TECO has a rebate program that may help with the cost of replacing your heating & cooling equipment.  With Integrity Air we process the application for rebate and TECO pays us directly, so all of our estimates are AFTER ALL REBATES.  We take the hassle out of the equation.  Getting a new system can be stressful. We want to make it as easy as possible for you.

Ask us about the program. We will explain your options and make sure you are not leaving rebate money on the table.

 

​​      According to an article in “Todays’s A/C & Refrigeration News”, Congress is being urged to act on HFCs (hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants). 32 members of the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) and the Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy are pushing for the United States to pass legislation to allow a structured and controlled exit from using hydroflucarbon (HFC) refrigerants.

United States companies that produce and use fluocarbons have been preparing for this exit for decades, investing billions in Research and Development to be the first to bring to market the next generation of fluocarbon products and equipment.

This BEGS the question of what is next?  One possible solution: Honeywell makes Solstice N41, ASHRAE designation, aka R466a as a replacement for 410a.  It has a 65% lower global warming potential than R410a.  15 equipment manufacturers are currently testing it in their new equipment.

This is part of why the manufacturers are concerned.  Engineers might test this new refrigerant and design for it to make reliable A/C systems only to find that congress or the EPA demand a zero global potential, not just 65% better. We will post more articles as decisions and policy are decided.

 

So you are shopping for a new HVAC system?

Before you start calling companies and getting quotes there are some questions you should be prepared to answer. The person quoting a new air conditioner can better match your needs with the equipment if they know your specific needs, wants and expectations. We have developed a one page questionnaire to address this. We call it : Comfort Needs Analysis

General & Load Calculation Info

 How many members in your household?

 Do you know the approximate age of your home? Year home was built?

Approximately how many more years do you plan to live in your home?

How many square feet is your home, or the area you need cooling or heating?

Are you planning any room additions in the near future?

Have you made any additions, remodeling or other changes, i.e. skylights?

Do you do alot of entertaining?

How much is your average electric bill?

What temperture do you want to maintain?

What do you like most about your existing system?

What do yo like least about your existing system?

What else should we know about your home?

Comfort

Are there any hot or cold spots in your home?

Are there rooms that need more or less heating/cooling than the other rooms?

Would you prefer better humidity control?

 

Air Quality

Does anyone in your family suffer from asthma, allergies, hayfever or sinus?

Are there smokers or hobbies that create chemical flumes?

Do you have any problems with dust or lingering odors?

Features

Do you feel your family’s schedule would benefit from a programmable thermostat?

Cost

What do you feel is going to happen to utility rates?

What budget range do you have in mind? Such as $4,000 to 6,000, or 6,000 to 8,000, or 8,000 to 10,000 or above $10,000?

Choosing the right system is a huge decision and if not done correctly can result in unnecessary expense and poor results.

We would love to sit down with you and discuss your needs and provide you with the best match! Integrity Air Conditioning provides excellent service and our prices are very competitive!     

Give us a call today at (813) 932-2665

 

 

Chemical damage to your outdoor unit whether a heat pump or condensing unit can be seen in this photo.  Notice the damage to the coil causing a refrigerant leak.  This damage was caused by the family dog repeatedly peeing on the unit.  Dog urine kills A/C units.  This kind of damage is not covered by the manufacturers warranty.  This unit was only 4 1/2 years old, leaving the homeowner with a very expensive solution.

 

Damage can also be done by liquid lawn fertilizer.  Technically also by the grandular kind.  It is best to turn off the A/C when spraying or applying lawn chemicals so the fan will not suck in the chemicals.  And train the dog not urinate on your A/C unit. 

 

The first job I had in air conditioning, 30 years ago,  was building demonstration trailers for a Carrier dealer. Their version of ductless was a 3 zone system called Multiplex.  Once they discovered that I had the fewest leaks at the flare connections as compared to other technicians they had me do all the flares and start ups.  I was not impressed with that early Carrier design.  When charged correctly the liquid lines would gurgle; the customers would complain and the next technician would overcharge the refrigerant.  When a system was too much of a problem the company that I worked for would have us remove it and replace it with a Daikin system and there would be no more problems.

For a while Daikin either quit selling in the USA or at times did things like using a proprietary refrigerant and I decided that I did not want to stock yet another kind of refrigerant in the truck.  And for a while Mitsubishi dominated the ductless mini-split market.  Integrity Air became a Diamond Dealer after training in Atlanta.  Since then we have returned to Daikin for the longer warranty and just recently Daikin started making them in Texas.  Most others are made in Asia.

Where do most people choose to use these mini-splits? That has changed over the years.  Systems for three or more zones are mostly being used the same as always.  These mini splits are wonderful to use where it is difficult to get ducts installed. Another reason homeowners and business owners both are moving to mini-splits is for the amazing energy efficiency.  And did I mention quiet? I installed one for my office worker and she says she loves the quietness of it.  Single zone use has changed. We used to mostly install them for “florida rooms” … the back porch that was enclosed with windows.  Recently more people have used it for a bedroom.  If the bedroom got poor cooling from the central system or the customer, as an emply nester with a big house discovered that it is the best way to stay ‘way cool’ and use less electricity.    Another couple chose to use their main house as an AirBnb.  To accomplish this they had us install a ductless system in the finished garage and stay there when there are guests.  We have installed for an art studio and offices as well as office conference rooms, computer or server rooms or where more capacity is needed like a restaurant or church building. 

 Overall it is a growing sector of A/C or absolute comfort.