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Selecting the Best HVAC System in Southern Florida

Published: 24 March 2024
Written by Now Air Conditioning
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Categories: Education

Best HVAC Contractor in Wellington FloridaSelecting the right southern Florida HVAC system is important for maintaining year-round comfort in the region’s hot and humid climate. The right HVAC system can help you stay cool during scorching summers while effectively managing humidity levels. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a southern Florida HVAC system.

Climate & Southern Florida HVAC Systems

Southern Florida experiences hot and humid weather throughout the year, with average temperatures ranging from the high 70s to the low 90s Fahrenheit. Humidity levels often exceed 70%, especially during the summer months. The salty, coastal air can cause corrosion to exterior appliances which reduce lifespan.

Southern Florida’s climate requires HVAC systems to work harder to keep your home comfortable . As a result, you need to choose an HVAC systems capable of effectively cooling and dehumidifying the air while tolerating the corrosive effects of salt air.

Assessing Your Home’s Needs

Before selecting an HVAC system, consider your home’s size, layout, and existing climate control features. Consider factors such as square footage, number of rooms, ceiling heights, insulation quality, and window efficiency. These measurements will help determine the appropriate size and type of HVAC system for your home.

When thinking of your home’s needs, pay attention to any specific features that may affect HVAC system installation. For example, older homes with limited space or no existing ductwork may require alternative HVAC solutions, such as ductless mini-split systems. Additionally, homes located in flood-prone areas may require elevated HVAC equipment to prevent water damage during hurricanes or heavy rainfall.

Types of HVAC Systems

Central Air Conditioning Systems

Traditional central AC systems consist of an outdoor unit and indoor air handler connected by ductwork. While central AC offers whole-house cooling, it may not be suitable for homes without existing ductwork or with limited space. Homeowners considering central AC should ensure their ductwork is properly sized and sealed to maximize efficiency.

Ductless Mini-Split Systems

Ductless mini-split systems provide cooling (and heating) without ductwork, making them ideal for homes with limited space or no existing ductwork. Each indoor unit can be independently controlled, allowing for customizable comfort in different areas of the home. Ductless mini-split systems are also energy-efficient and offer easy installation compared to traditional central AC systems.

Energy Efficiency

A photo of a light bulb. Southern Florida HVAC | Now Air Conditioning

Selecting an energy-efficient HVAC system helps reduce utility bills and environmental impact. Look for systems with high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings and ENERGY STAR® certification to ensure optimal efficiency and performance. Energy-efficient HVAC systems not only save money on monthly energy bills but also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a more sustainable environment.

Humidity Control

Effective humidity control is crucial for Southern Florida homes. Look for HVAC systems with features such as variable-speed air handlers and dehumidification settings to maintain comfortable indoor humidity levels. High humidity levels can lead to mold growth, musty odors, and indoor air quality issues, so it’s essential to choose an HVAC system capable of effectively managing humidity levels year-round.

Additional Features and Options

Consider additional features such as programmable thermostats, air purification systems, and zoning capabilities to enhance comfort and indoor air quality. Programmable thermostats allow you to schedule temperature adjustments based on your daily routine, reducing energy consumption when you’re away from home. Air purification systems remove airborne contaminants such as dust, pollen, and pet dander, improving indoor air quality for allergy sufferers and respiratory health.

Zoning capabilities allow you to divide your home into separate temperature zones, allowing for customized comfort in different areas. This feature is especially beneficial for larger homes or multi-story residences with varying heating and cooling needs. Smart HVAC technologies offer convenience and energy savings by allowing remote control and automation of system functions via smartphone apps or voice commands.

Budget Considerations

Set a realistic budget for purchasing and installing your new HVAC system, considering long-term cost savings and return on investment. While upfront costs may seem daunting, investing in a high-quality HVAC system can save money on energy bills and reduce the need for costly repairs or replacements down the line. Obtain multiple quotes from reputable HVAC contractors to ensure competitive pricing and quality service.

Hire a Professional

Hire a licensed and experienced HVAC contractor like Now Air Conditioning to install and maintain your HVAC system. We will assess your home’s specific needs, recommend appropriate HVAC solutions, and ensure proper installation and ongoing maintenance for optimal performance and longevity.

Choosing the right HVAC system for your Southern Florida home requires careful consideration of factors such as climate, home size, efficiency, and budget. By understanding your home’s needs and exploring available options, you can select an HVAC system that provides optimal comfort, efficiency, and durability for years to come. Investing in the right HVAC system, including annual maintenance included in our cost-effective subscription membership, will enhance your quality of life, and comfort and sustainability if your home.

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5 Reasons Why Your Air Conditioner is Outside

Published: 4 March 2024
Written by Now Air Conditioning
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Categories: Education

How to properly clean your exterior HVAC unit. Learn from best HVAC contractor in Wellington FloridaImagine stepping into a cool oasis on a sweltering summer day. That’s the magic of air conditioners. But have you ever been curious why your air conditioner is outside your home? After all, other large appliances such as furnaces and water heaters are usually found indoors.

An air conditioner, similar to a refrigerator, doesn’t actually generate cool air. Instead, it acts as a heat pump, transferring heat from inside your home to the outside, leaving you feeling comfortable. This two-part process involves the indoor unit (evaporator coil) and the outdoor unit (condenser unit).

The indoor unit absorbs heat from the air circulating through it. This heated refrigerant is then pumped outside to the condenser unit, where the real work begins. But why isn’t the entire system contained indoors?

The condenser unit’s primary function is to expel the heat absorbed from inside your home. It accomplishes this by radiating heat through coils and transferring it to the outside air using a fan. If the condenser unit were located indoors, it would simply be dumping that heat back into your living space, defeating the entire purpose of air conditioning!

This problem could likely be overcome with some modern engineering. However, there are four more (and very important) reasons why your air conditioner is outside.

More Reasons Your Air Conditioner is Outside

You might be wondering why air conditioner units are so big, even in homes with relatively moderate square footage. The size of an AC unit is crucial to ensure it can adequately cool your entire home. An undersized unit would constantly run but struggle to maintain the desired temperature, leading to inefficiency and increased energy costs. Conversely, an oversized unit might cool your home too quickly, leading to short cycling (rapid on-and-off cycles) that can reduce efficiency and lifespan.

Maintaining tranquility

The condenser unit’s fan can generate significant noise. Having it outdoors keeps noise pollution away from your living space, contributing to a calmer and more comfortable environment. You can relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of your home, even during the hottest days.

Optimizing space

Condenser units can be quite large and bulky, often resembling metal boxes with fins. Installing them outdoors frees up valuable indoor space for furniture, storage, or even a fun indoor leisure activity area. This can be particularly beneficial in homes with limited square footage.

Enhancing efficiency

Outdoor air is generally cooler than indoor air. This temperature difference allows the condenser unit to transfer heat more efficiently, improving the overall effectiveness of your AC system. By having access to cooler outdoor air, the unit doesn’t have to work as hard to expel heat, resulting in lower energy consumption and potentially lower electricity bills.

Air Conditioners Need Adequate Clearance

Just like any other machine, air conditioners need proper airflow to function effectively. The condenser unit relies on the fan to draw in cool air, remove heat from the refrigerant, and then expel the hot air. If the unit is too close to walls, fences, or other obstructions, airflow can become restricted. This can lead to several issues:

A photo of several measuring tapes crisscrossed over each other. 5 Essential Reasons Your Air Conditioner is Outside. Now Air Conditioning | Heating Repair in Wellington, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton and the surrounding area.
  • Reduced efficiency: Restricted airflow makes it harder for the unit to expel heat, forcing it to work harder and consume more energy.
  • Increased wear and tear: The extra effort required to operate under restricted airflow can put strain on the compressor and other components, potentially leading to premature wear and tear and even breakdowns.
  • Higher operating temperatures: When the unit can’t expel heat effectively, internal temperatures can rise, exceeding safe operating limits and potentially leading to component failure.

To ensure optimal performance and longevity, it’s crucial to maintain proper clearance around your outdoor unit as recommended by the manufacturer and local building codes. This typically involves leaving at least 2-3 feet of clearance on all sides of the unit and keeping the area free of debris, plants, and other obstructions.

Understanding why your air conditioner is outside will give you a leg up in ensuring your DIY maintenance schedule is keeping your unit at peak performance. In southern Florida, having a smoothly running and efficient AC is an absolute necessity. Now Air Conditioning offers an affordable HVAC subscription service that provides you with priority emergency service, no dispatch fees, complementary annual inspection and tune-up, as well as exclusive discounts on parts, labor and more.

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