Charlie’s Tropic Heating & Air Blog
Why Fall Is the Best Time to Schedule Your Heater Installation in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
When the temperatures begin to cool and the sun sets a little earlier in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, many of us start thinking about the cooler months ahead. While we’re lucky to enjoy mild winters, the changing weather means that we’ll soon be relying on our heating...
How to Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency and Save Money This Fall in Atlantic Beach, FL
As the golden sun begins to set a little earlier and the ocean breeze picks up, many of us in Atlantic Beach start thinking about the cooler months ahead. But while we anticipate the comfort of fall, it’s also the perfect time to reflect on our homes and their energy...
The Impact of Seasonal Allergies on Indoor Air Quality: How Your HVAC System Can Help in Atlantic Beach, FL
Living in Atlantic Beach, FL, means enjoying the beautiful coastal weather and vibrant outdoor lifestyle. However, the local climate also brings a host of challenges, especially for those who suffer from seasonal allergies. As pollen fills the air and humidity levels...
Benefits of Upgrading Your Thermostat At the End of Summer in St. Johns, FL
As summer begins to wind down in St. Johns, FL, you might find yourself reflecting on the season's highs and lows. The scorching heat can be relentless, leaving your HVAC system working overtime to keep your home cool. It’s also the perfect time to think about ways to...
HVAC System Inspection Checklist for Jacksonville Beach, FL Homeowners Before Hurricane Season
In 2023, 20 cyclones powered through Florida. Jacksonville Beach was fortunate to suffer limited damage from Hurricane Idalia, the most powerful storm to hit some parts of Florida in over 125 years. Each year can bring hurricane surprises, so preparing your HVAC...
Why Do Air Conditioners Leak During a Jacksonville Summer?
Experts project Jacksonville, FL, to have 84 days with temperatures between 90° and 100° Fahrenheit this year. Even more concerning, they forecast the city to experience 42 days when temperatures may exceed 100° F! The good news is that you can avoid the risks of such...
How to Know if You Should Give Your AC a Break in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Is the air conditioner in your Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, home ready for summer 2024, which experts predict will be hotter than usual? If you've been replacing your AC unit's filters once a month and setting the thermostat at the recommended 78°, your answer is likely a...
What Duct Cleaning Equipment Do HVAC Professionals Use in Atlantic Beach, FL?
In Atlantic Beach, FL, where humidity and storms are the norm, clean indoor air is not a luxury, it's a necessity. Unseen pollutants hide in your home's ductwork. They jeopardize air quality, respiratory health, and HVAC system efficiency. If imagining all the dirt,...
Why Spring Is the Ideal Time for HVAC Thermostat Upgrades in Atlantic Beach, FL
There's a reason spring has always been a time of big changes. Whether you're the type to set spring resolutions or engage in the ritual of spring cleaning, the return of greenery and wildlife is great for mood and motivation! Where your home is concerned, spring is...
9 Questions to Ask Before Hiring Furnace Repair Services in St. Johns, FL
Has your furnace started making strange sounds? Maybe it's not keeping your home as warm as it did last winter. Don't make the mistake of fixing your furnace alone. You could void the warranty. Instead, call an experienced St. Johns furnace repair company. There are...
Local University of Florida Dr. and Professor to be Honored with “True Hero” Award by Charlie’s Tropic Heating & Air Conditioning
Dr. Joseph Costa, a local Dr. and Professor for the University of Florida Health of Jacksonville, FL, was announced as the 2023 Bryant True Hero Award Winner. The award was presented by Amy O’Grady with Charlie’s Tropic Heating & Air Conditioning as part of a...
Why is my AC unit freezing up?
If your air conditioning unit freezes up on a hot summer day, you know you’re in trouble. It’s about to get dangerously uncomfortable in your home. But what causes AC units to freeze up? Unfortunately, AC units freezing over is one of the most common ways your unit...
Are you tired of rising utility bills?
No matter the size of your home or your family, you’ve likely encountered rising utility costs in Jacksonville, Florida. We understand what homeowners go through each month when they pay their bills – we pay them too! That’s why we want to help you reduce your heating...
What is the right AC size for my home?
When Florida homeowners prepare to pay for the ideal air conditioning system for their properties, they shouldn’t rush into the purchase. Instead, they should take the time to understand some critical facts about AC unit size and how it’ll affect their indoor air...
Can a cheap air conditioning unit keep me cool?
Florida homeowners know that keeping every room cool and comfortable during the summer months isn’t cheap. Paying for quality air conditioning can be costly – especially if you need to purchase a brand new central air system. But can a cheap air conditioning unit get...
What is an HVAC Industry Apprenticeship Program?
The Charlie’s Tropic Heating & Air Conditioning team is proud to partner with HVAC apprenticeship programs that provide exciting and rewarding benefits for dedicated HVAC technicians. These programs offer serious advantages for members and guarantee long-term job...
How to Get a Career in the HVAC Industry
If you’re interested in becoming an HVAC technician, you already know it’s a more specialized field than construction or other home and business service industries. But do you know exactly what the job entails and what you’ll need to get started? If not, you’re in...
Using Your AC for the Best Indoor Humidity Levels
Humidity is incredibly important when it comes to your health and comfort indoors. Your home AC system is designed to help you control that humidity – that’s why it’s important to understand how it works. That way, you can use it to your advantage to keep your indoor...
Summer Cooling Tips for Florida Homeowners
The real heat of summer is finally here and homeowners in Florida have already cranked their AC systems to max settings. Enjoying that cool air is the prime benefit of your home’s HVAC system – but how else can you ensure you stay cool this summer? Your air...
Preparing Your Home HVAC System for Hurricane Season
The 2022 Atlantic hurricane season started on June 1 and ends November 30. Is your home HVAC system ready to weather the coming storms? Investing your time now making sure your home and your heating and cooling system are ready for hurricane season can help...
Learning More About Performance-Based Pay
The Charlie’s Tropic Heating & Air Conditioning team is always looking for ways to improve the lives of our customers and our employees. That’s why we’re proud to offer a new payment system for our team members that can help them excel in their positions – and...
New Refrigerant Changes for the HVAC Industry
In recent years, the HVAC industry has evolved as new changes and regulations continue to roll out nationwide. Starting in January of 2023 with a final change date of 2025, a new refrigerant will be required in every air conditioner manufactured across the country....
How Preventative HVAC Maintenance Saves You Money
When you hear the words “HVAC maintenance,” you might associate them with a big price tag. After all, why would you need to call in an HVAC technician unless your system had stopped working and needed a quick fix? The truth is that preventative HVAC maintenance can...
The 2021 Bryant True Heroes Award Winner
In 2021, Charlie’s Tropic Heating & Air Conditioning took part in the Bryant True Heroes Award ceremony by presenting the award to Aviation Electronic Technician First Class John Burke. AT1 Burke is a local sailor stationed in Naval Station Mayport and has been...
What You Need to Know About SEER and SEER2
Next year, new government regulations are primed to impact home air conditioning systems around the country. These regulations focus entirely on the energy efficiency of air conditioning systems and which systems homeowners can install on their properties. Most...
2021 Bryant True Heroes Winner
2021 Bryant True Hero Winner Aviation Electronic Technician First Class (AT1) John Burke, a local sailor stationed in Naval Station Mayport, was announced as the Jacksonville, FL 2021 Bryant True Hero Award Winner before the Triple-A Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp...
Warning Signs I Need a New Capacitor
What are the Warning Signs I Need a New Capacitor? HVAC systems can be quite complex. Regardless of the type of system you have, there are many moving parts that must be perfectly in sync for the whole thing to function properly. There’s no doubt that a...
2020 Bryant True Heroes Winner
2020 Bryant True Heroes Winner Charlie’s Tropic Heating & Air Conditioning is proud to announce Trina Middleton as the winner of the 2020 Bryant True Heroes award. Jacksonville Beach, FL resident Trina Middleton was honored...
Five Most Common Reasons for A/C Breakdowns
Air conditioning is essential for residents of hot and sunny Florida. If you notice your system doesn't cool your home as well as it should or it simply stops working, you're likely contending with one of these five common reasons for A/C breakdowns. Poor Wiring If...
Common air conditioner problems
Just like any electronic device, air conditioners need regular care and maintenance to work properly. However, in reality, not all air conditioners receive this kind of care. What can happen is that you're in an area with unbearable heat and humidity, and all...
Tips for maintaining air ducts and ventilation
Problems with air ducts and ventilation have long been linked to everything from respiratory problems to energy inefficiency. This goes for ventilation systems in both homes and corporate spaces. While keeping them clean and working properly is important, it can still...
Landlord or Tenant-Who’s Responsible
Landlord or Tenant: Who’s Responsible for HVAC Service and Maintenance Needs? Tenants want to live in a home that’s attractive and comfortable. That’s cool in the summer and warm in the winter. But who exactly is responsible for HVAC service and maintenance? Is it you...
Currently Installed Ductwork
Can the Currently Installed Ductwork be Used with a Newly Installed AC Unit? On structures with central heating and air conditioning, ductwork is usually installed above the ceiling or beneath the floors. Ductwork is what moves...
What Fulfills Us
What Fulfills Us Charlie’s Tropic Heating and Air Conditioning is all about family. From our staff to our customers, if you’re not a member of Charlie’s family, he will always treat you like one. Speaking of family, one member of our team is definitely no exception....
Brands Offered
What Brands Do You Offer & Why Do You Prefer Them? It’s always been our mission to assist the people in our community in every way possible. At Charlie’s Tropic Heating and Air Conditioning, we will install, service and repair HVAC systems from every...
Unit Capacity
What Size or Capacity System do I Need to Properly Cool my Home? In Florida, having a properly functioning HVAC system isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Floridians experience warm weather for most of the year, with summertime temperatures reaching into the 100’s. When...
Why is there Ice on my Air Conditioner
Why is There Ice on My Air Conditioner? There are quite a few issues that can arise within an air conditioning unit. One common problem we come across is the build up of ice on the pipes leading into the air handler. Unfortunately, a few things can cause this. To...
What Frees Us!
What Frees Us Working in the HVAC industry is no easy profession. The team at Charlie’s Tropic Heating and Air Conditioning works vigorously to ensure the satisfaction of every customer. When you work hard, it’s important to destress and clear your mind so you can...
What Entertains Us
What Entertains Us Finding what makes you happy is truly what life is all about. For one of our employees, she found something she enjoys with an avid passion at a pretty young age. Beth Reagan-Colby, our customer relations manager, is the quintessential people...
Water Leaking
Why Do I Have Water Leaking from My Air Handler? Water leaking from your indoor air conditioner is never a good sign. It usually means something isn’t operating properly. On a properly functioning unit, all water should be draining outdoors. A/C units come with...
Why is my Air Conditioning not Blowing Cold Air?
Why is my Air Conditioning not Blowing Cold Air? There are many possibilities as to why your air conditioning isn’t blowing out cold air. The first thing you should check is your indoor coil. The air filter is attached to the coil. Hopefully you’re familiar with it,...
2019 Bryant True Heroes Winner
2019 Bryant True Heroes Winner Charlie’s Tropic Heating & Air Conditioning is proud to announce Lillie Bailey as the winner of the 2019 Bryant True Heroes award. Jacksonville, FL resident Lillie Bailey was honored with a 2019 Bryant True Heroes Award on Thursday,...
AC Keeps Running
What Do I Do if My AC Unit Keeps Running & Won’t Shut Off? A constantly-running air conditioning unit isn’t good. It’s usually a sign of something more serious going on with your system. Besides increasing your electric bill, it can do severe damage to the entire...
What Ignites Us
What Ignites Us Having passion is important. It’s something we look for in every employee at Charlie’s Tropic. Along with a passion for the HVAC industry, finding fulfillment in other areas of life is necessary too. When thinking about people in the HVAC industry,...
Air Conditioning Installation
Air Conditioning Installation A properly working HVAC system in Florida isn’t just important, it’s a necessity. It may be time to replace your HVAC unit if it’s begun to show signs of aging or has stopped working altogether. The installation professionals at Charlie’s...
What Moves Us
What Moves US Charlie’s Tropic Heating and AC would not be possible without those working on the frontline in the community. With such a large team of service professionals, there must be someone at the reigns making sure everything runs as smoothly as possible....
Preventative Maintenance
Preventative Maintenance As a home or business owner, caring for your property and those inside of it is always a top priority. At Charlie’s Tropic Heating and AC, preventative maintenance is something we encourage for all our customers. Taking the steps to routinely...
What Inspires Us
What Inspires Us Service plays a huge role at Charlie’s Tropic Heating and AC. Across the board, providing excellent service from start to finish and beyond is our goal. There’s no better example of the level of service we provide than by looking at our service...
Customer Service
Customer Service Excellent customer service is the backbone of Charlie’s Tropic. When Charlie started his business, he desired to focus just as much of his efforts on customer service as he did on providing great HVAC service. As a locally owned and operated business,...
What Drives Us
Meet Chris Johnson Charlie’s Tropic would not be possible without the many hardworking men and women who come to work with us every day. One of the people who helps keep our wheels turning is Chris Johnson our comfort specialist. The role of our comfort...
Air Conditioning Service & Repair
Jacksonville Air Conditioning Service & Repair There’s a great responsibility that comes along with servicing a community in the HVAC industry. At Charlie’s Tropic, our dedication has and always will be to our customers. Our commitment doesn’t end with the completion...
What Builds Us
Meet Charlie Marks Our founder, Charlie Marks, grew Charlie’s Tropic into what it is today. This came from his pure passion for the HVAC industry and building his own path to success. After traveling throughout most of his young childhood with his Military Family he...
What Makes Us Charlie’s Tropic
What Makes Us Charlie's Tropic Heating & Air Conditioning There are a lot of Good HVAC companies out there but what makes a Great HVAC Company is having great leaders. People who motivate others around them, and build relationships that create trust and open...
Charlie’s Tropic is Proud to Announce our 2018 Bryant True Heroes
2018 Bryant True Heroes Charlie's Tropic Heating & Air Conditioning was proud to partner with Bryant Heating & Cooling for the installation of a New HVAC system for one of Jacksonville's finest local families. The McCary Family was honored to accept our...
Women in HVAC: Sophisticated and Specialized
Women in HVAC: Sophisticated and Specialized The glass ceiling for women in the workforce has always been a complex problem with multiple different facets. There isn’t a single pain point for women – there’s many. From uncompetitive wages, limited growth...
We are excited about giving back to Jacksonville
We are excited about giving back to Jacksonville The Bryant Community Heroes program honors ordinary people doing extraordinary things in local communities. Those selected receive a new high efficiency air conditioning system with installation provided by Charlie’s...
6 Tips for Staying Cool During Extreme Heat
6 Tips for Staying Cool During Extreme Heat As Jacksonville’s temperatures soar into the 90s and the real feel peaks above 100 degrees it’s become more important than ever to stay cool wherever you can. Turning your thermostat down is one of the most logical ways to...
Charlie’s Tropic Heating & Air 20th Anniversary
Charlie’s Tropic Heating & Air 20th Anniversary Starting a new business is never an easy feat but keeping that business around for two decades was an even bigger milestone. I am proud to say that Charlie’s Tropic Heating and Air Conditioning is celebrating its...
An extended warranty takes the heat off household AC budgets
Charlie's customers know: an extended air conditioner warranty takes the heat off household budgets We've all looked at a store clerk, incredulous at the earnest question: “Would you like to buy an extended warranty for that?” Looking down at your $25 electrical...
Charlie’s blog ranked among the top 100 in the country
Longtime customers of Charlie's Tropic Heating & Air Conditioning know what it feels like to place a cry for help to our office. That is a good day at Charlie's Tropic Heating & Air Conditioning. Representing the efficient, reliable and courteous service has...
Amy O’Grady attends third annual Women in HVAC event
Amy O'Grady was one of dozens of women from across the heating and cooling brand who attended a three-day conference. “On my third year with Bryant Women in HVAC, I realized I had become part of an unspoken Sisterhood. We are all facing the same business climate and...
Gain the upper hand on summer electric bills with a programmable thermostat
It's not like going to the grocery store and loading up on your favorite ice cream when it's on sale. It's not like going to your carrier and buying a cell phone and negotiating a better deal on family packages. And it's definitely not like going to a flea market,...
Charlie’s unscrambles 5 faulty (and expensive) notions about air conditioning
Charlie's unscrambles 5 faulty (and expensive) notions about air conditioning Iowa is a long way from Florida, but the team at Charlie's Tropic Heating & Air Conditioning bets they know exactly how egg farmers there feel in the wake of new health studies that...
We love our online reviews!
We love our online reviews! If you’re in the habit of reading online reviews, then you probably follow the conventional wisdom by looking for a business that draws more positive reviews than negative ones. At Charlie's Tropic Heating & Air Conditioning, we...
4 Smart moves before scheduling an AC tuneup
Make four smart moves before making the smartest one of all: scheduling an AC tuneup with Charlie's We've talked about the benefits of regular air conditioner maintenance so many times that of course you're planning to schedule your annual AC tuneup. It's right there,...
It’s like putting frosting on a cake; learn how to seal your windows’ air leaks
Still, with the passage of time, you might need extra motivation to unwrap those caulk and weather stripping packages and get to work. If so, consider: The U.S. Department of Energy says, “If you added up all the leaks, holes and gaps in a typical home's envelope (the...
Learn how to find your windows’ air leaks
Silent, not deadly, but costly; learn how to find your windows' air leaks If you're like many Floridians, you keep your windows closed most of the year to keep the warm air out. And you keep your window treatments closed to keep the sun out. But if you think your...
Putting your electric bill on ice the eco-friendly cooling way!
With torrential rains and mudslides spilling onto roads on the West Coast and freezing rain turning freeways into ice rinks throughout the Midwest, it might appear ungrateful to complain that us Floridians have been “suffering” through 80-degree temperatures while we...
Is your AC company NATE certified?
NATE certification carries the mark of excellence that Charlie's customers deserve If the light fixtures in your home are flickering and your outlets are hot to the touch, you probably will call a licensed electrician – not a handyman – to fix your faltering...
Will UV lights clear the air?
Tired of the PU from kitchen odors? Many Floridians are turning to UV lights to clear the air You've run the exhaust fan, a ceiling fan and even a tabletop fan. And still, the kitchen odors linger. Then you got creative and tried some home remedies to squelch the...
Holiday preparation
Holiday Preparation It's that time of year, alright – the time of year when you're alternately seized by eager anticipation, nervous anxiety and a fleeting sense of dread, all at the same time - time for holiday preparation! What else could it be but “holiday time,”...
Make the most of the calm after the storm
Make the most of the calm after the storm; heed lessons stirred up by Hurricane Matthew Jacksonville residents watched the storm approach with trepidation for days, survived its ferocious, 60+ mph winds and then breathed a collective sigh of relief when we learned we...
Is a poorly placed thermostat triggering “ghost” readings in your home?
Is a poorly placed thermostat triggering "ghost" readings in your home? Your home may be “haunted” with ghosts and you may not even know it. But the clues are right in front of you. You're shivering when the thermostat setting indicates you ought to feel warm and...
Let Charlie’s clear the air about the value of duct cleaning
You can blame those shady contractors about duct cleaning if you want to They’re the ones who may have misled you about what duct cleaning involves. They may have misrepresented its benefits – portraying it as “an emergency service” that everybody needs. And they may...
The Ins and Outs of Ventilation
Most people know someone who insists on cracking open the window of their car even as the air conditioner churns out cool air. You can point out the cool air that is being wasted by going right out the window. You can say that the resulting “drag” on the car wastes...
Don’t be caught off guard with a faltering heat pump
Nobody has to tell us warm-bodied Floridians that we crave warmth – while also seeking refuge from it with cool air. In no time at all, the temperatures will fall and we'll be seeking refuge from the cold air with heat. . Before you turn on your heat pump for the...
Let Charlie’s help you ease the air conditioning financial burden
When it feels as though the sky is falling, let Charlie's help you ease the financial burden No, the sky isn't falling. It might feel that way when your air conditioner is beyond repair, must be replaced and you're hard-pressed to find a way to pay for it.For times...
Charlie’s financing can help you keep your cool!
The service technicians at Charlie's Tropic Heating & Air Conditioning have heard many responses to the news that a homeowner needs a new air conditioner. But never – not once in our nearly 20 years of serving the Jacksonville area – have we heard a homeowner say,...
An AC tuneup will save real money
An AC tuneup will save real money this summer Now that the summer heat has permeated northeast Florida, hardly a day goes by when a customer does not call Charlie’s Tropic Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc., to ask, “What's the best way to set my thermostat in this...
7 Ways We Provide Outstanding HVAC Customer Service
7 ways we provide outstanding HVAC customer service You can tell it's summertime in northeast Florida – and not just because of all the backyard barbecues, garage sales and community pool gatherings. It's the buzz of what's being said at these venues at this time of...
Keep your cool
Keep your cool With tropical storms and hurricanes in the forecast, we all know that our electrical power might be interrupted at some point this summer, and that means goodbye cool air. While it might be difficult to move around your home without lights, it might be...
Are you ready for tropical storms or hurricanes?
Are you ready for tropical storms or hurricanes? He huffed and he puffed and with all that wind he also left a lot of rain in his wake, but Colin remained a tropical storm – leaving northeast Floridians to sigh in relief. After you catch your breath, let another force...
Keep cool by keeping your air conditioner filter clean
As far as household chores go, changing your air conditioner filter takes only a few minutes of your time, makes minimal mess and doesn't require any special skills or even any special tools. In fact, you might you even consider this chore so simple that it's fun,...
The Dirty Truths about Keeping your Air Conditioner Filter Clean
The dirty truths about keeping your air conditioner filter clean As the steady hum of air conditioners begins to fill the air in neighborhoods throughout northeast Florida, so do two distinctive cries among people whose air conditioners have broken down. The first cry...
Breaking Down the HVAC Barriers
Breaking Down the HVAC Barriers The year was 1979. The city was Jacksonville, FL. Some would say that 1979 was an ominous year where the stage was being set for the world we live in today. It was the year that the Shah of Iran was forced out and extremist...
Think you need an emergency air conditioning repair?
Think you need an emergency air conditioning repair? Maybe you do, but check these things first. You're hot, you're sweaty and all you want to do is sit back and chill with your favorite beverage before dinner. You're in no mood to wage a battle with your air...
Amy O’Grady named to 2016 Bryant Heating Women in HVAC
Amy O’Grady, Marketing Director of Charlie’s Tropical Heating & Air, was recently named as one of 92 women from women across the US for the 2016 Bryant® Heating Women in HVAC. This prestigious group, which meets semi-annually, gives Bryant Heating and Cooling...
Those strange noises may be telling you that you need an emergency air conditioner repair
Those strange noises may be telling you that you need an emergency air conditioner repair! Here's a deal we'd like to strike with all past, present and future customers of Charlie's Tropic Heating & Air Conditioning: They won't ignore strange noises coming...
When getting a new air conditioner replacement, boast about its SEER
When getting a new air conditioner replacement, boast about its SEER No, you're probably not going to take a picture of your new air conditioner replacement. Its looks are nothing to boast about. So if you're not going to boast about its good looks, then you might as...
Air conditioner replacement cost – how to plan for it
Air conditioner replacement cost - how to plan for it They say there's a first time for everything in life, but in the nearly 20 years that Charlie's Tropic Heating & Air Conditioning has been serving Jacksonville area homeowners, we have never heard a homeowner...
Keep Your Cool – And Your Air Conditioner Running
Keep your cool – and your air conditioner running – with a Charlie's maintenance agreement Keeping your air conditioner running is important but when it breaks down, you want two answers, and you want them fast: Who do I call to fix it and how much is it going to cost...
Charlie’s household tips can save you money
You know you shouldn't and normally, you probably wouldn't. But what the heck? It's the holidays. It's not a time to save you money. It's a rare person who doesn't muster the very human skill of rationalization to spend a few extra bucks around the holidays. If the...
Make every breath you take matter
Make every breath you take really matter; protect and improve your indoor air quality Here's an easy one: you're driving down the street with your window open when a noisy truck or motorcycle streaming smoke and fumes pulls up next to you. So what do you do? You close...
Home Energy Audits – DIY and Professional – Step 2
Step 2: The professional audit After you conclude your home energy audit, you're bound to feel a sense of accomplishment – as well you should. You've made an important step toward improving your home's energy efficiency. As you organize your notes, you might wish to...
Home Energy Audits – Step 1
Home Energy Audits – DIY and Professional - can slash your utility bills Step 1: The DIY audit Maybe your home feels drafty – even when the windows are closed. Or maybe certain rooms feel warm while others feel chilly or damp. Or maybe – and here's an...
Tips to Keep Your Holiday Guests at a Comfortable Temperature
There's usually at least one in every family: one guest who complains that he or she is not at a comfortable temperature in your home – maybe while adding to the drama by wiping imaginary sweat from his brow or blowing fictitious frost from his mouth. Yes, the...
Safeguard Your HVAC System for the Holidays
You may be going out of town for the holidays, but as experience has probably taught you: You can put miles between yourself and your home, but it is never far from your thoughts. Missing your home is one thing, but you don't have to worry about it if you take some...
Maximize your AC’s efficiency
Ask a car mechanic how to increase a car's efficiency and lifespan, and he's likely to say, “Drive it less often.” Though tinged with sarcasm, the advice is nonetheless true – and applies to central air conditioners, too. It might help to keep in mind: trying...
Air Conditioning efficiency begins with an annual tune-up
Many car owners register the “yeah, yeah, yeah” factor when they're reminded to get their oil and filter changed at least every 5,000 miles, if not before. Yes, they recognize that their car runs more smoothly and efficiently after a tune-up and requires fewer trips...
Make your ceiling fans work with your air conditioner
The influence of a ceiling fan is nothing to sneeze at. As the wind-chill effect helps moisture evaporate from your skin and you feel cooler, you can set your thermostat about 4 degrees higher than usual, and with no noticeable difference in comfort, says the U.S....
Do your ceiling fans boost your air conditioner’s efficiency?
You could create a mood reminiscent of “Casablanca” with a ceiling fan whose blades move so slowly that they barely break up the clouds of smoke in the room. But when it's warm or sweltering outside, who cares about evoking nostalgia? You want to stay cool, and a...
Add Up the Benefits of Buying a New Air Conditioner
When you're considering a major purchase like a new car, it can be difficult to fight the feeling that you're “being sold.” The feeling often intensifies if you're unsure about the purchase in the first place. Just as you weigh the pros and cons of investing in a new...
Don’t sweat it; some air conditioning problems are commonplace
Most Common Air Conditioning Problems Your air conditioner has gone haywire and you turn to a technician at Charlie's Tropic Heating & Air Conditioning with a question: Is this a common AC problem or what? It can be reassuring to hear: “Oh yes. We see this problem...
Why MERV ratings matter to your air conditioner filter
Why MERV ratings matter to your air conditioner filter – to a point Your air conditioner depends on it to run efficiently and cleanly. You depend on it to breathe clean air and stay healthy. Yet the HVAC filter remains one of those “mystery components” that confounds...
HVAC Air Filters Right to Your Door
HVAC Air Filters Right To Your Door Any reasonably good heating, air conditioning and ventilation company will advise its customers to regularly check their air filter. But only an exceptional company will go the extra mile – literally – by offering a service that...
Sweating Your AC System
Sweating Your AC System As a property manager, it's no wonder you're sweating how to best maintain your property's heating, ventilation and ac system. It's not only one of the biggest investments you've made; it's also a complex mechanical system that requires regular...
Circle of Champions
Congratulations to us for winning the Circle of Champions award given by at the Bryant Awards each year. According to the Bryant website: Growing a successful Bryant® dealership demands a steadfast commitment to Quality Products and Service, an unwavering dedication...
How clean are your condenser coils?
If ever there was a home maintenance job that will help your central air conditioner run more efficiently, it's cleaning the condenser coils. Dirt and grime are the twin enemies of your central air conditioner because they impede air flow and literally slow down the...
Air Conditioning: Repair or Replace?
If ever you've grown sentimentally attached to an old car that is draining money from your budget with frequent repairs, then you can probably relate to that sinking feeling that it might be better to cut your losses and buy a newer, more reliable car. Every...
Indoor Air Quality
More than the meal you cooked for dinner last night or even the furry dog who sat underneath the table while you savored it, nothing affects your indoor air quality more than your heating and air conditioning system. At the risk of being dramatic, your health and your...
Consider, and conquer, conditions that affect your indoor air quality
It was was a report destined to grab headlines, and it didn't disappoint: issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in the fall of 2013, it effectively rattled homeowners nationwide by declaring that indoor air pollutants can be two to five times higher – and...
Beware of Space Heaters and Read This First
It's difficult to deny the appeal of space heaters. If someone in your home feels a perennial chill, a space heater can provide spot-on warmth. If you have a particularly cold or drafty room in your home, a space heater can be pressed into duty without having to raise...
Benefits of Variable Speed Air Conditioning & Heating Systems
If you live in a home more than 20 years old, and you haven't updated your heating and cooling system, it probably has a single-speed fan motor or at best, a multi-speed motor. For a long time the single speed blower was the standard. With just one setting it was...
Preparing your Home & HVAC System for Winter
There may be a science behind predicting the weather, but that doesn't mean it can't surprise us. In some areas people might find themselves in t-shirts and shorts one day and breaking out the winter coat the next. Already this year some areas have seen measurable...
Four Benefits of Programmable AC Thermostats
Today's consumer sand appliance manufacturers - including air conditioning system makers - are all about energy and cost efficiency. That's why programmable AC thermostats are all the rage. Properly installed and used, they can save the average American homeowner some...
Leaky Air Conditioners Can be a Fire Hazard
Well maintained, they're built to keep us cool. But if your air conditioner springs a leak, things can get fiery hot. According to a 2012 report by the National Fire Protection Association, air conditioning, fans or related equipment were involved in upward of 7,400...
Air-Conditioning Appreciation Days are Here – Here’s How to Appreciate Yours
If you've lived in Northeast Florida for any amount of time, we don't have to tell you that July and August are the hottest months of the year. Temperatures hover in the 90s and can even hit triple-digits. That's why Air Conditioning Appreciation Days run from early...
Replacing Your Air Conditioning Filter? Know Your MERV Ratings
Among the top preventative maintenance measures you can take to protect your air conditioning and heating system is replacing your AC filter at least once a month. But with an abundance of choices ranging in prices from less than a buck to nearly $20 each staring you...
Shock Hazard Prompts Recall of More than 100,000 Trane Air Conditionings
We're in the throes of summer in Northeast Florida, where a working air conditioning system isn't just a luxury - it's a necessity. Unfortunately if your recently installed AC system is a Trane, you may be in for a few sweltering days. The company, along with...
Hurricane Season is Here – “Go Tapeless,” Experts Urge
It's the quintessential image of storm season here in (usually) sunny Northeast Florida come June 1, when the Atlantic hurricane season officially gets underway - images of windows on homes and buildings lined with strips of duct tape. The reasoning behind these...
The Atlantic Hurricane Season Starts June 1 – Three Things You Should Know
There's a saying that Northeast Florida has three distinct seasons: Football season, love bug season and hurricane season. Well, one of those is upon us. The 2014 Atlantic hurricane season officially kicks off this Sunday, June 1, and runs all the way through November...
How to Control Humidity in your Home Using your Air Conditioner
If you live in the coastal Northeast Florida area, you know a little something about humidity. While there are benefits galore to living near the ocean and having access to the St. Johns River and a number of smaller rivers and lakes, there also bad hair days aplenty...
Three Air Conditioning Terms to Know if you Want to Save Money
Three Air Conditioning Terms to Know if you Want to Save Money Air conditioning costs can soar during the hot Florida summers. So, if you’re in the market for a new HVAC system, there are a few terms you’ll want to learn before laying down any cash. SEER: An acronym...