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Air Conditioner Liquid Line Drier

By on 07/13/2014 in Air Conditioning Information

Air Conditioner Repairs In Ft Myers

239-267-2117

 

The liquid line drier is the first line of defense against damage to your air conditioner’s compressor!

 

An air conditioner’s liquid line drier is the first line of defense against moisture (water) getting into your air conditioners compressor and doing irreparable damage. Today most liquid line driers are what is known as solid-core zeolite desiccant filter-driers. In the past liquid line driers used compounds such as activated alumina, silica gel, calcium chloride, and calcium oxide as a dessicant, but these older versions of the driers had to be installed in a very specific way or they were subject to crumbling on the inside, allowing the dessicant to escape the line drier and add to the chemical cocktail technicians attempt to avoid in the first place.

 

Rusted liquid line dryer

Rusted Liquid Line Drier

 

 

An air conditioner is a  system of integrated parts, chemicals, materials, and components that work and interact with each other to manufacture a specified result. These interactions have enormous potential, when combined with the incessant changes between warm and cold environments, to change or modify the chemical nature of the elements as they move throughout the air conditioner.The HVAC system itself, is comprised of a …

 compressor

condenser,

metering device

evaporator

copper lines,

oil

refrigerant

as well as other electrical & mechanical components

 

Each of the components within the system contain of a number of metals such as the iron casting of the compressor, copper lines, steel condenser, aluminum evaporator, brass valves and fittings, and perhaps still other metals in smaller quantities.  Additionally, there are chemicals within these component parts capable of interacting independently to create new chemical compounds capable of damaging, and diminishing the equipment’s ability to perform it’s duties, and seriously impacting it’s life expectancy. Some of the elements found within a typical HVAC system would include … 

 

Hydrogen

Nitrogen

Oxygen

Moisture (water or other liquid)

Flux

Powder from the insulation

Shavings from component parts

 

. The moisture and oxygen are very active components that act as catalysts themselves, and interact independently with various metals within the structure of the equipment.These chemicals when mixed have the capacity to turn acidic, which can eat the varnish coatings of the electrical winding’s deep inside the compressor. The mechanics of a compressor are such that, while the compressor is an enclosed unit, the compounds being compressed to perform the cooling action actually run over the outside of the electrical and mechanical parts inside the compressor. Should those compounds turn acidic or caustic, the compressor will eventually fail and may even create a fire on the inside. The combination of chemicals, heat, and flame in an interior compressor fire has been known to create poisonous phosgene gas, otherwise known as mustard gas, which was used extensively in World War I and accounted for a high percentage of the deaths in that war.

 

Air conditioner repair best practices dictate that the liquid line dryer should be replaced any time one replaces the compressor, or any time the integrity of the coolant line is breached!

liquid line drier.

Brand new liquid line drier, ensuring safe, efficient compressor performance, and minimizing the risk of fire.

 

The best way to be certain your liquid line drier is operating effectively is to have your air conditioning equipment inspected yearly. Simple things like a spot of rust, or a small dent, or a bend in the line itself can compromise the integrity of a liquid line drier. Other times the desiccant on the inside can become clogged, restricting flow, and creating insufficient levels of coolant in the compressor. An experienced contractor will notice this by feeling the line dryer with his hands, if one side is warm … and the other side is noticeably cooler, that is a pretty good indication of a blocked passage within the line dryer itself.  When replacing a liquid line dryer one should never use heat to “un-solder”, or “un-braze” the dryer. And any time the compressor is changed, or the integrity of the coolant line is compromised, best practices would include replacing the dryer.

 

The best way to be certain your liquid line dryer is up to par is to have your air conditioner inspected annually by a licensed air conditioning contractor!

 

 WE CAN HELP YOU WITH THAT!!!

 

 

Kurt Hartmann of Community Cooling and Heating Inc.

Ft Myers most trusted A/C Contractor

Community Cooling is offering a 16 point cooling system check which includes:

Clean your condenser coils.
Check operating pressures
Check electrical connections
Check sub-cooling
Check fan blade
Lubricate moving parts
Clean air filters
check thermostat
Check blower operation
Check controls
Check super heat
Check temperature drop across evaporator
Clean indoor coil if visible
Check complete unit operation
Treat condensate line and pan

We give your equipment a thorough going over and make all necessary recommendations!

 

Call Today!

239-267-2117

 

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What Your A/C’s SEER Rating Means To You

By on 07/02/2014 in Air Conditioning Information

Many A/C clients know the term “seer rating”, but, haven’t been told why it’s so important!

Air Conditioning Service & Repair Ft Myers

Servicing, repairing, and installing air conditioning units in Ft Myers often requires us to educate and inform our clients along the way. I use A/C terminology just about every day, and it is easy to forget that to those not familiar with the parts, components, and factors that affect the operation of their equipment I might as well be speaking in another language. As a result often times the need arises for us to explain, in an easily understood manner, just what we are talking about. One of the most common questions we are asked is…

“What is a “seer rating”, and why is it important to me?”

Fort Myers Air Conditioning service old ac

They squeezed every nickel out of this A/C … BUT …

Paid far higher electric bills every month …

FOR YEARS!

The term seer is an acronym for the words “seasonal energy efficiency ratio”, thus a seer rating is an approximate rating of how efficiently your air conditioner can be expected to work with regard to not only the cost to run it, but, it’s overall effect on the environment as well. Your air conditioning unit is one of the largest contributors to your (and everybody’s) electric bill, inefficient cooling systems create incredible demand for local power companies, the more demand placed on the power companies … the greater their impact is on the environment. For this reason many local power & utility companies offer rebates to those customers that upgrade their air conditioners from a low seer rating unit to one with a high rating.

“In Ft Myers, Florida upgrading from an 8 seer unit to a 16 seer unit could save the homeowner $2,000 to $6,000

over the life of their a/c equipment!”

With a decent rebate and the reduced cost of operating your unit over the life of the equipment it is entirely possible that installing an air conditioner a higher seer rating could pay for itself … and then some over the life of the equipment! In 2006 the Federal Government passed a law requiring that any new central air conditioning equipment installed must have a seer rating of 13 or higher. Today 16 and 18 seer units are becoming common while a short list of pioneers/manufacturers have developed equipment with seer ratings in the low 20’s, although it appears they are still working out a few of the fine details. In the future, with the development and refinement of new technologies such as airflow aerodynamics and design, integration of variable capacity controls, microchannel coils, rotary compressors and inverter driven technologies the future looks bright for increasingly efficient systems, lower cooling costs, and a better environment.


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2014 Hurricane Season … Are You Prepared?

By on 06/03/2014 in Air Conditioning Information

Community Cooling and Heating Inc.

Fort Myers, Fl.

239-267-2117

 

The 2014 Hurricane season is here. How prepared are you?

The 2014 hurricane season has arrived. In the years since SW Florida was last hit by a hurricane the Ft Myers/Lee County population has doubled, which means, potentially half of our population has no real experience in planning and preparing for a major storm. Additionally, most of us that were affected by hurricanes “Charlie” and “Wilma” were minimally impacted, and tend to assume that the Ft Myers area is somehow an “unlikely” region to take a direct hit.

 

Nothing could be farther from the truth!

 

Hurricane on course for impact in Florida.

Hurricane on course for impact in Florida.

 

 

Adequate Preparation For An Approaching Storm Is Essential To You And Your Family’s Comfort, Safety, And Survival!

 

In addition to any and all documents, medical supplies, food and water reserves, and personal hygiene items it is a good idea to put together a “tool and miscellaneous supplies” kit as well including such items as …

 

Battery operated radio and extra batteries

Flashlights

Hand operated can opener

Hand tools including a tree saw

Disposable cups, plates, and cups

Cleaning supplies

Plastic sheeting

Buckets

Matches and lighters

Coolers

Propane or charcoal grill or a camping stove

Needless to say, when making preparations for an approaching storm there is much to be done and many bases to cover. Prescription medicines, water, food, pets, and family members are all at the top of the list as they should be, but, some thought should be given to your family’s air conditioning equipment as well. By recognizing the dangers and following a few simple rules one can greatly reduce the risk of damage to costly equipment and avoid unnecessary repairs.

Air Conditioning Service And Repair In Ft Myers Florida
1. Make certain before the storm hits that your a/c unit is secured to the base it sits on. Your unit should

be strapped or bolted down to prevent it being blown around and damaged.

2. If already secured, make sure the bolts or straps are tight and rust free.

3. Make certain the area around your air conditioner is free of any and all objects that could

become airborne and damage your equipment.

4. Turn you A/C off at the thermostat AND at the breaker box. Should major damage occur to your

unit a live electrical circuit could cause injury or fire!

5. In the event of flooding be certain your air conditioner is COMPLETELY dry before reconnecting

power and starting your equipment! After flooding or even temporary immersion in water it is

STRONGLY RECOMMENDED to have your unit thoroughly checked by a

licensed air conditioning contractor to ascertain the equipment is safe to operate!

6. After the storm thoroughly inspect your a/c unit for any signs of damage from flying debris.

7. If your unit has come in contact with salt water it needs to be thoroughly cleaned by an experienced

a/c technician to prevent corrosion from damaging or destroying your equipment.

 

 

After a storm has passed it’s a good idea to have your air conditioning equipment checked for damage, cleaned, and serviced to ensure safe operation!

Community Cooling and Heating Inc.
239-267-2117
Air Conditioner Sales, Service, and Repair
in Ft Myers, Florida
Since 1970

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Air Conditioner Efficiency Tips

By on 05/13/2014 in Air Conditioning Information

Community Cooling and Heating Inc.
239-267-2117

Air conditioner maintenance plays a big role in an energy efficient home!

Here in Ft Myers Florida or anywhere in the southern part of the U.S. the cost of running your air conditioner is a major part of your electric bill. With a little thought and planning it is possible to significantly reduce the workload of your a/c unit thus reducing the amount of electricity you use and extending the life of your air conditioner.

  • Make sure your a/c vents, both incoming and return, are not blocked by furniture or draperies.
  • Turn off any electric light bulbs when not in use. Light bulbs generate heat that must be removed by your a/c unit.
  • Change your a/c filter monthly!
  • Cook on your outside grill when possible or use a microwave oven. Cooking on a stove or conventional oven adds heat to the inside of your home.
  • On cooler days open your windows or rely on ceiling fans to keep your home comfortable.
  • During the summer leave your a/c unit off until you get home from work, or use a programmable thermostat to turn the air conditioner on a half hour before you get home.
  • If there are rooms in your home you don’t use regularly shut the vents in these areas and keep the door closed.
  • If possible provide shade for your outside condensing unit. Always clear any grass, leaves, or debris that might inhibit air flow from around it.
  • Turn off your computer or any home office equipment when not in use. These devices put out a considerable amount of heat.
  • Keep your drapes closed when possible. They insulate your windows and keep direct sunlight from heating the inside of your house.
  • Add weather stripping to your entry doors.
  • Make sure your attic is well ventilated. A ridge vent or attic fan can easily, over a period of time, pay for itself with savings on your electric bill
  • At least once a year have your a/c unit checked over and cleaned by a licensed Air Conditioning Contractor to ensure proper, safe, efficient operation!

 

 

 

Air Conditioner Repairs in Fort Myers, Florida

Air Conditioner Repair, Service, and Maintenance in Ft Myers, Florida 239-267-2117

We pride ourselves on providing the very best in customer service and doing what is best for our clients!  Far too many of our competitors know before they even get to your home that they are going to try to sell you a new air conditioner.  Big companies, with many trucks on the road, have extremely high overhead expenses and have to extract as much money as they can, from as many customers as they can, just to generate enough cash to keep their doors open!

 

Community Cooling & Heating provides you with all the information you need to make an informed decision you can feel good about!

Our Motto is…“We won’t send you a wolf in sheep’s clothing …

just an honest professional”

We guarantee all our repairs and offer a Free Second Opinion

Kurt Hartmann, Owner of Community Cooling and Heating

 

Call Today For Air Conditioner Service, Repair, Maintenance, and Installation

239-267-2117

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Electrical Problems Common In Air Conditioners

By on 04/16/2014 in Air Conditioning Information

Community Cooling and Heating Inc.
239-267-2117

 

Electrical problems are one of the most common sources of air conditioner problems!

A common source of air conditioner trouble in Fort Myers is electrical problems. As electricity travel through wires it creates heat, which can deteriorate the housing that surrounds the wires, making them more susceptible to drying out, cracks, and shorts. This is one of the prime reasons it pays to have your air conditioning equipment checked by a licensed contractor at least once a year.

Most of the wiring in your air conditioning equipment is hidden by panels and plates, obscuring them from the homeowners sight. And a/c contractor can access those wires and connections and determine the likelihood of failure in the upcoming months.

Inspection by a licensed air conditioning contractor is the best way you can prevent small problems from becoming large, expensive problems!

Improper voltage due to damaged or faulty wiring can lead to other components within your air conditioner to break down or wear out faster then they would 3 normal use.

The slideshow below shows pictures of wiring in electrical problems we encountered in the past few months.

 

Air conditioner service and inspection is your best bet to keep your equipment running effectively,

efficiently, and safely!

CALL TODAY!
COMMUNITY COOLING AND HEATING TNC.
Fort Myers, Florida
239-267-2117

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Corrosion And “Growth” In Ft Myers Air Conditioners

By on 04/09/2014 in Air Conditioning Information

Air Conditioning Service and Repair Ft Myers

Fort Myers air conditioning units face an uphill battle against mold and corrosion! The long summer months with high humidity and heavy rainfall, accompanied by the moisture created during the process of removing latent heat from the air in your home make your air conditioning unit a prime breeding ground for mold, mildew, and corrosion. Often times these problems can go undetected for months, or even years, as they are generally inside an a/c unit and not visible without opening the equipment up and thoroughly inspecting it.

 

As mold grows inside an air conditioning unit it creates a serious threat to the health of al who live there! The fans that move the air through your home, or business, pick up the mold spores and distribute them throughout the building. Many times we have encountered people who have suffered with allergic symptoms (congestion, difficulty breathing), or what they thought were asthma symptoms, whose health improved drastically after the mold was removed from their home! They never suspected a mold problem because …
THE MOLD WAS GROWING WHERE IT COULDN’T BE SEEN…
INSIDE THEIR AIR CONDITIONER!!!

ac coil dirty close up ft myers

Corrosion also often times hides deep within an a/c unit. Corrosion can lead to the rapid deterioration of the structural integrity of your equipment as well as diminish the effectiveness and lifespan of the individual component parts. If caught early the impact of mold and corrosion can be greatly reduced if not completely eliminated!

From Air Conditioning Service Ft Myers

Corrosion left unchecked can lead to a number of serious issues such as diminished levels of comfort in the home, loss of coolant (freon etc …), and even fire! The best way to protect your home, family, and property from the dangers of mold and corrosion are regular inspection and maintenance by a licensed Ft Myers air conditioning contractor.

 

Community Cooling and Heating

239-267-2117

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A/C Services Ft Myers

By on 04/02/2014 in Air Conditioner Repairs Ft Myers

Air Conditioner services, repairs, and installation

Fort Myers, Florida

Community Cooling and Heating
239-267-2117

 

The earlier an air conditioner problem is discovered … the less opportunity there is for the problem to worsen, or affect other components in the system!

 

Burned wires and connections on air conditioner compressor in Ft Myers Florida

Burned wires and connections on air conditioner compressor

Ft Myers Air Conditioner Services

Community Cooling and Heating Inc.
(239)267-2117
Air Conditioner Repairs and Services
Fort Myers, Florida

In the course of repairing and servicing air conditioners throughout the SW Florida area we often find ourselves in a position to obtain pictures of problems and situations that can adversely affect the performance, longevity, and overall cost to run and maintain residential and commercial HVAC equipment.  More often than not the earlier a problem is discovered the greater the chance of minimizing that problems impact on your a/c system.

 

 

We want our clients to be fully informed, understand their options, and feel comfortable about the work we do on their behalf!

As air conditioners are often located in difficult to access places we have made it a regular practice to take pictures or videos of malfunctioning or damaged equipment in order for our customers to fully understand the nature of the problem, as well as the best way to fix it.  We take great pride in providing the highest level of service possible to our clients, and want them to be fully informed, understand their options, and feel comfortable about the work we do on their behalf.  Our ability to share these pictures with them has made that job much simpler!

 

Our well stocked trucks, and well trained air conditioning technicians are always on call when you need air conditioner serve, repairs, or maintenance.

Our well stocked trucks, and well trained air conditioning technicians are always on call when you need air conditioner serve, repairs, or maintenance.

 

We guarantee all our repairs and offer a Free Second Opinion

Our Motto is…“We won’t send you a wolf in sheep’s clothing …

just an honest professional”

Call Today For Reliable, Expert Service

239-267-2117

 

Community Cooling and Heating has been serving Lee County Florida since 1970, and our long standing reputation for honesty and integrity is important to us!

We believe in putting our clients needs first, earning your trust, and making sure we provide a level of service that ensures you will call us again the next time!

 

HAVE A PROBLEM?

OR 

SIMPLY HAVE A QUESTION!

FEEL FREE TO GIVE US A CALL!

Community Cooling and Heating Inc.

(239) 267-2117

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Air Conditioner Thermostats Could Contain Mercury

By on 03/24/2014 in Air Conditioning Information

Community Cooling and Heating Inc.

239-267-2117

 

Many Ft Myers air conditioning systems contain toxic mercury despite the availability of safer,  more efficient equipment!

In the first few hours of last weeks mercury spill in an Arcadia Florida Public School there was no information given as to where the child that brought the elemental mercury to school had gotten it. My first assumption was that he had probably gotten it from an old, discarded air conditioner thermostat. While most people today know how toxic mercury is, many of those same people don’t know that they have it inside their home.

Older air conditioner thermostats may contain elemental mercury!

“… mercury switch thermostats are safe and reliable while in use and mounted to the wall … it’s when they are discarded, or left laying in the garage or workshop, that they pose a threat …”

 

In the course of 44 years repairing air conditioners in SW Florida we have never encountered a mercury switch fail to the extent that it leaked mercury in a home.  There have been numerous times, however, where we have seen them laying in tool boxes or on work benches and in harms way!  We have even had a few ask us to leave the thermostat behind because they wanted to “check out the mercury!”

 

We always discourage this!

 

While contact with the skin is unlikely to expose one to toxic levels of mercury, the fumes given off by the mercury are another story.  The amount of fumes given off by mercury have more to do with the surface area than the overall mass of the substance.  Just a few grams, spilled onto a porous surface, and not cleaned up thoroughly, can emit toxic fumes for weeks.  Combine this with poor ventilation, and frequent exposure and you could have a problem.

 

Quick Tip:  When mercury is spilled in “difficult to get to” cracks and crevices, try using an eyedropper to gather it up.

CHILDREN AND INFANTS HAVE FAR LESS TOLERANCE TO  EXPOSURE THAN ADULTS!!!

How Mercury Affects The Body

Damage to lungs and breathing passages

Affects the central nervous system

Impaired kidney function

 

Thermostats with mercury are currently being phased out, and in some states  are banned from being sold or manufactured.  Today most major manufacturers of thermostats no longer make thermostats with mercury switches.  The availability, and affordability, of today’s digital products has been edging them closer and closer to obsolescence with each passing year.

Newer digital thermostats are more efficient and contain no mercury.

 

 

Recycling mercury switch thermostats, at a certified collection center, is the best way to keep your home safe from toxic mercury fumes!”

Your local air conditioning repair contractor should be happy to take your old thermostat and dispose of it in an approved manner that eliminates the household hazard, and protects our environment as well.  Additionally, many local HVAC supply houses are TRC approved thermostat collection locations.

 

TROPIC SUPPLY INC.
6450 ARC WAY FORT MYERS, FL 33912 
305-652-7717

CARRIER ENTERPRISE
7916 DREW CIRCLE, #6 
SUITE 6 FORT MYERS, FL 33967 
239-768-9400

TROPIC SUPPLY INC.
785 N.E. 19 PL CAPE CORAL, FL 33903 
305-652-7717

R.E. Michel Company, Inc.
1736 Trade Center Way Naples, FL 34109 
239-227-2990

Tropic Supply Inc.
4325 DOMESTIC AVE NAPLES, FL 34104 
305-652-7717

 

The Thermostat Recycling Corporation’s (TRC) thermostat collection program is an industry-sponsored private corporation, originally established by thermostat manufacturers General Electric, Honeywell, and White-Rodgers. TRC facilitates the collection of all brands of used, wall-mounted mercury-switch thermostats so that the mercury can be separated and recycled. Collection through the TRC program takes place through Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) wholesale outlets, HVAC contractors, and more recently through local household hazardous waste facilities throughout the U.S

www.thermostat-recycle.org

 

 

 

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Ft Myers Air Conditioning Solutions

By on 02/21/2014 in Air Conditioner Repairs Ft Myers

“When repairing air conditioners … Knowledge and experience are your most valuable tools!”

Air conditioning service contractors in Ft Myers often see a wide variety of problems arise in their clients equipment. High humidity, damp conditions, and warm temperatures can cause a wide variety of vegetative growths within the equipment. During hurricane season winds and high water can damage parts of the a/c exposed to the elements. Our air conditioners work longer hours, throughout a much longer year than our counterparts in the north due to the SW Florida heat.

Often times property owners aren’t present when we perform our check-ups or make repairs, they have to be at work or are otherwise engaged. Other times … for instance if the equipment is in the attic or on a roof … it isn’t practical for them to climb to where the equipment is located. We have gotten in the habit of always taking a digital camera or our cell phone with us so we can take pictures and explain our findings to our customers. The presentation below has pictures that display some of the equipment we have repaired recently.

 

“Even after 44 years of repairing Ft Myers’ air conditioners … once in a great while I occasionally see a problem I haven’t encountered yet, but I haven’t encountered one yet that couldn’t be fixed!”

Every job is a little different than the other, from the location, to the problem, to the solution. After 40+ years of repairing a/c equipment in Fort Myers the variety of the challenges we face from day to day are a big part of what makes the job fun and interesting! When we find something of particular interest, new, or unique in any way we like to get a picture of it to share with the homeowner, and sometimes here as well.

Air Conditioning Service & Repair Ft Myers

Serving Ft Myers For Over 40 Years

Community Cooling and Heating Inc.

239-267-2117

Call Today!

Air Conditioning Service Ft Myers

We guarantee all our repairs and offer a Free Second Opinion

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Interesting Facts Regarding The History Of Air Conditioning

By on 02/05/2014 in Air Conditioning Information

Air Conditioning Contractor Ft Myers

239-267-2117

Air conditioning, or controlling humidity and air temperature, is a concept that has appealed to people throughout the ages.  Heating was a fairly simple matter, fire can be contained in a reasonably small space and warmth will radiate from it.  Removing heat and moisture from the air, however, proved to be far more challenging!  Over the years many cultures and civilizations have experimented with ways to create and improve on methods to keep their dwellings cool and comfortable.

During the 2nd century the Chinese used rotary fans and water to cool their dwellings.

Roman Emperor Elagabalus in the 3rd century had snow from the mountains carried in by teams of donkeys and piled up outside his home to keep it cool.

Wealthy citizens of ancient Rome circulated water from the aqueducts through the walls of their homes to keep it cool.

In 1820 an English inventor, Michael Farraday, discovered that liquefied ammonia would chill the air when allowed to evaporate.

In 1842 John Gorrie, a physician in Appalachicola, Florida used compressor technology to create ice and cool the air for his patients.

In 1851 Australian James Harrison invented an ice machine using vapor compression refrigeration, a predecessor of the technology used in our modern day equipment.  His commercial ice making machine could make 6,600 pounds of ice per day!
Ft Myers AC service Kurt Hartmann
In 1881 U.S. President James Garfield was dying.  To keep him comfortable air was blown through cotton sheets doused in ice water.  It is said that during his final 2 months over a half million pounds of ice were used for the process.

In 1902 Willis H. Carrier invented the 1st electric air conditioner.  It was not designed with human comfort in mind, but, to reduce humidity in a printing plant where he was employed.

In 1922 Carrier invented the centrifugal chiller which significantly reduced the size of the equipment.  The invention was made public in 1925 at the Rivoli Theater in New York on Memorial Day Weekend.  Other theaters quickly added air conditioning and movie-going became a great way to beat the summer heat … one of the reasons summer is the traditional time for the biggest movies of the year to be released!

In 1928 Thomas Midgely invented Freon.  Previous coolants were toxic and extremely flammable posing a serious threat to those who used the equipment.
Air Conditioning Service Ft Myers
Our Motto is…“We won’t send you a wolf in sheep’s clothing …
…  just an honest professional”
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