heating and cooling Archives - Fort Myers-Naples HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical Services

The Benefits of a Smart Thermostat

Sharique Khan on February 7, 2022

Before the sizzling summer heat sets in, you should consider installing a smart thermostat to easily control the temperature in your Southwest Florida home. A smart thermostat can help your system be more energy-efficient, plus, there’s the added perk that you can control your system from your phone, wherever you are.

Is a smart thermostat right for you? Here are five great reasons to switch to a smart thermostat before our hot Florida summer begins!

#1. Minimize Energy Costs

One of the best reasons to upgrade to a smart or Wi-Fi thermostat is energy efficiency and subsequent savings on energy costs. With a smart thermostat, it is easy to program your HVAC to run less while you are away at work, so you’ll lose less energy since you won’t be cooling an empty house.

You can program your smart thermostat to kick your AC on right before your family is scheduled to come home, so it’s nice and cool the moment you step out of the heat and walk in the door.

You could save anywhere from 15-20% on cooling costs after you install a smart thermostat.

#2. Track Your Energy Usage

Most digital smart thermostats allow you to track your system’s energy usage. You can make a home energy profile that shows how your energy use has evolved over time and how changing your heating and cooling choices may help you cut your energy expenditures even further.

Learn More> Is Your AC Running Efficiently?

#3. Control Your System Remotely

A popular benefit that you can enjoy after installing a Wi-Fi thermostat is that you can control the temperature in your home remotely, no matter where you are. You can easily change the day’s cooling plan if you are leaving work early. You can also alter the entire timetable if you are traveling on vacation to keep your home warmer while you are away.

Further, if you have a vacation house to maintain, your thermostat can send you alerts when the temperature rises or falls below your set limits. Pretty nifty!

#4. Create Smart Schedules

Many homeowners are reluctant about getting a smart thermostat installed because they think it will be difficult to program or modify the schedule to suit their individual demands.

Scheduling heating and cooling with a smart thermostat is easier because you don’t have to adjust the day-to-day temperature yourself- it’ll already be programmed.

Smart thermostats can monitor the weather, cooling your home during a heatwave or adding more heat when a cold snap sets in.

Plus, most smart thermostats have movement detectors so they can tell when your family is home and active. Over time, the thermostat can learn your family’s patterns and will adjust the heating and cooling schedule appropriately. These thermostats are so “smart” that they can also use data to adjust the temperature schedules to account for seasonal dips and changes throughout your home.

#5. They’re Easy to Install

If you have the right wiring, installing a smart thermostat is a breeze. While this is something that you could DIY yourself, we recommend calling our team at Best Home Services to ensure your new smart thermostat is compatible with your system and installed correctly.

Take Control of Your Thermostat

This spring and summer, stay cool and comfortable while spending less on cooling costs. Our 5-star rated team at Best Home Services is here to help you install your new smart thermostat and make sure it is programmed correctly so you can achieve that perfect cool!

Ready to install a smart thermostat? Contact our team at Best Home Services today; (844) 921-2833!

How To Prepare Your HVAC System for Fall

Sharique Khan on September 10, 2021

When it comes to your HVAC system, preventative maintenance is key to keeping it running efficiently year-round. Be proactive and get your HVAC system ready for the upcoming fall season. With any preventative maintenance, you are less likely to need a large system repair or run into any issues as the seasons change.

Get your Southwest Florida HVAC ready for fall with these tips from our pros at Best Home Services!

Fall HVAC Maintenance Tips

To help prevent HVAC problems this fall, follow these tips!

Regularly Clean or Replace Air Filters

This is the easiest and most inexpensive way to get your HVAC ready for the fall. When your air filter is dirty, allergens and other contaminants get trapped, reducing the efficiency of your HVAC system and ultimately sending these allergens throughout your house.

We recommend changing your air filter at least every 30-60 days—especially if you have pets or live in a humid climate like Florida. Doing so could trim around 5-10% off your monthly energy costs.

Clean and Seal Ducts

To prevent drafts and energy waste, it is a good idea to get your ductwork inspected, cleaned, and sealed before fall. Many homes have leaky air ducts that can impact your HVAC system’s heating and cooling abilities.

If you notice higher energy costs or drafts, you may have a ductwork leak. Call our team at Best Home Services for an inspection and ductwork repair today—844-921-2833!

Clean the Outdoor Unit

Debris around the outdoor compressor can build up over time and obstruct airflow. Clear the grill and the area under the outside unit of any sticks, leaves, or other debris that may have become lodged there.

You can also gently hose down the unit and compressor coils (after turning off the power to the unit) to remove any dirt, dust, or pollen.

Check Windows and Doors

Check your windows and doors for air leaks, and re-caulk or weatherstrip them as necessary. Doing so will keep warm air from escaping in the cooler months—and cold air from coming in!

Change the Thermostat Settings

You should adjust your thermostat’s settings to your preferred temperature when the weather is cooler. Investing in a programmable thermostat can help you easily control your smart thermostat from your phone.

Test the Heat

Test the heat before you need to turn it on for the season. If the room warms up rapidly after raising the thermostat high enough to activate the furnace, the system is operating effectively. If not, you have time to schedule an inspection or repair service with Best Home Services.

Remember, the first time you turn on the heat for the year it might have a burning odor. This is normal, it is dust on the coils burning off and will subside in an hour or so.

Change the Batteries in Your Smoke Detectors

The batteries in your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors should be changed at least twice a year—once in the spring and the fall. This will give you greater peace of mind knowing that these lifesaving detectors are in good working order as the seasons change.

Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance

Schedule an HVAC preventative maintenance visit before the weather starts to change. Being proactive can extend the life of your unit and save you money on repairs in the long run.

Get Ready for Fall with Best Home Services

The seasons are changing, and while it will still be hot in Florida for a few more months, it is time to get preventative maintenance done on your HVAC unit! Our team at Best Home Services will ensure that your system is running efficiently as you transition from cooling to heating this fall.

During an HVAC inspection, our techs will:

Identify any damaged or worn parts
Check the compressor/condenser
Clean the coils
Lubricate all moving parts
Inspect the wiring and electrical connections
Look for any blockage in the drains
Tighten loose hoses and connections
Monitor refrigerant levels
Remove any dirt, dust, or grime from the inside of the unit
Test indoor components including the thermostat

Schedule preventative maintenance for your Southwest Florida HVAC system today—844-921-2833!