How can I make my AC system more energy efficient?

Make sure all air vents are open and unrestricted, get a programmable thermostat, get the system inspected and serviced by an authorized service provider twice per year, and change the filter regularly.

Is regular air conditioning maintenance important?

Regular preventive maintenance can cut your cooling costs by as much as 15% and it will extend the life of your system. A properly serviced AC will also do a better job of dehumidifying your home and regular maintenance is a warranty requirement.

How often should I change my AC filter?

It depends on the type of filter, some are meant to be cleaned or replaced once a month, others are designed to last up to 6 months. The conditions inside your home also play a big part, e.g. do you smoke in the house or have pets that shed.

Is regular air conditioning maintenance important?

Regular preventive maintenance can cut your cooling costs by as much as 15% and it will extend the life of your system. A properly serviced AC will also do a better job of dehumidifying your home and regular maintenance is a warranty requirement.

Should I install a programmable thermostat?

Used correctly, a programmable thermostat can cut your cooling costs by up to 25%.

Should the thermostat fan be set to "auto" or "on"?

If you want to keep your cooling costs down, set the fan to “auto” so it only runs when it needs to in order to maintain the set temperature.

When should I replace my AC system?

If your HVAC system is more than 10 years old, if it’s not cooling as well as it used to or if your electric bill is higher than it should be – it may be time for a new system.

Do you offer residential AC service?

Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating has been providing residential repair, installation, and maintenance throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties since 2003.

Do you offer commercial AC service?

Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating has been providing commercial repair, installation, and maintenance throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties since 2003.

How much does a new Air Conditioning system cost?

It depends on the size of your home and the type of unit. We would be glad to show you the different options and help you make the best decision for your budget and comfort needs.

How do I know if I’m buying the right air conditioning system?

We understand that a new HVAC system is a big purchase so we encourage customers to get a second opinion so they feel comfortable with their decision and we’re always ready to provide a free second opinion.

Do you offer emergency service?

Sean McCutcheon’s is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency service, but if you call during regular business hours – you will save some money.

Why do you charge more for emergency service?

Companies that don’t charge more for off-hour service are either desperate for work or they’re charging you emergency rates during regular hours.

What is the average lifespan of an air conditioner?

Most HVAC systems last between 15 and 20 years. Regular preventive maintenance will keep your system running efficiently for as long as possible.

Should I replace my old AC system if it still works?

If your system is more than 10 years old, a new AC system can be up to 60% more energy efficient so your old AC could be costing you more than it is worth.

What temperature should I set my thermostat to?

For the lowest utility bill, set your thermostat to the highest temperature at which you are comfortable when you’re running the AC and the lowest temperature when you’re running the heat.

What is the best air conditioning system?

It depends on your needs. At Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, we pride ourselves on taking the time to educate our clients so they can choose the best system for their budget and comfort needs.

A higher SEER or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating means that your unit is more efficient. The minimum for new air conditioner is currently 13, but it can go as high as 21.

NATE is the North American Technician Excellence. It is an independent, third-party, non-profit certification body for HVAC and HVAC/R technicians. Make sure the technician you hire is NATE certified.

What is Ask The Seal?

The Seal performs nationwide criminal background and sex offender checks on the employees that interact with your property or family and it issues photo IDs confirming that these checks have taken place so you know who you’re letting into your home.

How do I know if a contractor is licensed?

To ensure that you are working with a licensed contractor, visit www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr and click the "verify a license" button at the bottom of the page.

How do I know if my AC is running properly?

The best way to ensure peak efficiency is to have your AC system serviced by an authorized service provider twice per year. During a preventive maintenance visit, we’ll run diagnostics to ensure that your system is performing as it should.

Can you install a central air conditioning system if I don’t have already have ductwork?

If you’re willing to invest in ductwork and make design allowances, the answer is probably yes, but there are more cost effective solutions, like mini splits, available today and we would be happy to discuss them with you.

My AC just stopped working, what should I do?

Before calling for service, check your circuit breaker and make sure the filter isn’t clogged.

FRACCA - McCutcheon Air Conditioning and Heating Blog

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Attorney General asked to Investigate FPL's Business Practices

Thursday, 27 September 2018

SMAC

AC Blog

Small Business Owners Ask Attorney General to Investigate FPL's Business Practices Argue Company is Using Public Assets to Enter Private For-Profit Markets

Link to Original Story

The Florida Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association (FRACCA) and a statewide coalition of mechanical, electrical and plumbing contractors, the MEP Coalition for Fair Competition, today asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate the business practices of Florida Power & Light (FPL). Specifically, the groups claim that FPL is misappropriating regulated public assets to enter private for-profit markets.

"FPL is using utility ratepayer funds and assets to buy their way into HVAC, electrical, plumbing and other industries and their goal is to put small local companies out of business and control these markets," said Jaime DiDomenico, the President of Cool Today, an HVAC, plumbing and electrical company based in Sarasota, and a member of the MEP Coalition for Fair Competition. "We hope the Attorney General will intervene to protect local businesses, jobs and consumers."

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FPL Energy Services FPL Offering AC Maintenance FPLES FRACCA MEP Coalition for Fair Competition

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10 April 2017