Blog

Or share the love

As Florida residents, we enjoy many recreational activity opportunities. Florida and its climate provide us with numerous outlets for our free time. Why spend it sweating over a broken air conditioner? Instead, invest in your peace of mind with air conditioning service plans.

Air Conditioning Service Plans Provide Consistency

We have routines we enjoy and some out of necessity. Regardless of the type of routine, however, no one enjoys the disruption of a broken air conditioner. Needed HVAC repairs or breakdowns seem to coincide with hosting guests or during record heat waves.

When you subscribe to air conditioning service plans you prevent most repairs and breakdowns. Trusted local HVAC contractor Mills Heating and Air, for example, offers a Preventative Maintenance Program. The service includes a comprehensive inspection.

The HVAC technician will also test, clean and lubricate all relevant components. They will also look for red flags, suggesting a repair or replacement is needed.

Like to Save Money? Invest in Air Conditioning Service Plans

When your system is running at peak efficiency, you save money. How? When your air conditioner is running at a higher speed than necessary or it’s short cycling, it’s inefficient. Overheating or fighting debris buildup also causes inefficient use.

Anything to prevent the air conditioner or heat pump for optimal condition and performance, affects its efficiency. When efficiency is optimized and the AC unit runs as it was designed, it is efficient. Efficient equals less operating cost. In other words, you save money on your monthly energy bill.

Finally, air conditioning service plans alert you to small issues before they become big repairs or breakdowns. This saves money. Regular service preserves most manufacturer warranties. This also saves money if you need a repair or replacement.

Air Conditioning Service Plans Show You Care

Not a traditional gift, but air conditioning service plans show someone you care about their comfort and safety. Perhaps you know someone settling into a new home or newlyweds. Why not gift them a plan and take away a worry?

Know someone expecting a new member of the family? New parents are often overwhelmed. Air conditioning service plans improve the air quality by reducing contaminants in the HVAC system and the air. Reduce the risk for allergies and respiratory illnesses with improved indoor air quality.

Do you have an elderly relative who could benefit? Increase the reliability of their cooling system and reduce the need for repair expenses for them. If they have asthma, COPD or other respiratory illnesses, regular care for the “lungs” of their home could help.

Trust Mills Heating and Air with Air Conditioning Service Plans

Mills Heating and Air has served customers for more than 30 years in northwestern Florida with air conditioner service, repair and installation needs. We are also experts in indoor air quality!

If you’re in the Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Bay or Walton county area – we are just a phone call away. We’re happy to send an HVAC technician to address any concerns you may have. If you suspect your AC unit needs an upgrade or replacement, one of our Comfort Consultants will address your needs and provide options. Our Comfort Consultants can provide estimates on additional equipment needs such as dehumidifiers, air purifiers and more.

Need to replace or upgrade and are concerned about finances? Don’t be – Mills Heating and Air offers multiple financing options. 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!

Summer’s not over yet

Lucky us! We enjoy wonderful weather here in Florida. “Summer” lasts a lot longer for us in the Sunshine State. As a result, we heavily depend on our air conditioning systems. If you haven’t completed a tune-up of your AC unit, it’s not too late! Here are three reasons to book an air conditioner service appointment now. After all, you’ll be needing it!

1. Air Conditioner Service Increases Efficiency

When you book air conditioner service with a trusted local contractor like Mills Heating and Air, you get top service! You get superior customer service from your HVAC technician. Therefore, as a result, you have an AC unit providing top service. As part of the service, your Mills Heating and Air technician performs multiple steps.

First, they inspect your air conditioning unit from front to end. Then a test of all switches and electrical components is completed. Next, your technician cleans and lubricates the applicable parts. When you remove debris from the filtration, lubricate to avoid friction and test electricals, you can achieve peak performance.

2. Regular Air Conditioner Service Saves Money

A machine running in peak condition costs less to run. When your air conditioning system is running at the appropriate speed, temperature and cycle, it works as designed. This costs less than if it was struggling or overcompensating due to mechanical failure. Your air conditioner may also cost more to run if the temperature or pressure in your home is imbalanced.

During your air conditioner service visit, your HVAC technician will look for any signs of excessive wear and tear. They will also note any areas vulnerable to repairs or breakage. Avoid surprise repairs and inconvenient breakdowns when a licensed professional provides a regular and thorough review.

3. Air Conditioner Service Provides Peace of Mind

Your HVAC system is a huge investment in your home. Whether you have an air conditioner, heat pump or whole-home dehumidifier, these home mechanicals are critical. They are responsible for your comfort and in many ways, your safety.

Imagine buying a brand new car. Imagine driving it for 20,000 miles and never changing the oil. Sounds crazy, right? What would you expect to happen to the car’s performance?

Everyone gets busy, we understand. To provide convenience, we offer a preventative maintenance program. This makes it easy to schedule and stay in front of any major issues. It also comes with priority scheduling and discounts if repairs are needed.

Trust Mills Heating and Air for Air Conditioner Service

Mills Heating and Air has served customers for more than 30 years in Northwest Florida with air conditioner service, repair and installation needs.

Need to replace or upgrade and are concerned about finances? Don’t be – Mills Heating and Air offers multiple financing options. 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!

September is Baby Safety Month

Indoor air quality is important for everyone, especially babies and children. Their lungs are more vulnerable to pollutants including airborne spores and virus particulates. Because September is Baby Safety Month, Mills Heating and Air wants everyone to consider the cleanliness of the air in their homes.

Did you know your air conditioning system can improve indoor air quality? With products such as air purifiers, you can actually clean the air.

Why Care About Indoor Air Quality?

Air is not an option. We need to care about it just like clean water. Every day we take contaminants into our lungs while our bodies do the best they can to defend us. Babies, the elderly and anyone with a compromised immune system need the most protection.

If your bundle of joy came prematurely, you probably know the risk is even greater. Vulnerable populations are more susceptible to respiratory complications from allergies, asthma or even extreme examples like Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

Pediatricians frequently advise parents to stay home during the more contagious seasons for RSV and flu. What if your home is a box of unhealthy air?

Why is Indoor Air Quality Compromised?

To make our homes more energy efficient, we have sealed them tight. The upside is less energy loss and lower energy bills. The downside is less ventilation in our homes. Depending on the Florida weather, opening the windows may not be an option. The humidity, heat or exposure to allergens often make this impossible.

Every day we bring contaminants indoors with us. Have a smoker in your home? Pollen, dirt, bacteria and other particulates travel inside on our shoes, our clothes, our hair and on pets. Many find their way into our home’s HVAC system and circulate throughout the house.

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality

1. Check your HVAC air filter every month. Most require a change or cleaning every one to three months. If, however, you live in a high pollen count area or have pets, monthly is more likely. Your air filter is your first line of defense and an immediate DIY option.
   
   Need help to remember? Many people use the arrival of their energy bill as a reminder to check the filter.
2. Schedule service for your air conditioner or heat pump. An ideal schedule is spring and fall, or before the hottest time of the year and after. Spring is great because HVAC contractors have more availability.
   
   Tuning up in spring prepares your air conditioning unit to reduce the chance of a repair or breakdown during the summer heat. Fall tune-ups make sure your AC unit survived the summer and is ready to go next year.
   
   
3. Invest in indoor air quality products. Mills Heating and Air Comfort Consultants will examine your current air conditioning system, listen to your concerns and recommend the most appropriate options for you.
   
   Mills is an official dealer for Guardian Air / REME Advantage products. These are installed in the ventilation system and aggressively seek pollutants in your home’s air.
   
   Generally, you have to wait for contaminants to reach the air handler for UV treatment or filtration. With RGF Guardian Air Phi Cell air purifier uses light, water and oxygen to produce hydro-peroxides.
   
   These cleaners travel through the conditioned air in your household to kill airborne and surface viruses, mold, odors, bacteria and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) before they spread.

How Does HVAC Service Help Indoor Air Quality?

Regular maintenance for your air conditioner or heat pump is important for many reasons. Routine service helps your cooling system work efficiently and reduces the chance of surprise repairs or problems. Taking good care of your HVAC system generally preserves most manufacturer warranties as well.

When a technician from a trusted local provider like Mills Heating and Air visits, he or she will first inspect the unit and the thermostat. Second, they will test electrical and other relevant components. Third, a technician will clean and lubricate where needed. Finally, your technician will consult with you regarding anything found, such as signs of excess wear and tear.

If repairs are recommended, he or she will provide you with options. Your HVAC technician can also answer questions about smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. These safety devices are important for everyone all year round!   

Trust Mills Heating and Air

For over 30 years, Mills Heating and Air has served customers in northwestern Florida with air conditioning service, repair and installation needs. We are also experts in indoor air quality! Call us to prepare for Baby Safety Month or anytime!  

Need to replace or upgrade and are concerned about finances? Don’t be – Mills Heating and Air offers multiple financing options. 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!

Cool off when grilling out

If you’re like most people, you have a lot on your mind. If you’re hosting a group of any size for the Labor Day holiday, you have a lot more. Before heading to the market for food and beverages, schedule any air conditioner repair or maintenance. Make sure your guests have a cool place to relax when the grill heats up.  

How to Know You Need Air Conditioner Repair

There are several ways your cooling system can tell you it needs help. Call Mills Heating and Air if you notice any of the following.

Weird smells. If bacteria grows on your AC coil, or if it’s been too long between maintenance visits, you may notice an odor from your AC system. If you have excess humidity or moisture in your unit, you may notice a musty odor, which could indicate mold. We experience a lot of humidity in Florida, and we must be extra-careful about moisture in our HVAC systems.

Leakage. Moisture leaking could be a simple problem, like a broken or blocked drain tube. It could also be the more serious problem of a refrigerant leak. You may also observe frozen condensation on the coils. If there is a refrigerant leak, it must be handled quickly.

Terrible Noises. If a noise from your AC system causes you to stop and listen, it’s probably a cry for help. These noises are often described as a grinding, squealing or clicking sound. The outcome varies, and it’s best to call a pro. It’s possible bearings are broken, components need lubrication or a belt has slipped. Avoid a potentially expensive air conditioner repair and call.

Wrong Air Temperature. If your system is blowing hot air, it could mean a small fix or a refrigerant leak. Best to call before it gets worse.

Delay Air Conditioner Repair with Proper Care

Your air conditioner isn’t just about comfort. For many, it’s about safety. We live in a part of the country where heat and humidity can dramatically affect our health. Excess heat and humidity are hard on people with respiratory illnesses, for example. A dirty or clogged HVAC system can circulate pollutants throughout a home, triggering allergies and “recycling” viruses.

We’ve tightly wrapped our homes to prevent energy loss. Unfortunately, the reduction in ventilation means contaminants in your system stay in your home. This includes everything from dust and pet dander to bacteria and mold spores.

Schedule regular service with a trusted local HVAC expert like Mills Heating and Air. They’ll send a NATE-certified technician to inspect, test, clean and lubricate all air conditioning components. He or she will look for signs of AC stress and note if an air conditioner repair is needed.

Routine maintenance is your best defense against an inconvenient air conditioner repair. Call to schedule your visit today, and ask about the Mills service plan!  

Need Air Conditioner Repair? Calls Mills Heating and Air!

Since 1984, Mills Heating and Air has helped customers with various install, service, and air conditioner repair needs. Our technicians constantly train on new technology and can fix or service any brand.

Current unit costing too much in air conditioner repair? Mills represents quality products from Carrier and Mitsubishi, to meet all your cooling needs. Contact Mills Heating & Air to discuss air conditioner and indoor air quality options.

Concerned about finances? Don’t be – Mills Heating and Air offers multiple financing options. By spreading out payments, your household budget stays intact. We want you to enjoy increased comfort, better air quality and lower energy bills today. Don’t put it off, put it first!

A buyers’ guide

Has your energy bill spiked, or has it steadily grown beyond normal? Does your house feel cool in some areas, and hot in others? Does the AC unit make a noise it shouldn’t? When it’s time to replace air conditioners, it’s easy to become confused. Choices surround you. How can you make the best decision? Relax. Mills Heating and Air is here to make it easy for you.

As Florida residents, we depend on our air conditioners. Our “summer” lasts most of the year. Although the AC unit is hidden away in a closet or in the garage, it’s one of our most important appliances. It also represents a significant investment in our home. We don’t want to replace air conditioners if it’s unnecessary. If you’re unsure about replacement, read on.

Replace Air Conditioners with These Tips in Mind

First, call Mills Heating and Air. We are a local leader in air conditioning, and we replace air conditioners every day! Second, schedule a visit with a NATE-certified technician. He or she will listen to your concerns and calculate the load needed.

Load? It means the correct size of the air conditioning unit required. At Mills Heating and Air, your Comfort Consultant will perform the equation based on the square footage of the home, the anticipated occupancy and the geography.

For instance, does your home get a lot of direct sun during the day? Are the main areas south-facing? Are there exterior elements absorbing heat? A home meeting these criteria may require more cooling than one surrounded by shady trees or positioned to receive cross-breezes.

After the math is done, the Mills consultant will listen to your concerns. You know your home best. In which rooms do you spend most of your time? Are you a year-round resident? Are there architectural or modernizing concerns?

If you desire to replace air conditioners in the windows with ductless technology – congratulations! There are many benefits. Ductless air conditioners also address problems in many homes with hot spots.

If your central air conditioning just can’t reach every corner, ductless may be your answer. They’re quiet, efficient and easily controlled with a remote.

Finally, consider a new unit if you plan to sell your home in the near future. Buyers in a competitive market won’t want to replace air conditioners. A newer, high-efficiency model will help your house stand out!

Replace Air Conditioners Less Often with Proper Care

Different air conditioners have different warranties. Some are longer and more comprehensive than others. Regardless, the best way to ensure compliance is to properly maintain your unit.

Schedule a tune-up for your air conditioner twice a year with a local trusted provider like Mills Heating and Air. For the most convenience, take advantage of our service agreement. It makes maintenance easy, and it’s a great value.

Change or clean your filter as recommended. You should check your filter monthly, perhaps when your energy bill arrives as a regular reminder. Most filters need to be changed or cleaned every one to three months.

If you have pets, you smoke inside the home or you live in a high-pollen-count area, you may need to change or clean your filter monthly. Make sure the filter is easily accessible to you, especially if you expect a need to change it often.

Use your air conditioning unit appropriately. Don’t overwork it. If you have blinds or curtains in sunny rooms, close them during the hottest times of the day. Use the microwave or a crock pot, instead of the oven. Use ceiling fans if you have them. They can share the “cooling burden.”

Let Mills Guide You When It’s Time to Replace Air Conditioners

SInce 1984, Mills Heating and Air has helped customers with various HVAC service, repair and installation needs. We know Florida weather, and we are ready to advise Floridians who are ready to replace air conditioners.

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!

Call us when you need service, repair or any HVAC product, such as dehumidifiers or air purifiers. Concerned about finances? Don’t be – Mills Heating and Air offers multiple financing options. By spreading out payments, your household budget stays intact. We want you to enjoy increased comfort, better air quality and lower energy bills today.

Modify for household routines

If you have kiddos heading back to school for example, your household routine may change over time. Whenever you have fewer people home during the day, for any reason, it’s best to adjust your thermostat. Increasing your air conditioning temperatures could save you money!

In northwestern Florida, we at Mills Heating and Air know summer weather doesn’t end when the school bus arrives. We have another few months of “summer.” Did you know, if you raise the temperature on your thermostat from 70 to 76 degrees, you can practically reduce your operating costs by half!

Fans Benefit Air Conditioning Temperatures

Another method of reducing wear and tear on your air conditioner is to use a ceiling fan. You can run a ceiling fan with the air conditioner, and set the air conditioning temperatures a few degrees above normal.

For example, if you set your thermostat to 76 or 75 degrees, the breeze from the fan will create the feeling of 74-73 degrees. You’ll reduce your fuel costs around 15 to 20 percent.

Service Your AC Unit for Best Air Conditioning Temperatures

To work at peak efficiency, it’s critical to provide routine maintenance for your air conditioner and other HVAC equipment. Ideally, appointments happen in the spring, prior to the hottest weather.

A second tune-up or service visit should take place in the fall, after the hottest weather. This identifies any areas of concern, due to wear and tear or external factors. External circumstances could include severe weather damage, salt air corrosion or fallout from a power surge.

By servicing your AC unit in the late summer or early fall, you’re catching issues before they become repair needs or worse, breakdowns. If you haven’t serviced yours, don’t worry! It’s not too late!

Regular service is an ideal situation and typically preserves manufacturer warranties. At Mills Heating and Air, we’re not here to judge! We want to help you any way we can, when it comes to comfortable air conditioning temperatures.

Control Air Conditioning Temperatures with a Programmable Thermostat

HVAC technology continues to advance. One of the more recent changes marketed to homeowners is programmable thermostats. If you have an older model with a dial, call Mills Heating and Air. We’d love to share with you the options for a modern thermostat.

A programmable thermostat allows you to identify patterns for weekday and weekend living. For example, if there’s no one home during the day, the air conditioning temperatures can be set higher.

Programming allows you to turn the temperature down around 4 p.m., when kids or homeowners are arriving home. You can program it to adjust to a different level overnight. A weekend setting could look different from the weekday.

Some models include a “vacation mode”, so you’re not losing money while you’re away. Various models include a variety of other features, of course. Schedule a visit with a Mills technician to learn more.

Let Mills Tackle Air Conditioning Temperatures

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

We know Florida weather, and we can help control air conditioning temperatures in your home. Call us when you need service, repair or if you need an air conditioner.

Concerned about finances? Don’t be – Mills Heating and Air offers multiple financing options. By spreading out payments, your household budget stays intact. We want you to enjoy increased comfort, less humidity and lower energy 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!

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!