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What Are Mini-Split Air Conditioning Systems?

A quick review of the pros and cons of mini-split A/C units to help you decide whether you should be using them for your home

Here in Gainesville, Florida, we understand the necessity for air conditioning. With a large portion of our population using A/C almost year round, the usefulness of a properly working HVAC system is clear. However, if you have not yet installed a traditional air conditioning system in your house or would like to know about other air conditioning options for your space, consider a new cooling system: mini-split air conditioning.

What Is Mini-Split Air Conditioning?

Mini-split air conditioning systems are a great way to get rid of bulky ducts and evaporator units and replace them with slim copper pipes filled with refrigerant. The pipes originate from the outdoor condenser unit and enter the house through a three-inch wide hole in the wall. On the other end of the pipes are air vent units that convert the refrigerant into crisp, cool air for every room in which they are located.

Why Install Mini-Split Air Conditioning?

The Pros of Mini-Splits:

Size

Due to their size, mini-splits are great for small houses or houses with little space in the attic or basement. Because they utilize small copper pipes instead of ductwork, they can fit through essentially any space to supply hard-to-reach rooms with conditioned air. Even if you are not going to use mini-splits to cool your entire house, they are still perfect to use for just one room or section of the house that you may not be able to otherwise reach with a normal A/C unit.

Energy Savings

Ductwork is notorious for leaking because it’s typically only square fiberglass-lined sheet metal, which is not ideal for holding in air. On the contrary, the tubular copper pipe is not only the right shape for holding in refrigerant, but it is also a better container for sealing in the refrigerant. Consequently, mini-split systems are stellar for saving money and energy!

Control

With a mini-split system, you need to have units that blow the cold air because this system does not blowing air through ductwork: it streams refrigerant through pipes. Therefore, the nature of the system necessitates a unit in each room to which the pipes are running. Having a unit in each room enables customized air conditioning control in each room as well. Typically, mini-split units are smaller than the average window A/C unit, and they are also much more convenient because their compact presence in each room allows you to adjust each room’s temperature. The temperature in each room can be different, or the whole house can be set to the same temperature. Finally, the manageable duct units can be displayed on the wall of the room, or they can be concealed in the ceiling behind a vent in the attic so that they do not take up any space in the room.

The Cons of Mini-Splits:

Price

Unfortunately, mini-split systems are typically 20-30% more expensive than an average HVAC system. However, prospective buyers must remember that mini-split systems save energy that would otherwise be lost through regular ductwork, so while homeowners are making a larger investment, they are also saving more money over time. You are also working with a more convenient system: it can reach any room in your house, and you can control the temperature of each room.

Size of the System

Make sure that you get the right size system for your house. If your system is too small, it will not be able to work for the whole house, and it will burn too much energy. However, if your system is too big, then you will overpay for the unit and waste money.

Who Should You Talk to About Mini-Splits?

As buying a correctly sized system is very important, you should contact your local HVAC supplier to confirm whether or not they work with mini-split systems. If you are interested in installing mini-splits in your house, click here for more information on mini-splits and here to contact a professional who would be more than happy to provide you with an extremely energy efficient mini-split air conditioning system.

Does HVAC Play a Part in Education? The Answers to What Affects the Learning Process

Are there outside forces that affect focus and learning for kids in school? Here are a few points on what role HVAC plays in schools and their students’ learning capabilities

If you are a teacher, you are probably well aware of what students in today’s classes have to endure. Middle school drama, difficult tests, and extracurricular activities can certainly play a role in the distraction of students, as they have for decades. However, is there something else that could be inhibiting the learning process for students? Studies show that a lot more than what we may expect can affect the ability of students to focus on their schoolwork.

Temperature is Crucial to Focus

The role that a room’s temperature plays is critical to the average student’s focus. Studies from the Council of Educational Facility Planners International (CEFPI) show that a room at too high or too low of temperature can alter test scores for students. This organization conducted a study that had students of the same age and comprehension level take exams in rooms with varying temperatures. Students in the two rooms that averaged a low and a high temperature respectively had lower scores than those in the room that maintained a more moderate temperature.

Why?

When we are in the cold, our body is focusing on staying warm. Therefore, by using a lot of energy to stay warm, our body is distracted from concentrating, and this distraction keeps students from being able to pinpoint their focus on what they are learning.

To a point, hotter temperatures are generally better for classrooms. General optimism is proven to increase when the temperature get warmer, and our bodies do not have to work as hard to stay comfortable. However, hot temperatures cause sweat, drowsiness, and of course, discomfort. All of these impact concentration and most likely played a role in the CEFPI’s study when the students were taking exams.

The best option is to find a happy medium, generally somewhere between 70-73°.

Sunlight is Crucial to Consciousness

One interesting tidbit to add to the temperature situation is that natural light also helps people focus and stay positive much longer and more efficiently than artificial lights. Unfortunately, some classrooms today are shrouded by thick walls and very little natural light. While sunlight can induce daydreaming, it can also encourage students to stay awake longer and pay more attention to the work in front of them. If possible, open up a window or two in your classroom so that both you and your students can focus better, and hopefully, their grades will improve as a result.

Gator Air and Energy is Necessary for A/C

Those are two very good ways to help students focus harder, but the rest is up to you. However, if you need help with your school’s HVAC system, please feel free to contact us at Gator Air and Energy, or find out more about the many services we offer!

How to Stay Cool and Save Energy During the Floridian Summer

Tips to Stay Cool & Save Energy During Summer

The pain of summer heat can be tremendous here in Gainesville, and we all know the struggles of trying to stay cool. Therefore, Gator Air and Energy has compiled a list of some of the best things that can both keep your body from overheating and keep your budget from melting this summer.

1. Homemade Air Conditioning

An effective way to stay cool without using air conditioning is to break out a fan and some ice. Taking on the DIY route to a cool summer lets you complete a fun project that also doubles as an effective room-cooling system.

2. Ventilation

Keeping your windows open is a time-tested technique for stopping the hot air from becoming too stifling. A gentle breeze is one of the best and most natural ways to cut back on the heat and, at the very least, to continue air circulation. Stagnant air not only feels hotter than moving air, but it is also dangerous in that it can be a breeding ground for bacteria, especially mold. The best time to leave the windows open is at night, when the temperature is much cooler. Sometimes, if the windows are open at night, the house cools down enough that you can close the windows in the morning. Not only is this free, but it’s also the perfect way to save energy by not using electricity.

3. Timing

If you love to exercise or be active outside, you may have to adjust your schedule during the summer to compensate for the extreme temperature changes. Try to be outside for long periods of time only in the evening or early morning when the weather is cooler. Generally, the day is at its hottest at 3:00 PM, so avoid being outside during that time if you can.

4. Hydration

Of course, staying hydrated is paramount when keeping cool in the summer. Drink plenty of water daily. Mayoclinic.org recommends that men drink 3 liters per day and women drink 2.2 liters per day; however, those amounts should probably increase during the summer when water gets drained from your body due to the heat. Also, in hotter temperatures, avoid caffeine and alcohol as much as possible, because those actually dehydrate the body rather than hydrate.

5. Free Air Conditioning

If you don’t have any air conditioning, you can usually find a place in town that does. For instance, if you live in Gainesville, you could go to the Gainesville Public Library, the Oaks Mall, or many of the small businesses in downtown Gainesville. These all provide great access to free A/C and a fun way to learn what your town has to offer.

6. Swimming!

Here in Gainesville, we are lucky to be close to many different springs, especially those just north of Gainesville in the High Springs area. Ginnie, Blue, Poe, and Rum Island Springs are all examples of beautiful, crystal clear waters that stay 72° year round. The first two have an entrance fee of $13 and $10, respectively, while the latter two are completely free. The rates for Ginnie and Blue Springs vary for the different age groups, and they get cheaper the younger the children are. Springs are an especially entertaining way to cool down, but here in Florida, we’re fortunate enough to be completely surrounded by water, so going to the beach, lake, or river guarantees the chance to have a fun day with the family while staying cool.

Contact Gator Air & Energy

While all of the above options are affordable, enjoyable, and effective, we must say that the best way to stay cool is with an air conditioning system. So, if you are able to make the investment, or you are just considering buying a HVAC system, contact Gator Air and Energy, your local Gainesville A/C professionals, for an estimate.

Why Floridians Should Use Solar Energy to Save Money

The importance of using the abundant Florida sunlight for powering your home to save money and save the environment

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, “Solar energy is the cleanest and most abundant renewable energy source available, and the U.S. has some of the richest solar resources in the world.” That being said, Florida has an especially advantageous stance in the field of solar energy. Lovingly nicknamed the “Sunshine State,” Florida gives its residents the opportunity year-round to harness its unforgivingly hot sunshine to save money.

While many people believe that solar energy equipment is far too expensive to afford, a different perspective on the subject will reveal that this equipment is actually relatively cheap. Consider solar energy as an investment. It takes an initially large payment, but the paybacks more than make up for the investment as time goes on. An interesting case study done by the Energy Informative explains that it would take roughly 10 years to break even on the installation of house-wide solar panels, and then you can sit back and enjoy 15 years of returns after that.

It takes an initially large payment, but the paybacks more than make up for the investment as time goes on.

Maybe you’re not planning on living in your house for another 25 years, so installing solar panels doesn’t exactly seem like the right move. However, you should know that installing solar panels in your house can dramatically add to your property value. According to Clean Technica, “each 1-kilowatt (kW) increase in rooftop solar system size adds $5,911 to a home’s resale value.” That’s a fiscally responsible reason to convert to solar energy, but it still requires a huge commitment.

So, in the meantime, here are some examples of energy-saving options that could provide a little more green for a little less green:

Solar Water Heaters

Who doesn’t love a hot shower in the morning? Knowing that the warm water is being provided by the 27 million degree sun makes that shower even better. Also, solar water heaters are a great way to help the environment without breaking the bank or making a huge investment. Solar water heaters are only a little more expensive than gas heaters, but they provide quite the payback in electricity bills, especially in Florida. How do they work? Well, like most solar energy systems, they use solar panels to generate energy for heating purposes by warming up the water as it moves through the system, but they also have a backup system just in case the sun decides not to shine for a while.

Solar Attic Fans

We know that having a nice, cool attic in Florida is a difficult task. Therefore, one great way to solve this problem is through a solar attic fan. Something most people never even consider is that a great way to cool down their house is to start from the top, so to speak. As one of the cheapest forms of solar energy, solar attic fans only require a solar panel on the roof attached to a fan that hangs below into the attic. These fans help keep the temperature below sweltering so your air conditioning does not have to fight the intense heat of the attic, especially during those blazing Floridian summer.

Solar Tubes

While they sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, they’re actually much more residential than you might think. Solar tubes are simply tubes that extend from your roof to your living room, bathroom, or bedroom ceiling. They’re lined with reflective panels on the inside so they can harness the power of the sun and serve as electricity-free lights. Generally smaller, cheaper, and safer than sunroofs, they’re a great way to provide fresh, free sunlight to any room in your house.

Solar Pool Heaters

Granted, you need a pool before you can have a solar pool heater. However, a large population of Florida does have a pool. So, if you’re one of the lucky ones that can swim in your own backyard, brace yourself, because you’re about to get even luckier. Good news: you can heat up your pool with a solar heater. The technology for this convenience is fairly simple. After the pool water has been filtered, it’s strained through solar connectors that are attached to a solar panel, which is usually located on the roof of your house. These solar connectors heat up the water and return it to the pool. Again, solar pool heaters are relatively inexpensive and a great way to save on energy costs each month while keeping your pool a cool, comfortable temperature.

These are just a few suggestions for great ways to be environmentally friendly while simultaneously saving money with the solar energy system. Our website has even more information on many of these economical solar energy options. To learn more about how Gator Air and Energy can help you get in on solar energy, contact us.

The Importance of Hiring a Reliable HVAC Contractor in Gainesville

Whether it’s staying warm or keeping cool, every home or business depends on indoor climate control for comfort. Working with an HVAC contractor is an important practice for keeping your heating and cooling systems running smoothly. A heating, ventilating and air conditioning, or, HVAC, contractor installs and maintains residential and business heating and cooling equipment, so the right Gainesville HVAC contractor is as essential to the success of your system’s function as buying the proper equipment.

Finding a qualified Gainesville contractor should not be a difficult task, but the average person does not know where to begin when it comes to locating a reliable HVAC contractor, and that can often complicate the process. Gator Air and Energy wants you to know that finding an HVAC contractor that you trust is crucial, so consult local HVAC contractors about the practices and quality of their work to see to it that any HVAC work you need will be done properly and professionally. Communicate with your HVAC contractor to understand everything you can, and if something goes wrong, consider looking elsewhere for a contractor that can fix any mistakes and get your air conditioning system back on the right track.

Why You Need the Best Gainesville HVAC Contractor

Before you can have a new system installed or work done on your older system, you will need a Gainesville HVAC contractor to do a physical inspection of the location or the previously installed equipment. Avoid working with any HVAC contractor that does not perform an onsite inspection of an installation job or of equipment that needs repair before doing anything else. You might find that such a contractor is only interested in the profits and not in providing quality service.

A good HVAC contractor will use a checklist to determine the square footage of your home or business and to calculate the heat-load of the space. Only after they have discovered the necessary numbers can an HVAC contractor write up an estimate for a new system or parts for an existing one as well as labor charges. If you plan on having new equipment installed, most Gainesville HVAC contractors will usually have more than one option when it comes to available systems.

If you have an older system that is no longer efficient, a Gainesville HVAC contractor will ask specific questions and run a number of tests to pinpoint the problem and find solutions. Some systems are simply too small for the home or business where they are installed, and your Gainesville HVAC contractor can help you decide on the right new system or appropriate upgrade. A properly sized system will cost you less over time due to the more energy efficient operation it can achieve.

Important Features to Look For In a Gainesville HVAC Contractor

Here is a short list of important features to look for in any HVAC contractor from Gainesville with whom you may be interested in working:

  • Insurance: Any contractor you plan to hire should be insured and bonded. They must also have insurance that includes workmen’s compensation and be bonded in the event of damage to your property.
  • Phone book listing: Make sure that the Gainesville HVAC contractor you are thinking of hiring has a listing in your local phone book, because an established office or shop is probably a good indication of a reputable company within the community. An HVAC contractor should volunteer any contact information, including emergency contact numbers. If no physical address or phone number for emergency repairs is identifiable, you cannot be certain the contractor will be there when you need them.
  • Proper practices and procedures: If you need a new air conditioning unit for your home or business, does your HVAC contractor perform the measurements and calculations that are industry standards? If your HVAC contractor claims to test for carbon monoxide, what type of tests do they conduct on the air quality of your home or business? Good HVAC contractors will have tried and tested procedures in place that they can verify and explain as they are working on your HVAC system.
  • Proper licensing: Proper licensing is very important for HVAC contractors who claim to do any work in a specialized area. For example, an important thing to discover about an HVAC contractor that works with refrigerants is whether or not they hold an Environmental Protection (EPA) license. This license will ensure that the actions the HVAC contractor takes with refrigerants are safe and environmentally considerate. An HVAC contractor working with a cooling system should dispose of any refrigerants that might contaminate the air. No matter what area they specialize in, a good HVAC contractor should have the credentials in place that qualify them as capable in that department.

Choosing a Qualified Gainesville HVAC Can Help Protect Your Investment

With all of the HVAC companies in Gainesville, there is no need to do business with the first HVAC contractor you find. Instead, talk with a few different HVAC contractors and ask for written estimates that you can compare. Whenever you have misgivings about any contractor, move on to find one that you believe is qualified for the job. You might be tempted to go with the lowest offer, but that might not always be your best option. Put the contractor to the test and have them go over the estimate with you to explain how he is able to save you so much money. Try not to just look for the cheapest deal on heating and cooling equipment; instead, find the most reliable quality for the price.

You definitely will need to hire a reliable Gainesville HVAC contractor when it comes time to install a new system or perform work on your existing equipment. A reliable HVAC contractor will be knowledgeable about their profession and will not keep you waiting if you have scheduled an appointment. A truly professional HVAC contractor maintains good with you as a customer. If they are on an emergency call, they should contact you to let you know. Also, you should be able to make several minor observations about the company that can clue you in to how good their service really is. For example, the quality of their business will be reflected in the cleanliness and neatness of their office and vehicles. How they treat their employees and their property should be an enlightening indication of how well they will treat their customers and their projects.

As previously mentioned, the lowest quote is not always your best option. The best quote is one that provides you with a quality system and the most reliable service for the cost. Your heating and cooling system is an important part of your home or business, and the Gainesville HVAC contractor you hire should be there to help you keep it running successfully whenever you need them. In order to make the most of the great investment you have made in your HVAC system, keep your standards for a Gainesville HVAC contractor high and only work with the best HVAC company in town.

When Do You Need a HVAC Contractor in Gainesville?

While you can call a qualified Gainesville HVAC contractor for any minor problems you may detect in your heating, cooling, or ventilation system, there are situations in which you need your HVAC contractor to respond without delay. For example, if your system stops working during days of extreme temperatures such as we often experience in Florida, the overwhelming heat in your home or business could lead to a potential health hazard. Therefore, you should call your Gainesville HVAC Contractor right away so that they can fix the problem at the source, which will diminish the health risk to your family.

Another emergency situation could involve outdoor heat pumps. Outdoor heat pumps should be checked regularly in the winters to make sure that they are in proper working condition. In some cases, surmounting ice or snow build-up has been known to stop the heat pump from working properly and even freeze it solid. As soon as you need them, your Gainesville HVAC contractor should come over to inspect and clean the heat pump in order to get it in good working condition. Having your heat pump checked regularly will lower the number of times that you need to replace it.

Your ventilation is another part of the system that you should have serviced by your HVAC contractor in order to prevent problems. Over time, the ductwork of your home or business can gather bacteria, dust, and fungus. This unclean collection can intensify asthma and allergies and cause other illnesses as well. Dirty ducts can actually blow dust back into a space and make cleaning your home or business even harder. Relying on a Gainesville HVAC contractor to clean your ducts regularly will help the HVAC system run smoother and thereby extend the lifespan of the equipment and lower your heating or cooling bills.

The Advantages of Periodic Service from Your Gainesville HVAC Contractor

It is essential that an experienced Gainesville HVAC Contractor look over your entire HVAC system once in three to six months, especially if you have a commercial HVAC system. Spring and fall tune-ups keep the system in good working condition for the forthcoming seasons, and adjustments that are made in the off seasons ensure that the system runs dependably. If your HVAC system is healthy, your home or business is bound to be cleaner and more comfortable. Additionally, a system that is kept in efficient working condition with minimal strain will result in lower heating and cooling bills. Therefore, you should count on a skilled Gainesville HVAC Contractor to prepare your system to produce a performance that is consistent and reliable.

Get More from Your System with a Gainesville HVAC Contractor

The first step in setting yourself up with an HVAC system is to determine what size system your home or business needs. A competent Gainesville HVAC Contractor will consider many different factors in order to decide what system is best for you. These factors include the size of the building and the size and type of all the walls and windows. Whether or not the building has insulation and what type and density insulation it is are other qualities to take into account. Knowing if the building has a basement or attic and what condition these spaces are in is also important, as well as which direction the building is facing and how it is oriented with the sun. An experienced HVAC contractor will analyze all of these details before beginning a job, and a well-equipped one will use a computerized system to calculate the heating and cooling needs of your rooms. This step will help the HVAC contractor make precise recommendations.

Perhaps you think that all of this effort is counter-intuitive for an HVAC contractor to go through, as the assumption might be that an HVAC contractor would simply try to sell you the most expensive HVAC system available. However, that plan would actually be very unproductive for your Gainesville HVAC contractor, because the size of a system is very important to the success of the system within a certain space, and an HVAC contractor would not want to have a history of installing unsuccessful systems.

The size of your air conditioning unit can be too big or too small. While a big system will work fast, it would do a very poor job of removing enough moisture from the air. Consequently, the excessively humid air in your space would leave you feeling sticky and gross, not cool and refreshed. Even worse, the accumulation of too much humidity can lead to growth of mold and harmful bacteria inside your home or business, which would make your space less safe. Another major consequence of an oversized system is that it will turn itself on and off more rapidly, which is called “short cycling”. Short cycling can adversely affect the system and cause it to break down sooner, but not before it has burnt a hole in your pocket by forcing you to pay monumentally high heating and cooling bills. Clearly, a bigger system is not always the answer. On the other hand, a smaller system can be a big setback as well. In an effort to heat and cool a space that exceeds its performance limitations, a system that is too small will run constantly, which will also cause the too-small system to run itself down very quickly. A system that breaks due to improper sizing is a very bad mark on the reputation of an HVAC contractor. Therefore, there is no benefit to a Gainesville HVAC contractor in selling you a system that is the wrong size, as it would lead to unnecessary complications or needless service calls for them. A professional HVAC contractor in Gainesville cannot afford to have disgruntled or dissatisfied customers, as businesses do best with positive referrals, and HVAC businesses depend majorly on word-of-mouth. Therefore, if you have found a good HVAC contractor in Gainesville, they will definitely sell you an air conditioning system that is the right size for your home or business.

Feel Refreshed and Breathe Easy With Our Licensed Gainesville HVAC Contractors

Gainesville HVAC Contractors

If your home or business has a “central air” or “home comfort” system, the services of a professional HVAC contractor in Gainesville will be invaluable to you. HVAC stands for “heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning”, and people also call it “climate control”. Heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning are essential for any house or business as it improves the quality of air inside the rooms and controls the temperature and the amount of air that flows throughout the space. If the air coming from the HVAC system in your building is ever too hot, too cold, or too stuffy, your local HVAC Contractor like Gator Air and Energy will be able to help you out.

There is a very simple method that our Gainesville HVAC contractors use to control the airflow in your home or business. As long as the HVAC system is switched on, a continuous supply of fresh air will be directed through air ducts installed throughout the building. The air is either warmed using a furnace or cooled using an outdoor cooling unit. Apart from this, the air indoors is also filtered and recycled so that the rooms do not get stuffy. Your Gainesville HVAC contractor will be able to determine what size HVAC system would best suit the requirements of your space and do the job of installing all of the necessary equipment.

While people in general know the purpose of heating and cooling buildings, they do not appreciate the need for effective ventilation. Odors, smoke, dust, moisture, and airborne bacteria are all a part of your home or business, and anybody inside of your building is inevitably exposed to them. A professional HVAC contractor from Gainesville can install a system whereby polluted air is directed outside the house and fresh air is circulated within it. The benefits of installing such a system that keeps a building well-ventilated include the improvement of the quality of indoor air, the protection of your family and friends from disease, and the circulation of fresh, clean smelling air throughout the space. In order to reap the benefits of such a system in your home, it is imperative that you contact an HVAC contractor like Gator Air and Energy who can inform you of the different types of mechanical and forced-air ventilating systems and advise you in making the right choice for your home or business.

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