AC 9-1-1: Do You Know Who to Call?

Summer in Florida is not for the faint of heart, and any of us who have lived here for a long time know that a good AC is the secret to making it through (relatively) unscathed. With temps that soar into the triple digits, and little to no breeze here in the central portion of the Sunshine State, there really are few ways (outside of staying in the pool 24/7) to keep your home at a comfortable temperature other than air conditioning. That's well and good until...

Your AC goes out. 😱

Now what? Well, the first step is to make sure your AC actually has gone out, and it's not just a power blip or some other benign issue. If it's a power blip you have to wait until the power comes back on. Keep windows and doors closed to retain cool air, use fans as needed, and do your best to stay comfortable while you wait it out. If the rest of the house is powered though, it's time to more thoroughly inspect your air conditioner. Start by checking the thermostat and verify that all settings are where they should be. Then, test your AC by overriding the thermostat and trying to intentionally get the unit to turn on. Do you hear it running but feel no cool air coming from the vents? That's a sign that your AC isn't working properly, as is not hearing the unit turn on at all. If this is the case, it's time to move on to step two, which is call for help.

If your AC goes out during the day, it's hard due to the heat, but you know you have the hope of help coming quickly as most AC companies are still on the clock and can send someone out to diagnose (and hopefully repair) the problem. However, Murphy's Law does tend to apply here, and we have had many calls from frantic homeowners who have had the unfortunate stroke of bad luck of their AC going out in the evening. Facing a night in the heat is no fun, and for some can even be dangerous, as many heart patients and those with temperature-related issues can't handle being in the heat for extended periods of time and require a cool environment. That's why having an AC company with emergency service for after-hours repairs is HUGE for Polk County residents.

Ridge Energy Savers offers 24/7 emergency service to all of Polk County. With our team of expert technicians, you can count on us to quickly and efficiently inspect your AC unit, find the problem, and come up with a plan of action to get it back up and running ASAP. Additionally, we offer maintenance services for routine AC needs, from filter changes to annual checkups, so you're less likely to find yourself in need of emergency help. Give us a call...and maybe stick our number up on your fridge or store it in your phone. The next time you have an AC 9-1-1, you know you can call Ridge to the Rescue!

Keeping Cool, Old School: Our 3 Favorite Summer Pastimes When The Weather Gets Hot

It's no secret that summertime in Florida means temps soar and people stay inside soaking up their AC and waiting out the heat until winter finally comes. For kids though, summer means a break from school, and we all remember braving the heat just so we could soak up some of the fun things we missed out on during the school year. While today's kids enjoy days spent enjoying visual reality games or time on their phones in the cool airs indoors, us "old school" folks look back on our summers and remember the many ways we stayed cool even when the weather was NOT. 

Our top 3 favorites were...

1. Slip and Slides. We all remember slip-and-slides. Whether your parents splurged on the long, fancy setups from the store, or you and your neighborhood pals sprayed down a piece of plastic sheeting with water and dish detergent, the fun of racing downhill, getting soaked, and staying cool even in the heat of the day is hard to beat! 

2. Sprinklers. Before built-in irrigation systems were the norm (using reclaimed water...YUCK!) we were able to enjoy the freestanding lawn sprinklers all summer lawn. Nothing was better than throwing on your swimsuit, grabbing a towel, and heading out in the backyard for hours of fun in the water. Bonus: it was great for the grass too! 

3. Frozen Treats. Remember the thrill of hearing the ice cream truck coming down your street? We do! Nothing beat a cold popsicle or a NuttyBuddy ice cream cone after a day spent riding your bike and playing outside with your friends. More than a few of us spent our allowance on way too much ice cream each summer! 

Just because these ideas might be "old school,” relive your past and encourage your kids to get out and enjoy summertime with you this year. Pull out that old slip and slide, take the family out for ice cream if the truck doesn't frequent your street, or pick up a cheap sprinkler on your way home and set it up for a Saturday of cool, clean fun. The best part of these summer activities? Coming inside and feeling that cool AC hit your face. That's where we come in. Ridge Energy Savers makes sure your AC is there to greet you all summer long. When the weather gets hot, we help you keep your cool with our routine maintenance, repair, and replacement services for HVAC systems. Give us a call to make your appointment! 

Long Live Your AC: Top 3 Ways for Florida Residents to Extend the Life of Their HVAC Systems

Air conditioning is an amenity important to pretty much everyone in the US during the summer months, but for those of us in Florida, AC is a vital part of life year-round. Our temps stay in the 80s range for almost all 12 months of the year, so if/when it goes out, it's a huge ordeal for everyone in the home/business. Because of the continual use, AC units tend to have a shorter life span in Florida if not cared for properly, and while we can't guarantee just how long your own system will run, we can guarantee that these tips will help keep your AC system in top shape, and that will help it run better for longer. 

Try these 3 tips to give your AC a boost this summer: 

• Give it a rest! Literally. We mean give you AC unit a little time to rest here and there. Great ways to do this are to turn your system down when you'll be out of town, or at night when the air is naturally cooler. By moving your thermostat 5-10 degrees, you can make sure your system is not running all day, every day, and therefore will give it a break. Also, if the air is cooler on a given day, try turning the system off completely for a period of time and use fans or open windows to help allow cooler air into your home. 

• Allow it to breathe. By breathe, we mean circulate air. Your AC's job is to circulate cool air throughout your home. If you have furniture, clutter, or anything else blocking the air vents throughout your home, you're making your AC work harder, and longer, to cool down the home to the desired temperature set with the thermostat. Keep interior doors open, vents free and open to the surrounding room, and curtains closed during the heat of the day to encourage cool air to circulate. 

• Clean and maintain. This is a huge point to remember. Just like your car, your health, or anything else of importance, regular "maintenance" and checkups are key. Having a routine tune-up and cleaning done of your AC system and ductwork is the best way to ensure that everything is working well, and to make any needed repairs in a timely manner to avoid more damage. A clean system is a more efficient system,a and that will extend the life of your HVAC system as a whole. 

Polk County residents trust Ridge Energy Savers to take care of their HVAC needs, with our full-service options including cleaning and maintenance of AC systems, repair of units, and replacement (purchase AND installation) of new HVAC setups. We are proud to be local residents and consider it an honor to serve our friends and neighbors with the best in customer service and products. Give us a call for a quote! 

Seeing (and Saving) Green: AC Tips for The Month of March in Florida

Spring has arrived in full bloom here in Florida, and while temps might have made us think summer is already on its way, we still have a few more rounds of mild weather before the dreaded heat and humidity kick in. Because the weather is still fluctuating between "winter" (mild temps) and the hotter climate we are used to, it can be hard to know how to set your HVAC system. As usual, it's Ridge to the rescue! We have some tips for the month of March to help you save energy, save money, and stay cool. After all, the best place to see "green" during the month of March is in your own wallet!

Use your thermostat! Your thermostat is your best friend when it comes to keeping your home at an ideal temperature without wasting energy (and money). Many thermostats available in today's market offer a wide variety of programming options, especially those that are wifi enabled and work with your phone (or other device) remotely. These "smart thermostats" can even learn your habits, and will change the temperature of your home during the day based upon activity level, desired temp for the day/night, etc. This means your AC won't be running to keep your home at a steady 73 degrees while you're away at work all day and no one is around to enjoy the cool air but the cat. Instead, your thermostat can turn the AC up a bit while you're gone, but have your house cooled back down before you arrive.

Watch your windows. Yes, it's temping to use that milder (dare we say, cooler) air outside during the spring days, but if you aren't careful this could end up costing you more money rather than saving a few bucks. If you're going to use open windows as a method to cool the house on milder days, be sure to turn off your HVAC system first! Otherwise you're spending money to cool the air outside. Also note, if you want to leave windows open, pay attention to the sun. Keeping shades pulled to block direct sunlight (and resulting heat) will keep your home cooler, without having to use energy (and $$$). You can still enjoy the fresh air coming from outdoors, but a simple set of blinds or a thin curtain will offer some protection from those harsh rays.

Pay attention to AC maintenance. Just because the weather isn't steamy yet, doesn't mean you can sit back and ignore your AC unit. Hot weather is just around the corner, and failing to keep up with maintenance now could leave you with costly AC emergencies when you need the cool air most. What could be a simple and inexpensive fix taken care of during a maintenance check can turn into a catastrophic issue within a few months time, so keep up with regular maintenance, and if you suspect a problem with your unit, call now instead of waiting until you're stuck with no cool air in the middle of summer.

Ridge Energy Savers is proud to cover all your HVAC needs, from simple repairs and maintenance calls to full system purchase and installation options. Our experienced technicians work quickly and efficiently, and with our 24-hour emergency service, you never have to go without your AC system for very long. We serve the greater Polk County area, and we're ready and waiting to come to you. Give us a call!

New Year, New Home...Now What? Getting to Know Your New AC

2019 is here, and while it's a fresh start for all of us, it's especially "new" for those who have recently moved, or are preparing to move, into a new home. Moving can be stressful, but it's also exciting. Perhaps you're upgrading to allow for more space for a growing family, or maybe you're downsizing now that your children have left the nest. For some, a move is necessary because of relocating thanks to a job, or family needs. No matter the reason, getting to know a new home takes time, and as many of us have found, each new house comes with its own set of quirks and its own "personality."

While you can take your time getting to know your new home in many areas (like learning how to skip the spot in the floor that squeaks in the nursery, or how to close the kitchen cabinet just right so it doesn't pop back open), there are a few parts of your home that need to be addressed up front. Yes, a home inspection is required of the majority of home buyers thanks to a mortgage, but it goes without saying that not all inspections are created equal, and more than a few home buyers have been unpleasantly surprised by things that their inspector should have caught but didn't.

One of the areas that can cause a big issue for home buyers here in Florida is the HVAC system. As Floridians we rely on our AC almost 365 days a year, and if you purchase a home with a system that just isn't up to the challenge of cooling your home, you could be in for a miserable move-in day. So, how can you protect yourself against an AC disaster?

First, consider paying for an HVAC inspection before you sign on the dotted line. Yes, if you end up not purchasing the home, you won't get that money back, but considering that being slapped with the bill for an entirely new AC system after-the-fact could cost you upwards of $5,000 or more, it's worth the peace of mind, especially if you're serious about the house. Unlike a regular home inspector, having AC professionals do an inspection on just the HVAC system means you can have confidence that the system is either ready to go (and you'll likely be given an "average" lifespan remaining on the system) or you'll be told that you need a new one soon and will need to factor that into your closing deal.

If you already purchased a home, but didn't get the AC inspection done beforehand, it's not too late! Having an inspection done immediately upon (or shortly after) moving in can give you an idea of what shape your system is in, and what you can do to make it last longer, and work more efficiently. A professional HVAC tech can tell you if any parts are staring to show major wear and need to be replaced to extend the life of your unit, if the system needs to be cleaned, if the thermostat is faulty/outdated, etc.

Residents in and around Polk County trust Ridge Energy Savers for all of their AC needs. From inspections and repairs, to full system sales and installation, we come to the rescue when you need help keeping your cool. We're ready and waiting to help YOU!

Relax! Tips to Make Your Christmas Less About Stress, and More About Celebrating the Season

Christmas is meant to be a time for celebrating a season of love and peace, and enjoying time with your family and friends. It's when we step back, take notice of the things around us we care about most, and appreciate having them in our lives. Unfortunately though, while this is what the season should be, it isn't necessarily how modern day Americans practice it. Instead, Christmas has become a time of stress, where we try to replicate impressive gift-wrapping and party ideas we pull from Pinterest, spend more than we should on gifts (that aren't even necessary!) and run around pulling everything together up until the last minute. By the time Christmas day arrives, we are worn out, and simply wish to sit in the quiet alone with a hot chocolate and a movie, rather than investing time in the ones we hold dear. 

Ridge Energy Savers wants to do our part to remedy that this holiday season! It's no secret...self care means you can better care for those around you. We want to offer one lucky winner the chance to spend a full day at the spa on us! It's the perfect time to take a day of rest from the hustle and bustle of shopping, and simply soak in the season with a variety of spa treatments and attention focused solely on YOU. The giveaway for a $200 package from The Oasis Spa in Lake Wales ends on December 17th, so head over to our Facebook page here and enter while you have a chance!

Even if you aren't the lucky winner this year, there are still ways you can make the season less about stress and more about what matters. Try these tips to make the season special and stay relaxed at the same time: 

1. Condense your shopping list! Does your child's secondary substitute gym teacher really need an individually picked out, custom-wrapped gift? For teachers, coworkers, and other "groups" that you have to buy for, why not invest in a group gift? A platter of cookies from a local bakery, having breakfast delivered from a nearby eatery, or even a big bowl of candy with a card from your family could be a great way to spread holiday cheer without breaking the bank (or overloading your schedule).

2. Simplify your hosting. Having Christmas gatherings is what makes the Christmas season feel special, but if you have individual parties for your neighbors, your friends, your spouse's office staff, and your book club, you might feel overwhelmed and already wishing the season of partying was over, instead of looking forward to it with excitement.

3. Consider simplifying your hosting this year. Combine parties where possible (maybe your neighbors and friends could all gather for one big party...it might be a great time to introduce new faces and build networking!), and when not possible, opt for easy, but festive, party ideas. For example, trade out a full 3-course dinner party for the office staff for an evening of coffee, cocktails, and desserts. Instead of an hours-long party for your various clubs and groups of friends, hold an Open House where cider and finger foods can be served for several hours, and individuals are encouraged to stop by whenever convenient throughout that time period. This relieves some of the pressure of hosting, and can lighten up your load allowing you to enjoy the party more and worry less. 

4. Knock out your regular "to do" list early in the month. Taking care of household chores, and other necessary tasks that fall in a typical month, before the holiday season actually arrives is a huge stress relief for many. Taking care of monthly errands (dropping off payment for bills, taking the dog to the vet) and wrapping up tasks such as trimming up shrubs or changing out the AC filter, mean you can consider them done until Christmas is over, and you'll have less on your mind as the big day draws closer. 

Want to relieve even more stress this season? Take your HVAC maintenance off your plate completely! Ridge Energy Savers is proud to offer full service for systems of all kinds. Our package includes a full checkup of your system, in addition to details like changing out your filter. Our goal is to keep your system working at its best all year long. We worry about it, so you don't have to! 

Happy holidays from Ridge Energy Savers. Good luck to all who enter our "Spa-tacular" giveaway! 

Are You REALLY Making the Most of Your AC? Tips for Amping Up the Efficiency of Your HVAC System

When it comes to AC in Polk County, most of us rank it as one of the utilities necessary for life, right up there with water and electricity. Unfortunately, it's not always the cheapest utility, and it contributes to a huge portion of monthly energy usage for many homeowners. Because of that, AC companies are continually seeking out ways to make units run more efficiently while getting maximum impact, but the AC unit itself can't be the sole factor held responsible for energy usage and temperature control. Having your home setup to aid in efficiency for your HVAC system means your home will stay at a more consistent comfortable temperature, and you'll be saving money at the same time. How can you make this happen in your home? 

• Leave those doors open! An "open door" policy for the interior doors of your home promotes air flow, and that means all rooms are cooled equally and your system won't have to work as hard. 
• Trap that cool air! Precious cool air can escape through the tiniest spaces, so making sure you've properly sealed around  doors, windows, vents, etc. is key in making the most of the energy used by your HVAC system. Caulking, insulating strips, and other forms of sealant are inexpensive but will save you a surprising amount of cash on your energy bill each month. 
• Take a second look at your windows. If you have an older home, or if the windows are a low-grade, single-paned option, they could be contributing to excess usage of your AC (and therefore costing you significant income on electricity). Double-paned, insulted windows might cost a little more up front, but they last for many years, and the savings on your energy bills can sometimes (almost) pay for them over time. 
• Opt for a smart thermostat. Thermostats have come a long way in recent years, and with the new "smart" options that connect to your wifi, and your devices, you can maximize usage of your HVAC system all day, every day. Set your unit to turn up during the hottest parts of the day, but back off at night when the temperatures fall naturally. Program your unit to respond to the hours when you and your family are home vs. when you area away at work and school. An empty home doesn't care if it's a few degrees warmer than normal. Additionally, you can control your system when you're away from your house, so if you find out the temps have dropped around your home, but you're out of town, you can drop the system back and your unit won't be needlessly running for hours each day. 

Ridge Energy Savers is here to help our Polk County friends and neighbors make the most of their AC systems, and to help them stay cool all year long. When HVAC systems go on the fritz, that's when we come to the rescue! From AC repair and diagnostics, to full system replacements, we take care of any sized job. Give us a call! 

The Buddy System: Items That Boost Your HVAC Function

It's a pretty common school of thought that everyone needs a friend, and at Ridge Energy Savers, we think even your AC could use a pal or two when it comes to keeping your home comfortable all year long. Your AC, after all, isn't just managing the temperature in your home, but also air flow and air quality. In order to do its job to the highest degree, there are some "accompaniment" pieces you could invest in to help your unit out and keep your entire HVAC system at peak performance level. 

Thermostat. A top-of-the-line thermostat might sound silly, or be considered a "splurge,”  but in reality it's almost necessary to get the most out of your AC system. A good thermostat regulates the temperature in your home down to the last degree, so you won't be spending more on energy costs than absolutely necessary when you're trying to keep your home comfortable. Not only that, but "smart" thermostats available on today's market can actually monitor your schedule, and will keep your home at the optimum temperature when you're at home, but turn up slightly to save money when you're gone during the day. You can even put it in vacation mode! In the world of friendships, a good thermostat would be your AC's BFF. 

Air purifier. Since your AC system is responsible for air flow through your home, you want to make sure you're circulating good, clean air instead of recycling dust and pet dander. An air purifier not only helps clean the air of obvious debris, but it also filters out mold spores, allergens, and other microscopic gunk that is bad for your lungs and health. Perk: the air in your house will smell better too when you regularly use an air purifier! 

High-Quality filters. Hand-in-hand with the air purifier are high quality filters. A good AC filter will remove any remaining particles in the air, and trap them so they can't run back through the system and out into your home again. Filters are a relatively inexpensive way to keep your system running at its best, but remember, you need to change it monthly for best results! 

Fans. A fan is a good support system for your AC, since it helps circulate cooled air around the room, and therefore means you can take some of the strain off the HVAC unit itself. Having fans in a room, especially at night, provide cooling relief at times when you'd otherwise turn your AC down several more degrees (and cost yourself more $$$). Just take the time to turn them off when you're aren't in the room, as keeping them on wastes energy and negates your savings. 

We hope these tips help you better employ your AC system and offer it the support it needs this summer during our hottest temps of the year. When your AC goes out, YOU'LL be in need of a friend, and that's when Ridge Energy Savers comes to the rescue. We are here with 24 hour emergency service options, maintenance plans, and more, so you're never left without the relief you need to keep your cool. Here's to the best, and coolest, summer yet! 

Behind the Scenes of Your AC: What You Need to Know

AC maintenance is a big part of Ridge Energy Savers, and all of our customers trust us to make sure their AC system is running at its best all year long. We do this by checking freon levels, making sure coils are clear and in good shape, checking lines for any freezing, etc., and, of course, we change the filter when we visit! In addition to our maintenance services, we also offer suggestions of how you can maintain your system, by changing the filter monthly, keeping pet hair and dust vacuumed up to assist your system in keeping the air clean, and by checking seals on doors and windows to ensure that your system is over-working to warm or cool your home. However, there is a whole part of your HVAC system "behind the scenes" that rarely gets attention and isn't thought about much, and we think it deserves a moment in the spotlight. 

We're talking about your duct work. 

Duct work is a crucial part of your AC system, and without it, none of the cool air produced by the unit would make it to the inner parts of your home. However, duct work doesn't receive the maintenance that the rest of your system might benefit from, and much of that is simply because homeowners don't know how to maintain your ducts. Here are a few tips to keep all of your AC at its best this season: 

• Surface dust matters. The vents leading from your ducts into the various rooms of your home are just as important as the main grate leading to your filter. However, these don't get cleaned as often since they are usually located on or near the ceiling in many houses and tend to go unnoticed until they are dirty enough to bring attention to themselves. Unfortunately by the time they reach that point, your ducts could be full of dust as well. Vacuum vents routinely along with the rest of your home to keep dust buildup to a minimum. In addition to the surface dust, you can also remove vent covers and use a heavy duty vacuum (like a shop vac) with an extension arm to reach all dirt and dust directly around the inside area of the vent. 
• Your ducts need cleaning too. This is not a DIY job, and is something you need to leave to the pros. Professional duct cleaning is done with a commercial grade vacuum system, attached to a truck. The hoses use a system of rotating extensions and brushes to thoroughly clean out your duct work and remove all dirt, dust, and grime that have built up over time. Doing this means cold air reaches your home's rooms more quickly and that means your AC runs longer. In other words, you get more bang for your buck. Additionally, it improves air quality in your home which reduces allergy and breathing issues brought on by airborne particles. Duct cleaning time frames vary, but your AC technician (that's us!) can suggest how often you should invest in hiring a cleaning service. 
• Watch for ducts during home improvement and/or attic usage. Duct work is often intertwined through ceiling and floor joists, and in your attic, which means you could come into contact with it when you are doing home improvement or working in your attic space. Try to give some space around ducts to avoid damaging them, and if you do accidentally have a run in with one and it ends up with a tear or dent, it could be worth having it checked to avoid any major damage to your overall HVAC system. 

Ridge Energy Savers is THE trusted AC company in the greater Polk County area, and we want to see your entire system at its best. Investing in a maintenance package with us ensures that you have someone ready to go above and beyond, and will do our best to make sure you never go without the AC (or heat) that you need. Give us a call and we will take care of you!

Moisture 101: Deciding If You Need a Humidifier in Your Home

Humidity is a common topic here in Florida, as we typically have a higher-than-average level of moisture in the air, and we enjoy the benefits of not having dry air like our northern neighbors battle on a regular basis. However, the recent cold snap here in the Sunshine State has many of us running for blankets, stored-away jackets, and perhaps the humidifier our grandmother used when we had colds. Why are humidifiers so helpful during cold weather? 

Well, there are many benefits to keeping moisture in the air inside your home, but a few key reasons include: 

• Better health and shorter recovery. Studies show that viruses and bacteria can't travel as well in moist air, which means your household stays healthier during the cold and flu months. Additionally, moist air helps your body recover faster, since dry nasal passages and scratchy throats are more easily eliminated. 
• Save money on utilities. Moist air tends to feel warmer than dry air, so instead of continuing to crank your heater up (and spend more $$$), you could invest in a humidifier system to improve the temperature of your home. 
• Improved rest. Sleeping is hard when dry mouth and scratchy throat inhibit you from getting (and staying) comfortable. Dry air doesn't make a restful environment, and a humidifier can be the answer to that problem. 

While a simple tabletop humidifier from a local drugstore is what people often think of, humidifiers for your home have made a lot of progress in recent years. Whole house humidifiers are one of the best options, especially for those of us in Florida where TOO much humidity can also be a problem. A whole house system is professionally installed to work with your HVAC system and your plumbing to release just the right amount of moisture into the air when needed, without overdoing it and causing problems of the other extreme (like mold and moisture damage). A whole house system can save you money because it lasts long-term, monitors the moisture levels and reacts accordingly, and works alongside your existing systems instead of inhibiting their efficiency. 

Ridge Energy Savers Inc. is here to handle ALL of your HVAC needs, from simple repair and maintenance jobs, to full purchase and installation of systems. We serve the greater Polk County community, and our emergency service means we are never too far away to help. For your next HVAC emergency, remember to call Ridge to the Rescue! 

Keeping Cool in The Great Outdoors

Unlike some of our northern neighbors, summer in Florida is actually not the best time for camping. Our high humidity, high temperatures, and almost daily storms during the summer months don’t make for great camping conditions, and no one wants to go on vacation only to be miserable the entire trip. However, as we face down Fall coming up in September, camp-goers will start to come out in droves, heading to the plentiful state parks, beaches, and RV resorts to enjoy the mild Floridian Fall and Winter seasons. Even with “mild” temperatures though, camping can get warm here in the Sunshine State. So, how can you keep cool if your camping setup doesn’t include an AC unit?

First, evaluate your campsite. If you know you’ll have power hookup, you can bring along a fan (or two!) and an extension cord to keep your tent or camper cool. If you set them up opposite open windows, you can create a cross-breeze that will be quite comfortable. Also take shade into consideration when setting up camp. Place your tent or camper in the most shaded spot of your campsite so as to avoid mid-day temperature jumps when the sun is overhead.

When evaluating your site and setup, take time to consider your wardrobe choices as well. During the day, opt for lightweight, breathable clothing, and steer clear of heavy materials that will hold excess heat. At night, have options available to choose from, since temperatures can vary greatly from one evening to the next. Have comfortable, cool sleepwear choices but have a sweatshirt and some jogging pants thrown in your bag as well in case there is an unexpected cool snap overnight and you are left shivering in your tent.

Finally, for daytime heat, plan activities that help you keep cool. Swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, surfing, waterskiing, and even plain old beach combing are wonderful ways to enjoy Florida’s natural beauty, and stay cool at the same time! If you’ve come home from your most recent camping trip and have discovered that your home is just as hot as your tent, we’re ready and waiting to come the rescue. We offer 24-hour emergency AC repair services, as well as routine maintenance packages, commercial service, and more. We serve the greater Polk County area so we can be at your home and have your system up and running sooner.

Keep your cool in the great outdoors, AND at home. Happy camping!

Say "So Long" to Sneezing: Making Your Home Allergy-Friendly

Allergies are currently wreaking havoc on many Central Florida residents right now, thanks to the plentiful summer grasses and pollens. Sneezing, itchy eyes, scratch throat, and runny nose are just a few of the unpleasant symptoms being enjoyed by people throughout Polk County, and when paired with the excessive heat we’ve been experiencing recently, it makes for a very unenjoyable summer. While we can’t do anything about the conditions outside your home, we can help with your indoor environment. Here are a few tips to help you keep the allergens outside where they belong and make your home allergy-friendly for you and anyone else who comes your way.

• Check sealing around doors and windows. These wear out over time, and lead to spaces that not only let your cool air out (and hot air in) but also let in dust, dirt, pollen, and even curious bugs. Replace sealing as needed to keep your home cool AND free of allergens.
• Invest in a vacuum with a good filtration system. As you’re cleaning, you don’t want the dirt and dust you pull out of carpets and furniture to be redistributed into the air of your home. A vacuum with a HEPA filter (and/or special allergy-friendly filtration systems) will keep dust in the canister where it belongs, and leave your air clean.
• Vacuum often. Speaking of vacuuming, do it often! Carpets, rugs, furniture, and curtains are notorious for holding onto dust and allergens. Vacuum often, and take out rugs, curtains, and other removable fabrics to be shaken and/or laundered periodically.
• Use cleaning cloths that hold onto dust and dirt. When you wipe down surfaces, don’t just spread dust from point A to point B. Invest in good cleaning solutions that hold onto dust and dirt and allow you to launder them and send the allergens out of your home where they belong. Additionally, when cleaning, look for products that are allergy friendly and free of heavy perfumes or aerosols that can further aggravate the respiratory systems of those who suffer from allergy symptoms.
• Don’t forget accessories! Computer systems and televisions, fans, and even books can hold onto dust and aggravate allergies if not cleaned occasionally.

The best way to cut down on allergies in your home? Make sure your air filter is replaced regularly, and your HVAC system is running at its best. When your AC is struggling, your air quality will suffer and so will you. Ridge Energy Savers Inc. offers routine maintenance on your HVAC system, including filter replacements. Let us do the hard work for you, and help you keep your home allergy-friendly all year long.

Commercial Upkeep: Why Restaurants Should Invest in A Maintenance Plan

Homeowners know the importance of maintenance, and often they choose to be proactive and invest in plans for routine inspections and “tune-ups” for their appliances and major home systems.  Here in Florida, the HVAC system is especially important since our temperatures soar during the summer, and remain relatively high for the majority of the year.  Businesses have just as much need of HVAC maintenance as residential customers, yet they often opt out of maintenance plans and agreements, and instead use service only when something goes wrong.

This is really not the best scenario, since restaurants usually have customers dining in, and the majority of their livelihood depends on the food within their industrial fridges and freezers.  If you own a restaurant, consider this: waiting until your HVAC system or commercial refrigeration has an issue, or worse, goes out altogether, could cost you hundreds in profit and lost materials.  Think about a typical day in your business, and then picture it without a functional AC and/or no refrigeration.  Your staff, and your customers, will be uncomfortable and hot, and that usually puts everyone in a foul mood.  No refrigeration means meat, dairy, and produce will begin to spoil, so you are forced to cook everything at once and then keep it at the appropriate temperature to maintain codes, OR you just accept that you’ll lose food and toss stuff as it climbs above the permitted temperature.  If you ignore the health codes, and are caught, you could be facing even MORE lost profit since you’ll be paying fines and could even be shut down periodically.

All that money lost would more than pay for a maintenance plan for your HVAC system and refrigeration appliances in your restaurant.  A maintenance plan covers routine inspections where potential issues can be discovered early before they cause bigger problems.  Even better?  With Ridge Energy Savers, local Polk County maintenance agreement customers get 10% off parts for repairs needed during these inspections, so you’re actually saving money in the long run!

Protect your restaurant and your money.  Give us a call about our maintenance plan and how it can work for you.

Summer Nights: Staying Cool When the Temperatures Don't

Summer nights bring all kinds of things to mind, like evenings spent on porches with friends, catching fireflies, enjoying homemade ice cream, and, if you’re here in Central Florida…extra-large mosquitoes and spending bedtime uncomfortable, sweaty, and sticky.  Sounds great, right?

While we are kidding (partially) about the joys of summer nights in Florida, the reality is that without your AC unit, nights would be pretty miserable.  If your AC has gone out at nighttime before, and you’ve had to endure the night without its help, you probably have some pretty unpleasant memories of tossing and turning trying to find a cool, comfortable spot on the bed but none was to be found.  While nothing replaces the comfort of an AC system during the heat here in Florida, there are ways you can manage when the temperatures soar inside AND outside your home.

• Bring in reinforcements.  Hot water bottles make great ice packs to keep yourself cool in bed.  Opt to place them near your feet, or at pulse points, to get maximum benefit.  A sock filled with rice and chilled in the freezer for an hour or two also makes a great ice pack in a pinch.
• Head to bed prepared.  Taking a shower right before bed using tepid water is a great way to lower your core body temperature.  Sleep in lightweight, breathable cotton clothing like shorts and a loose t-shirt to wick away moisture and enjoy airflow.
• Make the most of your fan.  If you have a fan (or two) you can help it reach maximum cooling power by placing it in front of an open window to pump hot air out of the room and help bring down the temp.  Another tip?  Hang a wet sheet over an open window to help cool airflow coming through, or place a pan of ice in front of your fan to blow a cool mist over you while you try to fall asleep.

The best way to survive summer nights?  Don’t go without your AC in the first place! Ridge Energy Savers Inc. offers emergency services, so as long as you give us a call, you’ll be enjoying your cool air again in no time.  Don’t sit around waiting in the heat for a standard repair service.  Call us next time you’re in need, and let Ridge come to the rescue!

Tips for AC Care Year Round

Because of our extreme temperatures and constant need for cooling our homes, we continually discuss how important routine maintenance and prompt repair are for your AC system here at Ridge Energy. While we are proud to provide these services for the greater Polk County area, we can’t keep your AC running at its best on our own. You have to invest some of your own time and energy into keeping your system functioning, and while it’s not hard to do, it is hard to remember to put on your to-do list when life gets crazy.

We thought you might appreciate this handy reminder list of things to do for your AC all year long. Copy it and print it out, stick it in your planner or on your fridge, and make it easy to remember to care for your AC this summer!

1. Change your air filter often. Preferably, you should change your filter every month. While some filters boast of a 3 month or more lifespan, it’s actually healthier for you AND for your AC system if you opt for the cheaper filters and just take the time to change them each month. This helps keep your air cleaner, and your AC functioning better.
2. Clear any debris and/or yard growth away from your outdoor AC unit. Overgrowth can lead to issues with your unit. When you are already outside mowing your lawn, go ahead and take a few extra minutes to trim around your AC unit. Grass, weeds, and shrubs can crowd in on your AC, and that can lead to problems over time. Dust off any cobwebs or debris that might have fallen on it since the last cleaning too!
3. Clean the indoor grates. The metal grate that covers your AC filter, and the grates that cover the ductwork leading into each room, are a gathering place for dust and dirt. Periodically dust them, and if they are easily removed, take them outside and hose them down. This will improve the air quality throughout your home!

Of course, these simple routine tips aren’t all your AC needs to be functioning at its highest capacity. HVAC systems need annual inspections of their various parts and a thorough internal cleaning as well. Ridge Energy Savers can take care of that for you! If your AC unit is on the fritz, don’t suffer in the heat! We provide emergency AC repair services to the greater Winter Haven area of Central Florida. We’ll make sure you keep your cool, so give us a call!

Maintenance 101: What to Expect at Your AC Maintenance Visit

Ridge Energy Savers is proud to offer emergency HVAC services to both residential and business locations throughout the Polk County area here in Central Florida.  However, an equally important part of our business is routine maintenance of AC systems, yet many homeowners (and business owners) don’t understand the importance of this service. Annual maintenance on your HVAC system not only keeps things operating at their best, but it also helps with recognizing any potential problems before they become serious, meaning you can get them fixed quickly before they ever affect your cool air in your home, or the function of your AC.

So, what can you expect when you call us for a routine maintenance inspection?

Our preventative maintenance checklist covers:

• Check electrical connections and safety controls.
• Check voltage and amperage on compressor and motor.
• Check all motors, oil, and adjust v-belts as needed.
• Check starting and running components.
• Calibrate thermostat and low voltage wiring.
• Check defrost cycle and reversing valve operation.
• Lubricate all moving parts where necessary.
• Clean condenser coil.
• Check and clean condensate drains.
• Clean blower wheel.
• Add Anti-Algae tablets to condensate pan.
• Check refrigerant level.
• Check air flow and tempature.
• Supply a written report of systems current condition upon completion of maintenance.

We will also address any questions or concerns you may personally have at these visits, and do our best to explain what you need to know.  If any issues are found during our inspection, we can make suggestions about the next step to take, and how we can help.

We really are your one-stop for all your HVAC needs, and our goal is to offer the top-quality in not only products, but also in customer service.  Call us today to schedule your preventative maintenance inspection on your AC before the summer temperatures soar. No one wants to be left without respite from the Florida heat, and we can make sure you won’t be.  Ridge Energy Savers is ready to help you keep your cool this summer!

High And Dry: How to Keep Humidity Levels Down in Your Florida Home

Here in Central Florida, humidity is joked about, complained about, and pretty much one of our primary characterization factors as a whole.  Our almost tropical climate lends itself to high levels of moisture in the air through much of the year, especially in the spring and summer months, and that can lead to a miserable existence, especially if you don’t know how to properly manage humidity levels inside your home.  Keeping the moisture down inside your house is important since high humidity in your home can lead to many issues, including:

• mold and mildew
• water (moisture) damage
• dust mites (they thrive on humidity)
• difficulty managing the temperature inside your home

Reducing humidity in your house means you will not only be more comfortable, but you will mitigate many of these risks.  With a few simple measures you can help maintain the proper moisture level in your home, and lower the humidity.  How?

First, ventilate, ventilate, ventilate.  Ever gone camping?  Even in mild temperatures, the temp inside a tent can rise quickly if you have the windows shut, and you’ll notice moisture developing inside the tent walls.  By opening the windows, you release the water vapor being released by your own breathing, and you’ll notice that the temperature not only seems much cooler inside, but drier as well!  The same concept applies to your house.  Moisture will accumulate inside if you don’t have proper ventilation, especially in areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and even laundry rooms. Use vent fans whenever possible, and in bathrooms, leave them running for a period of time after taking a shower to help remove moisture remaining in the air.  Don’t have vent fans?  Crack windows near the area to let moisture out, and consider placing a regular fan in the path of the doorway to pump air (and water vapor) out.
Also, avoid adding to the humidity in your home when possible.  For example, instead of a long, hot shower, aim for a short, cooler shower instead.  Instead of using your dishwasher for a small load, hand wash your dishes instead to avoid the humidity released as the washer runs.  Even small decisions such as these can have a big impact! Also reduce the number of houseplants in your home, or opt for plants that pull their water from the air around them.  ALL plants release water into the air, but some are better than others for keeping the humidity down in your home.  Another fun tip?  Send your kids out to play!  Each person emits approximately 1/4 cup of water each hour simply by breathing.  Fewer people in the house means less moisture in the air!

Finally, consider investing in a dehumidifier if lesser measures fail to give you the results you want.  Investing in this piece of equipment will save you money in the long run if your moisture levels are causing mold, mildew, and rot issues in your home.  The cost of repairs and renovations that this could lead to are much higher than what a small dehumidifier for your bathroom or basement will be.

Another important piece of equipment for managing the temperature and humidity levels in your home?  Your HVAC system. Maintaining the indoor temperature relative to the outside temperature is vital in keeping humidity levels where they should be.  Your air conditioner and/or heater play a huge role in this process.  Failure to maintain them and letting them falter will not only mean a VERY uncomfortable environment for you, but will also cause moisture issues like those we mentioned above.  Prevent this from happening by scheduling routine maintenance of your HVAC system.  For residents in and around the Polk County area, Ridge Energy Savers is here for you!  We offer emergency repair services, as well as maintenance and cleaning on HVAC systems. Schedule your appointment today before our Florida summer temperatures arrive!