Directions to Kobie
Complete: I-75 Exit 191 (River Road - Englewood exit); go west past U.S. 41. Continue west approximately 5 miles. (You will go past Winchester Blvd). Turn left into Morris Industrial Park. Address: 533 Paul Morris Drive, Englewood
“Everyone at Kobie Complete has been so nice and helpful…like
a family.Having you
install my new air conditioner has been one of the most pleasant
experiences I’ve had since moving to Florida from Maryland three
months ago.And best of
all, my first utility bill dropped $63.00, {from $193 down to
$130} right in the middle of summer!Keep up the
great work.”
Typically an air conditioning/heating system will last
10-12 years. Beyond that, efficiency steadily
declines. New, more energy-efficient systems
can cut electrical consumption up to 50%, providing
substantial savings on your electric or gas bills.
Maintenance is a must to maximize efficiency and protect your
investment.
My electric and gas bills are high. Will a new
air-conditioner lower my bills?
YES! By installing a new, high efficiency system (13 SEER or higher), you can reduce your energy usage anywhere from 20% to 50%.
What is
SEER?
This stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The size of an air conditioner is rated in BTU or Tons, however the efficiency is rated in SEER. It’s like mpg (miles per gallon) in a car; the higher the mpg (or SEER), the lower the gasoline (electricity) bill. The current minimum is 13 SEER for new installations, however Florida Power & Light recommends a minimum of 14 SEER for higher energy efficiency.
What is a heat pump? Is it better than an air
conditioner?
In the summer, a heat pump is no different than an air
conditioner. In the winter, a heat pump operates in
reverse and heats the indoors. A common complaint about
heat pumps is that the air coming out of the registers is not
hot enough. Heat pumps need auxiliary heat (electric
resistance heat or gas furnace) to help them when it is
extremely cold or when the thermostat is moved more than 2
degrees at a time. However, here in the moderate climate
of Southwest Florida, heat pumps can provide dramatic savings,
particularly if you have electric
heating.
What is the
difference between a split system and a package
unit?
Residential air conditioning/heating systems can be split
systems or single package systems. Most are split
systems. A split system has one of its heat exchangers
(which includes the compressor) located outdoors and the other
(the indoor coil) located indoors. A single package
system has both heat exchangers located in the same unit,
usually outdoors.
Is it ok to replace only the condensing unit, and not
the air handler in my split system?
Replacing only the indoor (air handler) or only the
outdoor (condensing) unit of a system can result in a mismatch
that compromises efficiency. It is ideal to buy and
install both units together. However, it most cases in
can be done. A licensed contractor can recommend the
most compatible equipment, and discuss any disadvantages with
you.
I know a friend who
says he can install a new air conditioner for me, and save me a lot
of money. Is this a good idea?
Be sure that he has experience, is licensed (HVAC),
obtains all required permits, meets all county code
requirements, and has adequate insurance. If he meets
these requirements, you may save some money. However,
keep in mind that you will be dependent on him and his
schedule for warranty repairs. Just be sure you are not
getting a “cheap” installation that will cost you more in the
long run.
How does Kobie Complete Heating and Cooling, Inc.
determine the size air conditioning system to install?
Our trained technicians measure your home and calculate
the heating and cooling load on the home (based on window size
and direction, walls, ceiling, floor, appliances, insulation,
current equipment and ductwork). This will determine the
proper size of equipment that is
needed.
I want a big air
conditioner. Someone told me this is not necessary good.
What are the advantages and disadvantages?
An air conditioner that is “oversized” will cool your home
more quickly, but will not be as energy efficiency and will
not removed humidity adequately. If your ductwork is not
big enough for the “oversized” unit, the coil may freeze and
then the system won’t work at all. We recommend a system
that will cool your home to 75 degrees when it is 95 degrees
outside, than adjust slightly if needed to meet your
temperature preferences.
Does Kobie Complete Heating and Cooling take care of all
necessary permits?
Yes. We always obtain the necessary permits, and
post them as required. A county inspector will be
scheduled to inspect the newly installed equipment typically
several weeks after the installation to ensure all code
requirements have been met.
How many companies should I get bids from before I decide
on a new system?
Two or three bids are generally enough. Consider
more than just price when purchasing a new air conditioning
system. You want a company who will always be there
for you, 24/7, to maintain and service your investment, year
after year. Look closely at the recommended
equipment’s features and benefits, efficiency ratings, and
manufacturers warranties. The team at Kobie
Complete Heating and Cooling listens to you, the customer, and
asks you specific questions so that we may recommend new
equipment options that best meet your individual needs and
budget. One size does not fit all. Ask companies
about finance options and any manufacturers rebates that may
be available.
How do I check out the companies I am considering to
install my new system?
You can verify that they are a HVAC licensed
contractor by contacting the State of Florida Department
of Business and Professional Regulation
(904)7272-6530 Ask them to show you
proof of their liability insurance
coverage. Ask if they are an FP&L approved
independent contractor. Do they offer 24-hour/7 day a
week service? (You may need them on a Sunday
morning or on a holiday!) Then ask for a list of
some recent customers, and give them a call. No one can
tell you more about a company than their own customers!
(See “COOL TIPS” How to Find a Quality HVAC
Contractor).
How often should I schedule a maintenance check on my
air conditioner?
Here in Southwest Florida, you should have an annual
check-up completed on your system. Your air conditioner
needs regular maintenance to keep it operating properly,
efficiently, and safely. Kobie Complete Heating and
Cooling, Inc. offers a 3-year preventative maintenance
agreement for our customers’ convenience. As a PMA
customer, we take the hassle out of remembering to take care
of your air conditioner. We contact you annually to
schedule the necessary maintenance for your system, and in
addition, you’re eligible for discounts on any needed service
or new equipment. Call today for complete
information.
How often should I check my filter?
It’s a good idea to check it monthly, and clean or replace
it as needed. A good tip for remembering is to check it
each month when your electric bill arrives. Clean
filters reduce energy usage, and save you money!
They also help prolong the life of your
system.
Should I set my thermostat fan to ‘ON’ or
‘AUTO’?
For most people, AUTO is the preferred setting. When
set on AUTO, the fan only comes on to circulate the air when
the system comes on (either heat or cool). However, for
people with respiratory problems, it may be beneficial to set
the thermostat on the ON position so that the air is
continuously being circulated and cleaned through the
filter. The system is more energy efficient when set on
AUTO.
Should I repair or replace my system?
It depends upon the age of the your equipment, how long
you plan to live in your home, the cost and nature of the
needed repair, valid warranties, your budget, and other
factors. If your air conditioner is more than 6 years
old, you may want to consider replacement vs. a costly
repair. You may find that by financing a new, energy
efficient system, your savings on your monthly utility bill
exceeds your monthly payment for the new system. It is
often worth a closer
look.
I know a friend who
says he can install a new air conditioner for me, and save me a lot
of money. Is this a good idea?