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Working Environment: Why Is It Important For An HVAC Technician Job?

A good working environment – why is it important? Well, if you’re going to be working in the heat with your hands all day, you should probably enjoy what you’re doing, right? Spending hours down in Mrs. Smith’s crawlspace… it’s definitely not for the claustrophobic at heart.

There are many reasons why it’s important for HVAC technicians to have a good working environment. While we can’t control the sudden monsoon that might sweep through our Tampa, FL neighborhood later today, we can control your job satisfaction – and that’s the most important thing to us.

A positive working environment for HVAC technicians:

Improves Happiness

Not only does a positive working environment improve your happiness – it also improves your significant other’s happiness. And that, my friends, is what really matters here, right? So, what if we told you that you could make six figures and still join her for dinner? It doesn’t have to be one or the other. At Acree Plumbing, Air & Electric, we believe you should have a work-life balance. We want you to find satisfaction in your job without compromising the other parts of your life. You can have both when you work for us. Just one bit of advice – you may want to shower before the date. You can thank us later.

Fosters Growth

In a non-creepy sort of way, we want you to work for us – and we never want you to leave. If you want to grow, we want you to grow. Your success is our success. Want to be a manager one day? We’ll help you see it through. Want to lead a team? You got it. Want to stay exactly where you are, in Mrs. Smith’s 100-degree crawlspace? That’s great!

You’re going to grow professionally, no doubt. But you want to know what else you’re going to grow? Biceps. Loading and unloading heavy HVAC units and other equipment will do wonders for your arms. Ready to pump literal iron? There are no limits to what you can do and achieve at Acree Plumbing, Air & Electric. Your perfect job is waiting for you.

Increases Motivation

When you work in a positive environment, you’re more motivated to succeed. That motivation makes everyone happy – your boss, your customers, your colleagues, and even your wallet. At Acree Plumbing, Air & Electric, we strive to create a work environment that motivates you to do great work. And the tremendous growth we’ve seen over the years tells us we’re succeeding at doing so.

Why Work For Acree?

At Acree Plumbing, Air & Electric, we provide comfort for our customers. But it’s also important we provide comfort for employees. And that mindset is what makes Acree one of the best places to work in the Tampa, FL area. Along with offering a positive work environment, we also offer employees:

• Long-Term Stability
• Competitive Wages
• Work-Life Balance
• Growth Opportunity

Apply Now!

Are you ready to tune-up the heat on your new career? Click here to apply today.

Acree Is Hiring Heroes! Are You A Hero?

There may be a toilet paper shortage, but there is no shortage of HVAC and plumbing needs! No matter if you’re faced with the challenges of a pandemic that leaves you out of work, you’ll always be deemed an essential worker here at Acree.  People will always need their plumbing and HVAC fixed. Could you imagine what it would be like without these frontline workers? If you’re looking for a permanent solution to your job instability, look no further than a career at Acree! We’re hiring frontline heroes like you. Check us out here.

Why Be An Acree Hero?

Besides the fact you’ll be imbued with superhuman strength and the ability to run at the speed of sound (okay maybe not quite), you’ll be part of a team of super people who motivate each other to do great work by helping families with their plumbing and HVAC needs.  Not only will you be saving the day,  you’ve got the ability to make $100k.  That’s right, our guys have the ability to make a hero’s ransom.  The best part? You don’t have to be a salesperson – you just have to be honest, hardworking and dedicated.  That’s it!

In addition to the money, we provide:

• Long-Term Stability
• Growth Opportunity
• And Superhuman Strength and Speed (we wish)

Read what our Acree Heroes have to say:

“I was hired on as a driver and then I went from a driver to working in the duct cleaning department. I went from that to a Service Tech, from a Service Tech to an Installation Helper to Lead Installer to my position now.” – Darrell, Installation Manager

“Personally, I like the people. Just being here, I never thought I’d ever be in one place for as long as I am.” – Juan, Sales Coordinator

“The culture is family-like. You feel like you are part of something.” – Dylan, Plumber

Apply Now!

Not all heroes wear capes. Ready to take the plunge…(see what we did there?) then click here.

According to the Department of Energy, your water heater accounts for about 18% of your water heater’s energy use. Whatever you do with your water heater, it’s important to keep in mind that it is a heavy appliance that contributes significantly to your energy bill. One factor when looking at water heaters is the fuel source it uses, and which one works best for you. Some might prefer gas while others might prefer electricity. If you are thinking of making the switch from a gas to an electric water heater, this guide by the pros at Acree is for you!

First Things First: Gas or Electric?

Before you change your fuel source, make sure you decide that is what you really want to do. A gas-powered water heater has higher initial costs. However, it also costs less to maintain and operate as the cost of gas is generally lower than electricity. But an electricity water heater might have slightly higher energy-efficiency ratings than a gas water heater. Both fuel sources have pros and cons. One deciding factor is the fuel source your home is already equipped with. However, if you are planning a complete overhaul of your water heater including its fuel source, do your research beforehand. Keep in mind that manufacturers and models are important because some might inherently be better no matter the fuel source.

Here is What You Should Do If You Plan to Switch from Gas to Electric

1. Speak to A Technician

Make sure you have a technician come and assess your system and speak with them about your budget and water heater needs. Speaking to a technician can be helpful beforehand as they can either confirm or maybe challenge your decision. They can also give you a proper estimate of the water heater and installation cost.

2. Look at Your Electric Panel

An electric water heater will need a significant amount of energy to operate, so make sure you assess your electrical panel and see if it has the capacity to handle a heavy appliance. Keep in mind that an electric water heater uses up to 4,000 watts.

3. Consider Which Model You Want to Purchase

There are a variety of models and manufacturers on the market, so think about which one will work for your home. We recommend looking into the models approved by ENERGY STAR. These models can heat your water with far less energy and can save you up to $3500, no matter the fuel source.

Have any more questions before you make the final switch from a gas to an electric water heater? Get in touch with the pros at Acree today! Call us at (813) 703-1273 or schedule a service with us on our website. Whether you need assistance with heating, cooling, water heating or plumbing, our team of technicians will be happy to help you out.

Heat pumps offer great efficiency and can be used for both cooling and heating. However, when living in a climate like Florida’s, it’s normal to wonder which unit is right for you. To help you find out whether a heat pump is suited to your Florida home or not, the pros at Acree have prepared a quick guide to answer your burning questions!

First Things First: How Does a Heat Pump Work?

Before we get into the details about whether a heat pump is suited to your Florida home or not, it’s important to know how a heat pump works and what sources it uses. A standard furnace generates heat on its own and uses a fuel source, while a heat pump uses electricity and refrigerant (a coolant known as Freon in general terms). During the winter, the heat pump extracts heat from the outdoor air and blows it indoors by compressing and increasing the temperature of the coolant. While a furnace only heats your home, the heat pump can be used in the summer as well to cool your home.

What Are the Benefits of a Heat Pump?

1. It is Versatile

Using a heat pump is versatile—a furnace can only provide heating, but a heat pump can provide both heating during the winter and cooling during the summer!

2. No Fuel Necessary

A standard gas furnace uses oil while a heat pump only uses electricity and refrigerant, meaning there is no need to keep a fuel supply at your home.

3. Low Carbon Emissions

A heat pump is an environmentally friendly choice and can reduce your carbon footprint. If you decide to use water source heat pumps, which use heat from a water source, you can reduce your carbon footprint by up to 60%!

4. Energy Efficient

Because they don’t require a fuel source, heat pumps are fairly energy efficient. According to the Department of Energy, they provide heating or cooling at as little as one quarter of the cost of operating standard heating and cooling systems.

Should You Use a Heat Pump in Florida?

Heat pumps are effective in warmer climates, meaning they would be extremely effective when installed in your Florida home. When running in the place of an AC, they can add to extra benefits by dehumidifying your home. Heat pumps are much better for dehumidification than standard AC units. There are various types of heat pumps that you should keep in mind and choose according to your needs:

• Geothermal—these heat pumps specifically take advantage of the temperature difference in the ground and provide heating and cooling using underground air.
• Water-Sourced Units—these heat pumps need a body of water to heat or cool your home.
• Air to Air—These units use outdoor air to provide heating and cooling for your home.

Have any more questions about whether a heat pump is suited to your Florida home? Call the pros at Acree at (813) 703-1273 or schedule a service online!

With the holidays arriving quickly, it’s important to make sure your furnace is in good condition. However, if you notice any of the signs below, it might be time to consider replacing your furnace instead of simply maintaining or repairing it. Here is Acree’s list of some signs your furnace might be failing so you can nip the problem in the bud instead of dealing with a broken furnace on Christmas!

1. Age of the Furnace

When you think about replacing your furnace, consider its age as its an important factor. If your furnace is between 15-20 years, it has approached the end of its life and is probably causing problems like not properly heating your home or short cycling. To check your furnace’s age, look for the serial number on its label located either at the top of the furnace or on the side.

2. Excessive Repairs

Like many appliances, your furnace might occasionally have issues. During these times, you will probably contact a technician who will fix the problem quickly. Needing repairs a few times is not an issue. However, if you find yourself shelling out money very frequently for repairs, you might be dealing with a furnace that is on the verge of breakdown. It is better economically to spend time and money on a newer and better furnace than to spend on a worn out one’s repairs.

3. Yellow Pilot Light

Older furnaces might use a conventional pilot light. If you have a system like this, make sure you check your pilot light often. Your pilot light should burn blue if your furnace is functioning normally. However, if you notice that it is burning yellow, there might be a couple issues. First, a yellow pilot light might be indicative of a carbon monoxide leak in your home, which can be dangerous. The second issue might be that without enough gas supply, the pilot light won’t burn as hot as a blue flame will. This can lead to the pilot light going out frequently. If you notice a pilot light burning yellow often, get in touch with a technician—your furnace might be seriously malfunctioning.

4. Increasing Utility Bills

If your heating bills are increasing rapidly, there might be a couple reasons for this. Your filter might need to be changed, your coils might simply need cleaning or you might need better insulation. However, if you find that your filters and coils are clean and your insulation is intact, you might have a furnace that is on its last legs. Get in touch with an HVAC technician you trust to learn about why your utility bills might be increasing.

See any of these signs that your furnace might be failing? Get in touch with the pros at Acree! Call us today at (813) 703-1273 or schedule a service with us on our website! Our team of experts are highly qualified in dealing with a myriad of furnace issues and would be happy to help you out!

Clogs, sewage backups, odors and cracked pipes; these are just some of the things that could go wrong with your plumbing system. Dealing with these problems can be incredibly frustrating, especially because a lot of them could be easily prevented. If you want to ensure your plumbing system has minimal issues and is functioning properly throughout the year, it is important that you keep it well-maintained. To help you get started, the pros at Acree have prepared a list of effective plumbing maintenance tips.

1. Inspect Your Home for Leaks

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, household leaks can account for 10,000 gallons of water lost every year. Leaks can be expensive and even worsen your plumbing fixtures in the long run. Make sure you inspect your kitchen and bathroom sinks, toilets and showerheads for leaks and troubleshoot them as soon as possible. Many of these leaks can be fixed with DIY methods while others might need professional plumbers and leak detectors.

2. Do Not Use Chemical Drain Cleaners

Clogs and backed up drains are no fun but try to avoid using chemical drain cleaners as much as you can. These drain cleaners can corrode your pipes and can even be dangerous for you to use as they can burn through clothes and skin.

3. Use Hair Catchers

If your bathtub or shower drain is clogged, the culprit behind that might be hair. To prevent doing the nasty job of removing the hair from your shower drain, use a hair catcher. These plastic or metal objects resemble strainers and can catch not only hair but other small objects as well as soap scum. Hair catchers can easily keep your drain clean for little damage to your wallet.

4. Be Careful What You Flush

Nothing other than human waste and toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet. Even flushable wipes should not be flushed as they don’t easily break apart as toilet paper does. If you flush anything else down the toilet, it could cause a clog that may have easily been avoided. If you have little children, use toilet locks to prevent them from putting objects like toys in the toilet.

5. Schedule a Professional Inspection

Yearly professional maintenance checks can detect and prevent problems earlier on. A professional plumber can look at the ins and outs of your plumbing system and fix anything before it becomes a major issue in the long run.

6. Make Sure Your Water Pressure is Right

Make sure your water pressure is between 40 and 60 psi—consult a plumber if you want another source to clarify this for you. In addition, make sure you keep the pressure at a moderate level. Extremely high water pressure can damage your pipes while low water pressure can make cleaning difficult and even prevent clogs from flushing away.

Need more plumbing maintenance tips? Get in touch with the pros at Acree! Call us today at (813) 703-1273 or schedule a service with us on our website.

 

A heat pump is a great appliance that provides both heating and cooling. Central Air does not have the same capabilities and normally must be paired with a furnace to provide heating. However, there are a few caveats to having a heat pump and one is the fact that there is a certain temperature at which it might lose its efficiency. If you want to know at what temperature a heat pump can lose efficiency, keep reading this post by the pros at Acree!

At What Temperature Does a Heat Pump Lose Efficiency?

Your heat pump will slowly begin to lose efficiency when temperatures drop to 40 degrees. If temperatures go lower or at freezing point, your heat pump will still work but the heating it will provide will be minimal and it will use up far more energy. The reason for this is found in how a heat pump works; your heat pump provides heating by absorbing the heat in the outdoor air. That’s why, when the weather drops below 25, your heat pump will provide minimal heating.

Are Heat Pumps Even A Reliable Option Because of This?

It really depends on you and where you live. If you live in a region that faces more extreme or colder temperatures, a heat pump is not really a reliable option.

However, before you forget about heat pumps completely, there are some advantages of having a heat pump that you should be aware of:

• One System

One of the main reasons why people love heat pumps is because they are  simply one system as opposed to a separate air conditioner and furnace. Not only do they combine heating and cooling but they can reduce the amount of time and effort that you would put into maintenance, installation and repair.

• Energy-Efficient

If you’re thinking of going green this year, we highly recommend heat pumps. They reduce carbon emissions and can save you a significant amount on your energy bill.

• Long Lifespan

Heat pumps have a decent lifespan of 15 to 20 years, depending on how well-maintained they are. Be sure to perform annual maintenance on it and your heat pump will provide you with all the heating, cooling and comfort that you need!

Have any more questions about heat pumps or other heating and cooling systems? Get in touch with the professionals at Acree! You can either call us at (813) 703-1273 or schedule a service with us on our website! Our team of experts is dedicated to providing high quality services for your heating and cooling system. You can count on us to do the job right because we have an excellent team of trained and licensed technicians who want you to get the most out of your system. We provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all our work to ensure your heating and cooling units are giving you the comfort that you need.

According to the Department of Energy, effective AC maintenance can be energy-efficient and save you a great deal on your electricity bills! In addition to that, proper, high-quality AC repair can prevent HVAC issues in the future. If you are in Tampa, Florida and are looking for exceptional AC repair and tune up services, look no further than Acree! Here is a guide to help you learn more about our HVAC services and what we can do for you!

Air Conditioner Repair

With our highly skilled technicians and top-notch customer service, Acree will provide high quality air conditioner repair for our commercial and residential homeowners. If you need fast, efficient, and effective service, we’re the ones to call!

We are also open weekends, evenings, and holidays, with people in the office and service technicians in the field 7 days a week from 7 AM to 11 PM. When HVAC emergencies occur at inconvenient times, it’s hard to find technicians who can help without charging overtime. That isn’t the case with Acree—weekends, evenings, and holidays are normal workdays for us, and we won’t charge our customers overtime.

AC Tune-Ups

If you are looking for expert air conditioner maintenance in Tampa Bay, look no further than Acree! By getting professional AC Tune-Ups and maintenance, you can ensure your air conditioner is performing to the best of its abilities! Here are some benefits of professional AC maintenance:

• It Can Save You Money

One of the primary benefits of having your air conditioner maintained is the savings you will see in the future. Whether it’s on your electricity bill (simply changing your air filter can reduce energy consumption by 5 to 15%) or the reduction in repairs and replacements!

• It Increases Your AC’s lifespan

With proper and consistent maintenance, your air conditioner will last longer and provide better cooling. Lack of maintenance can lead to quicker wear and tear.

• It Puts Less of a Burden on Your AC

With a frozen coil or a clogged air filter, your air conditioner might have to perform overtime to provide the cooling you need. With maintenance, your AC won’t risk short-cycling or running constantly.

What Will A Professional AC Tune-Up Look Like?

A professional technician will inspect your air conditioner for the following:

• Inspect duct leaks and seal them if necessary
• Check for the refrigerant amount
• Inspect for refrigerant leaks
• Check your thermostat’s performance and accuracy
• Inspect evaporator coil and airflow
• Ensure electric terminals are clean and connected properly
• Make sure heating and cooling system do not operate at the same time

Have any more questions about air conditioner repair and tune-ups with Acree? Get in touch with us today! Call us at (813) 703-1273 or schedule a service with us on our website. Whether you have a simple question or need your HVAC unit serviced, repaired or replaced, our team of professionals will be more than happy to help you out.

Geothermal heating and cooling are increasingly becoming popular as homeowners are beginning to view it as a more environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient option. Keep reading this guide by the pros at Acree if you want to learn more about what a geothermal heating and cooling system is the many reasons you should use it!

How Does Geothermal Heating and Cooling Work?

Geothermal heating and cooling operate by using the Earth’s consistent temperature. The Sun heats the ground, the ground absorbs 50 % of the sun’s energy and is naturally transferred to your geothermal heat pump pipes underground. When your pump is providing heating during cold months, the underground pipes contain a water solution, which circulates the heat throughout the pipes and to your heat pump. Heat is removed from the water solution at the pump and transferred to your HVAC unit in your house. To provide cooling, the heat pump essentially reverses this process—in this scenario, the loss of heat provides cooling, instead of the absorption of heat.

What Are the Reasons to Use a Geothermal Heating and Cooling System?

1. It is Energy-Efficient

Compared to traditional heating and cooling systems, geothermal heating and cooling are 4 times as efficient. Homeowners can see a difference of up to $50 on their energy bill within the first few months of using geothermal heat pumps. According to the Department of Energy, geothermal systems use 25 to 50 % less electricity than traditional systems. It also helps to have proper insulation and no air leaks to see your heat pump perform to the best of its abilities.

2. Environmentally Friendly

Instead of relying on fossil fuel usage to heat and cool homes, geothermal heat pumps rely on renewable energy. By tapping into the greatest energy source of all (the sun!), you will have access to a sustainable fuel supply without high carbon emissions. If you want to go green, geothermal heating and cooling is a big step in the right direction.

3. Durable and Long-Lasting Systems

With proper maintenance, traditional HVAC units aren’t as effective past 15 years. Geothermal heat pumps can last 20 years or more. They are also more durable and components such as underground pipes come with warranties of up to 50 years. Geothermal heat pumps have fewer moving parts and don’t have any parts outside, reducing chances of component wear and tear and dirt getting inside your system.

4. Lessens Financial Burden

While geothermal heat pumps have higher upfront costs, the lack of expensive maintenance, and the reduction in energy bills makes up for it. In the long-term, geothermal heat pumps might be more cost-effective.

Anymore questions about geothermal heat pumps? Get in touch with the pros at Acree! Call us today at (813) 703-1273 or schedule a service with us on our website! Our team of experts will be more than happy to answer your questions and help you out!