National Preparedness Month is recognized each September to highlight the importance of preparing our homes, schools, businesses, and communities for natural and man-made disasters or emergencies. According to Ready.gov, the National Preparedness Month theme for 2020 is: “Disasters Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today.”
With hurricane season in full swing, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there has never been a more critical time for homeowners and businessowners to understand ways to prevent risks and protect assets. As your preventative maintenance experts, the team at United Refrigeration, Heating and Air is offering preparedness tips for protecting your refrigeration equipment and HVAC systems.
How Floridians Plan and Prepare for System Protection
The time to prepare is now for folks across Ocala, The Villages, and North Central Florida. Here are general tips for homeowners wanting to protect an AC unit, storeowners needing to optimize HVAC systems, or businessowners needing to maintain commercial refrigeration systems, freezers, ice machines, and other equipment.
- Financially plan by budgeting for potential costs associated with disasters, emergencies, or system breakdowns. Manage your budget with an ongoing preventative maintenance program, including cleanings, filter changes, drain clearing, inspections, and other services. From checking refrigerant levels to adjusting thermostats, maintenance is essential for preventing a costly disaster before it strikes a home or business.
- Prevention is also key to avoiding the dangers of a power outage. Lightning strikes, power surges, and power outages are concerns for Floridians. Sometimes the safest method is to shut down or unplug any vital systems during a storm. Know where electrical boxes and shutoff valves are located. Be prepared to take safety steps, such as shutting off electric, gas, or water during an emergency. After a storm or outage, schedule a maintenance check to ensure there was no damage done to your systems.
- Water is a major hazard that could cause corrosion or wreak havoc on refrigeration, heating, and air systems. Always quickly repair leaks and remove any water near your systems. Promptly contact United’s technicians if your systems are impacted by water, leaking pipes, or flooding. In addition to maintenance checks or repairs, United’s technicians may recommend moving or elevating systems in high-risk areas.
- For additional safety, always ensure heavy equipment and large systems are covered, protected, or secured as needed with bolts, hooks, and straps. A maintenance check could help you determine if your equipment and systems are in a secure position and could also protect you from avoidable disasters.
As a full-service AC repair, HVAC service, and commercial refrigeration company, United’s team stands ready to provide emergency service as well as preventative maintenance now during hurricane season and throughout the year for your home or business.
United Refrigeration, Heating and Air’s team has helped keep homes and businesses running efficiently for over 30 years. Call 352-629-1187 to schedule your system maintenance or repair services.
Why Summer Is the Ideal Time for a Tune Up in Florida
Summer in Florida isn’t just hot—it’s a serious stress test for any HVAC system. Whether you’re a homeowner trying to keep your family cool or a business owner keeping customers and employees comfortable, your cooling system becomes a daily necessity.
Scheduling an HVAC Tune Up like a furnace tune up and a/c tune up before or early in the summer ensures your system is ready to perform under peak demand. A professional A/C Tune Up helps identify minor issues before they turn into major (and expensive) problems, ensuring your unit runs efficiently even on the hottest days.
For businesses, a malfunctioning A/C during summer can impact customer satisfaction, productivity, and even inventory conditions.
For homeowners, it could mean sleepless nights or sky-high energy bills. Regular Furnace Tune Ups, while less urgent in summer, also ensure your heating system is ready to go if needed, and prevent deterioration from seasonal neglect.
By booking HVAC tune up early in the summer, you also beat the seasonal rush and avoid delays caused by the high volume of emergency service calls. It’s a proactive move that pays off in comfort, savings, and peace of mind—whether you’re cooling a home, retail shop, office, or rental property.
Real Savings: How Much Can You Save?
Regular HVAC tune ups aren’t just about maintenance—they’re an investment that pays you back, often within just one season. For both homeowners and commercial property owners in Florida, the savings can be significant.
On average, a well-maintained system can reduce energy consumption by 15% to 30%. That translates to noticeable savings on your monthly utility bills, especially during Florida’s long, hot summers when A/C systems run almost nonstop.
Let’s break it down:
- Homeowners might save $100–$300+ per year just by making sure their A/C runs efficiently with a routine A/C Tune Up.
- Commercial properties often operate larger systems with higher energy loads. A furnace tune up could result in thousands of dollars in annual savings, depending on system size and usage.
- Preventing just one major breakdown, which can cost $500 to $5,000 depending on the issue, makes a regular HVAC Tune Up more than worth it.
And don’t forget the Furnace Tune Up. While used less frequently in Florida, a neglected heating system can become inefficient over time, quietly inflating your winter energy bills and leading to unexpected repair costs later.
In short, skipping a HVAC tune up might save a little today, but it could cost a lot more tomorrow. Regular maintenance is a smart move that protects your comfort and your wallet.
Signs Your HVAC Needs a Tune Up
No one wants to be stuck with a malfunctioning HVAC system, especially during Florida’s peak summer heat. Regular HVAC Tune Ups help prevent major issues, but it’s important to know the signs that your system needs attention before it breaks down entirely.
Here are some warning signs for both homeowners and commercial property owners to watch for:
- Uneven Cooling or Heating: If certain areas of your home or business feel warmer or cooler than others, your system may be struggling to maintain consistent airflow. An A/C Tune Up or Furnace Tune Up can fix airflow issues and restore balance.
- Increased Energy Bills: If your utility bills are steadily climbing despite regular use, it could mean your HVAC system is working harder than it needs to. A dirty filter, low refrigerant, or clogged coils are common culprits that a tune-up can address, improving energy efficiency.
- Strange Noises: A well-maintained HVAC system should run quietly. If you hear rattling, squealing, or grinding noises, something may be loose or worn out. Regular HVAC tune ups help catch these issues early, preventing costly repairs down the road.
- Poor Airflow: If your vents aren’t blowing as hard as usual, or there’s little air coming out of them at all, it’s a sign your system may need attention. Poor airflow could be due to clogged filters or dirty coils—issues that are easily resolved during a HVAC tune up.
- Increased Humidity: Florida is known for its high humidity levels, but your HVAC system should be able to regulate this indoors. If the air feels damp or sticky, it could mean your system isn’t running efficiently. A A/C Tune Up can restore your system’s dehumidifying function.
- Frequent Cycles: If your HVAC system constantly cycles on and off, it could be a sign of a malfunctioning thermostat or other internal issues that need to be addressed.
Addressing these signs with a professional HVAC Tune Up will help extend the life of your system, keep your home or business comfortable, and prevent unexpected breakdowns.
Tips for Choosing the Right Florida HVAC Contractor
With Florida’s intense heat and humidity, choosing the right Florida HVAC contractor can make all the difference in getting quality service and lasting results. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to prep for summer or a business owner managing multiple units, here are some key tips to help you find the right professional for your HVAC Tune Up:
1. Look for Proper Licensing and Insurance
Always hire a contractor licensed in the state of Florida, just like United Refrigeration, Heating, & Air, who are licensed and insured Florida HVAC contractors. Proper licensing ensures they meet state requirements and are trained to handle both A/C Tune Up and Furnace Tune Up. Insurance protects you in case of any damages or accidents during the job.
2. Check Reviews and References
Read online reviews and ask for referrals. Look for consistent positive feedback from both residential and commercial clients. Reputable contractors won’t hesitate to share references.
3. Ask About Services Included
Not all HVAC tune ups are created equal. Make sure the Florida HVAC contractor offers a comprehensive service, including inspection, cleaning, testing, and adjustments. Ask if their tune-up covers both cooling and heating components.
4. Compare Pricing and Value
While cost matters, the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Compare quotes, but also weigh what’s included. A thorough A/C Tune Up or Furnace Tune Up that prevents a breakdown is far more valuable than a rushed, low-cost job.
5. Prioritize Local Experience
Florida’s climate is unique. Choose a Florida HVAC contractor familiar with the local environment, building codes, and common system issues in the region. A local pro understands how to prep your HVAC for extreme heat and humidity.
6. Look for Maintenance Plans
Many Florida HVAC contractors offer annual maintenance plans that include seasonal HVAC tune ups, priority service, and discounts on repairs. These plans can be especially useful for commercial property owners managing multiple units.
Conclusion: Tune Up Now, Save All Summer
A regular HVAC Tune Up isn’t just about checking off a maintenance box, it’s about making a smart investment in comfort, energy efficiency, and long-term savings. Whether you own a home in The Villages, Florida, or manage a commercial property in Marion County, a properly maintained system can lower your energy bills, prevent expensive breakdowns, and ensure reliable cooling during Florida’s scorching summers.
Don’t wait for a heatwave or a surprise repair bill to take action. Schedule your A/C Tune Up and Furnace Tune Up today with United and give your HVAC system the attention it deserves.
