1. Quick Control – A variable speed handler gives you the control you desire over the temperature and cool air circulating within your home. The great thing about this is that you will feel a gradual change in temperature as opposed to an instant of cold then, suddenly, no air flow.
2. Comfortable Space – The next factor is how quiet a variable speed air handler is. A regular unit does not provide the option for a speed that is less than full blast. This can cause the unit to be extremely loud and noticeable when turning on and off.
3. Quantity and Quality – The amount of times that a repair is needed will also decrease when choosing a variable unit. This is due to the fact that it is not always turning on and off so it is less prone to wear and tear over time. It also improves the quality of your air with the amount of air that passes through the unit constantly and at any speed.

Let’s get better, cleaner air! Contact a central Ohio air handler, like Fire & Ice Heating and Cooling, Inc., today!

• First, it is definitely necessary to have your furnace cleaned annually. The inspection is needed to keep things in check when it comes to your heating needs during the winter months. It is also considered a health hazard to ignore the needs of your unit for possible carbon monoxide gas leaks. Carbon monoxide can lead to headaches, dizziness, nausea and possibly death.
• Second, it is customary for homeowners to have their furnace services from mid to late fall. At this time of year it may become difficult to find a furnace contractor that is available before you need your furnace for the first time.
• Lastly, if you have the ability to get your furnace maintenance complete in the summer, it will benefit if you have extensive and costly repairs required before using your heating unit. This would give you the opportunity to pay over a period of time and not incur emergency service charges around the holiday season.

Take the opportunity this summer to have your furnace serviced. If you are looking for a Central Ohio furnace contractor, give Fire & Ice Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. a call today!

• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Did we mention hydrate? Perhaps the most important tip for ensuring summer workout safety is to stay as hydrated as possible. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially on those days that you’ll be running around and being active.
• Cool off, safely. After a long run around your neighborhood, be sure to take proper cool-down methods. Rather than simply, well, stop mid-run, walk at a slow pace for a few minutes, followed by a thorough stretch. This will allow your quickened heart rate to decrease at a safe and slow pace.
• Dress properly. When it comes to working out, you might think throwing on a cotton t-shirt will do the trick. However, investing in proper workout attire will ensure that you stay as cool as possible. Workout attire in materials such as polyester and lycra allow sweat to be effectively wicked away from the body, meaning a safer and more effective workout.
• Avoid midday workouts. If you’re heading to a gym, chances are you’ll avoid too hot of temperatures. But if your workouts consist of outdoor jogs, hikes, or walks, keep them to cooler hours of the day. Early morning or later afternoon hours are a bit more shaded, providing cooler and safer workout conditions.
• Spend plenty of time relaxing. Sure, working up a sweat is great, but sometimes you just need to relax! On those especially hot days, or those days when you simply need to recuperate, utilize a rest day, taking advantage of some good air conditioning. Our own Ohio HVAC services can ensure the most efficient of your AC unit!

Transition in high temperature workouts with these simple and safe tips!

1. Cotton Sheets – You may enjoy the smooth feel of silk or polyester sheets, but these fabrics are known to harbor in the heat. Instead, opt for breathable fabrics, such as lightweight cotton.
2. Adjust the fans—you’ve probably heard that making your fan rotate counterclockwise helps to keep the air cool. Here’s why: Counterclockwise rotation pushes the hot air out the window and away from your bed!
3. Loose PJ’s—when it comes to sleepwear, think loose and breathable. Loose-fitting cotton t-shirts are ideal, allowing sweat to be wicked away from the body.
4. Freeze those sheets—one way to ensure a cooler night of sleep is to pop your sheets in the freezer for a few minutes prior to bedtime. Place them in a sealed plastic bag to avoid any dampness from occurring.
5. Disconnect from the electronics—if you’re like most, you probably have your cellphone plugged into an outlet fairly close to your bed. Keep electronics away from your bed to avoid an excess of heat.
6. Cool Off—Before bedtime, hop into a cool shower. This will instantly lower your temperature, allowing you a more rested night of sleep.

With these simple tips, you’ll be on your way to a cool and refreshing night of sleep in no time!

Homeowner or Renter?

For people who are renting a home, it can be a good option to use removable window air conditioners. However, homeowners who plan to live a long time in the house they have purchased would be better to opt for central air conditioning to cool the entire home.

Window units only make sense if you need to cool just one room in the house (otherwise you need to opt for as many units as the number of rooms you need to cool). When you need to keep the temperature of the entire home comfortable — the living room, the dining room, bedrooms, kids’ rooms, and kitchen — you would be better served by a central air conditioning system. For homeowners, it makes sense to invest in a central unit installation, which will pay off in the longer term.

Costs and Other Considerations

Of course cost is a significant factor to consider when choosing the type of air conditioners to buy. If you’re on a budget, a combination of window units may be a cost-effective option.

However, you do need to factor in the fact that a window AC obstructs a window, blocking a source of natural light and ventilation. Also since window air conditioners are fitted in the window of a room, they could get rather noisy. Since a central unit is typically located at a different spot, it makes for quieter interiors.

Still confused about what air conditioners are right for your lifestyle? Pick up the phone and ask us by dialing 614-454-3260, sending an email at service@indoortemp.com, or by using our Contact Form to schedule an estimate.

• Take note of any odd sounds or smells that your air conditioning is making over the few days before your service. This will ensure that you don’t forget any of your concerns on the day that your Ohio HVAC technician arrives. Additionally, the day your technician arrives, your AC might not make that strange whirling sound, or, the smell may not be quite as noticeable. Making a note will ensure that your technician is aware of any problem that may be facing your unit, further ensuring that he or she addresses each of your concerns.
• If you can, clear the surrounding area. This doesn’t mean the room has to be spotless, but taking the time to move boxes or storage out of the way will ensure as quick of a procedure as possible!
• Make a note of the day and time of your service appointment. There’s nothing worse than getting a call from the technician while you’re in the middle of running your errands. Be sure to remember the exact day and timeframe that your technician is expected to arrive!

With these few and simple tips, you’ll be on your way to a quick and efficient service repair!

Frozen Air Conditioner

If your house is hot and continues to remain hot no matter how low you set the thermostat, then you might want to take a good look at the air conditioner. You may be surprised to see a thick sheet of ice built up on the air conditioner coils or other areas! This will prohibit any cool air flow from entering your home. It may be caused by improper refrigerant levels due to a leak, a drop in proper pressure, damaged ducts or blower motors, or a serious build-up of dirt and debris.

This is just one of the many problems that your air conditioner may experience. Arrange for a check-up each year, and you can be assured that your air conditioner will continue to perform well for many years to come. Additionally, taking proper care of any problems can help you avoid the need for a complete air conditioner replacement

• Puddles near your air conditioning unit indicate that there is a blockage in the system that is causing the leak.

• If the airflow from vents seems weak when you test out your system in the spring, there may be a blockage in the ducts that is preventing conditioned air from reaching the rooms in your home.

• Vibrating, squealing, or banging noises can indicate that parts are loose or need to be lubricated. Damage can be done when an air conditioning system is not properly maintained to prevent components from rubbing or bumping together.

• Unusual odors almost always indicate a problem that requires repairs. Mustiness could indicate that there is moisture building up in the system that can cause mold to grow. An electrical smell may indicate that wires are melted, fused or otherwise damaged in a way that can pose danger.

• If the temperature in your home is not matching up to the temperature set on your thermostat, there are many issues that could be the cause. An HVAC professional has the knowledge needed to pinpoint the issue.

Phew, it’s getting hot out there! As you’re reaching for the A/C, slathering on your sunscreen, and drinking glass after glass of ice cold water, don’t forget about the safety of your furry friends! After all, when it comes to family heating and cooling, well, they’re part of the family, too! Whether you’re inside or outside, it’s easy for our pets to overheat without us even realizing it. As we inch closer and closer to summer months, consider these tips for keeping your pets safe in the rising temperatures.

Limit outside exercise
While sunnier and longer days seem ideal for long walks at the park, limit exercise on especially warm or humid days. Keep walks brief and during cooler hours. The morning hours before 10am and the evening hours after 5pm offer some soothing relief from the heat of the sun.

Provide lots of shade and water
Consistently check to make sure that your pet’s water bowl is always full of fresh, cool water. Dogs and cats tend to drink more on warmer days, so you may not even realize that their bowl is empty! Additionally, you may consider planting tall shrubs or putting up a tarp to provide your pooch with some much needed shade when outside.

Cool Treats
You know that cool relief you get when munching on treats such as ice cream or ice pops? Treat your pets to a refreshing snack by freezing slices of banana or by making dog-friendly ice cream with ingredients such as peanut butter. A quick online search will result in tons of easy, tasty, and refreshing recipes!

Utilize these simple and effective tips for ensuring that your pet stays nice and cool this summer season!

Get Supplies
Don’t begin your spring cleaning without having the right ammunition! Make sure you’ve got enough paper towels and cleaning supplies for the day ahead. The last thing you want to do is have to stop mid-way to run to the store.

Get Motivated
Create a playlist of your favorite uplifting music and blast it! This will help you to feel energized through your cleaning process and will make the day go by a little bit faster. Another way to stay motivated? Stay cool with energy-efficient air conditioners! This will ensure that you don’t work up too much of sweat on your day of cleaning.

Start From the Top, Down

When cleaning, start from the top and move down. Begin by cleaning upper-level surfaces, such as top cabinets and windows, and then countertops. That way, any dust that settles onto the floor, will be ready to be cleaned when you move on to the floor!

Don’t dread spring cleaning! Use these easy tips to ensure a fun and successful day!