A Whole-House Dehumidification System: Benefits For Your Northeast Florida Home

Northeast Florida’s mild and wet climate often presents a humidity problem in the home. Humidity levels reach well above 60 percent outdoors, and even indoors. High humidity levels present many problems, including the growth of mold and mildew and the increase of dust mites and bacteria that thrive in wet conditions.
Humid air also feels warmer on the skin. Adding 10 percent humidity can increase the heat index by 3 degrees. When using the air conditioner, additional humidity in the air leads to increased costs.

A whole-house dehumidification system can prevent the humidity levels from becoming too high in your home. The humidification system will keep humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent, which is considered ideal.

The system works by sucking excess moisture from the air. This benefits energy savings because dry air feels cooler on the skin. Dry air tries to suck moisture out anywhere it can, and often takes moisture from your body, leaving a cool feeling behind. With dryer air, you can raise the air conditioner setting by 3 or 4 degrees and feel just as cool as you did at cooler temperatures in humid conditions. You can save up to 10 percent in cooling costs by raising the temperature a few degrees.

For more information on how a whole-house dehumidification system can benefit your Northeast Florida home and save you money this winter and in the future, contact us at Action Heating and Air Conditioning. With more than 30 years of expert HVAC service under our belt, we are happy to answer any questions you have.

Programmable Thermostat Features You’ll Like (Hint: They Go Way Beyond Temperature Settings)

Programmable thermostats offer many features that go beyond temperature control to offer convenience, comfort and more. One impressive feature is energy savings. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, using the right thermostat and programming it correctly could save you up to $180 a year!



Various models offer different features which complement weekly schedules. There are three common models:

7 day models are the most flexible, allowing you to program different settings for morning, afternoon, evening and night for each day of the week.

5+ 2 day models are a good choice for people keeping one schedule Monday-Friday, and another on Saturday and Sunday.

5-1-1 day models have three programmable “slots,” one for the work week, a second for Saturdays, and a third for Sundays.

Remote access allows for zone temperature control. Sensors are placed in individual rooms or zones throughout the house, and connected to the main unit. If you want your bedroom warm in the morning, you can set the temperature to rise when you wake up in that specific location. You can also keep children’s rooms from becoming too cold without giving the children access to the controls. Some remote access models even allow you to adjust settings by phone or internet before you get home.

Programmable thermostats make keeping comfortable convenient. Action Air will be glad to help you decide which features suit your lifestyle to offer the maximum control, versatility and energy savings!

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about Indoor Air Quality and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website

Poor Ductwork Design and Sealing Can Send Your Conditioned Air Astray: Three Factors To Consider

A home’s poor ductwork design and inadequate sealing can account for significant energy loss on a daily basis. The problem is, you’re the one paying for that energy. With that in mind, it’s time to assess whether your conditioned air is safe within your ducts.

Here are three factors to consider:

Design.
If your ductwork wasn’t designed with certain aspects of your home’s floor plan in mind, your conditioned air may be leaking out. Common problems include ducts that are stretched too tight or kinked to be maneuvered around obstructions, as well as ducts that are installed too close to appliances that could affect the temperature or quality of the air inside.

Sealing.
Duct leaks can cause you to lose as much as 20 percent of your conditioned air. While you can inspect and seal accessible duct leaks on your own, a heating and cooling professional can do a more thorough job, reaching ducts that you cannot, such as those hidden behind walls and ceilings. Common issues include loose connections and rips and tears in flexible ductwork. These can be sealed using duct mastic or metal-backed tape.

Insulation.
In most homes, large sections of ductwork run through unconditioned areas such as the attic, basement or crawl space. Extreme temperatures in these areas can affect your conditioned air. With proper insulation, however, you can reduce energy loss in such situations.

If you suspect you’re losing energy through ill-conceived, leaky or exposed ducts, contact one of our trained technicians for a professional assessment. Using our training, experience and specialized tools of the trade, we can determine where your problems lie and help you form a plan of Action.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about Indoor Air Quality and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website

UV Lights: Germ-Fighting Technology Makes The Transition From Hospital To Home

Hospitals around the world have been utilizing the power of UV lights for decades to inhibit the spread of harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and mold. Advances in technology have made UV lights a good fit for residential use as well, much to the benefit of homeowners — particularly homeowners in warm, humid Northeast Florida, where microorganisms thrive.

As the name implies, UV lights emit ultraviolet rays. Given sufficient intensity, UV rays will destroy the genetic code — DNA or RNA — of tiny organisms. This results in either death or sterilization of the microorganism, resulting in a considerable reduction of its presence in your home.

The sun also emits ultraviolet rays, which is why sunlight is effective at killing bacteria. Overexposure to UV rays from the sun can result in sunburn and eye irritation, but in household appliances UV lights are enclosed and have a small, focused range, posing no threat to people or pets.

UV lights are a powerful tool for managing your indoor air quality but aren’t meant to replace particulate-trapping air filters, though many units include a traditional filter in addition to the UV light. UV lights are designed to complement your air-cleaning efforts by addressing the bioaerosol category of pollutants.

Another benefit of UV light systems is odor reduction. Many bacteria, molds and other organisms create unpleasant, lingering odors that will be eliminated as the source is neutralized.

Residential UV lights are available in room units or whole-home systems. Whole-home systems are more efficient and effective and can be easily incorporated into existing HVAC systems. In cases of severe allergies or asthma, however, room units may still prove beneficial, especially in bedrooms.

Selecting the ideal whole-house unit for your home depends on a number of factors, including the size of your home and what systems are already in place. A knowledgeable technician can explain the options available for your unique home in more detail.

Do you still have questions, or would you like to learn more about UV lights and indoor air quality? Contact Action Air to speak with one of our trained technicians.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about Indoor Air Quality and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website

Geothermal Heat Pump System Benefits For Florida Homeowners

Since their first use in the 1940s, geothermal heat pump systems have been used successfully in a variety of climates. However, heat pumps — used to both cool and heat homes — are more efficient than average in warmer climates like Florida’s. Many advances have been made since their first use; the EPA now rates geothermal heat pumps as one of the most energy-efficient technologies available.

The beauty and efficiency of a heat pump lies in its simplicity. Unlike traditional heating and cooling systems, which burn fuel to warm or cool your air, a heat pump transfers heat between your home and the earth below ground — where the temperature stays remarkably consistent no matter the weather conditions above ground. A small amount of electricity is used to move and distribute air as needed in your home.

Particularly considering the extensive use of air conditioning during the hot Florida summers, geothermal heat pump systems offer many advantages. Geothermal heat pump systems are:

■Highly efficient. Because a heat pump gets warm or cool air from the earth, not from burning a fuel, they use far less energy than even the highest-rated furnace to produce the same level of comfort or better.

■Durable. The above-ground portion of a heat pump system typically lasts 15 or more years. The underground portion can be expected to last at least 50 years. Traditional furnaces average 10 years.

■Low maintenance. Heat pumps have considerably fewer moving parts than traditional systems, resulting in fewer breakdowns and repairs.

■Clean. Heat pumps create no carbon monoxide or other pollutants.

■Quiet. A heat pump system does not need an outdoor condensing unit like a conventional air conditioner. No more annoying hum!

■Cost-effective. They significantly reduce utility bills. Also, many geothermal systems qualify for federal tax credits.

Please feel free to contact the professionals at Action Heating and Air Conditioning for more information about geothermal heat pump systems. We are always happy to answer questions.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about Indoor Air Quality and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website

UV Light Systems Work Wonders In Florida’s Balmy Weather

Lots of things grow well here in the warm, humid air of Florida. We supply the world with oranges and other citrus fruits. Vegetables, too, thrive in this moist and hot climate. Unfortunately, some less desirable organisms grow and multiply here as well. Mold, bacteria and viruses enjoy our beautiful climate just as we do.

One of the places microorganisms like to live is inside our homes. We bring outside contaminants into our homes on our clothes and bodies every day. Once inside, the contaminants have the opportunity to grow and multiply. Meanwhile, we live sealed inside our homes, breathing the air that’s cycled though our cooling systems. As that air circulates, plenty of those unwanted germs and fungal spores also circulate.

An easy way to mitigate the threat posed by these microorganisms: the use of ultraviolet light. A UV light air-cleaning system, tucked away in your heating and air system, works 24 hours a day. We can’t always avoid bacteria and viruses, but we can take control of them in our own homes.

How do they work? UV light air cleaners — also called “germicidal lights” — can be installed as part of your existing HVAC equipment. As air laden with spores, bacteria and viruses passes through the UV light, the light actually changes the microorganisms’ cell structure, making them unable to reproduce and grow. Eventually, they die.

If you would like to know more facts about how these simple light systems can clean the air in your home, contact the indoor-air experts at Action Air. We can explain how ultraviolet light can reduce your exposure to microorganisms that can infiltrate your home.

No-Brainer Advice: Keep Those Air Filters Changed

An air conditioning system is only as good as its air filter. Dirty air filters partially block the air flowing through your HVAC system. With less air flowing through, your system has to work harder to cool your home. You’ll see the waste of energy show up on your utility bills. Dirty filters can also contribute to malfunctioning equipment.

Your air filter should be changed at least once every three months. If you’re using your air system frequently, however, the filter might need to be changed as frequently as monthly. If it looks dirty, change it.
Putting in a new air filter is an easy do-it-yourself project, but it can be a hassle if you are unprepared. Some tips:

■Get the correct size. Air filters come in a variety of dimensions. Your system requires an exact fit. Look at your old filter or check your owner’s manual.

■Buy a bundle of air filters. You’ll be changing your air filter more than once. Buy a bunch to save trips to the store later.

■Write in on the calendar. Changing an air filter is a simple job, but only if you remember to do it. Especially during the hottest months, when you use your A/C most, write monthly reminders on your calender.


Changing your air filter is one of the easiest ways to help keep your home energy efficient.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about Indoor Air Quality and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website