Pros and Cons of Ductless Heating and Cooling | Davie, FL, HVAC
Perhaps at some point you’ve caught wind of the idea of ductless heating and cooling, and perhaps you’ve found yourself more than a little interested in looking into it. On the other hand, you may find yourself hesitant to get this kind of HVAC setup for your Davie, FL, home because you simply don’t know enough about it.
If lack of understanding is the one thing keeping you from making the switch to ductless, then you should take a minute or two to read through this quick guide. In it, we’ll describe the major pros and cons that ductless HVAC offers, giving you the knowledge you need to make the best decision when it comes to your Davie home’s heating and cooling.
Cons
Like any HVAC unit, a ductless system is not without its faults. Of course, these faults are relatively minor and certainly easy to live with. However, it’s important that you know what they are. So, as you consider making the switch to ductless, just keep in mind that you’ll also be making the switch to . . .
- A Bulky Look
The mini-split that’s necessary for a ductless system is far more conspicuous than a series of ducts, which remain mostly hidden. So, with this system, you do need to be aware that bulky components are going to be visible. - High Upfront Cost
Many homes aren’t already set up to handle a ductless system, so the system will need to be retrofitted in. This process can drive up the initial installation cost, making ductless a somewhat costly investment at the outset. - Increased Maintenance
A ductless system’s filters need to be cleaned far more regularly than a central one’s do — about once a month. If you fail to keep up with the filters, you can expect problems to arise, and you’ll need to get a professional to address those problems.
Pros
Despite its few drawbacks, ductless HVAC systems still offer a wealth of great benefits for you to enjoy. These benefits are sure to please any homeowner, as they touch on everyone’s desire to save money and maintain the most comfortable living situation:
- Money Saving
Unlike a duct-dependent HVAC setup, a ductless system can heat or cool only the rooms you need to. So, this system won’t drive up your energy bills by heating or cooling rooms that you may not use for some time. - A Quieter Home Life
A central air conditioning unit tends to make quite a bit more noise than a ductless unit does. So, by opting for ductless, you can enjoy a quieter and more comfortable home life. - A Consistent Temperature
Of course, for the most comfortable home life, you’ll want to maintain the most consistent temperatures possible. For that purpose, you can’t go wrong with ductless HVAC, which doesn’t experience the kind of heating and cooling loss that a central unit can. - Quick Installation
When you want a new HVAC system installed, you surely want it up and going as quickly as possible. For that reason, you’ll more than love a ductless system thanks to its quick, no-nonsense installation process.
Interested in Going Ductless? Then Give Our Davie, FL, HVAC Pros a Call Today!
Even with its few drawbacks, ductless HVAC can prove to be an excellent addition to any home. If you’re ready to get this HVAC for your Davie, FL, home, then give the HVAC contractors at Air Murphy Air Conditioning & Refrigeration a call today. We offer professional installation services that will allow you to enjoy all of the benefits that ductless offers.
If you have any questions or would like to know more about Commercial Refrigeration Tune-Ups in Florida, please call 954-424-7499 or complete our online request form.
Common Signs of Air Conditioning Problems | Miami Gardens Air Conditioning Specialists
Your air conditioning is an important installation, and you’ll use it for months straight when the weather is warmer. So, you need to take steps to ensure that your Miami Gardens home always maintains dependable air conditioning, and an effective way to do that is to stay on top of your A/C’s repair needs.
To stay on top of your Miami Gardens home’s air conditioning repairs, you need to know what signs of A/C wear to look for. Fortunately, the signs are fairly easy to detect once you know what they are. If you don’t know what they are, just read on and in this article, we’ll tell you the more common signs of A/C problems.
Inaccurate Thermostat
It’s sweltering outside, and to beat the heat, you set your A/C to a comfortable 70 degrees. There’s a problem, though: Your home doesn’t feel anywhere near 70. In fact, it feels quite few degrees hotter than that. Why is that? Simple: Your air conditioning isn’t working properly. When its thermostat starts reading inaccurately, you need to get ready to schedule a repair.
Poor Air Circulation
Maybe your air conditioning can produce air that’s more than cool enough, but even the coolest air won’t be able to knock the heat out of your home if it can’t work its way throughout it. Unfortunately, weak air circulation is a common problem with A/C issues. Fortunately, though, when you notice weak airflow from your vents, you can know that it’s time for an A/C repair.
Warm Air
Air conditioning has one job: to produce cold air in your home. However, if your A/C isn’t working its best, it’s likely to blow out air that is either insufficiently cooled or even just plain warm. In either case, air conditioning that doesn’t blow out cold should alert you to get an A/C repair, as this is a common sign to get this job.
Increased Energy Bills
Have your energy bills spiked? Are they only increasing no matter what precautions you take? If so, you need to look into your air conditioning. When functioning less than its best, your A/C will cause your electric bills to spike. So, should you be dealing with out-of-control energy costs, the likely solution to this problem is an air conditioning repair.
Get Your Air Conditioning Repaired by Our Miami Gardens Air Conditioning Specialists
Have you noticed any of these signs? If so, you need to call the Miami Gardens air conditioning specialists at Air Murphy Air Conditioning and Refrigeration. We provide quality A/C repair services that will get this setup working like brand new once more so you can enjoy dependable cooling for many more summers to come.
If you are looking for Air Conditioning & Heating specialists in Miami Gardens, FL, please call 954-424-7499 or complete our online request form.
5 Reasons to Schedule Air Conditioning Repairs
Troubleshooting the air conditioning system in your Parkland home can be a time-consuming and frustrating task, but you can save time and effort by reaching out to a qualified air conditioning and commercial refrigeration company the instant you suspect a problem with your AC unit. Scheduling air conditioning repairs promptly could be the best decision you make as the warmer months of summer approach.
What’s Wrong With Your AC System?
- AC Won’t Turn On – If your AC system won’t turn on, several complications may be to blame, such as a turned-off internal switch, faulty thermostat, blown fuse, or tripped circuit breaker. Check to make sure that your thermostat is set to cool mode and to a temperature that is below the current room temperature. You can replace the fuse or reset the breaker if your fuse has blown or your circuit breaker has tripped.
- AC Won’t Turn Off – AC systems usually turn off when the temperature in homes reach the temperatures set on the thermostats, but if they don’t, the source of the problem could be the thermostats or outdoor run relays. You can troubleshoot your thermostat by switching the unit into heat mode. If your AC system doesn’t shut off, the thermostat may be broken or improperly wired. If your thermostat isn’t the culprit, your air conditioning and commercial refrigeration technician can inspect the outdoor run relay to check for signs of welding that develops as a result of persistent electrical arcing.
- Inadequate Airflow – Restricted airflow can be caused by closed vents, dirty air filters, blocked ductwork, and damaged fan motors, so check these components if the air circulation throughout your central air conditioning system is insufficient.
- Condensation and Water Leaks – The regular operation of your air conditioning system produces condensation and moisture, particularly in humid conditions. Excess moisture can create a water leak at the base of your AC system’s air handler if the plastic tubes are punctured, the condensate pump is damaged, or something is hindering the flow of water.
- Insufficient Cooling – An AC system that isn’t blowing enough cool air doesn’t do you much good, so ensuring that your cooling system is operating effectively is crucial. Inadequate cooling can occur as a result of a worn-out compressor that isn’t compressing refrigerant, so hire an air conditioning and commercial refrigeration contractor if you’re experiencing this problem.
Reach Out to Our HVAC Experts
Keeping up with the annual maintenance of your air conditioning system can extend the life of your AC unit and prevent the need for frequent repairs. If your air conditioner is malfunctioning despite regular maintenance, contact Air Murphy Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, an experienced air conditioning and commercial refrigeration company, for air conditioning repairs in your Parkland home.
For air conditioning repairs in Dade County and Broward County, please call 954-424-7499 or complete our online request form.
5 Tips to Keep Your Boiler in Tip-Top Shape
Regular boiler maintenance may not be your top priority, but it shouldn’t be pushed to the back of your mind either because a boiler that functions properly will ensure that your Sweetwater commercial or residential property is heated sufficiently during the cool months of the year. If you discover any problems while performing maintenance tasks on your boiler and heating system, contact an HVAC and commercial refrigeration contractor to address the complications as soon as possible.
How to Maintain Your Boiler
- Schedule Annual Boiler Service – Because HVAC and commercial refrigeration technicians are trained to identify problems, they’re the best people to inspect your heating system. Annual boiler service from licensed professionals is essential to the health of your boiler’s heating components. Even if your boiler appears to be functionally normally, you should have it serviced because your contractor will be able to detect problems that haven’t become visible to you yet. Ideally, you should schedule a boiler inspection prior to the onslaught of cold weather to ensure that your heating system is in working order before it will be in constant use.
- Test the Pressure – Boiler pressure decreases over time, causing boilers to function less efficiently, so you should ensure that your boiler meets the manufacturer’s recommended pressure levels listed in the manual. If you’re unsure how to top up the boiler pressure yourself, your heating and air conditioning specialist can do it during the annual inspection.
- Improve Ventilation – Like most appliances, boilers require sufficient space for proper ventilation. Wherever your boiler is placed, you should make sure that all clutter is removed from around the appliance so that it can breathe and can be accessed easily. Your manufacturer’s manual should also include the boiler’s ventilation requirements.
- Turn the Heat On Throughout the Year – During your annual inspection, your HVAC and commercial refrigeration contractor will probably encourage you to turn on your boiler periodically throughout the year to prevent it from seizing up from infrequent use. During the summer, turn your heating system on for about 15 minutes at least once.
- Check for a Blue Flame – Boiler flames should be blue, so if the flame in your boiler appears yellow or orange, you should contact your technician immediately because the discolored flame could indicate a serious problem.
Keeping up with boiler maintenance in your Sweetwater commercial or residential building is essential, but you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to our skilled team at Air Murphy Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, a trusted residential and commercial refrigeration and HVAC company, to schedule an annual inspection of your heating system.
If you are looking for a Florida Heating Contractor; then please call 954-424-7499 or complete our online request form.
6 Signs That You Need a Furnace Replacement
Your furnace may have served your Lauderhill home well for many years, but that doesn’t mean it will last forever. There are several telltale signs that you need a new furnace, and when you detect them, you should contact a heating and commercial refrigeration company, especially if colder months are approaching.
The Accumulation of Rust, Dust, Soot, and Dirt
If rust, dust, soot, and dirt collect in your furnace for a prolonged period of time, you may need to replace your furnace. Rust and soot indicate high CO2 levels, which are very hazardous and can produce symptoms such as fatigue, disorientation, memory loss, and irritability. Additionally, your household may experience a decrease in humidity, a situation which can negatively affect the furniture, walls, woodwork, and plants in your home while causing frequent static shocks, dry eyes and skin, headaches, and itchy throats. Don’t neglect your furnace if you notice a layer of rust, dust, soot, or dirt. Instead, you should speak to your heating and commercial refrigeration contractor as soon as possible.
Inconsistent Temperature
If your household isn’t comfortable because your home isn’t heated evenly or the furnace takes a long time to warm your home after you change the thermostat, then your furnace is probably stressed from age and extensive wear and tear. Before your furnace fails you completely, you should schedule a furnace replacement.
Strange, Loud, or Persistent Sounds
Furnaces are known for making strange noises occasionally, but if the noises become irregular, loud, or persistent, you should show some concern. Rattling sounds may indicate unstable ductwork, loose screws or sheet metal, or an unbalanced lower motor. Screeching and squealing sounds may signify a problem with the inducer motor or blower motor as a result of a defective belt pulley, a loose bearing, or an old belt.
Old Furnace
Homeowners should know how old their furnaces are so that they can replace them after their useful lives. You can figure out how old your furnace is by looking up the model number or finding the owner’s manual. If your furnace is 20 years old or older, you should consider hiring a heating and commercial refrigeration contractor to replace it soon.
Rising Energy Bills
If you’ve noticed that your energy bills keep increasing every month, your furnace could be to blame. As your furnace ages and experiences normal wear and tear, it will become less efficient. When the increase in your energy costs is exorbitant, replacing your furnace is a necessity.
Frequent and Expensive Repairs
Once frequent repairs become a regular occurrence and you’re spending an excessive amount of money on them, replacing your furnace is appropriate. Generally, if a repair cost is 50 percent of the furnace replacement cost, you should invest in a furnace replacement.
If you’re expecting a furnace breakdown in your Lauderhill home in the near future, reach out to a heating and commercial refrigeration expert at Air Murphy Air Conditioning and Refrigeration and schedule a furnace replacement before that happens.
For commercial or residential air conditioning, refrigeration, heating, or indoor air quality service, please call 954-424-7499 or complete our online request form.
Should You Install a Ductless Air System?
If your Pinecrest home needs an updated heating and cooling system, consider hiring an air conditioning and commercial refrigeration company to install a ductless air system. Ductwork is known for being dirty and inefficient, so why keep it when ductless air systems are available?
How Do Ductless Air Systems Work?
Traditional central heating and air conditioning systems operate by forcing heated and cooled air through the ductwork of homes, but ductless air systems installed by an air conditioning and commercial refrigeration company distribute air into different zones. Ductless air systems include one or more indoor units and a small outdoor unit, and they’re also known as mini split systems, split systems, split-ductless systems, and multi-split systems. Their efficient operation provides temperature control while lowering energy costs.
4 Reasons to Install a Ductless Air System
- It’s Easy to Install – A ductless air system involves a fairly simple and non-invasive installation because ductwork doesn’t have to be installed. Depending on the number of units involved, installation could be started and finished within one day.
- It’s Environmentally Friendly – Many homeowners choose ductless air systems because their energy-efficient zoning capabilities reduce homeowners’ carbon footprints. Ductless air systems also use R410A, a refrigerant that doesn’t deplete the ozone layer.
- It’s Good for Your Health – Indoor air is often more polluted than outdoor air, and the amount of time your family stays inside breathing this dirty air can be disconcerting. If homeowners with ductwork don’t keep up with the cleaning and maintenance of their HVAC systems, then dust, pollen, mold, and other allergens and air pollutants can accumulate and impact the health of households negatively. Ductless air systems reduce the amount of air pollutants in your home because they lack air ducts.
- It’s Very Efficient – Homes with air duct systems can lose 25 percent of their energy, resulting in increased energy costs. Removing these ducts reduces this energy loss, and some homeowners are eligible for local utility incentives and federal tax credits by installing ductless air systems. Although hiring an air conditioning and commercial refrigeration company to install a ductless air system involves a high up-front cost, the new system will provide significant cost savings over time.
If you think your Pinecrest home and household would benefit from a ductless air system installation, choose a trusted air conditioning and commercial refrigeration company like Air Murphy Air Conditioning and Refrigeration to perform the installation and improve the heating and cooling of air in your home.
For commercial or residential air conditioning, refrigeration, heating, or indoor air quality service, please call 954-424-7499 or complete our online request form.
The Importance of Proper Commercial Refrigeration Maintenance
For restaurant and grocery store owners in Surfside, proper commercial refrigeration is an essential part of the business. Cleaning and maintaining your refrigerator regularly and hiring a commercial refrigeration company to perform emergency refrigerator repairs will ensure that you meet food safety regulations. Additionally, tending to your refrigerator diligently will prolong its life span and limit your expenses. Handling, storing, and preparing perishable goods can be tricky tasks to master safely, but there are many commercial refrigeration storage and maintenance tips for you to implement in your business.
Commercial Refrigeration Storage Tips
- Don’t overfill your refrigerator so air circulation is possible and the temperature doesn’t rise.
- Don’t place hot food in the refrigerator because it can increase the temperature and condensation levels in the refrigerator.
- Discard the outer packaging of food items so that the refrigerator and the food within doesn’t become contaminated by microorganisms on the packaging and so air can circulate better.
- Place raw fish and meat and food products containing raw animal products such as eggs in the coldest sections of the refrigerator.
Commercial Refrigeration Maintenance and Food Safety Tips
- Clean and rinse your refrigerator with soapy water, and then rinse with a solution of water and a small amount of bleach at least every two weeks.
- Disinfect sponges with heat or chlorinated water prior to cleaning.
- Make sure the refrigerator door is closed completely after every use, and avoid leaving it
open for prolonged periods of time to prevent the formation of excessive condensation.
- Wipe up spills immediately to avoid cross-contamination.
- Defrost your refrigerator often.
- Install thermometers in your refrigerator, and monitor them to make sure that the freezer stays below 0 degrees Fahrenheit and the refrigerator stays below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Thaw frozen food on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator instead of at room temperature to prevent the growth of bacteria.
- Inspect food for visual and olfactory signs of decay before preparing it, and discard any food that appears to be deteriorating.
You don’t have to take care of your Surfside business’s commercial refrigeration equipment alone. Experienced technicians at Air Murphy Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, a reputable commercial refrigeration company, are ready and willing to assist you with repairs, installation, and maintenance.
For Commercial or Residential air conditioning, refrigeration, heating, or indoor air quality service, please call 954-424-7499 or complete our online request form.
Why Air Quality Testing Is a Good Idea
When you hire commercial refrigeration and HVAC professionals to tune-up your HVAC or refrigeration system, take a moment to discuss their air quality testing services. Some business owners in Miami neglect to address the indoor air quality of their commercial properties, but investing in devices that improve indoor air can alleviate the symptoms of air pollution drastically.
Air pollutants can have extremely hazardous effects on people’s health. At the least, air pollutants will cause headaches, fatigue, asthma symptoms, dizziness, cold symptoms, and eyes, nose, and throat irritation. On the other hand, prolonged exposure to air pollutants can contribute to the development of severe illnesses, such as heart disease, respiratory diseases, and cancer.
Common Air Pollutants and Their Dangerous Effects
- Mold – Excess moisture can not only harm the structure of your commercial building but also the health of your employees and customers. When moisture persists for a long period of time, mold begins to grow. Mold spores are difficult to remove completely, but commercial refrigeration and HVAC contractors can provide solutions for mold problems.
- Smoke – Keep your commercial building smoke free because even secondhand smoke can cause serious health problems and can exacerbate asthma symptoms.
- Airborne Particulates – Particles wear off of products, furnishings, and building materials, creating dirt and dust that drift in the air. These airborne particles can induce respiratory illnesses and allergies.
- Combustion Pollutants – Gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide are formed from burning materials and fuel-burning appliances, such as gas and wood stoves, space heaters, water heaters, fireplaces, and dryers. These gases are hard to detect because they are both colorless and odorless. Carbon monoxide causes nausea, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and even death. Nitrogen dioxide causes eyes, nose, and throat irritation as well as shortness of breath and respiratory infections.
By hiring a commercial refrigeration and HVAC company to test the quality of the indoor air in your Miami commercial building, you are taking a step toward cleaner, healthier air that will improve allergy symptoms and make breathing easier. After your air is tested for pollutants, discuss air purification options with a commercial refrigeration and HVAC technician at Air Murphy Air Conditioning and Refrigeration.
For the best Indoor Air Quality in Florida, please call 954-424-7499 or complete our online request form.
3 Common Causes of Poor Indoor Air Quality in Your Florida Home
Poor indoor air quality causes a host of health problems for you, but what causes poor indoor air quality? The answer: quite a few things. And we’ve listed the three biggest and most common causes so that you can address them and make your indoor air quality high quality.
Pets
Your pets are some of the biggest sources of your happiness — and also of your poor indoor air quality. Their fur and dander work their ways into your indoor air circulation, suffusing your air supply with harmful particles that can impact your well-being.
To keep your pets from lowering your indoor air quality, you need to keep them well-groomed. This process can be simple enough: Bathe your pets regularly, keep them brushed, etc.
Dirty Air Ducts
Since your air ducts transport your air supply throughout your entire home, you need to keep them clean so that that air supply doesn’t become riddled with debris. Unfortunately, over time, your air ducts will become encrusted with layers of dirt and other nasty buildups.
If your air ducts have become dirty, you don’t have to resign yourself to living with all-around poor indoor air quality. Instead, you can call your preferred HVAC expert for a thorough professional air duct cleaning that will get your indoor air cleaned up as well.
Lax Cleaning Habits
While no one can necessarily fault you for pet dander or dusty air ducts, they might be able to fault you at least a little for being lazy when it comes to keeping house. After all, the sweeping, dusting, and mopping that you might put off can lead to poor indoor air quality.
To get your indoor air quality back in shape, you need to keep up with your cleaning. So, don’t put off your vacuuming, your mopping, your dusting, or any of that. Set a cleaning schedule and stick to it, and you’ll enjoy significantly improved indoor air quality for years.
If you are looking for a Florida air conditioning professional, then please call 954-424-7499 or complete our online request form.
3 Important Reasons To Schedule Your Yearly Heating Tune Up Before It’s Too Late
With every day that passes, you can feel the the coming winter season getting closer and closer, and most homeowners are taking this time now to ensure that everything is in order around their home to survive the upcoming winter weather and the coming holidays. There is a lot that goes into getting your home ready for winter, and even more that goes into getting your home ready for the holidays, and while we understand that your to-do list might be absolutely full, you might want to consider adding a fall heating tune up to your list if you haven’t done so already. Your heating system is a very important part of your home during the cold winter months, and you, your family, and any visiting guests you might be hosting for the holidays are going to be depending on your system to work efficiently and effectively over the coming months to keep your home warm and comfortable at all times. If you haven’t already gotten a professional tune up for your heating system this fall, you are going to want to do so before it’s too late. To help highlight just why this might be one of the most important investments you make this fall, our team of professionals have taken the time to put together this short list detailing what a few of the benefits are, and some of the issues you might be able to avoid this coming winter by getting a professional tune up for your heating system now.
Keep Your System Running Efficiently
Efficiency is important when it comes to your heating system. Your heating system is likely going to be spending a lot of time switched on this coming winter, and if your system isn’t running efficiently, you might find yourself paying a small fortune in order to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. During the course of your heating tune up, our team of professionals will go through your system and make sure that everything is properly calibrated, your connections are tight, and that nothing is out of place or isn’t functioning like it should be. Taking care of these issues now before your system has to go into heavy use will help to ensure your system doesn’t have to work harder than it needs to this coming winter, saving you big on your monthly energy bills.
Reduce Your Risk Of Breakdown
When it comes to heating system breakdowns in the winter months, most system failures are a direct result of improper maintenance, or lack thereof. If you, like many homeowners across the country, turned your heating system off at the end of last winter and never spared it a second thought, there is a very real chance that you have unresolved issues lingering in your system that could spell trouble for you in the coming months. With so many moving parts, even the smallest issues with your system have a tendency to get much worse over time, and before you know it, you could find yourself without a working heating system right when you need it most. Having your heat go out in the middle of a cold winter night can be a harrowing experience, and it isn’t something we would wish on anyone. Getting your system a tune up now will ensure that everything is working properly, and there are no lingering issues that could lead to problems a few months down the line.
Improve Indoor Air Quality
During the winter months, most homeowners and their families are going to be spending the majority of their time inside the house, and as such, it is important to think about the quality of the air you are going to be breathing in on a constant basis. While it might not seem like it, your heating system can have a major effect on the indoor air quality of your home. During the months that your system isn’t in use, it is usually collecting a great deal of dust, dirt, and other airborne contaminants, and if your system isn’t cleaned out, all of that is going to be getting circulated throughout your home once your system gets turned on. During the course of your heating tune up, not only will our professionals be going through your system and ensuring that everything is working properly, but they will also be making sure that your system is fully cleaned out so all of that collected dust and dirt aren’t being constantly circulated throughout your home.
