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The role of humidity in air conditioning

You may live on the water. You may live a mile from the beach. Or you may live 30 miles inland. When it comes to humidity, it doesn’t matter. All of Florida experiences humidity, and a lot of it. How does humidity affect your air conditioning? Read on to learn more.

Wanted a Beach Life – Got a Jungle Instead

We love Florida. Mills Heating and Air has helped thousands of Floridians with their air conditioning needs. We know that in addition to the beauty and tropical weather, humidity is included.

While some assume high humidity is exclusively a summer problem, it is not. Although it may feel stuffy or muggy during the higher temperatures, humidity and temperature are independent. Humidity refers to the amount of moisture in the air. The temperature may be a cool 70 degrees, and the humidity may be closer to 90 percent.

Let’s better understand the role of humidity, and how we can control it.

Part of the air conditioning process is to remove heat and moisture from the air. The air feels cooler when excess moisture, or humidity, is removed. This process delivers the comfortable environment you want.

Most internet resources will list ideal indoor humidity levels as between 30 and 50 percent. Be advised, these are typical for the overall United States. In Florida and other Gulf Coast locations, residents know an achievable and realistic indoor humidity level target is closer to 55 to 65 percent.

According to the Florida Solar Energy Center at the University of Central Florida, levels constantly higher than 70 to 75 percent run a risk of mold, mildew and dust mite growth. These contaminants, along with pet dander, pollen and dust can impact your health and indoor air quality.

An appropriate humidity level is a good thing. A lack of humidity is hard on the sinuses, increases vulnerability to bacteria and causes other comfort issues.

How to Improve Humidity and Health in Air Conditioning

At Mills Heating and Air, we improve the humidity in air conditioning. We have several tactics to share. These include regular service, the addition of a dehumidifier and the inclusion of air quality products.

Dehumidifier. This is practically a must. A dehumidifier works as a partner with your AC unit. Together they remove the excess moisture in the air, to improve the air conditioning process. This increases comfort and safety. It reduces the risk of air saturation that is common with breeding mold and other pollutants.

Service your air conditioning unit. Regular maintenance is responsible, and it is a necessity in our climate. Preventative service will inspect, test and lubricate all relevant components, including switches and belts.

Your technician will also look for signs of mold growth, as well as excess wear and tear. An air conditioning system without a dehumidifier, for example, may have to work harder in an effort to keep up with demand.

When you service your air conditioner, you help it to operate at peak levels and increase its lifespan. To avoid surprise HVAC repairs and breakdowns, schedule service today.

Indoor air quality products. Mills Heating and Air proudly carry Guardian products. We can show you an amazing array of air purifiers designed to complement your existing air filter. While filtration reduces contaminants, Guardian air purifiers capture and kill bacteria, viruses, mold and mildew spores in the home.

Mills Technicians are Air Conditioning Experts

Mills Heating and Air has served customers in northwestern Florida since 1984 with various air conditioning service, repair and installation needs.

We know Florida weather, and we can help to reduce the humidity in your home. Call us when you need service, repair or if you need an air conditioner or dehumidifier replacement.

Concerned about finances? Don’t be – Mills Heating and Air offers multiple financing options. By spreading out payments, you keep expenses predictable. We want you to enjoy increased comfort, less humidity and lower utility bills today.

Not ready to replace? Mills can service and repair any brand. Contact Mills Heating & Air to discuss air conditioner and indoor air quality options. For lower bills, call Mills!

Severe weather season in Florida is here

Living in Florida, we enjoy beautiful weather most days. Fall, however, means an increased risk of severe storms as the hurricane season lasts until November. Your property, including your air conditioner unit, can face strong winds and pelting rainfall. Fort Walton Beach has even seen hail and tornado activity. Protect your air conditioner before the storms hit. Learn how to keep your HVAC operating well after the weather passes.

Prepare Air Conditioner for Storm Impact

Your air conditioner is built to withstand typical weather. Hurricane-created storms, however, may put it to the test. To combat the effects of the wind and electrical activity, take the following steps.

1. Before the storm arrives, turn the thermostat down several degrees below your preferred level. This helps keep a residual “coolness” once you turn off your air conditioner.
   
   
2. Did you say “turn off?” Unfortunately, yes. If you’re a transplant to Florida or are in your first home, hurricane activity includes sporadic power outages. Turn your air conditioner off during the hurricane to prevent damage from power surges.
   
   Your AC compressor suffers from these back-and-forth power outages. It also puts undue pressure on the other components to be shut off and turned on unpredictably. Power surges increase the likelihood of needing HVAC repairs or even replacement.
   
   
3. In the most severe cases, anchor an outdoor AC unit with straps or cover it with a tarp. Of course, secure outdoor furniture, planters or toys. Any of these could be picked up by the wind and cause damage to your air conditioner.

Hurricane Over? Air Conditioner Next Steps

Inspect your air conditioner. It’s important to get it running again, unless it’s damaged. If your AC unit has experienced electrical or physical damage, turning it on can make the damage worse.

1. Are the electrical and refrigerant lines okay? Is there damage?
2. Did your air conditioner spend time under water? Whether freshwater flood or saltwater, submersion matters.
3. Did a tree fall on the AC unit? Did the wind blow debris into it? If so, the fan blades may be bent. Components may be clogged with yard waste or other objects. Any of these can contribute to airflow obstruction or other obstacles to functionality.
4. Any strange noises when you test it, such as buzzes or clicks?

Bacteria and Mold Risk for Your Air Conditioner

If no damage is present, fire up the air conditioner immediately! If left to rest too long, bacteria and mold may grow. By definition, a hurricane or severe storm subjects your air conditioner to intense heat and moisture. This combination invites mold and bacteria growth. The sooner you can run your air conditioning and dehumidifier, if you have one, the better.  

Trust Mills Heating and Air

Mills Heating and Air has served customers in northwestern Florida since 1984 with various central air conditioning service, repair and installation needs. We know Florida weather and we can help you before or after storm activity. Call us when you need service, repair or if you need an air conditioner replacement.

Mills can install new Carrier or Mitsubishi air conditioners that are ready to take on the sometimes unpredictable Florida weather.

Concerned about finances? Don’t be – Mills Heating and Air offers multiple financing options. By spreading out payments, you keep expenses predictable. We want you to enjoy increased comfort, less humidity and lower utility bills today.

Not ready to replace? Mills can service and repair any brand. Contact Mills Heating & Air to discuss air conditioning and indoor air quality options. For lower bills, call Mills!

What’s the status in your home?

It’s possible you’ve forgotten about this home necessity. If you don’t have functional carbon monoxide or smoke detectors, please take care of it now. Many homeowners mistakenly associate the dangers of carbon monoxide, especially, as more of a winter or northern climate issue, when people use fireplaces or the occasional space heater.

Please do not make this assumption. If you use natural or propane gas for your stove, oven, hot water heater or clothes dryer, you are at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning.

Other Warm Weather Carbon Monoxide Dangers

Do you know anyone who thought he or she would outsmart the rain and move the grill into the garage? Bad idea. Some grills are considered safe for indoor use. Most are not. Ignitable fuel sources power propane and charcoal grills, as well as smokers.

Even with the garage door open, consider the flammable items in your garage, such as cardboard, glues, motor oil, cleaning chemicals or leakage from a gas-powered mower. In addition, it’s possible for carbon monoxide to seep into your home from the garage through vents, under doors or through screen doors. Don’t risk it.

If you are a “snowbird” and spend the hottest Florida months elsewhere, do not store your propane gas grill in the garage. If there’s a leak from the tank it can cause an explosion. Imagine if it were placed next to a vehicle or a riding mower! Finally, children can innocently “play” with the knobs and create a hazardous situation. Always be aware.

Indoor Air Quality Fights Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

For the best protection, consult a trusted HVAC provider, like Mills Heating and Air for indoor air quality solutions. They can assist you with an air quality assessment. Their professional technicians can determine if you have enough carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and if they are up to date.

Mills Heating and Air technicians are available if you have any questions regarding the safety of your HVAC equipment or concerns about your indoor air quality. For reducing and even eliminating pollutants, such as pet dander, pollen and airborne bacteria particles, ask Mills about the Guardian line of air purifiers.

Risks of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide gas is odorless, colorless and tasteless. People experiencing poisoning symptoms may experience a dull headache, weakness or dizziness, nausea or vomiting, confusion, shortness of breath, blurry vision or loss of consciousness.

Pets are also at risk. If you notice any of the symptoms in a pet, be concerned, especially if you have children in the home.

Best Carbon Monoxide Detector Locations

You may have heard CO detectors should be installed near the floor. It’s actually the opposite. Many standalone models need to be plugged into an outlet and are closer to the floor by default. In truth, CO is a bit lighter than air and disperses throughout a room evenly. It’s best to install a detector on the ceiling or high up on the wall. One should be located on each floor of a dwelling and outside of sleeping areas.

Do not install CO detectors within 15 feet of heating or cooking appliances. Also avoid installation in humid areas such as bathrooms. Most combustible appliances, such as cooking appliances emit a small amount of carbon monoxide when kicking on and could give you a false alarm.

Take Care of Your Safety

Mills Heating and Air is available to advise you on proper smoke and carbon monoxide detection and any air quality concerns. Mills also performs routine service on HVAC equipment including checks to verify safety as well as energy efficiency.

Since 1984, Mills Heating and Air has served customers in northwestern Florida with various HVAC service, repair and installation needs. Concerned about finances? Don’t be – Mills Heating and Air offers multiple financing options. By spreading out payments, you keep expenses predictable while enjoying increased comfort and lower utility bills today.

Mills can install new Carrier or Mitsubishi air conditioning units ready to take on the challenging Florida summer weather. Not ready to replace? Mills can service and repair any brand. Contact Mills Heating & Air to discuss air conditioner and indoor air quality options. For lower bills, call Mills!

It’s not an exercise trend, short-cycling can negatively affect your cooling system and budget.

There it goes. The air conditioner kicked on again. Didn’t it just stop a few minutes ago? If you’ve noticed your air conditioner seeming to be unable to make up its mind, it may be what’s known as “short cycling.”

The frequent starting and stopping is not good for your air conditioner. It can negatively impact your comfort levels as well as your energy costs. The constant on/off also increases the wear and tear on your system, eroding the reliability and lifespan of your air conditioner.

Air Conditioner Short Cycling Causes

• Low Refrigerant. Air conditioners low on refrigerant cannot do their job. The struggle to compensate puts more stress on the air conditioning components, triggering short cycling.
• Oversized System. Improper sizing of an air conditioning system is a common reason for short cycling. Mistakenly purchasing an air conditioner too big, or too powerful for your home inevitably cools your home too quickly. Your air conditioner would blast the coolness through the space and click off fairly quickly. This typically generates uneven temperatures and even worse, higher utility bills and increases the chance for a breakdown.
• Air Filter Clogs. When there’s less airflow, your air conditioner has to work harder to make up for the obstruction. Excess pressure is applied to blower motors and compressors. This pressure can cause them to overheat and ultimately short cycle.
• Ice on Evaporator Coils. Don’t be fooled. This is not a winter weather problem. When this happens it can cause your air conditioner to shut off without completing its “true” cycle. Because your evaporator coil absorbs heat from the air in your home, condensation can form on the coils naturally. If something in the conditioning process goes wrong, however, the condensation can freeze. Airflow obstructions, dirty filters or coils and low refrigerant can contribute to the freezing.  
• Faulty Thermostat. If your thermostat is providing inaccurate readings, it can fail to communicate properly with your air conditioner. If you still have a dial thermostat, for example, you could upgrade to a modern, temperature-sensitive model. Many offer more control, some remotely and overall better energy efficiency.

Get Your Air Conditioner Back on Track

First, check your air filter. If it needs to be cleaned or replaced, do so. Investigate the area around your indoor and outdoor equipment for obvious airflow obstructions. Yard clutter, such as leaves or grass clippings, can sometimes gather around an air conditioning compressor unit, even getting sucked into the fan! Additionally, homeowners should look for evidence of ice on the coils.

Call a trusted HVAC provider, such as northwest Florida’s Mills Heating and Air. They can send an industry-certified technician to check for low refrigerant while performing a basic maintenance service. All maintenance checks include testing, lubricating, cleaning and inspecting all relevant components, so the cause is likely to be found.

In the future, schedule preventative maintenance twice a year to catch problems before they become breakdowns or necessitate major repairs. Mills Heating and Air offers preventative maintenance agreements to make taking care of your valuable HVAC system a breeze.  

Trust Mills Heating and Air

Mills Heating and Air has served customers in northwestern Florida since 1984 with various central air conditioning service, repair and installation needs. Concerned about finances? Don’t be – Mills Heating and Air offers multiple financing options. By spreading out payments, you keep expenses predictable while enjoying increased comfort and lower utility bills today.

Mills can install new Carrier or Mitsubishi air conditioners ready to take on the sunny Florida summer weather. Not ready to replace? Mills can service and repair any brand. Contact Mills Heating & Air to discuss air conditioner and indoor air quality options. For lower bills, call Mills!

Save on energy bills with this smart solution

Many Americans aspire to live in Florida. It’s one reasons we have so many visitors! If you’re lucky enough to live here, especially in the beautiful Emerald Coast area, you probably depend on your central air conditioning frequently. Did you know ductless cooling can help you in multiple ways?

Ductless air conditioners have come a long way in the last few years. The noisy, inefficient window units have been replaced with sleek, remote-controlled designs easily installed on the wall. In general, ductless air conditioning units are quieter, because the unit generating any sound is on the exterior of the home. While more energy efficient overall, select models are Energy Star certified.

Empty Nesters Rejoice with Ductless Cooling

Many residents in Walton, Bay, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties find themselves living in a large home after children leave for college. Other residents maintain a larger home in order to comfortably host friends and family who visit. Homeowners can easily cut down on central air conditioning costs by installing ductless air conditioners in the one to three of their most-used rooms. Create zone cooling and remain comfortable in the rooms you use most while running your central air conditioning less overall.

Some homeowners mistakenly believe closing doors and vents in underused rooms will save on central air conditioning costs. This is a myth. The reality is your central air conditioning will work harder to compensate for the imbalance in temperature and pressure within the home.

It’s better to run the central air conditioning at a slightly higher temperature and use the ductless units to boost the cooling in the master bedroom and family room, for example.

Concerns About Your Central Air Conditioning

If your central air conditioning unit is more than 10 years old, it may be due for a replacement. Energy efficiency has increased dramatically in the last decade. While 80 percent efficiency used to be the norm, central air conditioning units can achieve as much as 98 percent now. The change represents a huge savings in every dollar you spend to cool your home!

If your central air conditioning is less than 10 years old, be sure to maintain it regularly for optimal performance and reliability. Call a trusted local provider, like Mills Heating and Air for any service, repair or replacement needs.

Questions About Ductless Cooling and Central Air Conditioning Answered

Mills Heating and Air has served customers in northwestern Florida since 1984 with various central air conditioning service, repair and installation needs. Concerned about finances? Don’t be – Mills Heating and Air offers multiple financing options. By spreading out payments, you keep expenses predictable while enjoying increased comfort and lower utility bills today.

Mills can install new Carrier central air conditioning or Mitsubishi ductless air conditioners ready to take on the long-lasting Florida summer weather. Not ready to replace? Mills can service and repair any brand. Contact Mills Heating & Air to discuss air conditioner and indoor air quality options. For lower bills, call Mills!

Coastal models and dehumidifiers help

Florida is a wonderful place to live. Enjoying the access to the beaches and the ocean are something we can easily take for granted. If you’re lucky enough to live within 10 miles of the coastline, however, do not take your air conditioner for granted!

The proximity to the salt air can be a harsh enemy to air conditioners. Also, installing a dehumidifier to keep your home as comfortable is a very helpful option, based on location.

Florida-Friendly Air Conditioner Protection

To help residents of Okaloosa, Walton, Santa Rosa and Bay counties who live closer to the coast, quality manufacturers, such as Carrier Corporation, have developed a special protection for their “Carrier Coastal” units.

Known as WeatherShield,™ it features ArmorPlate™ coil coating, 100 percent paint coverage and WeatherArmor Ultra™ protection for superior seacoast corrosive resistance. WeatherShield is available on air conditioners and heat pumps, depending on your needs.

The Infinity(R) Coastal Air Conditioner, for example, offers two-stage compressor comfort, functioning mostly in a low stage for optimum energy efficiency and the best dehumidification. This dual-stage system lets you increase the cool as needed, while generally operating at a lower decibel level. It also offers a 5-year coastal corrosion parts limited warranty.

See your local Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer, such as Mills Heating and Air, for details. For over three decades Emerald Coast residents have come to Mills Heating and Air for air conditioner service, repair and replacement. Whether your needs range from traditional air conditioning units, ductless air conditioning or indoor air filtration, you can trust the professionals at Mills Heating and Air.

Dehumidifiers Increase Comfort During Hot Weather

If you’re unfamiliar, part of the job of an air conditioner is to remove humidity from the air as it conditions it. Excess humidity or moisture makes the air feel warmer than it is. Therefore, removing extra humidity helps the air feel cooler and more comfortable. Have you ever heard the phrase, “it’s not the heat, it’s the humidity?” That’s what it means!

Sometimes, an air conditioner cannot keep up with excessive humidity, such as in coastal areas like northwest Florida. To lessen the load and increase your comfort, you should consider adding a dehumidifier. When a dehumidifier is incorporated into your HVAC system, your air conditioner can avoid excess wear and tear.

Humidity inside a typical home can range between 30 and 60 percent. In Florida, because the relative humidity outdoors is generally high, 50-60 percent indoors is considered appropriate and realistic.

Humidity should be monitored, however, or addressed with a dehumidifier. Excessive humidity can cause your home to fall victim to mold and mildew growth and an increase in dust mites, in addition to the discomfort. An overabundance of humidity also aggravates some respiratory conditions, such as asthma.   

You can also keep your air conditioner and dehumidifier in great shape by investing in a Preventative Maintenance Program Agreement, like those available through Mills Heating and Air.

Your “Florida-Resistant” Air Conditioner is a Call Away

Mills Heating and Air has served customers in northwestern Florida since 1984 with various air conditioning service, repair and installation needs. Concerned about finances? Don’t be – Mills Heating and Air offers multiple financing options. By spreading out payments, you keep expenses predictable while enjoying lower utility costs and increased comfort today.

Mills can install a new Carrier or Mitsubishi air conditioner ready for the long-lasting Florida summer. Not ready to replace? Mills can service and repair any brand. Contact Mills Heating & Air to discuss air conditioner and indoor air quality options. For lower bills, call Mills!

Hosting friends and family? Keep them cool!

You may have extended the invitations. You may have made your grocery list. Have you scheduled air conditioner service before your July 4th celebration? If you’re hosting friends and family for a holiday celebration, make sure your air conditioning is ready to accommodate the additional people seeking respite from the Florida heat and humidity.

Why Is Air Conditioner Service Important?

When you prioritize preventative maintenance by scheduling air conditioning service, your qualified HVAC technician inspects, cleans, tests and lubricates all relevant components whether you use an air conditioner or a heat pump to cool your home. Excess dust and contaminants, such as pollen, dander and pet hair, can cause your air conditioner to work harder than necessary. This easily results in excess wear and tear, shortening its lifespan and increasing your energy bills.

Air conditioner service, performed on a regular basis, catches issues early before they have a chance to develop into inconvenient and expensive major repairs or worse, breakdowns.

Is Air Conditioner Service Expensive?

Some homeowners may justify putting service off, especially if they have a newer AC unit. If you’ve caught yourself asking,

“Why should I have to service my air conditioner? It’s practically brand-new!” ask yourself if you would put off changing the oil in a new car. Both cars and air conditioning equipment are sizeable investments and things on which we heavily depend. Air conditioner service is significantly more affordable than a breakdown.

One of a homeowner’s wisest investments is a preventative maintenance plan, like those offered by locally-owned and operated HVAC provider Mills Heating and Air. Their plan is comprehensive, including a 21-point inspection encompassing the entire system from your thermostat and the air handler to the condensing unit. Comfort is important, especially if you or your family have respiratory issues aggravated by excessive humidity. Safety, however, ranks even higher.

Another advantage of regular air conditioner service is the opportunity to discover risks. An HVAC system leaking carbon monoxide (CO) gas, for example, can dramatically impact your family. If you don’t currently have a CO detector, it’s important to install one and check it regularly, just like your smoke detector.

By testing your HVAC components, your technician may discover worn-out controls or switches, if left alone, could be an electrical fire risk. Don’t take chances when it comes to safety!

Mills Heating and Air has served customers in northwestern Florida counties such as Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Bay and Walton since 1984 with various air conditioner service, repair and installation needs. Concerned about finances? Don’t be – Mills Heating and Air offers multiple financing options. By spreading out payments, you keep finances predictable while enjoying lower air conditioning expenses and increased comfort today.

Mills represents quality brands and can install a new Carrier or Mitsubishi air conditioner ready for the long-lasting Florida summer. Not ready to replace? Mills can service and repair any brand. Contact Mills Heating & Air to discuss air conditioner and indoor air quality options. For lower bills, call Mills!

Florida is a perennial pollen state. What can you do?

Your nose may tingle. You may feel the sneeze coming for 15 minutes before it arrives. If you cope with seasonal allergies, Florida is in many ways, one continuous allergy season. The same beautiful climate we enjoy also allows something to bloom practically year-round. To reduce these allergen-triggers in your home, schedule air conditioning service and think about “cleaning” your air.

How Does Air Conditioning Service Help with Allergies?

Your HVAC system is many things to you and your family. It provides cool comfort during the majority of the year and possibly heat on a rare occasion. It is also the “lungs” of your home, circulating air through the air conditioner and throughout every room in your house. Common allergens such as dirt, debris, pollen and pet dander can accumulate within your air conditioner equipment and your air ducts.

When you provide regular maintenance by scheduling air conditioning service, a qualified technician inspects, cleans, tests and lubricates all relevant components. Excess debris can cause your air conditioner to work harder than it needs to, resulting in excess wear and tear and shortening its lifespan.

Air conditioning service, performed on a regular basis, catches issues early before they have a chance to develop into inconvenient and expensive breakdowns.

To make it easy, one of the best investments you can make in this valuable equipment is to join a preventative maintenance plan, like those offered by local HVAC provider Mills Heating and Air. Professional providers recommend a tune-up of your cooling equipment once or twice a year, depending on use. It’s good to call for an appointment preceding the hottest weather, so there are more appointments available.

How Else Can I Combat Allergens in My Home?

Indoor air quality products have come a long way in the last several years. It used to be changing your filter regularly was the extent of the advice. It’s still important – kind of a front line of defense. Most filters should be changed or cleaned, depending on your model, every one to three months.

Beyond filters, there are many options expanding the capability of the homeowner to reduce and even eliminate pollutants in the home. For example, the Guardian Air company goes a step beyond using the air handler for UltraViolet treatment or filtration. Using light, water and oxygen, the RGF Guardian Air Phi Cell produces hydro-peroxides to circulate through your air-conditioned rooms and kill airborne and surface viruses, bacteria, mold, odors and VOCs before they can spread.

You or your family members may not currently have ongoing allergy issues, but do you ever feel as if a certain cold or virus seems to get passed around and back again? Air purifying technology is a powerful weapon in reducing and eliminating the particulates and spores aggravating your immune system.

Mills Heating and Air has served customers in northwestern Florida counties such as Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Bay and Walton since 1984 with various air conditioning service, repair and installation needs. Concerned about finances? Don’t be – Mills Heating and Air offers multiple financing options. By spreading out payments, you keep finances predictable while enjoying lower air conditioning expenses and increased comfort today.

Mills represents quality brands and can install a new Carrier or Mitsubishi air conditioner ready for the long-lasting Florida summer. Not ready to replace? Mills can service and repair any brand. Contact Mills Heating & Air to discuss air conditioner and indoor air quality options. For lower bills, call Mills!

Give Dad a break on Father’s Day!

Stuck on what to give Dad for Father’s Day? How about the gift of time? You can take over some of the landscaping duties for him this summer and give him a chance to relax. For bonus points with Dad, use these pointers for protecting the AC compressor unit from damage or inefficiencies.

You can also keep his air conditioning in great shape by gifting a preventative maintenance plan from a trusted local HVAC provider. These plans provide a thorough inspection, testing, cleaning and lubrication of relevant HVAC components and make home care easy!

Top Tips for AC Compressor Unit Care

Lawnmowers and “Weed-Whackers” – It may be easy to get lost in the monotony of mowing or pay more attention to what’s in your headphones, but it’s important to stay focused, especially around your AC compressor unit. A rock thrown by a lawnmower or a nick from a weed-eating machine can damage the coils or fan blades.

Vegetation – You may have read about the importance of keeping your outdoor HVAC equipment from baking directly in the Florida sun. You may have planted shady trees or shrubbery nearby. Well done! Be sure to monitor the vegetation so roots or greenery stay two to three feet away from the AC compressor unit. This will allow the appropriate amount of buffer to provide optimal airflow to and around the unit.

Grass clippings – Be sure to capture grass clippings or mow when the unit isn’t running, to prevent clippings from being sucked into the unit and clogging the components.

Mulch – It’s best to surround your AC compressor unit with rocks or grass, rather than mulch. Wind and hard rain can cause mulch to bounce up and into the unit, clogging it and impeding airflow.

Severe storms – In Florida, we sometimes get storms with great intensity. Be sure to walk around your property following any major storms and look for damage caused by fallen branches. Be sure to clear away storm clutter such as leaves and twigs, again to prevent airflow obstruction.

Other Ideas for Dad’s Comfort

If your dad copes with respiratory issues like allergies, asthma or COPD, you may consider gifting him with a product to improve his indoor air quality. We spend about 90 percent of our time indoors and the air we breathe is often compromised with sealing in the cool air and the allergens we bring inside with us. Pollen, pet dander, dust and other pollutants then constantly circulate within the ductwork in our homes and into our living spaces.

You can combat these and by filtering and cleaning the air, with products such as media air cleaners and air purifiers. Some, such as those from Guardian Air, use technologies such as photohydroionization to seek out and destroy airborne and surface pollutants before they reach your family. Professional northern Florida HVAC provider Mills Heating and Air carries these and other products. Call them – they’re happy to explain the benefits of each.

Mills Heating and Air has served customers in northwestern Florida counties such as Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Bay and Walton since 1984 with various air conditioning service, repair and installation needs. Concerned about finances? Don’t be – Mills Heating and Air offers multiple financing options. By spreading out payments, you keep finances predictable while enjoying lower air conditioning expenses and increased comfort today.

Mills represents quality brands and can install a new Carrier or Mitsubishi air conditioner ready for the long-lasting Florida summer. Not ready to replace? Mills can service and repair any brand. Contact Mills Heating & Air to discuss air conditioner and indoor air quality options. For lower bills, call Mills!  

Have More to Spend on Vacation with a Wi-Fi Thermostat

Floridians are fortunate to live in a place where so many people come on vacation. If you plan to go away from home for several days, however, you can save money on air conditioning expenses with products such as a Wi-Fi-enabled thermostat.

If you have a relatively new air conditioning system, you already know the advantages upgraded technology can bring, such as a more efficient cooling system. Know someone who lives in Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Bay or Walton counties who needs a new air conditioner? Submit a referral and if they install a new system with Mills we’ll award you a check for $100! Use it for your vacation fund!

Benefits to Air Conditioning Expenses

When you use a Wi-Fi-enabled thermostat, you have new opportunities to improve your home.

Better communication – A Wi-Fi-enabled thermostat communicates the ambient temperature more accurately to your HVAC equipment, improving performance and efficiency.

Remote communication – Using a smartphone or tablet with an internet connection, you can communicate with your thermostat remotely. If your plans change, for example, you can adjust the temperature in your home up or down based on your new arrival time.

If there’s a sudden weather change while you’re at work, you can adjust your thermostat so your HVAC is prepared and ready to welcome you home in comfort. This can also increase your efficiency by being more responsive to the environment and not cooling your home when you’re not there.

Lower bills – When your HVAC is running more efficiently, your air conditioning expenses will be lower. If you have an AC unit constantly stopping and starting, known as short-cycling, or struggling to keep up with the temperature or humidity, there are several potential causes, and erratic readings from a dial thermostat may be one of them. If your unit exhibits any of these behaviors, call the pros at Mills Heating and Air to check it out in case your unit is heading for a breakdown.

Multiple Settings – Most models provide multiple options for settings, such as weekday, weekend and vacation modes. If your family is out of the house during school and work hours, use the weekday mode to reflect a different temperature while no one is home.

If you’re home during the weekends, set it accordingly. Use vacation mode when the house will be empty for days a time. Using the Wi-Fi capabilities, you can switch it over, even if you’re already at the airport and forgot to do it prior to leaving. If you plan on leaving pets alone in the home, check with your vet for an appropriate temperature to save energy without compromising the health of your furry friends.

Better Efficiency Means Lower Bills; More Money for Recreation!

Summer brings lots of reasons to travel, visit faraway friends and family and vacation from your daily routine. With energy efficient HVAC equipment and products such as Wi-Fi-enabled thermostats, you can cut your air conditioning expenses, leaving you more funds for extra vacation fun!

Mills Heating and Air has counseled customers in northwestern Florida counties such as Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Bay and Walton since 1984 on various air conditioning service, repair and installation needs. Concerned about finances? Don’t be – Mills Heating and Air offers multiple financing options. By spreading out payments, you keep finances predictable while enjoying lower air conditioning expenses and increased comfort today.

Mills represents quality brands and can install a new Carrier or Mitsubishi air conditioner ready for the long-lasting Florida summer. Not ready to replace? Mills can service and repair any brand. Contact Mills Heating & Air to discuss air conditioner and indoor air quality options. For lower bills, call Mills!