Bayonet Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning Blog: Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category

Cooling Your Home Affordably This Summer

Monday, April 9th, 2018

With the level of heat that we experience during the summer season in our geographic region, not running your air conditioner is simply not an option. The hard truth of this matter is that running your air conditioner also costs money. It doesn’t matter how efficient your AC. You will see its use reflected in your energy bills throughout the cooling season. While we cannot tell you how to cool your home for free, we can help you to boost energy efficiency to keep cooling costs manageable.

Don’t worry, we are not going to tell you that you need to upgrade your air conditioner to a high-efficiency system, either. While doing so will obviously help you to scale back cooling costs, this is not an option for every homeowner financially. Fortunately, there are plenty of simple ways in which you can start cutting down on energy bills—without sacrificing your comfort in the process. Keep these tips in mind, and schedule your AC services in Brooksville, FL with our team.

Tags: AC, AC Maintenance, Air Conditioning, air conditioning maintenance, Brooksville
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Why Your Air Conditioner Needs a Fresh Filter

Monday, April 9th, 2018

All air conditioners are susceptible to occasional repair needs. While there may not be any way to keep your AC 100% reliable, there are ways that you can help to avoid problems with your air conditioner. One of the most effective is also one of the most simple. Keep a fresh air filter in the system!

Because this is such a simple goal to achieve, some homeowners wonder if it is really that important of one. The answer is yes—we wouldn’t be recommending that you do so if it weren’t. So how is it that keeping a fresh air filter in your AC in Brooksville, FL can benefit you?

Tags: AC, Air Conditioning, air conditioning repair, air filter, Brooksville
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Is Your Air Conditioner Ready for Action?

Monday, March 12th, 2018

It is still early in March, and the weather during the daytime is far from the hottest that it will be during the peak of the summer season. That doesn’t mean that your air conditioner should not be on your mind, though. It is not going to be too long before you need your air conditioning system to spring into action, and you need to be certain that it is in great working condition to do so. How do you do that?

By scheduling routine air conditioning maintenance with a member of our team, of course. When it comes to getting the very best performance that your air conditioner in Brooksville, FL has to offer, nothing beats annual maintenance. And yes, we mean annual. This is something that must be done every single year—no ifs, ors, or buts about it! The benefits of maintenance are too great to overlook. Read on, and be sure to contact us if you’re ready for an AC tune-up.

Tags: AC, AC Maintenance, Air Conditioning, air conditioning maintenance, Brooksville
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When Should I Replace My Air Conditioner?

Monday, February 26th, 2018

Investing in a new air conditioning system may not be the most exciting way in which to spend your hard-earned money, but it is definitely one of the most important investments that you’ll make in this part of the country. We have a lot of hot and sunny weather around here, but we also have a lot of weather that is so hot and sunny, not to mention humid, that it is simply uncomfortable.

You absolutely need a great whole-house air conditioning system in Brooksville, FL. Otherwise, you are not going to live in the comfort that you deserve. Now, there are a lot of great air conditioners on the market today, and our technicians will make sure that yours is properly tuned up on an annual basis to ensure that it operates as reliably as possible. At some point, however, even the best and most well-maintained ACs are going to need replacing. Has that time come for you?

Tags: AC, AC replacement, Air Conditioning, Air Conditioning Replacement, Brooksville
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Don’t Get Caught in the Dark: What to Do in an Electrical Emergency

Wednesday, August 13th, 2014

Power outages are a fact of life, especially in Florida with the ever-present threat of tropical storms and hurricanes. So when your power does inevitably go out, make sure you’ve taking the proper precautions and made preparations to make it as small an inconvenience as possible.

Keep a supply of candles, matches, and a couple flashlights with fresh batteries on hand and in a place easily accessible to everyone in the household. When the lights go out, the last thing you want is to be rummaging around in the dark looking for these things.

Be aware of food safety issues. If the power outage is less than four hours, your food should be safe to eat. For outages that last longer than four hours, follow these guidelines for safety: a half-filled freezer will typically keep food safe for up to 24 hours and a tightly packed freezer up to 48 hours. If possible, pack refrigerated items that could spoil, like milk and eggs, in a cooler packed with ice. Also, try to minimize opening the refrigerator and freezer as much as possible to keep food cooler longer.

Water purification systems may not function properly during a power outage, so make sure to keep a supply of bottled water on hand for drinking, cooking, and/or personal hygiene. If you are caught in a power outage without access to bottled water, bringing water to a rolling boil for at least one minute will kill most organisms.

Consider purchasing an emergency generator. When you have an extended power outage, an emergency generator can be your best friend. You can typically purchase a basic generator that will power lights and appliances for less than $700. This article from ConsumerReports.org is a great resource for choosing the right emergency generator for you.

If you want to alleviate the power outage risk entirely, Bayonet can install a standby generator! With natural gas or LP tank access, the stand-by generator system can power essential electricity to your home for weeks at a time, provided fuel is accessible. Generators are available in multiple sizes to suit your needs. Then, your lights, water, and refrigerator will always stay on! For more, see our upcoming blogs or contact a representative today.

Power outages are certainly a nuisance, but if you plan ahead with these relatively simple preparations you can weather the storm without too much of a headache.

Tags: Bayonet AC, Bayonet Heating, Bayonet Plumbing, electrical emergencies, electrical emergency, power outages, water purification systems
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What is a Mini-Split Air Conditioning Unit?

Wednesday, July 30th, 2014

You may have heard the term “mini-split” in reference to AC systems, but what exactly are they? Simply put, mini-split AC units are ductless systems comprised of an indoor air-handling unit (or units) and an outdoor condenser. Mini splits work by pumping refrigerant from the outdoor condenser through copper tubing into the indoor units, where a fan then distributes cool air across an evaporator coil and into the space.

One outdoor condenser has the ability to operate as many as four indoor air-handling units, allowing for four separate zones that can be heated or cooled. Each of these indoor units is controlled by their own thermostats, which allows heating and cooling of only the areas you need at any particular time, both convenient and cost-effective.

Mini splits have convenient and money-saving applications for several situations:

For homes with no existing ductwork, mini splits are a great money-saving alternative to installing a central air system. Installation of a mini-split system is significantly easier and less expensive than a traditional ductwork system. Add in the cost savings associated with having great control over heating or cooling only certain zones in your home and mini-splits become an even more attractive alternative.

Mini-split systems are also ideal for additions or smaller separate outbuildings where extending ductwork or installing a separate central system is not a reasonable option. Garages turned man-caves and guest house additions are two examples of spaces where mini splits are a great cooling option.

Contact Bayonet today to find out if a mini-split system is the right fit for you.

Tags: Bayonet AC, Bayonet Heating, Bayonet Plumbing, indoor air handling unit, mini split AC unit, outdoor condenser
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The End is Near: When to Replace Your Heating/AC Unit

Wednesday, July 16th, 2014

Buying a new AC may not be at the top of your list of what you want to spend your hard-earned money on, but not replacing it when it’s time will often cost you more in the long run. It comes down to efficiency. Some of the signs to look out for are easy to see, such as:

Is the unit over 10 years old?
Does your home feel humid even when the unit is running?
Is it unnecessarily noisy?
Has your monthly bill increased?
Is the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) number on your current unit 10 or under?

If you’ve answered “yes” to any of the above, you are probably at a point where maintenance is required or, more likely, a new, more efficient unit should be considered.

Like anything mechanical, energy efficient and appropriately sized units are the key to optimum operating costs and peak functionality. Today’s air conditioners must have a minimum SEER rating of 13, and must use the more environmentally friendly R-410A refrigerant. The most efficient models have SEER ratings up to 26. Still, even the most effective units work best when they operate in the ideal environment. Some questions to ask are:

Is your home well insulated to protect its interior from drafts/warm air?

Is the duct system that distributes the cool air properly sealed?
Do you have more than one return in your home?

If you suspect any issues exist, be sure to correct those before installing new units.

So if you believe it’s time to replace your AC unit, a tremendous selection is available at a wide range of price points. The right one, installed with an upgrade like a programmable thermostat, will provide an excellent return on your investment.

Tags: AC Maintenance, Bayonet Cooling, Bayonet Heating, Bayonet Plumbing, energy efficient AC, Heating/AC Unit Replacement Tampa, SEER
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3 Ways to Improve the Indoor Air Quality in Your Home

Wednesday, July 2nd, 2014

The air quality in your home is put to the test against environmental impurities every day. Like it or not, pollutants such as dust, mold, cigarette smoke, radon, and – especially in Tampa – pollen are going to make their way into your home in a variety of ways. Visitors, pets, or even a new mattress can track them in, or your outside unit can unintentionally draw them in.

Children, the elderly, and asthma sufferers may be more sensitive to poor air quality; however, breathing impure air is dangerous for anyone who is continuously exposed. The good news is you can help minimize the risk of serious health problems by being mindful of these steps to keep your home free of pollutants and toxins:

Keep your floors free of dirt and dust. Regularly vacuuming or mopping your floors will reduce the risk of chemicals and allergens taking up permanent residence in your home. Routine cleaning of your entire home is the best way to ensure pollutants will not linger.

Consistently change your home’s HVAC filters per the manufacturer or your HVAC professional’s instructions. At Bayonet, we always recommend writing the date you replace them on the cardboard edge so you will know for certain the last time you swapped them out. Most store-bought one-inch filters should be changed monthly. Whole-house units, installed at the air handler, can be changed twice a year.

Periodically ventilate your home. Most home heating and cooling systems do not bring in clean outdoor air and should not be relied on to keep your home’s air purified. Periodically opening windows, doors, and vents will bring in outdoor air and help to push unclean air out.

Monitoring your home’s air isn’t always the easiest task to remember. But for the sake of your family’s safety and wellness, it needs to be done. Contact Bayonet today to find out how we can help!

Tags: air pollutants, Bayonet Cooling, Bayonet Heating, Bayonet Plumbing, indoor air quality Tampa
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Don’t Get Blown Away This Hurricane Season

Wednesday, June 18th, 2014

Hurricane season is upon us here in Florida, and with it lots of rain, wind, and bouts of flooding. And while a disasters are always a possibility, keep in mind we don’t always have to get hit hard to feel the effects of the ‘canes.

One thing that is often overlooked during hurricane season is your A/C unit. While we tend to remember to board our windows, sandbag our doors, and put valuables in a fire/waterproof safe, we often forget that there is a large, expensive appliance just waiting to be destroyed by the gale force winds.

So how exactly do you protect your HVAC unit in times of wild weather?

If you have a window unit, unplug it entirely. Bring the unit indoors and seal the opening.
Turn off your A/C unit before the storm, including the circuit breaker, to avoid electrical shocks if flooding should occur.
Cover your outdoor unit with a tarp, wood panels, or both to keep it as safe as possible from water, dirt, and debris. If high winds are predicted, consider investing in a pair of hurricane straps and batten down the hatches.

Once the storm has passed, portable A/C units can be placed back into their original locations. For the outdoor units, remove the protective covering, inspect the units, and check the base. Should flooding occur, call a professional like Bayonet to ensure that no damage has been done to the electrical portions of the unit.

We are keeping our fingers crossed for a safe and hurricane-free season, but better to be safe than sorry!

Tags: Bayonet Plumbing Tampa, Hurricane Electrical Safety Tips Tampa, Hurricane Safety Tips for AC Units, Hurricane Season FL, Tampa AC Service
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An A/C Unit is Only as Good as the Duct System

Wednesday, March 19th, 2014

The coveted summer months have finally arrived and that means sunshine, hot temperatures, and fun in the sun. It also means that you are turning on your air conditioning units and will be running them regularly for the next few months. One of the most commonly overlooked areas of air conditioning units is the duct work that pumps all that ice cold air into your home – the ducts. Without a solid duct system in place your unit will not function at maximum performance, ultimately costing you money in added energy costs.

So, what are the most common problems with ducts?

Problem: Dirt, Dust and Debris. Dirt and debris from outside can make their way into your home by getting pulled into the unit and then into the ducts. Likewise, the dust that naturally exists in your home can be pulled into the vents and circulated throughout the ducts.

Solution: Professional Duct Cleaning. Outsource this – attempting to clean your own duct work is dangerous and will likely cause more problems than it will solve.

Problem: Leaky Ducts. The ducts are not properly sealed. Various studies have concluded that anywhere from 10-30% of the cooled air is lost as a result of leaks. Improper sealing is generally the cause of leakage.

Solution: Get them tested. Bayonet can come out and evaluate and test the quality of your duct work and, should there be issues, make recommendations on how best to address them.

Making sure that you have a fully functioning A/C unit and well maintained and constructed ducts will help lower energy costs, increase performance, and keep your home cool as a cucumber this summer!

Tags: AC energy costs, AC maintenance Tampa, AC service Tampa, Bayonet AC Tampa Bay, professional duct cleaning
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