The Christmas season is in full swing. Before you begin decking the halls in your home, take a look at these holiday tips: Pick the safest spot for your tree Make sure your tree is not placed too close to a vent or other heating source. This presents a potential fire hazard making for a not-so-Merry Christmas. Care for Your Tree Real tree or artificial? If you are bringing home a real tree, make sure that it stays hydrated. Do the “Needle Test” before you bring it home. Needles should be flexible but not break. You should also be able to run your hands along the branch without needles falling off. If you have an artificial tree, dust it off before putting it up. Artificial trees that have been stored over a humid summer can develop mold causing poor indoor air quality. Get a Fresh Air Filter Changing your air filter is important all year-round but especially around the holidays. Change your filter before you decorate and check it weekly as long as your decorations are up. By changing your filter, you can maximize your unit’s life and hopefully avoid an HVAC installation this holiday season. Keep an Eye on Your Temperature If you have indoor plants or a real Christmas tree, turning up the heat can dry them out. This drying out process causes leaves and needles to fall right into your vents and affect your indoor air quality. Instead of constantly touching the thermostat, warm up by the fireplace or by baking some cookies for Santa. Get a Tune-up If you missed an Autumn tune-up, it is not too late! When you are looking for an “HVAC service near me,” call Comfort Air at (912) 712-4800. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Larry & Sandra White
How Furnaces Work Have you ever noticed that your furnace seems to stop working on the coldest day of the year? Thankfully, this is not the case for all furnaces. We are busy repairing and replacing furnaces throughout the cold season. Furnaces 101 There are two types of vents in your home. One set of vents is connected to the “intake” side of your furnace, which is where the furnace draws air in. The air is then blown across the heat sources of your furnace, and then distributed within the ducts to all of the other vents throughout your home. Choosing a new furnace can be an intimidating process. There are nearly 100 different brands and thousands of different models. They include budget models, mid-efficiency models, and high-efficiency models. Repairing and/or replacing a furnace is NOT a do-it-yourself job. HVAC installation should be completed by a fully qualified and licensed HVAC contractor, as the process involves handling high-voltage electricity, plumbing, and gas lines, and in some cases, venting combustible gases or refrigerants. Things to Consider Size - There is nothing more important than proper sizing when it comes to furnaces. One of the biggest mistakes other contractors make is assuming that your previous furnace was properly sized. Load calculations must be performed to determine the proper size. Any contractor who says “We’ll do it before we start the job” is not doing the load calculations. We do not give you a proposal until all the load calculations are done.Fuel Source - Electric, gas, propane, or oil are the possible options. Gas is the most popular. Oil and electric are typically the most expensive. They all have their benefits, so we are happy to discuss the options with you beforehand.Unit Type - High-efficiency units are typically more expensive up-front, but in the long run they cost less. Keep in mind that high-efficiency may mean higher complexity. Manufacturers offer discounts and rebates at certain times. We will definitely let you know if there are any available. Some units run quieter than others, so this could be a consideration for some homeowners. With more than 1,000 different models, we can find a furnace that matches your budget and your requirements. When you are looking for an “HVAC service near me,” look no further than Comfort Air.
Before your air conditioning technician arrives, start brainstorming about your needs in a home cooling system. Your needs for a home heating and cooling system will differ from your next-door neighbor and the neighbor at the other end of the block. Our expert technicians can help you find the best system for your needs. Begin thinking about your system by answering the following questions: How much longer do we plan on owning this home?How important is indoor air quality to us? Does anyone have allergies or smoke?If the air conditioner needs to be replaced, should we replace the furnace too (or vice versa)?Have we added onto our home since the last system was installed?Are we considering adding on anytime in the future?Are there any rooms that don’t heat/cool properly?Is our air conditioner/furnace noisy?Do we regularly and routinely replace our air filters?When is the last time anyone’s inspected our ducts and vents? Do we need an air duct cleaning?Do we routinely have semi-annual system check-ups?Would it be wise to consider an annual ac maintenance service program?Do we want to control the system from our smartphones?How important is the lowest possible utility bill to us?Do we want the ability to get service 24/7/365?How important are warranties? Do we want a standard warranty or an extended warranty? When you answer these questions, the team at Comfort Air will have a better idea of your needs and can make the best recommendation for you and your family. At Comfort Air, your comfort is what we value. Give us a call to speak with an expert about how we can help you stay comfortable all year long. Whether you need ac maintenance service or ac and heating repair, our team is standing by to help! Call our expert technicians at (912) 712-4800.
If you want to make your air conditioning or heating repairs and replacements successful, we recommend the following tips: Be Super Clear About Your Wants and Needs Do your research and write specifications of exactly what you want in a home comfort system. Read our article “5 Things to Look for in a Home Comfort System” to get you started. We will do our best to make the process as simple as possible. Ask Questions and Know We Are Here to Help Now that you have done your research and know your needs/wants in a home comfort system, ask one of our HVAC service professionals your questions. Ask us about which unit will be right for your specific needs and wants. Do not hesitate to discuss finances and budget with us too. We will work hard to find a solution that is right for your home comfort needs and your budget. Get Involved in Making Decisions Too many people put as much trust in their HVAC contractor as they do their family doctor. They allow contractors to make choices and decisions for them. View us as your experienced guide and advocate who can help you with decisions throughout the entire process. We are here to make our recommendations, but ultimately, it is your home, your comfort, and your decision on how to proceed. With over 40 years of experience with HVAC installation as well as AC and heat repair, we can provide the heating and air conditioning solutions you need. We truly care about each one of our customers. We promise to put the customer first, and we stand by that promise every day. If you are searching for a “air conditioning service near me,” Comfort Air is the wise choice in Savannah and beyond.
During and after a severe thunderstorm, tornado, hurricane, or any storm that brings with it water and lightning, homeowners need to be cautious about using their heating, air conditioning, and plumbing appliances. If you do not take proper precautions, you risk hurting yourself or causing permanent and expensive damage to your equipment. “It’s important to remember not to immediately restart heating and cooling equipment after a severe storm because it can be dangerous and could cause further damage,” said Larry White, President of Comfort Air. “The equipment may be severely damaged, its wiring may be damaged or it may have debris lodged in it. These are some of the many reasons why it’s best to have a qualified service technician inspect your heating and cooling equipment after a severe storm.” After a storm, it is natural to want to get things back up and running as soon as possible. Before you turn your air conditioner or heater back on, take the proper steps to reduce the risk of damaging your expensive equipment by assuring it is dry, clean, and otherwise safe to use: - If the storm caused flooding, check all equipment thoroughly before you start it. If you are not absolutely sure the inner components are dry, leave it off. - If there was any flooding, open your equipment and appliances. Let air circulate because this will help with drying. - It may be a good idea to have an electrician inspect your home’s wiring to make sure everything is dry and safe to use before you plug anything in or turn anything on. - Additionally, it may be wise to have your heating and cooling equipment inspected by a service company. When you are searching for a “air conditioning service near me” to help, make sure you choose someone reputable, since some businesses will seek out storm area victims just to make a quick buck. The above rules should also apply to any appliance related to your home’s plumbing. However, the major risk for damaging plumbing equipment and/or harming yourself comes primarily during a storm. Plumbing equipment uses water, which is the ideal conductor for lightning, so it is possible to be struck by lightning while inside your home if you are not careful. Using the shower, sink, or other plumbing appliances during a storm could cause an electric shock. If lightning strikes your home or anywhere near your home, you could end up getting electrocuted through the metal pipes and the water you are using. One way to reduce the risk of unwanted damage caused by lightning is to use PVC pipes in your home. Unlike metal pipes, PVC pipes will not conduct electricity, making it safer to use plumbing during a storm. Still, avoiding using plumbing fixtures until after the storm passes would be wise. During storms, avoid using electronic devices, plumbing equipment, and appliances if possible until the storm has passed and you have dealt with all the after effects. Your safety and the safety of your expensive equipment is worth a few extra minutes of inconvenience. After the storm, if you need AC or heat repair, Comfort Air is standing by to help!
When you purchased your new air conditioning system, you should have received a copy of the manufacturer’s warranty. That paperwork contains the manufacturer’s terms and conditions for your warranty. If you cannot find your paperwork, please do not hesitate to call our customer service department, and we will be happy to assist you. With greater regularity, manufacturers are beginning to enforce the terms and conditions within your paperwork. Being aware of the terms and conditions of your unit would be wise. • Most manufacturers allow you to transfer warranties to the new owner upon the sale of your property for a small fee if completed within 30 days of closing. • Manufacturers are now requiring the use of OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts. At the moment, there are thousands of possible OEM parts for any of the multiple manufacturers, which makes using and obtaining parts challenging. The effect is that we will no longer be able to use generic truck stock parts. Although these changes are difficult, we make it our priority to bring you comfort as quickly as possible. • Manufacturers only cover work performed during normal business hours. Comfort Air never charges for overtime or holiday hours. • Manufacturers now require yearly maintenance by an authorized dealer/ servicer in order to keep a warranty in good standing. If you are not currently having AC maintenance service done on your equipment at least once a year, contact an authorized servicer in your area as soon as possible. We want to thank you for choosing Comfort Air. If you have any questions related to your warranty, please do not hesitate to call us at (912) 712-4800.
In the 1970s, when Larry White was laid off from his position at a commercial air conditioning company, he needed to find a new path. After taking a couple of jobs in manufacturing, Larry missed the world of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). He was always looking for an opportunity to get back into the business he spent 12 years in. At the time he did not know he would become the founder of Comfort Air, but when an opportunity to start his own business presented itself, he pursued it. His brother introduced him to geothermal heat pumps—a new heating and cooling technology at that time, and the most energy-efficient option on the market. “My brother worked for Georgia Power, and when he built his home in 1977, they put him on the trail of this water-sourced heat pump,” says Larry. “It was super efficient. And I started taking a look at it wondering if I wanted to pursue doing something with it. I was fascinated by the technology.” After a conversation with a manufacturer of this new product, Larry’s future seemed clear. Though he was making pretty good money at his union factory gig, the thought of getting back into the air conditioning industry on his own terms was too much to pass up. Thanks to a special connection to these new water-sourced pumps, Larry’s future company would have a unique place in the Savannah market that his potential competition simply would not have. After saving up some money and selling the house he built, Larry moved onto a smaller plot of land with an old metal maintenance shed in the back. Out of this metal shed, Comfort Air first opened their doors in the morning on Sept. 1, 1978, which was just over a year after Larry had discovered his love for heating pump technology. “I had to downsize before I could open the company. I built my house myself, so when I sold it and bought something smaller, I had a decent amount left over,” Larry says. “I then put that money in the bank so I wouldn’t have to draw a salary for two years. It was tough. You always lose money when you’re starting out, but I did it all right.” At that time, Larry had only one truck and one employee. Together, they handled all of the sales, HVAC installations, and repair tasks of their customers. Things grew very quickly, and by 1980 Comfort Air had hired more people and moved into a new rental location. By 1983, the company had 10 people on staff, multiple trucks on the road, and had moved to their present home on 9 Executive Circle in Savannah, GA—a building that Larry and the company built and own outright. “I got a small business loan in 1983 and I built the building,” says Larry. “We didn’t have a mortgage or any kind of debts, so getting a loan wasn’t too difficult. To this day, we have no debt—we have a line of credit, but no debt. We were finally getting out of those early days where you’re just making contacts and building clients, and we were becoming more prosperous.” While things were going smoothly for Comfort Air during the early years, changes in the market and exhausting work with commercial and new construction contractors were starting to take their toll on their bottom line. As commercial contractors dodged paydays and acted as middlemen between Comfort Air and the consumer, Larry’s business was starting to become stagnant. Determined to turn things around, he started toying with ways to change their model. “Contractors operate on your money, and after you invest, you have to chase them down just to get your cut of a job—it’s a nightmare,” recalls Larry. “In the 80s, we’d have some years where we’d make $100,000 and the very next year, we’d lose $200,000. So, in 1987 I said to myself ‘I’m either going to fix it or I’m going to give it up.’ I joined a franchise called Service America out of Ft. Meyers, Fla. ... that was like a major learning experience.” Larry borrowed $100,000 to keep the company going. Following the recommendations of Service America, Comfort Air changed its business operation to focus on residential maintenance. By working with customers directly without the buffer of a middle man, Comfort Air was able to serve their clients better and educate them about money-saving alternatives. When asked if he thinks a switch to direct customer service and providing energy-saving maintenance was what saved his business, Larry’s answer was simple and to the point: “I do.” After the hardships of the 80s, Comfort Air has steadily grown and developed a strong connection with loyal customers all over the Savannah, Pooler, Bloomingdale, Tybee Island, Rincon, and Landings areas. Larry says, “It’s amazing how much customers will begin to trust a company’s service once they see real savings on power bills.” For this reason, Comfort Air is able to call over 5,000 loyal customers as members of their extended family. While the offer to sell the company has appeared on his desk multiple times, Larry just brushes them into the garbage. Comfort Air is more than just his place of work—it’s the place he met his wife, Sandra, when she got a job as a dispatcher there in 1990. It’s also a place where his stepson Jason works in sales, and his grandson Jared drives out to tune-up the customers’ HVAC systems every day. “After I retire, I want this to continue; I’ve built something that’s lasting and we’ve weathered the test of time, you know? We’re going to keep this one in the family, and in the end that’s better for everyone—especially the customers.” As for what the future holds, Comfort Air will continue to grow steadily and focus primarily on residential customers in this part of Southeast Georgia. While there are over a hundred companies to compete with, Larry believes creating lasting bonds with the people they serve will help them gain word of mouth recognition. “In this business, word of mouth is everything. That’s how you get customers and keep them,” Larry says. “In the end, our continued success will come from our customers being happy. We can improve what we’re doing, but I see no reason to change our model again anytime soon.” If you have been searching for “HVAC service near me,” Comfort Air is the company you are looking for!
Proper maintenance is crucial in keeping your HVAC unit operating efficiently. At Comfort Air, we make AC maintenance service easy and affordable! For just $14 a month, you can be part of our Peace of Mind Protection program throughout the year. Benefits of our Peace of Mind Protection Program: Two Comprehensive Maintenance Checks Extend the life of your system by scheduling proper maintenance. Our Peace of Mind Protection Plan includes two maintenance checks throughout the year, keeping your system operating efficiently all year long. Priority Customer Discounts Our Peace of Mind Protection Plan grants you Priority Customer status. Our Priority Customers receive 15% off parts and labor if additional service or AC and heating repairs are needed. 24 Hour Emergency Service Without Overtime Rates Day or night, holidays and weekends – there is never a good time to have an HVAC emergency. Luckily, our team of expert technicians is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. With Peace of Mind Protection, we will not charge you overtime rates for an emergency heater or air conditioner repair. Peace of Mind We know that you value keeping a comfortable home at a reasonable price and our Peace of Mind Protection Plan offers both. We would love the opportunity to provide you with comfort all year round. Please visit our contact us page or call our office at (912) 712-4800 to learn more about our Peace of Mind Protection Program.
Comfort Air is a local American Dream come true. We offer opportunities for hardworking men and women to earn a living, and we consider our customers, colleagues, and business partners to be our friends and family. We have been in business for over 40 years and have the experience to handle your air conditioning and heating needs.The president of the company is readily accessible to accept your calls.We are committed to ongoing training and education. Our team participates in over 40 hours of training each year.We have a customer service representative and service tech on call making sure the customer does not get overlooked.We quote a price before we do the work out of a standardized pricing guide, so there are no surprises.You deal with us directly and we do not use sub-contractors to install our systems.Our company address is listed in the phone book and online, so you can easily find us.If we make a mistake, we acknowledge it and do everything we can to make it right.We treat our team members better than any other company, so they will treat our customers better than any other company.We protect your home while we are working. We use shoe covers and/or drop cloths and make sure we clean up after we finish the job. Thank you for allowing us to serve the Savannah community for over 40 years! We are proud to serve and keep you comfortable all year round! If you are searching for an HVAC installation, maintenance, or emergency “ac repair near me,” Comfort Air is here for you 24/7. Give us a call at (912) 712-4800.
When it’s time to replace your home comfort system, consider carefully what a new system can offer. Here are 5 factors to consider when purchasing an HVAC system: Protect What kind of protection is included within the unit? Water can cause your condenser to rust and wear out more quickly. Features that minimize water exposure will reduce the risk of corrosion. Maintain What kind of maintenance is required for your new unit? Removing debris, trimming grass, and tearing out any bushes that restrict airflow prior to new installation would be wise. This step will maximize the efficiency of your system and reduce the risk of it overheating. Operation Does your system offer a variable speed option? A system with varying speed options can conserve energy. Reducing your system’s output during milder weather will save you money on energy bills. Energy Is your thermostat programmable? A programmable thermostat gives you better control over output. When your unit is only on when needed, you will see smaller energy bills. Efficiency How will your unit manage humidity? Adding a de-humidistat could help to conserve energy. A de-humidistat will turn your unit on when the humidity rises above a certain level, giving you even more control over the operation of your system. If you are searching for an “air conditioning service near me” to replace your HVAC unit, give Comfort Air a call at (912) 712-4800. One of our certified installation specialists can recommend a home comfort system to suit your needs.
According to data from Statista, the price for residential electricity has grown steadily in the last decade and most notably in 2021. This is likely no shocker to homeowners throughout the country, especially during the summer when everyone is in need of air conditioning for long periods of time. Finding a nice balance between staying cool during summer and saving on the electricity bills can be a challenge. This is why our team has put together a list of tips to help. Here are 7 tips on help you save on your electric bill in the summer: Give Your System a Tune-Up Just like you need an annual checkup at the doctor’s office, your HVAC system needs a checkup too. Getting a tune-up twice a year (spring and fall) improves the life of your unit and protects your investment. These tune-ups can help prevent replacing the unit prematurely. Professional AC maintenance service keeps your unit running efficiently saving you money and energy. Invest in a Programmable Thermostat We offer programmable thermostats, which make it very convenient to help you control when to cool or heat your home. There is no need to cool your home normally while you are away. A programmable thermostat can be adjusted to cut off when you are away and cut back on in time to cool your home again before you return home. Use Fans in Conjunction with Air Conditioning A ceiling fan works wonders and can cut back on electricity by pushing air throughout your home. Angling your fan blades downward is the best way to circulate air during the summer. Placing box fans and oscillating fans throughout your home can also help keep cooling costs down. Open Your Windows – Especially at Night! Letting some fresh air into your home helps maximize cross-ventilation. Letting cool air in at night can keep you from running your air conditioning through the night as well. Create Shade – Inside and Out! What is the easiest way to avoid trapping excess heat? Block the heat straight from the source. Using shade to block the sun’s rays from entering your home or heating up your HVAC unit is a simple solution. Use window treatments inside to keep your home cool and save energy on your bill. Planting trees or bushes nearby to shade your air conditioning unit can raise the efficiency of the cooling system. Make sure to keep them two feet away from the unit though. Keep Your Roof a Light Color Believe it or not, but the color of your roof does more than just add curb appeal. Having a lighter-colored roof helps reflect heat from the sun’s rays. Just like a black car or a black shirt, a darker roof will absorb heat, bringing it into your home. This causes your system to work harder to maintain the set temperature. Next time you are in the market for a new roof, consider a light color. Cook Outside The warm temperatures are not the only reason grilling is so popular in the summer. Cooking outside can have an impact on your electric bill. Using the oven during peak times of the day can cause your system to work harder to cool your home. Using low-energy cooking appliances like a slow cooker or microwave are additional ways to keep the home cooler, minimizing the stress on your HVAC system. If you need an air conditioner repair this summer, our team is standing by to help!
5 Ways to Get your HVAC Ready for Summer Summer will be here before you know it and Savannah brings the heat! Now is the perfect time to get your unit ready for the heat of the summer. The best way to avoid a system failure in the mid-summer heat is to maintain your AC unit using an ac maintenance service. Comfort Air’s Peace of Mind Protection Program is the best way to keep your heating ventilation and air conditioning system running efficiently all year long. For just $14 per month, our certified technicians will provide you with two yearly precision tune-ups and professional cleanings. Your coverage also includes emergencies with 24-hour service without overtime rates. This program gives you peace of mind while keeping your HVAC unit running efficiently 365 days a year! In the meantime, here are some ways you can get ready for summer and keep your air conditioning unit from breaking down. 1. Maintain Your Filters Replacing your filter is one of the easiest ways you can protect your HVAC unit. Keeping your air filter clean helps your unit work smarter instead of harder, which will ultimately extend the life of your system. A clean filter also helps you maintain good indoor air quality trapping things like dust, pollen, and pet hair and dander. We recommend changing your filter every 90 days for a pet-free home and at least every 60 days for a home with pets. 2. Control Landscaping Around Your Unit Doing some spring or summer landscaping benefits more than just the look of your yard. This easy step saves money because your heating and air conditioning unit works best when nothing is restricting the airflow. Make sure your unit is clear of bushes, trees, or plants touching your HVAC unit. We recommend keeping a two-foot area around your system clear from any obstructions. 3. Clean Vents to Prevent Blockage Plants and branches are not the only obstructions your air conditioning system can encounter. Dust and debris collected in your vents and ducts can also cause your system to be overworked. Walk through your home and inspect your vents. You can clean these vents easily using a toothbrush or duster to get in between the grates. Scheduling a duct cleaning service will also help to get an even deeper clean of your system. 4. Upgrade Your Thermostat Updating your thermostat will save on your utility bills. Programmable thermostats use newer technologies that allow you to control the temperature even when you are not home. Running a climate-controlled schedule can prevent your HVAC system from working too hard to cool your home inside as temperatures outside increase. 5. Consider Updating Your Unit If your unit is not cooling properly, it may be time for ac replacement. Air conditioning units typically last about 10-15 years. With today’s technology, the newest HVAC units from Lennox, Bryant, and Tran are extremely energy-efficient and reduce utility bills. For a tune-up, service, or replacement, contact us to set up an appointment. To learn more about our Peace of Mind Protection Program or our HVAC services in Savannah, GA, Effingham County, Bryan County and the surrounding areas, call Comfort Air Heating & Air Conditioning at (912) 712-4800.
7 HVAC Myths There are a lot of common misconceptions when it comes to using your HVAC system effectively and saving energy costs.The Comfort Air team wants to provide clarity when it comes to what is true and what is simply a myth. Myth 1: Turning your AC off when you leave the house is a waste of energy. It is a common thought that leaving your air on a higher temperature during the day is more efficient than turning it off completely. In reality, it always saves more energy to shut your system off when you are not using it. Tip! New programmable thermostats save energy by automatically turning your AC off when you leave and on before you return. Myth 2: You only have to change the filter once a year. A dirty filter clogs the system and reduces airflow. Clean or change your filter every few months while the system is operating. If you smoke, have a pet, or have allergies, your filter will likely need to be changed once a month. Myth 3: The bigger the HVAC system, the better! If you get a system that is too large, it will keep cycling on and off, which costs more money to operate and shortens the lifespan of the unit. Choose an HVAC system appropriate for your home and needs. Myth 4: Close the vents in empty rooms to increase energy efficiency. Closing vents can increase air pressure in the ducts, causing leaks at the vent seams. Leave your vents open to allow for proper airflow. Myth 5: My thermostat’s location doesn’t affect heating and cooling. Putting a thermostat too close to vents, radiators, and windows may cause the system to shut down prematurely or keep it running too long. We can recommend the optimal place for your thermostat in your home. Myth 6: I don’t need routine maintenance. Like your car, your HVAC is a complex mechanical system that needs annual tune-ups. Checking it can save you from major problems down the line. We provide AC maintenance service to keep your system running smoothly. Myth 7: An energy-efficient unit will automatically reduce my bill. It’s a good start, but if you’ve got leaky window seals and poor insulation, the HVAC equipment won’t be very effective. Keeping your HVAC unit running efficiently is one of our top priorities. If you have been searching for “HVAC service near me, ” choose Comfort Air and schedule an appointment or tune-up today! Call us at (912) 712-4800.
