Questions & Answers

The Best Temperature Settings When You’re at Home – To stay comfortable and save money this summer, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78F when you are home. Setting your air conditioner to this level will allow you to stay cool and avoid an unusually high electricity bill.

In mild weather, a correctly sized and functioning AC will run in cycles of about fifteen minutes each. This is approximately two to three times per hour. If your air conditioner runs for less than ten minutes at a time instead, then it’s probably oversized or too big for your home.

The simple answer is no, you should not run your air conditioner 24/7. According to multiple sources, running your unit constantly puts a strain on the air conditioner and wastes large amounts of energy. … It is also wise to turn down your air conditioner if you’re leaving for extended periods of time.

• Keep your AC running efficiently
• Schedule a maintenance check-up.
• A tune-up of your cooling system will ensure that it is working at peak performance and efficiency.
• Leave the thermostat alone.
• Keep the curtains closed.
• Use the dehumidifier.
• Keep your air conditioner out of the sun.

A properly functioning central A/C unit should be able to cool a moderate, four-bedroom home by 10 degrees Fahrenheit in three hours. Although the cooling power of your A/C also depends on the power, size, and age of your unit, your home should be noticeable cooler within a few hours.

There are many reasons why your AC unit may be freezing up. Air conditioners need proper airflow to keep the cold coil warm. A freeze-up can also be caused by low refrigerant and improper fan operation. Low refrigerant levels make the coils too cold, and a faulty fan prevents air from moving.

Look for visible ice on the outside of the air conditioning unit. If you see none, open the panel according to the manufacturer’s instructions and observe the cooling coils. The ice may be there. If you see no ice, the unit may still be frozen.

• Change the dirty air filter – The filter needs to be clean for your AC to work properly.
• Unblock a blocked condenser.
• Have low refrigerant replaced.

• It’s blowing hot air. – If your system is blowing hot air, then it may indicate a broken compressor.
• Moisture near your system. – If you start noticing moisture or leaks around your system, then you have a problem.
• Unusual sounds.
• Unusual smells.
• High humidity levels.

You may need to clean the HVAC interior. – Next, clean out the condenser, evaporator, filters, and coil. If these are dirty and clogged by debris, airflow within your unit may be restricted, which can severely affect the efficiency of your unit as a whole.

According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (IACHI), 3-tab asphalt shingles (the most common and economical style) are expected to last 10 to 12 years in Florida, while higher-quality architectural shingles have an expected lifespan of 15 to 20 years.

Clay Tile – This is an extremely popular roofing option in Florida.
Concrete Tiles – These are a popular option for Florida homes.
Metal Roofs – Today they are typically made out of steel.
Shingle – Usually one of the easiest and cheapest to put on a home.

The best roof types are shingle, metal roofing, and tile. Shingles are well-known and popular. They are made of composition materials of paper and fiberglass or wood fibers. Fiberglass is very strong and is an excellent choice for the areas with high winds

A hip roof slopes on all sides, usually four, and results in a pyramidal shape. Hip roofs are commonly found in high wind and snow regions. They are very sturdy and come in a variety of styles. A gable roof slopes on two sides and connects to the specialized walls known as gables.

Natural slate tiles are the most durable roof you can put on a building, but the material is heavy and often requires additional and costly support.

Synthetic slate tiles are attractive for their lower cost and lighter weight.

The angle, or pitch, of a roof is calculated by the number of inches it rises vertically for every 12 inches it extends horizontally. For example, a roof that rises 6 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal run has a 6-in-12 pitch.

Most modern shingle roofs are rated to withstand 90 mile-per-hour winds. There are roofing products available for hurricane and tornado-prone areas that can withstand winds up to 150 MPH.

Homeowners with wood shake roofs should expect them to last about 30 years, while fiber cement shingles last about 25 years and asphalt shingle/composition roofs last about 20 years, the NAHB found. Climate and weather conditions, such as snow, hail and hurricanes, can cut the life span of all types of roofs

A dark gray or black roof will look good with a gray or blue house, while a brown, cream or tan colored house will match better with brown shingles or a mix of cream and brown. Green, red, yellow, or other colors have more flexibility and can be accented by brown, gray, or black.

The NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) rates slate as by far the longest lasting roofing material, with a life expectancy of 150+ years, followed closely by clay and concrete at roughly 100 years.