Image

McCutcheon Air Conditioning and Heating Blog

Do you have the coolest attic in Sarasota?

Keeping cool is great for you, but not for your attic...

According to FPL, over 70% of homes in Southwest Florida have leaky ductwork. If you live in one of those homes, you’re probably spending 20 to 30% more on your electric bill – just to cool your attic!
Why are we telling you this now?

If you need to repair or replace your ductwork in Florida, there’s no time like winter.

Attics in Florida can reach temperatures of up to 130 degrees during the summer, so technicians can’t stay up there as long during the summer as they can when it’s cooler outside. This means that a job that takes 1 day during the fall or winter may take 2 days during the dog days of summer.

Air Conditioning companies are also much busier during the summer, so you’re more likely to get a great deal between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day!

How do you know if your ductwork needs to be repaired or replaced?

Most homes in Florida have flexible ductwork. Flexible ductwork is less expensive and easier to install, but it’s just plastic and, as such, it will deteriorate over time. If your ductwork is more than 5 years old, you should inspect it at least once a year.

1. Start by visually inspecting your ductwork. Look for tears in the protective coating, kinks, flattened areas, or even exposed insulation.

2. Flexible ductwork is very susceptible to wildlife. If you suspect that you might have had rats, squirrels, raccoons or any other critter in your attic, make sure you check your ducts.

3. If your ductwork is rattling, clanging, or banging, you could have some loose connections.

4. If the vents that are closer to AC System have more air pressure than the vents that are further away or if some rooms are colder than others, take a look at your ductwork.

5. If your electric bill seems higher than it should be, your ductwork could be to blame.

If you would like to schedule a service or maintenance visit, call Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating at (941) 921-7208 and let us help you get your home ready for next summer!

Continue reading
  28792 Hits
23 April 2025
AC Blog
Summer is almost here, and with it comes sweltering temperatures, longer days, and air conditioners working overtime to keep our homes comfortable. While you’re enjoying that refreshing blast of cool air, there’s something important happening behind ...
02 April 2025
AC Blog
If your ductwork is over 20-30 years old, it might be time to start thinking about a replacement. While it’s easy to overlook, aging or damaged ducts can cause major issues—especially during the summer heat when your AC is working its hardest. One of...
02 April 2025
AC Blog
Living in a condo often comes with the benefit of less exterior maintenance. However, many homeowners don’t realize that some maintenance issues are beyond their direct control—especially when it comes to air conditioning. In many condominiums, AC dr...
24 March 2025
AC Blog
You’ve probably seen advertisements for HVAC maintenance specials as low as $29. While this might seem like a great deal, it’s important to ask yourself—what are you really getting for that price? The reality is that no reputable company can send a q...
14 March 2025
AC Blog
Your home’s return vents play a crucial role in keeping your air conditioning system running efficiently. These vents pull air back into your system, allowing it to properly regulate temperature and airflow. However, if they’re blocked by furniture o...
31 May 2019
AC Blog
You already know who to call for all your residential HVAC needs. But did you know that our accurate estimating, reliability, and drive to meet construction deadlines also makes us the preferred HVAC ...
15 May 2018
AC Blog
With the exception of those with “high-end” majors, skilled apprentices in the U.S. earn more than the average 4-year college graduate over their lifetimes, According to Dr. Anthony Carnevale, directo...