Author Archive | kurthartmann

About kurthartmann

Air conditioner service, repair, maintenance, and installation contractor in Fort Myers, Florida.

Find more about me on:

Here are my most recent posts

Optimized Air Conditioner Performance

Optimized Air Conditioner Performance

 

Don’t let anyone fool you … the secret to optimized air conditioner performance is regular maintenance.  As your air conditioner performs it’s duties day after day, month after month there are a lot of things going on just out of sight, hidden from the homeowners view.  Whether you are running a high SEER energy efficient machine, or are trying to squeeze every last nickel out of the old equipment that was there when you bought your home, there is much to be gained by having an experienced set of eyes look nover your equipment on a regular basis.

air conditioner service, repairs Ft Myers Florida. A brand new air conditioner ready for installation.

A brand new air conditioner ready for installation.

 

Have you ever looked up into the sunlight and noticed the multitude of particles floating in the air?  While small and seemingly insignificant, over the course of time these small particles can accumulate inside your a/c equipment inhibiting air flow, and diminishing your air conditioners ability to move air through it so that it can be cooled.

 

cat hair caused this ac to ice up

A?C filter clogged with dust and cat hair was the cause of this air conditioner “ice up”!

 

Less airflow means less cooling!

 

Dirty fan blades cut down on the air conditoners engineered efficiency, resulting in higher cost to operate.

Dirty blades on a fan motor can make a significant difference in how effectively your air conditioner cools

The secret to optimized air conditioner performance is essentially keeping your a/c equipment able to move as much air as possible through a system that effectively removes latent heat in the form of moisture.  Without regular maintenance your air conditioner WILL begin to have a diminished ability to perform these functions fairly quickly.  If your a/c hasn’t been checked in over a year you definitely are over due.  A thorough system check will not only include air flow issues, but also, electrical connections, vegetative growth, mechanical integrity, biological infestations, and the effects of weather and heat on your equipment.

 

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 superheat
Check temperature drop across evaporator
Clean indoor coil if visible
Check complete unit operation
Treat condesate line and pan
Make necessary recommendation

This is a total system check that includes your entire air conditioning system.  Don’t be fooled by companies that claim they are doing a 32 or 54 point check.  This is disingenuous from the very start, and something of a negative indicator as to their overall honesty and trust-worthiness.  At Community Cooling we check everything, we explain everything, answer all your questions, and help you make informed decisions!  We NEVER try to upsell the job for our own benefit (as many of our competitiors do).

HIGHER THAN NORMAL ELECTRIC BILLS?

AIR CONDITIONER RUNS LONGER THAN IT SHOULD TO COOL YOUR HOME?

INSUFFICIENT COOLING IN YOUR HOME?

Not knowing why … IS COSTING YOU MONEY!

WE CAN HELP!

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

239-267-2117

Honest, Reliable, AC Service

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 service, repairs, or maintenance.

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

AC Repair Specialists

AC Repair Specialists … and proud of it!

At Community Cooling we consider ourselves AC Repair Specialists, but, what does that mean exactly? There are many companies in SW Florida that employ a lot of men, keep a large number or trucks on the road, and have relatively high overhead expenses as a result. There is no way they are going to be able to operate at a profit without selling their customers on the idea that they need new equipment. You simply can’t generate enough cash flow by fixing air conditioners and doing inexpensive tune-ups …

… when all you need is a simple repair, they send you a trained salesman so they can add a high mark up to the price of the equipment!

This is the business model for many of our competitiors in the SW Florida area. Community Cooling offers a FREE second opinion to any who question the notion that their equipment needs to be replaced (especially if it is only a few years old.) At Community Cooling fair, honest service is the cornerstone of our business. We want to provide a level of service that not only earns your trust, but, earns your recommendation as well. There is no better advertising than the recommendation from a friend, and that is our objective from the very start.

We pride ourselves on our ability to find a solution to your air conditioner troubles that meets your needs, and stays within your budget as well. We show up, diagnose your air conditioners problem, and present all the options to, the customer, and let you decide the approach you think works best for you. Community Cooling has seen just about every kind of ac trouble there is … and knows exactly how to fix it.

 

SW Florida AC Repair Specialists – Residential or Commercial – since 1970

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

239-267-2117

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 service, repairs, or maintenance.

 

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

a/c repairs ft myers

Community Cooling and Heating President/CEO

Kurt Hartmann, Owner of Community Cooling and Heating
Call Today For Air Conditioner Service, Repair, Maintenance, and Installation

239-267-2117

 

 

 

SW Florida AC Contractor

Community Cooling is a SW Florida ac contractor that puts it’s clients needs first

 

As a SW Florida ac contractor we talk to a lot of families and businesses that have spent some time and money shopping around for an ac contractor they can trust. One common complaint we hear a lot is that often times, even though their air conditioner is only a few years old, many companies put a great deal of effort into trying to convince them they need new air conditioning equipment, before they even attempt to fix the one they have. When they ask us why that is … we try to explain it as simply as possible.

 

Community Cooling new flagship service truck

 

“… high overhead makes profitability difficult for any large SW Florida ac contractor …”

High overhead makes it very difficult for any SW Florida ac contractor to run his business profitably. High rent, insurance, gas, and the cost of keeping a well stocked truck add up quickly for any air conditioning company. Unfortunately, the bigger the company, the more those expenses go up.  It is estimated that for every truck an air conditioning company has on the road the conmpany (or that truck) needs to generate something in excess of $500 per day just to break even.   Consider these costs …

 

Truck payments

Insurance

Gasoline

Salary (two men)

Truck maintenance

Permits

Salary for office staff

Tools

Parts

Website costs

Phones

Answering service

Accounting

Advertising

and more …

Advertising was the last specific we mentioned because it is SO VERY expensive!  Radio advertising campaigns cost thousands a month, and television advertising can cost tens of thousands. If you are picking your ac contractor from their radio or tv ads, it’s a safe bet they are going to want to sell you new equipment.  You just can’t reach the kind of numbers they need by doing inspections and general maintenance and repairs.

 

Honest ac service … at a fair price!

 

At Community Cooling we keep our overhead low so as to to be able to offer our services at a reasonable cost, that fits our clients needs as well as their budget.  Air conditoner repairs are our spcecialty, and there aren’t too many problems we haven’t seen and fixed before.  Honesty and dependability are the very cornerstones Community Cooling has been built upon. This has been a family business for three generations, and the reputation we earn as a business is a reflection of the values we have as a family, as well as citizens of the SW Florida community.

 

 

Community Cooling and Heating has been serving Lee County Florida since 1970, and our long standing reputation for honest ac service, fairness, and putting the clients needs first  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!

 

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

AC Contractors Continuing Education

AC Contractors Continuing Education Ensures Quality Craftsmanship To Better Serve The Public

Community Cooling recently attended and completed an AC contractors continuing education class in Naples Florida. Florida air conditioning contractors are required to accumulate 14 nhours of training every two years to keep them up to date on new trends, techniques, and technologies to better serve their clients and communities.

 

In addition to 9 hours of general instruction the courses are also required to cover such topics as  …

Workplace safety

Workmens Comp

Advanced Code

Rules and laws

Business management

Lien laws

Building codes

Wind Mitigation

 

AC contractors continuing education is a great way for contractors to learn new tips and tricks, meet other industry professionals, and discover new ways of approaching old problems

These courses cover fundamentals of air conditioning services and  and repair, as well as specialized courses on residential and commercial applications as well as chilled water systems.

These intensive, interactive live training sessions are usually two days in length, and all are priced to ensure training is available to to all to better serve the public. All courses are available both as public seminars and on-site training at your facility.

 

Community Cooling and Heating has been serving Lee County Florida since 1970, and our long standing reputation for honest ac service, fairness, and putting the clients needs first  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!

 

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

239-267-2117

Honest, Reliable, AC Service

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 service, repairs, or maintenance.

 

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

 

Hurricane Season 2018 – Is your AC Ready?

The 2018 Hurricane season is here. How prepared are you?

The 2018 hurricane season has arrived. It has only been a year since SW Florida was hit by Hurricane Irma, hopefully the tough lessons learned last year will prove useful in  planning and preparing for another potential hit from a major storm this year. In years past manyof us that were affected by hurricanes “Charlie” and “Wilma” were minimally impacted, and have tended 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 Hurricane Season

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 for Hurricane season 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 (and appropriate fuel)

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.

Community Cooling new flagship service truck

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 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!

 

a/c repairs ft myers

Community Cooling and Heating President/CEO
Air conditioning service and repair Ft Myers

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

Is Your AC Ready For Summer 2018?

Is Your AC Ready For Summer 2018?

Well informed homeowners are calling a lot lately to make certain they have an AC ready for Summer heat. This year, perhaps more than any other, promises to be an extremely hot one. Air conditioners will be challenged to work harder, and longer than ever in their constant battle against heat and humidity. The odds are stacked against them if their ac equipment is running at a fraction of the capability the manufacturers built into the equipment..

More and more we are seeing a diminishing quality in the way air conditioners are being manufactured these days. While technologically advanced, and in many cases “greener” … generally speaking it appears equipment being built overseas (most brands of equipment are now being built, or have components built overseas to keep costs down) doesn’t stand up to abuse, neglect, and being overworked as well as their American made counterparts from 10 years ago.  In my honest opinion … proper and regular air conditioner service has never been more important. With out proper care not only is the level of comfort in your home in jeapordy, but …

… lack of maintenance often leads equipment failure that rquires replacement!

Community Cooling new flagship service truck

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 superheat
Check temperature drop across evaporator
Clean indoor coil if visible
Check complete unit operation
Treat condesate line and pan
Make necessary recommendation

 

HIGHER THAN NORMAL ELECTRIC BILLS?

AIR CONDITIONER RUNS LONGER THAN IT SHOULD TO COOL YOUR HOME?

INSUFFICIENT COOLING IN YOUR HOME?

Not knowing why … IS COSTING YOU MONEY!

WE CAN HELP!

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

239-267-2117

Honest, Reliable, AC Service

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 service, repairs, or maintenance.

 

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

Estero Air Conditioner Repairs

Estero Air Conditioner Repairs
Expert, Honest, and Fair
Community Cooling
239-267-2117

 

Estero Air Conditioner Repairs

 

 

Estero Air Conditioner Repairs are becoming a regular part of our everyday routine at Community Cooling & Heating. While still a small community, Estero has been around long enough that time, and the hot SW Florida summer’s, have begun to take their toll on many of the older A/C units in the area.  Additionally, last years wet summer and busy hurricane season was particularly hard on the Estero area, as well as points south, leaving air conditioning units susceptible to water damage and resultant vegetative growth.

palm tree on park model home after Hurricane Irma

Park model home after Hurricane Irma in Estero, Florida

 

Many park model homes in the Estero/Bonita Springs area found themselves in the midst of high and rising water which soaked their duct work, damaged the efficiency of the configuration, and created an environment optimal for the growth of vegetative type presences in the places one would least like them …

 

… inside the equipment that pushes our air into our homes!

Flooded or damp duct work makes a home nearly impossible to cool

Flooded duct work in park model home

 

Community Coolinghas been serving the entire SW Florida area since 1970 and has a long list of references from satisfied customers. We put our clients needs first, and help them keep their homes comfortable, their costs low, and their equipment running efficiently. We do the job right the first time, and always place quality work at the top of our priorities because, in the long run, that is what provides the greatest value to our customers.

 

A well maintained air conditioner runs better, lasts longer, and saves you money!

 

Community Cooling takes great pride in showing up on time, accurately assessing your air conditioning problem, and providing the consumer with the full range of options available to him … and then letting the customer decide which option makes the most sense to him personally, and fits his family’s budget as well!

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

239-267-2117

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 service, repairs, or maintenance.

 

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

a/c repairs ft myers

Community Cooling and Heating President/CEO

Kurt Hartmann, Owner of Community Cooling and Heating
Call Today For Air Conditioner Service, Repair, Maintenance, and Installation

239-267-2117

UV Light Helps Keep Flu At Bay

UV Light Helps Keep Flu At Bay

 

 

The recent surge in flu cases around the country has many home owners taking a second look at UV lights.  Although they have been on the market for years the general public has always seemed a bit skeptical about the effectiveness of the light kits. Now however, they are surfacing in the news once again for their usefulness keeping concentrations of flu virus at a minimum in Doctors offices, hospitals, and operating rooms.

 

Air Conditioning Service Ft Myers| U/V Light

 

 

UV Light effectively fights many types of bacteria and viruses as the air circulates …

 

They have been used for decades in the food preparation industry, and are also used in the Medical field to purify the air and minimize the growth of germs, bacteria, and other types of vegetative growth.

 

 

“UV Light kits are a smart option for those looking to minimize unhealthy contaminants in the air.”

With more homeowners than ever using them and sales on the rise it appears that U/V lights for a/c units are more than a passing fad.  Community Cooling has long recommended UV lights for our customers with health issues, but, it now appears, at least for the duration of flu season, that they are a reasonably priced option for us all.

 

And that is just what UV lights can do for the air.  They also are an effective boost to getting the most cooling, most efficiently, for the most time.  A UV light helps keep a number of contaminants from building up on your ac equipment.  Buildup of this sort has numerous negative effects on your air conditioner, that in the long run will provide inadequate service, and require repair.

 

A U/V LIGHT MOUNTED IN YOUR AIR CONDITIONER BENEFITS YOUR HOME AND FAMILY IN MANY WAYS!
  • Prevents the growth of spores, bacteria, and many types of potentially dangerous vegetative growths.
  • Inhibits the growth of germs and viruses.
  • Effective in removing smells associated with smoke, pets, food, and paint.
  • Helpful in reducing the amount of pollen that circulates through your home.
  • Assists in keeping your air conditioner running at optimum efficiency for as long as possible.

Give us a call and ask how a UV light can improve your air quality, and protect your A/C

Community Cooling new flagship service truck

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!

Air Conditioner Compressor Repairs

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

Get Ready For Cold Weather

Cold Weather is bearing down upon Ft Myers, and the entire SW Florida region quickly.  There are predictions thatthe temperatures could dip into the low thirties tonight.  While not a record, it has been a while since we have seen temps that low.  It’s always important to have your home’s heater working properly, but, it’s never more important than it will be this week.

 

 

Cold Weather tonight! Expected lows near freezing!

 

When cold weather strikes there are some genuine opportunities to make some bad decisions.  Don’t let your need for warmth convince you to do something foolish, in an attempt to warm up, that you normally wouldn’t do.

 

Don’t use charcoal or propane grills inside.

Don’t use an electric oven with the door open for heat.

Inspect electric space heater cords before use.

Keep all flamable material well away from heaters.

Pets and small potted plants should be brought inside for the night.

 

” …fixing the heater typically happens quickly, and doesn’t usually require expensive replacement parts …”

 

To be certain your HVAC equipment is ready to face the challenges of winter it is a good idea to have it looked over, before the cold weather  arrives,by a licensed air conditioning contractor.  Often times, once the weather turns cold, ac contractors are overwhelmed with calls and must resort to a “first come … first served” basis,  nobody wants that on the coldest night of the year.  An inspection of your heating equipment should include:

Checking the thermostat for proper settings and operation.
Inspecting the wiring for proper installation and connections.
inspecting the element for proper operation.

 

Community Cooling new flagship service truck

 

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!

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

Fixing The Heater

Fixing The Heater

(Ft Myers, Estero, Bonita, Lehigh Cape Coral)

Community Cooling

239-267-2117

 

Cold weather is upon us again in SW Florida.  It might not get quite as cold as the weather our neighbors in the North get, but, to us “thin blooded” southerner’s it’s cold enough that we want to our jackets on hand, and our heat working properly.  Most times, when the heater isn’t working properly, or to your satisfaction, a solution can be found rather quickly, without the need for expensive parts.  The biggest problem with fixing the heater in SW Florida is you don’t know it’s broken until you need it most.

 

Community Cooling new flagship service truck

Regular maintenance of your air conditioning equipment should also include an inspection of your heating equipment as well. Far too often home owners aren’t aware there is a problem with their heater until they actually need it. Typically when the weather turns cold air conditioning contractors receive numerous calls for help and the home owner is without heat until the contractor can get there. By inspecting the heater before the weather turns cold you have full control over the comfort level in your home with the flick of a switch.

 

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.

 

Keep your heat up and running at peak performance … whether you have a problem, or just a question, feel free to give us a call.  Often times, if you can tell us a little about your equipment and the service history, we are well on our way to deducing the problem, and providing viable solutions to your situation.  We take as much pride in our reputation for good customer service as we do for our technical skills.  We are committed to giving you, the customer, the very best value for your air conditioning and heating dollar.

 

 

” …fixing the heater typically happens quickly, and doesn’t usually require expensive replacement parts …”

 

To be certain your HVAC equipment is ready to face the challenges of winter it is a good idea to have it looked over by a licensed air conditioning contractor. An inspection of your heating equipment should include:

Checking the thermostat for proper settings and operation.
Inspecting the wiring for proper installation and connections.
inspecting the element for proper operation.

 

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!

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

Local SEO by Ft Myers Marketing