May 19, 2013

Why Do Homes Have a Distinct Smell? Is it an Air Conditioning Issue?

hometech smell air conditioningYou know that smell, right? It’s that smell when you walk into a home and you automatically recognize the place by that distinct odor. Have you ever wondered why places have a defining aroma and why others do not?

What’s That Smell?

Apparently there is something called “Occupant Odor.”  According to Glamzzle.com, these odors come from the detergents you use, cooking smells, cleaning supplies, and room fresheners. These scents then occupy spaces like curtains, carpets, cushions and pillows. Combined together, the meshing of these scents creates your distinct home smell.

While some homes have a more pleasant aroma than others, there are certain smells that you would prefer to avoid, like that of pet dander, mildew, or mold. Have you tried everything to eliminate these odors to no avail? Strong and lingering odors may be a sign that there could be a problem with your air conditioning

Is Your Air Conditioning Creating  Stinky Smells?

Let’s say there is a strong and overpowering mold smell that occurs when you are running your air conditioning. It is possible that mold has grown on and/or around your condenser coil. This occurs when draining of the condenser pan is malfunctioning. Home-Tech calls this problem the odoriferous coil. This requires professional assistance, and Home-Tech should be contacted to clean your coils. We don’t want to see you suffer through another stinky day, so let us freshen up that air.

air conditioning AC smells hometechSimple Smell Solutions

If your odors are caused from environmental elements, try some of these easy solutions to stop those smells.

  1. Change out your air conditioning filter more frequently. Changing them on a regular basis will increase your unit’s effectiveness and reduce the chance of smells lingering in your house. 
  2. To remove a lingering kitchen odor that comes from a pungent vegetable like cauliflower or cauliflower, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the cooking water or dish. 
  3. Cook with the fan on. Ventilating the cooking process can eliminate lingering odors. If it is something super pungent, like a curry or cumin dish, try opening the windows as well. 
  4. Does your garbage disposal stink? Try using distilled white vinegar to neutralize the odor. Fill an ice cube tray with vinegar and freeze. Toss the cubes down the disposal and let the deodorizing begin. While the vinegar scent is strong, it does dissipate over time. Vinegar is great because it kills mold, germs and bacteria thanks to its high acidity. 

A Home-Tech Home

We care about your comfort. While our technicians know first hand that each home has a distinct smell, we also know which smells are cause for concern. Have an odor that you are unsure of, call the experts with a trained nose. Home-Tech can evaluate any air conditioning problem, and are available when you need us most. We are here to answer your questions, even if it is about a lingering odor. Call us today at 800-800-8356.
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A Two Timer. Customers Applaud Air Conditioning & Electrical Repairs

customer testimonial air conditioning hometech

Photo Courtesy of Mario Paulo Tome

This past week, we were lucky enough to have Home-Tech at our home twice. I recently received a phone call from Home-Tech reminding me that we had not scheduled our annual Clean and Check air conditioning service. The call also reminded me of some electrical work that needed to be completed. With one call from Home-Tech, they scheduled both appointments.

Home-Tech’s Matt K. came to do our yearly check of our air conditioning and heating last week. He arrived within the time frame that was given to us when we scheduled the  air conditioning maintenance appointment. Matt checked everything and decided to use a shop vac to clean out the drain line. He was very careful with our drain line, as some of the piping on it is pretty old. We appreciated Matt’s honesty when he told us that everything was functioning well with our aging system, but he did see some rust on the air conditioning unit. He suggested that we consider replacing the unit sometime in the future. We were very pleased with Matt’s service. 

Our second positive Home-Tech experience was with electrician, Stephen P., and we can’t say enough about the work he completed. Steve was working up on our very hot attic, straightening out some dangerous wiring that was done before we purchased this house. He was so careful and made sure everything was working perfectly before he left. What really stood out about Steve’s repair performance was the amount of background work and research he conducted before completing the work. We certainly appreciate the extra work that Steve and Home-Tech put in for us.

- Johnny & Barbara Johnson, Cape Coral, FL

Company Continues to Grow Thanks to “Earn While You Learn” Program

 Home-Tech’s Apprenticeship Training Program Boasts Success and Increase in Long Term Technicians

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fort Myers, FL — While many companies suffered through the recession, Southwest Florida’s leader in appliance and air conditioning service, sales and service agreements, Home-Tech, took advantage of the economic downturn to train and grow their employment base through their Apprenticeship Training Program.  The training program, now in its 23rd year, has turned novices into highly trained, motivated, and successful air conditioning and appliance repair technicians for Home-Tech. “A free education that provides a life long trade is worth more than gold. Skills like the ones our Apprentices are learning will provide them earning potential for years and decades to come,” explains Steve Marino, founder and President of Home-Tech.

A Home-Tech Apprentice will begin his or her education in the six-week “boot camp,” which has been called “rigorous and tough, yet extremely worthwhile,” by Home-Tech Technician and Apprenticeship Graduate, Alex Hennum. Home-Tech’s boot camp takes place inside the Home-Tech training rooms and the classes are facilitated and managed by the company’s full time technical trainer. These new employees not only learn new technical skills, but also about Home-Tech’s policies, procedures and the benefits of being a long term Home-Tech employee.

“It’s important for every Apprentice to learn things the Home-Tech way,” explains Apprenticeship Training Manager, Gary Close. He continues, “When we train our own technicians, we don’t have to fix bad habits and short cuts they learned from someone else. They learn how to do things the way we do things, the right way.”

After the successful completion of this six-week program, the Apprentices are paired with senior technicians for 45 days. During this phase, the Apprentices learn how to properly perform and execute service calls, with the supervision of their mentor/senior technician.  When the Apprentices have completed their 45 days, they will have compiled more than 260 hours of training, and NATE certification (North American Technician Excellence is the leading certification program for technicians in the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) industry and the only test supported by the entire industry). Training does not end for technicians when the Apprenticeship program concludes. Continuing education classes are mandatory for all Home-Tech technicians several times through the year.

Home-Tech actively recruits Apprentices year round. No experience is necessary to apply, and applicants must be at least 21, drug free, with a good driving record and no criminal record.  “We are looking for men and women with ambition who have the ‘right stuff’ to be a successful Home-Tech technician. If you have the willingness to work hard and have a passion for knowledge, then embrace the power to ‘earn while you learn’ with Home-Tech,” says Marino.

Interested? Apply at: http://www.home-tech.com/Apprenticeship-program

5 Testimonials from Satisfied Home-Tech Customers

At Home-Tech, we are proud to share the words of our customers, especially their Attaboys they submit after service. Brian S., an excellent Home-Tech technician, has a growing fan base amongst our customers. His air conditioning and appliance repair skills stand out, and we applaud his continued efforts. Here are a few wonderful words our Home-Tech customers recently shared with us about Brian.

Home-Tech Testimonials for Brian S.

Home-Tech technician Brian S. Testimonial“Brian S. provided prompt, effective and friendly service this morning.  While good service is what we’ve come to expect from Home-Tech, Brian stands out among his peers.”

- Graham & Joyce Darling

“I just had Home-Tech technician Brian S. at our home, mainly an issue with our washing machine.  He was prompt, very personable, answered my questions, and addressed the matter.  Very good service.  Thanks.”

- Mike H., Bonita Springs

“I am a service agreement member/customer and yesterday my washer broke.  Brian S. was the repair person who came on call.  Brian was very professional and diagnosed the problem immediately.  In a very short time my washer was repaired.  Thank you for the good service.  It was appreciated.”

- Mary B., Marco Island

“Brian S.  exceeded my expectations when he repaired a problem with our furnace/air conditioner.  He patiently checked all areas until he fixed the problem.  He was very thorough, knowledgeable and helpful.

- Karen S., Bonita Springs

“Just wanted to let you know that we were very pleased with the service call yesterday.  Brian S. arrived within the agreed to time period.  Since we had never met, he introduced himself politely.  He performed his tasks very professionally and left the work site clean and orderly.”

- Gerhard S., Pelican Bay

Home-Tech Technicians Provide Excellent Service

Home-Tech is very proud of our technicians and the hard work they put into each and every job they perform. When you require air conditioning or appliance repair, consider selecting Home-Tech. Our customers in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Manatee and Sarasota counties have been pleased with our service since 1981. Call us today to schedule a repair at 800-800-8356. 

Going Beyond the Call of Duty. Air Conditioning and Electrical Repair

Brian Home-Tech air conditioningTo Whom It May Concern,

Brian S. went beyond the call of duty today. The main electrical conduit from the main box to the breaker was having issues. It went loose from the trusses, and broke from the air conditioning feed line. Therefore, insulation was being blown into my home through the grills. He spent a lot of time crawling through the attic, and was extremely thorough. Brian did an excellent job.

- M. Mulder, Fort Myers, FL

 

Dear Home-Tech,

On Friday, October 12, 2012, your technician, Brian S., performed maintenance service on our air conditioning system. He was prompt, knowledgeable and personable to boot! Brian did a very thorough job and didn’t even mind that I was watching over his shoulder the entire time. He answered all of my questions in a manner that someone with a limited knowledge of air conditioning systems (like me) could easily understand. Brian is a credit to your organization and a rare breed these days; he knows what customer service means and he should be commended for his efforts.

- T. Cooper, Cape Coral, FL

Professional Air Conditioning Service, Even on a Sunday

customer review air conditioning Brian STo Home-Tech,

Yesterday (Sunday, November 4th) our air conditioning failed. I called your office and spoke with a very nice customer service representative (at 9AM on a Sunday). She assured me that an air conditioning technician would be coming to the house shortly. Within an hour, Brian S. showed up. We have had a recurring problem every 3 -4 months or so, a clogged line from they tray under the air conditioning unit to the outside. Brian S. was clearly competent and experienced. He took care of the problem in 25 minutes!

I would like to commend your company and Brian personally for a very professional handling of our air conditioning problem. As I have done before, I will not hesitate to recommend Home-Tech as a purveyor  of excellent technical services with skilled, competent and professional technicians.

Thank you for taking care of us on this matter, even on a Sunday.

Sincerely,

Curtis Sittenfeld, Naples, FL

Fall Forward into Autumn. Top 5 Energy-Saving Air Conditioning Tips.

air conditioning fall forward leavesThe smell of cinnamon, decorated pumpkins, the first cool night when we can open up the windows and the changing of the clocks are all signs that fall is finally here.  As our fellow Floridians would agree, the hot summers and hurricane season are worth it, just for our beautifully cool and dry autumn and winters. But before you get too cozy in the crisp air, you have to do your chores.  Below are five tips from the air conditioning professionals at Home-Tech who want you to get the most energy savings and performance out of your AC and heating systems.

 

Change your thermostat settings.

Get ready to change the clocks! Time will fall back to standard time again on Sunday, November 4, 2012, when daylight saving time ends. Changing of the clocks is a great time to change the temperature settings on your air conditioning thermostat. With cooler temperatures, you may want to lower or increase the temperature based on your comfort.

Run your heat, and yes, that burnt smell is okay.

Let’s be honest. We all freak out a little the first time we run the heat every year because its smells like something is burning. The burnt smell is dust that has settled on the heating components. Its normal and the smell will quickly go away. If your heat doesn’t come on at all, then you may need to put in an air conditioning and heating repair call to Home-Tech.

air conditioning fan direction changeReverse the direction of your ceiling fans.

Want to cut heating costs? Try changing the direction of your ceiling fans to reverse. This can help circulate the warm air, ultimately cutting down on your heating costs. If it is still warm in your home and you would like to keep the air conditioning cool, then maintain the current fan direction.

Clean or replace your air conditioning filter.

You should be regularly cleaning and/or replacing your air conditioning system filters. We recommend changing filters once a month.  Just by doing this on a routine basis your energy bills could be reduced by 5 %- 15%. Also, it cuts down on the dust and allergens that can aggravate your sinuses.

Schedule an Autumn Clean and Check with Home-Tech

If you haven’t done so already, schedule your annual clean and check air conditioning service with Home-Tech. As the cooler temperatures approach, our technicians will be available to service your air conditioning system quickly. We want to make sure all of the elements of your heating and cooling systems are in top notch condition so it can provide you the level of comfort you deserve. Call today to schedule your clean and check by calling 800-800-8356. 

Sweating Air Conditioning Vents? Try Closing the Windows.

air conditioning on close doorCooler weather is upon us and we all feel the desire to open up the windows. Whether you live closer to the water on the beach or inland, one rule holds true: Turn OFF your air conditioning if you are going to open up the windows. People say “Don’t sweat the small stuff,” but a sweating air conditioner can cause warping and/or other unwanted water damage to the air conditioning unit, its installation and the overall performance of the unit.

Technical Talk

Air conditioning is designed to operate as a closed loop. If you have the windows open, you are drawing in humid, warm outside air. This forces your AC unit to “condition” that air as well. If you close the windows, the AC unit recirculates the air in the house, removing moisture and cooling much more efficiently.  Negative pressure can also be the culprit here. Hot or warm, humid air can seep in from open windows or cracked sliding doors. This extra air coming in will make it difficult for your air conditioner to keep up, it will bog down your system, and increase your energy bills.

The Repeat Offenders

1. The Vacationer: You and your family are on vacation by the beach. The sounds of crashing waves are what you desire, but you also want the cool, dry feeling of air conditioning. You CAN have both, but it requires a Bose sound machine, put on the crashing waves setting. Here is the reality of the situation, it is BAD to keep the AC running with the windows open. The owner of the vacation home, or rental company will thank you for being respectful of their air conditioning.

2. The Prop-the-Door-Open Guy: Think propping the door open for a long period of time won’t effect your AC? Think again. You are effecting the balance of pressure in your home, which will effect the efficiency of your air conditioning system and the indoor air quality. Do you and your AC a favor. Ditch the prop, and just close the door. Your wallet will thank you for increasing the efficiency of your AC.

clogged filter air conditioning sweaty vents3.The Forgotten About Filter: Open windows aren’t the only causes of sweaty vent syndrome. Dirty coils or a clogged air filter can also do damage. Be proactive and check your air filter every month. If your air filter is clean and not clogged, and you suspect you have dirty coils, its time for Home-Tech to take over. 

4. The Mis-Informed: Have you had an air conditioning technician come out and tell you that sweating air conditioning vents are normal? If so, this homeowner received bad information. Sweating AC vents are not desirable. Perhaps your air conditioning unit is located in a highly humid area or your air conditioning was not properly installed. Call a licensed air conditioning company, like Home-Tech, and have the professionals take a look at it.

Still Sweating Your Air Conditioning

If sweaty grills and vents are prevalent in your home, your energy bills are spiking and the efficiency of your air conditioning is lapsing.  It’s time to call Home-Tech and schedule a service call. Our NATE certified technicians will get your humidity and other air conditioning problems taken care of quickly. Your comfort is our priority.  We will get your AC performance back to its optimal levels quickly. Save on the cost of this air conditioning repair by using our No Fuss, No Muss Special. Call today to schedule service and to learn more about our services at 800-800-8356.

 

 

 

A Prompt and Pleasant Emergency Air Conditioning Repair Service Call

air conditioning testimonial charlieSubject: House Call

To Whom It May Concern:

Last evening, about 8:00pm,  I felt the temperature in the house rising, although the air conditioning was running steadily. I called the Home-Tech number and left a message on your voicemail system. Within ten minutes,  I received a phone call from a very pleasant lady who listened to my problem and suggested that I set the air conditioner to the fan setting.  I expected that she would tell me that I would have to wait until Sunday to receive service.  But, to my surprise,  she said a technician would call and make a visit that night!

I received a phone call alerting me that the technician was on his way. At approximately 10:30pm, Charlie arrived and immediately assessed the problem in a very professional and polite manner.  By 11:00pm, the house was starting to cool down, thanks to Home-Tech’s prompt air conditioning service. It is service, such as this, that has made me a Home-Tech customer for all these years.  I assure you that I will continue to use Home-Tech for years to come.

Thanks again for your excellent response to my air conditioning problem.

Sincerely,

James Russo, Naples, FL

The Balancing Act – Inside Professional Air Conditioning Installation

balanced air conditioning installationOne thing we rarely hear is “I would like for this room to be warmer than all the others in my home.” When people purchase a new air conditioning system from Home-Tech, they want even cooling and heating throughout their home. Have you ever wondered how we keep all the rooms in your home equally cool? Well, its a process called Air Balancing.

Air balancing is the process of testing and adjusting your air conditioning system to deliver the proper amount of air to each room in your home. Air balancing hoods are used to measure the the amount of air coming from each grille. A balanced air conditioning system runs more efficiently than an unbalanced system, which is why Home-Tech takes balancing your air flow very seriously, especially during your initial system installation.  We aim to provide an installation where the end results are rooms that are the same temperatures, with cleaner air, better humidity control and energy efficient.

A Home-Tech installer has the tools to address your home comfort issues.  We will offer solutions such as programmable thermostats, humidifiers, air cleaners and variable-speed and two-stage technology to further increase the comfort of your home. Our installers will go above and beyond to ensure your satisfaction in your new system and our installation performance.

What to Expect

When Home-Tech performs an air conditioning installation, we also provide:

  • An energy audit
  • We handle the local permitting process
  • Ensure you receive ALL of the utility, FPL and manufacturer’s rebates on your new air conditioning system
  • Installation from the best, NATE certified specialists in the business
  • Respect, for your time and home, and clean up when we are completed
  • The necessary time with you to explain your new air conditioning system and thermostat.

Air Conditioning Service That Works

You can trust your home to Home-Tech.  Contact Home-Tech today for a fast, no obligation , free estimate and survey. Want to know more, check out our air conditioning installation video. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a Comfort Specialist, call us at 800-800-8356 or schedule online.