Programable thermostats (thermostats that can adjust the temperature based on a pre-set schedule), have been around, in one way or another, since 1906. So why is everyone, “all of a sudden” (for the past 10 years or so), talking about “smart” thermostats, and what’s so smart about them anyway?!
For a thermostat to be considered “smart”, it just has to be Wi-Fi enabled. The most basic models just allow you to remotely adjust the temperature with a smartphone app. This is great because it allows you to set the thermostat to your desired temperature before leaving work after a 12-hour shift or from the tarmac after a weeklong vacation, while maintaining an energy-saving temperature while you’re away.
The really smart ones “learn” your preferences and routine (mostly through motion sensors) and automatically adjust to an energy-saving temperature when you’re asleep or away. Higher end models use features like geofencing to achieve your desired temperature by the time you get home.
In summary, smart thermostats use motion sensors and geofencing to figure out when nobody is home, and automatically go into energy-saving mode when your house is empty. They also make it extremely easy to set up a sensible heating and cooling schedule. According to real-world data gathered by the EPA, smart thermostats (that meet Energy Star criteria) save users an average of 8% on their electric bills.
For comparison, setting your programable thermostat 7 to 10° higher for 8 hours a day will save you an average of 10% on your electric bill, according to data from the Department of Energy, but research shows that 40 to 70% of programmable thermostat users don’t take advantage of this feature, so they don’t realize the same real-world energy savings as smart thermostat users.
Bottom line, if your schedule is remarkably predictable and you (and everyone else that lives in your house) are really good about turning the thermostat up 7 to 10° when you’re not home (or you’ve programmed your thermostat to do so), if you’re home all day, so that turning the temperature up for 8 hours a day is not reasonable, or if your electric bill is already low, you may not see a huge saving. For the rest of us, a smart thermostat can easily pay for itself by significantly reducing your electric bill.
Other features that might make a smart thermostat a worthwhile investment for you include reports on how often your system runs, reminders to change your air filter, and remote temperature sensors that keep the right temperature, in the right room, at the right time. Some models even allow the utility company to control adjust your thermostat in exchange for discounts or incentives.
That said, some HVAC systems are designed to work better when they run constantly at a fixed temperature, so a smart thermostat may actually work against you, and not all smart thermostats work with all HVAC systems, so your best bet, if you live in Broward or Palm Beach County, is to call All-Pro Electrical and Air Conditioning at 561-988-0460 and let one of our heating and air conditioning specialists guide you towards the best solution for your HVAC system and your lifestyle.
SEER, which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, is the ratio of cooling output (the BTUs) of an air conditioner or heat pump over the course of a typical cooling season, divided by the electrical input (the watt hours) required to run the unit in that same period.
Much like your vehicle’s MPG rating, a higher SEER rating means a more efficient air conditioning system, but just like MPG ratings, SEER ratings are affected by real-world conditions (you’re probably not getting the same mileage that was printed on the window sticker).
The Department of Energy (DOE) has enforced minimum SEER requirements since 1992, but previous testing methods did not accurately reflect real-world conditions, like poorly designed ductwork.
On January 1, 2023, new testing procedures known as SEER2 went into effect. These new SEER2 standards more accurately reflect real-world conditions, and they demand a lower energy efficiency rating so, in essence, you now have to get a better grade on a harder test.
What does this mean in practice?
The DOE divides the U.S into 3 regions (North, Southeast, and Southwest). In the Southwest and Southeast regions (which includes Florida), residential central air conditioning systems below 45,000 BTUs must have a SEER2 rating of 14.3, residential systems with 45,000 BTUs or more must have a SEER2 rating of 13.8, and heat pumps must have a SEER2 rating of 14.3.
More efficient units are cheaper to operate, but they’re also more expensive to manufacture which means that prices for these new, more energy efficient units will be higher.
If you live in Broward or Palm Beach, and you ’re about due for a new air conditioning system, call 561-988-0460 (while you can still get 2022 units and prices) and let one of our heating and air conditioning specialists guide you toward the best solution for your needs.
But not all HVAC contractors are created equal…
At All-Pro Electrical and Air Conditioning, our technicians are cross-trained in electrical and HVAC so, in addition to all the services you expect from a traditional HVAC contract, our technicians can repair or install ceiling and attic fans, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, indoor and outdoor lighting, circuit breakers, GFCI outlets, and much, much more – they can even install flat-screen TVs.
And because we believe in doing things right the first time, our trucks are fully stocked and ready to go so we can handle almost any electrical or air conditioning service in just one visit.
Best of all, our Electrical and HVAC Maintenance Plan members get:
So, if you live in Broward or Palm Beach, do yourself a favor and keep our number handy because just one call to 561-988-0460 really does it all - at least when it comes to electrical and air conditioning repair, installation, and maintenance.
Small tubes carry refrigerant from the compressor to the indoor units, so you only have to drill a small hole behind each air handler.
The inverter-driven compressor makes mini-split systems ultra energy-efficient, which saves you money, the indoor air handlers have a sleek, non-invasive design that goes with any decor, and they are much quieter and safer than window units, making them the perfect solution for:
Ductless systems are designed to run for longer periods of time than traditional HVAC systems and they often work in low-power mode, rather than at full capacity, due to the state-of-the-art inverter technology and, when properly maintained, they will last about 20 years - far exceeding the 12 to 15 years you can expect from a traditional HVAC system, so they’re a great investment.
Mini-split systems can be configured for any size and any number of rooms and, with remote control access that includes a timer, you have complete control of the temperature, fan speed, and airflow direction, plus superior systems have zero-emissions, and they’re whisper quiet.
For the right application, you simply can’t beat a mini-split system and for the perfect design and installation for your application - you simply can’t beat All-Pro Electrical and Air Conditioning!
When you buy your mini-split system from All-Pro, you’ll get a system that’s made in the USA by the largest air conditioning manufacturer in the world, and you’ll get our unbeatable 10-year parts and labor warranty (as long as the system receives annual maintenance by a licensed installer).
Everyone in your family is affected by the quality of the air inside your home.
There are many illnesses, in addition to the Covid-19 virus which is believed to be spread by droplets in the air, that can be alleviated or even prevented with cleaner air.
Cleaner air means less severe symptoms if you suffer from allergies, asthma, and myriad other illnesses. According to the EPA, indoor air is often five times more polluted than outdoor air, and opening windows for ventilation is not always an option, so let's consider a more practical solution...
Your Air Conditioning system plays a critical role in keeping the conditions inside your home just right. It's here, at the source, that we are able to treat the air that circulates throughout our homes. Conventional filters are effective against particulates like dust. It's the mold, bacteria, viruses, and allergens spread around the home that often get overlooked.
A practical solution - with proven benefits. Here's How it works...
For over a century, scientists have known that UVC light has a devastating effect on microbial life. It disrupts the DNA of microorganisms, thus preventing them from reproducing and effectively killing them.
Homeowners can breathe easy knowing that the air their families breathe is protected by this proven technology. Blue-Tube UV is a simple, safe, and effective way to keep your air system clean and improve indoor air quality.
Neutralize and detoxify your home in seconds with a proven Air Purification system.
All-Pro Electrical and Air Conditioning offers whole-house systems that proactively clean the air in your home or commercial building.
Call 561-988-0460 and let our indoor air quality experts guide you toward the best solution for your needs.
When purchasing a big-ticket item, like a new Air Conditioning system, it’s a good idea to get a few quotes, but make sure you’re comparing “apples to apples” and not just going with the lowest bidder. In most cases, you get what you pay for!
Lowering the bottom-line by cutting corners is easy (dishonest, but easy). It's important to know what’s included (and what isn’t) and who you’re trusting with this big investment.
All-Pro does not provide ballpark “guesstimates”, we take the time to come to your home or business, consider your requirements, and provide you with an honest, professional estimate.
Keep in mind that, you’re not just buying a piece of equipment, you’re choosing the best company to complete the installation, correctly (and safely) - the first time.
As your air conditioning runs off electricity, it shouldn't come as a surprise that it should be installed by a trained professional, most HVAC technicians are not cross-trained in electrics so they can’t diagnose and repair electrical issues.
An inexperienced installer can be a disaster (literally) and an unlicensed contractor will void the manufacturer’s warranty. Your peace of mind is just not worth the few dollars you might save by using a jack-of-all-trades or a friend of a friend.
With All-Pro, you get 10 YEARS OF WORRY-FREE COMFORT with every installation, including:
Simply put, All-Pro offers the best value. We are highly qualified and insured, we make the process, from beginning to end, as easy as possible, and you'll be thrilled with the results!
Are you in the process of gathering quotes? If so, be sure to compare 'apples with apples'
A new, more efficient air conditioning system is quite an investment, All-Pro does not provide 'ballpark guesstimates' we take the time to come to your home or business, assess your requirements and provide you with an honest, professional estimate.
You may be tempted by the lowest bid, but it's not always good to just focus on the bottom line. In most cases you get what you pay for.
Anyone can make something cheaper by cutting corners and pricing for less. So, it's important to know what is and is not included with any home comfort system.
As your air conditioning runs off electric it shouldn't be any surprise that your new system should be installed by a qualified licensed company, not all technicians are cross trained in electrics and are capable of diagnosing and repairing electrical faults.
An amateur job can be disastrous and void the manufacturers warranty, it's not worth the few dollars saved hiring a professional.
Consider when purchasing a new air conditioning system that you are not just buying a piece of equipment, you are choosing the best company to complete the installation, correctly, the first time.
All-Pro is the best value for your investment dollar, qualified and insured, we'll make the whole process from beginning to end as easy as possible and you'll be delighted with the outcome.
We like to treat our customers how we would like to be treated 'Compare Apple with Apples' for 10 YEARS OF WORRY FREE COMFORT!
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We rarely think about the quality of the air inside our homes, but Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies suggest that indoor levels of pollutants may be two to five times — and occasionally more than 100 times — higher than outdoor levels!
Common indoor pollutants like biological contaminants (e.g., bacteria, viruses, animal dander, cat saliva, dust mites, cockroaches, and pollen), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), radon (RN), indoor particulate matter; and secondhand smoke have been linked to negative health outcomes ranging from allergies and asthma to lung cancer and heart disease.
The good news is that, when it comes to the quality of the air inside your home, you can take matters into your own hands. For that, the EPA suggests three basic strategies:
Source Control
Some sources of pollution, like asbestos, should just be eliminated. Others, like gas emanating from a gas stove, can be adjusted to reduce emissions.
Improved Ventilation
Increasing the amount of outdoor air inside your home by opening windows and doors, operating attic fans, or running a window unit with the vent control open will decrease the concentration of indoor air pollutants. Operating bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans will remove contaminants and increase the amount of outdoor air in that room. If you ‘re actively engaging in activities that generate high levels of pollutants, like painting, cooking, or sanding, you should take as many of these steps as possible.
Opening windows and doors to let “fresh air” in sounds great when it’s nice out, but it’s safe to say that Floridians, with our year-round summer, rely on our air conditioners more than our northern counterparts and most home heating and cooling systems, especially older systems, do not mechanically bring fresh air into the house so the EPA’s third strategy, Air Cleaners, is of particular importance.
Air Cleaners
Bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms can enter your air conditioning system, leading to serious health issues, especially for people with certain pre-existing conditions. Unfortunately, standard air filters and electronic air cleaners are ineffective at stopping organic pollutants. If you truly want to breathe cleaner air inside your home, you simply can’t beat a whole-house air purification system.
All-Pro Electrical and Air Conditioning offers whole-house systems including ionization systems that proactively clean the air in your home or commercial building and systems that use activated carbon and germ-killing UV-C light to remove odors, chemicals, and biological contaminants.
Call 561-988-0460 and let our indoor air quality experts guide you towards the best solution for your needs.
Most scams are quite obvious, in fact, they’re obvious by design. Those typo-laden “Nigerian Prince” scams (to cite the classic example) are meant to weed out less-trusting individuals who won’t ultimately send the requested cash. Some scams are a little more sophisticated…
You’ve probably received emails that look like they’re coming from Amazon or Venmo or Bank of America – any company that enough people have or have had an account with so that some percentage of email recipients will be tempted to click on a link that downloads a virus or takes you to a page where you’ll be asked to enter your username and password for that company.
If you’re trying to scam consumers in Broward or Palm Beach, or any number of places in the great state of Florida – there’s a pretty good chance those consumers are going to have an FPL account. That’s why so many scammers pretend to be affiliated with FPL (and other utilities in other areas).
According to FPL, some of the most common scams include:
We just received a version of the phone call scam by text and, like the classic “Nigerian Prince” scam, this beauty was laden with typos:
Dear FP&L Consumer.
We notify you that your electric services will bedisconet due to lack of payments .Techniacians were dispatched and will arrive in about 30 to 45 minutes. If you have any suggestions or questions , please contact one of our branches or call 888-282-2765. Ext 0 to speak to
a live representative.
The recently launched FPL.com/protect allows consumers to “Report A Scam” right on their website. Information collected here will be used to identify emerging scam trends. To avoid falling for this particular scam, it’s important to know the following information, taken from FPL.com/protect.
FPL WILL NEVER:
If something dosen't feel right to you - take action:
If you do fall for a scam, contact your local police department, the Florida Attorney General Office at www.MyFloridaLegal.com, or the Federal Trade Commission at www.consumer.ftc.gov.
Okay, he was probably (definitely) talking about something else but, when it comes to your Air Conditioning and Heating system - an ounce of prevention is definitely worth a pound of cure.
If you live in South Florida, there’s a really good chance your Air Conditioning system runs non-stop all year, and it really earns it’s keep during our scorching Florida summers. If you want to keep your AC from failing in the summer – schedule a preventive maintenance visit in the spring.
Regular maintenance extends the life of your system, so you save money in the long run and it keeps it running at peak efficiency, so your energy bills are lower (and your home is less humid) in the short run. It also helps you avoid about 85% of the issues that your neighbors who don’t maintain their systems call us for. Best of all, the chance of your system breaking down at the most inconvenient time (which is also when AC companies are busiest) are greatly reduced.
And, if you don’t think your Air Conditioning system needs regular maintenance because it’s still under warranty – think again! Regular maintenance, performed by an authorized service provider, and documentation of same, is a warranty requirement.
So, if you don’t want to void your warranty and you want to keep your system running at peak efficiency for as long as possible – sign up for a Maintenance Plan.
If you’re ready to have your HVAC system maintained by the company more of your Broward and Palm Beach County neighbors trust - call All-Pro Electrical and Air Conditioning at 561-988-0460 and sign up for one of our Electrical and HVAC Maintenance Plans today!
Don't you just love a cool home here in Florida. We often take for granted the air conditioning system that we set and forget, do you remember the last time you scheduled a service repair for your air conditioner? have you previously waited until it stopped properly cooling your home? or it completely breaking down? Now is the time to show it some TLC
Trust All-Pro's Preventative Maintenance Plans
What's not to Love!
Preventative maintenance can prolong the life of your air conditioning system, avoid costly system failures, keep your system running efficiently and of course improve the air that you and your family breathe.
Electrical and Air Conditioning Installations & Repairs With an All-Pro Air Conditioning Maintenance Plan
This offer is not valid with any other offers or promotions and cannot be combined with any other discounts
Enjoy 10% Off any Indoor or Outdoor Lighting Installation or Repair, 10% Off any Smart Thermostat, or 10% off any Air Purification System until January 31, 2022.*
*These offers may not be combined with any other offer or promotion.
As the world moves further away from fossil fuels as an energy source, the suns free energy is an obvious transition.
All-Pro is addressing climate change, save money with Solar and save the environment.
All-Pro have been your trusted, locally owned Electrical and Air Conditioning company for over 25 years. As licensed and insured electricians, Solar Power installations are a natural progression.
All-Pro is not only a Solar installation provider but a consumer. Having installed Solar Power on their own home for personal consumption, All-Pro knows that they have the unusual benefit of decades of electrical experience to confidently recommend Solar.
We have the data and answers to all of your Solar related questions. Feel free to contact us anytime with your Electrical and Air Conditioning needs.
561 988 0460
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We wish you and your family a healthy and happy Thanksgiving!
It’s the time of year that families start spending more time inside the home. Within the Air Conditioning system, left untreated, you'll find nasty bugs.
These microorganisms breed in the condensation tray, hiding in the darkness, wallowing in the damp conditions. As they quickly multiply, they create the slime that can be found in the drain line, evaporator pan and condensate pump, this causes the pan to overflow and your air conditioning to break down
Change your air filters regularly to prevent slime build up. Air can't pass through a dirty filter and the motor has to work harder. The air quality will be affected. If anyone in your family suffers from allergies or asthma their symptoms can be exacerbated. We can STOP bugs and slime NOW!
SLIME BUILD UP IF LEFT UNTREATED
Eliminate bacteria, viruses, mold and allergens which circulate through the ventilation system. One Air Purifier installed in each of your Air Conditioning systems treats your Whole Home
There is no need for individual room air purifiers!
Breathe cleaner, fresher air
Install an Air Purification system with All-Pro during November 2021 and get a FREE Tune Up
Includes a chemically treated drain line to get your system off to the best start (not to be combined with any other offers or discounts)
Install a new air conditioning system with All-Pro Electrical and Air Conditioning or refer a friend or family member (or that neighbor with the AC truck outside their house every other week) and, if they install a New Air Conditioning System with All-Pro – You Get $100 Cash! *
When you upgrade to a new, energy-efficient system, you’ll enjoy lower electric bills, increased comfort and, if you install by the end of the year, you’ll get an extra $100 in cool cash!
All-Pro Electrical and Air Conditioning is proud of the fact that we meet or exceed the highest standards set by all the air conditioning manufacturer we represent – that’s why we can offer an amazing, industry-leading 10-Year Parts & Labor Warranty** on the All-Pro Series Air Conditioning units we install.
* $100 cash back offer ends 12/31/2021. This offer is not to be combined with any other offer or discount and is not valid on dispatch fees or preventive maintenance plans.
** Annual preventive maintenance of your system, conducted by a licensed installer, is a condition of the 10-year parts and labor warranty.
Are you dreading a breakdown and costly repairs? A new A/C breezes through the hot humid summer months and will spend it's lifetime keeping you cool!
The All-Pro Series of Air Conditioning 10 Years Parts & Labor Warranty (Continue to maintain your new system once a year with any licensed installer and you're covered)
You can trust All-Pro!
Unlike a coffee maker which can be easily replaced, warranty service for major equipment requires more than a phone call to the manufacturer and voiding those warranties is easier than you might think.
When it comes to major equipment, using off-brand replacement parts or failing to use an authorized service provider for repairs and regular preventive maintenance are just a few of the things that can void your warranty and, when it comes time for warranty service, you’ll need an authorized service provider to diagnose the problem and deal with the manufacturer.
Manufacturers will often require service providers to send back a defective part so they can confirm that it is, in fact, defective and, if they determine that the replaced part was still good, the service provider will be held liable for the cost of the part, plus an additional financial penalty.
And, while the basic factory warranty will cover the cost of a warrantied part, it won’t cover the costs associated with diagnosing the problem, ordering the new part, filing the warranty paperwork, or sending the defective part back to the manufacturer – all of which can far outweigh the cost of the part itself, which is why so many service providers won’t even bother with warranty work…
At All-Pro Electrical and Air Conditioning, we are committed to exceeding your expectations every day - and that includes honoring all manufacturer’s warranties!
According to forecasters with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through November 30, is expected to be an “above normal” season with 13 to 20 named storms, including 3 to 5 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher).
These tips will keep you comfortable and your AC protected in the event of a hurricane:
Clear and Cover
Prior to the storm, bring in any outdoor tables, chairs or other items that could become airborne and cause damage to the AC System. You can even cover the outside unit with a tarp in order to keep it free from flying leaves, dirt and other debris, but make sure to remove the covering before you turn the unit back on!
Cool Down Your House
Before the threat of the storm is imminent, try cooling your house as much as possible so you are comfortable for a while after you turn off your AC System.
Turn Off the Power
Nearly 90% of all electrical system damage occurs when the AC is left on during a thunderstorm or hurricane. You may have to tolerate a bit of heat and humidity when you turn off your AC but leaving it on could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
Wait 20 Minutes
Keep the AC off until the storm passes and don't be in a rush to turn it back on. In the event of flooding, don’t restore power to the equipment until it is completely dry and you are certain that it is safe to do so.
Even if the unit looks unharmed, wait a minimum of 20 minutes after the power is restored to turn the AC System back on. Unstable or “dirty” power is common in the minutes after the power returns.
Stay safe and don’t forget to include your AC System in your Hurricane Preparedness Plan.
Helpful Links
NOAA:
FloridaDisaster.org:
The HOT HUMMID Summer Days and Nights are fast approaching and you'll need your AC to be performing at its very best.
Does your AC seem to be struggling, do you worry that it may be on its last legs?
If you have sludge in the pipes, left neglected, your AC system is guaranteed to fail. It’s never fun to sweat it out, let’s beat the heat and be prepared as best we can.
Schedule maintenance and give your AC some TLC, After all it spends its lifetime keeping you cool!
All-Pro Energy Savings Maintenance Plan Priority Customer with Peace of Mind
Use your 10% Discount from your Energy Savings Maintenance Plan toward....