Despite a couple above-average days, cooler temperatures this winter have made us long for spring! Punxsutawney Phil gave us good Groundhog Day news today, and an early spring will be a welcome relief. Until then, as the thermometer dips back down into the 50s, you can start planning for your A/C’s warmer-weather duties while keeping…
For more than a decade, the U.S. government Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has worked to phase out the use of ozone-damaging refrigerants in air conditioners, heat pumps, and other appliances. Many of these types of chemicals, CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), were phased out nearly 20 years ago, but HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons) stayed in production because they were “safer”…
Smart homes used to be showcases for tech companies, but not something the average homeowner could hope to have. But with wifi-enabled light bulbs and an array of smartphone apps, everything from your garage door, deadbolt, webcam, lighting, and music system can be affordably integrated and managed whether you’re at home or on the road….
If your home is your “castle,” or “where your heart is”… [insert other cliche here]… you certainly want it to be comfortable—and that’s why you had a central A/C unit installed. But does comfort have to come at the cost of your curb appeal? You can incorporate your air conditioner into your landscaping theme and…
How often do you think about your thermostat? If it’s only when you feel hot or cold, then it’s time to cozy up to your thermostat and learn what it’s capable of—or if it’s time to trade it in for a newer model! In many apartments, condos, and economical or older construction, you likely find…
If we left our climate in charge, we could only seek out a merciful breeze and a shady tree to keep us comfortable in the hottest stretches of southern living. Can you imagine a day without air conditioning? We take A/C for granted as a necessary convenience, but it’s a relatively new development in human…
Often we choose major appliances—including air conditioners and furnaces—based on our current budget and the cost of the equipment and its installation. But the ongoing energy costs of running your HVAC system are important considerations. Energy efficiency ratings help you plan for a system that is in budget at the time of purchase, and stays…
WHAT IS SEER? Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating—this is how your AC system is rated for efficiency. It measures air conditioning and heat pump cooling efficiency, which is calculated by the cooling output for a typical cooling season divided by the total electric energy input during the same time frame. A higher SEER rating means greater energy efficiency. As…
Florida Public Utilities Residential HVAC Rebate Program Florida Public Utilities offers rebates to electric residential customers who improve the efficiency of their homes. Central air conditioners and heat pumps that meet program requirements are eligible for a $100 rebate from FPU. Units must be 14 SEER or higher in order to be eligible. Contact FPU for…
