Can You Install a New Furnace on Your Own in Florida?

Across America, HVAC systems are some of the most expensive components in homes. When they break down, repairs are costly, but warranties and professional expertise can help. You might be tempted to save money on a new furnace by installing it yourself. While this sounds like a great idea on paper, it isn’t ideal for any Florida, homeowner. In some areas, DIY installation is illegal. If you can install a furnace on your own, should you? Keep reading to find out. Can You Install a Furnace on Your Own? In Florida, it’s illegal to install a furnace without a license. Licensed contractors are necessary for heating installation, repairs, and replacements. Furnace installation isn’t as easy as setting up a wall heater. Electric and gas furnaces should only be installed by a qualified professional for safety. A faulty installation can cause injury, disease, and even death in extreme circumstances. You might be able to install your own wood furnace or gas line furnace, but you need to have a permit. Even if this is allowed in your area, hiring a furnace contractor is always recommended. Should You Install a Furnace on Your Own? So, you’ve discovered that you can install your own furnace with...

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Choosing the Right Heating System for Your Jacksonville, FL Home

Living in sunny Jacksonville, FL, you might not think about home heating often. But when those chilly winter days arrive, you want a reliable system to keep your home warm and cozy. The good news is that different types of heaters are available, each with its unique features and benefits. Unfortunately, these heating options can be confusing. Whether you’re building a new home or upgrading your existing heating setup, finding the right system is vital. You want a heating system that not only keeps your home toasty during the colder days but also caters to your energy efficiency goals. In this guide, we’ll teach you how to identify the best heating solution for your Jacksonville home. Read on to know what to consider to make a well-informed decision. Your Home’s Size and Layout The size and layout of your house are crucial factors to consider when choosing a residential heating system. A small apartment might not need the same heating system as a sprawling multi-story house. For larger homes, centralized heating systems are often the best option. They provide uniform heat distribution, ensuring every corner of your house stays warm. Tiny homes or micro apartments may require small-space heaters, like...

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Emergency Heating Repairs: What to Do When Your Heater Breaks Down

A lot of people are used to living a comfortable life, but it doesn’t take much for something to get in the way of that. Home heating is great in the winter, but you don’t realize just how great until it breaks down. If you have a sudden heating failure, you’ll quickly notice how cold it can get. An emergency heating repair company will be able to help in such a situation. In this guide, we’ll look at emergency heating repairs in Florida, so you can get a better idea of what to expect. Keep reading for more. Signs You Need Emergency Heating Repairs If there’s something wrong with your heating system, it can be difficult to know what’s causing it. There are certain signs that indicate you’ll need to have a professional take a look at it. Sudden Loss of Heat This is the most obvious indicator of a problem, and it’s something you should notice pretty quickly. If the temperature in your home suddenly drops but your heater should still be running, then there’s clearly something wrong. Unusual Noises Most heating systems make a bit of noise, and you’ll likely get used to these pretty quickly. One day,...

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Common Winter Duct Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid in Florida

When you think of preparing your home for winter, you’re probably not thinking about Florida cold. That being said, cold fronts can come in off the ocean and winter lows can dip into the mid-40s Fahrenheit. It may not be the freezing temperatures that northern states get, but north Florida homeowners still need to prepare their homes for the cooler weather. One of the things that people tend to overlook is their dirty ducts. In today’s post, we’re going to tell you some of the common winter cleaning mistakes that you’ll want to avoid this winter. Your ducts are an essential part of a functioning HVAC system. The last thing you want on one of the cooler nights is to turn on your heating, only for it not to work properly because your ducts are dirty. Keep reading and we’ll help you prevent any issues this winter. Not Cleaning Your Ducts at All As a Floridian, you should know how important heating and cooling maintenance is. If you fail to clean your ducts at least once every two years, you will end up with enough dirt and debris in the air. All of these contaminants can ruin your indoor air quality....

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Dealing With Humidity Issues in Jacksonville, FL

You wake up to the weekend ready to relax and watch your favorite TV series. So, you go to the bathroom for your morning routine, and then it hits you: the unmistakable smell of mold. You also notice small patches of the fuzzy stuff growing by your tub or shower tiles. Those are all signs you’re dealing with humidity issues in your Jacksonville, FL, home. It’s certainly a concern, but don’t panic yet: you can still take steps to control moisture indoors. This guide shares tactics to help you deal with excessive humidity problems at home, so read on. Hunt Down Plumbing Leaks The average U.S. household has water leaks that waste nearly 10,000 gallons yearly. That’s a lot of precious water that doesn’t always go down the drain. Instead, some mix with indoor air, raising humidity levels. In other cases, the leaks affect wood structures and surfaces, encouraging mold growth. Luckily, some leaks, including those from taps and shower heads, are easy to spot. Others, not so much, as they can come from pipes behind walls, in the ceilings, or under the floor. A water meter assessment is one way to determine if you have plumbing leaks. Do this when no one else...

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Signs Your Ducts Need Cleaning Before Fall: What to Watch For

Dirty air ducts can cause a wide range of issues including potentially serious health problems. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), improving the ventilation in your home can reduce virus particles and keep them from spreading. As the fall season approaches, it’s important to think about the indoor air quality of your Florida home. Read on to learn about signs that you may need to have professionals come and clean ducts in your house to ensure a healthy space for you and your family. Visible Signs of Dirt and Debris When you look at your air vents, they should be generally clean. Any sign of residue including dirt, dust, and debris buildup is a sign that you may have dirty air ducts. Under normal circumstances, your air ducts won’t release dust and debris into the air that you can see when the system is on. If you notice any grimy substances around the vents, there’s a good chance that it’s being transported there via the dirty ductwork. Clogged Air Filters If you want to maintain your HVAC system properly, it’s important to change the air filter as recommended by the manufacturer. Most air filters should be replaced every 30,...

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7 Reasons Your Air Conditioner Keeps Running

Did you know that almost 660,000 people around the country work in the HVAC contractor industry? The United States alone has an HVAC contractor industry worth about $123 billion every year. These days, there are more than 146,000 businesses offering HVAC services. However, some people are not sure when it is important to call HVAC repair services or not. If your air conditioner keeps running in Florida, how are you supposed to know how serious of a problem this is? There are many different problems that can cause your air conditioner to keep running all the time. Read on to learn all about the most common reasons air conditioners keep running! 1. Your Running Air Conditioner Is Small Sometimes, an air conditioner that runs all the time is not malfunctioning at all. If you set your thermostat to a certain temperature, your AC will run until your home temperature reaches that temperature. But what if your AC unit is too small and is not powerful enough to cool your home down to your target temperature? In that case, your AC unit will keep running without stopping because that is what the thermostat is telling it to do. The good news...

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HVAC Condensation Issues: How to Fix a “Sweating” AC Unit in Jacksonville, FL

With approximately 12% of household energy costs linked to air conditioning, it’s evident that keeping our homes cool can be a significant expense. One common problem that many homeowners face during the hot and humid months is their HVAC unit “sweating” excessively. These tiny droplets may lead to major issues. Corrosion can silently eat away at your system, and lurking within the shadows, mold and mildew may threaten your indoor air quality. In this guide, we’ve got the ultimate fix for your HVAC condensation woes. From drain line rescues to ventilation victories, we’ll show you how to keep your HVAC cool, dry, and at peak performance. Before you call an HVAC pro, there are a few things you can do. Read on to learn more about handling HVAC condensation. Check the Size of Your HVAC Unit First, make sure your HVAC unit is properly sized for your home. An oversized system will short cycle, preventing it from removing enough moisture. You may need to have a technician recharge or replace it with a correctly sized unit. Check Your Air Filters Check that your air filters are clean. Clogged filters reduce airflow and efficiency, causing excess condensation. Replace disposable filters once...

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