replacing your aging air conditioner with a new system that has superior performance and energy-efficiency. This is a big decision, and it requires thinking over a number of important factors. Here are the 3 most important things you should consider when you are in the market for air conditioning replacement in Pensacola Beach, FL.

You don’t need to worry about making this decision on your own: with the help of the professionals at Kool Breeze, you will soon be on your way to the best cooling for your home for this summer and the many summers after.

1. Is your old air conditioning system ready for replacement?

In other words: “Do you actually need an air conditioning replacement yet?” You don’t want to schedule a replacement if there are targeted professional repairs that can keep your current system running for a few more years without a significant loss of efficiency. If your air conditioning system is still a few years below its estimated lifespan, call for a technician to look into repair possibilities when the AC begins to malfunction. The technician can tell you if it is worth it to pay for repairs or not. In general, if it costs more than $500 per year in repairs to keep a cooling system operating, then it isn’t worthwhile maintaining it, and you should schedule a replacement.

2. Do you want to replace the AC with a different type of system?

You have more options for air conditioning replacement today than to simply have a standard central AC installed. You can choose to have a heat pump put in instead, which will give you both air conditioning and heating. Another possibility is a ductless mini split system, which bypasses the need for ductwork. Not every home is suited for these options, so consult with installers about the choices available to you and which ones are the most suited for your home and budget plans.

3. How large and powerful a system do you need?

Please note we didn’t write “How large and powerful a system do you want?” Each home has specific requirements for cooling it, and an AC that is either too large or too small for the space will end up wasting energy and providing insufficient comfort. To properly size a system, you must know the heating and cooling load requirements for your home, and this takes the help of professional installers. Before choosing a new system, have the installers perform a heat load calculation to determine the BTUs in cooling necessary to provide you with comfort.

At Kool Breeze, we know that considering air conditioning in Pensacola Beach, FL can be intimidating: you want to make sure that you have the best AC possible for the humid summers. You can trust our staff to help you make the right decisions, the same way they have helped other homeowners since 1986.

Give us a call today and speak with our qualified team of AC experts to schedule an appoint with us.

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3 Key Components of Commercial Air Conditioning

June 20th, 2014

Commercial air conditioning uses the same basic system that residential air conditioners do: cycling refrigerant gas through a series of valves and coils that first shift it to a liquid form, then revert it to a gaseous form. (The process pulls heat from the air, which can then be blown into your home with a fan.) But while the basics are the same, the specifics vary a great deal. Commercial air conditioning must handle a much larger load than residential systems, and must often adjust to fit the needs of new businesses as old ones change locations. Here in Fort Walton Beach, FL,commercial air conditioning systems need a service that understand the differences to install and maintain them. Here are 3 key components of commercial air conditioning that set them apart from smaller systems.

  • Modular. Business needs change a great deal when it comes to air conditioning. A software company with a lot of high-end computer hard drives needs much more power to keep cool than a greeting card store for instance. But you can’t simply install a new air conditioning system every time a new tenant occupies the space. So commercial systems are designed to be modular. Whenever you need more power, you can simply add a new unit onto the existing system. If you need less power, you can detach a unit, or just shut it off. It retains the required flexibility without skimping on cooling power.
  • Rooftop Placement. All those modular units take up a lot of space, which most businesses would prefer to use for other things. That’s why most commercial AC units are placed on the roof, where they’re out of the way and yet can still do their jobs effectively.
  • Sturdy. Because the units are on the roof, they need to be able to handle the rigors of sun and torrential rain alike. That means they’re very sturdy, as well as being comparatively simple.

Commercial HVAC services in Fort Walton Beach, FL can be performed by the experts at Kool Breeze. We understand the key components of commercial air conditioning and we’re ready to bring our expertise to bear on your business space. Pick up the phone and give us a call today. You’ll be glad you did!

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How Does a Dehumidifier Work?

June 13th, 2014

High humidity can be as much of a detriment to your comfort levels as high temperatures. When too much moisture is in the air – more than about 50% or so – it interferes with our body’s natural ability to cool off. When we get hot, we sweat, and as the sweat evaporates into the air it cools off our skin. But high humidity means that the sweat won’t evaporate – there’s too much moisture in the air already – and that all-important natural cooling power is lost. The good news is that a whole-house dehumidifier can remove excess humidity in your home, and help improve your comfort levels immeasurably. Utilizing a whole house dehumidifier in Navarre, FL is an extremely good idea considering how humid our Florida summers get. But how does a dehumidifier work? Read on for the answers.

In principle, a dehumidifier isn’t all that different from an air conditioner. Both systems circulate refrigerant gas, using the gas’s cooling ability to do its job. With the dehumidifier, a fan compressor will compress the gas, then move it into a series of cooling coils, where it expands. As it does so, it pulls heat out of the nearby air. As the air cools, the moisture in it solidifies and becomes condensation. (You can see this effect in nature with the formation of dew in the early morning.) A large reservoir collects the condensation while a reheater collects the excessive heat creates by the fan compressor. A blower moves air from the house into and out of the dehumidifier. In this way, the air in the entire house is treated for excess moisture.

Your air conditioner does the same thing by default, and indeed most AC units have at least a small drain pan for disposing of moisture pulled out of the air. But too much moisture can overwhelm your AC unit, and in any case the act pulls energy away from its primary job of cooling the air. A whole house dehumidifier in Navarre (and other steamy Florida towns) really is the answer, and the experts at Kool Breeze can help you install one. We understand how dehumidifiers work and we can advise you on the best possible option for your home. Give us a call today to set up an appointment!

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Why Properly Sizing an Air Conditioner Is Necessary

June 6th, 2014

Here in Pensacola Beach, FL, air conditioning systems are far more than just a convenience. Our summers get hot and muggy the way few other parts of the country do, and a reliable air conditioner can be your first, best line of defense for your home. When you install a new one, you want to make sure that the unit is the best one possible for your circumstances, which is why you want to be very careful when sizing a new unit. Here’s a quick breakdown on why properly sizing an air conditioner is necessary.

By “size,” we’re referring to the power output of the air conditioner. It needs to be carefully balanced against the features of your home, starting with square footage, but also including such factors as the amount of insulation in your attic and the presence of large windows that let in a lot of sunlight. The air conditioner’s size needs to properly factor all of these in: neither too small nor too large but just right.

Why? If it’s too small then the answer is obvious: the air conditioner won’t be able to cool the space adequately, and will undergo a lot of unnecessary strain in the process. If it’s too large, however, the end result is the same. The air conditioner will cool the air too quickly, cycling on and off rapidly throughout the day. Air conditioning units use exponentially more energy when they power up and power down than they do when they’re running. You need a unit that runs for at least 15 minutes at a clip to make the best use out of the energy.

Sizing an air conditioner begins with square footage, but usually requires a professional to properly calculate. If you know why properly sizing an air conditioner is necessary, the next step is to call the experts at Kool Breeze to help. We provide professional air conditioning installation in Pensacola Beach, FL and we’ll go above and beyond to ensure that your unit is perfectly sized for your space. Pick up the phone and give us a call today!

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How Air Conditioning Maintenance Means Smaller Repair Bills

May 30th, 2014

Air conditioning maintenance isn’t the same thing as air conditioning repair. Instead it acts as a kind of tune-up, fixing a lot of little problems and keeping an eye out for bigger ones that may be lurking in the future. Here in Fort Walton Beach, air conditioning maintenance should be performed at least once a year, before our hot summers kick in in earnest. But homeowners are often looking at the bottom line and may not seen the value “in fixing something that isn’t broken.” In truth, air conditioning maintenance means smaller repair bills, as well as improved efficiency that you’ll see in your bills every month. Here’s a brief rundown on how.

Dust and dirt invariably build up on the internal components of your air conditioner. That increases friction and forces the system to work harder to do its job. The same principle applies to loose bolts, clogged lines and similar issues. They leech your system of efficiency , which means that the individual components are working harder than they should to do their job. A maintenance session removes a lot of that stress and strain, allowing the system to function without the additional burden. That reduces the risk of repairs and allows the system to go longer before a breakdown occurs.

Furthermore, a maintenance session means being able to spot big repair issues when they’re still small. For example, say the technician spots a single component that could use replacing. If he does it immediately (with a new repair session), it will cost a little bit. But if he does nothing, then the faulty component will cascade and damage three or four other components when it finally fails. Suddenly a small repair session turns into a great big one, or it would if the maintenance session hadn’t caught it.

If you know how air conditioning maintenance means smaller bills, then the next step is to call an air conditioning service in Fort Walton Beach, FL that can do the job right. Air conditioning maintenance is one of our core services, and we keep your satisfaction in mind at all times. Give us a call today to make an appointment!

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Why Air Conditioning Maintenance is Important

May 23rd, 2014

So you’ve just had a beautiful new high efficiency cooling system installed in your home. The flick of that thermostat switch allows the system to purr, and you and your family are finally able to sit back and relax after several hot and humid nights. It’s the perfect time to schedule AC maintenance in Navarre. While this may come as a surprise, your AC endures wear and tear from the minute it is installed. A cost-effective, routine maintenance plan is the best way to ensure that your air conditioner is routinely inspected, adjusted and cleaned.

The Importance of AC Maintenance

When you had your AC installed, you may have been told about the importance of changing your air filters regularly, especially during the summer months. This is indeed an important part of maximizing the performance and energy efficiency of your system, but it may not be enough to reduce the risk of repairs and extend system longevity. An air conditioning maintenance ensures that your indoor and outdoor coils are not only in good working order, but also they are cleaned of any debris that could affect your cooling. Moreover, all of the electrical components will be tested for appropriate voltage, and any problems that were affecting your AC can be brought to your attention.

Professional air conditioning maintenance has many benefits. Over time, your AC will be subject to a significant amount of wear and tear. This is unavoidable. But having your AC cleaned on a routine basis allows a technician the chance to look for any problems at their earliest stages. Most HVAC issues do not come out of nowhere, but rather develop in the long-term. Another benefit of air conditioning maintenance is that your system will operate at peak levels of energy efficiency and performance. There is no better way to make sure that this is the case than by having your system adjusted and cleaned thoroughly.

Remember: hire only a pro technician to service your AC, no matter what type it is. Attempting to do it yourself may lead to damage. Call Kool Breeze of Northwest Florida, Inc. today. 

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What Type of AC is Right for Your Home

May 16th, 2014

If you’re in the market for a new AC, then you need to make sure that you hire a professional to get the job done right the first time. Because one of the most critical aspects of new air conditioning installation in Navarre is the selection process itself, it’s best to have a professional on hand early on. As with most things these days, there is no shortage of options from which to choose. Whether you welcome this range or find it confusing, you still want to find the right cooling system for your home. Sometimes, that means going for a conventional central air unit, while in other cases, it might mean selecting a ductless cooling system.

All air conditioners operate by means of the refrigerant cycle, which involves the use of a refrigerant cycling through various pressures and temperatures in order to transfer thermal energy from indoors to the outdoors. Let’s take a closer look at some of your air conditioning options so that you can get a sense of what’s available.

AC Options for Your Home

  • Central air conditioning. When it comes to power, you may want to consider a central air unit. These systems have an outdoor unit and a centralized indoor air handler attached to a network of ducts installed behind the walls and in the ceilings of your home. If you already have ductwork in your home, then a central AC makes sense. It’s important to make certain that your central AC’s cooling capacity matches the size of your living space to ensure maximum performance and efficiency.
  • Heat pump. A heat pump works much like a central air conditioner in that it circulates refrigerant throughout indoor and outdoor units and also uses ductwork. It is unique in that it is also capable of reversing the flow of refrigerant, and thus heating your home during the winter months as well. Because of our moderate winters, a heat pump remains energy efficiency throughout the year.
  • Ductless mini split. If you’d like to avoid the use of ductwork altogether, then you may want to consider a ductless mini split. These systems use multiple indoor air handlers placed throughout the living space. Without ductwork to function as an intermediary between you and your cooling, a ductless system is often significantly more energy efficient than central air units. Moreover, they are not subject to many of the indoor air quality issues associated with ductwork.

Whatever type of AC you settle on, make sure you do it in consultation with an expert. Call Kool Breeze of Northwest Florida, Inc. today for more information. 

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What Is Geothermal and Is It Right for My Home?

May 9th, 2014

If you’ve already started doing a bit of research online about new HVAC systems for your home or commercial space, then you may have come across the term “geothermal.” As the term suggests, geothermal heating and cooling is a way of making your home more comfortable by means of the thermal energy stored underground. This system type is known for its excellent energy efficiency as well as for its year-round versatility.

When it comes to geothermal installation and service, you can count on Kool Breeze of Northwest Florida, Inc. Give us a call today to set up an initial consultation. 

Despite its moniker, geothermal energy does not emit from the Earth’s core, so you don’t have to worry about magma. Rather, geothermal energy is latent energy that has been stored by the sun’s rays. When you get down to a certain level, the temperature of the earth is consistently moderate throughout the year, whether it’s July or January. Geothermal HVAC systems seek to draw upon that energy. They use underground piping that circulates a water or anti-freeze mixture to dissipate thermal energy into the ground during the summer, and to draw that thermal energy from the ground during the winter. The system connects to a fairly conventional heat pump setup, including the use of ductwork throughout the home.

But it’s important to make sure that your property can handle a geothermal system in the first place. Obviously, such a system requires a certain amount of space for the installation of underground piping. There are also other options for the installation of piping, including using small bodies of water on the property, such as ponds, to facilitate the heating and cooling process. Most importantly, it’s a good idea to discuss the details of your home and HVAC needs with a professional so that we can find a solution that’s right for you.

Geothermal systems function much like conventional heat pumps, but often at a fraction of the energy consumption. Whereas conventional air conditioners have to contend with high outdoor temperatures during the summer, a geothermal system only has to contend with a relatively moderate ground temperature.

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The Importance of New Construction HVAC

May 2nd, 2014

Most people rely on experts for the construction of a new home. Even if you specialize in one particular trade, be it plumbing, carpentry, roofing or concrete, you’re going to need to hire a team of specialists to ensure the job is done in a timely and correct manner. One major aspect of any new home construction project is the HVAC system. How will you keep cool during the summer? How will you stay warm during the winter? If you haven’t begun considering that, it’s never too early or too late. New construction HVAC services involve more than just the installation.

You might be able to get away without a whole house air conditioner in some areas of our country, but not here. You want to have a reliable, efficient and powerful cooling system available at the flick of a switch. There are a number of different air conditioners to select from, but first things first: you need to know how much cooling you need. That’s where a heat load calculation comes into play. A professional HVAC technician can perform a series of measurements in order to figure out just how much cooling your new home will need based on various factors, including square footage and the amount of windows and doors.

You also need to make certain that your new air conditioner is designed with the ductwork in mind. After all, the system power and the ducts also have to match, as an overly large system or improperly sized ductwork can cause serious performance and efficiency problems. A trained technician will be able to come up with a system design that ensures your AC works well for years to come. All of this is required of heating systems, too.

Deciding on a system for your new home or commercial space can be difficult, but we can make it easy on you.

There are numerous factors to consider, including the size of your space, your heating and cooling preferences, as well as your budget. Call Kool Breeze of Northwest Florida, Inc. today. 

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How to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

April 25th, 2014

What’s ailing your home’s indoor air? Is it mold, mildew or bacteria? Do you feel that the air is excessively wet or dry? Is it hard to breathe? Are your allergies out of control? There are plenty of substances that can be detrimental to your indoor air quality in Navarre, but, fortunately, there are an equally effective number of solutions available to the homeowner to combat such problems, including air filtration systems, air purifiers, humidifiers, dehumidifiers and energy recovery ventilators.

Considering how much time we spend indoors, it’s important to make certain that you breathe clean air when you’re at home or at work. Taking control of your indoor air quality often requires much more than cracking a window. Moreover, opening up the windows during the summer or winter can significantly raise your heating and cooling costs. It’s important to find indoor air quality solutions that directly address the problems you are out to remediate. Let’s take a look at some popular indoor air quality products.

Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality

  • Air Purifiers and Air Filtration Systems. Whether you opt for a HEPA filter to remove particles from your indoor air, or you have an electronic air purifier installed within your HVAC system, make sure that it is completed by a professional. There are numerous different types of air purifiers and air filtration systems, including UV air purifiers that are directed towards microbiological contaminants such as mold, mildew and bacteria.
  • Dehumidifier. In order to make a dent in the stifling summer humidity, you may want to consider a whole house dehumidifier. These devices integrate directly into your heating and cooling system to affect your entire indoor air, and not just a single room. There are also humidifiers available if your air is excessively dry.
  • Energy Recovery Ventilator. One of the major problems of the modern, energy-efficient home is that natural ventilation is no longer available in quite the same way. If you want to avoid the rise in energy costs that will accompany any opening of the windows or doors, then you may want to consider an energy recovery ventilator. This device provides a way for you to exhaust stale air and preconditioning incoming air.

Let the friendly staff at Kool Breeze of Northwest Florida, Inc. help you achieve excellent indoor air quality in your home or work space. Call us today.

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