As the temperature outside is getting colder and colder, the more we need our HVAC systems working properly. If something isn’t working right, you should call and get a technician out as soon as possible. Here is a little run down of what to expect when they come to your house for a HVAC maintenance visit.

1. They will do an overall system check. This is how they will find the issue. By checking that all of the systems are running smoothly, they can pinpoint where your systems issues are stemming from.
2. They will conduct a safety check. Your safety is very important to the technician, so they will take the steps to make sure there is nothing that can become a safety issue. Anything that could involve carbon monoxide is one of the key things they are looking for in this safety check.
3. Repairing the issues they see. If it is a minor issue, they will be able to do it right there on the spot. When there are major repairs required or more work than anticipated, they will notify you and in some cases may need to set up another time to return with additional parts and/or help.
4. They will do cleaning to the equipment that would be tough for you to get. It is normal in a maintenance visit for the technician to clean the HVAC system.
5. There will be time allotted for questions. When they are all finished, they will come and discuss with you all that took place. This is the time that if you have any questions they will go over them with you and give you the answers you are looking for.
6. Lastly, the technician will give you a written report. Once all the questions are answered and everything is reviewed with you, the technician will provide you with a written report of all that went on while at your visit. It will include what they did, a number to reach them and a great reference to keep handy if there is a time in the future that you give them another call.

Whether you have a brand-new HVAC system or an older HVAC system, knowing what goes on during an air conditioning maintenance visit is very important. This article will help you be well prepared and ready when your technician rings your doorbell for the HVAC maintenance visit.

Air filters are a very important part to your HVAC system but they’re often overlooked. An air filter filters the air that goes through your heating and air conditioning systems. It may just look like a card board box but really it is made with special materials to make sure the air is filtered out in just the right way. An air filter catches pollen, dust, mold, hair, animal fur, and all sorts of bacteria! The way that it works is the materials in the filter (which include spun fiberglass) is there when the air gets pushed into the system and it is able to catch all of the contaminants from getting into your house.

Dirty or clogged air filters are one of the main causes of HVAC problems. It is important to stay on top of replacing your air filter and making sure that you are consistent in the timing that you do so. When the filter is dirty, it makes the HVAC system work harder to push the air through your house. It also can cause the air ducts to become clogged and in result, damage the entire HVAC system.

Air conditioning air filters are very important. They keep your house from flowing with contaminants that could harm your family and pets. Make sure you keep an eye on your filters and know that replacing them is a very easy task. If you have any question about it just give us a call. We can even send a technician over to help you out!

A lot of people find thunderstorms soothing, and then there are those who are terrified or them. Lightning storms can do some dangerous damage to an HVAC system. Here is how to keep your home safe.

While the effects on your system might not be apparent right away, power surges following an outage can damage air conditioners during a storm. It is a good idea to learn some signs of lightning damage so you can get your system fixed right away.

Damaged capacitor: The most common air conditioning part to give way following a power surge, a damaged capacitor can lead to further problems.

Blown fuses: If the voltage has damaged your air conditioner, you are more likely to encounter an air conditioning system which trips a breaker or blows the fuse due to damaged electrical lines.

Burned wires: If a power surge damages electrical wires within the air conditioner or within your home, your air conditioner might not work.

Damaged compressor or Motor: Some of the most expensive parts to fix in an HVAC system, a damaged air conditioning compressor or motor may not be noticeable right away. It can take weeks or months for an air conditioner or furnace to finally fail and indicate that the compressor or motor was damaged.

While, we don’t know when lightning storms are going to strike the best advice to give is turn off your system when you know a big storm is coming. When the power is not running, it’s less likely for the damages to be as serious.  And as always if you fear that damage has occurred to your HVAC system it is best to call a certified dealer to have them inspect your system for damage. Please call us at 813-689-2082 to schedule an inspection of your unit!

As the seasons are changing, we are getting into the coldest weather of the year. This takes a toll on our air ducts. This is the time to check on your air ducts. There are some signs to tell when your air ducts are ready to be inspected.

1. Uneven temperatures around the house.
If walking around your house and you notice places warmer or cooler than the rest, you may be losing air somewhere in your system.

2. Dusty smell or noticing more dust around the house.
Dust can get out and buildup throughout your house when there is a leak in your air ducts.

3. A weak flow of air coming out of the vent.
There are many possibilities for a decrease of air pressure coming out of your vents but the most common is an air duct leak.

4. Energy usage at its high peak.
If your house is using more energy than normal, your HVAC system will be working harder to achieve the temperature that you have set.

5. Loose HVAC parts.
If you are not the first-time owner of your house, you are not aware of all the damage and the possible loose parts that could be in your system due to poor installation.

The best way to make sure that your HVAC system is ready for the upcoming weather changes is to call the professionals. Gulf Coast Air Systems is able to come out and do a full inspection for you! We will be able to let you what can be done to get your system running at its best. Schedule your appointment at (813) 708- 9912!

Many of us are aware of dust and mold being common indoor air pollutants within our homes. However, there are other, more deadly particles that can enter our air flow system undetected. Below is a list of common indoor air pollutants that can be harmful to those living in your home.

• Carbon Monoxide
  1. Carbon monoxide stops your body from using oxygen, and if there is a high enough concentration of it, it could have deadly results.
  2. If you do not already have one, install a carbon monoxide detector.
  3. Prevent CO from intruding your home by constantly having your HVAC appliances inspected by a professional and that all appliances are installed correctly.
• Pet Dander
  1. Tiny flecks of skin from all kinds of pets (cats, dogs, rodents, and birds to name a few) is pet dander. Also, proteins found in the pet’s saliva, urine, and feces can cause additional allergens.
  2. How do we fix this? While the obvious solution would be to either avoid having a pet in the home or getting rid of the pet, this is not an option for some. Try to keep the pet out of bedrooms and off furniture. Vacuum carpets and clean regularly.
• RadonRadon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. The source of radon is the rock and soil around your home. As it decays, the radioactive byproducts can enter your home through cracks in the floors and walls.
  1. Homeowners can test for radon using a home kit or by contacting a professional. If you have high levels of radon in your home, along with sealing any cracks you can install a separate radon ventilation system.
• Cleaning Supplies & Household Chemicals
  1. Many common cleaning products contain a wide array of chemicals that could cause or lead to occupational asthma, headaches, and respiratory problems. VOCs (volatile organic compounds), ammonia, and bleach release dangerous chemicals and can cause additional hazardous reactions when mixed with other chemicals.
  2. A safe alternative to these chemical-based products is to use just soap and water, baking soda for scrubbing, and vinegar and water for glass cleaning.
  3. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has compiled a list of products that meet its Safer Choice requirements.
• Carpets
  1. Carpets trap pollutants such as dust mites, pet dander, cockroach allergens, particle pollution, mold, and more. Additionally, watch out during new carpet installations for VOCs. Carpets can contain glues and chemicals that contain volatile organic compounds.
  2. Avoid installing carpets and opt for hard surfaced floors or rugs that can easily be cleaned and replaced.

For further information and resources on the topic of indoor air pollutants, please visit the American Lung Association’s website, http://www.lung.org/our-initiatives/healthy-air/indoor/indoor-air-pollutants/?referrer=http://www.lung.org/our-initiatives/healthy-air/indoor/?referrer=https://www.google.com/.

United States weather patterns vary greatly causing all sorts of stress on HVAC equipment.  Some areas of the country are known for causing even more wear and tear than anywhere else.

• Cottonwood Trees are notorious for plugging up condensers and air inlets with their fluffy seeds that they drop during the summer.  This can cause equipment to overheat and breakdown.
• Northern winters are especially harsh on heating and cooling equipment. Ice buildup on the outdoor condenser can cause damage to the housing and internal components.  While the extreme cold forces furnaces to run nonstop to keep homes warm.  All of this brutal weather really pays a toll on the equipment shortening its lifespan.
• Extreme Average Temperatures in other parts of the countries cause homeowners to need additional HVAC equipment.  In a majority of countries home NEED to have a furnace and air conditioner as the seasonal temperatures can vary from -15 degrees in the winter to 100 degrees in the summer forcing homes to have more equipment to keep the occupants comfortable.
• During cooler months rodents and other small animals try to take refuge inside of heating and cooling equipment in homes to avoid the cold temperatures causing damage to the internal components.

This is why Florida is such a popular destination to move to, retire, vacation, or even just pass through. Those who live here fully understand the benefits are living in a (mostly) stable climate.

• Dependability – During the summer months, the average temperature is around 90 degrees, while in the winter, temperatures run between 60-70 degrees. Of course, this can vary, however, it allows residents to plan and monitor energy usage and monthly costs. The rare use of a furnace or other heating methods is an additional cost break.
• Increases HVAC Lifespan – Especially during the winter months, periodical use of your HVAC unit will put less stress on the unit itself. This will allow the system to live a longer life.
• Promotes Energy Efficiency – Due to the stable Florida climate, your HVAC system will not be used as harshly as it would in say, northern Wisconsin. You will be able to keep the temperature set at a comfortable, relatively low number that will result in a decline of energy consumption!

If you currently are not a resident of the state of Florida, your HVAC system can take a beating from a variety of weather changes throughout the year. Below are a few potential HVAC issues you may encounter with crazy weather patterns. Don’t let this worry you! Contact a profession technician in your area with questions and concerns.  Ultimately, Florida doesn’t have perfect, sunny weather 24/7. Hurricanes and storms can definitely occur and potentially wreak havoc on your HVAC system. To prevent something like this from happening, read through our blog post, 3 Precautions to Take When a Storm Hits. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a repair/installation, give Gulf Coast Air Systems a call at 813-689-2082!