Ceiling Fans can save you money all year, but only if they're turning in the correct direction. In the winter, or whenever it gets cold enough to heat your home, adjusting the direction switch so that your fan is turning clockwise and setting the fan to a low speed will force the hot air that is trapped in the ceiling down and out towards the walls.

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!

How do you know if your ductwork needs to be repaired or replaced?

Most homes in Florida have flexible ductwork. Flexible ductwork is less expensive and easier to install, but it’s just plastic and, as such, it will deteriorate over time. If your ductwork is more than 5 years old, you should inspect it at least once a year.

1. Start by visually inspecting your ductwork. Look for tears in the protective coating, kinks, flattened areas, or even exposed insulation.

2. Flexible ductwork is very susceptible to wildlife. If you suspect that you might have had rats, squirrels, raccoons or any other critter in your attic, make sure you check your ducts.

3. If your ductwork is rattling, clanging, or banging, you could have some loose connections.

4. If the vents that are closer to AC System have more air pressure than the vents that are further away or if some rooms are colder than others, take a look at your ductwork.

5. If your electric bill seems higher than it should be, your ductwork could be to blame.

If you would like to schedule a service or maintenance visit, call Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating at (941) 921-7208 and let us help you get your home ready for next summer!

Not all air cleaning devices are appropriate for home use; some can even be harmful to your health.

Ozone generating air cleaners, for example, can lead to respiratory tract irritations and other breathing difficulties, while passive electrostatic air purifiers actually do very little to clean indoor air.

The best way to promote cleaner air in your home is to have UV lights installed in your HVAC System.

For over 100 years, UV lights have been used in a variety of applications to safely and reliably kill germs on surfaces, in the air, and in water. Germicidal ultraviolet lights generate UV-C, the “C” in UV-C refers to the particular frequency of UV light that kills germs. Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. can safely and efficiently improve your home’s indoor air quality by installing germicidal UV lights in your air handler.

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. Other types of UV lights can actually be installed in the return or supply air duct to treat the air as it passes through. There are even portable UV units that can purify up to 900 sq. ft. These portable units may be ideal for those who work in offices without a purification system, or for those who do not have a forced air system.

Whichever Ultraviolet Purification process you choose will help prevent and destroy mildew, biological odors and other microbial contaminants before they can reproduce and colonize.

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.

Although some commercial versions can last up to 3 years, most UV lights need to be changed once a year to ensure maximum effectiveness.

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.

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

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.

So how do you know when it's time to think about replacing your air conditioning system?

If your equipment needs frequent repairs and your energy bills are going up, your cooling or heating equipment may have become less efficient. If your heat pump or air conditioner is more than 10 years old. Replacing your system with a high-efficiency unit can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs.

But replacing the system may not always be the only answer. It's very important to also make sure the ductwork 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.

Leaky ducts will also pull particles from the attic which will create excessive dust in the home.

During the cooler winter months here in Florida, it's a great time to repair or replace ductwork. Most air companies are not as busy as they are in the summer months, and they will most likely give you a nice discount since the technicians won't have to work in a 120 degree attic.

If you suspect that your ductwork may need to be replaced, please five Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating a call at 941-921-7208...For the quality and service you deserve!

There is an enormous temptation for business owners to be a "Jack of All Trades".

After all, none of us want to turn away potential business and "one stop-shopping" is very convenient for the customer so it's a win-win for everyone, right?

Customers like the idea of a one-stop shop, because it makes life easy if you have someone you can trust to take care of all your needs. Merchants like the idea because they aren't sending businesses elsewhere.

It all sounds like a great idea except that, when you are trying to be all things to all people, you quickly find out that you can't be the best at everything and nobody is ever completely satisfied.

Gone are the days of the days of the backyard mechanic, today's vehicles require skilled technician's that understand the science and technology required to keep them running, the same is true of your Heating and Air Conditioning equipment.

Advances in technology have made specialists more important than ever and Social Media and websites like Angie's List or Ask the Seal make it easier than ever to do a little bit of research online so you do not have to settle for a second rate company.

It used to be that hiring the best meant paying more, but that is simply not the case anymore, especially in a highly competitive industry like the HVAC industry.

In fact, quite often the opposite is true. When you hire a less expensive company, you frequently end up paying for parts you didn't need or inferior work that causes serious problems that could have been avoided by a specialist.

The "Jack of All Trades" business model is based on the philosophy that you should have a solution for nearly 10 out of 10 of the people you encounter. Specialization requires business owners to be comfortable with the idea that they may have to turn away some business.

The "Jack of All Trades" business model forces merchants to provide services they may not be able to stand behind, or even offer unnecessary or ineffective services.

For example: Anyone who understands HVAC systems knows that most residential flexible air duct systems cannot be effectively cleaned without dismantling or replacing the entire system. You cannot properly clean ducts by attaching a powerful vacuum to a vent, but the "Jack of All Trades" company will offer this service because they know that – if they don't, someone else will.

Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. specializes in the installation, repair and maintenance of residential and commercial Air Conditioning and Heating systems. We are not plumbers, we are not electricians, and we will never offer you a product or service that we feel is inferior, ineffective, misleading, or that you simply do not need.

If you need plumbing or electric work, do yourself a favor and call someone who is a specialist in that field, but if you are looking for the highest quality Air Conditioning and Heating installation, repair or maintenance in Sarasota and Manatee counties, call Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. - the premier HVAC Company in Southwest Florida.

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!

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.

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.

This summer 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.

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

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.

All of us like to try and find the best deals – especially when it comes to expensive home improvements.

However, if a plumber, electrician, or air conditioning contractor has just given you a very low quote that seems too good to be true, there is a good chance they are unlicensed.

As tempting as it may be to hire an unlicensed contractor who offers a great bargain, it is against the law!

Now if you are ever in doubt you can whip out your smart phone and make sure you have the right person for the job!

Just 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.

Here are some other reasons not to use them:

Unlicensed contractors may not have the proper skills and experience. They also don't have professional or legal standards they must abide by.

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

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 your neighbors property, the problem is yours.

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.

Many people prefer to have a heat pump.

With a heat pump, you do not need to have a separate AC system and a heater, the heat pump actually provides both heating and cooling capabilities.

During colder temperatures a heat pump will extract heat from the air outside and pump it inside. This means that they use much less energy than even the most energy efficient furnaces.

Unfortunately however, heat pumps work best at temperatures above 40 degrees.

When it gets very cold and the air temperature falls below 40 degrees, the unit can freeze up. When this happens the system has to defrost itself. During a defrost cycle the air conditioning has to run in order to melt the ice, and the backup electric heater will turn on so cold air is not blown into the home. So basically you have AC and heat working at the same time which isn't all that efficient.

The way to avoid this situation is to go ahead and turn the heat on before it gets that cold. On most thermostats this is listed as EM Heat (Emergency Heat) When a thermostat is set to this, only the heat will turn on when the temperature drops.

Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. advises that you test your electric heat before the temperature gets very cold. This way you know that you will have heat on those cold nights.

Most people never think to make sure the heat is working properly, and every year this results in great numbers of people calling AC repair companies for emergency service calls. There just aren't enough AC techs to handle these calls and some people go days without heat.

Another great idea is to sign up for a preventative maintenance program.

Your AC System will be completely checked every spring and fall so you will have peace of mind knowing it will heat when it needs to. Also, with a maintenance agreement, if you ever do need a repair, you will get priority as a preferred customer.

The question is "Can your A/C air ducts really be efficiently cleaned?"

Many disreputable Air Conditioning companies offer cheap duct cleaning. They run specials for $49.95 and claim to be able to clean the air in your home. They will scare you with warnings that you have filthy moldy ducts and the health of your family could be in danger.

One company even uses this line " The average single-family home will have gallons of dust collecting on the walls of air ducts..." They offer to clean your vents for $15.00 each. Funny enough - their ad looks like they are holding a vacuum up to an air vent. That must be one powerful vacuum to suck gallons of dust from hundreds of feet of ducts.

There have been horror stories about people spending thousands of dollars just to have an A/C company do nothing more than spray cans of Lysol into the vents while the AC is running and then claim the ducts have been sanitized.

Some companies use special brushes at the end of long poles and claim they can remove the dust, mold, and etc, that way.

So what is the truth about duct cleaning?

The truth is that most residential A/C Air Ducts cannot be properly cleaned.

If you have Flexible Ducts the act of stuffing a brush through them will rip the material and create holes in the ductwork. The result: Not only are your ducts not clean - but now you are losing cold air into your attic as well as letting more contaminants (and maybe a few little critters) into your home.

If your ducts are made of fiberglass board - not only can they not be properly cleaned, but the act of trying to clean them will most likely result in filling your ducts, and your home with tiny little fiberglass particles. Some fiberglass ducts have a coating that will reduce the amount of fiberglass particles created - but there will still be more than 50% of the "dust" left remaining.

Unfortunately the only type of ducts designed to be cleaned are usually for commercial applications.

Let us repeat: Very few residential duct systems can be effectively cleaned without dismantling or replacement.

So how about sanitizing ductwork?

One of the most efficient and acceptable ways to sanitize ductwork is by using a type of fog machine that will mist a chemical that can sometimes kill mold growing in ducts. Usually you will have to completely vacate the premises for up to 6 hours while this is going on. Even then, you can only expect a 40% success rate.

Bottom line - beware of duct cleaning scams. Usually the unscrupulous contractor will use this as a means to gain access to your home and intentionally mislead the homeowner into paying hundreds or thousands of dollars for additional work.

At Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating - we want you to you be informed, and we want you to know the facts. Feel free to call or email us anytime you have a question.

When you become a Priority Service Agreement Member with Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, inc. 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. You can get a whole year free by having 2 people sign up. If 10 of your friends sign up with us you'll get 5 years of maintenance no charge.

Prevention is always better than the cure. 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 manufacturers warranties require annual maintenance.

What does it include?

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.

Loyalty rewards.

Some air conditioning companies have as many telemarketers on the payroll as technicians.

One of the first signs that an air conditioning company may be shady can be if you receive a phone call from them right out of the blue. This may be a company based in one city that is targeting other cities where it is not known. What they lack in reputation, professionalism and skill, they make up for in mass advertising.

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. One tactic they will often use is to call and claim they are just down the street at a neighbor's house and would like to offer you a discounted or free service. 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, say the system is unsafe, and tell you that your family is in extreme danger. Some companies will even claim that they legally cannot leave an AC system running in such a bad condition. 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.

The following are other things to beware of; wanting you to pay in full before any work is done, not allowing you to verify their license or insurance information, or making you feel intimidated.

There are many ways you can find out if a company or contractor is legitimate.

The Better Business Bureau is a great resource for information and ratings on companies, your local Chamber of commerce can recommend businesses, but the best thing to do is ask around. Contact friends and neighbors to ask who they recommend. Do a little research on the internet; see what other people say about the company. Finally, it never hurts to get a second opinion before you agree to spend a large amount of money on something.

Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. is proud to have worked on the highest scoring new construction LEED platinum home ever built in Florida.

The 'Power Haus' built by Josh Wynne Construction in Sarasota has achieved the lowest HERS rating on record in the U.S., a negative 22.

To put this number into perspective, a HERS Index of 100 represents the energy use of the "American Standard Building" and an Index of 0 (zero) indicates that the Building uses no net purchased energy (a Zero Energy Building). In other words, the owners of this home actually get a check every month from the electric company because this house puts energy back into the grid.

The "Power Haus" has a LEED score of 118, which is just shy of also becoming the highest scoring LEED home in the country by 1.5 points. (A residence in Chicago holds the highest known score at 119.5).

In 2009 Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating also provided the HVAC System for the Codding Cottage in Sarasota which had a LEED score of 110. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is an internationally-recognized green building certification system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

The 'Power Haus" has been certified as a Florida Water Star Gold Home. Florida green Building Coalition designated it as a Certified Green Home – Platinum certification score 255. And it is a certified green building from the NAHB Research Center – an Emerald level green home.

Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. installed a 21 SEER 2 speed Carrier Infinity HVAC system.

This is the most advanced Air Conditioning system on the market. Since some of the duct work is visible, there was a high degree of skill and creativity required to make the system installation not only functional, but pleasing to the eye. Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. specializes in new installation, and they are also considered to be the experts when it comes to retrofitting systems.

The home has many energy saving and high efficiency features including a 14.2-kilowatt photovoltaic array., Eternal gas tankless hybrid water heater, Energy Star appliances and 100% LED lighting.

Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating is committed to promoting efficient and energy saving means of cooling and heating.

Their goal is to educate their customers so they can make the best decisions. Bigger and more expensive is not always better, and Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating works with our customers to help them choose the best system for their home.

If you are considering purchasing a new system, or if you just need maintenance to keep your current system running smoothly, please call them at 941-921-7208

For most of us, automobiles are a necessary part of our lives.

Whether it's a Prius or a Mack truck we all recognize the importance of keeping a car in good running condition. We change oil every 3,000 miles, replace worn tires, wash occasionally and get regular tune ups. Working headlights and Good brakes are always a plus unless you like driving into walls. We would never think of driving a car over 40,000 miles without making sure regular maintenance was performed along the way.

During only four summer months here in Florida your Air Conditioning runs the equivalent of driving your car 42,000 miles.

While it is true that your AC unit will probably never be seen heading south on I-75 at 70 miles an hour, it does serve the very noble purpose of keeping your home nice and cool. Just try going one day without AC in mid July and you'll appreciate that system a little more. Since we're in our cars every day, it's easy to see how much better our lives are when the car is running smoothly. If something is wrong with the car we can usually tell right away.

However, other than checking the thermostat to make sure the temperature is set correctly, we normally don't think much about our Air Conditioning. If something is not right with the AC system you may not know until it totally breaks down. Sure you may notice the electric bill creeping higher, or the house may not be as cool as it used to be, but it's easy to put off getting the AC checked.

Your Air Conditioning System is a tireless servant silently toiling away to make your family more comfortable.

It's dedicated, loyal and never complains. As long as it's supplied with electricity, a little maintenance twice a year and a clean filter it will be able to perform its job.

Remember if your Air Conditioning is happy – you and your family will be happy! The very minimal price of 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. As a maintenance agreement customer you also get many added bonuses including discounts, priority scheduling and even free maintenance when you refer friends and family.

It is essential that an air conditioning company keeps up to date with pending changes in technology and energy regulations.

This is not only so the air conditioning company can ensure continued compliance, but also to ultimately better serve the customer. For example: Sean McCutcheon's Air conditioning and Heating has been recommending Environmentally Safe refrigerants since 2004. Some other air conditioning companies did not bother to inform their customers of the phase out of R-22, and as a result those customers have seen sky rocketing maintenance costs.

Today's voluntary guidelines often become tomorrow's state and federal policies.

For instance, in 2001 the EPA Energy Star Program enacted voluntary energy consumption guidelines for commercial refrigerators and freezers. The California Energy Commission later used those guidelines as the basis of a state law.

Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, inc. proactively anticipates changes in regulations and advises customers as to the best option when deciding to repair or replace their Air Conditioning System. By complying with existing and pending energy use regulations we are able to help the customer select the most energy efficient products that will save them the most money in the long run with the least amount of maintenance.

We routinely try to discover financial incentives to offer to customers so they will consider installing the most energy efficient equipment.

We have also made it a point to be involved with LEED rated homes whenever possible. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Some companies claim to be Green friendly, but at Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, inc., we go out of our way to prove we are genuinely concerned about the environment and sustainable development.

Conventional incandescent lighting may actually make your AC work just a little harder.

Only 10% of the energy used by these light bulbs produces light - the other 90% becomes heat. The last thing you need in the middle of summer is something making more heat in your home.

The average Florida home owner could save up to $70.00 per year by using Compact Florescent Bulbs. It is estimated that almost $40.00 of this is from the AC having to run more. Not a huge expense but it does add up over the years.

Starting in 2012 a law goes into effect that sets new standards for general service light bulbs.

The main purpose of this law is to reduce our energy consumption and our dependence on foreign energy sources.

Compact Florescent bulbs are a little more expensive, but in the long run you'll save money and they last 10x longer. It may just be a good idea to start changing them out now...

During the hot Florida summer months it's easy to rack up a high electric bill.

Here are a few ways you can save money and still stay comfortable.

Did you know that setting your air conditioner only 5% higher can save up to 20% on cooling costs? You may not want to completely turn the thermostat off when you leave the house – but if you get into the habit of turning it to at least 80 degrees you will notice a significant decrease in the amount of your electric bill.

If you install an ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostat – It can save over $200.00 per year and usually pays for itself within the first year. Some programmable thermostats even allow you to connect them to your computer for programming, and most models are very user friendly.

Always try to look for ENERGY STAR products.

These appliances are up to 40% more efficient. If you do a little searching on the internet you can usually find rebates and incentives in your area.

Using fans will reduce air conditioning costs as well. A fan can make you feel three to four degrees cooler and you will be able to set your thermostat a few degrees higher and still feel comfortable.

Try to keep windows and doors shut and close your shades during the day.

Simply having your Air Conditioning unit serviced regularly can cut your cooling costs by as much as 15%.

The average home loses 15% to 25% of its cooling through leaking ducts. Have your heating and cooling ducts professionally sealed or replaced.

Regular maintenance will help your air conditioning system operate efficiently and last longer. When you have your air conditioning unit serviced twice a year you can cut up to 17% of cooling costs.

Be sure nothing is blocking your air conditioner.

To operate efficiently, an AC system needs free flowing air. Make sure any returns inside the house are not blocked by furniture or other items. Filters should be checked monthly.

If you replace your old air conditioner with a high efficiency unit, you will definitely see a difference. New air conditioners use up to 40% less electricity than older models.

If you have any questions, call Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. at 941-921-7208 or visit http://www.keepingsarasotacool.com/.

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