Is your house damp or warm? Does your air conditioner make a lot of noise or run inefficiently and cause your energy bill to skyrocket? Then, maybe it's time to change your air conditioning unit.
If you have already decided to lower your energy costs; remember that the most important thing is to hire a professional. Just buying a new air conditioner is not enough. The specific unit should be chosen with the help of a professional and correctly installed by a professional. Without the help of a professional, a wrong configuration such as installing an undersized unit in a large home might be chosen. In this example, the unit will not be able to cool your home efficiently and the overworked unit will not last as long as the proper size. If you have any of these problems, you can call in confidence and we will gladly help you choose and install your new air conditioning system.
Properly Sized Room Air Conditioners
Many people buy an air conditioner that is too large, thinking it will provide better cooling. However, an oversized air conditioner is actually less effective — and wastes energy at the same time. Air conditioners remove both heat and humidity from the air. If the unit is too large, it will cool the room quickly, but only remove some of the humidity. This leaves the room with a damp, clammy feeling. A properly sized unit will remove humidity effectively as it cools.
To figure out which size unit is best for your cooling needs:
Using the square footage and the chart below, determine the correct cooling capacity. Cooling capacity is measured in British thermal units (BTUs) per hour.
Area To Be Cooled (square feet)
Capacity Needed (BTUs per hour)
450 up to 550 12,000
550 up to 700 14,000
700 up to 1,000 18,000
1,000 up to 1,200 21,000
1,200 up to 1,400 23,000
1,400 up to 1,500 24,000
1,500 up to 2,000 30,000
2,000 up to 2,500 34,000
Make any adjustments for the following circumstances:
◦ If the room is heavily shaded, reduce capacity by 10 percent.
◦ If the room is very sunny, increase capacity by 10 percent.
◦ If more than two people regularly occupy the room, add 600 BTUs for each additional person.
◦ If the unit is used in a kitchen, increase capacity by 4,000 BTUs.
◦ Consider where you install the unit. If you are mounting an air conditioner near the corner of a room, look for a unit that can send the airflow in the right direction.
Harrell Home Services is your lifetime solution for complete home comfort. We service all makes and models of central air conditioners, heaters, and coming soon Solar Pool and Water Heating. Our mission is to lower your cost of living while improving your home comfort.
Monday, March 30, 2015
Improving Your Home Cooling System
With the summer season upon us once again, it is time to consider
your cooling needs. Whether your home cooling system is in need of some
routine maintenance or you have moved to a new place and need to think
about your heating and cooling needs, the fact is that the summer heat
will not wait and you need to decide quickly what your options are.
Without the proper air circulation in your home, it can have some hazardous effects to your health. You don't want to be breathing in unfiltered air and you don't want to find yourself overheated during the hottest months of the summer, as this can cause dehydration, dizziness, sweating, and more. All of this can be easily avoided with the right purchase. You have the option of choosing either a wall air conditioning unit or central air conditioning; it depends on what is best for you and your home.
The main advantage of a central air cooling system is that every room in the home will maintain an even temperature. This way you do not have to resort to using fans in each room to make things more comfortable for you and your family on those unbearably hot days.
On the other hand, a single wall unit will afford you the option of making one room cooler than others in your home.
If you live in a humid environment you may want cooler temperatures in your bedroom at night so that you can rest better. A wall unit is ideal for this purpose.
Some other things to consider are the size of your home, the amount of people living with you and whether or not you entertain on a regular basis, as well as your energy costs on average, these factors along with the fact that you may live in milder temperatures and have less need for cooling your home. In this case, a wall unit will work for your needs.
If the home you live in is part of an attached home such as a house or condo, you may want to read over your contract to determine if window units are allowed in the home if central heating and air are not part of your rental or contract agreement.
However you decide you want to cool your home this summer, you have options to choose from that will work with your budget and your tastes. You may want to speak to an HVAC technician for some pointers.
Without the proper air circulation in your home, it can have some hazardous effects to your health. You don't want to be breathing in unfiltered air and you don't want to find yourself overheated during the hottest months of the summer, as this can cause dehydration, dizziness, sweating, and more. All of this can be easily avoided with the right purchase. You have the option of choosing either a wall air conditioning unit or central air conditioning; it depends on what is best for you and your home.
The main advantage of a central air cooling system is that every room in the home will maintain an even temperature. This way you do not have to resort to using fans in each room to make things more comfortable for you and your family on those unbearably hot days.
On the other hand, a single wall unit will afford you the option of making one room cooler than others in your home.
If you live in a humid environment you may want cooler temperatures in your bedroom at night so that you can rest better. A wall unit is ideal for this purpose.
Some other things to consider are the size of your home, the amount of people living with you and whether or not you entertain on a regular basis, as well as your energy costs on average, these factors along with the fact that you may live in milder temperatures and have less need for cooling your home. In this case, a wall unit will work for your needs.
If the home you live in is part of an attached home such as a house or condo, you may want to read over your contract to determine if window units are allowed in the home if central heating and air are not part of your rental or contract agreement.
However you decide you want to cool your home this summer, you have options to choose from that will work with your budget and your tastes. You may want to speak to an HVAC technician for some pointers.
Saturday, February 7, 2015
How to Clean Your Air Ducts in Tampa Homes
Many people worry about the cleanliness of their air ducts because of
the fear that dirty ones can lead to adverse health problems from the
pollutants they collect. However, for the most part this fear is
misguided. The EPA has not yet been able to conclusively prove the
benefit of regularly cleaning your air ducts and therefore does not
recommend doing it.
There are a few important exceptions to this rule, though—when mold is visibly present, after an infestation of insects or rodents, when debris impacts the performance of your air ducts, and when you can plainly see debris being dispersed through the building via the air ducts. Thankfully, there are steps you can take that have been recommended by the EPA to ensure that your air ducts don’t develop problems like these.
They include:
• Choosing air filters that meet the highest efficiency levels recommended by your HVAC manufacturer
• Changing filters regularly enough that they do not become clogged
• Making sure that all air filters are installed properly, without gaps or holes around the edges of them
• Making sure that you don’t have any missing filters
• Cleaning your HVAC’s cooling coils and drainage pans during routine maintenance
• Vacuuming your building regularly to remove any accumulated dust and debris, preferably with a
HEPA certified vacuum
• Turning off your HVAC system and sealing the registers during construction so that dust and debris from the process does not enter the system
• Maintaining your in-duct humidifier according to the manufacturer’s standards
To specifically prevent the accumulation of mold in your air ducts, you will need to take the following steps:
• Immediately and effectively repair leaks and water damage
• Inspect your cooling coils on a regular basis—they are highly susceptible to promoting mold growth within air ducts
• Properly seal and insulate your air ducts for spaces that aren’t air conditioned, like the attic
• Choose an air conditioning unit that is sized properly for your particular building
• Ensure that your condensation pans are draining properly
If you’ve got a Tampa, and Orlando air conditioning unit and you’re wondering about other steps you can take to clean your air ducts or if you have any air conditioning questions in general, don’t hesitate to call us day or night—we offer emergency 24 hour service.
Harrell Home Services
• One Hour AC Repair
• Guaranteed Service In 1 Hour
• Emergency Air Conditioning Repair
• FREE Estimates on All AC Services
• Certified AC / HVAC Technicians
• Tampa & Orlando's AC Repair Company
• Open 7 Days a Week - 24 Hours A Day
Call Harrell Home Services for fast and professional service.
(813) 413-5550
Tampa
(727) 231-6012
St. Pete/Clearwater
(407) 545-7535
Orlando
(352) 205-4230
Clermont
There are a few important exceptions to this rule, though—when mold is visibly present, after an infestation of insects or rodents, when debris impacts the performance of your air ducts, and when you can plainly see debris being dispersed through the building via the air ducts. Thankfully, there are steps you can take that have been recommended by the EPA to ensure that your air ducts don’t develop problems like these.
They include:
• Choosing air filters that meet the highest efficiency levels recommended by your HVAC manufacturer
• Changing filters regularly enough that they do not become clogged
• Making sure that all air filters are installed properly, without gaps or holes around the edges of them
• Making sure that you don’t have any missing filters
• Cleaning your HVAC’s cooling coils and drainage pans during routine maintenance
• Vacuuming your building regularly to remove any accumulated dust and debris, preferably with a
HEPA certified vacuum
• Turning off your HVAC system and sealing the registers during construction so that dust and debris from the process does not enter the system
• Maintaining your in-duct humidifier according to the manufacturer’s standards
To specifically prevent the accumulation of mold in your air ducts, you will need to take the following steps:
• Immediately and effectively repair leaks and water damage
• Inspect your cooling coils on a regular basis—they are highly susceptible to promoting mold growth within air ducts
• Properly seal and insulate your air ducts for spaces that aren’t air conditioned, like the attic
• Choose an air conditioning unit that is sized properly for your particular building
• Ensure that your condensation pans are draining properly
If you’ve got a Tampa, and Orlando air conditioning unit and you’re wondering about other steps you can take to clean your air ducts or if you have any air conditioning questions in general, don’t hesitate to call us day or night—we offer emergency 24 hour service.
Harrell Home Services
• One Hour AC Repair
• Guaranteed Service In 1 Hour
• Emergency Air Conditioning Repair
• FREE Estimates on All AC Services
• Certified AC / HVAC Technicians
• Tampa & Orlando's AC Repair Company
• Open 7 Days a Week - 24 Hours A Day
Call Harrell Home Services for fast and professional service.
(813) 413-5550
Tampa
(727) 231-6012
St. Pete/Clearwater
(407) 545-7535
Orlando
(352) 205-4230
Clermont
Thursday, February 5, 2015
What to Do if You See Ice on Your AC Unit
Why does ice form on an AC unit?
There are several reasons why ice might be forming on your AC unit, but the most common culprit is a dirty air filter. During the summer months, when your air conditioner is running on a regular basis, you should be changing your filters once a month—unfortunately, many people don’t know this or simply forget about it.
An evaporator coil covered in grime is another reason why your AC might be icing over. Like your air filters, evaporator coils need to be maintained regularly in order to function correctly.
Finally, in severe cases, an icy AC unit can be caused by a loss of refrigerant charge, which causes an imbalance in the correct amount of refrigerant gas being pumped into the system. Ironically, while a lack of charge can cause a unit to ice over, it also causes your AC to overheat. This can lead to damage from burnout, but it also poses a fire risk for your home as well.
What should be done if I notice ice on my unit?
The first thing you should do is check your filter. If it’s indeed dirty then a simple change should clear up your ice problems in a timely manner. However, if you’ve recently replaced the filter and you’re still experiencing ice, that’s an indication that something more serious is going wrong. Both evaporator coil and refrigerant charge issues cannot be resolved without the help of an AC specialist.
If that’s the case, then you’re in need of an emergency AC repair. Luckily, Harrell Home Services is here to help! We’ve been dealing with AC repair in Orlando and Tampa for years, and we’re more than happy to assist you with whatever system problems you may be having. Give us a call today!
Call Harrell Home Services for fast and professional service.
(813) 413-5550
Tampa
(727) 231-6012
St. Pete/Clearwater
(407) 545-7535
Orlando
(352) 205-4230
Clermont
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
7 Ways to Improve the Air Quality in Your Home
Poor air quality in your home can pose real health risks—especially
to children, the elderly, and people suffering from asthma. Even if the
air in your home doesn’t look dirty, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s
clean. There are countless microscopic dust mites and other allergens
present that aren’t visible to the naked eye. If you’re worried about
the negative effects poor air quality could have on you and your family,
here are seven tips to improve air quality.
Upgrade Air Filters
While a standard A/C air filter will catch the major air quality offenders—dust and dander—they can’t do much about the microscopic particles. If your air conditioning unit is capable of running with high-efficiency filters, by all means make the switch, since they can trap these tiny particles.
Minimize Humidity
High humidity environments are the perfect place for mold and bacteria to develop. To avoid these potential air pollutants keep the humidity in check in your home. Most air conditioners have a built-in dehumidifier, but you might want to purchase a standalone model if you’re worried that’s not enough.
Change Air Filters Regularly
Dirty air filters are nowhere near as effective at cleaning the air as fresh ones. It’s recommended that you change them at least once a month—or more in the summer months, when AC use is at its highest.
Ditch the Cigarettes
There’s nothing that can diminish air quality in a home faster than secondhand cigarette smoke. Although most people don’t allow smoking in their home nowadays, you should stop it completely if you’re currently doing it.
Vacuum Regularly
Using a vacuum with a HEPA filter regularly can drastically improve the air quality in your home. Vacuums are able to quickly and effectively eliminate larger contaminants like pet dander or dust so that your air filters don’t have to work overtime to get rid of them.
Buy Air Cleaners
A dedicated air cleaner is perfect for times when you want to filter your air but don’t need to use the A/C or heater. Most models can trap large particles and kill microscopic mites and bacteria at the same time.
Maintain Your AC
Regular A/C maintenance is a must if you want your air quality to remain high. Leaky ducts can pump in extra dust or debris from outside in your home, which will make your efforts that much harder. Call a repair person as soon as something doesn’t seem right with your system, but don’t forget that a regular “check-up” from time to time couldn’t hurt either.
Reference:
http://www.webmd.com/lung/features/12-ways-to-improve-indoor-air-quality
Harrell Home Services
• One Hour AC Repair
• Guaranteed Service In 1 Hour
• Emergency Air Conditioning Repair
• FREE Estimates on All AC Services
• Certified AC / HVAC Technicians
• Tampa & Orlando's AC Repair Company
• Open 7 Days a Week - 24 Hours A Day
Upgrade Air Filters
While a standard A/C air filter will catch the major air quality offenders—dust and dander—they can’t do much about the microscopic particles. If your air conditioning unit is capable of running with high-efficiency filters, by all means make the switch, since they can trap these tiny particles.
Minimize Humidity
High humidity environments are the perfect place for mold and bacteria to develop. To avoid these potential air pollutants keep the humidity in check in your home. Most air conditioners have a built-in dehumidifier, but you might want to purchase a standalone model if you’re worried that’s not enough.
Change Air Filters Regularly
Dirty air filters are nowhere near as effective at cleaning the air as fresh ones. It’s recommended that you change them at least once a month—or more in the summer months, when AC use is at its highest.
Ditch the Cigarettes
There’s nothing that can diminish air quality in a home faster than secondhand cigarette smoke. Although most people don’t allow smoking in their home nowadays, you should stop it completely if you’re currently doing it.
Vacuum Regularly
Using a vacuum with a HEPA filter regularly can drastically improve the air quality in your home. Vacuums are able to quickly and effectively eliminate larger contaminants like pet dander or dust so that your air filters don’t have to work overtime to get rid of them.
Buy Air Cleaners
A dedicated air cleaner is perfect for times when you want to filter your air but don’t need to use the A/C or heater. Most models can trap large particles and kill microscopic mites and bacteria at the same time.
Maintain Your AC
Regular A/C maintenance is a must if you want your air quality to remain high. Leaky ducts can pump in extra dust or debris from outside in your home, which will make your efforts that much harder. Call a repair person as soon as something doesn’t seem right with your system, but don’t forget that a regular “check-up” from time to time couldn’t hurt either.
Reference:
http://www.webmd.com/lung/features/12-ways-to-improve-indoor-air-quality
Harrell Home Services
• One Hour AC Repair
• Guaranteed Service In 1 Hour
• Emergency Air Conditioning Repair
• FREE Estimates on All AC Services
• Certified AC / HVAC Technicians
• Tampa & Orlando's AC Repair Company
• Open 7 Days a Week - 24 Hours A Day
Monday, February 2, 2015
Why home insulation is necessary in Florida?
Before knowing the importance and benefits of home insulation, it is important to know what home insulation is. Home Insulation or building insulation refers widely to insulating building parts like ceiling, roof or wall for various purposes like thermal insulation, acoustic insulation, etc. Insulation is basically done to resist the flow of heat and keep your home or work place warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
There are many benefits attached with wall insulation and Roof Insulation such as it improves comfort in the house during summer and winter by controlling room temperature, it offers healthier environment and maintains acoustic effects in the house. In addition to those, it saves energy and lowers down the energy bills.
If your house walls, ceiling, and roof are not properly insulated, the energy used in heating or cooling home will not able to give you maximum benefits, and addition to that, you will have to pay hefty electricity bills.
Whether you are constructing new house or already have a house, insulating to it is very easy. You just need to call Harrell Home services and leave rest to us.
Tampa 813-367-1044
Orlando 407-287-4032
www.fixmyacfast.com
There are many benefits attached with wall insulation and Roof Insulation such as it improves comfort in the house during summer and winter by controlling room temperature, it offers healthier environment and maintains acoustic effects in the house. In addition to those, it saves energy and lowers down the energy bills.
If your house walls, ceiling, and roof are not properly insulated, the energy used in heating or cooling home will not able to give you maximum benefits, and addition to that, you will have to pay hefty electricity bills.
Whether you are constructing new house or already have a house, insulating to it is very easy. You just need to call Harrell Home services and leave rest to us.
Tampa 813-367-1044
Orlando 407-287-4032
www.fixmyacfast.com
Sunday, February 1, 2015
What you need to know before air conditioner installation
A HVAC system is an absolute must to ensure comfort is a top priority
for all seasons. Whether you’re considering an air conditioner
installation or you just need a replacement, you need to know the size
of the home helps to determine the correct size HVAC unit you need.
Having an air conditioner that isn’t the proper size for your specific home can be environmentally unfavorable. By keeping a small system in a large home, the system is putting in extra work. If an air conditioning system works to hard, it can increase your energy bill. A system that is to big for your home can also waste money and make your house feel really chilly at times.
Before a new air conditioner installation, have you will want a technician to inspect the size of your home to determine what you need. The technicians at Harrell Home Services are experts and can make recommendations based on a number of factors including the amount of sunlight the residence receives, where the AC unit will be installed and how many people reside in the home. Our qualified technicians will tell you which unit is the most efficient for your house.
If you are thinking of installing a new AC unit in your home, contact us! We can help with any air conditioning troubleshooting too! We will also be at your house in one hour!
Having an air conditioner that isn’t the proper size for your specific home can be environmentally unfavorable. By keeping a small system in a large home, the system is putting in extra work. If an air conditioning system works to hard, it can increase your energy bill. A system that is to big for your home can also waste money and make your house feel really chilly at times.
Before a new air conditioner installation, have you will want a technician to inspect the size of your home to determine what you need. The technicians at Harrell Home Services are experts and can make recommendations based on a number of factors including the amount of sunlight the residence receives, where the AC unit will be installed and how many people reside in the home. Our qualified technicians will tell you which unit is the most efficient for your house.
If you are thinking of installing a new AC unit in your home, contact us! We can help with any air conditioning troubleshooting too! We will also be at your house in one hour!
- • One Hour AC Repair
- • Guaranteed Service In 1 Hour
- • Emergency Air Conditioning Repair
- • FREE Estimates on All AC Services
- • Certified AC / HVAC Technicians
- • Tampa & Orlando's AC Repair Company
- • Open 7 Days a Week - 24 Hours A Day
Harrell Home Services
4620 N. Hale Ave
Tampa, Florida 33614
Phone: (813) 413-5550
Fax: (813) 343-8911
Tampa, Florida 33614
Phone: (813) 413-5550
Fax: (813) 343-8911
Harrell Home Services
7033 Stapoint Ct
Winter Park, FL 32792
Phone: (407) 545-7535
Winter Park, FL 32792
Phone: (407) 545-7535
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