How to Reduce the Natural Air Pollution and Airborne Dangers in a Home
The Environmental Protection Agency has found that air pollution is one of the top five environmental risks for human health.
Other studies have revealed that inside your home is more dangerously polluted than the outside.
It's only natural for your family's health and yours that you'd want to limit pollution inside your home as much as possible.
With COVID-19 threatening lives and breathing ability, now is not the time to wait.
Keep reading to learn some simple solutions to minimize the natural air pollution and airborne dangers in your home.
Maintain Your HVAC System
One of the best ways to boost your indoor air quality is to properly maintain your HVAC (Air Conditioning and Heating) system. This means conducting performance checks and changing air filters often.
If your HVAC isn't up to speed or the filters are clogged, you'll end up with a build-up of pollen, dust, bacteria, and even viruses.
If you're looking to go the extra mile, you might consider an air filtration system specially designed to remove air pollutants.
Clean Your Air Ducts
While your air ducts are an essential part of your HVAC system, they're listed separately because they require their own maintenance.
Air ducts are what allows the hot and cold air to travel throughout your house. These structures are rarely cleaned, and as a result, are frequented with dirt and mold.
If this happens, the air that travels through your air ducts picks up these dirt and mold particles and spreads them throughout your home.
Fortunately, there are air quality services that will clean hard-to-reach air ducts for you.
Vacuum Regularly
Carpeting provides decoration, soft padding beneath our feet, and a place to lay.
What you might not realize is that the spaces between the carpet's fibers become saturated with dander and dirt over time.
Vacuuming often can prevent these pollutants from entering your air and lungs.
Invest in Indoor Plants
Who doesn't love the fresh greenery and decor a household plant provides?
Not only do house plants make your house look and feel good, but they also make it a healthier place to live as well.
This is because the life processes that plants undergo filter the air around them and reduces natural air pollution.
Buy A Welcome Mat
Falling into the category of air-benefiting decor, investing in a welcome mat is another item that goes a long way.
A proper welcome mat outside the doors to your house will serve to remove the dirt and bacteria off people's shoes before they enter your home.
Don't Introduce Chemicals
This one may seem obvious, but there are undoubtedly several air pollutants you're willingly bringing into your home every day.
One such example is your surface cleaners and detergents. You wouldn't expect it, but these items emit harmful chemicals into the air that you breathe. To minimize the risk, you can buy all-natural cleaners and products instead.
Remove Natural Air Pollution From Your Home
While keeping your indoor air quality safe is always important, COVID-19 has made the risk much greater.
You can minimize the level of natural air pollution and airborne dangers in your home by maintaining your HVAC system; cleaning your air ducts; vacuuming often; and investing in indoor plants, welcome mats, and all-natural cleaners.
If you're looking to improve the air quality in your home without breaking the bank, check out our current specials at Romeo Air.
How Long Do HVAC Units Last? 5 Warning Signs You Need to Replace an HVAC System
Down here in Florida, air conditioning is an absolute mandatory blessing. To beat the subtropic and tropical weather, you need a quality HVAC unit with plenty of life left.
HVAC units aren't forever, though, so knowing when to replace your unit is important. The question then is, how long do HVAC units last?
While there is no absolute answer, there are plenty of warning signs. Let's go over some of the big warning signs to see if there is an HVAC replacement in your future.
How Long Do HVAC Systems Last?
This is a question that, unfortunately, doesn't have a simple answer. There are actually thousands of different variables that can impact your unit's life expectancy. In general, a high-quality system that is well-maintained should last between 12 and 17 years.
However, you're likely to have at least some problems before then. Let's take a look at some of the most common issues that indicate you need a repair or replacement.
5 Signs Your AC Needs Repair or to be Replaced
With so many different variables, there's a possibility that your HVAC machine could break down in any number of ways and at any time. How can you tell between the need for a simple repair and a full replacement?
Let's break it down.
1. Energy Bill Starts to Rise
High energy bills are a slow but steady sign that one of your appliances is not working the way they should. Outside of the usual rise and fall from summer cooling, there should be no major increases.
If you're uncertain what appliance may be causing the jump, contact your energy provider.
2. Air Quality Starts to Drop
Air quality can be subtle, so if you do notice a shift in air quality, this is a big sign that your HVAC unit is going bad.
Some signs of poor air quality are irritation of the nose, ear, and throat as well as headaches and mental fatigue.
3. HVAC Unit is Old
While no HVAC unit has an exact expiration date, few last longer than 10 years or so. When your machine gets this old, replacement may become cheaper than repairs.
Be mindful if your machine still uses freon. This chemical is phasing out due to the Montreal Protocol. If your machine has it, it may need phasing out anyways.
4. Unusual Smells
Unusual and gross smells are a big sign that something in your house has gone bad. If you can trace the smell back to your HVAC unit, that is a big sign that you have a problem.
There are common smell warning signs for an HVAC unit. Rotten eggs are a sign of a natural gas leak, which requires you to call in a professional right away. A burning smell is a sign that your system is overheating and a musty smell often comes from the mold.
5. Damage to the Unit
Some signs are a lot less subtle. If there is constant leaking from the HVAC unit, parts of the machine may be breaking down in big ways.
Odd noises, like rattling, grinding, or even squealing are a sign that something mechanical has come loose.
Even trouble installing the machine due to worn outside pieces is a solid enough reason to look at a replacement. If the unit doesn't fit well into its installation space, it will lose efficiency fast.
Never overlook any warning signs from an HVAC unit. They can be dangerous for the unit and for you.
For AC Replacement in Naples, FL Contact Romeo Air Conditioning, Inc.
With a little more knowledge on how long do HVAC units last, you can make an informed decision. If your unit is showing several of these signs, start bracing for a repair.
When the time does come, we here at Romeo Air Conditioning are here to help! We have been providing high professional standards in the Naples and Bonita Springs area for years. Need more information? Contact us today!
Springtime Checklist: Must-Have HVAC Tips for Spring
As spring approaches and temperatures start to rise, it is the perfect time to gather HVAC tips for your home maintenance to-do list.
When homeowners wait until the first heatwave to turn on their AC units are surprised to learn their unit doesn't work. With this experience, comes the reality HVAC businesses are booked and the cost of repairs could be more than expected.
By doing spring air conditioner maintenance, you catch issues early and can get repairs done before the big surge in service calls. If you're lucky the company you choose may offer an HVAC maintenance contract.
Are you wondering what spring maintenance tips you should use? Keep reading for these useful tips for your HVAC unit.
Why Follow These HVAC Tips?
These tips are provided to show the basic steps a homeowner can take to extend the life of their HVAC unit. With proper care and maintenance, your unit will provide air quality and comfort regardless of the season.
It is also recommended in addition to these simple tips, homeowners develop a relationship with a local HVAC company.
Change Your Air Filters
Air filters located with the home's air handlers provide an important function. It is important to change your filters at a minimum of every 90 days to ensure good air quality. Filters are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased at any home improvement store.
Ensure Your Unit Has a Clearance
Most HVAC systems have two components. The main unit which is located inside the garage or the attic, and the compressor which is located outside.
For the inside unit, do not place items on or near the unit. Maintain shrubbery and tree limbs near the compressor so they do not block or grow into the unit.
Blockage can cause the unit to overheat and lead to other damage.
Check for Tears in the Air Ducts
The air ducts in your home carry the air from your HVAC unit into the home. If your rooms are taking a long time to heat or cool, of you're not getting any air through the vents, you may have a tear.
To remedy the problem, you'll need to call in an HVAC specialist.
Look for Blockage in the Condensate Drain Line
The condensate drain line typically runs from the home to the outside. It is a drainage line used to remove condensation from the HVAC unit when the AC is running.
To see if the line is blocked, go outside after the AC turns off and see if there is moisture coming from the line. If not, the line may need to be cleaned to remove build-up from sediment, algae, and mold.
Is Your HVAC Unit Ready for Warmer Temps?
We hope these HVAC tips have you thinking about the current condition of your AC unit. In Florida, high temperatures can come in an instant. One day it's cool and the next it is blistering.
To ensure your unit is also in its best condition, invest in a maintenance contract today. Click here to learn more.
Save Money on Your Summer HVAC Bill: 3 Reasons Bonita Springs Homeowners Should Invest in HVAC Maintenance Plans
Summer is the season for sunny days and long vacations. It’s also the season for sweltering heat waves. The average temperature during summer months in Bonita Springs is 90 degrees.
With the smoldering summer heat brings sky-high electric bills. How can you stay cool and save money on your electric bill? Properly maintain your HVAC system. Keep reading to learn about three reasons to invest in HVAC maintenance plans.
1. Poor Insulation Wastes Money
What’s one way to waste money during the summer? No, it’s not purchasing cheap vacation packages. It’s improperly insulating your home.
You want the cool air in your home to stay in your home, not leak out through cracks in your walls or ceilings. Poor insulation not only wastes energy but money, too.
Properly insulating your home could save you 10 to 50 percent on cooling bills. Therefore, it’s crucial to make sure the ducts running through your home are sealed.
Don’t just think about insulation in your walls and ducts, areas like windows, plumbing, and cable TV openings also allow air to escape.
Another way you can properly insulate your home is by wrapping your hot water pipes. Whenever you take a shower, wash dishes, or do laundry, heat radiates from your hot water pipes.
This causes the temperature in your home to rise. Covering the water pipes with an insulator sleeve will ensure that your home stays cool — which saves on energy.
2. Dirty HVAC Filters Are Costly
Replacing your air filters is an often overlooked part of HVAC maintenance. This simple step greatly improves the performance of your air conditioning system.
Filthy filters affect the efficiency of your HVAC and could even cause a system failure. The cost of A/C repair ranges anywhere from $125 to $460.
Also, dirty air filters lower the air quality in your home. This is detrimental to those with allergies or upper respiratory conditions.
These negative effects can be avoided by cleaning your filters monthly. It also helps to have a supply of extra filters on hand.
3. Upgrades Make a Huge Difference
Think your A/C unit can last a lifetime? Think again. Energy experts suggest that you should consider replacing your A/C unit after 10 years. If you live in a warm climate area like Bonita Springs, you may need to replace it sooner.
New air conditioning models use up to 50 percent less energy than older ones. If you want to save money on your cooling bill, swap out your old A/C for a newer one.
Not sure if it’s time to invest in a new A/C unit? Contact our professionals for an inspection.
Save Money With These HVAC Maintenance Plans
Who said staying cool had to cost an arm and a leg? With these HVAC maintenance plans, you can cut down on your energy bill and escape the smoldering Bonita Springs heat.
Don’t forget to schedule your HVAC inspection. Contact us today!
5 Reasons Replacing Air Filters in Your Home Regularly is Important
There are several things a homeowner can do to maintain their HVAC system between routine checkups. Replacing air filters is one of the easiest. The filters are inexpensive and it takes less than a minute to change the main filter.
In most homes, there is only one air filter. If you have a larger home with more than one unit, there will be a filter for each. The air filters are located behind a grate located near the air handler.
The grate is easily recognizable and not difficult to remove. It is recommended that filters are changed every 90-days. Most home improvement stores sell multipacks in standard sizes.
Are your filters full of dust and dirt? Keep reading for five reasons replacing air filters in your home is important.
1. Air Quality is the Main Reason for Replacing Air Filters
The purpose of air filters is to help boost the home's air quality. It traps the particles that are invisible to the naked eye. If we could see what is floating around in our homes we would be shocked.
Dirt, dust, and pollen to name a few. If you smoke or have pets that is another layer.
Air filters are usually white. If you look at yours and it is dark gray or black, it hasn't been changed in quite some time.
2. Prevent Health Risks
The air quality of your home plays a part in your health. If you're not changing the air filters in the house you're increasing the risk of your household getting sick.
Your family will be more susceptible to colds. Allergy season can be unbearable if you have indoor allergens.
3. Cost Saving
When you properly maintain your HVAC system it will last longer and run more efficiently. A unit that is not running properly will require more power to operate. The additional energy required to keep the unit going will cause a spike in your utility bill.
4. Energy Savings
Timely home air filter replacement can help lower your utility bill. The operation of your HVAC system is impacted by how it is maintained. When filters are replaced every 90-days or sooner, based on your unit's usage, it causes a chain reaction.
There are fewer emissions when filters are clean and free of debris. The filter prevents dirt, dust, and pet hair from traveling into the air ducts and back into the home reducing its air quality.
5. HVAC Preventive Maintenance
Although replacing air filters is part of your HVAC preventive maintenance, it is not the only thing you can do to take care of your system. Check-out the owner's manual for additional tips.
Change Your Filters Today and Contact Romeo Air Conditioning, Inc. for Any Needed AC Maintenance in Naples, FL
Now that you know the importance of replacing air filters on a regular schedule, it's time to check and see if they need to be replaced today. If it's been more than a year since you had your HVAC inspected, it's time to call in a technician.
We are here to provide full-service maintenance and repair. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
What You Need to Know About the Benefits of an HVAC Maintenance Contract
It’s easy to forget about your HVAC system… until it breaks down. Scrambling to heat or cool your home not only takes a toll on your family, it can take a big chunk from your wallet.
Don’t find yourself in a sticky hot situation with no plan again. Having an HVAC maintenance contract both prevents breakdowns and reduces your wait time if it does happen.
Let’s look at 5 benefits of HVAC maintenance contracts you need to know about.
1. Longer System Lifespan
Nobody wants to pay to replace an HVAC system before they have to. Having a maintenance contract will protect your investment by keeping it running through its intended lifespan.
Regular tune-ups reduce the wear and tear on HVAC units. Most systems are meant to last around 10 to 15 years. With regular maintenance, your unit can reach that milestone or even surpass it.
That prevents you from having to replace an expensive unit before necessary.
2. Reduced Costs
HVAC systems that receive regular maintenance will operate more efficiently. That means it takes less energy to heat and cool your home, resulting in lower utility bills for you.
Our HVAC professionals will clean your unit and check to make sure everything is working properly. A unit running in top form is also less likely to breakdown, saving you from paying an unexpected repair bill.
Yet, if you need a repair, maintenance contract customers receive discounted services, saving you money no matter what.
3. Priority Service
Having an HVAC maintenance contract puts you at the head of the line. If you do have an emergency repair, that means you get priority service.
There’s no sinking feeling quite like having your air conditioner quit during the hottest part of the summer. When you’re a maintenance contract customer, there’s no need to sweat it out while you wait for a technician to arrive. Your service request becomes our priority.
4. Healthier Air
Many people don’t realize the air inside your home can be dirtier than the air outside. Dust, pet dander, and other containments collect in your system, compromising the air your family breaths.
As part of your maintenance contract, we replace air filters along with cleaning coils and other system parts. This allows your HVAC unit to supply your home with clean, healthier air.
Having clean air reduces triggers that aggravate allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions.
5. Peace of Mind
Most of all, having an HVAC maintenance contract gives you peace of mind. It’s one less thing you have to worry about, both mechanically and financially.
You no longer have to remember to tune your system up before the summer or winter season. Scheduled maintenance gets taken care of for you.
Plus, you’ll always know your family will feel comfortable in their home and breathing in healthy air.
Shorten Your To-Do List with an HVAC Maintenance Contract
Take one more thing off your to-do list. With an HVAC maintenance contract, your unit will be one less thing for you to worry about.
Ready to have your very own HVAC maintenance contract? Contact us today! Let Romeo Air Conditioning put our years of experience to work for you.
Stay Comfortable In the Florida Heat With These Air Conditioning Maintenance Bonita Springs Tips
Florida is the hottest of all of the states in the nation. It's no wonder we love our air conditioners down here.
Living in a tropical paradise calls for plenty of AC. Steady use can wear your unit out or worse -- cause it to break and costing you a lot of money.
Maintaining your unit is not only important but helps you take steps to save 20 to 50 percent off cooling costs too. Check out our air conditioning maintenance Bonita Springs tips to keep cool!
Safety First
Safety is key. Shut off power to the unit when working with moving parts and electricity.
You can do that by turning off the breaker on the inside of the house. You can also find an exterior shut-off box by the exterior condenser/compressor
Make Your AC Work Smarter, Not Harder
Improving your AC's efficiency might be as easy as helping it work smarter, not harder. Look around your house to see if there are ways to improve temperature retention.
Upgrade your insulation, seal up any cracks where air is leaking, and consider getting your windows tinted or putting up drapes. It helps keep your home cool so your AC isn't working overtime.
Remove Debris
Leaves, dirt, and other gunk can clog your AC unit. Remove debris to keep it from building up and damaging your unit.
Trim any trees that are nearby. Gently spray your unit once it's turned off to knock off any dirt and dust.
Change Your Filter
Changing your filter is one of the easiest HVAC maintenance tips that makes a big difference. Try to do it twice a year when the weather changes to hot or cold.
Unblock Your Evaporator Drain
Your AC unit uses an evaporator coil to cool your home's air. Humidity between the warm air and the cool air builds up on the coil then drips down into a pan.
The water in the pan flows into an evaporator drain tube. Algae, debris, and mold can cause a blockage.
Look for a PVC pipe leading out of the evaporator coil enclosure. Once you find where the drain ends, you can clean it with a wet/dry vacuum.
Make sure you remove the filter from the vacuum before cleaning the drain so as not to ruin it.
Defrost Your AC Coil
Does your coil seem frosty? That could mean there's a leak somewhere in the system.
Keep your system running smoothly by checking for any leaks first. Then turn off the AC or just use the fan to defrost the coil.
Air Conditioning Maintenance Bonita Springs Tips and Tricks
These few tips and tricks are great for air conditioning maintenance Bonita Springs Florida living. A little bit of preventative and general maintenance goes a long way to keeping you cool.
Living in Florida is like being on vacation unless your AC runs out. Stay frosty by checking your air flow and temp from time to time.
If your AC starts acting up, don't panic. Reach out to our pros to schedule your maintenance appointment today!
Keeping Cool: Your Guide to Air Conditioning Maintenance in Bonita Springs
When you live in Florida, you know that air conditioning isn't just a convenience. It's essential.
Especially if you live in southern Florida.
Even in the cooler winter months, you need to ensure that your air conditioner is still going to perform when you need it.
That's why it's vital to keep up air conditioning maintenance in Bonita Springs and other cities in the area.
Your Primary Checklist
If you don't have much knowledge of how your AC works, you might be surprised by just how much goes into it.
Of course, there are common sense things you can check.
Obviously, you'll want to be sure that all debris is cleared from around your outdoor unit so that everything can operate without interference.
You can also check your thermostat to see that temperature and timer functions are correctly set. In addition, if your thermostat runs on batteries, you may need to replace them.
But beyond that, there are many checkpoints require the help of a professional - a service person who knows the ins and outs of your system to deliver the best maintenance.
What Does Air Conditioning Maintenance in Bonita Springs Include?
While you may be able to clean and/or replace the air filter, this is a routine component of comprehensive air conditioning maintenance.
When one of our HVAC professionals comes out to inspect your AC unit, you can expect that he or she will also check the following:
- Operating pressure of refrigerant for proper charge
- The crankcase heater
- Condensate drain line and pan
- Blower components
- Starting capabilities
- All electrical connections
- Voltage and amperages on motors
- Thermostat calibration
- Reversing vales (on heat pumps only)
The service person will also sanitize the condenser and evaporator coils, clean the condensate drain line and pan, and lubricate all moving parts as needed.
He or she will further inform you of any issues that may need to be addressed before they potentially become bigger and more costly problems.
Extra Steps You Can Take
With regular maintenance, you can hopefully avoid those more sizable issues.
But aside from performing this maintenance, there are simple steps you can take to keep your house cooler and not put as much stress on your cooling unit.
Start by making sure that your attic - if you have one- is well ventilated.
During those sunny Florida days, draw the blinds or drapes to block the heat of the sunlight. And set every ceiling fan to rotate counter-clockwise.
Try to do as much cooking on the outdoor grill as possible to keep that heat outside where it belongs.
Routine Maintenance Will Help You Avoid a Big Headache
If you're noticing that your energy bills are increasing while your usage rate remains the same, or that your air conditioner can't keep a consistent comfort level, then it's definitely time to call in the professionals.
Your air conditioning is not at its optimal performance level. But we can help.
Contact us to get the most comprehensive air conditioning maintenance in Bonita Springs. And greatly lessen the likelihood of a breakdown later - when you need your AC the most.