Fall Getaway: Escape the Heat, Head North and Tour the Fall Leaves
After a long, hot and humid summer, it’s good to head to cooler places on a fall getaway. If you’re thinking of heading north to see the fall color, you might not have to go as far as you think to see spectacular fall displays of red, gold, bronze and copper. Within just a few hours’ driving distance from central Florida, you can view beautiful fall foliage.
Torreya State Park
Located in the panhandle and on the southern edge of the Appalachian mountain range, Torreya State Park is one of the best places in Florida to see the seasonal color change. Torreya’s high hills and mountains sit 50 to 262 feet above sea level, providing climactic conditions rarely seen elsewhere in the state. As well as the gold, orange and red of elms, sweet gum, hickory and maple, you can see fall wildflowers in shades of yellow, blue and purple. View the fall display from the bluff overlooking the Apalachicola River, where you can see the contrast with the surrounding evergreen landscape.
Three Rivers State Park
Pine and mixed hardwood trees provide a home to white-tailed deer, fox squirrels and gray foxes in Three Rivers State Park, and in fall the hardwood leaves take on autumn shades. The Chattahoochee and Flint rivers merge to form Lake Seminole in this scenic, peaceful area. Hiking and fishing are the main activities visitors on a fall getaway enjoy among the attractive foliage.
F.D. Roosevelt State Park
The largest state park in Georgia, F.D. Roosevelt State Park, features a burst of golden fall color that cloaks its mountains. The park is named for its association with the former president. He would picnic at Dowdell’s Knob where, as well as a life-size statue of the president, you can view the fall foliage of the park’s hardwood trees. Alternatively, bike or hike more than 40 miles of paths and trails and experience the golden hues up close.
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
Though it isn’t quite the mountains, you can see plenty of fall color at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Black gum, cypress and maple trees turn yellow, rusty-orange and red when temperatures begin to drop. What’s more, red huckleberries and cassine holly berries appear and yellow sunflowers bloom. To see the colors at their best, take a canoe or motorboat into the swamp. Fall is a great time to visit the Okefenokee because it’s one of the quietest times in terms of visitors, so take advantage.
Programming Your Air Conditioning While You’re Away
Escaping on a fall getaway gives your air conditioning a rest after it’s worked hard all summer. You might not want to turn it off entirely, however. A hot spell while you’re away could result in peeling wallpaper and warped wood, while a burst of cool humidity could mean dampness and even mold. Set a programmable thermostat to a moderate temperature to help prevent nasty surprises when you return from your trip. Even better, install a smart thermostat, which receives local weather reports and adjusts the setting appropriately to keep your home’s interior dry and cool.
Fall colors are one of nature’s most beautiful displays, and worth taking a little time off to go and see. When your air conditioning system has a programmable or smart thermostat, you can have peace of mind knowing that your home is at the optimum temperature while you’re away. Contact Cox Heating & Air Conditioning for more advice and information.
5 Green Tips to Stay Cool During the in Hot Days of Early Fall
Hot, sticky weather is one of the downsides of late summer that can last well into the fall, and running your home’s air conditioning often results in high energy bills. Fortunately, by following a few green tips, you and your family can enjoy a cool house without wasting energy or stretching the household budget. Avoiding late summer heat is a simple matter using air conditioning wisely and keeping the cool air in and the heat out of your home.
Programmable Thermostats
One of the best green tips for using air conditioning effectively is to install a programmable thermostat, which cools the house to a comfortable temperature when the family most needs it. With a programmable thermostat, the air conditioning can be set to a lower temperature during morning and evenings when most people are home, and at a higher temperature during the main part of the day when the house is often empty.
Air Conditioning Temperatures
A common misconception about air conditioning units is that setting the temperature very low cools a room quickly. In fact, low-temperature settings on air conditioners don’t increase the speed that the room cools, but they do increase energy costs. Most people are comfortable at 78 degrees Fahrenheit, but you can experiment to find what temperature suits your family best. Higher temperature settings use less energy.
Air Conditioning Maintenance
A poorly maintained air conditioning unit requires more energy to achieve the same reduction in indoor temperatures as a well-maintained unit. Arrange regular services for your unit, including filter changes and coil cleaning. If your air conditioning system is older than 10 years, it’s time to consider an upgrade. Modern HVAC systems are often more energy efficient and more effective at cooling the home than older models.
Fans
Using fans in tandem with air conditioners boosts cooling power. Ceiling fans and portable fans cost little to run but move the cool air around the room. Consequently, you can set your air conditioner at a higher temperature and achieve the same cooling effect.
Sealing Gaps and Cracks
Just as heat can escape through gaps and cracks during winter, cool air leaves the home through the same routes. As a result, air conditioners must work harder and use more energy to keep indoor temperatures down. Seal gaps around door frames and windows with silicone caulk, and tape up leaks in HVAC ductwork.
Making the best use of your air conditioning unit means you don’t have to sacrifice your peace of mind to keep your home cool and comfortable. Contact a professional contractor for more advice about how you can improve the efficiency of your air conditioning.
5 Tips to Keep Your Air Conditioning Cool in Summer
There’s no avoiding the fact that summer months in the Tampa area mean famous heat and humidity, with the main goal for residents and tourists alike being finding ways to keep cool. To make sure your air conditioner is equipped for the Florida heat, it’s critical to prepare ahead of time and take care of your unit to prevent any kind of summer crisis.
Here are five tips to keep your air conditioning running at peak performance this summer:
Take a test
Does your AC system make loud or otherwise strange noises? Have you noticed any leaking or fluids around the unit? Is it making your home as cool as it should? Before you really start running your unit for the summer, you want to test it out to make sure all is well before you have house guests or the temperatures hit triple digits.
Keep the unit clear
Make sure your AC unit is free of all debris that may have collected over the winter or grown up during the spring. Ensure that the unit has room around it so that nothing can clog or jam the mechanisms. If you need to clean inside of the system, make sure to power down the unit first.
Replace your filters
Ideally, your filters should be changed every 60 days or so, but be sure to swap yours out heading into the summer months. Clogged and dirty filters make your entire unit work harder and they reduce the amount of airflow, which means your home won’t be as cool as it could be.
Check your thermostat
A programmable thermostat can help cool your home at the right times and help drive down costs. To lower your energy bill, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends that you keep your house warmer than normal while you are away and set it to turn on right before you arrive home to maximize its effectiveness.
Get an inspection
When your AC is keeping everything cool, it’s easy not to give it a second thought. But you shouldn’t go more than six-to-eight months without having your system inspected, according to the Air Conditioning Contractors of America, the same way you keep your car tuned up. Ignoring maintenance may result in greater costs when repairs are needed.
Keeping your home and family cool in the sweltering Tampa area summer begins with taking the right steps now to ensure your AC unit is ready for the warmer weather. Contact an expert HVAC provider to make sure you’re prepared.
Protect Your HVAC System with a Maintenance Plan
Air conditioning is a must have when facing the searing heat and humidity in the Tampa region, and when everything is firing on all cylinders, it’s easy to forget that your HVAC system is a complex piece of machinery that needs to be maintained.
According to the Air Conditioning Contractors of America, you shouldn’t go more than six-to-eight months without having your system inspected, similar to the way you keep your car tuned up. Ignoring maintenance may result in greater costs when repairs are needed.
Here are the top reasons to invest in an HVAC maintenance plan:
Better air quality
The filters inside your air conditioner help improve the air quality in your home, but over time, the build-up of dust, pollen and other contaminants can block air flow and reduce the quality of air when using your system. Investing in an HVAC maintenance plan will help identify the optimal filter change schedule for your system.
Improved equipment function
After a while, if untreated, the internal components in your HVAC system will start to weaken due to usage. Worn or damaged elements could decrease the airflow rate in your system, causing your system to constantly run to reach the proper temperature. A maintenance plan is a great way to ensure all parts are in working order.
Lower energy costs
When all the components of your HVAC system are not working properly, the equipment will run longer than normal to overcompensate, consuming excess energy each day and leading to a higher utility bill. Regular maintenance will keep the equipment functioning properly and efficiently, leading to as-expected bills.
Priority service and savings
When people face an air conditioning emergency, it might take days for a service provider to address the issue, creating an uncomfortable situation in the home. Investing in a maintenance plan often puts those customers in a priority position to receive service without having to wait. In addition, plans can lead to discounts on the services offered.
Better lifespan
According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the average lifespan of an HVAC system is 15 years. Having a maintenance plan in place to deal with small issues over the years can help ensure that your unit keeps your home cool for that long, and perhaps even longer than expected.`
Don’t wait until the Tampa area heat wreaks havoc on your AC. Contact a trustworthy and knowledgeable HVAC service provider and inquire about a maintenance plan for your AC system and what it entails.
How to Win the War of the Thermostat at Home
As Tampa temperatures rise, keeping your home cool and comfortable becomes increasingly important. But climate control at home isn’t always easy, especially if you live with family members who have differing air-temperature preferences. If setting the thermostat for your air conditioning leaves you feeling battle-weary, these tips for winning the war over the thermostat will help.
Go Green
Save some green while keeping your home cool, dehumidified and at a moderate temperature that even family members who mind the cold can withstand. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your air conditioning to 78 degrees Fahrenheit while you’re home and to higher temperatures while you’re away for maximum energy efficiency. Programmable thermostats make it easier than ever to operate HVAC systems efficiently, and you can set them to adjust the temperature before you come home so your air conditioning feels comfortable when you arrive.
Use Fans Strategically
Using ceiling fans lets you raise your HVAC system’s thermostat setting by approximately 4 degrees without sacrificing comfort. This is particularly important when you live in a home with family members who have varying air conditioning preferences. You can keep the thermostat set at 78F to keep everybody happy, and anyone who likes things cooler should have a ceiling fan. The wind chill effect fans provide minimizes the need to crank the air conditioning up.
Layer Up
Some people naturally mind the chill of the A/C, while others find temperatures above 75F too warm. How do you win? Everyone can dress appropriately for his or her comfort. Wearing lighter clothing helps keep people who mind the heat cooler, while anyone who’s always cold should consider wearing light layers to keep warm without heating up everyone else in the house.
Chill Out
Do you mind the heat? There are ways to keep cool without changing your air conditioning settings. Examples include:
- Filling a bowl with ice or ice packs and positioning it in front of a large fan for chilled comfort
- Switching to light, breathable cotton sheets
- Swapping your pillow for one filled with buckwheat hulls, which don’t retain body heat like traditional pillow fillings do
- Turning on exhaust fans to pull hot air out of the house after showering or cooking
Warm Up
Likewise, if you find yourself always feeling chilly, you can warm up your personal space without touching the thermostat. Examples include:
- Keeping the door to your room closed to prevent the bulk of the air conditioning from flowing in
- Sticking with warmer bedding like flannel sheets and a cozy quilt
- Opening your window at night to let the ambient temperature in — just be sure to keep your door shut and close the window before the hottest morning hours
No matter how you prefer to set your air conditioning temperatures, keeping HVAC systems in tip-top shape improves your unit’s efficiency and extends its life. Visit Cox Heating & Air Conditioning to learn more or to schedule an appointment today.
Beat the Heat and Humidity: Floridians Take On Air Conditioning
For Floridians, air conditioning isn’t a luxury — it’s as necessary as oxygen! Soaring humidity levels and scorching summer temperatures keep many Floridians indoors to avoid the worst of the swampy weather. Average temperatures in the Sunshine State range from 64 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit during winter and 80 F to 92 F during summer, with humidity levels averaging 73 to 90 percent. Let’s face it. With that weather, air conditioning is like another family member — it’s vital to everyday life. Other than keeping HVAC systems in tip-top shape, how do Floridians beat the heat? With some summer survival tips, of course!
Survival Tips
No matter how amazing your air conditioning is, you eventually have to venture outside. When you do:
1. Stay Hydrated
If you’re undergoing HVAC installation or repairs or you simply plan to spend time outside, the number-one way to survive Florida’s climate is to drink plenty of water. While your spirit might want to head to Margaritaville, your body needs to replenish electrolytes, which you lose while you’re sweating under the hot Florida sun.
2. Consider Your Timing
When you want to go for a walk, run or do anything strenuous outside, time it for early morning or evening. Otherwise, once the high heat kicks in, you’ll feel like you’re broiling.
3. Wear Cooling Clothing
Stick with breathable fabrics that won’t cling to your body. Light colors help you feel cooler, moisture-wicking materials can help keep you dry and sunglasses shield your eyes from the glare of the sizzling sun. Don’t forget sunscreen!
Maintaining HVAC Systems
Before HVAC installation was possible, not many people lived in Florida. Without air conditioning, not many folks would stick around for the summer even today! Fortunately, HVAC systems are widely available now. With a little maintenance, you can chill out for many seasons to come.
1. Clean and Replace Filters Regularly
Prevent HVAC systems from becoming overworked — which could put your system at risk for a dreaded breakdown — by showing some love to your HVAC system’s filters. Dirty, clogged filters not only make HVAC systems work harder, but they also reduce airflow. That means you won’t be as cool as you want to be.
2. Free Up the Compressors
To stay cool, you need to make sure your unit’s outdoor compressor stays free of all shrubs, plants and other debris. Thoroughly check and remove foliage in spring and fall.
3. Have a Reputable Service Company on Speed Dial
HVAC installation, repairs, tune-ups — service companies can do it all. Living in Florida, you already know how important it is to have a reliable company on call if your air stops working or you need professional maintenance to keep the cool air flowing.
Cox Heating & Air Conditioning has been providing expert professional services to Hillsborough and Pinellas counties since 1958. If you have questions or need help beating the heat, visit our website to learn more or schedule an appointment today.
Entertaining Indoors and Out with Central Air Conditioning
Whether you’re planning some fun in the sun or a night under the stars, summer’s heat adds a challenging element to entertaining. You want your guests to be comfortable, but you don’t want to send your central air conditioning into overdrive — or your utility bills soaring. To keep your summer parties going strong without busting your budget, we rounded up some of our coolest entertaining tips that beat the heat without leaving your guests sweating it out.
Location, Location, Location
When your AC service Tampa team is installing your HVAC system, have them place the central air conditioning’s outdoor unit away from your outdoor entertaining space. Otherwise, every time you have friends or family over, you’ll deal with some noise while the unit is on and notice the bulky appearance of the condenser unit. Instead, ask your AC service Tampa team to place the unit away from your entertaining area in a shaded spot to keep the unit cooler so it doesn’t work as hard to chill your home.
Don’t Leave Doors Open
During an outdoor party, it may be tempting to prop the door open to make it easier to carry things in and out, or even to let a little cool air out to the entertaining space. This choice undermines your central air conditioning’s ability to operate efficiently. It can also result in your unit having to work harder to remove humidity from the air, which could leave it vulnerable to unnecessary stress or breakage.
Keep the House Cooler Without Cranking the A/C
In addition to keeping your windows and doors closed, there are two main ways to keep your home cooler: do your cooking outside, and avoid baking during the heat of the day. Grilling is perfect for summer entertaining, so plan to cook outside instead. Use a slow cooker to keep party foods warm or cook main dishes and sides at low temperatures without heating up the kitchen. Likewise, baking raises the temperature of your home. If you want to bake something special, try to get it in and out of the oven at night or in the early part of the morning when temperatures are cooler.
Keep Guests Cool and Comfortable
Does the summer heat send you running to the thermostat to crank up the A/C? You don’t have to change your normal settings for your central air conditioning just for entertaining. Instead, create a cooling environment for your guests with plenty of ice-cold drinks, handheld fans and spray mist bottles to help them beat the summer heat while having fun.
Before you schedule your summer entertaining, show some love to your central air conditioning system with assistance from your local AC service Tampa team. From helping you find your perfect temperature to installing new units or repairing your existing one, Cox Heating & Air Conditioning has your central AC needs covered. Call us today to schedule a tune-up, or visit our website to learn more.
Tips for Getting HVAC Systems Ready to Beat Summer Heat
Memorial Day is the official kick-off for summer and the perfect time for HVAC installation or an upgrade. It’s also a prime time to schedule a tune-up on your existing HVAC system to keep everything running smoothly for the season ahead. Whether you’re planning a laid-back gathering or an epic barbecue bash, make sure your guests are cool and comfortable while they’re inside with our tips on getting HVAC systems ready for a warm Florida summer.
Replace the Filters
Before you start using your HVAC system, replace the filters. Then, make sure you clean or replace them monthly during air-conditioning season. Dirty filters typically cause a unit to work too hard, freeze up and break down. Keeping your filters clean and replacing them regularly lets air flow more freely — your HVAC system will work better and can even remove more pollutants from the air.
Inspect the Inside Equipment
Take a quick look at the ductwork, vents, thermostats and drain lines. It’s better to see if you need repairs before the summer heat hits.
- Ductwork: This is particularly important if your HVAC installation was completed several years ago, but it’s a good idea to get into the routine of checking your ductwork every year no matter how old your system is. Worn-out ductwork can leave HVAC systems vulnerable to inefficient cooling. Check for any loose components, musty odors or spots with damaged insulation.
- Vents: Make sure the vents are free from things that might block airflow, like furniture that needs repositioning.
- Thermostats: Does your home have an outdated thermostat? Upgrading to modern, programmable thermostats can help you save money on energy bills. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends keeping your thermostat programmed for warmer temperatures while you’re away and cooler temperatures right before you return home to save up to 10 percent on your summer cooling bills.
- Drain Lines: Find the indoor cooling coil — there should be a drain nearby. Flush one cup of bleach down the air conditioning drain, and rinse it with a gallon of fresh water. This keeps the drain line clear for the season.
Inspect the Outdoor Equipment
Once you’re sure the indoor parts are in good shape, check the outdoor condenser unit to ensure it’s free of blockages. Examine the electrical wiring and refrigerant lines for heavy wear that might necessitate professional servicing before you turn the system on.
Test the HVAC System
Before having a houseful of people over on a hot day, it’s important to ensure HVAC systems are working well. Turn yours on for a short time to ensure it’s cooling effectively. If it isn’t working at peak performance, you have time to schedule a tune-up before the holiday.
Before you start making Memorial Day plans, see to it that your HVAC system is in tip-top shape. From simple maintenance to complete HVAC installation, Cox Heating & Air Conditioning has all your HVAC needs covered. Visit our website to learn more or schedule an appointment.
The History of Carrier Systems
It’s difficult to imagine living through Florida’s blistering summers without air conditioning. Before the widespread use of HVAC systems, people attempted creative methods to cool off in sweltering conditions, even harvesting and storing winter ice for later use. All this changed in 1902 when a young engineer named Willis Carrier invented a humidity-controlling machine for a New York printing company that needed a way to keep paper from wrinkling.
The Carrier Difference
Carrier’s machine wasn’t the first attempt at a mechanical air conditioner. In 1851, a Florida doctor received a patent for an ice-making cooling machine, and 30 years later the Navy Corps of Engineers kept a dying President Garfield comfortable with fans blowing across blocks of ice. Carrier’s machine operated under the principles of the Rational Psychrometric Formulae to determine and adjust humidity and temperature levels in a room. Unlike its predecessors, the machine forced air through water-filled coils to remove moisture, laying the groundwork for modern air conditioners.
Leading the Industry
In 1911, Carrier presented his formulae to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. This technology revolutionized air conditioning design and opened up the new industry of commercial cooling, which made working conditions comfortable and safe while increasing productivity. Carrier saw the potential in the field and, in 1915, joined forces with six other men to found Carrier Engineering Corporation. The company continued seeking ways to improve its designs, developing the centrifugal chiller in 1922. This made air conditioning units more reliable and less expensive, paving the way for widespread usage of residential air conditioners.
Changing the Way People Live
The path to residential air conditioning started in department stores and movie theaters. Air conditioning not only made the shopping experience more enjoyable for customers, but it also prevented medical emergencies like fainting on hot summer days. Carrier turned his attention to theaters where moviegoers flocked to see the latest Hollywood releases. They were the perfect venues to show off what his machines could do. The company then pioneered bypass circulation, a down-draft distribution system, and an ejector system that made unit air conditioners possible. By the end of World War II, Carrier had installations in skyscrapers, ocean liners, hotels and hospitals across the country.
Booming Commerce
In the post-war years, Americans left cities for life in the suburbs. Carrier followed them, entering booming residential real estate markets throughout the southern United States. By 1988, the company developed a new line of units that already met energy efficiency standards that the U.S. government would release four years later. That same year, the company produced a machine that recycled CFC-11 instead of releasing it into the environment and, within a few years, started using centrifugal compressors that worked using environmentally friendly refrigerants.
Carrier continues operating as an industry leader around the world. That’s why Cox Air proudly installs and services Carrier products. Call us today to schedule your HVAC system service or installation to stay cool and comfortable all summer long.
Prepping for the summer months? Is your HVAC system ready?
Now is the time to check your HVAC system and HVAC installation, not when summer has already arrived. While most areas in Florida don’t deal with harsh winters, they do experience strong storms, lots of moisture, and varying temperatures, which affect the efficiency of HVAC systems.
While some tasks should be handled by a professional, there are some cleaning and maintenance steps you can take to ensure your HVAC system is ready to handle the heat of the impending summer months.
A general assessment
A basic inspection of the major components of your HVAC system can help you prep for the summer months.
Most A/C units are comprised of two main parts: the condenser unit outdoors and the evaporator unit on the furnace indoors. The two work together to remove warm air and pump cool air through your home. While there are many moving parts to an HVAC system, most of the visible components can be maintained at home. If you suspect serious issues, contact a professional in HVAC installation.
Indoor checklist
The indoor components of HVAC systems are essential to pushing cool air through a home. A quick inspection can help prevent issues.
- Air filter: Change at least twice a year or when needed
- Supply vents and return grilles: Make sure these are open and free of debris; clean as needed
- Condensate line: Look for any drainage issues
- Coolant lines: Look for frayed and missing parts; replace or install foam insulation sleeves
- Overall system function: Turn your system on to make sure cool air blows from the registers; test thermostat
Outdoor checklist
The outdoor condenser unit can be subjected to quite a bit of wear and tear. Take the time to do a quick inspection of your outdoor unit and clear debris from the unit to ensure your HVAC system works at top efficiency.
- Fan: Vacuum out or brush away debris from the blower’s fan blades
- Outdoor panels: If you see missing or misaligned panels, call a professional since these panels enclose the electrical connection
- Condenser coil: Remove sides and top panels of unit; use a soft brush or vacuum to clean coils of debris
- AC Pipe insulation: Replace insulation if you see damage
When to call a professional
Along with seasonal maintenance, there are some preventive steps you can take like using a protective cover on your outdoor unit, but if your system won’t turn on, or if there are issues with the duct system or electrical parts, it’s time to contact a professional.
The experts at Cox Heating and Air Conditioning are available 24/7, so if you’re HVAC system needs repair in the dead of summer, you have a team of professionals at the ready to restore and improve your system’s functioning. The service professionals are specialists in HVAC repairs, HVAC maintenance, and HVAC installation, and are ready to address any and all of your cooling needs this summer.
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