3 Tips on Properly Disposing of an Old Air Conditioner

Being among the most common household appliances in the country, it's a given that homeowners will eventually be faced with the necessity of disposing of their unit once it reaches its time. Uninformed homeowners may very well throw their units out along with the rest of the trash, but this is highly ill-advised. Read on to discover the proper way to dispose of an old air conditioning system.

 Throwing it Away is Illegal

 Homeowners can't simply throw their AC unit out along with the rest of their trash. In doing so, they would be breaking the law. AC uses a cooling refrigerant which can potentially contain chemicals that may have a harmful effect on the environment if left unattended in a landfill.

Two types of refrigerants are commonly found in today's air conditioning units: R-410A refrigerants, which are normally found in newer units, and R-22 refrigerants, typically found in older units. R-410A refrigerants can negatively impact the environment if not adequately disposed of when it's time. R-22 refrigerants typically contain ozone-depleting chemicals, which is why they've been recalibrated in recent years in order to improve efficiency while limiting negative environmental impact.

How to Recycle It

The first step to recycling an AC unit is to to remove its refrigerant. However, it's absolutely vital that homeowners refrain from doing this themselves. Attempting to remove refrigerant from an air conditioning unit without prior training or experience is incredibly unsafe. Instead, it's best to call up a heating and air conditioning leesburg company to make a service call to remove the chemical.

How to Donate or Sell It

Not all air conditioning systems reach their end the same way. Some die abruptly with little to no prior warning, while others fade away slowly for several years before shutting off indefinitely. In the former case, there's little to do with the unit but properly dispose of it. If, however, a homeowner's unit is in the early stages of its end, it might still have a few years of use left in it, which makes it a valuable commodity.

Homeowners are advised to arrange a service call with a HVAC contractor in order to have an assessment of the unit done. If the contractor concludes that the unit will still run (albeit sub-optimally) for another few years before shutting off, the homeowner can seek to have the unit sold. There are prospective customers out there who could use any HVAC unit at all, even a faulty one, for liquidation price. If the homeowner is ready to buy a new unit and could use some extra cash, there's no harm in putting the system up for sale online to see if anyone is interested.

4 Important Questions to Ask a HVAC Professional

What is Your Experience in the Industry?

Before hiring any service professional to do work in a home, it's important to get a sense of how much experience they have in the industry. After all, the only reason why homeowners don't take their HVAC service needs into their own hands is that they trust the work to be done by a professional who knows their way around a HVAC system at the very least. Since the field of HVAC services is so multi-layered, it helps to ask the service professional whether he or she has experience with the brand of the HVAC system in question. By finding out how well-versed the service professional is in the heating and air conditioning field, homeowners are in a better position to decide on committing to their contract.

What is the Warranty, Guarantee, and Refund System?

Reputable heating and air conditioning Leesburg companies will follow the warranty of the HVAC unit in question. Conversely, the warranty period might have already run its course, in which case the homeowner can go about acquiring a new agreement from the service professional in writing.It's important not to forget to ask about refund information. Ideally, a HVAC service will disclose pertinent information regarding their specific operating policy to the client upon consultation. Quality service companies are based on providing the customer with what he or she needs and letting the customer know what to expect during and after the service.

Past Client Testimonials?

When hiring any service expert, verifying past client testimonials can go a long way. While it would be convenient to be able to take a contractors word on how they do business, past client reviews can offer direct, honest information on what kind of services prospective clients can expect. If the HVAC service expert in question has a professional online presence, they will likely be able to point prospective clients to their webpage where various past client testimonials are displayed. Homeowners are advised to sort through these reviews and only interview candidates with a decent approval rating.

License and Insurance?

Sure, not every homeowner is a patrol officer, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't be asking their potential HVAC expert for licensing and insurance information. Nearly all states require working HVAC experts to be license. If that doesn't appear to be the case during the interview process, it's advised that homeowners move on to the next potential candidate. Insurance and proper licensing are cushions that offer safety should anything unexpected occur. 

Homeowners are advised to take the HVAC professional’s working license number, and verify it through the state's contractor licensing board. If both the licensing and insurance information check out, it might bode well for an imminent contract commitment.

3 Power Generator Safety Tips

Protection From Carbon Monoxide

Using a generator in an enclosed space - even a partially enclosed one - is largely considered to be a dangerous practice. Since generators can potentially produce significant levels of carbon monoxide with haste, they need a good amount of clearance room in order to function safely. It’s important for homeowners to keep in mind that they won’t be able to see or smell CO, which means that the threat is largely invisible and undetectable. Exhaust fumes are the clearest indicator of carbon monoxide, though they aren’t always produced in cases of a buildup. If a homeowner ever feels weak or dizzy while using their generator, it’s critical that they get themselves to fresh air without delay. The CO that generators put out can potentially lead to full incapacitation and even death relatively quickly.

To reduce the risk of carbon monoxide buildup, it’s recommended that homeowners never use their generator indoors, which includes garages, crawl spaces, and basements. Even ventilated indoor areas won’t prevent the CO from accumulating in the home. Homeowners should follow the instructions that were given to them when they received the generator, and use this information to determine the best location for the unit. 

This location should be clear from windows, doors, and vents that would provide an avenue for the CO to enter the home. Additionally, it’s advised that homeowners use battery-operated or plug-in CO alarms with a battery backup. The CO alarms should be regularly tested and the batteries should be replaced consistently.

Protection From Electrical Outbursts

For the sake of preventing electrical hazards, it’s advised that generators always be kept dry and are turned off in all rainy or excessively humid weather conditions. In order to protect the unit from intaking any moisture, homeowners should operate it on a dry surface, and should only use dry hands when working with it. 

Homeowners should particularly note never to plug the generator directly into a wall outlet in order to power the house wiring. This is known as ‘backfeeding’, which is an incredibly hazardous practice that comes with an increased electrocution risk to workers and neighbors using the same utility transformers.

Keeping Fire Hazards at Bay

Homeowners should always turn the generator off and allow it to cool down before refueling it, since any gasoline spilled over the hot engine can potentially lead to an ignition. Additionally, the fuel for the generator should never be stored in the home. Flammable liquids such as propane, gasoline, and kerosine need to be properly labeled and stored outside in safe, non-glass containers. 

Homeowners should never store them in proximity to a fuel-burning appliance, like a natural gas water heater. For more information on power generator safety tips, it’s advised that homeowners contact their preferred  heating and air conditioning Leesburg service provider.

Leesburg in Lake County, Florida is home to nature parks, forests, and lakes. On average, the Lakefront City gets over 200 sunny days and 52 inches of rain per year. During the summer months, temperatures in this part of Florida can go as high as 92⁰ F. Although air conditioning units are what Leesburg residents need for most part of the year, buildings still need some heat when it’s rainy. They also need good ventilation and air quality every single day.

 To ensure that a building gets the best of all these things, it is a good idea to get an HVAC system that suits both the structure and the climate. There are different types of HVAC systems to choose from. Central air conditioning, for example, removes warm air from the building and cycles it back as cool air. This system has the capability to collect moisture and heat, making it effective for warmer places. Many Leesburg establishments have central air conditioning to better manage the heat inside buildings..

Another HVAC type is the ductless system. This invention is designed to cool a room or make it warmer. For places that get a certain amount of snow fall each year, a ductless system is a good choice. This system is an energy efficient HVAC often used for smaller spaces or structures. Another HVAC system is the furnace. While it is impossible not to think of massive gravity fed furnaces when this word is heard, modern furnaces are nothing of the sort. Today, the furnace is more advanced and plays a very important role in making indoor spaces comfortable. This equipment is recommended for colder places. The air handler matched with a heat pump is also another HVAC type that can be used for buildings and homes. An excellent choice for heating and cooling, this system warms the home when it’s cold outside and reverses this operation during summertime.

Heating and Air Conditioning Leesburg, Florida A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit provides thermal comfort and suitable air quality for residential structures and establishments. According to experts, the three central functions of the system are interrelated. 

For Leesburg, HVAC systems that are effective for hot weather are highly recommended. To get a good HVAC unit that is suitable for this place, building owners should call a reliable heating and cooling company.

Getting The Right Heating and Cooling System In contemporary buildings, engineers usually integrate heating, air conditioning, and ventilation. This can be in one HVAC system or in two systems. The system that is installed depends on the structure and the capacity required to keep it cool during the hot summer months and warm when it’s a bit cold outside.

For smaller buildings, technicians often select HVAC equipment based on the structure’s needs. To find out what kind of cooling and heating system is needed for a particular building, it is best to consult with the professionals. Owners of larger buildings should contact specialty mechanical contractors for them to analyze, design, and fabricate the HVAC system that the structure needs.

Seven Options For Heating and Cooling Homes in Leesburg, Florida

Leesburg, Florida often experiences hot, humid weather during the summer. This makes cooling equipment a necessity. Temperatures frequently drop to the 40s during winter nights. Consequently, many residents also own light-duty heating systems. Locals have about seven major options for cooling and heating their homes: Cooling 1. Conventional central A/C equipment cools air and distributes it through ducts. These powerful systems are often controlled by a single thermostat. When maintained well, they deliver more efficient cooling than window units. A downside is that the ducts sometimes need cleaning, sealing or repair.

2. Like conventional units, ductless central A/C systems quickly cool large amounts of air. However, they're easier to install and maintain. They also save space and run more efficiently. Installers can attach the indoor air handlers to walls or ceilings. 3. Window air conditioners remain comparatively inexpensive and easy to set up. Users have the ability to separately adjust the temperature in each room. Nevertheless, Leesburg residents often find that they produce more noise and higher electric bills than central A/C systems. 4. Electric fans cost relatively little, rarely require maintenance and weigh less than the alternatives. A major disadvantage is that they don't reduce humidity levels. Fans prove useful during the spring and fall but seldom deliver adequate summer cooling for homes in Florida.

Heating 5. Most electric space heaters are inexpensive to buy but costly to run. Some models use fans to distribute heat more rapidly. They can be controlled with switches or built-in thermostats. These units are often safer than fireplaces but more likely to start fires than other heating systems. 6. Some Florida homes feature attractive wood or gas fireplaces. Wood units require considerable maintenance, and they're time-consuming to operate. Gas models are usually more efficient. They benefit from Leesburg's city-operated natural gas system. However, they're somewhat expensive for people in an area with limited heating needs.

7. Heat pumps provide a desirable option for Floridians who want to heat and cool their homes with one system and a single fuel source. During the winter, this equipment extracts warmth from outdoor air and transfers it indoors. It does the opposite in hot weather. Most other options aren't viable. Gas and oil heat furnaces aren't cost-effective in climates with short winters. Evaporative coolers don't work well because of the high humidity levels. Heat pumps and ductless A/C often deliver the best results when people need heating and air conditioning leesburg.

Heating and Air Conditioning Considerations for Pet Owners

HVAC systems can be affected by the presence of pets, but systems for heating and air conditioning leesburg can also affect the lives and well being of animals in the home. Some special considerations are in order so that an optimal relationship and scenario can be preserved. Regular HVAC Maintenance is Key One of the top considerations for homeowners who are pet owners in terms of their heating and air conditioning in Leesburg is the potential effect of pet hair and dander on their heating systems. The presence of an overload of these substances from multiple pets can cause air filters in the systems to become clogged much more quickly. Pet owners should check the filters in their HVAC systems at least once per month to ensure they are not clogged with pet hair and particulates.

Not doing so could compromise the functioning, efficacy and effectiveness of the HVAC system. The air in the home could become dirty and filled with allergens and particulates that could compromise health and safety, especially for those family members who are prone to allergies. The buildup of too many particles in the HVAC system could also lead to longer term problems down the road, including reduction in efficiency and mechanical breakdowns. Regular maintenance can help to offset these effects. Optimizing the Home Environment for Pets The placement of animal cages for smaller animals like birds, reptiles and rodents can be crucial to their continued health and well being. Cages should never be located directly in front of or too close to a heating or air conditioning vent.

Any persistent draft – warm or cold – could be a problem for some animals. Take precautions to ensure pets are kept at the optimal temperature for their well being. Setting systems for heating and air conditioning in Leesburg on a timer is an effective way to ensure the home’s temperature is kept consistent for animals around the clock and around the year. Remember that fans can cause a draft, and too much heat can be a problem for some animals as well. Of course, this varies depending upon the type of animal. While birds can have particularly sensitive systems, tropical birds love to be kept in a warm environment. Many reptiles favor warmer temperatures as well.

Pet owners looking to optimize their heating and air conditioning in Leesburg must be aware of some key considerations regarding animals. Taking appropriate precautions will help to enhance the life of both their pets and their HVAC systems.