Air Conditioning FAQs

How can an AC system improve air quality? When should I replace my system? Who should I call when I have an emergency? These are all common questions when it comes to your home or office’s cooling systems and chances are somebody else is asking the same questions. So see below for some answers to air conditioning system FAQs:

Q: If I have an emergency, who at Aspen Air Conditioning do I contact and what is the response time?

A: 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.

Q: Can a maintenance plan help improve my air quality?

A: There are a number of products such as U.V. lights and air purifiers that are offered by Aspen to resolve an individual concerns. Regular preventative maintenance is key to extending the life of your air conditioning equipment and will dramatically improve the quality of the air you breathe. Indoor Air Quality can be addressed further by your commercial account representative.

Q: When should I consider equipment replacement?

A: There are times when replacing a system is the best alternative based on age, efficiency and repair costs of the equipment. Financing options are available and often times the energy savings offset the finance charges.

Have a question that we didn’t address? Feel free to contact one our air conditioning experts at 561-395-1500, we’re waiting to hear from you!

Why Is Proper A/C Installation Important?

Tired of spending a small fortune on your energy bills each year? Improper system installation could be costing you up to 30% more than you should be paying each year. Instead of trying to do it yourself to save a few bucks, leave it to the professionals - you’ll be much happier in the long run.

There are a number of this to consider when shopping around for a new cooling system. First off, you need to ask yourself how old your current system is. If it’s coming up on 10 years, you should consider upgrading to a more energy efficient solution.

Proper sizing is the key to maximizing energy efficiency. While more energy efficient models should be considered, you don’t want to choose a system that is too large for your home. A system designed for larger homes can actually make your house less comfortable and drive up your energy bills each month so have an expert take a look before you make any decisions.

When it comes to the installation part of the job, don’t do it yourself. While it may save you some money up front, an improper installation can reduce your system’s efficiency by up to 30%.

Ready to make the upgrade? Call on the A/C experts! At Aspen Air Conditioning, our mission is to provide our customers with the highest level of comfort through quality maintenance, service and installation so contact us today!

Air Conditioning: How It All Began

Most of us take air conditioning for granted. You know, those pieces of equipment that work hard to keep us comfortable on the hottest summer days. Ever wonder how it all started? We can tell you for sure that they didn’t have energy efficient central air conditioning systems back in the day, so how did they keep cool?

It all started way back in 1758 when Benjamin Franklin and John Hadley discovered that evaporation of alcohol and other liquids can cool down enough to freeze water. It took some time before inventor Michael Faraday made the same discovery in England in 1820 and then Dr. John Gorrie built and ice-making machine in the Florida hospital where he worked in the 1830s. He used compression to make buckets of ice and blew air over the buckets to keep his hospital and his patients cool.

In 1902, Willis Carrier invents the “modern” Apparatus for Treating Air, which was a machine that blew air over cold coils to control room temperature and humidity. Pretty amazing for the turn of the century if you ask us! The Carrier Air Conditioning Company of America came to fruition soon after.

The first residential air conditioner made its way into the mansion of Charles Gates in Minneapolis in 1914, standing 7 feet tall, 6 feet wide and 20 feet long. Imagine that in your home today.

Residential air conditioning became more and more prevalent post-World War II and central air conditioning became popular in the ‘70s. With improvements to Freon in the mid 1990s, we moved closer and closer to the air conditioning systems we have in our homes today. Pretty cool, right?

Here at Aspen Air Conditioning, we’ve been keep homes in Delray Beach, Boca Raton and the surrounding areas cool for decades so if you need air conditioning service, repairs or installation give us a call today at 561-395-1500.

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.

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!

Daikin Sees A Rise In Energy Efficient Cooling Systems

Did you know that air conditioners account for the highest energy usage among normal household appliances? That’s right, air conditioning systems account for as much as 25% of electricity consumption in the home, according to Daikin Industries. But in an effort to promote a “greener” environment many households are making a push toward energy-saving cooling systems.

As environmental awareness continues to make a large impact on consumers, especially in developed countries, homeowners are taking a strong interest in energy-efficient cooling models. Daikin has seen rapid growth in their inverter type air conditioners, but what does this mean for you? Compared to standard models, these types of air conditioners can lower energy consumption by up to 30% - which means more money in your pocket when the energy bill arrives.

Additionally, Daikin Industries’ inverter products reduce the amount of C02 emissions from energy consumption during product use, which we know will have a positive impact on our environment.

Now it’s your turn to lend a helping hand. It’s time to get rid of your old, energy-guzzling cooling system and upgrade to an energy efficient model today. To discuss some options, give the A/C experts at Aspen Air Conditioning a call today!

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!

No Time For Maintenance? We've Got Your Back!

A 19-step maintenance plan, you’re kidding right? No, we’re not kidding - for as little as $129 per year we will take care of all your air conditioning maintenance needs. That’s right, all of them.

Believe it or not, the #1 cause of system failure is lack of maintenance. We understand that your lives are extremely busy and may not be able to keep up with everything, so leave it to us. After all, an average cooling system in South Florida runs for over 3,200 hours seasonally. Anything that works that hard needs a bit of extra attention.

So what exactly does our maintenance plan include? Here’s a list of a few of the services we’ll perform to keep your system running at peak performance:

1. Clean and check condenser coil
2. Check thermostat calibration
3. Check all safety controls and electrical connections where applicable
4. Clean or change filters
5. Lubricate all moving parts
6. Check air flow
7. Inspect contactor points for wear...and much more!

To learn about all 19 steps, give us a call at 561-395-1500 or visit us on the web. At Aspen Air Conditioning, we put customer service as a top priority and keeping your home comfortable is our mission!

Central Air Is More Affordable Than You May Think

It's too expensive. I don't have ducts in my home. It's going to make a mess. These are a few of the most common reasons people neglect to have central air systems installed - sound like you? But it's actually not as expensive and not as messy as you may think. So to help keep you from becoming a sweaty mess this season, it's time to start thinking about having a central air conditioning system installed.

You may have been hesitant in the past because you don’t have ducts in your home and installing them, along with a new cooling system would destroy your house. Well, think again. It’s much less expensive and the installation is easier than you might think.

Step One: Choosing A Unit

The first step of the process is probably the most important. You need to choose the right equipment or you’ll be left with an uncomfortable house and and empty wallet and you don’t want either of those, right? We’ll help you determine what size system you need in order to maximize efficiency and keep your energy bills down.

Step Two: Proper Placement

The condenser needs space and will make noise no matter how quiet it claims to be so choosing a location for it is vital. You’ll want to keep it away from bedroom or home office windows and any airflow restrictions can cause it to work harder than it has to.

Step Three: Ductwork

If you have existing ducts in your home for heating purposes, you’re in luck. Most systems can make use of existing ducts so new ones don’t have to be installed. Just make sure to have them inspected because modifications often have to be made.

No ducts? No problem. In most cases, your walls and ceilings will be left untouched and the mess will be small. Holes will have to be cut in first and second floor ceilings for the registers but we’ll keep the debris under control.

Ready to make the upgrade? Aspen Air Conditioning has been serving the South Florida area for over 30 years and we’re waiting for your call! Don’t forget to connect with us on Twitter to stay up-to-date on all of your air conditioning needs.

Benefits of Keeping Your Spare Bedrooms Cool

What do you use your spare bedrooms for? Do you keep storage items there to maximize your space or have you transformed them into a relaxing retreat where you kick back with friends and family? Either way, you’ll want to keep these rooms comfortable and cool.

Keeping extra rooms in your home cool doesn’t only help to preserve items in storage, it can help to keep the rest of your house cool as well. In addition, air conditioning systems with vents in each room will keep moisture and mold from growing especially in South Florida’s warm, moist environment.

Although using ceiling or portable fans are budget-friendly options, they only provide a temporary solution and may not be powerful enough to cool the entire space. Having a central air conditioning system installed is the perfect solution.

You’re going to need proper insulation, ventilation and ductwork so it’s important to consult a professional. That’s where we come in!

Give Aspen Air Conditioning a call today at 561-395-1500 to speak with one of our experts today - we’re waiting to hear from you! In the meantime head on over to our Twitter page and connect with us for more air conditioning updates.

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!

Get Your Central Air Conditioning System Ready For Spring & Summer

After a long, cold winter it’s time to start thinking about getting your central air conditioning system back up and running. Before you know it, sweltering temperatures will settle in and you don’t want to be stuck in the heat. See below to find out what you need to do to get your system out of winter mode and ready for spring and summer:

Step 1: Change The Filters

The filters are usually located at the blower unit and are placed where the return duct meets the unit. You should be checking your filters once a month to make sure they are clean and free of debris. A clogged filter can slow down the airflow and cause your cooling to coil to ice up.

Step 2: Check The Condensate-Removal System

Whether your system has a gravity-fed drain or a pan under the blower unit, the condensate-removal system must be checked. If you have a pump, test it to make sure it’s working properly before the season starts and if you have a pan make sure the killswitch is working properly because an overflowing pan can cause water damage in your home.

Step 3: Clear All Debris

Your exterior condenser must be clear of all debris in order for it to work at peak performance. Make sure shrubs, wood piles and low branches are at least two feet away. It’s also a good idea to spray down the condenser’s fan with a garden hose to wash away the leaves and pollen it sucked in last season.

Step 4: Check the Ductwork

Make sure there is nothing blocking the registers in your house. For your system to work efficiently, airflow shouldn’t be restricted in any way, shape or form. You should also make sure there are no holes or corrosion because cool air will leak out which can cause higher energy bills.

Aspen Air Conditioning has been serving the South Florida area since 1983 so if you’re looking for air conditioning service, installation or repairs there’s only one call to make! Schedule your next appointment online or give us a call at 561-395-1500.

Keep Cool With Aspen Air Conditioning!

Aspen Air Conditioning was incorporated on December 18, 1983. Since its’ beginning, we have been providing the residents and businesses of South Florida with great service and installation of air conditioning, heating and ventilation equipment. We understand the demands for a comfortable home especially in the South Florida area and we work hard to provide the best customer service possible - because who wants to live in an uncomfortable environment?

We feature competitive flat-rate pricing, accept all credit cards, offer free estimates on full system replacements, and also feature many great discounts for our Dolphin Cool It Club members. See the video below for more of our services:

The next time you need air conditioning service the only call you need to make is Aspen Air Conditioning! We’re waiting to hear from you.

Have you remembered to connect with us on Facebook. Stay up-to-date on everything air conditioning!

Choosing The Right Size Air Conditioner Is Key!

Ever wonder why your home doesn’t seem to cool down on a hot summer day? Installing an air conditioner in your home will keep you cool when the heat settles in, but not if it’s the wrong size.

There are three main things an air conditioner must do to cool properly including, lower the temperature of the air, remove moisture and filter out any impurities. For all of these actions to take place, the air conditioner must be the right size.

Window units are the most popular choice because they are the cheapest and easiest to install, but they don’t always provide you with the best cooling solution. But no matter which type of air conditioning system you choose, you must pick one with the right amount of BTUs.

According to The Home Depot, “Choosing the right BTU, or British thermal unit, for your room size while integrating all other outside factors like ceiling height, type of room insulation, climate type, sun exposure and location, will enable you to get the most energy-efficient cooling system for your home.”

Aspen Air Conditioning is a proud preferred installer for Home Depot in Boca Raton, Pembroke Pines, Ft Lauderdale, West Palm Beach & all of Southeast Florida. We specialize in all aspects of professional HVAC repair and installation.

The experts at Aspen Air Conditioning can help you make the right decision and restore your home to a comfortable temperature. Give us a call today at 561-395-1500 to schedule an appointment.

What Can Happen If I Forget To Change My A/C Filter?

Losing your cool? You may not be getting the most out of your air conditioner and it could be because of a dirty or clogged filter. Find out why you MUST clean or replace your filter now, before the warmer months begin to approach.

Not only will a dirty filter affect the performance and efficiency of your air conditioner, it will hamper your dehumidifier as well. This can lead to higher energy bills because they harder they have to work, the more energy they will consume.

During peak cooling season, it’s imperative that you clean or change your filter monthly. If you don’t know where the filter is located or what type of replacement filter you need, give us a call and we’ll help you out. If you have taken the necessary steps to maintain your filter and your cooling system still seems to be losing its oomph, it may need additional attention.

Keep in mind that keeping the filters clean will improve the air quality in your home or office, will keep you and your family more comfortable and will help keep energy bills down. So don’t neglect your filter! For more information, give Aspen Air Conditioning a call today at 561-395-1500.

How To De-Ice A Window Air Conditioner

Ever wonder why you see ice building up on the outside of your window air conditioner? It’s possible that the unit is too large or too powerful for the room it’s supposed to be cooling which can cause ice to form. Even worse, built up ice can stop the unit from cooling leaving you with an uncomfortably hot room.

What should you do if your air conditioner starts to produce ice? You’ll need to deice the unit and perform some general cleaning that will prevent the problem from happening in the future. To find out how to deice the unit, see below:

1. As soon as you notice ice forming, turn the unit off. Running a frozen air conditioner can damage the unit and break the fan. Allow it to thaw out until water drips freely.
2. If the fan is frozen as well, turn the air conditioner on to the fan-only setting. Circulating warm air will help to defrost the fan.
3. Once the unit is sufficiently thawed, turn it off so you can access the filter. You’ll want to remove the filter and clean it with laundry detergent to remove dust and debris that could be blocking it.
4. Rinse the filter with water and allow it to dry completely before putting it back.
5. Take a look at the exterior of the unit - if you notice any dirt or debris blocking the condenser coil vents, it must be removed. This task is complicated and should be performed by a professional. Give us a call and we’ll take care of this problem for you.

The next time you turn the air conditioner on, set the thermostat so the unit shuts off when the desired room temperature is reached. This will prevent the unit from overworking and freezing up again.

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. So give us a call at 561-395-1500 the next time you need service.