The festivities that take place can either bring you out of your funk, or stress you out even more. It's easy to get caught up in the daily grind throughout the year.

Use this holiday to reflect on all the people that matter most your life, and use this holiday season to express how much your care.

Visiting extended family allows you to maintain connections that otherwise get neglected. Pile everyone in for a road trip, take a flight across the continent or simply visit your relatives in town to keep relationships alive.

In regards to gifts during the holidays remember, it's the thought that counts. You don't have to break the bank to give special gifts this year. You can go as simple as a handwritten card and a tin of butter cookies or as elaborate as you want.

You can have a quiet dinner with close relatives and friends or a huge party with your extended family. Coming together to share a meal is the standard Holiday tradition for a reason. And remember to have a designated driver if you'll be drinking (even moderately) or if you think the turkey will put you to sleep on the drive home.

Christmas and the holidays in general don't have to be crammed full of activities and tasks that stress you out. Sometimes the best plans are the simplest. Take a moment to share how your family and friends have made an impact on you. Spread some holiday cheer of your

The ideal temperature setting is something we rarely think about when fiddling with the thermostat in summer.

Though the perfect temperature may seem purely based on opinion, there are some factors we must all consider before setting the dial.

According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the ideal indoor temperature for comfort is between 75°F (24°C) and 80.5°F (27°C) in the summer. This temperature range is based on factors like clothing, humidity levels, individual metabolic rate and airflow speed. Your personal comfort levels may deviate from this range, based on your body's metabolism, but not by very much.

Health

We must consider our health when setting our home temperature. The ideal body temperature is 98.6°F (37°C) so try to maintain that when possible. When you set your thermostat, the humidity of your home is also affected. Air conditioning lowers humidity, which can then dry out mucus membranes. This leaves you susceptible to colds other respiratory issues.

Temperature also affects sleep quality, which impacts your immune system and overall health. For most people, a temperature range of 65°F to 72°F (18°C to 22°C) works best. In the summer, this might mean running your air conditioner on hot nights. As with daytime temperatures, ideal sleep temperatures will vary depending on your body and how bundled up you are.

Energy savings

You can save energy on cooling by finding other ways to cool down in summer. Keeping your thermostat set to slightly higher temperatures will cut your

Heat waves are becoming more frequent and severe.

The results of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) experiments show that land areas on earth have become more likely to experience extreme heat.

Not only will you feel the effects when you take the kids to the park, but your air conditioner will experience it while you're cooling off at home.

Air conditioners are a type of "heat pump". That means they transfer heat from one place to another (from inside your house to outside). Normally, heat travels from a hotter area to cooler area so it naturally enters your home on a hot day. The air conditioner works to remove this heat and discharges it to the air outside.

The hotter the outdoor temperature, the harder your AC has to work. One of the effects of high heat is a drop in efficiency.

Your air conditioner efficiency drops when it has to work harder to cool your home, costing you money as your electricity consumption rises.

Since your air conditioner has to work harder and longer, it's inevitable that the lifespan of the unit will be reduced. Moving parts like the fan motor and compressor components burn out quicker and your AC needs more thorough maintenance to reduce and postpone total failure.

To help improve air conditioner's performance locate your outdoor air conditioner in a shady area, preferably with trees nearby, will allow it to run at a cooler temperature than the surrounding air. Setting the temperature inside your home

Storms give us very little time to prepare. During the panic phase, just before the downpour begins, you may be focused on stocking up food, making sure you have candles or preparing to go to a storm shelter.

In the midst of all this, don't forget you have important equipment to protect. Here are 5 tips for keeping your air conditioner safe during a storm.

Turn off your AC

Electrical surges are common when lightning hits and you don't want your air conditioner's electrical components destroyed (and you certainly don't want a fire to start!)

Make sure your AC is off before the storm hits. If the weather is particularly hot, you can run it until the sky darkens (lightning might be flashing before the rains come so don't wait that long). Then make sure you remember to turn it off.

Cover it

Exposed components can be damaged from flying debris. Use a tarp, or board to cover your unit and protect it from anything that the wind throws at it. Protect your refrigerant piping from damage since leaking refrigerant is hazardous to both you and the environment.

Make sure your cover is secure so it doesn't turn into debris itself to cause damage elsewhere. And after the storm passes, remove the covering before starting up your unit.

Clean up your yard

Before the storm hits, pack away outdoor furniture, toys, your barbecue pit and anything else that's not tied down.

Clean up branches that might have fallen and inspect

We could use your help.

We are participating in a nationwide survey of customers of plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical contractors. The survey is administered by the Service Roundtable, who will keep your individual responses confidential.

The survey should take less than 8 minutes to complete. The Service Roundtable will send a $20 gift certificate on our behalf to everyone who completes the survey. Plus, you will be entered into a drawing for $1,000 cash.

This survey will help us improve our service delivery to you and other customers. Your responses are very important to us. Please take a few minutes to help us.

Click Here to Take the Survey

If you have any questions, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at the Service Roundtable.

Thank you.

The move toward passive heating and cooling is growing.

It saves money and reduces greenhouse gases. Here are some ways to cut down on heat gains and losses from your home:

Insulation

Insulation slows down heat flow. In winter this means less heat escapes and in summer, it keeps your air conditioner from working overtime. In both cases, you have smaller equipment to worry about when building or replacing. Upgrading insulation is a sure-fire way to cut your energy use.

Proper sealing

If air leaks in around windows and doors, you undo everything your insulation does. Known as infiltration, this air carries moisture in summer and low temperatures in winter, taxing your equipment and wasting energy. Sealing off these locations is a fairly cheap way to cut back on your energy bills.

Window locations

In the northern hemisphere, the sun in winter sun shines from the south. The opposite is true for the southern hemisphere. Having large windows face the winter sun allows for sunlight to heat up those rooms, reducing your heating load. The downside is that more heat is lost through these windows at night and on cloudy days.

Window treatments

Curtains and blinds can reduce heat gain and loss depending on their insulative value. Blocking out the sun in summer keeps the space cool even if you have no shading from outside. Trees and foliage outside your window also reduce heat gain in the summer. If you pick the right trees that lose their leaves in winter,

When was the last time you changed the oil in your car? Probably when the manufacturer recommended, based on the mileage and time since the previous oil change.

Your heating and cooling equipment should be no different. It might be stationary equipment, but it's certainly not something you can set and forget.

Maintenance is a must for your furnace and air conditioner, not an option. Here's what you can expect from a tune up:

• A thorough inspection of the fan, burners, pulleys, belts, motors, heat exchanger and controls.
• Burner cleaning.
• Filter replacement if needed.
• Lubrication of bearings.
• Tightening of connections.

Reduce risk of shutdowns at the wrong time

The first reason to keep on top of your HVAC equipment is to prevent a major catastrophe. Having no furnace in the middle of winter is like shutting down at the side of the highway. You never want to be in that situation. Preventative maintenance on your furnace reduces the likelihood of being left out in the cold.

Keep your equipment working longer

The harder your equipment has to work, the shorter its lifespan. As with any machine, wear and tear will take a toll. The inevitable shutdown happens much sooner if you keep pushing your equipment without proper maintenance. Regular tune-ups will lengthen your HVAC equipment life, saving you money.

Lower your energy bill

No matter what shape your equipment is in, it has to provide the same amount of heating or cooling on a given day. A unit in top

Some homeowners seem to think that insulation is a top concern only during the winter season, which is obviously very, very mild in this part of the country. After all, it is during the winter that residents of colder states than ours bundle themselves up in order to insulate their bodies from the cold air, right? Some homeowners seem to think that insulation is a top concern only during the winter season, which is obviously very, very mild in this part of the country. After all, it is during the winter that residents of colder states than ours bundle themselves up in order to insulate their bodies from the cold air, right? Well, this is true, but the fact of the matter is that the insulation in your home plays a vital role all year long. Insulation doesn't simply keep heat in one's home. It serves to prevent the unwanted transfer of heat in both directions, meaning that it is just as important during our long, hot summers, as it prevents heat from making its way into your house. If you don't have sufficient insulation in Boca Raton, FL, you are going to run into a few different issues.

• High cooling costs are the most obvious sign that you have subpar insulation in your home. If even one area of your house is poorly insulated, you are going to wind up running your air conditioner overtime as you try to evenly cool that house. The more you use your AC,

There is no way in which to overstate just how much modern homeowners benefit from their electrical systems. Electricity is an incredibly valuable and convenient resource, which is why it is pretty universal in homes throughout the country.There is no way in which to overstate just how much modern homeowners benefit from their electrical systems. Electricity is an incredibly valuable and convenient resource, which is why it is pretty universal in homes throughout the country. While today's electrical systems, and the wiring that they use, are safer than ever, it is important to remember that electricity is still dangerous when not used properly. If you have any reason at all to believe that you have a problem with your electrical wiring in Highland Beach, FL, dial our number right away. Whatever the problem may be, you can count on our electricians to resolve the situation properly. That way, you can use electricity reliably and safely in your home.

1. Frequently tripped circuit breakers are among the most obvious signs that you've got a problem with your electrical wiring. Now, flipping a circuit breaker back into position is definitely more convenient than replacing a fuse. That doesn't mean that you can put up with this particular issue, though. Inconvenient or not, this problem suggests that you have an issue with your wiring, and that can prove dangerous.
2. Flickering lights, or light bulbs that burn out frequently, could also mean that you have faulty wiring. If this is an issue throughout

We are no strangers to residential air conditioning systems in this part of the country. In fact, the very notion of living without a reliable whole-house cooling system is something that most of us wouldn't even entertain for a moment.

We are no strangers to residential air conditioning systems in this part of the country. In fact, the very notion of living without a reliable whole-house cooling system is something that most of us wouldn't even entertain for a moment. Despite our familiarity with the comfort that our air conditioners allow for, though, many homeowners in the area don't really understand how that comfort is made possible.

There are a number of different components in any whole-house air conditioning system, and each plays an important role in the cooling process. Among the most vital of these components is the evaporator coil. Read on to lean more about what this coil does for your AC in Parkland, FL.

Evaporation and Heat Transfer

As you probably know, your air conditioner doesn't exactly generate cool air. Instead, it manages to cool your home by removing heat from the air that is already in your home. To do this, the evaporation of refrigerant is necessary. This evaporation takes place, appropriately enough, in the evaporator coil. This coil is located within the indoor air conditioning unit. The cool refrigerant in the coil evaporates as it absorbs heat from the air passing over and surrounding it. Remember, heat is always going to try to balance temperatures, and

You've probably seen us talk about the condensate drain line on this blog before. It is an important part of any air conditioning system, and one that can potentially lead to serious operational problems if not kept in great working condition.

You've probably seen us talk about the condensate drain line on this blog before. It is an important part of any air conditioning system, and one that can potentially lead to serious operational problems if not kept in great working condition. That is why it is so important that you have an understanding of the trouble that it can lead to. Maintaining a condensate drain line is not complex. You don't need to be a professional to ensure that the drain line is free of clogs and debris. Read on to learn more about the adverse effects of a backed up drain line, and contact us with any questions that you may have.

Water Damage and Icing

We won't talk too much about the damage that backed up condensate can cause in your home, as we've discussed it before. If the drain line backs up, it can cause water to pool around your AC. That can lead to staining, wood rot, and may even promote the growth and proliferation of biological pollutants. One issue that we have not touched upon, though, is the fact that backed up condensation can actually lead to ice developing on your home cooling system. When that happens, a downward spiral of sorts can be

To say that you need a great air conditioner in this part of the country is really to state the obvious. When dealing with heat and humidity of the kind that we live with, your air conditioner is a vital part of your day to day life.

To say that you need a great air conditioner in this part of the country is really to state the obvious. When dealing with heat and humidity of the kind that we live with, your air conditioner is a vital part of your day to day life. That is why we suggest that you contact us as soon as you start having any problems with your home cooling system. Not every issue will require complex professional repairs, of course. Even so, having a qualified technician investigate matters is the only way in which to guarantee that the problem, regardless of how severe it may be, is properly diagnosed. In many cases, your thermostat in Boca Raton, FL may be to blame.

Is Your Thermostat In the Wrong Place?

Did you know that many factors, including its installation location, can seriously affect its overall performance. If you have your thermostat installed right next to a window, for instance, or in a spot constantly in direct sunlight, the it may actually register temperatures hotter than they are in your home. That can lead to your system working harder than it should have to. You know what that means, right? Higher energy bills, which nobody wants.

You probably know that your air conditioner is going to use the most energy when it is just starting up, as opposed to when it is just running continuously. That is why short cycling, in which the system starts and stops too frequently, is such a problem.

You probably know that your air conditioner is going to use the most energy when it is just starting up, as opposed to when it is just running continuously. That is why short cycling, in which the system starts and stops too frequently, is such a problem. Starting the AC up over and over again not only wastes energy, but it also puts a lot of unnecessary strain on the compressor. This is due to the fact that the AC has to get the everything up and running and the refrigerant moving from a full stop each time it starts up. In fact, your AC may use anywhere from 5-10x as much power when starting up as it does when it is running. Using a hard start kit can greatly benefit your air conditioner in Highland Beach, FL.

How Does a Hard Start Kit Work?

A hard start kit cannot eliminate the power surge that your air conditioner will experience when first starting up. What it can do, though, is greatly cut down on the amount of time that it takes for your compressor to get up and running. Many kits can cut this startup time in half, which really adds up over

You've heard it said time and time again; you must schedule routine air conditioning tune-ups. At some point, though, you've undoubtedly wondered just how it is that professional air conditioning maintenance in Parkland, FL actually benefits you. You've heard it said time and time again; you must schedule routine air conditioning tune-ups. At some point, though, you've undoubtedly wondered just how it is that professional air conditioning maintenance in Parkland, FL actually benefits you. We'll give you a few examples to help you better understand just why it is that regular air conditioner tune-ups are so necessary. Improved energy efficiency is one of the greatest ways in which scheduling routine air conditioning maintenance can benefit you. We run our air conditioners constantly for much of the year in this part of the country, so it is important that they are working efficiently. You don't want to live uncomfortably out of fear of high energy costs. Better reliability is another way in which professional air conditioning maintenance can benefit you. At first, the wear and tear incurred by your air conditioning system over the course of the long, hot cooling season can negatively affect the efficiency with which it operates. Eventually, though, the very integrity of your system itself may be put at risk. Prolonged lifespan is a long term benefit of professional air conditioning maintenance. All mechanical systems have finite lifespans, obviously. However, there is no reason to allow your system to break down earlier than is absolutely necessary. By

While ductless mini splits have certain grown more popular over recent years, cooling one's home with a ducted central air conditioner is still far and away the most popular method of doing so. If you have any problems with the ductwork in your home, you are not going to be able to enjoy the quality performance that you deserve from your home cooling system.

While ductless mini splits have certain grown more popular over recent years, cooling one's home with a ducted central air conditioner is still far and away the most popular method of doing so. If you have any problems with the ductwork in your home, you are not going to be able to enjoy the quality performance that you deserve from your home cooling system. That is why we'd like to share with you a few warning signs that there are problems with your ductwork. Read on, and remember that we offer the duct testing and duct sealing services you need in Boca Raton, FL. 

Hot Spots

If you are trying to cool your home with your central air conditioner, but there are hot spots in your living space, it is very possible that faulty ductwork may be to blame. Your ductwork will simply not be able to evenly distribute cooled air throughout your home effectively if it is leaking. If you notice unbalanced temperatures in your home, especially if it is a new development, contact us to have your air ducts tested and, if necessary, sealed.

The majority of homeowners use central air conditioning systems that utilize air ducts in order to distribute conditioned air throughout their homes. This is a far better alternative than using multiple window units, which are inefficient and leave your home insecure.

The majority of homeowners use central air conditioning systems that utilize air ducts in order to distribute conditioned air throughout their homes. This is a far better alternative than using multiple window units, which are inefficient and leave your home insecure. These are not your only options, though. Many homeowners are coming to understand the benefits that choosing ductless air conditioning in Parkland, FL has to offer. Read on to learn more about them. If you decide that going ductless is right for your home, dial our number today to schedule service.

Efficiency, Control, Comfort

Ductless mini splits are very efficient home cooling systems, as you don't have to worry about any air loss via leaky ductwork. Why? Because there is no ductwork in use. Ductless mini splits use individual, wall-mounted blowers to cool those rooms in which they are installed directly. There is no risk of inefficiency stemming from air leaks in the system. Plus, these blowers are all controlled by their own individual thermostats. That means that you can easily zone your home, cooling different areas to different temperatures. This style of operation helps homeowners to take greater control over the way in which they cool their homes. This means that you can not only cut down

We've talked previously about the warning signs that you may need air conditioning repairs, such as seeing ice on the evaporator coil or feeling warm air blowing from your vents. However, you should also be employing your sense of hearing when looking out for potential problems.

We've talked previously about the warning signs that you may need air conditioning repairs, such as seeing ice on the evaporator coil or feeling warm air blowing from your vents. However, you should also be employing your sense of hearing when looking out for potential problems. There are a number of different sounds that your air conditioner may make that signal trouble ahead. The sooner that you schedule any necessary air conditioning repairs in Lighthouse point, the better off your system will be. Summers around here are way too got to take any chances with your home cooling system. If you hear the sounds discussed below, be sure to dial our number right away.

Screeching

Does it sound like your air conditioner is screaming at you when it's running? If so, you may have a problem with a damaged or slipped fan belt. It is also possible that a moving part within your system is insufficiently lubricated, and that you are hearing the sound of excessive friction.

Clanging

Do you hear something clanging or banging around in your air conditioner? This could be the result of a component that has worked itself free of its securings. Not only do you risk damaging the loose

The ability to illuminate both the property surrounding your home, as well as your home's interior spaces, is obviously one of the great advantages of modern indoor and outdoor lighting systems.

The ability to illuminate both the property surrounding your home, as well as your home's interior spaces, is obviously one of the great advantages of modern indoor and outdoor lighting systems. If you are ready to revamp your lighting systems, or if you just want to make your home a more efficient place to live, you should consider the use of LED lights. These lights are beneficial in both indoor and outdoor lighting systems, and are quite common here in Parkland, FL. Read on to learn more about all that LED lighting has to offer you.

Light-Emitting Diodes

LED, or light emitting diode, lamps are renowned for their outstanding energy efficiency and their overall performance quality. Still, many homeowners may be hesitant to move away from the very cheap incandescent light bulbs that they've long used. This is doing oneself a big disservice, though, as LED lights offer so much more than incandescents can.

• Performance Quality: LEDs are very bright, but also highly directional. That is why many LEDs are grouped together strategically on a single bulb, casting light in all necessary directions. As far the efficacy of this lighting goes, incandescents range from 10-17 lumens per watt. LEDs? 60-90. The difference here is very obvious.
• Life Span: We are not going to argue the fact that, yes, incandescent

In this day and age, the very notion of living without a functional electrical systems in our homes is something that most homeowners cannot even fathom. We are so used to plugging in our phone chargers, laptops, and other electronics that it is quite easy to overlook just how vital the outlets in our home truly are.

In this day and age, the very notion of living without a functional electrical systems in our homes is something that most homeowners cannot even fathom. We are so used to plugging in our phone chargers, laptops, and other electronics that it is quite easy to overlook just how vital the outlets in our home truly are. Just because electrical outlets are so ubiquitous, though, is no reason to pay them no mind. If you don't have GFCI outlets in Highland Beach, FL, for instance, you may want to consider upgrading your existing outlets. Doing so can help you to use electricity more safely.

What Are GFCI Outlets, and Why Use Them?

Chances are that you have GFCI outlets somewhere in your home, or at least at outdoor receptacles. They are fairly easy to distinguish from your average outlet. Between the two sockets on the outlet's face-plate, you'll see 2 buttons. One says "test," the other says "reset." Now that you know how to spot a GFCI outlet, though, you're probably still wondering why you may want to use them in your home. GFCI outlets are designed to help protect users from ground

The answer to the question posed in the title is: as long as your AC does, ideally! That's right, your air conditioner should not be losing any refrigerant at all.

The answer to the question posed in the title is: as long as your AC does, ideally! That's right, your air conditioner should not be losing any refrigerant at all. Why not? Because unlike fuels such as gas or propane, refrigerant is not consumed. It is recycled over and over again, running through what ought to be a closed system. If you have a low refrigerant level, it means that your refrigerant either was not charged to the right level, or that you have a leak somewhere in your system. The Parkland, FL air conditioning experts on our staff will determine what the issue is.

Why Is a Leak a Problem, and How Can I Spot One?

Your air conditioner is manufactured to work with a certain amount of refrigerant. If your refrigerant levels are low, then you run the risk of a subpar cooling performance. Refrigerant is evaporated in your evaporator coil. If there is not enough refrigerant therein, then your system is going to struggle to remove a sufficient amount of heat from the air passing over that coil. This can result in warm air blowing from your vents. Not only that, but it can also result in the icing over of your evaporator coil. This is very problematic, as it insulates the coil and will further impede