HVAC

September 19, 2022 HVAC

How Can I Cool a Home That Doesn’t Have Ducts?

September 19, 2022 HVAC

Summers in Jacksonville can be brutal. For most people, this is the time to crank up the air conditioning and enjoy time indoors. However, if your home doesn’t currently have an air conditioner, keeping your home cool isn’t as simple as just turning back the thermostat. Fortunately, if you need to stay cool this summer, there are several great options available, even if your home doesn’t have any existing ductwork from a previous system. Here are the systems that the pros at Reliable Ducts Heating & Cooling recommend to help beat the heat on the hottest days of the summer

Adding Ducts

If you don’t have ductwork in your Jacksonville home, there is always the option of adding ductwork. However, most people don’t choose this option because adding ducts to a home that’s already been built can be disruptive, time-consuming, and expensive. To get the ducts where they need to be, you may have to make significant changes to the structure of your home. Plus, you’ll need to find a central location for the main system components. If you choose this option, you may need to opt for flexible ducts, which tend not to be as durable or energy efficient as their rigid counterparts. While it’s possible to add ducts to an existing home, the good news is that there are other options that are much less expensive and disruptive.

Window Units

Another potential option for cooling your home is window-unit air conditioners. The big problem with this approach is that you have to take up window space, thus blocking natural light from coming into your home. Plus, it is usually difficult to properly insulate the area around the air conditioning units. Another big drawback of these units is that you have to remove and re-install them every year so that they don’t allow cold air in during the winter. On top of that, window units tend to be fairly inefficient and noisy, not to mention that they’re unattractive. One final drawback of depending only on window units is that you can’t cool any rooms that don’t have windows, such as a basement or attic.

Portable Air Conditioners

For temporary cooling, a portable air conditioner can do an adequate job. These units only require a small duct to go through a window, making them less obtrusive than window units. Plus, since they’re portable, you can technically move them from room to room to cool your home as you move around. However, many homeowners find portable air conditioners to be inefficient, making them unsuitable for anything more than a small room. Plus, portable units take up valuable floor space that you might need for storing other items.

The Best Option: Ductless Mini-Split Systems

Of all the ductless options available to homeowners, ductless mini-split systems are the option that Reliable Ducts Heating & Cooling recommends most often. That’s because these systems are efficient, quick to install, look great, and provide both cooling and heating capabilities. You can install mini-split systems in any room in your home, including basements, because the only part of the system that goes from inside to outside is the refrigerant line. The durability and versatility of mini-split systems also make them great options for garages and workshops.

Great Efficiency

As with any targeted cooling system, mini-split systems are efficient largely because you can choose which rooms in your home to cool. This means that you aren’t paying to cool your entire home at once, a much less efficient and more expensive way of maintaining comfort. Since mini-split systems are only designed to cool a single room, they can be much smaller than their whole-home counterparts. In other words, they require much less energy to operate. An added benefit of mini-split systems is that they are air-source heat pumps. This technology pumps heat from the outside air into your home, which is far more efficient than conventional heating methods. Therefore, if you are using your mini-split system to heat your home in the winter, you can enjoy year-round efficiency.

Great Ease of Use

Another feature that we at Reliable Ducts Heating & Cooling love about ductless mini-split systems is that they are incredibly easy to use. All you need to control the temperature in your home is a simple remote control. You can select fan speeds, heating and cooling levels, and then you can set the desired temperature without walking across the room to a thermostat. This makes mini-split systems ideal for individuals who aren’t tech-savvy and may struggle with using a typical thermostat. Plus, their small size and simple construction make it easy to clean these systems in order to maintain their efficiency. A simple dusting of the outside of the indoor unit is the majority of the maintenance that you’ll need to do.

Fast Installation

Unlike the mess and chaos of installing ductwork in your home, mini-split systems are fast and easy to install. Reliable Ducts Heating & Cooling can typically install a mini-split system in just a few hours, meaning you can enjoy the comfort you deserve more quickly. Plus, with just one or two holes to drill in walls, there will be very little mess made and no extra dust released into your home’s indoor air. Once installed, a mini-split system’s indoor unit is unobtrusive and can blend in with any decor since the unit is mounted high on a wall and out of the way.

Cooling for Multiple Rooms

A great feature of a mini-split system is that you can use multiple units to provide cooling for multiple rooms. In many cases, you can tie more than one indoor unit into a single outdoor unit, saving space, wiring, and energy. This allows you to have a similar cooling capacity as you would have if you had a central air conditioner. However, in this scenario, you won’t need to add any ducts to your home, and you’ll likely save a lot on your energy bills thanks to the unique properties of mini splits that were previously discussed. The ability to control each room’s temperature individually is a great benefit that ensures you never have individuals in your family who are too hot or too cold. This is a standard of comfort that can be difficult to achieve with a conventional air conditioner without significant upgrades.

Keeping Your Home Cool All Summer Long

At Reliable Ducts Heating & Cooling, our main priority is to help keep you and your family comfortable in your Jacksonville home. That’s why we offer repair, replacement, and maintenance services for ductless mini-split air conditioners, central air conditioners and furnaces, and much more. We can also install air purification equipment, upgrade your thermostat, replace or repair your ductwork, and perform many other comfort-related services. We have been serving the area for well over 15 years, providing integrity and customer satisfaction to neighbors throughout the city. Our consistent commitment to quality service is one reason why we consistently receive five-star customer reviews. To learn more about ductless mini-split heating and cooling systems, contact the pros of Reliable Ducts Heating & Cooling today.

9 Benefits of having new ductwork installed

August 16, 2022 HVAC

Having your current ductwork cleaned out on a regular basis helps your home out in many ways. Air quality is improved, and your HVAC system might not have to work so hard to operate. However, there are times when maintenance isn’t enough, and you might want to consider the benefits of having new ductwork installed.

Putting new HVAC ductwork in your home can mean many different benefits. The following are nine common ones you might see.

1. Longer HVAC System Lifespan

New ducts are going to be the right size for your HVAC system, and they’re going to be properly sealed. Your HVAC system isn’t going to have to work as hard as it used to in order to deliver the heating and cooling that your home needs. As a consequence, you’ll get more years out of it before you have to replace it, and repairs and maintenance might not happen as frequently along the way. This can be a huge selling point to prospective buyers if your home is going on the market in the next few years.

2. More Space

Older ductwork might actually be quite bulky and take up more room than it needs to. The space you free up might provide storage areas or places for extra insulation. It can even give you a chance to raise ceilings and move walls for a more open-concept living space. You can literally free up valuable space inside your current home.

3. Installation Won’t Take Long

Many home improvement projects can be lengthy affairs that disrupt your family’s daily rhythm. Custom ductwork doesn’t have to be one of those situations. Ductwork is available in many different designs, costs, sizes, and shapes, and you can pick something that gets installed fast. Working with the right professional in advance can create a plan that gets executed quickly and with minimal disruption to your family’s normal activities.

4. Better Energy Efficiency

New ductwork isn’t going to have cracks and holes that bleed hot or cold air. Better energy efficiency is something you’re going to notice on utility bills in the months coming up ahead. An installation might cost you money upfront, but it’s also going to save you money in the future.

5. Enhanced Air Quality

You want clean air in your home. Old ductwork often contains dust and debris that gets circulated throughout your living areas. Ductwork with cracks and holes can also allow pest infestations that can degrade the air you breathe and pose other health risks. New ductwork can help improve what everyone is breathing so that you no longer have allergy episodes, dusty surfaces, and moldy smells. Kids, pets, and older loved ones may stand to benefit the most. If you’ve been using air purifiers in the past, you might not have to do that any longer once you have new ducts installed.

6. Better Temperature Regulation

Once you have new or repaired ducts, you’re probably going to notice the far more consistent temperatures in every room of your home. If there are no more leaks or improperly sized pieces, then cooling and heating should be simple. Your home won’t have “that” warm or cold room anymore. If you’ve been using fans or spot heaters in certain rooms, you may get to put them away for good.

7. Less Noise

Flexible ductwork might start sagging or bending with the passage of time. This will mean air generates more noise as it goes through them. You can eliminate this issue with new ductwork that is both unbent now and less likely to sag in the future. If your kids have trouble sleeping because of creepy noises, that might become a thing of the past.

8. Safety Concerns

When they operate normally, gas appliances ranging from furnaces to laundry machines will release carbon monoxide and other combustion gases via ventilation systems. If your ductwork is leaky, then there might be back-drafting of these gases. New ducts with proper sealing won’t let these gases back into your living space, so you can have greater peace of mind that your family is safe from the dangers of gas leaks.

9. Help the Environment

A lot of energy used in homes and businesses comes from burning fossil fuels in power plants. This leads to acid rain, greenhouse gases, and smog that drive climate change. When you use less energy in your home, your carbon footprint will be less than what it once was, especially if you increase energy efficiency and have new ducts that are properly sealed.

Signs You Need New Ductwork

Knowing the advantages of new ductwork is useful, but how do you know when you need a fresh installation? A professional inspection can be useful, but your ducts might also be showing signs that they’re ready for replacement. Keep an eye out for the following warning signs.

Dust Exiting the Units

It’s common for some dust to come out of ductwork when the HVAC is running. However, if it’s more than you usually see, then you might need to arrange for ductwork installation. Dust can get into the ducts from outside and come into your home, where it makes everything dirty or even harder to breathe inside the home. You can certainly look forward to spending less time cleaning if you get this fixed.

You Can Smell Mildew

If your nose is picking up something funny from your ducts, then it might be mold. There are times when warm and moist air goes through cold ducts and results in condensation, especially if there isn’t great insulation. This can result in mold growth that might leak with condensation into your ceiling and spread from there.

You Hear Noise

HVAC systems should operate fairly quietly, and that goes for the ducts, too. If there is more noise than there should be, it’s possible that your ducts are either imbalanced or just too small. That puts more strain on your HVAC system than it should and drives your energy and maintenance bills up.

Inconsistent Temperatures

Is one room in your home a lot cooler or warmer than the others? That might be a leaky HVAC duct that’s losing air and its power to keep the home even in terms of temperature. Replacement ductwork might be the only answer to such an imbalance.

Not a DIY Project

Any of these warning signs might indicate that your current ductwork needs attention or even replacement. You shouldn’t go investigating this yourself, however, as you might create more problems inside your home’s walls. Get a professional to come out and inspect things. They’ve got experience, knowledge, and tools that can diagnose ductwork problems. They can then tell you if a full replacement is warranted or if you can get by with some repairs to the current installation.

Get Professional Assistance

If you live in the Jacksonville area of Florida, then Reliable Ducts Heating and Cooling is an option to consider. We’ve been helping commercial and residential clients for years with HVAC-related repairs, maintenance, and replacement services, including the installation of new ductwork. Our team also offers indoor air quality services and solutions. Contact Reliable Ducts Heating and Cooling at your earliest convenience for a quote or just to get answers to your question and concerns.

Different HVAC Systems and Their Lifespan

June 20, 2022 HVAC

An HVAC system is a major purchase for any homeowner. It’s important to know how long your system will last before buying it. We’ll look at the average lifespan of different types of HVAC systems and what you can do to prolong the life of your new system.

Central Air Conditioner

Very few things in life are as essential as a central air conditioner. Most units have a lifespan of about 15 years. Several factors can affect how long your unit will last, such as the quality of the unit, installation, maintenance, and how often it is used. You can help extend the lifespan of your air conditioner by having it serviced regularly and using it wisely.

At [company_name], we typically recommend that our customers have their systems serviced every two years. This helps to ensure that your system is running efficiently and effectively, and it also helps to prolong its lifespan.

Heat Pump

Heat pumps typically last between 10 and 15 years. Proper installation and maintenance are key to extending the lifespan of your heat pump. Checking and replacing the air filter every month is crucial to helping the pump operate to its full potential, as well as keeping the area around your heat pump clear of debris and scheduling yearly tune-ups with a qualified HVAC technician.

Gas Furnace

The average lifespan of a gas furnace is 15 to 20 years. Regular maintenance will help keep it running properly and allow the furnace to continue heating your home to its full potential.

Rely on Professionals

The lifespan of an HVAC system depends on many factors, including the type of unit, the quality of the installation, and the level of maintenance. [company_name] is a heating & air conditioning company providing quality services. We offer a wide range of services including installation, repair, maintenance, and customer financing. Contact us today with any questions or to schedule a consultation!

Quality Air Conditioning with Lower Utility Bills

April 14, 2022 HVAC

A window unit and an HVAC system will provide a change in room temperature with different costs and air quality. A window unit is cheaper than an HVAC system. If you live in a home that has newer windows with energy-efficient glass, keeping your home cool will be easier with a window unit and less expensive to operate. An HVAC system and a window unit can provide the same cooling quality, but the costs will differ, and the air quality inside your home may vary.
A window unit provides air for only one room at a time since there are no ducts for better circulation in your home. With higher utility bills from running the AC constantly, these units typically cost more monthly than an HVAC system. However, for a long-term investment strategy to save costs on your utility bills, an HVAC system is most suitable. It is more energy-efficient than a window air conditioning unit. As energy prices continue to increase, you may want to consider a window unit for temporary relief with lower utility bills. If you have allergies or asthma, the fine particles of dust from a window unit can make you ill or worsen your allergies or asthma.
An HVAC system can help improve indoor air quality with extra insulation and fewer dust particles circulating throughout your home. An HVAC system assures higher air quality than the conventional window unit. If you live in a house that lacks ducts, it may cost more to install one than a window unit.
Therefore to answer your question on whether window units are cheaper than HVAC systems, yes, they are, but you need to compromise the quality of the cooling system you get. Window units can be expensive in the long run and uncomfortable, especially if your home has more than five rooms. Installing individual window units will dig an enormous hole in your pocket. Window units may be cheaper to operate, but you will get less bang for your buck. You are better off with an HVAC system and ducts.

What Can Your Home Electrical System Handle?

To decide what air conditioning your home needs, we recommend considering your electrical input and output. Your home should be able to run and manage your desired HVAC system without unnecessary breakdowns or inefficiency. Your electrical input is rated in amps, measuring how much electricity your household will draw. A properly sized air conditioning unit for your home should not strain the electrical input of your home. We can do the math for you and assure you that your air conditioning system is safe to run in your home.
Picking an incompatible pair will result in additional bills for repairs and unnecessary maintenance. Your home needs a stable electrical inlet and outlet to prevent power surges that may fry your air conditioning system. The determinants to consider are the age and condition of your power source. If your home is solar-powered, you have the upper hand in installing the best air conditioning systems without fear of energy waste. Your HVAC system must power itself with minimal electricity or use electricity as infrequently as possible.

Ductless Air Conditioning Systems Are Worth It

Ductless air conditioning systems are best for large homes due to the larger surface area to control the room temperatures. The ductless air conditioning systems are very efficient in terms of power consumption, but their price tag is a little higher than the conventional air conditioners. Also known as the mini-split unit, the system incorporates a technological thermostat system that allows individual room adjustments. The thermostats are located internally while the cooling fans are installed externally, providing a quieter environment while switched on.
The ductless air conditioning system has a digital timer display to record and present the energy consumption rate. Additionally, the system has a programmable heat setting allowing for suitable heating and cooling effects on individual rooms. Installation of the ductless air conditioning system is simple and easy. A conventional air conditioner may consume more energy in cooling a small space than a ductless air conditioner consumes in a larger room.
The main benefits of the ductless air conditioning system are its low maintenance costs, silent operation, and cost-efficiency. We offer professional installation for an energy-efficient ductless air conditioning system to help lower your utility bills in the long run.

Window Units Are Cheap but Not Effective

Window units are suitable for the temporary cooling of single rooms. They are based solely on remote heat exchange, and thus they cannot be used as a heat pump. Only the advanced window units can use the warmth inside your house to reverse a cooling effect. They rely on the low temperature of the air coming in and out of your home.
The built-in fan blows at low speed, which causes low noise but keeps the room cool for short periods. Installing a window unit will be a great inconvenience to your home during the summer due to the extremely high temperatures outside and slow cooling indoors. Therefore, we recommend you only install a window unit under the following circumstances:

Your home is a rental apartment
Hot climates outside are temporary
Your home lacks existing ductwork
Your home has an outdated cooling system

The advantages of this system include:

Quick installation
Affordable prices
Less energy consumption
Short term investment

The cons of installing this system include:

No air filtration property
Uneven temperature regulations
Temporary cooling effects
Limited to one room

HVAC Systems Are Expensive but Efficient

HVAC systems are a permanent solution to your air conditioning problem. They are durable and come with a long life span with minimal maintenance. Their major drawback is the expensive installation costs. Your home size determines the installation costs due to work needed. HVAC systems consist of air ducts and air ductwork, thermostats, blower motors, cooling fans, warm-air registers, and vents to distribute the cool air throughout your home.
The system is controlled by a thermostat that monitors and adjusts the temperature in your home. An HVAC system with an Energy Efficiency Ratio upgrade is considered efficient and cost-effective. We recommend installing an HVAC system for a long-term solution to heating and cooling your rooms separately. The additional software that predicts your home needs regulates energy consumption by shutting off when even suitable temperatures have been achieved. It is an energy-efficient masterpiece in your home.

Engage Professional Minds to Help You Install the Best Air Conditioning System for Your Home

At Reliable Ducts Heating & Cooling, you are assured of a fully serviced home with optimized energy efficiency. Your comfort and home sustainability to save energy is our number one priority. The services we provide are essential to the well-being of your family and good health. Our services offer a smooth, cost-effective installation with the least hassle.
Here are the services that we offer with a quality assurance guarantee:

Heating services such as furnace repair and replacements
Reliable air conditioning home services
Duct cleaning to remove contaminants
Duct maintenance for better temperature regulations
UV lighting for energy efficiency
Ventilation testing to seal air leaks
Humidity control for your home comfort
General maintenance for indoor and outdoor services

Contact Reliable Ducts Heating & Cooling to receive further information on how you can improve your air conditioning system while considering cost, efficiency, and home equity.

How to Determine the Energy Efficiency of the HVAC System of Your New Home

March 16, 2022 HVAC

Your HVAC system accounts for approximately 40% of your home’s cooling needs. Efficient heating or cooling equipment can reduce the energy consumption in your home. When moving to a new house, it’s wise to assess the efficiency of the existing unit. Here are tips on how to determine the performance of your HVAC system.

Inspect the Equipment for Deterioration

When moving to a new home, you ought to assess your heating and cooling system. You can start by inspecting the HVAC unit for signs of deterioration around the equipment. Pools of water and corrosion on the casing imply the system is aging and inefficient.

Corrosion can damage the condenser coils by gradually creating a patchwork of cracks on the tubes. Statistics suggest rusting is responsible for up to 40% of equipment failures.

When the copper coils succumb to corrosion, the system will leak the refrigerant and reduce the efficiency of your system. Every HVAC system has a specific refrigerant charge corresponding to its heating and cooling load. Inadequate amounts of the fluid could force your furnace to overheat or the coils to freeze over in winter.

You can arrange for HVAC system maintenance so that technicians can clean the coils and restore their efficiency. Grime can also create an insulation layer that impacts heating and cooling. If the copper tubes are defective, a professional will recommend a replacement.

Determine the Energy Efficiency of the HVAC System

After examining the equipment’s condition, locate the energy rating label. HVAC systems have a yellow and black sticker with SEER and AFUE ratings. An Energy Star label indicates the system’s performance is higher than standard equipment of the same size.

The SEER rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) indicates the air conditioner’s efficiency. SEER calculates the cooling output against the fuel consumption for the entire season. SEER ratings start from 13 and can go up to 25.

SEER values will be on the manufacturer’s energy guide with the rating, which often includes additional characters. For example, the rating could be written as AC15. It means the air conditioner has a 16 SEER rating.

AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) is a rating that measures the heating component’s efficiency. Older boilers and furnaces have an AFUE rating of 78 and 80%. The latest heating and cooling equipment can have an AFUE of up to 98%.

Keep in mind the efficiency of the HVAC system can deteriorate due to aging or insufficient maintenance. Even a new system can deteriorate in performance and raise the operational costs for the system. Reliable Ducts Heating and Cooling technicians can inspect your equipment in Jacksonville to determine its performance.

Examine the Ductwork

When assessing the performance of the new home’s heating and cooling system, be sure to examine the ductwork. The ductwork distributes conditioned air to different rooms through the supply vent and expels it through the return vent.

According to Energy Star, improper installation of air ducts is among the leading reasons new systems become inefficient. Leaks and holes on the ductwork allow conditioned air to escape, increasing your equipment’s energy consumption.

Besides improper installation, the ductwork can develop holes and gaps between connections. Lack of ductwork insulation may lead to energy losses that force your HVAC system to work harder. Your equipment can overheat and damage components.

A visual examination can spot inefficient ductwork. Tangled and loose connections indicate the tubes need sealing or a replacement. Strange noises such as hissing and banging could be a symptom of a leak.

Also, check if the vents are open to avoid damaging your HVAC system. It is a misconception that closing the vents can reduce energy consumption. But the ductwork is designed to match the building’s heating and cooling needs. Closing off the vents will only force your AC and furnace to overwork.

Some issues are not easy to identify through a visual inspection. That’s why HVAC technicians recommend consulting a professional for an assessment. Professionals can evaluate the sizing and insulation and can advise you on the best options for your Jacksonville home.

Pay Attention to Indoor Air Quality Issues

Your new home’s indoor air quality is another factor that may indicate the heating and cooling system’s performance. Be sure to check surfaces for dust accumulation. Dust is a sign of poor circulation, probably caused by clogged filters or leaky ductwork.

Dust can start a vicious cycle that rapidly deteriorates your unit. Dusty condenser and evaporator coils can force your HVAC system to overwork. Your HVAC equipment will eventually break down and may require a replacement.

Unusual odors could be an indication of mold and mildew growth. Improper ductwork insulation or air leaks can introduce moisture into the system. The humidity could trigger corrosion or cause premature failure of your HVAC equipment.

Inconsistent Temperatures Across the House

An inefficient HVAC system will overwork to circulate conditioned air throughout the house. You may detect temperature differences across different rooms. The imbalance in temperature could be due to ductwork leaks or substandard equipment installation.

Your equipment may fail to heat or cool the house if its capacity is too big or too small. If its size exceeds the needs of your home, the AC will shut on and off to avoid overheating. The continuous on and off operation can speed up the deterioration of critical components.

If your equipment is too small, it will keep running continuously to meet your home’s energy demands. The system can overheat components, causing premature failure. The longer heating and cooling cycles will cause temperature imbalances across the house.

Therefore, it is best to schedule an inspection when you suspect temperature imbalances across the room. Our technicians can assess the ductwork and the quality of the installation. Talk to Reliable Ducts Heating and Cooling for top-notch heating repair solutions in Jacksonville.

How to Determine if You Need a Replacement

An aging HVAC system approaching the end of its life can be expensive to run. Not only will it raise your energy bills, but you’ll also have to schedule repairs frequently. The equipment will deteriorate faster, requiring costly parts replacement in the long run.

The lifespan of an HVAC system is between 10 and 15 years. Consider replacing a system that is more than a decade old, especially if it is inefficient. Acquiring a new system may make sense in the long term compared to spending money on multiple repairs.

However, you don’t have to replace a system more than a decade old. It depends on the quality of installation and the frequency of maintenance. You can request a history of the HVAC maintenance records to evaluate its performance.

A professional inspection is the best way to determine if you need a replacement. A certified technician can offer insights on improving the system’s efficiency. You can also get more information on new technologies and features and the ideal HVAC equipment for your needs.

Reliable Ducts Heating and Cooling is a trusted HVAC company providing quality services in Jacksonville. We are committed to offering transparent and consistent services to keep our clients comfortable throughout the year. You can contact our team for furnace and AC services, indoor air quality, maintenance, and replacement solutions. We have a flexible schedule, and you can consult our staff 24/7, 365 days a year. Call us today for a 100% guarantee.

6 Great Benefits of Regular HVAC Maintenance

November 20, 2021 HVAC

With winter right around the corner, it’s an especially important time of year to have your HVAC systems running in the best possible condition. There are multiple ways to care for your appliances and ensure that they give you great results, but providing regular maintenance is perhaps the most important of them all.

By bringing in trained professionals to perform scheduled tune-ups on your heating and air conditioning systems, you’re making an investment in your household that will pay dividends in both the short and long term. We recommend providing each of your HVAC appliances with maintenance at least once a year. By doing so, everyone in your household will be able to enjoy all of the following benefits.

1. More Consistent Climate Control

Of course, your HVAC system has a huge impact on your ability to keep your home comfortable year-round. Regularly scheduled maintenance helps ensure that your furnace and AC will always be able to do their jobs effectively.

When a furnace or air conditioner doesn’t receive regular maintenance tune-ups, it gradually loses its efficiency over time while accumulating excessive wear and tear. This wear makes it more difficult for the appliances to effectively circulate the warm and cool air that they need to provide. In many cases, you will start having to crank the heat or air conditioning up much more than usual to reach a comfortable temperature or wait significantly longer for your home to achieve your desired climate each day.

With regular HVAC maintenance conducted by skilled professionals, you will be able to always retain complete control over the temperature of your household. This way, you and your home’s other residents will enjoy more consistent comfort, even when the weather conditions are extreme.

2. More Money Saved

Providing your heating and air systems with regular professional maintenance can be viewed as a worthwhile investment for your household. When your furnace and air conditioner are properly cared for and maintained regularly, they require less energy to do their jobs effectively. This is because when our skilled HVAC technicians get to work on a tune-up, they’re able to perform the necessary tweaks to make sure that each appliance is running at optimal efficiency. In many cases, you will immediately start to notice that your monthly energy bills have gone down.

In addition to saving money on your monthly bills, regular maintenance will also save you money by greatly lowering the chances of malfunctions and breakdowns. This is true for a couple of reasons. First, because a well-maintained furnace or air conditioner doesn’t have to work quite so hard to do its job, it will accumulate less wear and tear. This means that the appliance’s many components will be less likely to wear out or experience problems.

Secondly, during these routine HVAC tune-ups, your trained technicians will be able to inspect your appliances for any potential issues or breakdowns that may be on the horizon. By finding these issues ahead of time, you will have the opportunity to have them taken care of before they begin to present serious problems for your household.

3. Better Indoor Air Quality

Many people are unaware that their HVAC systems can actually have a significant impact on their indoor air quality. On average, the quality of air indoors tends to contain many more irritants and pollutants than outdoor air, and this can be particularly concerning for anyone who suffers from allergies or respiratory issues. You may not necessarily notice it, but your home contains particles of dust, dirt, and other debris.

If your HVAC systems aren’t maintained regularly, it’s a very real possibility that these irritants are being circulated throughout your home’s air, causing you and the other members of your household to breathe them in regularly. However, when your heating and cooling systems receive regular tune-ups, they are better able to filter out these irritants and prevent them from entering the flow of warm or cool air that is being circulated.

4. Longer Appliance Lifespan

On average, heating and cooling systems will be able to do their jobs effectively for around 10 to 15 years before they need to be replaced. However, this is typically only true of systems that receive regular maintenance. Systems that are not maintained regularly suffer undue wear and tear.

Over time, the excessive wear on your system will lead to more frequent breakdowns and costly repairs. Eventually, a poorly maintained unit will become too costly to fix, and this could occur much sooner than expected. If you want to get the most from your system, regular maintenance is a necessity.

5. A Safer Home

Did you know that when an HVAC system isn’t properly cared for, it can actually present certain dangers for your household? When any fuel-burning appliance is struggling or malfunctioning, it can create the risk of a carbon monoxide leak. If your heating or cooling systems are well-maintained, however, they produce only a minuscule amount of carbon monoxide that can be safely carried out of your home via your ventilation system.

Neglecting maintenance can result in your system producing too much carbon monoxide during operation. Poorly maintained systems are also prone to equipment failures that can lead to carbon monoxide leaks. To keep you and your family safe, a little maintenance will go a long way. Also, regardless of how well you keep up with your HVAC maintenance, you should be sure to always have a working carbon monoxide detector installed in your home.

6. Greater Peace of Mind

Of course, you want to feel safe and comfortable in your home. Investing in HVAC maintenance is one of the best ways to accomplish this goal. After a maintenance visit, you will have peace of mind knowing that all components of your HVAC system are operating optimally. You can also rest assured that your unit will be ready to keep you warm or cool when you need it to. One of the easiest ways to keep up with your regular maintenance is by signing up for a maintenance service agreement with a trusted company like Reliable Ducts Heating & Cooling.

Get Help From the HVAC Pros

At Reliable Ducts Heating & Cooling, we are proud to offer high-quality, customer-focused HVAC services to Jacksonville, FL, and the surrounding areas. We are a family-owned and -operated company, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our work. We put the word “reliable” in our name for a reason, and we strive to make sure that it always represents the service that we provide. In addition to our full slate of heating and cooling services, we also offer residents of the Jacksonville area duct cleaning and repairs and indoor air quality solutions.

Make sure that you only trust your important HVAC needs to professionals who you can count on. Call us up at Reliable Ducts Heating & Cooling today, and get an appointment scheduled with one of our friendly experts.

The Basics of the Thermostatic Expansion Valve

October 20, 2021 HVAC

The thermostatic expansion valve (TEV or TXV) is a device that is essential in managing refrigerant flow. For this reason, the TXV is useful in refrigeration and air conditioning units and is found next to the evaporator.

Functional Parts of the TXV

The TXV comprises several functional components that work harmoniously to achieve the needed efficiency. The valve body houses all these components; an opening called an orifice controls the refrigerant flow. Additionally, the valve body houses the diaphragm, a flexible material made of metal, and it flexes to apply the needed pressure to the pin.

The needle is another crucial functional component that moves rhythmically up and down to change the opening size in the orifice, thus regulating the refrigerant flow. There is also the spring located within the valve body, and its primary purpose is to counter the pressure exerted by the pin and works in the opposite direction. Furthermore, the valve body has a sensing bulb responsible for detecting the temperature level at the exit point of the evaporator. The reactions of the sensing bulb dictate whether the valve opens or closes.

Pressures Acting Inside the TXV

Typically, three pressures act on the inside of the TEV. The first pressure is exerted at the top area of the TXV and is usually within the power element. As a result of this pressure, the diaphragm moves down, and similarly, the needle also moves down, causing the valve to open.

An increase in the temperature within the evaporator leads to the gas expansion in the feeler bulb, causing the gas pressure in the power element to increase. As a result, the needle moves down, causing the valve to open.

Another pressure operates on the lower side of the diaphragm, resulting from the pressure inside the evaporator. This pressure usually moves the diaphragm upward, closing the valve opening. The third pressure is the spring pressure, which tends to be constant and works to close the valve opening.

The two latter pressures typically work to counteract the pressure at the top area of the diaphragm. Overall, the first pressure aims to open the valve, while the second and third pressure combination tends to close the TXV. As a result, if the valve has to open at a point, the first pressure must be greater than the combined force of the second and third forces.

How the Thermostatic Expansion Valve Works

Typically, the valve works to hold the liquid refrigerant, which has high pressure from making its way into the condenser and regulating the refrigerant flow. The thermostatic expansion valve causes a significant decrease in refrigerant pressure, thus allowing boiling at low temperatures. The boiling is essential as it helps the refrigerant to acquire heat and direct it into the compressor.

Next, the liquid refrigerant, which is under high pressure, is forced through the orifice opening, which significantly causes a reduction in its pressure when it flows past. As the pressure reduces, it causes some of the refrigerant to vaporize while some remains in a liquid state. This process has a similar operation to how a spray bottle nozzle works. When the trigger is pulled, the high-pressurized water inside is ejected through the small opening into a low-pressure external environment. This makes the water comes out as part liquid and part vapor.

The combination of the gas and liquid is injected into the evaporator and gains heat from the pipe. As the refrigerant flows, it is exposed to extreme thermal energy and changes state into a complex gas in the evaporator coil. As a result, the temperature remains constant because of the latent heat.

The refrigerant continues gathering thermal energy, and after the phase change, its temperature begins to increase, resulting in the superheating of the refrigerant vapor. The sensing bulb is alert to these temperature variances to regulate the refrigerant in the main valve body.

Effect of a Rise in the Cooling Load

When there is a significant rise in the cooling load, it results in more refrigerant evaporating within the evaporator. At the exit point of the evaporator, both the superheat and the temperature start to rise.

Since it’s desirable to keep the superheat temperature within correct limits, it’s essential to reduce its high temperature, which is made possible by letting more refrigerant flow. As a result, the pin is pushed downwards and exerts a force on the spring, which adjusts to facilitate the refrigerant to flow past the orifice in the valve body.

The sensing bulb notes the temperature change, and as a result, the refrigerant, usually held in a constrained space within the bulb, evaporates. Because of the limited area where this refrigerant is held, pressure builds up, moving through the capillary tube into the top of the TEV. The diaphragm is pushed down, exerting a downward force on the pin, which in turn exerts pressure on the spring, and it moves to enable the refrigerant to flow in the evaporator.

Next, the valve readjusts to ensure the pressure directed on the diaphragm is more than the pressure produced by the spring. This readjustment allows the desired refrigerant level to make its way through; consequently, the superheat lowers.

Lowering of the Cooling Load

If the cooling load faces a significant decrease, it leads to a decline in the superheat temperature. The sensing bulb detects this change, reducing the flow rate of the refrigerant. The refrigerant that is held in the capillary tube begins to settle back into the bulb, and the valve opening is closed. Eventually, the TXV equalizes, and the desired amount of refrigerant flows through and equalizes with the superheat settings.

Suppose the valve doesn’t respond to the superheat, in that case, it can allow the liquid to pass through into the compressor. The result can be fatal for the compressor since fluids aren’t easily compressible and lead to severe internal compressor damages.

The TEV is crucial in keeping the evaporator active by allowing refrigerant to flow per the cooling load. The valve allows the evaporator to operate as per the requirements and eliminates any possible wastage of evaporator capacity. The valve enables the enclosure air conditioner to work at optimal capacity to deal with the heat loads. For instance, it can function at a greater capacity when the heat load rises.

The TXV, therefore, is a significant part that works with precision to regulate how the refrigerant flows as a response to systematic conditions. For this reason, the TXV has gained popularity in the manufacturing of HVAC systems. This is all you need to be aware of in regards to the primary function of the TEV.

Are you in need of cooling and heating services? Get in touch with us at Reliable Ducts. We specialize in residential AC repair and installation services in Jacksonville, FL, and the surrounding areas. Additionally, we also provide air quality services.

Contact Reliable Ducts today for more information or to get a quote.

Tips for Saving on Your Heating Bills in Winter

September 20, 2021 HVAC

On average, your heating system is responsible for 40% of the energy you consume in your home. You can reduce your utility bills by addressing energy usage by your system. Here are the top tips for saving money on your heating system in the winter.

Address Insulation Problems and Air Leaks
Insulation can boost your home’s comfort and reduce your energy bill. Without insulation, the wall or ceiling will conduct heat to adjacent rooms.

You also require the correct grade of insulation for different parts of your home and your climate. For example, EPA recommends R-values between R30 and R60 for houses in Jacksonville. For the attic, the R-value is between R25 and R38.

The R-value is an indication of the material’s resistance to thermal energy. Without the correct insulation grade, you could be losing up to 50% of the heat from your system. An upgrade of the insulation can reduce your heating bills and extend the life of your equipment.

The type of insulation you need will depend on the availability of space in that room. Fiberglass may require multiple layers to attain the desired R-value. Spray foam, which has a higher insulation rating, is more suitable for smaller rooms with a shortage of space.

An energy audit can help spot areas of your home that have insulation deficiencies or leaks. Leaks around doors or windows can let the air out, leading to high utility bills. You can talk to Reliable Ducts Heating & Cooling in Jacksonville for dependable heating solutions.

Take Advantage of Natural Lighting and Heating
You can manage your heating bills by taking advantage of the energy from the sun. During the day, you can open the windows to let sunlight heat the room. If the day is sunny, keep the blinds, shades, and curtains open.

At night, close the curtains or shades as soon as the sunsets. That way, you’ll be trapping the warm air and, in the process, reduce your heating bills.

You can use heavy curtains, especially if you have air leaks around the window. It can be a temporary solution before you can seal the gaps around windows and doors.

Using ceiling fans in reverse can facilitate the distribution of air around the house. As the fan moves in the counterclockwise direction, it pulls air upwards. You can push a switch at the base of the fan to force it to run in reverse. When you stand beneath it, the draft should be blowing down on you.

You may also want to reconsider the furniture arrangement. Bookshelves and couches could be limiting the airflow and, in turn, forcing your system to overwork. Leave some clearance around the vents to allow air to flow freely in and out of the room.

Lower Thermostat Settings or Use a Programmable Device
According to the Department of Energy, you can save up to 10% of the heating costs by lowering your thermostat. The agency recommends turning down the temperatures by between 7 to 8 degrees for eight hours a day.

You can set different temperatures when you are home during the day and at night while you sleep. For example, the setting when you are awake can be 68 degrees and 60 degrees at night. The colder interiors are more suitable for sleeping, as too much warmth can interrupt your sleep.

You may also reduce temperatures during the cold season when you are away on vacation. Turning down the system can reduce the energy consumption of your home.

However, it is not always a good idea to switch off your systems completely. Heating is necessary to prevent your plumbing from freezing. Additionally, any pets you have will need temperatures close to your regular setting to keep them warm.

When you want to save energy while away, one of the best options is to use a programmable thermostat. You can easily set the system to heat your home half an hour before you return home. When you step through the door, the room will be cozy.

A programmable thermostat has other convenient features to boost your comfort. You can check on your system while on vacation. Some devices can send you a report of your monthly energy consumption. Our technicians at Reliable Heating & Ducts can work with you to find a device suitable for your system.

Consider Zoning for Unused Rooms in Your Home
One way to save energy is to close off any unused areas of your home. If those rooms are always unoccupied, heating them will only waste energy. Ensure the door is closed to trap the heat inside the room.

However, it is not advisable to close off the vents. Air can accumulate and can increase the pressure in the ductwork. Eventually, the air may leak into the unconditioned areas of your home. Your heating system may cycle on and off, trying to keep up with the demands of your home.

Additionally, the design of vents and ductwork is tailored to fit the needs of the building. As a result, components of your furnace may overheat. Your equipment will cycle on and off and will deteriorate faster as a result.

Zoning is the most effective way to lower your utility bills if you have unoccupied rooms. It involves using multiple indoor air handlers connected to an outdoor unit. Heating depends on the needs of each room.

Zoning optimizes comfort in your home by addressing varying temperature needs. It also ensures that all rooms are heated to prevent pipes running behind the wall from freezing.

By zoning parts of the house, you can increase the longevity of the system. Since it only runs when it is necessary, it reduces the rate of deterioration of your equipment. It also strikes a balance between energy consumption and comfort. You can talk to Reliable Ducts Heating & Cooling staff to explore your options in Jacksonville.

Keep Your Furnace Efficient with a Tune-up
The average life of a furnace is between 16 and 20 years. As it starts to age, your system may develop issues such as ignition problems or frequent cycling. A malfunctioning unit works hard to keep the interior warm in winter. As a result, the faulty components will draw more energy in the process.

If your furnace is faulty, a timely repair service will prevent further complications. Ideally, you ought to stick to your annual maintenance routine. Experienced technicians can find fault during the service and replace parts to restore the system’s efficiency.

The frequency of the maintenance service will depend on how often you use the system and the equipment. Once a year is sufficient for a forced-air system. Heat pumps should be services at least once every six months. Busy homes with pets and multiple occupants can schedule a tune-up twice a year for the best results.

If you need trusted heating repair and installation services in Jacksonville, don’t hesitate to call Reliable Ducts Heating & Cooling. We offer a wide range of solutions from indoor air quality to duct cleaning and heat pumps. When you call on our team, you can expect personalized solutions designed to meet your specific needs. For your peace of mind, we offer a 100% guarantee for the service we provide. You can call Reliable Ducts Heating & Cooling’s trusted team today for trusted services in Jacksonville.

Don’t Make These Summer Cooling Mistakes

August 9, 2021 HVAC

Most people are looking for ways to get the most out of every dollar and make good decisions about home cooling costs. When you’re looking for ways to cut down on your air conditioner costs, you might turn to friends, family, and neighbors to learn more tricks that could save you a few dollars here or there. But the sad fact is that there are a lot of myths floating around that could end up costing you more than what is necessary. We would like to take some time and help you sort through the misnomers to find better strategies for saving on cooling costs this summer.

Turning Your Air Conditioner Totally Off Only Saves in the Short Term
One of the biggest misconceptions people have about saving on cooling costs is how much it takes to cool a house down from a very high temperature. Lots of people completely turn their air conditioners off when they go to work and come home to an extremely hothouse. Then, they turn the air conditioner back on to cool the temperature down. This seems like a reasonable strategy for cutting costs because you don’t have to pay to keep your house cool when you’re away at work.

However, the amount of energy that your air conditioner has to expend to get it back down to a comfortable temperature is enough to offset any gains you made by turning the air conditioner off all day. To top it off, you have to spend even more on the price of electricity if you’re coming home at a peak time of day. The much better option is to turn your temperature up somewhat higher than what you would set it to if you were at home. This is a good way to save some money rather than paying for cool air that you won’t be around to enjoy. Also, it takes your AC unit longer to cool down your home after it has been off all-day

Closing Doors and Vents to Rooms You Don’t Use Isn’t Actually Helping
You should also be careful about the misnomer about closing the vents and doors to rooms that you’re not using to save on energy costs. This, again, sounds like a genius idea, but the reality is that your HVAC system was set up to work with the entire house. When you close doors and vents, what you end up doing is stopping free airflow throughout the house. This will force your air conditioner to work even harder than it would normally, which will cost more energy and money in the long run.

It Turns Out That Appliances and Electronics Add a Lot of Extra Heat
When you want to cut down on the heat in your home, you should avoid using too many appliances and electronics when it’s hot outside. It’s a myth that things like television sets, clothes dryers, and other household items don’t put out enough energy to matter. The reality is that even a curling iron that’s turned on can often heat up a small bathroom. When you multiply the number of televisions, computers, stereo systems, refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes dryers, and any other appliances that put out energy together, you have a lot of extra heat.

While you obviously can’t unplug your refrigerator and freezer, there are several other steps that you can take to cut down on the amount of heat that various things in your house are producing. For instance, the clothes dryer and dishwasher are two items that put out a lot of heat, but you can use them in the early morning hours when it’s not as hot outside, or you could turn them on before you leave for a few hours so that you don’t have to be around when it’s hot inside. When it comes to cooking with the oven or stovetop, skip it. Either use the barbecue outside or make a meal you can either heat up in the microwave. Or, better yet, make a cold-cut sandwich.

Don’t Fool Yourself Into Thinking That a Lower Thermostat Setting Will Cool Off the House Faster
This might be people’s wishful thinking when they’re frustrated because of the heat, but it’s actually somewhat common for people to turn their thermostats way down to a very cold temperature in an effort to get the house to cool off faster. The reality is that your air conditioner cools off the house at the same rate regardless of whether you set the thermostat to 50 degrees or to 72 degrees. When you turn the thermostat to 50 degrees, you just have to remember to manually turn the air conditioner off.

A better plan of attack is to not let your house get so hot that you have the urge to have it instantly cold. Otherwise, you could have your air conditioner set to turn on about half an hour before you get home so that you can come home to a house that’s already at a pleasant temperature.

Bigger Is Only Better With Some Things
Bigger might be better to some people when it comes to appliances, but it’s just not the case when it comes to air conditioners, which require that you buy the correct size for the square footage of your house. When you buy an air conditioner that’s too big for your space, the air cools too quickly. That might sound like a nice problem to have, but when the air cools down too quickly, the air conditioner shuts off, and it doesn’t have time to pull all of the moisture out of the air. This leaves the house feeling cool but clammy, and most people don’t like this effect. A better option is to buy the right size air conditioner for the size house that you own.

Don’t Think That Doors and Windows Are Your Biggest Problem
It might seem like the majority of the heat that leaks into the house would be around the windows and doors. You may have always been told how important it is to have enough sealings around the edges to keep the house cool and free of humidity. However, you’re going to be surprised to learn that the walls are actually a much larger source of heat transfer than anywhere else in the house. You have pipes and electrical outlets in the house, and if your home is made of wood, there’s a very good chance that you’re losing quite a bit of heat. Brick homes tend to fare better because brick can insulate better than wood. But if you want to cut down on the amount of heat transfer between the inside of your house and the outside, have a professional inspect your home to find all of the key places where you could insulate.

When it’s time to find some ways of getting the best out of your air conditioner, find tips and excellent customer service for your air conditioner and furnace at Reliable Ducts in Jacksonville, FL. We also offer air quality solutions, too.

How To Make the Best Use of Your Air Conditioning

July 19, 2021 HVAC

Your air conditioner is one of the most important appliances you have at home, especially during sweltering summertime temperatures. And while operating an AC unit seems very simple and straightforward, most homeowners and business owners tend to run theirs inefficiently. Whether it is constantly changing the thermostat settings or placing the compressor unit of their AC in direct sunlight, these habits and decisions not only lead to higher monthly utility bills but also higher AC upkeep costs. To help you run your AC unit more efficiently, here are 12 tips to follow:

1. Avoid Touching Your Thermostat
Adjusting your thermostat to speed up the process of cooling your home is one of the most common fallacies of AC unit operation. Most people are good about maintaining the AC at the recommended 78 degrees. Others might set the temperature higher when the space is unused or lower when temperatures are especially high. Playing around with your thermostat’s setting won’t help with either the rate of cooling or energy consumption. Set your thermostat to the recommended temperature and walk away.

2. Use a Programmable Thermostat
Your AC unit should not be operating during the coolest hours of the day or when nobody’s home. It is unnecessary and adds to your monthly utility bill. In some cases, you might forget to switch it off. It is an honest but costly mistake that can be avoided through the use of a programmable thermostat. With a programmable thermostat, your AC unit can be scheduled to kick on a few minutes before you get home from school or work. This makes sure that you walk into a cool and relaxing haven while also helping you cut down on energy usage.

3. Use Auto Mode
There are two settings on your thermostat that control the air conditioner’s fan: “Auto” and “On.” While there are some benefits to using the “On” setting, opting for the “Auto” setting is typically the better choice. With the fan in Auto mode, air will only blow until the thermostat reaches the desired temperature, and then it will shut off until the next cycle. In addition to reducing the amount of time that the fan is working, the Auto setting also supports better dehumidification by giving moisture from cold cooling coils the time it needs to drip and be drained to the outside. When your AC’s fan is continually running, moisture doesn’t have the chance to drip outside and is instead blown back into the home where it adds to indoor humidity levels.

4. Use a Dehumidifier
During hot days, it is often the humidity that makes the atmosphere unbearable. In addition to cooling your home with your AC, invest in a good dehumidifier to remove the humidity from your home. Some higher-end AC units will have a dehumidifying mode, so you may not have to purchase a separate appliance.

5. Clean or Replace Your AC’s Filters
Your AC’s filters are one of the most important components of the whole system. For reusable filters, experts recommend that you clean them at least once every month and replace them annually. For quick and efficient cleaning, simply vacuum the filter or rinse the filters off with warm soapy water. Disposable filters should typically be replaced every three months.

6. Clean Your AC Fins
Your air conditioner’s fins are the grille-like siding found at the exterior portion of the unit. Similar to filters, the fins help direct airflow. Clogged or bent fins can result in inefficient heat dispersion. Clean the fins using a soft brush such as a toothbrush, or use a fin comb. The latter is a special device to clean and realign bent fins.

7. Clean Your Vents
If you have an air-to-air heat pump unit, you’ll want to regularly check and maintain the vents for efficient cooling. Vents that are blocked by dirt and debris or have structural damage can affect airflow and your AC’s ability to get rid of hot air. If you do not wish to regularly maintain your AC’s vents, consider switching to a ductless system. Each type of heat pump has its own pros and cons that you will want to talk about with a qualified HVAC technician.

8. Use Blinds
Of course, we all know that natural light can be great for lowering your lighting costs by keeping rooms well-lit without having to use electricity. In terms of temperature regulation, however, natural light can account for roughly 25% of the heat indoors. Keep the blinds and curtains closed in empty rooms, especially during the day and in rooms that are facing east or west.

9. Use Fans
During the cooler hours of the day, such as nighttime when the heat starts to taper off, you can turn your thermostat up a few degrees and use ceiling or tower fans instead of the AC to cool your home. The energy consumed by fans is significantly lower than that of an AC unit, especially for older AC units that are not ENERGY STAR-certified. You can also use fans in a support capacity to help your AC unit move cold air around larger spaces.

10. Eliminate Hot Air
Exhaust fans are commonly found in bathrooms and kitchen spaces. You can use them to expel hot air from the premises. In addition to hot air coming from outside, certain domestic activities, including running your washer, dryer or dishwasher, can generate heat that lingers inside your home. Cooking is another common activity that generates a significant amount of heat. If your home does not have an exhaust fan, you can use a tower fan in the kitchen while you cook.

11. Avoid Cooking or Washing at Noon
Perhaps the easiest way to eliminate hot air generated by the domestic activities listed above is to reschedule them to the cooler hours of the day. Put off dishwashing or cooking until at least late afternoon or early morning the next day. Roasting a whole chicken in a 400-degree oven while it is a sunny 90 degrees outside forces your AC unit to work harder to cool the place down.

12. Keep Your AC Unit Out of Direct Sunlight
The recommended location of a central AC unit is on the north section of your property. Unfortunately, this isn’t always an available option. You can instead make use of landscaping techniques to provide cover for your AC’s compressor unit. Not only does it give your AC unit some shade, but planting shrubs and trees around your home also helps cool your home naturally.

Get Help From the Professionals
These tips can help improve how efficiently you run your air conditioner all year long. If you want to further improve your unit’s efficiency, consult one of our certified and insured HVAC technicians at Reliable Ducts Heating and Cooling.

We have been serving Jacksonville, FL, and the surrounding neighborhoods for years now. We offer a full range of both heating and cooling services, including installation, repair and maintenance. We also offer affordable air quality solutions such as duct cleaning and UV air purifiers to help your family live a healthier life. To find out more about how we can help you, contact us today.

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Functional Parts of the TXV

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