Kool Breeze of Northwest Florida, Inc Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Navarre’

Why You Need Annual Cooling and Heating Maintenance

Wednesday, March 11th, 2015

The air conditioning and heating systems in your house are complex mechanical devices made of numerous precision components. Over time, like any mechanical appliance, your home’s AC and heater will start to wear down and suffer from dirt and damage that will reduce their effectiveness and eventually cause them to cease working. Although it’s impossible to stop fully the effects of time on an HVAC system, you can slow it down with the help of professional maintenance services twice a year: in the spring for your air conditioning system, and in the fall for your heating system.

To sign up for an excellent program for cooling and heating maintenance in Navarre, FL, just call our staff at Kool Breeze. We offer a program that provides you with two precision tune-ups a year that will help you get the most from your heater and air conditioner as well as save money.

The reasons maintenance is important

  • Extended system life: The same way that you can’t expect a car to last for many years if it doesn’t receive regular services like oil changes, an air conditioner and heater won’t have lengthy services lives without professional maintenance. Most ACs and heaters won’t even make it to half their manufacturer’s estimated lifespan without maintenance—and needing to replace a comfort system early is the most expensive “repair” of all.
  • Fewer repairs: Approximately 85% of the repairs a comfort system may require during its lifetime can be avoided through preventive maintenance. That’s a significant amount. If you keep up with routine maintenance, you will experience very few malfunctions with the system.
  • Continual energy efficiency: The combination of dirt and wear and tear on a heater and air conditioner will cause a drop in energy efficiency because the system will need to work harder. Each year that a comfort system goes without maintenance means an average drop of 5% in energy efficiency—and that will quickly add up to a system that costs you much more to run than it should.
  • Avoid surprise breakdowns: This is especially important for the AC, which does an immense amount of work in Florida’s hot climate. Without maintenance to help alleviate wear and tear on the system and catch early repair needs, the AC might collapse on you during the hottest day of the summer, leaving you scrambling to arrange for emergency repair work. Maintenance will see that you go into any intense weather fully prepared.

The cooling and heating maintenance in Navarre, FL from Kool Breeze provides you with extra benefits as well: priority service, a 10% discount on non-warranty parts, and more. Give us a call today to find out more about our heating service options in Navarre, FL.

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Common Heat Pump Issues

Monday, February 16th, 2015

Heat pumps have become very popular systems for good reasons: they are very energy efficient, they can both heat and cool your home and they have a long lifespan of 20-25 years. But even with all these positive attributes, a heat pump is still a mechanical device and it may need repair at some point. If you have a heat pump system for your home, here are some of the common problems that can develop with heat pumps:

Refrigerant Leaks

Heat pumps work by transferring heat from one location to another; they do this with the help of refrigerant. As such, your heat pump needs an exact amount of refrigerant in order to work properly. Refrigerant leaks can develop in a number of places; telltale signs of refrigerant leaks are low or no heat (or cooling) and/or icing on the coils. Only certified experts can handle refrigerant, and leaks can be tough to find, so any problems that develop with the refrigerant in your heat pump system should always be handled by an expert.

Problems with the Reversing Valve

The reason a heat pump can both heat and cool is because of a component called the reversing valve. This valve can the direction in which the refrigerant flows, allowing the heat pump to offer either heating or cooling for your home. Reversing valves are somewhat complex components; problems that can develop with reversing valves include refrigerant leaks, solenoid issues and getting stuck in a certain position.

Blower Issues

If you have a ducted heat pump system, your system has a blower that blows the cool or warm air into your home. Different kinds of problems can develop with blowers, including loose or broken fan belts, motor issues, electrical issues or problems with the blades.

It’s good for homeowners to know what some of the more common problems can be with a heat pump, but this doesn’t mean you should handle repairs on your own. Heat pumps are complex devices and should only be repaired by trained experts. Kool Breeze has been helping customers will their heating and cooling needs since 1986, so if you are experiencing any kind of issue with your heat pump in Navarre, call us today to schedule your next appointment with us.

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Warning Noises from Your Furnace: A Guide

Friday, January 23rd, 2015

Furnaces are notorious for making strange noises during operation, particularly after years of use. While not all of these sounds indicate a major issue, you should call a professional anytime you hear something unusual coming from your furnace. Let’s take a look at some of the more common warning noises that can come from your furnace, and what problems they can indicate.

Grinding

A grinding noise coming from your furnace indicates that the bearings in your air handler motor are wearing down. The air handler is the section of your furnace responsible for the circulation of warm air throughout your house. The air handler motor is what turns the fan and keeps the air circulating. Inside the motor is a group of bearings, designed to lubricate the motor and keep it running smoothly. Over time, however, the bearings can lose their lubrication. This actually increases the resistance on the motor, causing it to eventually overheat and burn out. If you hear grinding coming from your furnace, you should call a professional immediately before you have to replace the motor.

Squealing

Squealing coming from your furnace is also often located in your furnace’s air handler. The motor is connected to the fan by a rubber loop, called a “fan belt.” This belt is responsible for the transfer of motion that makes the air handler fan turn. Over time, the fan belt stretches and cracks, creating more friction between the various parts of the air handler. That is what creates the loud squealing noise that you can hear when your furnace starts. If not treated right away, the fan belt will break and render the air handler unable to operate.

Banging

A banging noise can actually have a couple of different causes. It could be your ducts expanding and contracting from the hot air running through them, which isn’t a big deal. It could also be due to part of your burner assembly firing late, due to carbon build up on the burner itself. That is a big deal, and needs to be treated. You’ll need to call a professional to confirm the source, one way or the other.

To schedule an appointment or if you’d like to know more about our heating repair options in Navarre, call Kool Breeze today.

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Signs You Need Repairs for Your Commercial Heating

Wednesday, December 17th, 2014

Commercial isn’t all that much different from home heating, really. Sure, there are minor details that might differ, some parts present in one system that may not be necessary in another. For the most part, though, there are only two differences: scale and consequence. By that, we mean that a commercial system is bigger, and creates bigger issues when it fails. You don’t want your customers being uncomfortable when they enter your place of business, which can certainly happen when the heat goes out. Read on to find out how you can avoid this particular disaster.

Strange Noises

Whenever you hear strange noises coming from your heating system, it’s a pretty good sign that you should call a professional. There are a couple of signs, however, that merit special attention. We’ll start with grinding. If you hear grinding coming from your heating system, it’s probably the bearings failing on your air handler motor. The bearings are designed to help the motor run smoothly by lessening friction, thereby lightening the workload on the motor. When the bearings fail, however, the motor begins to experience more and more resistance as it tries to rotate. Eventually, it comes up against so much friction that it burns out.

Another noise you should watch out for is a squealing sound when you first turn on the heating system. This is caused by the system’s fan belt failing. The fan belt is a rubber belt that connects the motor and the fan in the air handler. When the fan belt wears out, it begins to stretch and crack. This causes the squealing sound in the heater.

Short-Cycling

Short-cycling is when your heating system won’t stop turning on and off throughout the day. This is caused by the system overheating, causing the limit switch to shut it down to prevent any damage or fire risk. When the system has cooled off enough, it starts up and overheats again, trapping it in an endless on/off cycle. This severely shortens the life of the heating system, and can cost a lot of money in lost efficiency.

If you are having trouble with your heating system, call Kool Breeze. We provide quality commercial heating services in the Navarre area.

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The Advantages of Electric Furnaces

Wednesday, October 22nd, 2014

Electric furnaces tend to get overshadowed by the more common gas-fueled furnaces. There are a number of reasons for this. Natural gas tends to be a cheaper fuel source than electricity. Despite this, an electric furnace can actually offer a number of great benefits. Have a look at the advantages below of owning an electric furnace.

Efficiency

It’s true that natural gas is a cheaper fuel source for furnaces on average. However, electric furnaces are virtually 100% efficient at converting electricity to thermal energy. Combustion heat systems tend to hover between 75-95%. This means that, while you will be paying more for the fuel, you will be paying less overall for your heating.

Safety

Though gas-powered heating systems are still very safe, they cannot avoid producing toxic combustion byproducts like carbon monoxide. Normally, the heating system will vent the toxic gases outside the home. There is always a change, however, of something going wrong and flooding your house with potentially deadly fumes. There is also a risk of fire associated with combustion systems, commonly caused by a gas leak or overheating. An electric furnace does not utilize combustion, and so produces no toxic byproducts. This way, you never have to worry about being in danger from your heating system.

Accessibility

Though natural gas lines are widely available, there are still some places where you will be unable to access one. Even if the city has the infrastructure for them, you will have to pay to install a new line if your house is not already equipped with one. None of this is necessary with an electric furnace. Electricity is available in practically every populated area in the country, and doesn’t require any extra groundwork to be installed in your home.

Solar Interfacing

Electric furnaces can easily interface with solar heating systems to provide even more efficient heating. This is also possible with more traditional combustion-based systems, but tends to require expensive retro-fitting to make the systems mesh properly.

If you are thinking about installing an electric furnace, call Kool Breeze today. We install electric furnaces throughout the Navarre area. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

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Consider a Ductless System for Your New Heating Installation

Wednesday, October 1st, 2014

The fall season is a great time to install a new heating system in Navarre. One option you may want to consider is ductless heating. Ductless heating offers several great benefits, including the ability to offer both heating and cooling. However, if your heating system isn’t installed correctly, you won’t gain any benefit, which is why it’s important to hire trained professionals. For almost 30 years, Kool Breeze has been professionally installing all kinds of heating systems, and we bring this experience to every job we do. Call us today!

How a Ductless System Heats and Cools

Heat pumps work by transferring heat from one place to another; refrigerant is used to facilitate this process. During the summer months, the heat pump removes heat from your indoor air and transfers it outside; in the winter, the heat pump absorbs heat from the outdoor air, concentrates it, and transfers it inside via the ductless blowers to heat your home.

Heat pumps can heat and cool homes thanks to a component called a reversing valve. This valve changes the flow of the refrigerant, which is how the heat pump switches from heating mode to cooling mode.

Benefits of a Ductless System

You know that a ductless system offers both heating and cooling, but it also offers these benefits:

  • Customized heating – each indoor blower operates independently; this allows you to set the temperature of each blower as you want, which maximizes your comfort level.
  • Easy installation – the installation of a ductless system is pretty straightforward: the outdoor unit is typically placed on the ground, and the indoor blowers are mounted flush against walls or hung from ceilings. The indoor blowers connect to the outdoor unit via a small conduit drilled into an exterior wall. An outdoor unit can support up to 4 indoor blowers.
  • Energy efficiency – a heat pump doesn’t use any fossil fuels to operate; instead, it uses a small amount of electricity. This makes ductless systems very energy efficient.

A ductless heating system in Navarre can offer you comfort, heating and cooling, and energy efficiency, all in one system. If this sounds like the kind of heating system you are looking for, call Kool Breeze today and schedule an appointment with one of our installation experts.

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What Are the Differences Between Heat Pump and Air Conditioning Repair?

Wednesday, September 10th, 2014

Heat pumps and air conditioners can seem like very different systems, but the truth is that, in cooling mode, a heat pump is an air conditioner. Contrary to popular belief, air conditioners don’t cool by pushing cold air into a space; they remove the heat and humidity from that space. Heat pumps also transfer heat, which is how they are similar to air conditioners. The main difference between the two systems is that a heat pump can also provide heat. But whether you need heat pump or air conditioning repair in Navarre, FL one thing is for sure: you should call the trained specialists at Kool Breeze for all your AC repairs.

The Differences in Repair

Both central AC systems and heat pumps have a condenser, a compressor and an evaporator, and both use refrigerant. As such, repairs to these parts are the same. The differences have to do with the heating mode, and more specifically, with the components that help with that:

  • Problems with the reversing valve – the reversing valve in a heat pump is what allows it to switch modes from heating to cooling. One of the more common problems with the reversing valve is that it can get stuck in a certain position, which essentially freezes the operation of the pump. The valve can get stuck in either one of the modes, or in between. Sometimes a stuck valve can be repaired, but sometimes full replacement is necessary.
  • Problems with pressurization – high and low pressure in the reversing valve helps move the slide that switches between heating and cooling modes. Pressure problems are typically triggered by issues with the compressor, a refrigerant leak or a dirty air filter. These problems can alter the pressure and cause problems with operation of the heat pump.

Whether you have a heat pump or a traditional central air conditioner, the most important aspect to any air conditioning repair is to hire a professional with the knowledge and expertise to get the job done correctly. If you are experiencing issues with your AC, call Kool Breeze today and schedule an appointment.

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Why Ductless May Be Your Best Choice for Commercial Air Conditioning

Friday, August 15th, 2014

The most common way for commercial buildings to equip themselves for air conditioning is through packaged units, usually located up on the roof. Packaged units combine the evaporator, condenser, and compressor into one cabinet, instead of using the split system that is popular for homes. Packaged units are excellent choices for many businesses, but they are not the only option. Many companies use ductless mini split heat pumps, which are especially popular in restaurants and bars.

If you are looking for a replacement commercial air conditioning in Navarre Beach, FL, or if you are planning new construction or moving to a new building, place ductless AC on your list of options. It may turn out that its many advantages are just what you need for a comfortable work place around the year. Contact the commercial specialists at Kool Breeze to learn if going ductless is one of your best choices for new installation.

Some Reasons That Ductless Mini Splits Are Good Alternatives

  • Heating and cooling: All ductless mini splits are heat pumps, so you will not only have quality cooling for the long hot season in Florida, but you’ll also have the right level of heating for the short, mild winters.
  • Better control over cooling: Ductless mini splits work through a series of individual blowers units mounted in different parts of a business, all of which connect back to the single outdoor unit. You can shut down cooling to parts of the workplace that don’t need it, saving money that a central AC would otherwise waste. Employees can also adjust the temperature in their area to fit their comfort without affecting the rest of the workplace.
  • Less energy loss: Air sent along ductwork loses energy and makes the HVAC system less efficient. Ductless mini splits have higher efficiency and will lower your utility bills.
  • Improved indoor air quality: Ducts collect dust, dirt, and other contaminants over time, and this will end up getting blown into the workplace air, leading to discomfort and health issue. Eliminating ducts means eliminating these threats to your business’ indoor air quality.
  • More space and design freedom: You don’t have to worry about a large network of ducts taking up room in your establishment, which will free up a tremendous amount of space. If you are designing a new building, the lack of ducts means you’ll have greater freedom to create the space that you want.

Ductless is not the ideal choice for all buildings, so bring in experts before you make any commitment. Call Kool Breeze and set up an appointment to explore your options for commercial air conditioning in Navarre Beach, FL. We are now approaching our 30th year in business, and you can count on our extensive experience to deliver you the best possible comfort solutions for your business.

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How Does a Dehumidifier Work?

Friday, 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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What Type of AC is Right for Your Home

Friday, 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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