Common Air Conditioning Terms

Condenser coil. MERV. Refrigerant. When it comes to air conditioning jargon, there are dozens of terms tossed around that may seem like another language to most homeowners. We understand that terms that are common to us may not be so common to you so we’ve put together a list to make it crystal clear.

Airflow: the distribution or movement of air

Bioaerosols: living organisms in the air that grow and multiply in warm, humid climates

Condenser Coil: the outdoor part of an air conditioner that releases  or collects heat

Compressor: the part of an air conditioner that compresses and pumps refrigerant to meet household cooling requirements

MERV Rating: minimum efficiency reporting value, rating of a filter that describes the size of the holes in the filter that allows air to pass through. The higher the MERV rating, the higher the efficiency

Refrigerant: chemical that produces a cooling effect while expanding or vaporizing. Most residential units contain Freon.

Still unsure about what certain air conditioning terms mean? Contact the cooling experts at Aspen Air Conditioning today - we’ll be glad to explain them to you. Don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook for all of your South Florida cooling needs!

Check Out Our 2nd YouTube Video!

When was the last time you performed maintenance on your home’s cooling system? Did you know that lack of proper maintenance is the #1 cause of system failure? By taking just a few minutes each month to check on the system and clean the filter you can increase the lifespan of your equipment and keep your energy bill low.

Don’t want to take the time to do the maintenance yourself? Don’t worry, the experts at Aspen will take care of it for you. With Aspen Air Conditioning’s Maintenance program it’s about more than service… it’s about prevention.  Analogy about your car needing oil changes and maintenance at so many miles.  Air conditioners are another large expense, that if maintained can give you many years of uninterrupted air conditioning.

With typical service agreements, you pay money for priority service when there’s a problem… With Aspen Air Conditioning’s Comprehensive Maintenance Agreement, you not only get priority service, you can prevent those problems from happening in the first place, and save money in the process! In just 2 tune-ups per year, you can help avoid costly breakdowns, extend the life of your system, and even lower your utility bills too!

What are you waiting for? Give Aspen Air Conditioning a call today at 561-395-1500 before you lose your cool!

Where To Position Your AC Unit

Where is your air conditioning unit located? Did you know that how you lay out your cooling system can really make a big difference? The most obvious answer is to locate it where you need it the most, but there are a few other things you should know about an air conditioner’s location before you have a new one installed.

Indoor AC Units

With indoor units, a central location within the room is key. This will allow for cool air to be distributed equally throughout the room. It’s also important to make sure it’s located high up on the wall, but you should be able to reach it for cleaning and maintenance purposes.

Outdoor AC Units

You should speak with a qualified, licensed air conditioning expert before having an outdoor unit installed. They will be able to tell you the best location to place the unit. Keep in mind that they often make noise so it might not be wise to locate them near bedrooms. Outdoor units should also have plenty of free space to allow for proper airflow and be sure to keep them clear of dirt and debris.

Have a question for one of our A/C experts? Give Aspen Air Conditioning a call today at 561-395-1500.

Will Central Air Increase The Value of Your Home?

Whether you’re selling your home or thinking of doing so in the near future, you always have to put yourself in the buyer’s shoes. If you were buying a new home, would you want a house without central AC? Many sellers are never too sure if they should replace their existing, older AC unit or add central AC. The answer is simple: Do whichever will increase the value of your home the most.

First things first, if your AC unit is on the older side, replacing it with a central AC system is always the best choice. Older AC units cost a lot of money to repair and if replacing it is an option, spend the extra money for the central AC system. If your home has a radiator heating system that is maintained regularly, it can be efficient at heating your home. So there isn’t a need to worry about your heating.

Putting your home on the market with a central cooling system will attract a larger amount of potential buyers. Some potential buyers won’t even consider looking at a home if it does not have central AC. Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes again. You just spent a fortune on a new house. Do you really want to spend more money by adding a central cooling system after the fact? Most buyers would rather pay more included in the price of the house to avoid a separate expense and have to live with the installation.

The Final Verdict: A central AC system will increase the value of your home.

While you do incur the expense of adding the central system in, you will attract more potential buyers with higher offers than if you did not. More potential buyers also means that there will be a wider variety of offers for your home. This could help you sell your home sooner.

If you’re looking to upgrade to a central cooling system, let Aspen Air Conditioning handle that for you! When it comes to your home’s air conditioning, our professionals aim to provide you with the highest level of comfort with quality products, installation, and maintenance. Give us a call at 561-395-1500 today!

When To Call In An A/C Professional

What would you do if your air conditioning system failed during a heat wave in the middle of summer? We hope that never happens to you and there a few things you can do - like calling in the pros - to keep your cooling system running effectively and efficiently all season long. So, when is the right time to call on the experts? Find out below:

The Beginning and End of the Season

Before each warm season begins, you should call in the experts to make sure your equipment is tuned up and ready to take on the heat. You should also clean or replace the filters and vacuum out the unit. Let the pros lubricate the motor and perform other necessary tasks that shouldn’t be performed by homeowners.

The System is not Cooling Properly

This could mean there is problem with the pressure or refrigerant level. The experts will be able to determine what is causing the problem and recommend possible solutions.

At Aspen Air Conditioning, we’re here for you when you need service. Give us a call today at 561-395-1500 to make an appointment.

AC Maintenance Plans Boca Raton

What is the #1 cause of air conditioning system failure? Take a guess. If you said lack of maintenance, you are correct! Even though it only takes a couple of minutes once or twice a month, many homeowners neglect to properly maintain their cooling systems which can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs or a complete system replacement.

Still don’t want to take the time to clean or change your filter and keep dirt and debris away from your condenser? Don’t worry, we’ll take care of it for you. With Aspen Air Conditioning’s Maintenance program you’ll get priority service, tune-ups and professional cleaning twice per year! See below for more information:

All of our work is backed by an A Better Business Bureau Rating, and our 2013 Angie's List Super Service, as well as our partnership with Home Depot, and membership of the Nexstar Air Conditioning National Contractor network.

To learn more about the Aspen Air Conditioning maintenance plan, give us a call at 561-395-1500!

What To Do If Your Air Conditioner Stops Working

Picture this: it’s the hottest day of the summer and you wake up to a broken air conditioning system, what do you do? It always seems as though our gadgets and gizmos break down when we need them the most, but you don’t have to panic. Here are a few of the most common air conditioning problems with some ways you can troubleshoot them:

1. The Condenser Isn’t Running: one of the most common causes for this problem is power failure. Check to make sure the unit is plugged in and if it is, check for blown fuses or a tripped circuit breaker.
2. Inadequate Cooling: if you’ve been running your system all day and the house doesn’t seem to be getting any cooler, try lowering the thermostat by 5 degrees. If you still don’t see results, you might have a dirty evaporator. Clean it out and let it run for a few more hours.
3. The Unit Turns On and Off Constantly: just like most problems with the condenser, if your system is turning on and off repeatedly a dirty or blocked unit could be the cause.

If any of these problems persist, be sure to call on the experts at Aspen Air Conditioning. We specialize in air conditioning service, maintenance, installation and repairs for the entire Southeast Florida region.

Brands We Offer At Aspen Air Conditioning

When you want top-notch air conditioning service, installation and repairs in Boca Raton, Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and the rest of Southeast Florida there’s only company you should call! The experts at Aspen Air Conditioning have been providing homeowners and business owners with a cool, comfortable environment since 1983.

We offer the latest technology and cooling systems from industry leaders such as:

• Carrier: Willis Carrier invented Air Conditioning in 1902. Carrier continues to be on the forefront of innovative engineering and unsurpassed standards of excellence. You can count on Aspen as your Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer (CFAD) to evaluate your home, such as window placement and size, ductwork, other structural specifics and lifestyle to provide a customized indoor comfort plan designed specifically for you.
• Trane: Trane is respected industry wide for their skills in designing and manufacturing of Air Conditioning. Aspen is proud to be a Trane Authorized Dealer and has partnered with them on residential and commercial projects for over 30 years.
• Gemaire: Gemaire is one of the largest HVAC distributors in the country and is known for innovative and eco-friendly equipment.
• Rheem: Aspen is an authorized dealer for Rheem products.
• Daikin: Daikin Industries, Ltd. is a leading innovator and provider of advanced, high-quality air conditioning solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

When you need air conditioning service in Southeast Florida, there’s only one number to call: 561-395-1500.

How To Clean Air Conditioner Condenser Coils

Dirty condenser coils can be an air conditioning system’s worst enemy. They can prevent your system from operating at peak performance which can drive up energy bills and leave you with an empty wallet or bank account. So how can you keep them clean and keep your air conditioner running efficiently?

Most air conditioner condensers are located outside the home, so it’s easy for leaves, dirt and grass to get into the coils. The first step to a cleaner, more efficient condenser is to keep grass and shrubs away. Make sure there is enough space around the entire unit so airflow is not restricted in any way.

Once you remove the obstructions, it’s time to break out the garden hose. Simply wash down the unit to keep dirt off of the coils. If you can access the fins, use a soft brush to remove any dirt or debris. Keeping the condenser clean is a great way to make sure your system is running efficiently.

At Aspen Air Conditioning, we specialize in air conditioning repair, replacement and installation in Ft. Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, West Palm Beach and the surrounding neighborhoods. Give us a call today at 561-395-1500 for more information.

The Heat Wave Continues

If you stepped outside of your South Florida home at all during the month of April you can probably attest to weather reports claiming that last month was the hottest April on record. And if May follows in its footsteps we’re in for another long, hot month. With that said, it’s important to pay extra attention to your home cooling system.

A number of weather services in the area reported that April 26th was the hottest day on record for the month of April in the entire state of Florida. Miami International Airport recorded a high temperature of 96 degree, while the temperatures in Boca Raton and Ft. Lauderdale topped out at 99.

It’s not looking like the heat is going to give up any time soon so it’s vital for people to stay in the shade, wear sunblock and stay indoors whenever possible. You’ll also want to make sure to keep an eye on your air conditioning system. With the heat on the rise, your systems will have to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature inside your home, so proper maintenance is extra important!

If you experience any issues with your cooling system this season, be sure to call Aspen Air Conditioning right away. We’ve been providing the people of Boynton Beach, Delray Beach and the surrounding South Florida neighborhoods with AC repair for years so you know you can count on us!

Ask Your Next Cooling Contractor These Questions

You may already know that you should look for a company that is licensed and insured and that you should ask your friends for some referrals, but there are plenty of other questions you should ask that you may not be thinking of.

Before hiring your next cooling contractor, keep these questions and concerns in mind. They’ll help to ensure you choose the best in the business!

1. Know the model of your current system. It’s important to be able to explain any problems you’re having along with the maintenance history. This will help contractors understand your needs.
2. Ask the contractor for a few customer references. Don’t be scared to give them a call and ask about their experience. Find out if the technicians showed up on time and completed the job within budget.
3. Request a calculation of energy savings on all new equipment. They should be inspecting your current system in order to replace it with one that will save you money on your energy bills.
4. Find out how a multi-speed compressor can decrease your energy bills by over 30%.
5. Be sure to get a written, itemized estimate and keep in mind that the lowest price may not always be the smartest choice.

Our mission is to provide our customers with the highest level of comfort through quality maintenance, service and installation practices. Since our beginning in 1983, Aspen Air Conditioning has been focused on the comfort needs of Southeast Florida residents at home and at work. Give us a call today at 561-395-1500 to schedule an appointment.

Keep Your Business Cool With Aspen Air Conditioning!

Whether you own a small retail shop or you’re the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, maintaining a cool, comfortable environment is a vital part of your business. Similar to a vehicle, an air conditioning unit must be well-maintained in order for it to run effectively and efficiently. Therefore, Aspen Air Conditioning offers a wide variety of air conditioning services for businesses of all shapes and sizes.

Often times, business owners aren’t able to access their AC filters, or they may not even know where they are located. This can be a major problem because with a dirty filter, your system won’t be able to work at peak performance. As a result, it can affect your bottom line because your energy bills will be much higher than they need to be. So, what can you do?

Call on the experts at Aspen Air Conditioning and ask us about our Energy Savings Maintenance Plans. Our commercial ESMPs can be tailored to your specific needs. This way, you can keep your employees and your office cool while increasing productivity.

Give us a call today at 561-395-1500 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.

Spring A/C Checklist

Keeping your home warm in the winter took a toll on your wallet, and now that spring is in full effect air conditioning bills aren’t going to make things any better. But there are a few things you can do to keep your home cool without breaking the bank. How? Just perform these few easy maintenance tasks and you’ll be well on your way.

Keep Vegetation To A Minimum

If you didn’t already know, your air conditioner’s compressor is located outdoors. With that said, it’s vital to keep shrubs, grass and leaves away. Overgrown vegetation can prevent good airflow and make your system work harder than it needs to.

Check For Drafty Windows and Doors

Cool winter weather can be detrimental to the seals around your windows and doors. Check them now for potential air leaks and take care of them right away. This will help keep cool air inside your home and the warm, moist air out.

Inspect The Filter

Do we sound like a broken record? We’ve mentioned this maintenance task in just about every blog post, but there’s a reason. It’s one of the most important steps homeowners can take to make sure their air conditioning system is working efficiently. So, have you checked yours yet?

For all of your home’s comfort needs, you can count on the pros at Aspen Air Conditioning. Give us a call today at 561-395-1500 to schedule your next appointment and remember to connect with us on Facebook!

Air Conditioning Maintenance: What To Leave To The Pros

You have been running your air conditioner for some time now, but when was the last time you performed maintenance on it? If you can’t remember, that’s probably not a good sign because without regular maintenance your system could begin to break down. This will cause it to work extra hard and can cause your energy bills to soar as a result.

How can you keep your cooling system operating efficiently while keeping green in your wallet? Some of the necessary maintenance should be left to the pros, like us, but there are some things you can do on your own.

What To Leave For The Experts:

• Cleaning the evaporator if it’s located inside of a sealed sheet metal box
• Maintaining the condenser - this includes cleaning the coils with commercial cleaner
• Charging your system’s refrigerant lines
• Fixing a problem with the Freon

What You Can Do Yourself

• Check the filter regularly and clean or replace it as needed
• Inspect your ducts for leaks
• Make sure the unit is free of dirt and other debris
• Maintain at least 2 to 3 feet of space clear all around the condenser. This includes cutting down any grass or weeds that have grown.

When you’re ready to call in the pros, make sure to call Aspen Air Conditioning. We’ll make sure your system is up and running at maximum capacity so your home remains comfortable and your wallet stays full!

Spring Air Conditioning Maintenance

With all of your spring cleaning activities in full effect you may have forgotten about your home’s cooling system. But make sure you leave some space on your checklist for air conditioning maintenance, because if you keep putting it off you’ll be in for a rude awakening the first morning it doesn’t kick on.

Here are a few quick maintenance steps you can take this spring to make sure your system is in tip-top shape:

1. Check and replace the filters. HEPA filters tend to last about 6 months and can be vacuumed clean, but other filters need to be replaced much more frequently.
2. Inspect your air conditioner’s drainage hole in the bottom of the cabinet, beneath the evaporator fins. It should be cleaned and kept clear for your system to work properly. Using a paperclip, you can poke through the hole to clean it out.
3. Your ducts play a very important role in keeping your house cool. Make sure there are no air leaks and that all ductwork is in good condition.

If you notice anything that seems to be broken or not working properly during maintenance, give Aspen Air Conditioning a call right away. We’ll take care of the problem and have your system back up and running in no time!

Cooling System FAQs

Now that air conditioning season is in full effect, there are some questions that come up frequently. It’s important to know and understand how cooling equipment operates and what you need to do when you’re experiencing a problem. Below, you will find some frequently asked questions that may help you out the next time you are in need of some information:

I’m Having An Air Conditioning Emergency, Who Do I Call?

Aspen Air Conditioning's service department can be reached at (561) 395-1500 or (800) 459-4444. We provide 24 hour service 365 days a year. We also provide a guaranteed 30 minute response time and a commitment to be at your door for any emergency call the very same day.

How Much Can I Save With Regular Maintenance From Aspen?

Regular maintenance will definitely improve the efficiency of your units. If you are a maintenance contract holder there is no additional charge for overtime, after-hours or weekend service calls. Your commercial account representative can provide you with a variety of cost savings plans.

When Should I Replace My System?

Each scenario is different, but there are times when replacing a system is the best alternative. Consider your system’s age, efficiency and repair costs before making a decision. Financing options are available and often the energy savings offset the finance charges.

Still have questions? Feel free to give Aspen Air Conditioning a call today at (561) 395-1500 to speak with one of our experts, we’re waiting to hear from you!

Choosing The Right Cooling System

You have decided to upgrade your home’s comfort system and are ready to take the first steps, but with all of the different types of systems out there which one is the best for you? From variable fan speeds and multiple cooling stages to single-, multi-stage and zoned systems your head may start to spin. It’s important to understand the type of environment that each system is ideal for, so see below to learn more:

Single or Multi-Stage?

In hot, humid climates single-stage cooling is abundant. The reason? These types of systems are produced to provide comfort for the warmest days of the year, and we all know how hot it can get in South Florida in the middle of July. Just be mindful that single-stage systems are constantly working at maximum capacity to keep your home comfortable, and this can cause a spike in your energy bills in the summertime.

Zoned Systems

If you want to cool certain areas of your home during a given time period but not the whole house, a zoned system is your best choice. Zone dampers or valves can be controlled inside the vents or ductwork to block off airflow in the undesired areas. This is a great option for keeping your energy bills lower.

In addition, it’s important to know that air conditioning systems come in many different shapes and sizes. You’ll want to consult with an air conditioning expert, like Aspen Air Conditioning, to find out which size system will optimize efficiency and keep your home cool. Be sure to ask about the SEER rating, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. A SEER rating of 13 is the minimum you should consider and we don’t recommend going above 16.

At Aspen Air Conditioning, our mission is to provide our customers with the highest level of comfort through quality maintenance, service and installation practices. Give us a call today to learn more - we’d be glad to discuss the options available to you. Remember to follow us on Twitter for all of your home cooling needs!

Feast Your Eyes On The World's First 3D Printed Air Conditioner

They days of printing an article on a flat piece of paper are over! The 3D printing phenomenon has taken flight as of late and the possibilities seem to be endless. So what does this have to do with air conditioning? That’s right, China has just produced the ‘World’s First’ 3D printed air conditioner!

You may be thinking, “does it actually work?” and the answer is, yes! Haier Group, based out of Qingdao, Shandong unveiled the first 3D printed air conditioner at the Appliance & Electronics World Expo 2015 this week.

What’s all the hype about? Well, since the printers builds the object layer by layer, it allows for ultimate customization. You can design the air conditioner to your exact needs and specifications depending on your taste and requirements - talk about energy efficiency! But unless you have an extra $6,395 laying around, you won’t be able to get your hands on one.

We’d love to see the future of air conditioning as technology evolves, but for now if you need a central air conditioning system installed or repaired give Aspen Air Conditioning a call!

Testimonial Spotlight: March

With warmer temperatures approaching quickly, it’s time to start thinking about your spring air conditioning needs. Making sure your cooling system is up and running properly before it gets too hot can save you a major headache. So before you go searching for a company to hire, see what our satisfied customers have said about our work:

“I bought an old house approximately 2.5 years ago that needed a lot of work. Of all the utility companies I dealt with (cable tv, water, electricity) Aspen Air Conditioning was by far the easiest and quickest to deal with. They came to my house 1 day after I called them and completely fixed my AC for a good price. They are the best.”

- Kevin

"Although it was the last thing I wanted to be, I reluctantly became a landlord on an underwater house I could not sell for three years. Getting calls from tenants at all hours because something wasn’t working was a nightmare. Fortunately, I had the good sense to sign a maintenance contract with Aspen Air Conditioning for the duration. With one phone call, they were johnny-on-the-spot to take care of issues as they arose. The customer service department is so helpful and accommodating and the technicians are wonderful at fixing the problem quickly (without pushing parts or service I didn’t really need). My tenants were happy, and was as well. I highly recommend the folks at Aspen Air. They were a pleasure to work with."

- Suzanne F.

"We love Patrick! He is pleasant and very knowledgeable about our systems. Careful to keep the workspace clean and tidy and we have complete trust in him. A rare find that keeps us with"

- Edie W.

So while spring maintenance is fresh on your mind, give Aspen Air Conditioning a call! We’ve got everything you need to enjoy a comfortable spring and summer season!