Dirty, dusty or infested air conditioning ducts can cause a myriad of problems; from allergy concerns to inefficient cooling or heating, clogging of these ducts leads to bad things for your home, health, and wallet. There are visible signs you should be aware of to help you decide whether or not your home needs an AC duct cleaning.  If you notice one or more of these signs as listed below, please contact the professionals at Snyder Heating and Air to schedule your air duct cleaning.

1. Visible Mold Growth

Mold buildup in air conditioning ducts can lead to aggravated symptoms for those who suffer from allergies and asthma. Many people complain of uncomfortable reactions when mold begins to set in within the AC and heating system. Find an area where you can visibly assess the condition of your ducts and look for any surface mold. Afterwards, check other air conditioning components to make sure they are free of mold and other debris. Even a slight amount of mold can signal a much larger problem within your duct system.

2. Signs of Rodents or Insects

Hearing funny noises in your AC ducts? If you have a sinking feeling that rodents or insects have found their way through your duct system, it’s time to contact a professional. Rats and other small animals are sometimes able to chew through existing structures and make their way into the ventilation system. When these animals make a home in your ducts, they will leave waste and foot particles behind and, eventually, they may even die within the piping. Cleaning the duct system thoroughly and preventing similar incidents will help ensure your family is breathing the cleanest air possible.

3. Signs of Moisture

Moisture leads to mold and mold leads to everything you read under the first item on this list. When an air conditioning duct isn’t properly insulated or is kept at a moisture-inducing temperature for too long, moisture can build up in the duct system. Because of the nature of water vapor, transitions between seasons can lead to a gathering of moist air. When this air cools, it tends to leave small puddles within your air conditioning system. These moist conditions lead to the growth of mold and fungi of various types. Areas of high humidity, bathrooms and kitchens, are a great spot to inspect for signs of moisture.

4. Unexpected Increase in Monthly Utility Bill

A sudden increase in your power bill can be caused by various factors but an inefficient air conditioning and heating system is often the culprit. One of the easiest ways to track the dirt in your duct system is through your bills. Note any abnormal increases in use. Keeping your air conditioning ducts clean and free of any debris, mold or other obstructions can ensure that you have a predictable monthly power bill.

If you’re noticing any of the problems outlined above or if you are unsure of what is causing your air conditioning or heating system problems, be sure to call Snyder Heating and Air.

It’s hard fact of life – air conditioners do not last forever. The upside? Replacing your old system with a new one will save you more money that you thought. Efficiency has improved a lot since that old hunk of metal and noise was first installed in your back yard.

The right air conditioning system is wholly dependent on your family’s needs. Here are three essential questions you should ask your contractor prior to installation:

1. How will the new air conditioner be sized?

The proper way to size heating and cooling systems is to calculate the actual heating and cooling loads for your home. To do so, the contractor has to measure the house completely, get all the insulation R-values, window types, orientation, infiltration rate, duct leakage, and more. Then they put all that into their load calculation software and find out how many BTUs per hour your home needs.

Proper sizing is important because an air conditioner does two jobs: cools the air and dehumidifies the air. In a humid climate, an oversized air conditioner will cool fine but won’t dehumidify well. Also, oversized systems go on and off a lot, and all those start-ups and shut-downs will shorten the life of your air conditioner.

2. Does the contractor test for duct leakage?

It requires a lot of functions and process to make your home cool and comfortable. One of the biggest features is the distribution system. If you’re paying a lot of money each month to run your air conditioner, you don’t want to waste that cooling through a lot of leaks in your ducts.  A duct leakage test will determine how bad your ducts are.

3. Does the contractor assess the air flow in the duct system and make recommendations for repairs?

Duct leakage isn’t the only problem with getting cool air into your home. Many duct systems don’t move as much air as they should because of ducts that are too small, kinked, too long, or have other types of constrictions. At a minimum, your HVAC contractor should measure the total external static pressure and make sure it’s within the limits specified for the equipment they’re installing. Ideally, they’ll also measure the air flow to each room to make sure your home will be heated and cooled.

We often hear that without proper maintenance, air conditioning units may decrease your home’s quality of air. However, it can also enhance it when you treat your AC unit right.

What Air Conditioning and Asthma Have in Common

Mold, pollen, and pet dander are the main triggers of asthma.  These air particles are unavoidable to breathe in, but there is some good news to limit the amount of particles. Air conditioning units contain filters that keep our particle intake to a minimum. AC units also help eliminate humidity, which can rapidly start mold and algae growth around your home.

Air conditioners work by:

1. Pulling air into the unit
2. The air gets forced through filters, blowers, compressors, condensers, coolers and evaporators
3. Then the air is blasted back at the temperature of your choice

This cycle keeps air circulating throughout your environment and eventually through your lungs.  Be aware that if the air quality does not improve and is still full of pollen, heavy mold, and animal dander than the problem may lie in the upkeep of the unit.  These causations could result in an asthma attack.

Professional Ideal Air Conditioning Upkeep

At Snyder Air Conditioning and Heating, we recommend having your air conditioner services at least once a year.  Our trained professionals will inspect the overall condition of the unit.

1. First, the performance of the unit will be checked for proper efficiency and make sure all mechanical aspects are operating smoothly
2. Then a check on the coolant level and pureness
3. The coils will then be inspected for mold or algae growth.
4. The blower will then be examined to make sure it is not corroded with dirt or other debris.  The wheels are also easy to clean if the damage is minimal.
5. Your filter will be replaced.
6. The drain will be cleaned of mold and algae.

This is Snyder Air Conditioning and Heating’s guarantee – we work hard to improve your indoor air quality.  Give Snyder a call today for a free estimate on the condition of your system, so we can ensure you get the long lasting life out of your AC system that you want.

Attention homeowners! Are you looking for a way to save on energy costs even in the hot Jacksonville, Florida summer? Programmable thermostats have become vastly popular due to the energy savings, improved comfort, convenience and cost. It does not seem like much – a thermostat to measure the temperate controls in your home. However, with the new advances in technology, a thermostat is so much more than a thermostat.

Why Choose a Programmable Thermostat?
Easy to use and moderately inexpensive, the return on investment for a programmable thermostat makes it an essential staple in any home. In fact, when used correctly, it will pay for itself within four years. Digital thermostats are designed to maximize the performance of your home comfort with accurate temperature settings that you can control. You can program your comfort around your lifestyle. For example, if you’re one of those people that enjoys waking up to a warm home but sleeping in colder temperatures, you can easily program your thermostat for both settings in just one motion! Ease of use, flexibility, energy savings, and a sleek design are all quality features you’ll receive when you purchase a digital thermometer.

Features of a Programmable Thermostat
Depending on the model you intend to purchase, a programmable thermostat can offer a myriad of features.

• Touch-pad screen programming
• Voice/phone programming
• Vacation settings
• Dirty air filter/equipment malfunction alerts
• Consistent comfort settings
• Early start functions

If you’re trying to decide which digital thermometer is right for you, contact the heating and air professionals at Snyder Heating & Air. Our Jacksonville, Florida, HVAC specialists will be happy to review your needs with you to determine which programmable thermostat is right for your home and your lifestyle.

The 2011 Florida hurricane season is expected to be one of the worst we’ve seen in five years. Philip Klotzbach and William Gray of the Colorado State University’s Tropical Meteorology Project estimates that there will be 17 named storms, which include nine hurricanes and five major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher. Now is the time to prepare your Florida home, including your air-conditioning unit. It only takes one storm to create the havoc and destruction that will destroy your property, your financial stability, and your sanity. Here are some helpful hints to ensure your AC unit stays protected in the high winds, falling debris, and dangerous lightening.

To-Do List for Hurricane Preparation

• Turn your AC unit off prior to a severe storm.
• If you have a window unit, unplug it entirely.
• Cover your outdoor unit with a tarp prior to a storm to protect it from rain and debris.
• Do not turn your unit back on immediately following a storm or hurricane.
• Inspect the unit and surrounding area first to ensure it’s in proper working condition.

Hurricane Air Conditioner Kit

When it comes to protecting your home and your AC unit, it is best practice to be safe rather than sorry. A hurricane kit is ideal for any Jacksonville, Florida homeowner. These kits will protect your investment and prevent surges of electricity during a major storm or hurricane.

What a Hurricane Kit Protects

A hurricane kit is designed to provide enhanced protection against heavy power surges. During an average heavy storm, your electricity is compromised at least once which results in a surge of electricity coursing through your home. If your electrical equipment is not properly protected, it can destroy everything from your AC unit to your computer and even your telephones. A hurricane kit protects against heavy power surges. By turning off the power to your unit, you block a potential surge at the source. An essential kit will ensure your investment continues working after the storm passes and your electricity is restored.

Bring in a Professional

It’s ideal to schedule an inspection of your AC unit to ensure it can withstand the wear and tear that a hurricane can create. Also, it’s a good idea to bring in a professional Jacksonville, Florida heating and air technician after a hurricane as well.

Contact Snyder Heating & Air to schedule your pre-and-post hurricane AC unit inspection. It’s your investment; protect it with the help of our qualified HVAC technicians.

Snyder Heating and Air Conditioning has been working diligently to providing excellent and convenient service for over 38 years.  From our emergency 24/ hour services to joining the social media world, we are sure to stay where our customers are.  As a team we stay up to par with a user friendly website with all of the convenient features for requesting free estimates, following us on Facebook and one stop couponing for all of your heating and cooling needs on our Specials page. And requesting air conditioning and heating services just got a whole lot easier! Need a quick question answered regarding your unit running efficiently while at work? Or what if you just can`t stand calling into places to ask questions?  Snyder Heating and Air Conditioning added a great new feature to their website allowing anyone to chat live with one of our heating and cooling agents. If you are looking for an estimate on an air conditioning repair, you can request an appointment by live chat. Our representatives will get your name, number, and issue without even having to pick up the phone.
We encourage all of our current and future customers to “like” our business page on Facebook and leave us feedback. Let us know what we can do as certified heating and cooling technicians to help serve you better.

With the hottest days still to come in Florida, keeping your home cool and your electric bill down at the same time could be a challenge when it’s over 100 degrees outside. That is why Snyder Heating & Air Conditioning recommends “going green.” With certified heating and air conditioning technicians, who are able to properly determine how a new system will perform (performance of your heating and cooling system is determined in a large part by your HVAC equipment’s operating efficiency) in your home and selecting the right green unit. We proudly carry SEER; Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is known for their high-efficiency systems that can lower your monthly electric bill. Higher the SEER ratings mean greater efficiency the unit has. The more your air conditioning and heating unit produces for each unit of energy it consumes, the higher the rating the air conditioning/heating unit will receive. The higher the efficiency rating of your unit, the less energy it will consume. Your monthly savings may pay back your SEER investment in as little as 2 years.

High efficiently units are also known to protect the environment. By lessening your homes electric bills, you are also helping preserve natural resources. Snyder Heating and Air Conditioning offers qualified trained air conditioning and heating contractors that are able to install new systems or replace an existing heating or air conditioning system. All of our contractors are licensed and insured and offer the proper skills and training. Start saving money today!

In some industries it can be very difficult finding someone you trust to tell you the truth about what it is that is causing you problems. Heating and air conditioning repair and services can be one of those industries. A heating/air conditioning unit isn’t an inexpensive appliance, so trusting someone to tell you what could be going wrong can be a difficult task.  If you haven’t yet found a trusted heating and air technician, ask around. Word of mouth can be the best way to find a trusted and reputable heating and air company. Your good friends or family wouldn’t refer you to a company that they wouldn’t or haven’t used for themselves. If you aren’t able to find a company that your friends and family speak highly of, then it’s time to start looking on your own.
First, educate yourself a little bit about the mechanics of air conditioning/heating units as much as possible. Reading internet blogs or personal experiences from people with air or heating issues can help as well. Before calling any company, check their website first to see how long they have been in business and check if there are any reviews or testimonials on their site or review sites.  Be sure to also check that all of the air conditioning and heating technicians at their company are both licensed and insured.  Trusted companies should always be able to give you a free estimate of what the cost is going to look like, but be sure that it’s not over the phone and that they have taken the time to visit your home and inspect  the heating and air conditioning unit themselves.  Look for a company that is dependable, honest, prompt, courteous, and professional.

Florida is a great place to live but with the summer days still to come, Floridians tend to forget about the upkeep your air conditioning unit may need before summer rolls around.  A finely tuned air conditioning can keep those summer days cool, but it does require annual tune ups. Air conditioning units must be properly maintained to maximize their performance, efficiency, and life span. The experts at Snyder Heating and Air Conditioning feels it is best to tune your unit up before a new season begins. This prevents anything from breaking or slowing down during the middle of winter, or the middle of summer. For Florida, we would suggest getting a tune up in the months of May (air conditioning) and November (heating).  Having your unit checked seasonally, assures everything is running properly and can even save you money on your monthly bills.
Below are a few tips to help stay cool this summer and save money:
1.    Check your air filter. By checking your air filter monthly you can minimize your monthly electric bill and increase the efficiency of the air conditioning unit.
2.    Set your thermostat to the highest setting that is comfortable for you and your family in the summer. This will maximize energy savings.
3.    Add insulation around air conditioning ducts when they are located in unconditioned spaces such as attics, crawl spaces, and garages
4.    Run your air conditioning when necessary. If you are going on vacation turn up the temperature up to 4 degrees.