Do you have the coolest attic in Sarasota?

Keeping cool is great for you, but not for your attic…

According to FPL, over 70% of homes in Southwest Florida have leaky ductwork. If you live in one of those homes, you’re probably spending 20 to 30% more on your electric bill – just to cool your attic!

Why are we telling you this now? 

If you need to repair or replace your ductwork in Florida, there’s no time like winter.

Attics in Florida can reach temperatures of up to 130 degrees during the summer, so technicians can’t stay up there as long during the summer as they can when it’s cooler outside. This means that a job that takes 1 day during the fall or winter may take 2 days during the dog days of summer.

Air Conditioning companies are also much busier during the summer, so you’re more likely to get a great deal between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day!

For more information on HVAC and ducts please visit Sarasota's favorite HVAC company - Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc.

McCutcheon’s campaign to rid Sarasota of predatory contractors is off to a great start!

The release of the Beware of Predators video marks the successful completion of  Phase I of McCutcheon’s “America’s Repair Force” consumer education campaign.   

SARASOTA, Florida (October 27, 2016) – Lots of companies say that “an educated consumer is their best customer” but, for Sean McCutcheon, owner of the self-named air conditioning and heating company, these words are more than just a cliché.

 With over 20 years of experience in the HVAC industry, Sean has seen every con in the book and he is determined to help educate consumers, before they have a bad experience, not after they’ve already been ripped off and he can do little more than explain how they got scammed.

 To that end, he created America’s Repair Force, a fictional agency tasked with exposing deceptive industry practices. The agency’s message is spread through a series of humorous educational videos starring Special Agent A.C. Winterbottom, a superhero-like character who protects unsuspecting consumers from predatory contractors.

McCutcheon approached this project with the same commitment to excellence that he approaches everything he does. He hired professional videographers, script writers, and actors to ensure that the series was more than just educational. “We want people to enjoy learning these valuable lessons, so they remember them and share them with their friends and loved ones” said McCutcheon.

The videos, which are available through social media and YouTube, are paired with a website (www.AmericasRepairForce.com) that includes information on choosing the right contractor, deciphering industry doublespeak, as well as  other resources aimed at protecting people in Sarasota and beyond from unscrupulous HVAC techs, electricians, plumbers, and more.

 “The response to the videos really exceeded our expectations. Primarily through our Facebook page, but also through our website, the America’s Repair Force You Tube channel and website, and our other social media platforms, the videos have been viewed over 40,000 times and the comments and emails from our clients and business associates have been very positive” said McCutcheon.

 The release of Beware of Predators, the 10th in a series of videos that includes the A.C.

Winterbottom origin story, Calling in the Secret Weapon, marks the successful completion of Phase I of the campaign. Stay tuned for more from America’s Repair Force and Special Agent A.C. Winterbottom!

 About Sean McCutcheon’s Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. (www.keepingsarasotacool.com) has been providing residential and commercial installation, repair and maintenance throughout Southwest Florida since 2003. We specialize in retrofitting and custom designing, energy efficient air conditioning systems.

Florida HVAC Call Center Scams

Beware of any air conditioning company that calls you out of the blue offering an inexpensive tune up or service special. They may just be just looking for a way to get into your home, and then con you into spending money for unnecessary repairs.

Beware of Predators

Ever wish you had someone like Chris Hansen looking out for you? Watch A.C. Winterbottom, Agent for America’s Repair Force, take down this predatory contractor, in the style of To Catch a Predator, and learn to spot some telltale signs of a con, so you can protect yourself - in case Chris and A.C. are busy.

Sarasota Air Conditioning - closing vents in unused rooms to save energy.

There are some people who claim that you can save money on cooling costs by shutting the air-conditioner vents in rooms that are unused and closed.

The truth is that your air conditioner’s efficiency can decrease dramatically simply by closing a few
vents.  Leaving all air vents open will use less energy than closing a few.

If an air conditioning system is designed correctly, it has been sized according to the flow requirements of the entire home.

When you start closing vents in unused rooms, you make the duct system more restrictive. The pressure increases, and that means your system will run harder trying to keep air flow normal.
By closing off vents you can create a pressure imbalance within the system that will basically reduce the effectiveness of your cooling system.   Closing vents will also increase pressure within your ac ductwork and can cause leakage.

When pressure builds up in the ducts, your air conditioner has to work harder to distribute air throughout the parts of the home that are not closed off.  Your air conditioner will also run longer since it has to cool the same amount of space with less volume of cooled air.

Some things that can happen if air conditioning vents are closed:

- Increased duct leakage
- Lower air flow and increased energy use
- Ac coil may freeze up
-   Compressor may prematurely malfunction
-   Condensation and mold growth in rooms with closed vents

Closing vents won’t save you money and may even harm your system.  If you feel that your energy bills are too high, give Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. a call.  We can look at your system and make some en ergy saving suggestions.

Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. 5696 Pinkney Avenue Sarasota FL 34233 (941) 921-7208 License# CAC1813799

#sarasotaairconditioning 

Discount Coupons and Free Service

We have all received those special offers in the mailbox.  Buy one get one Pizza may be good (probably not according to your doctor) – but you have to be careful when it comes to the service trades,  That special deal could end up costing you a lot of money.

Some  air conditioning companies will offer a very cheap price for maintenance just 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 special deal could turn into hundreds, or even thousands of dollars.

To demonstrate our point – the following is an actual YELP review of a Florida HVAC Company we found online:

OH MY!    This company does a buy one get one free A/C service deal.  So, they called me and reminded me that I had a "free" service I could get for my units.   I said OK, come take a look!

A nice guy named Danny shows up ...  well spoken, professional and gets right to business.  Well, it wasn't long before I find out what his real business is ...  he opens up one of my units and says there is burning on the points.  He asks if we get a lot of power surges in the area ...  are you kidding!  This is FL all sorts of lightning and lights flickering.  OK, so he has this product that for only $1300 or $1500 will give me $25,000 of protection for my appliances.  It is a whole house Surge Protector  ...  I say thanks but I already have one of those with $50,000 of Insurance and I only paid like $200 for it.  So, that didn't work.
His next discovery is one of my capacitors is "weak"  and he can replace it  ...  but since I am not a member I would have to pay full price instead of the 20% discount price I would pay if only I would sign up for their services for around $400 a year.  Ok,  I say "I'll think about it"  ...  so back to the weak capacitor  ....  that will cost me $271.00 and he can replace it now.   I think about that a moment, and take a pass on replacing it.    So, later I go online and find I can buy these things on the internet for $20 - $40.    Really!

 It just goes to show that you have to be double careful when something is "free".
Robert H.

Although we wouldn’t recommend that you buy your own capacitor and try to install it yourself – we do highly recommend shopping around, getting a couple different quotes and finding a reputable HVAC contractor.  If you would like to learn more about how to find the right contractor – please click here to view a checklist that will help you make the right decision.

Call us today – and get the quality and service you deserve!

http://www.keepingsarasotacool.com/

How Sarasota residents can keep Air Conditioning costs down this summer.

This time of year In Florida air conditioning systems run 24 hours a day keeping your home cool and comfortable.  

No other home appliance is so hard at work constantly.  Also, this time of year you can see some pretty high electric bills.  If the heat doesn’t make you sweat – those energy bills sure will.

In Sarasota Florida, the cost to run air conditioning adds an average of $230.00 to the electric bill during the hotter months. Of course if you have a new high efficiency system installed you are paying quite a bit less than that.

When you live in Florida - staying cool is not just a luxury for many people - it’s a necessity. 
Running your air conditioning system shouldn’t cost and arm and a leg, you just have to make sure the unit is operating efficiently so that you get the best performance for your energy dollars.  In our experience, the way to do that is to follow some easy steps.  Here’s how to save 20-50% on your costs:

1.  Regular maintenance -  When you keep your A/C well-maintained, you’re increasing its efficiency by up to 30%.

2. Change Filters on a regular basis -  Dirty filters are a major cause of inefficient operation.  You can save 5-15% in energy usage just by cleaning your filters regularly.

3. Make sure you do not have leaky ducts - Breaks in ductwork lower efficiency by allowing up to 20% of conditioned air to leak out.

4. It goes without saying – but a little common sense goes a long way -   Don’t leave doors or windows open while running your A/C, and make sure the thermostat is set correctly.  Your air conditioner runs no faster at a lower thermostat setting, it only runs longer. The recommended summer setting is 78 degrees. Set it 2 to 5 degrees higher when you're away in the day. Home cooling costs increase 12% for each degree setting below 78 degrees.

5. Have an energy-efficient unit installed - Whether you’re installing a new A/C system or replacing on old one, an energy-efficient model will save you money. 

Air conditioning costs can be managed, simply by keeping your system in good repair and making wise choices about how you operate your system.

HVAC Contractor Keeping Sarasota Cool

Why should I sign up for an Air Conditioning Maintenance Agreement?

Cars have different warning lights to let us know when gas is low, tires are flat, etc.  Unfortunately your air conditioning system doesn’t have a check engine light, and it’s easy to just forget all about it until one day you come home from work and your home is 100 degrees.

Just like your car, the A/C system needs regular attention.  Having a maintenance contract from Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. will help keep your system working at peak efficiency and will prevent costly repair bills down the road.

Keeping your Florida home comfortable can account for almost 50% of your yearly energy costs.  Having an Air Conditioning Tech come out twice a year do a checkup is a great way to save money and catch possible problems before they happen.

With a maintenance agreement from Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. you will enjoy Reduced energy costs, extended system life and lower repair bills!

Call us today – and get the quality and service you deserve!

http://www.keepingsarasotacool.com/

Be a hero!

Call Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc., and keep the ones you love cool and comfortable all summer long!

www.keepingsarasotacool.com - For the quality and service you deserve!

Sea Turtle Nesting Season

Sea Turtle nesting season started on May 1st and goes to October 31st. Sea Turtles usually nest through September and hatching starts around July and goes through to October. This year, we saw a few nests prior to May 1st, this is consistent with trends that show that sea turtles are laying their eggs earlier each year.

Nesting has been steadily increasing since its lowest point in 2007. This year, we’re expecting the turtles that hatched in 2012, our biggest year so far, to return, so we’re hoping for another big year!

We ask beachgoers to fill in holes and knock down sandcastles before leaving the beach, and take all their beach furniture with them when they leave the beach. Please remember to keep lights from shining on the beach at night when the turtles are nesting. Sea turtles use lights to find their way back to the ocean and lights on the beach will cause the turtles to go the wrong way.

Mote Marine Laboratory is trying to get their Turtle Patrol volunteers out early, so they can catch new nests. If you would like more information about volunteer opportunities at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, please contact Mote at volunteerinfo@mote.org.

Air Conditioning Thermostat Tips

What do I set my thermostat to?

The most economical operation of your system comes from setting the thermostat properly.

Set the thermostat at the highest summer setting or the lowest winter setting at which you are comfortable. Typical settings are 78 degrees for summer cooling and 70 degrees for winter heating. When cooling, your operating costs increase from 3% to 8% for each degree your thermostat is lowered.

In hot weather, should I turn my thermostat up when I leave for work in the morning?

If your house is going to be empty for more than about four hours, it is a good idea to turn your thermostat up to about 82 degrees instead of 78, which is usually recommended.

When you come home, do not set the thermostat any lower than the temperature you actually desire. Your air-conditioning system will not cool any faster and can easily waste money by cooling your home more than is needed.

Should a thermostat be set to "auto" or "on"?

When the thermostat is set to "auto," the fan operates only when the temperature requires it.

This is the most used setting. However, there are advantages to using the "on" setting. First of all, the air in the house is constantly filtered through the unit's air filter. Secondly, the constantly circulating air results in an even temperature throughout the house.

Need AC?  Call  Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc.at 941-921-7208 or visit our website at www.keepingsarasotacool.com

Sarasota Air Conditioning Jobs!

Are you motivated, energetic, love to help people?

If you answered "Yes" and you're looking for an amazing Job with opportunities for advancement, we have great news!

Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. is looking for entry level and experienced technicians that are willing to learn. We offer great pay, benefits, paid time off and holidays.

To join our team of experts contact us today at 941-921-7208.
Applicants must have a clean driver license and undergo a national background check.

Click here to view our website!

Circle of Champions

Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning & Heating was recently designated a Circle of Champions recipient by
Bryant Heating and Cooling Systems.

This prestigious award is given to the top Bryant dealers in the region.  Sean McCutcheon will travel to Indianapolis in May to receive the award.

The Bryant Factory Authorized Dealers named to the Circle of Champions are judged on overall Bryant-branded product sales growth, high-efficiency and indoor air quality equipment sales, customer satisfaction, and participation in various dealer programs and promotions.

Looking for a Sarasota Air Conditioning Company?

Imitation is not always the sincerest form of flattery.

Since 2003 Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. has been “Keeping Sarasota Cool” and
working with customers to help them understand different Air Conditioning options so they can make an educated choice when it’s time to replace their system.

There are a lot of different AC companies out there –  some are honest and mean what they say – and others will say anything to get a foot in the door.  When it’s time to repair or replace your air conditioning system – go with the real deal,  Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc.

We don’t offer $19.99 check up specials, air duct sanitization, or other worthless services.  We will never sell you any product or service you don’t need, we just offer the quality and service you deserve!

Why you should use a factory authorized dealer to install your new air conditioning system.

You don’t become a Factory Authorized Dealer just by buying a lot of equipment from the manufacturer – it takes a lot of work and dedication. Most air conditioning companies will be able to service and repair different types and brands of equipment, but those who are factory authorized have gone above and beyond and strive to be the best at what they do.

Factory Authorized Dealers are held to rigorous national standards and must continually qualify for factory endorsement. They also adhere to a long list of sound business practices, such as maintaining all required local licenses, having appropriate insurance and liability coverage, and fulfilling warranty obligations in a timely manner.

These dealers participate in extensive training on technical aspects of equipment installation, maintenance, and repair and employ NATE-certified technicians who have passed a stringent set of core and specialty exams to ensure their technical competency.

If you demand superior quality and expect excellent service – you will want to work with a Factory Authorized Dealer.

Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. is a factory authorized Bryant dealer.  We provide residential and commercial AC installation, repair and maintenance throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Air Conditioning Warning!!!

If you decide to become a customer of Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating you may find that you will be more comfortable in your home, more relaxed, happier, you may sleep better, be more attractive to your spouse, and you may even look and feel younger.  We apologize in advance for these possible  side effects.

What makes us different from other air conditioning companies?

"The quality and service you deserve"

Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. would like to help make you and your family more We provide residential and commercial air conditioning repair, maintenance, and new installation throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties.

We are able to handle air conditioning and heating jobs that the average HVAC Company can’t.  We specialize in retrofitting and custom designing energy efficient air conditioning systems for both residential and commercial applications.  We also offer emergency service 7 days a week so when your AC stops working at 10:00 on a Saturday night you won’t have to wait until Monday morning.

Some air conditioning companies go for the fast easy money and do not plan on even being around a few years down the road.  At McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc., we want to earn your trust, we are here to stay, and we will work closely with you and help you choose the best air conditioning system that will give you many years of service.

Our highly trained technicians are NATE Certified. We pride ourselves in offering extraordinary quality and exceptional attention to detail on every job we perform.

Our goal is to constantly raise the bar for customer satisfaction and to set the standard for all other Air Conditioning and Heating contractors to follow.

Click here to visit our Sarasota Florida Air Conditioning contractor website

Sarasota Florida Air Conditioning Systems need regular maintenance in order to function effectively and efficiently for many years of service

Not performing maintenance on AC systems will result in a steady decline in air conditioning performance while energy use steadily increases. 

Would you try to drive a car for 5 years without changing oil or putting air in the tires?

Some maintenance you can do yourself.  For example: Replace air filters on a regular basis.  Make sure the outside condenser unit is not blocked and dirt and debris is not collecting in and around the unit.  Keep the area around the unit clear, and trim any plants so they are at least 2 feet away.

Twice a year however – in the spring and again in the fall, you should have  a professional air conditioning technician to check the air conditioning system and ensure it is operating at peak efficiency.

Some of the things the HVAC tech will do:

•    Checking volts and amps of all motors.
•    Checking the compressor.
•    Checking contactor for pitting or burning.
•    Cleaning condenser and evaporator coils.
•    Putting pan tabs in drain pan.
•    Vacuuming drain line to keep it clear.
•    Checking superheat.
•    Checking refrigerant pressure.
•    Checking capacitors.
•    Cleaning or changing standard filters.
•    Checking thermostat operation
•    Checking heating sequence in the winter.
•    Checking cooling sequence in the summer.
•    Checking electrical connections.
•    Checking all bearings.
•    Checking belt condition (if applicable).
•    Cleaning indoor unit.
•    Washing and waxing outdoor unit.


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

Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. Earns Esteemed 2014 Angie’s List Super Service Award

The Award reflects the company’s consistently high level of customer service.

Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. has earned the service industry’s coveted Angie’s

List Super Service Award, reflecting an exemplary year of service provided to members of the local services marketplace and consumer review site in 2014.

“Our goal is to constantly raise the bar for customer satisfaction and to set the standard for all other Air Conditioning and Heating contractors to follow.”

“Only about 5 percent of the Air Conditioning and Heating companies in Sarasota and Manatee have performed so consistently well enough to earn our Super Service Award,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “It’s  a really high standard.”

Angie’s List Super Service Award 2014 winners have met strict eligibility requirements, which include an “A” rating in overall grade, recent grade, and review period grade; the company must be in good standing with Angie’s List, pass a background check and abide by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List. Companies are graded on an A through F scale in areas ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality. Members can find the 2014 Super Service Certification logo next to company names in search results on AngiesList.com.

###

Angie's List helps facilitate happy transactions between nearly 3 million consumers nationwide and its collection of highly-rated service providers in 720 categories of service, ranging from home improvement to health care. Built on a foundation of authentic reviews of local service, Angie's List connects consumers directly to its online marketplace of services from member-reviewed providers, and offers unique tools and support designed to improve the local service experience for both consumers and service professionals.

CONTACT:  Cheryl Reed, 317-396-9134, cherylr@angieslist.com

Sarasota air conditioning repair and new installation

20 unlicensed contractors arrested in sting operation.

Sarasota County Sheriff’s office recently arrested 20 unlicensed contractors in operation freelancer sting.

Undercover detectives called various contractors and asked them to show up to a residence and quote a job.  As the contractors showed up, the DBPR database was checked to determine if they had a license.

Not only were these contractors unlicensed – but out of 20 contractors – 13 had prior criminal histories with a total of  91 prior felony charges and 89 prior misdemeanor charges.  A couple of the contractors showed up in possession of illegal substances, and 2 more were driving with suspended licenses.

This serves to illustrate that if you hire an unlicensed contractor you probably have at least a 50% chance of hiring a criminal.

Consumers can verify licenses with the DBPR online at www.myfloridalicense.com, by calling 850-487-1395, or downloading the free DBPR Mobile app through iTunes or the Google Play store.

Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating is not only licensed and insured, but we use third party verification by Ask the Seal. Our employees are drug tested and have complete nationwide background checks on a regular basis. 

Visit our website: KeepingSarasotaCool.com


Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2014/11/18/5481868_sarasota-deputies-arrest-20-in.html?rh=1#storylink=cpy