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Updates & tips
Air Conditioning in the 21st Century
Things have changed, today we take for granted we can get directions at the touch of a button or if we just ask our smart phone, it will tell us where all the best restaurants are. Everything is wireless and connected to the internet, you name it and its connected. What about today's air conditioning systems? Can you change the temperature at your home from work? Turn on the system from your smart phone? Will your system automatically contact the air conditioning repair contractor if it fails? Yes the technology is out there, from wireless internet connect thermostats to completely integrated systems that communicate with all the components in the system and alert the owner when there is a problem. Smart thermostats that learn based on occupancy and temperatures you set most often. Systems that automatically alter their capacity, becoming the size air conditioner, heat pump or furnace that's needed. This technology in not only convenient, it provides comfort while saving money! Things have changed! Unfortunately most contractors and home owners still rely on old obsolete technology. I still see mechanical thermostats that use a mercury filled bulb in many homes and businesses. Dumb digital thermostats are replacing these, but while more accurate, they still lack programming capability and wireless connectivity. What about those with a programmable thermostats out there? Most are on hold, the owners find them to complicated to program. Some require a manual just to set the time! Better thermostats allow the owner to program them from their tablet or smart phone, no manual required. Connected thermostats set their own time! Yes the upfront cost is more, but these new products allow you to make the most of your time and money. They also provide what you want, comfort. A house or business that is warm when it should be and cool when it should be. Most new air conditioning systems are sold based on the upfront price, not what it will cost over its life or the comfort it can provide. Seldom is comfort a priority when a new system sold, only later when the customer finds he can't keep the living room warm without making the bedroom so hot you could grow cactus, is comfort considered. Don't we have air conditioning to make us comfortable? What's comfort worth? New technology has transformed what is possible not only in commercial buildings but homes as well. Modern air conditioning systems are an investment. But there are real dividends, energy savings and convenience are just two. Comfort is another big one, isn't that why we buy an air conditioning system in the first place? Want more information, go to www.abd-services.com
Heating Season and Furnace Safety
It's that time of year again! Those cool fall evenings tell us that winter is on its way. Time to get ready for that first cold blast. Get out the blankets and turn on the heat! When it comes to heating, specifically gas furnaces, safety is always paramount with comfort an important but secondary consideration. Some mistakenly take the position, "it worked ok last season, so it should work for this season". That can cost you a very uncomfortable couple of mornings until the heating contractor can get to you because everyone else thought the same thing. But beyond the discomfort of a cold house, is a gas furnace that threatens the life of you and your family. Make no mistake, gas furnaces are very safe. They incorporate many modern safety features. Yet without proper maintenance and yearly inspections by a trained professional, they can pose a hazard. Blocked flues and air intakes can create conditions that can pose a very real danger. Carbon monoxide poisoning is only one of the most notable, mainly because it is so often fatal. Fire is another. Birds nest, squirrels and mice are most noted for making their home in a furnace flue or air intake resulting in unsafe conditions. But unsafe conditions are often the result of the home owners actions. Flammable materials, even gasoline stored right next to a gas fired furnace. Air intakes blocked with items stored next to the furnace. Other common mistakes that can cost lives: Not having a carbon monoxide detector or detectors in the living space. Every house should have these! No smoke detectors or ones that are out of date, yes they do need to be replaced at least every five years. Not having the furnace inspected by a qualified professional every year. Get ready for the heating season by checking your home for safety problems and have your heating system inspected. Then enjoy the season in safety and comfort!
Does it matter if my AC contractor is licensed or insured?
In most states a licensed is required. This protects you the consumer in several ways. To obtain a license the individual must take a written test ( in most states) that requires him/her to demonstrate a minimum level of competency. That's good, the individual has to know enough to pass the exam. To sit for the exam (again in most states) the individual must have verifiable experience in the trade. This means working for a licensed contractor that will verify the individuals experience. Three to four years is common. So that's good too! Many states require continuing education credits in order for the individual to renew the license. So they must keep up with current practices, and technologies. The state of Florida requires 14 hrs every 2 years. Sounds good as well. To keep a license active the individual must maintain insurance coverage (again in most states). That's real good! Take note: a licensed contractor denotes an individual or company that has obtained a license that is specific for the trade (in this case air conditioning) that allows them to contract in that city, county or state. Contractors are licensed at different levels, for example, in Georgia there is a license for residential air conditioning and another for commercial. The level of experience and knowledge are far different to obtain the commercial license.A simple business license is not the same as a contractor license and does not allow the individual to work in the air conditioning field in most states.If you use an unlicensed contractor (in some states) :You can be fined (in many states).The job can be shut down by code enforcement, leaving you without air conditioning until a proper permit is obtained, by a licensed contractor.You may have to pay twice for the job, since the first "contractor" was unlicensed he cannot complete the job and if you have paid him any advance money it's not likely you'll get it back. Also since he is unlicensed your only recourse may be small claims court. You'll have to pay the licensed contractor to complete the job.In addition since no inspections were done, all or part of the job may need to be torn out or redone. Insurance: unlicensed contractors almost never carry any insurance and if they do it may not pay the claim since they are not licensed. This leaves you the homeowner or business owner liable for any damages. If your home or business burns to the ground due to his negligence your insurance company or you will be paying the bill!For that matter you are liable (in many states) for any injuries to yourself or anyone else on your property that may be the fault of the unlicensed uninsured contractor. Even injuries to the unlicensed, uninsured "contractor" or his employees, even if he is at fault! Imagine paying for his broken leg and his employees back injury! So, does it matter if your AC contractor is licensed and insured? Looking for a qualified licensed and insured contractor? Contact us! We are licensed in three states at the commercial level.