Air Conditioning Tax Credits

On New Year’s Day Congress approved a legislative package that reinstated dozens of popular tax breaks that benefit individuals and small businesses,  including the extension of the “25C” tax credit for installing energy efficient appliances in existing and new homes.

The ”25C” tax credit allows homeowners to claim up to $500 in tax credits for installing qualified energy efficient improvements. 

The tax credit is equal to 10% of the cost  (up to a $300 limit) for installing a high efficiency central air conditioner, heat pump or hot water heater.  Also a homeowner can get a tax credit for up to $150 for installing a qualified furnace or hot water boiler, and a smaller tax credit of up to $50 is available for installing a system with an advanced main air circulating fan.

The IRS will soon release information instructing taxpayers on how to file a claim.

If 2013 is the year you replace your air conditioning system, please give Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. a call.  We’ll help you choose the best system for your needs.

Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. – “The Quality and Service You Expect!


For information about applying for the tax credit click here.

Why is R-22 being phased out?

The manufacture of R-22 results in a dangerous by-product that adversely affects the environment. Older Air Conditioning systems can develop leaks that are slowly depleting the ozone. R-22 is considered a greenhouse gas.

Manufacturers of residential and commercial air conditioning systems have been offering equipment that uses ozone-friendly refrigerants for many years now.  Sean McCutcheon’s Air conditioning and Heating, Inc. has been recommending Environmentally Safe refrigerants such as Puron since 2004.

As of January 1, 2010 the U.S. was required to reduce its consumption of HCFCs by 75%. R-22 may not be used in new equipment. As a result HVAC system manufacturers cannot produce new air conditioners and heat pumps that use R-22.

Unfortunately many homeowners had been misinformed about R-22 availability, and were sold HVAC systems that still used R-22 – even up to a year ago since some warehouses still stocked older models that were offered at huge discounts.  As less R-22 is manufactured, the cost is sky rocketing.  Already R-22 is going for as much as $40 plus per pound.

Moving forward consumers need to take the phase out of R-22 into consideration when having an existing system repaired.  Be very cautious of any air conditioning company that is offering free Freon right now – they may be up to no good!

By January 1, 2020 the U.S. will reduce its consumption of HCFCs by 99.5%. Refrigerant that has been recovered, recycled and reclaimed will be allowed to service existing systems, but chemical manufacturers will no longer be able to produce R-22 to service existing air conditioners.

The Clean Air Act does not allow any refrigerant to be vented into the atmosphere during installation, service, or retirement of equipment. Therefore, R-22 must be recovered and recycled (for reuse in the same system), reclaimed (reprocessed to the same purity standard as new R-22), or destroyed. Sean McCutcheon’s Air conditioning and Heating takes great care to properly dispose of R-22 when removing old units.

We recover the R-22 refrigerant and turn it into reclamation and recycling depots for proper disposal or reuse.

At Sean McCutcheons Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. We give our customers the quality and service they expect!

UV Light Sanitization for Indoor Air Quality

It is very likely that at one time or another you have wondered about your indoor air quality. We are constantly being bombarded with information and statistics from a variety of places ranging from legitimate sources like the EPA website to misinformation deliberately put out there by unscrupulous companies trying to scare you into buying unnecessary equipment or services. 

Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. understands that sometimes it’s very hard to separate the truth from the fiction so we painstakingly research all new technology so that we can educate our customers, and we only recommend products that we genuinely believe in so that we can help you make the best possible choice.

UV Purification is a cost effective way to bask stationary objects like your evaporator coil and duct walls with the germicidal power of UVC light. Most UV lights are installed in such a way that the UV rays directly treat the evaporator coil.  

One of the most important things to remember is that UV light sanitization is very cost effective and it should not break the bank. Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. can install a UV Systems for as little as $250.00 and rarely more than $675.00 for most residential applications per HVAC system. 

We are constantly hearing horror stories from people who were talked into paying thousands of dollars for an installation we could have done for $250.00 so be diligent and at least get a second opinion. You can avoid getting swindled by an unethical contractor if you do just a little research. 

If you would like more information about Ultraviolet Germicidal Lights and whether this is the right option for your particular HVAC system, call Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. and one of our expertly trained home comfort specialists will answer any questions you may have. 

SeanMcCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. has been named a Carrier Award Winning I.A.Q. Expert for three years running.

Clickhere to read more about UV Lights.

Ever want to be able to monitor and control your thermostat with your iPhone or iPad?

Most of us rely on technology to help manage our daily lives more efficiently, so connecting our HVAC system to the internet may be the next logical step.

You can stay connected to your business or residential property wherever you are.  Instant notifications of temperature and humidity changes are only a couple advantages of thermostat remote access. 

One of the best products currently available is the Honeywell Prestige 2.0 Comfort System Thermostat.  With a convenient iPhone app you can view and change HVAC system settings,  View and set temperature, View indoor humidity, View outdoor temperature and humidity, Access multiple thermostats and even multiple locations, and get instant alerts via email.

Convenience is not the only reason to consider this thermostat, it could help save you money on your electric bill.

When the Prestige 2.0 is used for commercial applications the programmable display will register occupied, unoccupied, override, and holiday settings.  You can create custom events 365 days to program the thermostat based on business hours.  To help save money, there is an economizer setting that switches between ventilation and cooling during occupied times depending on the outdoor temperature.  With total control over your thermostat settings you can ensure the air conditioning or heating is only running at those times when it is needed.

Other features of this thermostat are return and discharge air temperature sensors, customer alerts if the system is not functioning as expected, and alerts that inform the customer that there could be an issue prior to loss of cooling or heating capability.

If you are interested in knowing more about this type of thermostat, please call Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning And Heating, Inc. and one of our comfort care specialists will be happy to help you determine if this is the right thermostat for you.

At Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning And Heating, Inc. we not only keep you cool, but we give you the quality and service you deserve!

www.keepingsarasotacool.com

The Award Winning Air Conditioning Company

When it comes to excellence in Customer Service, Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. is setting new standards. 
 

We are proud of the many awards we have received, including the Carrier Enterprise IAQ Award, Enterprise Achievement Award, and Several Leadership Awards. 

However,  we recognize that the reason we have these prestigious honors is because of our loyal customers who expect nothing less than the absolute best!   

To all of our customers who have made us what we are today, we thank you!  We may be an Award Winning Air Conditioning Company, but we will never forget who got us where we are.   And we will never stop exceeding your expectations!

UV lights will help prolong your Air Conditioning System life.

Over time, debris can collect on the surface of your air conditioning system cooling coil. Left unchecked, this buildup can reduce system efficiency and release pollutants such as mold spores and unpleasant odors into the air you breathe.

When UV lamps are installed, the air conditioning cooling coil is flooded with intense UV-C light. These lamps sterilize coil surfaces, enhance air flow, and protect the air you breathe by killing mold and bacteria. UV Lights pick up where many filters stop by actually destroying trapped particles on the cooling coil.

Conventional methods for cleaning your indoor cooling coil involve chemical or steam cleaning methods that can be costly and time consuming. Safe and reliable UV Lights deliver the benefits of a cleaner, more energy efficient comfort system and years of lasting reliability. Simply replace the UV bulbs once a year for maximum protection.

Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating is currently offering special discounts. You can save up to $100.00 on new installation of UV lights.

When used in conjunction with a preventive maintenance plan, UV lights will help prolong the Air Conditioning System life.

Visit us at: http://www.keepingsarasotacool.com/

Call us today for more information: 941-921-7208

Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. provides residential and commercial AC installation, repair and maintenance throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties including Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Lakewood Ranch, and the surrounding communities.  We specialize in retrofitting and custom designing, energy efficient air conditioning systems that keep you comfortable and save you money on your electric bill.

The man is wearing a white jacket and has a stethoscope – so he must be a doctor, right?

An out of town doctor who just happens to be in your neighborhood making house calls is going door to door offering a complete physical including blood tests for only $19.99.  The doctor tells you that the cold and flu season is right around the corner, and you should get a checkup to avoid any possible sickness down the road. 

The man is wearing a white jacket and has a stethoscope – so he must be a doctor, right?

You go ahead and let the doctor into your home to do the physical and afterwards you are informed that you have a bad appendix and it needs to come out immediately.  Even though you feel perfectly fine, the doctor says he cannot leave your home until you have the procedure.  He claims you could be dead within a few hours if he does not remove the offending organ.

This may seem like an extremely unlikely scenario, but something similar to this situation happens all too frequently.

Predator Air Conditioning companies will sweep through a neighborhood and offer “too good to be true” Air Conditioning maintenance specials. 

They promise inexpensive “AC Tuneups” – sometimes as low as $19.99.  They may also advertise the common tagline “Free Service Call with Air Conditioning Repair,” do not fall for this scam!
These tactics are only designed to get a unscrupulous repairman into your home.  You can rest assured you will never only pay $19.99.  In fact by the time they are finished you may be spending hundreds or thousands of dollars for repairs or services you don’t even need.  These types of companies will always try to take advantage of you.

A properly state licensed and fully insured air conditioning contractor would never spend an hour doing preventive maintenance on your AC system for only $19.99. And if you are knowingly hiring an unlicensed and uninsured contractor you are only asking for trouble.

Make sure the contractor who services your AC system is licensed and insured.  Also, the best air conditioning contractors are also NATE certified. 

Remember that organizations like the Better Business Bureau and any Chamber of Commerce charge members a yearly fee – so any company that pays its dues will be recommended or “accredited”.  This is why you should also check online reviews, as well as ask family and friends who they have used, and talk to your neighbors and co-workers.

How do you know if your air conditioning ductwork needs to be inspected?

The average home can lose up to 20% of its heating and cooling energy if the ductwork is improperly sealed or has loose connections.  

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

So, how do you know if it is time to call Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. to repair or replace or your ductwork?

For one thing, as a homeowner you can visually inspect your own ductwork.   

Most homes in Florida have flexible ductwork installed.  While Flexible ductwork has many advantages over sheet metal (Less expensive, easier to install), 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.  You will want to see if there are tears in the protective coating of the ductwork, kinks, flattened areas, or even exposed insulation. 

If you have a preventive maintenance plan with Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc., let us know if you have any concerns about the condition of your ductwork and we will gladly visually inspect it for you.

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. 

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.

And of course, just look at your utility bill.  Does your cost of electricity seem higher than it should be?

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).

Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. is now an accredited QA Program Participant!

Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. has just been recognized by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) as an ACCA Quality Assured New Homes Contractor.

This certification is awarded to HVAC contractors who satisfy the requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes Program (Version 3). New ENERGY STAR certified homes are independently verified to be at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), and they feature additional measures that deliver a total energy efficiency improvement of up to 30 percent compared to typical new homes, and even greater savings when compared to most resale homes.

Only HVAC contractors who are credentialed through an EPA–recognized organization, such as the ACCA, are eligible to install HVAC equipment in these new ENERGY STAR certified homes. These expert contractors are committed to abiding by the best-practices standards set forth by the ACCA, and their compliance with ENERGY STAR requirements is validated by qualified 3rd party raters from the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET®) thus ensuring the consistent delivery of  high performance homes.

HVAC credentialing makes it easy for builders to identify contractors capable of helping them build ENERGY STAR certified homes, and it gives consumers the piece of mind of knowing that their new homes will bring them the efficiency, comfort, and durability that they expect from an ENERGY STAR certified home.

Beware Opportunistic Storm Chasers in the Aftermath of Tropical Storm Debby.

Tropical Storm Debby brought heavy rains and high water to Sarasota and the surrounding areas over the weekend and most of Monday this week.

Whenever there is any type of disaster such as a tropical storm or hurricane, we always have an influx of out of state companies and contractors looking to make some quick cash while taking advantage of homeowners who are unfortunate enough to have damage to their property.

Many of these companies are unlicensed and/or uninsured, some will even promise to do the work but will take deposits and disappear. And even if they do complete the work, chances are they hired unqualified day labor and when problems with the work are discovered the company is nowhere to be found.

It’s just too risky to hire an unlicensed contractor.
Many insurance companies will deny a claim if someone is injured or damage is done as a result of hiring a unlicensed contractor.

Property owners in Florida can be fined up to $5,000 for hiring an unlicensed contractor.
If a contractor is not licensed or insured – there is a good chance they have a criminal background, and do not do background checks on anyone working for them.

AsktheSeal.com suggests you stick to a local company who has a good track record and solid reputation in your area. If you do not know of any such contractors in your area, you can find quality companies for free on AsktheSeal.com. AsktheSeal.com verifies licenses, insurance and customer service record before awarding their Seal of Approval. They also perform annual criminal background checks on owners and employees and issue photo IDs confirming their background checks. Companies with the Seal of Approval can even email you a photo of the employees coming to your property.

Visit AsktheSeal.com for more information.

Visit www.keepingsarasotacool.com if you are in need of Air Conditioning repair, service, or new installation.

Incredible home built by Josh Wynne – The Power Haus

The Power Haus was designed to exceed every standard in green construction while maintaining the clients’ desired aesthetic and comfort requirements.

It is a shining example of the level of performance and sustainability that can be achieved while maintaining a high standard of quality, comfort and design.

Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning And Heating is proud to have installed the HVAC system for the Power Haus, and even prouder to work with Josh Wynne – a truly brilliant individual!

Power Haus received a minus 22 HERS index, the lowest ever recorded by Energy Star and the DOE Builder’s Challenge.

It’s the highest scoring new LEED for Homes Platinum ever certified. Power Haus also tops the FGBC standard and NAHB’s National Green Building Standard and is certified Florida Water Star Gold and FPL Build Smart.

Visit Josh Wynne Construction at:  www.joshwynneconstruction.com

Codding Cottage - Green Builder Josh Wynne’s award winning Sarasota home.

Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating installed the HVAC system. 

Codding Cottage was the First Platinum LEED Home Florida.

It was the second Platinum LEED Home in the United States.

And and the Southeast Building Conference presented a Grand Aurora Award for the home.   

Josh Wynne also earned the Best in American Living (BALA) platinum award for design excellence and marketability at the 2010 International Builders Show in Las Vegas.

If you need a new system we will guide you through the selection process to ensure that you get the right solution for your home comfort needs and your budget.

We offer high-efficiency heating and air conditioning systems that save energy and money. Other products include filtration systems for keeping the indoor air quality healthy & clean. We have customizable solutions to match your family's lifestyle and comfort level.

Turn to the professionals at Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. for all of your comfort needs, and receive the exceptional service you deserve.

When the service tech shows up at your door, how do you know he is not a sex offender?

We all expect companies to act responsibly when hiring employees.  And when a technician or contractor shows up to our homes to perform work, we would like to think they do not have a criminal background.

After all, none of us would intentionally allow a criminal to come into our homes and interact with our families.

If you deal with a company or contractor that does not feel it necessary to be properly insured or licensed, chances are that they do not do background checks on their employees either.

At Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc., we want our customers to have peace of mind knowing that each and every employee of ours is thoroughly background checked by Ask the Seal.

About ask the Seal:

“Ask the Seal performs annual background checks on employees who interact with the public or their personal information. Employees who pass the published background check criteria are issued photo ID cards verifying their checks. Companies with the Seal of Approval can send their customers an email with a photo of an employee and verification of their background check.  AsktheSeal.com is a consumer advocacy company and website based in Tampa, Fl. The peace of mind that AsktheSeal.com provides is priceless and is therefore free to consumers. Consumers depend on AsktheSeal.com to learn how to select the best and safest company for the job and to find companies with the Seal of Approval. Reputable companies depend on AsktheSeal.com to distinguish them from corner cutting competitors who pretend to offer the same safety and quality standards.”

For more information, please visit www.keepingsarasotacool.com
or call us at 941-921-7208.

Ever wonder how many registered sex offenders live in your neighborhood?

Visit familywatchdog.us to see the shocking results!  That’s the bad news….

The good news is that if you hire Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. the chances of having a registered sex offender work on your Air Conditioning is ZERO! 
We use Ask The Seal (asktheseal.com) so our valued customers have peace of mind knowing each and every one of our employees has had a thorough background check.

Ask the Seal verifies licenses and insurance.  They perform nationwide criminal background and sex offender checks on the actual employees interacting with your family.

They issue photo IDs confirming background checks and our customers can even request an email directly from Ask the Seal that includes a photo and proof of background check of any employee that works at your home.

Don’t take chances and let just anyone in your home.   

Do You Need Air Conditioning Service Or Maintenance?

One of the questions we frequently encounter is "do I need service or maintenance?" It can be confusing, and to better serve our customers we would like to clarify the difference.

Some customers call and request a maintenance visit when they suspect their air conditioning system is malfunctioning. This misunderstanding be a problem if it is a busy time of year and we have many service calls which take priority over maintenance calls.

When it is 100 degrees and your air conditioner has stopped working the only thing you care about is cooling off. So do you call and ask for service or maintenance?

Whenever you suspect something is wrong with your system, and especially if it is clearly malfunctioning you should call for a service call. Service calls are always moved to the top of the list and become our #1 priority since nobody wants to experience discomfort due to a problem with
their HVAC.

The difference between routine maintenance and a service call is basically this: Maintenance is preventative and is only performed when the air conditioning system is operating properly as to insure continued optimum performance.

In order to properly manage our maintenance customers we schedule those two maintenance visits over the course of a year and at slightly different times for each customer so we can get to everyone and still be able to take care of service calls and emergency work.

Since air problems usually happen during the hottest part of the summer, there is a possibility that we could temporarily have more work than the techs can handle, so new maintenance visits become a lower priority and may not be able to be scheduled for days or weeks.

If you have no issues or problems we would schedule routine maintenance as far as four months ahead. An advantage to our customers is that when we schedule so far in advance we can keep our maintenance prices low.

If you feel that your system is not working properly, or not at all, you would need a service call. Keeping this in mind will help our dispatchers more efficiently schedule your work and help insure our technicians are able to use their time most resourcefully.

If you are not currently a Priority Service Agreement Member with Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, inc. you may want to consider signing up. You will enjoy many benefits including free maintenance when you refer customers to us.

Every time you refer a friend or family member to us and they sign up for a Priority Service Agreement, you will get your next maintenance visit free of charge.

A maintenance agreement will keep your air conditioning unit in good working condition and help you avoid expensive repair bills. A properly maintained system will also lower your energy bills.

Some manufacturer's warranties require annual maintenance.

A Priority Service Agreement includes:

Two thorough 38 point inspections per year.
Air filter cleaning or replacement (most models).
Wash and wax outdoor unit.
Priority scheduling.
15% discount on service repairs.
Discounts on future replacements.
Indoor unit cleaning.
Up to one pound of refrigerant if needed.
Loyalty rewards.

If you are interested and would like more information – please contact us at 941-921-7250

www.keepingsarasotacool.com

Free HVAC Mold Inspections Are Scams.

Actual proper mold testing is very expensive and should only be performed by licensed technicians.

No legitimate company will offer a free mold inspection, and any company that claims they do are simply looking for bait and switch victims.

Many types of mold particles normally exist in all homes.  In other words you will always be able to find some kind of mold no matter where you look. 

The majority of information regarding mold that the general public is exposed to originates from companies that make money selling mold-related products or services.  As a result, most people who call a mold removal contractor are not really sure if they have a mold problem or not.

Some companies will use scare tactics to make consumers believe they have a mold problem, or are even suffering ill effects from exposure to mold in their homes.

If you suspect you may have a problem, please use a licensed mold consultant and avoid any company that uses advertising gimmicks like “FREE MOLD INSPECTION”, “FREE CONSULTATION”,  or “FREE TESTING”!  These companies simply want to get their foot in the door and will end up trying to charge you thousands of dollars to remedy a problem that you probably do not have.

Make sure your Mold Inspector is State licensed, and also that your mold inspector is not your mold remediator.

www.keepingsarasotacool.com

Sarasota Air Conditioning Repair, Service, And Maintenance

Stop mold while you are away from home this summer.

If you have a winter home in Florida that is vacant during the summer months, or even if you just take your vacation in the summer, you need to take certain precautions to prevent mold growth while you are way.

Mold needs three things: Nutrients, a place to grow, and moisture.
So the obvious thing to do is check for any moisture problems, and fix leaky plumbing.
It is very important to have your air conditioning inspected and maintained so it is operating smoothly.
You can prevent mold from developing in your vacant home by controlling the indoor relative humidity so it is below 60%.
One of the ways to manage humidity is to have a programmable thermostat installed that will run your air conditioner at 72° for just two hours each morning before sunrise and at 88° the rest of the time. This will help prevent mold by removing moisture from the air during the cooler hours when relative humidity is highest and your A/C runs most efficiently.
For more information, and to have your HVAC properly serviced, please call Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc.

Sarasota Air Conditioning Repair, Service, And Maintenance

Should you hire a handyman for that job?

Handymen are not required to be licensed by the State of Florida.  However, there are restrictions on the kinds of services a handyman can perform.

If a handyman does work  that requires a license, criminal prosecution is possible.  The type of work that requires a license includes construction, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC.

Don’t confuse a Business license with a contractor’s license.  A Handyman is not a licensed contractor and cannot obtain permits.  Most projects, even small ones, require permits and inspections.  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.

Homeowners who hire unlicensed contractors face several potentially costly penalties. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation can issue an order to stop construction and can levy a $5,000.00 fine for aiding and abetting unlicensed contractors.

Other dangers of Hiring Unlicensed Contractors are the fact that unlicensed contractors typically do not have the education, insurance, or qualifications needed to get a license.   They may perform poor quality work or even leave the project unfinished. They also often have criminal backgrounds.  

There are times when a handyman can be convenient.  If you have small jobs around the house or a “honey do” list that does not require much skill, a handyman may be fine.  Just make sure the handyman does not claim they can do any work that should be done by a licensed professional.

You should also be aware that any work performed by an unlicensed contractor will not be covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy.

If you do hire a Handyman – make sure he has workman’s compensation and liability insurance or you will be held liable if any of his employees is injured.

If the person doing work for you is unlicensed and does not pay his sub-contractors or suppliers, You may be subject to liens placed on your property.

Sometimes trying to save a few bucks just isn’t worth it.  It’s better to protect yourself and know all of the facts. 

For more information about unlicensed contractors please visit http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/reg/UnlicensedActivity.html

Visit us at www.keepingsarasotacool.com

Dirty Air Conditioning Ducts

If low quality AC filters are used, or if your ductwork is not adequately sealed, you may accumulate some dirt and other debris over a period of time.
There are many companies out there who will try to scare you by claiming your home is making you sick. They create advertisements that warn about cancer causing mold, dust mites, and toxic insect parts that cause asthma and allergies. One company claims they can extract up to 15 gallons of debris from your ducts and by doing so, you will save up to 30% on your electric bill.
Unfortunately, most of the information available about duct cleaning originates from people associated with the industry or from firms who market air duct cleaning services.
It seems that the air quality business is very profitable and very easy to get into.
For example, the following is from the www.air-care.com website.
“...The air duct cleaning and decontamination industry is currently experiencing unprecedented growth. …”Gain unlimited earnings, Realize a 50 - 70% net profit, Operate with a low overhead…”
This is one of countless companies that offer equipment and training for those wanting to start a profitable residential duct cleaning business. For a low price (and 0% financing) you can get lightweight one man duct cleaning equipment that will help you rake in the big bucks.
It is very simple to get into the air duct cleaning business, anyone with the slightest bit of interest can do it, and any requirements are minimal. There are also virtually no uniform standards of professional practice, This has caused small companies to spring up that offer questionable and controversial techniques.
What methods are used to “clean” residential ducts, and do they work?
Vacuum equipment: The claim is that dirt can simply be sucked out of the ducts. This is actually very ineffective because it is impossible to vacuum debris from even a few feet of duct work. Just try vacuuming your floor by holding your duct buster 6 inches above the carpet.
Blowers: They only dislodge loose debris from the very end of the ductwork – the first couple feet that anyone can actually see. Only a very small portion of the total ductwork is cleaned.
Brushes on flexible rods and compressed air fed through the ductwork: This method removes only a very small amount of the debris and will damage ducts creating an even larger problem. Using any kind of brush or forced air will also blow all of those contaminants throughout your home. If the ducts are fiberglass – this method will damage insulation and release fiberglass fibers throughout the home.
Bottom line is that if you actually have dirt in your residential air conditioning ducts, it is almost impossible to effectively remove it by any method available without damaging your ducts and making your air quality worse.
Can you sanitize ductwork? Companies often claim they can sanitize residential ductwork. The problem here is that the biocides needed to kill mold and bacteria will also cause a danger to the occupants of the home. Simply spraying Lysol into the ducts does nothing. And believe it or not – some companies have been known to do just that.
Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. will not clean residential ducts because there just is no effective way to do it.
The best way to ensure you have the best air quality is to use a good quality air filter that is changed on a regular basis, and make sure your duck work is in good condition and is not leaking. Installing Ultra Violet Lights will also kill germs, germs, bacteria, viruses, mildew, and mold spores such as stachybotrys and black mold.
If you have any questions, or need a second opinion, please call Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc.

Sarasota Air Conditioning Repair, Service, And Maintenance

Excerpt from an actual email we received...

"Please help, I have just been mislead and pressured into having my air ducts cleaned and sanitized, UV light installed, for $2,772.00... and he said I was down 6 lbs of Freon? They haven't done the cleaning yet, that will happen Wednesday. My creditor is supposed to mail them a check within 7-10 days. After reading about why you do not clean air ducts, I'm so confused because I feel like I've been totally ripped off!

I'm wanting to call 8 on your side. It's like you mentioned, it was high pressure sales. The company is ******".

Nobody should ever feel uncomfortable or pressured when dealing with any company. Unfortunately the air conditioning industry has some unscrupulous contractors who have found that they can make lots of money selling unsuspecting customers products and services they do not need.
If you are ever suspicious of an estimate you have received - or just want a second opinion - please call Sean McCutcheon's before you do anything!

For a tongue-in-cheek and "slightly" exaggerated parody of the tactics some of these predator companies use - please visit www.acbarn.com.

At Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. our mission is to educate people so they know what to look for, and do not get ripped off!

Sarasota Air Conditioning Repair, Service, And Maintenance