Homeowner’s Corner

What Does AC Maintenance Include and Do I Need It Now in Lakeland, FL?

Florida State has the second highest humidity levels in the U.S. only after Alaska. Even if you don't mind heat, humidity is an entirely different beast.

The hot, humid climate of Florida leads to many homes in the state having air conditioners. However, having an AC isn't enough. You need to maintain it to receive the full perks of cool air on a hot day.

A professional AC contractor can take a look at your HVAC system components to determine what's needed. Keep reading to learn about AC maintenance and why it's necessary.

What Does AC Maintenance Include?

Regular AC maintenance involves a set of tasks performed by a professional. While the specifics may vary depending on your system and its needs, these are the most common tasks you can count on:

Air Filter Replacement

AC companies will always stress the importance of regular air filter cleaning or replacement. Over time, air filters will collect dirt and debris that can clog up and reduce your system's efficiency.

Clean filters ensure that your air can flow through the system and into the home without stress. Some filters are washable so you don't have to replace them as often. A good clean will suffice.

It's recommended to change your air filter about every three months. If you have pets or live in a dry climate, you might need to change the filters more.

Failure to change the filters can increase your AC bills and cause health issues. An HVAC technician in Lakeland, Florida can complete this for you during an AC checkup. It's also one of the easier tasks you can do yourself when needed.

Condenser Coil Check

HVAC system components like condenser coils can collect dirt and debris over time. Just like with AC filters, the more dirt there is, the harder the system has to work.

Coils play a large role in cooling the air. Keeping them clean will ensure your system stays healthy for longer. You'll know it's time for a clean if you experience these tell-tale signs:

• Reduced cooling
• Longer cooling cycles
• Odd noises
• Higher energy bills
• Formation of ice

Additionally, your indoor humidity may be higher and your indoor air quality lower. A professional will clean the coils to make sure your unit continues to run as it should.

Refrigerant Level Inspection

During your AC maintenance checkup, a technician can inspect the refrigeration levels. If necessary, they'll add more.

Refrigerants should stay at adequate levels to keep comfortable temperatures in the home. The refrigerant is responsible for taking heat from the outdoors and cooling it to release into the home. If you experience an air conditioner leaking/AC pan leaking, it might be due to low refrigerant levels.

Running the AC without enough refrigerant can damage the system and won't cool your home. Your electric bill will increase and you won't get the cooling you desire.

Lubricate HVAC System Components

There are various moving parts in an HVAC system. Over time, these parts become worn and reduce the efficiency of your system.

A maintenance technician can lubricate the different parts to decrease friction. Your system will be able to move smoothly.

There are some signs that you need to lubricate your AC's moving parts. If you smell a burning odor, hear humming noises, or have overall inefficient cooling, call your AC technician.

Some of the signs of needing lubricant are the same symptoms as other problems. A professional can get to the bottom of the issue and fix it with ease and expertise.

AC Cleaning

When you look into heating and cooling near me, you'll find that many companies offer cleaning. This is a maintenance requirement if you wish for your system to have longevity. Cleaning an AC involves the removal of dirt and debris from various components.

To clean efficiently, a technician will turn off the power supply to the AC, remove debris that has accumulated near or on the unit, and spray the AC with a hose. They will also follow the above checklist to ensure your AC is as good as new. After, they can test the unit to ensure it works correctly.

AC Repair

There is no need to look up "AC repair near me" if you already have a maintenance technician. These professionals not only clean and maintain your system, but they can repair it when needed.

During your tune-up, they might find an issue that you weren't aware of. A professional set of eyes is helpful. They can fix an issue before it becomes a costly replacement job.

This is just another reason why it's important to hire a professional to handle maintenance.

Do You Need AC Maintenance Now?

If you haven't completed the above tasks in a while, you might need AC maintenance now. HVAC pros often recommend annual AC maintenance.

However, the frequency of AC maintenance can depend on:

• System age
• AC usage
• Type of unit
• Manufacturer recommendations

You'll want to schedule a tune-up before summer to ensure your system works well before the heat hits. Regular inspections can help determine if you need more frequent maintenance for your type of system. When you hire a professional technician in Lakeland, Florida, they will conduct preventative maintenance to keep the AC in good condition.

Without active maintenance, your system may fail sooner than it should, costing you a lot more money in the long run. Licensed HVAC professionals work to ensure the optimal performance of your AC unit.

Take Care of Your HVAC System Components

Regular AC maintenance allows homeowners to protect their HVAC system components year-round. Mission Air Services in Lakeland, Florida can help prevent breakdowns with comprehensive maintenance plans.

Our Membership Club includes regular HVAC system checkups, discounts on maintenance and repairs, and priority service scheduling. We offer all of this to help homeowners experience elevated comfort.

Our highly skilled technicians are ready to take on your needs. With a wide range of services and an eye for detail, we are the optimal choice for Lakeland homeowners.

Contact the masters of making you feel at home now.

by Blogger

What Is the Most Energy-Efficient Way to Heat a Home in Lakeland, FL?

Although Florida boasts warm weather most of the year, you want to cozy up your Lakeland home during those occasional chilly days. With over 90% of Floridians relying on electric heat in 2022, you might be on the lookout for energy-efficient ways to keep warm and cozy.

Not only will the most energy efficient HVAC system keep your Lakeland home toasty, but it can also cut your heating bills. Plus, you'll be doing your part for the environment!

Join us as we explore diverse options and find the perfect fit for your needs and budget.

What Types of Heaters Are Available for Your Lakeland, FL Home?

Knowing your options is the first step in finding the most energy efficient heating solution for your home. You've got various choices, each with unique benefits and drawbacks. Understanding these is crucial for making the right decision.

1. Natural Gas Heaters

These are a popular choice for heating Florida homes, especially for those who prefer a quick and powerful heating solution. Natural gas heaters are known for their efficiency and can be more cost-effective than electric heaters, depending on local gas prices. They're reliable and can heat a house quickly. This makes them a practical choice for those occasional chilly evenings in Lakeland.

On the downside, the initial setup for a natural gas heating system can be higher than for electric heaters, especially if your home isn't already connected to a natural gas line. This might include the cost of the heater itself, installation, and any necessary ductwork.

Additionally, natural gas heaters require regular maintenance to ensure they are operating safely and efficiently. Burning natural gas can negatively impact indoor air quality if the heater is not well-maintained or properly vented. This could lead to a buildup of pollutants inside your home.

There's also a risk of gas leaks, which can be hazardous. It's important to have detectors installed and to ensure regular service by professionals.

2. Electric Heaters

Electric heaters are suitable for homes without access to natural gas or for those who require supplemental heating in specific areas.
They're versatile and come in various types, including baseboard heaters, portable heaters, and wall heaters.

The upfront cost of purchasing an electric heater is generally lower compared to other types of heating systems like gas heaters or heat pumps. Plus, electric heaters generally require minimal installation efforts, as they don't need a dedicated gas line like their gas counterparts. This can save you money on installation costs.

Many electric heaters are portable, allowing you to move them from room to room as needed. This flexibility is great for heating specific areas of your home without the need to warm the entire space. This can result in further financial savings.

While electric heaters may be cheaper to buy and install, they can be more expensive to operate. Electricity costs more per unit of heat than natural gas in many areas. This can lead to higher energy bills.

3. Heat Pumps

Particularly well-suited to Florida's mild winters, heat pumps are among the most energy-efficient heating systems available. They work by transferring heat from the outside air to warm your home, consuming less energy compared to traditional heating methods.

Compared to electric resistance alternatives, such as baseboard heaters and electric furnaces, heat pumps can cut your electricity usage for heating by about 65%. Plus, they double as air conditioners in the summer. This makes them a versatile, year-round solution for Lakeland residents like yourself.

Besides their energy efficiency and dual functionality, heat pumps are generally safer than combustion-based heating systems, as there's no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning or gas leaks.

A major disadvantage of heat pumps is that their initial installation cost can be higher than traditional heating systems. This upfront investment might be a deterrent for some homeowners, although the long-term energy savings can offset this.

Also, the efficiency of these heating systems can decrease in extremely cold temperatures. This can make them less suitable for Lakelanders that experience harsher winters.

How Can You Enhance the Energy Efficiency of Your Lakeland, FL Home Heater?

Regardless of what type of heater you choose, there are ways to make it run at peak efficiency. Regular maintenance and smart usage habits can significantly improve your heater's performance and reduce energy costs. Consider these tips to keep your home toasty and your wallet happy:

1. Regular Maintenance

Keep your heating system in top shape with regular maintenance. This includes cleaning or replacing filters, checking for duct problems, and having a professional service your system annually.

2. Smart Thermostats

Installing a smart thermostat can significantly improve your heating system's efficiency. These devices allow for precise temperature control and can be programmed to lower the heat when you're not home, reducing unnecessary energy use.

3. Insulation and Sealing

Drafty windows and doors are energy bandits. Proper insulation in your home, along with sealing any gaps around doors and windows, can keep the heat in and the cold out. This reduces the burden on your heating system and keeps your home comfortable.

4. System Sizing

Each home is unique, and so are your heating needs. Think about your home's size, layout, and how often you need heating. This will guide you in choosing the most appropriate type of heater and using it efficiently.

5. System Upgrades

If your current home heating system is old and inefficient, consider upgrading to an energy-efficient model. A small investment now can mean big savings in the long run.

Get the Most Energy Efficient HVAC System in Lakeland, FL

Whether it's the quick warmth of natural gas heaters, the simplicity of electric heaters, or the efficiency of heat pumps, there's a heating solution that's right for you. With a few smart practices, you can enhance the energy efficiency of your residential heating system, ensuring cozy winters without hefty energy bills.

At Mission Air Services, we can leverage our expertise and experience in HVAC systems to help find the most energy efficient HVAC system for your Lakeland home. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us today to learn more about your home heating options.

by Blogger

Common Duct Problems in Lakeland, FL and How to Fix Them

A staggering 1,081 kWh per month - that's how much electricity the average home in Florida uses. That's nearly 20% higher than the nationwide average! And if you're in Lakewood, FL, you likely pay ¢10.58 per kWh.

While that's less than the U.S. average, it still translates to nearly $115 a month, or $1,380 a year.

Your HVAC system, in turn, is the top driver behind that high electricity usage.

Unfortunately, air duct problems can further increase your energy bills. Worse, they can cause poor indoor air quality (IAQ).

Fortunately, minor problems with ductwork are fixable with DIY strategies. You only need to be proactive in finding and addressing them.

We'll give you a head start by teaching you the most common HVAC ductwork woes and how to fix them, so read on.

Duct Leaks

Duct leaks occur when conditioned air escapes the ductwork. This leakage often happens via gaps, cracks, seams, and holes in the metal ducts. As a result, the conditioned air goes to waste rather than cooling or heating a room or space.

The Symptoms

Duct leaks can cause hot and cold spots throughout your abode. They can also lead to your home having stuffy areas. And because they waste conditioned air, they can raise your heating and cooling bills.

Leaky ducts also place unnecessary strain on your HVAC system. For example, if they leak 20% of conditioned air, they can force the HVAC system to work 50% harder. This can result in your system experiencing premature breakdowns and frequent repairs.

The Fix

First, find possible leaks, which often occur around ductwork connections and joints. Loose joints, holes, and tears in duct insulation can all leak conditioned air. Unsealed joints likely experience some leakage, too.

Once you've discovered these problem areas, the next step is to patch and seal them. For small holes and tears, you can use high-quality HVAC tape. You can also use duct sealant, a thick, paint-like substance you can buy from hardware stores.

However, if you have extensive duct leakage, your best bet is to contact an air duct repair expert. Do the same if you can't find the leaks but experience their symptoms. Pros can quickly locate and fix leaks using the latest HVAC technology and equipment.

Damaged Duct Insulation

Poorly insulated ducts can result in duct leakage, too. Therefore, they also contribute to higher heating and cooling bills. These, plus other duct leaks, can make your HVAC bills cost hundreds of dollars more each year.

Damaged insulation, which can be holes, tears, or water saturation, has a similar effect.

The Symptoms

Damaged duct insulation can cause the same symptoms as duct leaks. However, they can also become wet, which can happen due to high humidity levels.

Excessive condensation can also lead to wet insulation. You may first see this as water droplets on uninsulated duct sections. From there, the droplets can drip into the areas with insulation, saturating them.

You may also notice missing sections in your duct insulation. This indicates a potential rodent infestation.

Mice and rats can make nests out of insulation materials. So, if you also hear odd sounds (e.g., squeaking or scratching) from your ducts, they may be a sign you have pests in there.

The Fix

As with minor duct leaks, you can use HVAC tape or sealant to fix small holes and tears on duct insulation.

However, if the insulation is wet, it may already require replacement. In this case, consider contacting a licensed HVAC professional in Lakeland, FL. This way, they can determine and fix the root cause of the excessive condensation.

If you suspect rodents live in your ducts, please call a pest control company ASAP. Then, have an HVAC company clean and sanitize your ducts.

Mold Growth

Moisture is one of the most crucial factors that promote mold growth.

As mentioned above, moisture can affect your ductwork and insulation through condensation. When mold spores land on them, it won't take long for them to colonize.

The Symptoms

The most telling sign of molds in ducts or insulation is an unpleasant, earthy, or musty odor. You may notice this when you breathe in conditioned air.

Health symptoms like nasal congestion, coughing, and sneezing may also occur. Mold exposure can also trigger eye and skin irritation, allergies, and asthma. Folks with mold allergies (about 10% of people in the U.S.) are particularly at risk of these symptoms.

The Fix

Cleaning your air ducts is the best way to remove molds growing inside these conduits. You can hire a local HVAC technician to perform this job and even sanitize your ducts. Sanitizing is especially helpful as it can kill molds and their spores.

For moldy duct insulation, the best move is to get it replaced by an HVAC professional.

Significant Dirt and Debris Build-Up

Over time, the ductwork in your Lakeland home can accumulate particles. These include dander, dust, dirt, debris, mold spores, and pollen.

Those particles can enter your ducts through the air your HVAC system circulates. Air filters help trap some of them, but not all, depending on their MERV rating or efficiency.

The Symptoms

Particle build-up can cause similar symptoms as moldy ducts or insulation. Another indication is that your air filters keep developing clogs faster. Weak airflow from your HVAC system also signals filthy ductwork.

The Fix

As with moldy ducts or insulation, the best way to address filthy ductwork is to have it cleaned by a pro.

However, you should also consider scheduling your entire HVAC system for maintenance. Its interior components may have also formed thick layers of debris and residue. Having it inspected and tuned up can help make it perform well and efficient again.

Resolve Your Duct Problems ASAP

From leaks to damages, mold growth, and filth build-up, all these are common air duct problems. Fortunately, they don't always require costly repairs, provided you address them immediately. Doing so prevents them from causing more severe ductwork issues or HVAC failure.

Most importantly, having clean, working ducts can help keep your IAQ optimal.

If you still need help after trying the DIY tips above, Mission Air Services can help. Our expert technicians in Lakeland, FL, can resolve all your HVAC and air duct woes 24/7. Contact us today to schedule your service!

by Blogger