If your air conditioner is screaming or hissing at you, it probably isn’t full of ghosts, but it’s definitely trying to tell you something…

If you live in Florida, you’re probably in a committed relationship with your AC, and you want that relationship to last. That means you need to listen when your AC is trying to tell you something, so it doesn’t quit on you when you need it most. You know you need to call someone when you see ice on the evaporator coil or the AC stops working altogether, but some cues are more subtle. That’s why we’re providing you with a “Spooky AC Noise to English” translator that’s guaranteed to improve your relationship with your AC.

Screaming/Screeching

If your AC is screaming or screeching at you, it’s probably trying to tell you that it has a damaged or slipped fan belt. It could also be the sound of excessive friction caused by an insufficiently lubricated moving part.

Banging/Clanging

If you’re hearing banging or clanging, it could be component that’s come loose. This can result in damage to the loose component and/or whatever it’s banging against.

Hisssssssing

If your AC is hissing, you probably have a refrigerant leak, and the hissing isn’t going to stop until the refrigerant runs out.

Clicking

Clicking sounds are generally caused by a failing electrical component or capacitor.

If you’re in Sarasota, and your Air Conditioner is trying to tell you something, call (941) 921-7208 and give your AC the attention it’s calling out for, before this most important relationship suffers.

Ensure your air conditioning stays safe from power surges.

Invest in a high-quality surge protector from Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. It could save you hundreds of dollars in repair or replacement costs.

What is a surge protector?

It's a device designed to shield electronic equipment from sudden voltage spikes and electrical surges. These surges, which are abnormal increases in electrical current, can inflict damage on wiring and electronics.

Just like computers and televisions, your HVAC system is susceptible to these power surges. Surge protectors are often mandated by building codes for new HVAC installations because of the potential for significant damage to these expensive systems.

Power surges can stem from various sources, but they often arise during thunderstorms and severe weather conditions, primarily due to lightning strikes or when utility companies reset circuits after outages. When lightning strikes a power line, it generates a potent surge that can travel through the electrical grid, potentially causing damage or even power disruptions. Additionally, damaged or faulty power lines can lead to sudden increases in voltage, impacting appliances and connected equipment.

How can power surges affect your HVAC system?

It all depends on the electrical components. When a voltage spike or transient surge happens, these components face a sudden increase in voltage.

Such surges can lead to overheating of the electrical parts, potentially causing damage or system failure. In severe cases, the damage inflicted by a power surge may be irreversible. It's crucial to consult a licensed HVAC contractor to assess the extent of any damage and whether repairs are feasible.

Here are potential outcomes for your HVAC system due to a power surge:

1. Compressor Failure: The compressor, often the priciest component, is particularly susceptible to damage from power surges. If it fails, the entire system might require replacement.
2. Electrical Fires: Although rare, power surges can occasionally trigger electrical fires, especially in older or poorly maintained systems. Such fires can cause significant damage to both the HVAC system and your home.
3. Thermostat Damage: The thermostat plays a crucial role in HVAC operation. Damage from a power surge may necessitate its replacement.
4. Motor Damage: The motor, another vital component, is also vulnerable to damage from power surges. If affected, it may need replacement.

Protecting your HVAC system with surge protectors is a wise investment, potentially preventing costly damage and ensuring reliable performance.

Considering whether to invest in an HVAC surge protector? Absolutely worth it! Here are the advantages:

1. Protects Your Investment and Saves Money: Your HVAC system is a significant investment. A power surge can inflict substantial damage, leading to expensive repairs. With a surge protector, you prevent these costs and ensure your system remains operational, extending its lifespan and saving you money in the long run.
2. Increases Your Comfort: Your HVAC system is crucial for maintaining a comfortable environment at home or in your business. Protecting it with a surge protector means you won't risk losing heating or cooling capabilities due to surge-related damage.
3. Ensures Your Safety: Power surges pose a fire hazard, potentially endangering your household. By installing a surge protector, you mitigate this risk and enhance safety for yourself and your family. It’s a vital precautionary measure for protecting both your property and your loved ones.

Have Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating install your HVAC surge protector.

Your comfort and safety are our priorities, and we're committed to safeguarding your investment. Our team provides expert installation services, ensuring you get the right surge protector for your system, and that it's installed correctly.

You’ve probably heard by now, that Smart Thermostats can reduce your HVAC-related energy consumption by a lot, but energy savings are just the beginning…

Before we get into all the bells and whistles, let’s begin by defining our terms…

There are 3 basic types of thermostats: Manual Thermostats that allow you to set the temperature and nothing more, Programmable Thermostats that can automatically adjust the temperature based on a pre-set schedule, and Wi-Fi enabled Smart Thermostats that connect to an app on your smartphone (thus the name) or tablet.

Entry-level Smart Thermostats just allow you to adjust the temperature remotely. Middle-of-the-road models use motion sensors (and sometimes geofencing) to learn your preferences and routine, automatically adjusting to an energy-saving temperature when you’re asleep or away. Higher-end models do much more than automatically adjusting the temperature in your home so you can realize those HVAC-related energy savings.

For instance, ecobee brand thermostats can help you improve Indoor Air Quality with built -in air quality monitors and alerts, as well as air filter change reminders. They can also help you eliminate hot and cold spots in your home with SmartSensors that detect which rooms are occupied and automatically adjust the temperature in those rooms.

Premium ecobee models include built-in smoke alarm detection, advanced sensor technology to alert you of issues when you're away from home, freeze detection to prevent burst pipes, and you can control all of that with your voice by using Siri or Alexa.

Similarly, Honeywell’s Total Connect® Comfort App allows you to monitor and adjust your heating and cooling usage, as well as indoor humidity levels, and you’ll automatically receive email alerts related to safety, comfort and energy usage.

The right Smart Thermostat can easily pay for itself with energy savings and other features that make your home safer and more comfortable, but Smart Thermostats are not one size fits all. In fact, some HVAC systems are designed to work better when they run constantly, at a fixed temperature, so a Smart Thermostat could actually work against you, and not all Smart Thermostats work with all HVAC systems, so save yourself a lot of headaches and expense by calling 941-921-7208 and speaking to one of our comfort specialists.

When you purchase your Smart Thermostat from a contractor, like Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, you don’t just get the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you’ve purchased the best Smart Thermostat for your HVAC system and your lifestyle, you get a longer warranty than you would if you purchased the same unit from your local Home Depot or Lowe’s or, worse yet, online, so it’s truly a win-win situation!

When it comes to replacing your old air conditioning system in the (usually) balmy Sarasota area, you can turn that old “get it while it’s hot” idiom right on its head…

Here in the Suncoast, heating and air conditioning companies are less busy in the winter months, so if you’re about ready for a new HVAC system, or you’ve been putting off some much-needed ductwork, take advantage of the relatively rare cold weather we’ve been having, and save yourself some money!

If your HVAC system is over 15 years old (approaching the end of its lifespan) replacing before it quits on you on the hottest day of the year (because that’s when it will go), means you won’t get stuck with expensive emergency repair or replacement costs, and you’ll save money on your electric bills because you'll have a far more efficient air conditioning system installed, before the dog days arrive.

Installing a new HVAC system in the winter also means more flexible scheduling options and you’ll save with our winter labor rates because our guys won’t have to work in a 120-degree attic!

As a bonus, YOU won’t have to suffer in the heat, while the work gets done…

Call 941-921-7208 for a Free Estimate, and step into summer with complete peace of mind!

In addition to its stated aim of curbing inflation, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) which was signed into law in August of 2022, is the largest federal investment to fight climate change in U.S. history.

It accomplishes this by offering tax credits and point-of-sale rebates to low-income (under 80% of Area Median Income) and moderate-income (between 80% and 150% of Area Median Income) consumers who purchase electric vehicles and other energy-efficient appliances, including high-efficiency air conditioning systems, between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2032.

Eligible air conditioning systems include ENERGY STAR certified “split systems” with a SEER2 rating greater than 16 (a split system has an outdoor cabinet that houses the condenser and compressor, and indoor cabinet that houses the evaporator coil, and an air handler – this is what most homeowners have) and all ENERGY STAR certified “packaged systems” (a packaged system has the evaporator coil, condenser, and compressor in one cabinet that is usually placed on the roof or a concrete slab by the home’s foundation - this type of system is also used for small commercial buildings).

If you’ve been toying with the idea of upgrading to an energy-efficient air conditioning system, and you want to see if you can take advantage of these rebates and tax credits, visit https://www.rewiringamerica.org/app/ira-calculator.

Even if you don’t qualify for a rebate or credit, a new high-efficiency air conditioning systems can literally pay for itself in energy savings (e.g. a typical 18 SEER2 system uses 57% less electricity than a 12 SEER system with the same tonnage) so, if you’re about due for a new HVAC system, call 941-921-7208 - we’ll help you find the perfect heating and cooling solution for your comfort and budget needs!

Bottom Line: New energy efficiency standards for air conditioners, heat pumps and furnaces are going into effect this January 1, 2023 and that means air conditioning prices are going up so, if you’re about due for a new air conditioning system, there’s really no time like the present!

If you’ve purchased an air conditioning unit in the past 30, you’ve probably noticed the big yellow sticker labeled “ENERGY GUIDE” that points down to an “Efficiency Rating” or SEER.

SEER (which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is the ratio of cooling output (the BTUs) of a particular HVAC system, over a typical cooling season, divided by the electricity input (the watt hours) used in the same time period. Similar to your vehicle’s MPG rating, the higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the air conditioning unit.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has enforced minimum SEER requirements since 1992, but starting January 1, 2023, they’re changing the way HVAC systems are tested.

Why are they changing the way HVAC systems are tested now?

Well, just like your MPG ratings, SEER ratings are affected by real-world conditions (you’re probably not getting the MPG rating on the window sticker if most of your driving is in stop-and-go traffic).

Current SEER testing does not accurately reflect real-world conditions (like poorly designed ductwork). SEER2 uses a new testing procedure that more accurately reflects real-world conditions and it demands a lower energy efficiency rating so, essentially, you have to get a better grade on a harder test.

What does that mean for my new air conditioner?

The DOE divides the U.S into 3 regions (North, Southeast, and Southwest). In the Southwest and Southeast regions, which includes Florida, all air conditioners sold and installed on or after January 1, 2023 must meet the new SEER2 efficiency standards.

To meet SEER2 requirements in the Southeast Region, 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 (in all regions), must have a SEER2 rating of 14.3.

More efficient units are more expensive to manufacture which means that prices will be going up in 2023. Carrier, York, and Lennox have already told us that their prices are going up in the spring of 2023, but these changes affect all manufacturers, so price increases are inevitable – across the board.

If you’re about due for a new air conditioning system, call 941-921-7208 (while you can still get 2022 units and prices) and let one of our comfort consultants walk you through all your options.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released its forecast for the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

Hurricane Season runs from June 1 through November 30 and they’re predicting another above-average hurricane season, with 14 to 21 named storms and 3 to 6 major hurricanes.

Like most Floridians, you probably have a well-worn routine you break into whenever there’s a storm on the horizon. You bring in plants and patio furniture, board up windows, and stock up on food, water and batteries. If preparing your Air Conditioning System isn’t part of that ritual – it should be!

These tips will keep you comfortable and your AC protected in the event of a hurricane:

Secure the Unit

Make sure your outdoor unit is properly secured to the concrete. Check the metal bolts and straps that hold your system in place for signs of rust or deterioration which could make the unit vulnerable to high winds.

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! 

Click here to download the flyer!

For years, Freon® (R-22) was synonymous with residential air-conditioning refrigerant.

Recognizing that the manufacture of Freon had an adverse effect on the environment, the EPA began a decade-long transition to more environmentally friendly products, like Puron® (R-410A), which concluded in 2020.

Designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out substances, like the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in Freon, the Montreal Protocol has undergone nine revisions since it went into effect in 1989. The Kigali Amendment, its most recent revision, gradually reduces the consumption and production of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), including Puron, and that means that another phase out is underway.

Signed into law in December of 2020, the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act (AIM) mandates the reduction of HFCs by 85% over the next 15 years. Several states, including California, have more aggressive timelines that are sure to influence the speed at which residential HVAC manufacturers phase out refrigerants with a high Global Warming Potential (GWP).

Carrier has already announced that, starting in 2023, all residential air conditioning systems manufactured in North America will use a Puron Advance™ (R-454-b), a refrigerant blend with considerably lower GWP than its predecessors. Other manufacturers are expected to follow suit.

What does this mean for you?

It’s fall and that means the leaves are changing and the temperatures are dropping - for our friends up north.

Here in Sarasota, it’s still HOT (and the leaves are still green) and that means we still want the AC blowing COLD. On the Suncoast, we depend on our AC year-round and, if you’re like us, you have a trusted AC Company you can call at the first sign of trouble, but not every problem requires a pro.

This checklist can help you avoid an unnecessary (and possibly expensive) service call:

Check the Thermostat

Make sure the thermostat is set to the "COOL" position and that it is set to the desired temperature.

If your thermostat is battery operated (or if it has a battery backup in case of a power outage) a fresh battery could clear up some issues and/or restore connectivity between the AC unit and the thermostat. If you haven’t changed the battery in over a year – it might be time for a fresh battery.

Check the Breakers

Make sure all the circuit breakers in the box are set to the "ON" position. If there is a “tripped breaker” (at the neutral position) turning it off and then on will reset it.

Resetting the breaker that controls your thermostat and/or the air conditioning system can sometimes be enough to restart an unresponsive system
If your air conditioning system keeps tripping the breaker – DON’T TURN IT BACK ON.

Check the Filter

A clogged filter will make it hard for cold air to reach your living space. A clogged filter also makes your system work harder, which will result in higher electric bills and, if your filter is really clogged, it could be the reason the breaker keeps tripping. It’s a good idea to check your filter once/month (more or less depending on the type of filter and the conditions in your home) by taking it out and holding it up to the light – if you can’t see through it, it’s probably time for a new filter.

If after all that, your air conditioning system still isn’t working right, call Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating at 941-921-7208. We're always ready to help!

Have you been putting off maintenance on your AC system?

With a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic that made travel all but impossible for several months and mortgage rates at historic lows, many of us (simultaneously) decided to address deferred maintenance we had been putting up with or completely remodel the homes we would be spending more time in.

If you’ve purchased a 2’ x 4’ or a sheet of plywood recently, you’ve experienced firsthand the effects that this increased demand, combined with pandemic-related supply chain disruptions, has had on the price and availability of building materials, but the construction industry isn’t the only one affected.

Shortages on copper, plastics, PVC, plumbing supplies; vinyl siding, paint, microchips, and more have affected every industry – including the HVAC industry.

Shortages, including skilled-labor shortages up and down the supply chain – from manufacture to installation, have made it difficult to get new HVAC systems as well as the parts required to service existing units. All this to say that preventive maintenance has never been more important…

In addition to giving you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your system won’t breakdown at the most inconvenient time, regular preventive maintenance keeps your system running at peak efficiency, cutting your cooling costs by as much as 15% and extending the life of your system.

And, if you think you don’t need regular preventive maintenance because your system is still under warranty – think again. Regular preventive maintenance, performed by an authorized service provider and documentation of same, is a warranty requirement.

So, if you haven’t had your system serviced in a while, call Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating at 941-921-7208 and schedule your preventive maintenance today or, better yet, ask us about our preventive maintenance agreement.

A preventive maintenance agreement with Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, will not only keep your system running at peak efficiency, it will ensure that all warranty requirements are met and that you have the necessary documentation when you need warranty service.

Show your AC some love!

Just like regular tune ups for your car, regular preventive maintenance for your AC will help you avoid those breakdowns that almost inevitably come at the worst possible time, prolong the life of your system, and save you money in the long run.

Without regular preventative maintenance, your HVAC system loses about 5% of its original efficiency with every year of operation, making your energy bills higher. A properly serviced HVAC system will also do a better job of dehumidifying your home and keeping you comfortable.

You never want your AC to break down in the heat and humidity of a Florida summer, but supply chain disruptions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic have also made it difficult to get replacement parts so, now more than ever - an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

If it's been a while since you've shown your AC some love, call 941-921-7208 to schedule a preventive maintenance visit or, better yet, ask us about our maintenance agreements.

We would like to take a moment to address the current economic and supply chain conditions affecting our business and the HVAC industry as a whole.

Communication is one of our core values and, as such, we wanted to explain, in advance, why you may be seeing some new faces and changes in pricing as we continue to serve you and our neighbors in the community.

Many of you buy groceries, often purchasing the same basic items, and you are likely seeing the prices of these goods increase. The same is true when shopping at a building supply store like Home Depot and Lowe’s or at most of the supply houses that stock A/C equipment and accessory products.

The pandemic shut down global supply chains which have struggled to get back to production levels anywhere close to what is required to keep up with the demands of fast-growing communities and markets. This has led to a shortages of parts and A/C systems, as well as increases in prices due to the shortage of metal, electronic components, and other essential parts.

The pandemic has exposed a labor insufficiency in most service industries and the HVAC industry, which was already underserved, is now under strong wage pressure to maintain adequately skilled staffing. Wage increases are also required to stay in line with the increased prices of food and other necessities, and school closures, or students being sent home to quarantine after exposure, have put an added strain on young workers and their families.

The volatility affecting our industry and markets makes it difficult to continue doing business as usual without some changes. That said, we have always prided ourselves on delivering professional, courteous, and efficient service and we will continue to do so, in spite of our frustration with the current economic, supply chain, and labor pressures.

We hold ourselves to the highest standard and we will continue to protect, care for, and be an asset to our community and all who live here, as we have done for almost two decades.

Thank you for your time, understanding, and patience.

Glowing reviews like this one from Lotem Levy encapsulate everything we strive for every day.

From your first call to a successful job completion, the team at Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating won’t stop our pursuit of excellence until you have total peace of mind. Guaranteed.

“I recently purchased a home in need of both an A/C system replacement, but also, as a result of certain decisions made by the previous owner, a restoration of central A/C to half of the house where it had previously been removed. I got bids from several companies, and I found Sean McCutcheon to be the most professional, the most forthcoming, and, as a bonus, eminently reasonable. They did the work incredibly well, incredibly quickly, and the customer service experience was phenomenal. The technicians were respectful; they maintained the home impeccably and protected it from debris and dirt; they answered all my questions; and they were, most importantly, just nice people. I would recommend this company to anyone in the area that needs HVAC work done, and as long as I live here I will use nobody else.”

If you’re in Sarasota or Manatee counties, call Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating at 941-921-7208 for all your residential and commercial air conditioning installation, repair and maintenance needs.

Warranties provide great peace of mind, especially when it comes to something as expensive as a new HVAC system.

But it’s a lot easier than you might think to void those warranties… Avoid costly repairs that might otherwise be covered by following these simple rules:

Send in the Warranty Card

Most product registrations these days can be completed online so you don’t even need to go looking for a stamp. Whether it’s online or sending in that postcard, registering your HVAC system is the first step in avoiding warranty issues down the road.

Never Use an Unlicensed Contractor

Hiring an unlicensed contractor could save you a few bucks in the short run, but an installation performed by an unlicensed contractor voids the manufacturer's warranty so you could be spending thousands of dollars on a unit that is not covered if it fails. Hiring an unlicensed contractor can also result in a civil penalty of up to $5,000 plus court costs for the homeowner – it’s just not worth the risk!

Don’t Use Off-Brand Replacement Parts

Many off-brand parts are perfectly fine to use but using unauthorized replacement parts will void your warranty so save the off-brand parts for when you’re out of warranty.

Get the Unit Serviced Regularly Without regular Preventive Maintenance, an HVAC system will lose about 5% of its original efficiency with each passing year. Simply having your Air Conditioning unit serviced regularly can cut your cooling costs by as much as 15% and it will extend the life of your system. A properly serviced air conditioner will also do a better job of dehumidifying your home.

If that’s not enough to convince you, you should know that regular maintenance, performed by an authorized service provider and documentation of same, is a warranty requirement.

A preventive maintenance agreement with Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, will not only keep your system running at peak efficiency, but it will ensure that all warranty requirements are met and that you have the necessary documentation when you need warranty service.

If you have any questions about your HVAC system, it’s warranty or our Preventive Maintenance Agreements, call 941-921-7208 and speak to one of our comfort specialists.

Living in Florida, you probably already have a well-worn routine you break into whenever inclement weather is on the horizon, but is preparing your Air Conditioning System a part of that routine?

According to forecasters with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through November 30, is expected to be an “above normal” season with 13 to 19 named storms, 6 to 10 of which will likely become hurricanes, including 3 to 6 “major” hurricanes.

These tips will keep you comfortable and your AC protected in the event of a hurricane:

Secure the Unit

Make sure your outdoor unit is properly secured to the concrete. Check the metal bolts and straps that hold your system in place for signs of rust or deterioration which could make the unit vulnerable to high winds.

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. 

Maverick: Maverick with Sean McCutcheon from Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating.

Sean: It’s starting to warm up outside and we know that things are tight on everybody and we’re all in a little bit of a financial situation that we didn’t expect. We really want to remind everybody that we really do care about our community. We’re here for everybody. If you need any of our services, we’ll take care of you. We’ll continue to protect our community and make sure that everybody gets through this comfortably

Maverick: Maverick with Sean McCutcheon from Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, a proud member of this community.

Sean: 17 years we’ve taken care of this community and we’re going to continue to take care of this community for as many years into the future as possible. If at any time you’re in need of any of our services, we would appreciate the opportunity. Really want to keep our people busy and try and keep it local, keep it in our community. If you’d be willing to give is a chance at it, we’d love the opportunity to take care of you.

Maverick: Maverick with my buddy Sean McCutcheon from Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating. We are buddies, we’ve known each other for years, we’ve vacationed together and I haven’t seen him in months and we’re not in a normal situation here, Sean.

Sean: No, definitely not in the normal, but I’m hoping that we’re coming out of it. There’s a lot of things to start to be excited about. It’s warming up and I’m ready to get back on a vacation someday.

Maverick: You know what’s interesting is we’re all in this together, Sean.

Sean: Well, we love this community, we live here, we raise our families here, we work here, you’re all our neighbors and our families, our friends. We want to remind everybody that there is trusted places to do business out here in our community. That you can get second opinions if you need services right now. People are going to be fair with you. We’re not taking advantage of anybody. It all comes down to this community is connected in so many ways. We’re all in it together. Let’s get through this together and we’ll celebrate on the other side.

Maverick: Maverick talking to my friend, on the phone, social distancing, Sean McCutcheon from Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating. Speaking of that, Sean, we’re all worried about germs. obviously, and I’m seeing a lot about ultra-violet lights and how that can help

Sean: There’s some really good technology that is available for your homes and commercial applications. We can’t say that it kills Covid-19 for 100% fact, but we do know that it does well against similar type organisms. Every house and person’s application are a little different. Is one of those things where you need to get a bit of an education on it.

We have no problem sending you information or if you want to go on our website and learn more about the different products that are available. We can tailor fit something more specific to your residence but, for the most part, if you’re a good candidate, if you’re interested in more high-end filtration or taking advantage of some of these indoor purification type systems, we’d be happy to discuss it with you, we’re just not going to push them on everybody out there.

Maverick: Sean McCutcheon with Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating. 

Will Air Purifcation systems kill viruses?

With talk of coronavirus blanketing the airwaves and so many companies claiming to have special filters and air purifiers that can kill the virus, it’s no wonder we’ve received so many calls and emails from customers looking to protect their families and employees from this new illness, so we wanted to pass along some information to help you separate the signal from the noise.

Let’s start with the basics, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads mainly through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It’s possible to get COVID-19 by touching a surface that has the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Noting that airborne particles play a significant role in the spread of the disease, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has released proactive guidance that addresses COVID-19 concerns with respect to the operation and maintenance of HVAC systems.

You should know that viruses, like COVID-19, are much smaller than bacteria (roughly 100 times smaller) and other pollutants like pollen and pet dander which are the primary culprits when it comes to poor indoor air quality. This means that a standard HEPA filter will not remove viruses from the air.

Unlike air filters, some air purifiers can capture viruses, but they won’t destroy them so the virus will remain alive inside the filter for as long as the virus survives which could be as long as 9 days. High quality air filters also tend to come with a hefty price tag, so you should take that into account when determining the best option for your home or business.

Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating offers a variety of indoor air quality products including the HALO-LED™ whole-home in-duct air purification system. We also offer Bryant Ultraviolet Germicidal Lights which destroy viruses and bacteria without chemicals. Both the HALO-LED and the Bryant Ultraviolet Germicidal Lights are installed in the HVAC unit and they disinfect the air as it circulates through the ventilation system.

We can’t guarantee that using an air purifier will kill Covid-19, we only know they do well against similar type organisms. Every house and person’s application are a little different, so it pays to do a little research. We can tailor fit a system to your residence if you’re interested in more high-end filtration or taking advantage of some of these indoor purification systems. We’d be happy to discuss it with you, or even send you information, we are just not actively promoting these systems for use against Covid-19.

Call (941) 921-7208 to discuss your air purification options with one of our NATE certified technicians.

In the meantime, the CDC recommends you clean your hands often, avoid close contract with people who are sick, cover coughs and sneezes, stay home or wear a facemask if you are sick, and clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. Click here for specifics on each of these recommendations (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html).