What Is Freon and Is It Important for Your AC System?

  Invented in 1928, Freon was one of the first and most popular brands of refrigerants for air conditioning systems and refrigerators. While Freon has been phased out since 2010 due to environmental concerns, it’s still important to understand its history. Here’s a closer look at Freon, plus everything you need to know about refrigerants for your AC system today. What Is Freon? Freon is a brand name of refrigerant, technically known as R-22. Once touted as the “miracle compound,” Freon is a mix of several different chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, which are now known to deplete the ozone layer rapidly....

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How Does Ductwork Affect Your HVAC System?

Your home’s HVAC system uses ductwork to move heated or cooled air throughout each room. The ducts act like pathways, ensuring the air flows smoothly to keep your home comfortable. Well-designed ductwork is essential for keeping your home cozy in any season. If the ducts have leaks or aren’t installed correctly, your system might not work efficiently, leading to uneven temperatures and higher energy bills. At Hopkins Air Conditioning, we specialize in ductwork repair. By improving your HVAC system, we aim to keep your home comfortable and reduce energy costs. How do ducts work, and how do they affect your...

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UV Lights for HVAC Systems: Are They Worth It?

If the air in your Palm Beach home feels musty or smells moldy, consider a UV light for your HVAC system. These innovative devices use the power of ultraviolet (UV) light to kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses. But do they actually work, and are they worth the investment? Let the experts at Hopkins Air Conditioning explain the ins and outs of UV lights for HVAC systems. What Are UV Lights in HVAC Units? UV lights are a powerful tool in the fight against indoor air pollution. These lights emit UVC rays, a type of UV light powerful enough to kill...

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What Do “Hold” & “Run” Mean on a Thermostat?

Programmable thermostats allow you to create schedules for temperature changes that fit your air conditioning and heating needs. These units come with many different settings and buttons, including ones you may need to become more familiar with. Many programmable thermostats have “Hold” and “Run,” but what exactly are these buttons? What do they do? In this article, we’ll take a look at the “Hold” and “Run” options on programmable thermostats and discuss how they can be helpful for a homeowner.   What Is a Programmable Thermostat? As the name implies, a programmable thermostat allows you to take control of your HVAC system, more than...

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2024 SEER Ratings: What To Know About the New HVAC Efficiency Standards

Rising utility bills are a common problem throughout Florida, and many homeowners are shocked to discover just how much more it costs to cool their homes this year than last. While you can’t control utility rates, you can invest in an energy-efficient cooling system to reduce utility usage. To that end, it’s important to understand SEER ratings and the latest requirements to select a suitable air conditioning system for your home, condo, or apartment. There were some significant changes this past year, and the team at Hopkins Air Conditioning can help you navigate your options to find the right one.   What...

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Is Heat More Expensive Than AC?

Between winter temperatures and humid, hot summers, your air conditioning and heating systems see a lot of use. With a significant portion of energy consumption tied to HVAC systems, homeowners often wonder why heating their households costs more than cooling them. In this blog, we’ll discuss how energy usage and outdoor climate contribute to these cost disparities and how you can keep your systems efficient and utility bills low. Why Does Heat Take More Energy? The temperature difference between indoor and outdoor environments plays a crucial role in the cost of heating and cooling your home. The colder it is...

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5 Common Heat Pump Smells Explained

Heat pumps play a crucial role in keeping our homes comfortable by regulating temperature. However, unusual smells from your heat pump sometimes signal underlying issues. In this guide, we’ll explore five common heat pump smells, their possible causes, and how to address them. Musty or Stale Odor If your heat pump produces a musty or stale odor, it could be a sign of mold or mildew growth. This smell is often a result of moisture accumulating in the system. To eliminate it, ensure proper ventilation, clean or replace air filters regularly, and consider installing a dehumidifier in your home. Scheduling...

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Air Handlers vs. Furnaces: What’s the Difference

When it comes to keeping your home comfortable during winter in Florida, it’s essential to have a reliable heating system. While Florida is known for its warm climate, the winters can bring cooler temperatures, making heating systems necessary. When choosing a heating solution, it’s important to understand the differences between your options. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between air handlers and furnaces, two common systems used in Florida homes.   How a Furnace Produces Heat Furnaces are a popular choice for heating homes in many parts of the country, including Florida. These systems typically use one of two...

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Five Benefits of Extended Warranties

When you purchase HVAC systems, appliances, vehicles, and electronics, a manufacturer’s warranty is often included. Depending on the item, it could be a 30-year warranty or longer. If your item makes it through the warranty unscathed, that’s great because you don’t have to go through the claims process. Unfortunately, not everyone is so lucky. Here are five benefits that extended warranties offer. Why to Get an Extended Warranty for Your HVAC System 1. Peace of Mind The reason you purchase an insurance policy is for the peace of mind. An extended warranty works similarly to insurance. Most consumers purchase this...

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2023 Minimum HVAC SEER Ratings in Florida

New Florida Energy Efficiency Regulations Will Impact HVAC Systems It’s important in Palm Beach County to have an air conditioning system that works effectively to keep your home cool while using as little energy as possible. SEER ratings are a way to gauge the performance of different AC units. You should familiarize yourself with the 2023 changes to SEER requirements and Florida AC laws that may affect future upgrades to the air conditioning system in your Florida home. What’s a SEER Rating & How Does It Affect My HVAC Equipment? The SEER rating, or seasonal energy efficiency ratio, describes the...

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