Always Make Sure You Hire A Licensed Air Conditioning Contractor

Here in Sarasota we have a huge problem with unlicensed contractors. 

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has been cracking down on these contractors who do substandard work, or even take your money and do no work at all.

Unfortunately, some people are tempted to try and save money by hiring unlicensed contractors.

If you think there is nothing wrong with hiring an unlicensed contractor, you should know that installations performed by an unlicensed contractor will void the manufacturer's warranty so you could be spending thousands of dollars on a unit that is not covered if it fails.

In addition to that, hiring an unlicensed contractor is a violation of Florida Statute 455.228 which can result in a civil penalty of up to $5,000 for the home or business owner and you could be liable for the court costs on top of that.

These tips from the Sarasota County Building department can protect you from predatory contractors:

•   Get a signed, detailed contract that spells out the work to be done, when, and for how much.
•   Ask for local references and check them.
•   Verify the company's reputation with organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce.
•   Ask to see the contractor's license and verify its status. To check a Sarasota County license call 861-6126.
•   Do not make a large down payment and do not pay in full until the work is complete.

For more information on how to choose a contractor – click here to download a checklist.

If you are in need os air conditioning and heating replacement or repair, please call Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc.  And if you decide to call another company, please protect yourself and do your due diligence.

Click here to schedule HVAC service

Beware the Air Conditioning Bait and Switch

The Sarasota Summer is here, and the southwest Florida heat seems to bring out the bait and switch con artists.

You’ll start seeing air conditioning special ads appear in your mailbox.  One is the usual $19.95 tune up special.  The air conditioning company will offer a very cheap price to get their foot in the door.  They claim they will check out your AC system and make sure it’s running perfectly, but usually they find problems, parts that need to be replaced, or even suggest the whole system needs to be replaced.   That $19.95 checkup turns into hundreds, or even thousands of dollars.

Just ask yourself this; If you owned an AC company – could you afford to pay a technician and send a truck out to someone’s house for only $19.95?  The person who shows up to perform the $19,95 special is likely to be a salesman working on commission.  It is to their advantage to take you are as much money as they can.

Another ad you will see is the scary mold and dust mite duct cleaning ad telling you that the air you are breathing is deadly, but for only $49.95 you can get your ducts cleaned and save your family from a horrible fate!.

The Better Business Bureau warns against duct cleaning "bait and switch" scams.  Not only is duct cleaning itself usually ineffective, once inside a customer's home, technicians routinely mislead homeowners into paying hundreds or thousands of dollars for additional work.

Unless you are in a commercial setting with ducts that are designed to be cleaned, there's no scientific evidence that regular duct cleaning improves air quality, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
So what is the best thing you can do for your air quality?

Checking and changing filters, keeping systems maintained and having regular maintenance performed on your AC System will do far more good than trying to clean the ducts.  Also, installing UV lights can help to rid your home of bacteria, viruses and germs that reside in the air you breathe. UV lights will also prevent these and other particles from building up on the indoor coil which can inhibit airflow and reduce heating and cooling efficiency.

Many of these “bait and switch” companies have only been in business a short time.  They operate under one name, then close and reopen with a new name a few months down the road.  Sometimes, it’s even hard to know who actually owns the company.   This is why it is important to do a little research before you let anyone in your home.  See how long they have been in business, read reviews, and even look up their license and make sure it is in the owner’s name.

Remember, cheapest is never best!  And anytime you get a price for any work, it is always a good idea to get a second opinion.

If you are looking for an Air conditioning company that has your best interests at heart, please consider Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc.  Feel free to call us anytime for a complimentary second opinion or estimate on a new system. 

Even if you don’t end up using us, we’d still like the opportunity to earn your trust while providing you with the information you need to make an educated decision.

Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc.  “The quality and service you deserve”

Make sure that your Air Conditioning System is on your Hurricane Preparedness Checklist!

If you live in Florida, you’ve probably seen, or experienced firsthand, the amount of damage that strong winds and heavy rains can cause, and you probably already have a routine that you break into whenever inclement weather is on the horizon. 

But do you prepare your Air Conditioning System?

If it looks like a power outage is inevitable, turn off your Air Conditioning System! Turning off the A/C, before the power goes out, greatly reduces the risk of blowing circuits and burning out the compressor when the power returns, and it protects the system from devastating power surges. 

Nearly 90% of all electrical system damage occurs when the A/C is left on during thunderstorms and hurricanes. You may have to tolerate a bit of heat and humidity when you turn off your A/C, but leaving it on could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs. It is safe to say that, in this case, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure...

Please click here to visit our website and learn more about preparing your air conditioning for a hurricane.

Upgrade to a higher efficiency Bryant system

Upgrade to a higher efficiency Bryant® product* by June 30 and receive up to $775 in Bryant instant rebates, and up to $1,930 from FPL.  

Call us today!   (941) 921- 7208.  

For more information visit.http://www.keepingsarasotacool.com/ 

Save with Bryant Bonus Rebates!

With a Bryant Bonus of up to $775 in instant rebates, up to $1,930 from FPL, and low interest financing from Bryant, there's never been a time like this spring to upgrade to a higher efficiency Bryant system. http://www.keepingsarasotacool.com/ #keepingsarasotacool

 

 

Save Money and Keep Cool!

When you upgrade to a higher efficiency Bryant® product* by June 30 and install by July 15, you can take advantage of up to $775 in instant Bryant Bonus rebates and you'll help reduce your monthly utility costs!

Bryant® also offers financing options with low APRs and low monthly payments to qualifying homeowners.

With a Bryant Bonus of up to $775 in instant rebates, up to $1,930 from FPL, and low interest financing from Bryant, there's never been a time like this spring to upgrade to a higher efficiency Bryant system.

If you have questions about the Bryant Bonus, or if you would like to schedule a service or maintenance visit, call Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. at (941) 921-7208. We'll help you save money, and you'll get the quality and service you deserve!

FPL Rebates

FPL Residential A/C Rebates can save you up to $1,930, depending on the size of your Straight Cool or Heat Pump unit.For more information about the FPL Residential A/C Rebates, call Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. or click here to be directed to FPL's Energy Savings & Rebate Calculator.

* Qualifying products include Bryant® add-on and replacement products, including Furnaces, Heat Pumps, Geothermals, Fan Coils, Controls, and IAQ products. When an Evolution® Perfect Air™ Purifier, steam humidifier and either Evolution® Connex™ Wi-Fi Bundle or Evolution® Connex™ Wi-Fi control is added to a system, qualifying systems receive even higher rebates.

The quality of the air we breathe...

You can’t see it, but it’s all round us.  The air we breathe is a most essential component for life but easy enough to forget about.  The quality of the air we breathe defines the quality of our lives. A fresh summer breeze will always be preferential to the billowing smoke from a factory.  When the air is pure and clean, we breathe better and we’re healthier.

Newer buildings are built to be energy efficient, and as a result they are airtight.  When fresh air cannot easily enter a building it’s important to ensure that the indoor air is clean.   There are filters and air cleaners available that significantly lower the amount of pollutants in the air.

If you or someone in your home suffers from allergies, respiratory problems, or other similar incidences, you’ll want to make sure you have very good filters on your air conditioning system.  You can even go a step further and have UV lights installed that will further purify the
air. 

If you have questions relating to air quality, UV lights, or air conditioning in general, our comfort consultants are here to help.

Call Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. – for the quality and service you deserve.

The $19.95 AC tune up special

There are some air conditioning companies out there who have more telemarketers on the payroll than technicians.  

A legitimate Air Conditioning company will never just call you out of the blue offering a $19.95 AC Tune-Up
Special.

These companies buy call lists and target certain neighborhoods and people who match a desired profile.  The elderly are a favorite target, but anyone can fall prey to these dishonest businesses. 

The person who shows up at the door is a salesman who works on commission.  Their goal is to get you for as much money as possible.

These unscrupulous predators will try anything and everything.  They will claim to find mold. They may even say the system is unsafe and tell you that your family is in extreme danger. They will try to get you to sign a document and may even refuse to leave before you do.  Obviously the last thing they want is for you to get a second opinion. 

If it seems too good to be true, it usually is….

If you have any more questions, or you would like to schedule a service or maintenance visit, please call Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc., and let us help keep you cool.

Is your home losing heat?

Your home may be losing up to 20% of its heating energy.

According to FPL, 50% of homes in Southwest Florida have leaky Ductwork.

Do you have flexible ductwork?

Most homes in Florida do!  Flexible ductwork has many advantages over sheet metal (Less expensive, easier to install), but it is still plastic and will deteriorate over time. After 5 or 6 years it would be a good idea to visually inspect the ductwork at least once every year to see if there are tears in the protective coating of the ductwork, kinks, flattened areas, or even exposed insulation.

Flexible ductwork is also very susceptible to damage from wildlife such as roof rats, squirrels, and raccoons. If you even suspect you have had any critters in your attic, the ducts should be checked.

If you need repair or replacement of your ductwork, the best time to do it is during the coolest time of the year. Attics in Florida get very hot in the summer, so most HVAC companies will give you a much better price so their valued technicians will not have to work in a 130 degree attic.

If you have any more questions, or you would like to schedule a service or maintenance visit, please call Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc., and let us help keep you cool (and lower your energy bills).

Is it time to replace my air conditioning ducts?

Chances are your air conditioning system is out of sight and out of mind, at least until there is a problem. 

Adjusting the thermostat and changing filters is probably the extent of your integration with the largest appliance in your home.

Even though it's probably hidden up in your attic, i's very important to make sure your duct work is in good condition.

If some rooms in your home are too hot or too cold, this could be due to duct problems or inadequate insulation.  You may want to have your ductwork inspected and tested for leaks.

Leaky ductwork can cause the air to be too dry in the winter or too humid in the summer which will also cause humidity problems.

Duck work that is in poor condition will also pull particles from the attic which will create excessive dust in the home.

If you suspect that your ductwork may need to be replaced, please give Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioningand Heating a call at 941-921-7208, or visit our website at   www.keepingsarasotacool.com

For the quality and service you deserve!

How to choose the right air conditioning contractor

We developed this checklist to help you choose the right air conditioning company. 

Most of these items will also apply to any other contractor you need to hire including plumbing, electrical, and construction.

Click here to download the checklist

You should always make sure a company is licensed in this state by going to www.myfloridalicense.com and clicking on the “verify a license” tab. If they have a current, active license, click on the company name to confirm that the license is in the owner’s name, and that the company has had a license for as long as they claim to have been in business.

Contractor Checklist 

We recommend you find 3 companies that meet these standards and make sure they are quoting comparable products before comparing their prices. This will ensure that you are comparing “apples to apples” and not making a very costly mistake. 

Happy Holidays from our family to yours!

Air Conditioning specifically designed for Mobile Homes

Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. is well known as a leader in the Sarasota area when it comes to repairing and retrofitting HVAC Systems.  Residential and commercial customers have come to depend on our highly trained technicians to keep their air conditioning systems running smoothly.

When repairing or replacing HVAC systems for mobile homes, an experienced technician will be able to help you choose the right system, and then install it properly  for years of uninterrupted and highly efficient home comfort.

Heating and cooling costs for manufactured homes are typically higher per square foot than other homes, but in many cases there are cost effective solutions that can dramatically lower your energy bills.  For example, you may decide to replace your electric furnace with a modern heat pump which is much more efficient.  
This time of year many winter residents are coming back to Florida, and it’s a good time to have preventive maintenance performed on our  HVAC system to keep it working at peak efficiency all winter.

Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc.  installs and repairs most brands of HVAC .  We are a factory trained and authorized Bryant dealer.  Bryant offers a full line of HVAC Systems for Mobile Homes.

Call Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. today, and experience the service and quality you deserve!

Don’t let Jack Frost nip at your toes!

Cooler weather is here, and the best time to make sure your heating is working is before you need it!

Most people in Florida don’t think about their heating system until that first cold day when they actually turn it on.  Don’t wait until the last minute, test your system now and make sure it’s working.

When a cold snap comes through your area, there’s a good chance many people will find their heating is not working properly.  This will cause a shortage of available technicians, and the parts needed to fix those heating systems.

A little preventive maintenance will ensure you and your family will stay warm and cozy.

Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. would like to make sure your Christmas stays Merry by offering a $39.00 18 point Heating System Test and Tune Up Special. 

This offer is only good until December 31st – Be sure to mention this ad, and call us today!  Your family will appreciate it!

Visit our website by clicking here.

Always Hire A Florida Licensed Air Conditioning Professional

Dangers of Hiring Unlicensed Workers

Poor qualifications: . Unlicensed individuals have not demonstrated the education, insurance, or qualification required of a licensed contractor. This can leave you with poor quality work or unfinished projects, which means you could spend more money hiring another contractor to repair or finish the project.

Possible criminal background: . Unlicensed individuals often have criminal backgrounds that may include fraud, theft, violent crime, sexual offenses, and substance abuse.
Likelihood of being the victim of a scam: Unlicensed individuals often disappear after taking your money, leaving you with very few options to help you get your money back or your work completed.

No coverage under homeowner’s policy: Homeowner's insurance does not cover unlicensed contractors, and by law the homeowner is held responsible for hiring an unlicensed contractor and is held accountable for any work associated with the contractor. If an unlicensed contractor's carelessness leads to injury or damage to you or your neighbor’s property, the problem is yours.

Noncompliance with building codes: . Most projects, even small ones, require permits and inspections that unlicensed contractors ignore or are unfamiliar with. If your project isn't permitted or doesn’t comply with the building code, you may have to remove or repair the work at your own expense and be subject to fines by local government.

Voided warranties: Installations performed by an unlicensed contractor void the manufacturer's warranty so you could be spending thousands of dollars on a unit that is not covered if it fails.
If a contractor files bankruptcy or skips out while working on your home, you are responsible for all fines and unpaid bills to suppliers. You're also responsible for the wages of employees who worked for the unlicensed contractor.

In addition, hiring an unlicensed contractor is a violation of Florida Statute 455.228 which can result in a civil penalty of up to $5,000 for the home or business owner and you could be liable for the court costs on top of that.

These tips from the Sarasota County Building department can protect you from predatory contractors:

•   You can verify a State of Florida Licensed Contractor at www.MyFloridaLicense.com. Ask your contractor for a license number. Always verify the license number!   Make sure the license is in the owner’s name. 
•   Get a signed, detailed contract that spells out the work to be done, when, and for how much.
•   Ask for local references and check them.
•   Verify the company's reputation with organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce.
•   Do not make a large down payment and do not pay in full until the work is complete.

If you have a smart phone you can search for the Florida DBPR Mobile App – it's free, and will let you easily search for companies and individuals to make sure they are licensed.

Besides it being illegal to hire unlicensed contractors, unlicensed contractors are subject to arrest and prosecution for working without a license.

Unlicensed contractors are dangerous because they expose you to significant financial harm if injury or property damage happens.

If an unlicensed contractor offers services to you

#1 Do not hire the unlicensed individual.

#2 Keep copies of all information provided by the unlicensed individual (ads, flyers, cards).

#3 Report the unlicensed person by sending the information to the Department of Business &
Professional Regulation.

Report Unlicensed Activity
1.866.532.1440
www.MyFloridaLicense.com

Please visit our website to learn more about Air Conditioning and Heating

Save money on electric bills with the HVAC Smart Chip

Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. is proud to announce that we are the first to offer this cutting edge, energy saving technology in Southwest Florida.

The HVAC Smart Chip is designed for easy retrofit into any residential or commercial HVAC system and it offers an average cost savings of 14% to 20% on cooling and 10% to 15% on heating!

The HVAC Smart Chip is a must-have for commercial and residential clients looking to save money on their electric bills while going green.

For more information on The HVAC Smart Chip, please click here to visit our Sarasota Air Conditioning website.

Germicidal UV Lights & Indoor Air Quality

People in Southwest Florida spend as much as 90% of their time indoors, but the air in our homes and other buildings can be more polluted than the air outside because it is constantly being recycled.

Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. can improve your indoor air quality by installing germicidal UV lights that will help prevent and destroy mildew, biological odors and other microbial contaminants before they colonize.

Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. can install a UV System for as little as $250.00 and rarely more than $675.00 for most residential applications.

For more information on Germicidal UV lights, click here.

50% of homes have leaky ductwork!

Improperly sealed ductwork can result in 20% loss of heating and cooling energy.

Most homes in Florida have flexible ductwork installed. Flexible ductwork has many advantages over sheet metal (less expensive, easier to install, etc.), but it's only plastic and, as such, it will deteriorate over time.

If your ductwork needs to be repaired or replaced, the best time to do have the work performed is during the coolest time of the year. In the summertime, attics can easily reach temperatures of 130 degrees in Florida and HVAC companies are busier so most companies will give you a much better price in the winter!

Flexible ductwork is also very susceptible to damage from wildlife such as roof rats, squirrels, and raccoons. If you even suspect that you have had any critters in your attic, you should check your ductwork.

Flexible ductwork that is older than 5 or 6 years should be visually inspected at least once per year. You should look for tears in the protective coating, kinks, flattened areas, or even exposed insulation.

If you have a preventive maintenance plan with Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc., and you are concerned about the condition of your ductwork, we will gladly visually inspect it for you.

How do you know if it is time to call Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. to repair or replace your air conditioning ductwork?

Does your ductwork make strange noises - such as rattling, clanging, or banging sounds? This can be an indication of loose connections and poor sealing.

Do you notice that some rooms feel warmer or colder than others? Maybe you notice that some vents seem to have more air pressure at the register than rooms further away from the AC System.

Does your utility bill seem higher than it should be? High utility bills could be a sign that your ductwork is improperly sealed or that the connections are loose.

If you have questions about any of our winter discounts, or if you would like to schedule a service or maintenance visit, call Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc.at (941) 921-7208 and let us help you keep cool and lower your energy bills.

We look forward to speaking to you!

Do you need to replace your current air conditioning system?

The challenge of retrofitting today's high efficiency systems is that, while they have become more efficient, they have also become much larger in size. It is important to have the right air conditioning and heating service provider in order to ensure proper installation and peak efficiency. Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. is the retrofit expert.

Since 2003 Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. has been helping homeowners and businesses in Sarasota and Manatee counties upgrade and replace old and inefficient air conditioning equipment.

We have the experience, knowledge, and creativity to work "outside the box" in order to achieve the kind of results that meet our client's needs and consistently their expectations.

When it comes to air conditioning replacement or repair, you can trust Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating to do the job for you.

https://www.keepingsarasotacool.com/replacement-and-repair

Supercharge your Air Conditioning and Heating.

See up to 20% savings on your electric bill when Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. installs the new HVAC Smart Chip. 

The Smart Chip shows an average of 14.8% improvement in efficiency. Give us a call today at (941) 921-7208  https://www.keepingsarasotacool.com/

We are dedicated to being environmentally friendly! We install the most energy-saving and eco-friendly heating, ventilation and air conditioning solutions for your home and business.

When we service your air conditioning and heating, we use earth friendly, non-toxic, cleaning products and we recycle all old heating, ventilation & air conditioning equipment and any unused materials to keep our planet healthy.