Thursday, December 29, 2011

About GMC

GMC Air Conditioning Services was created to provide Residential, Commercial, and Industrial customers with a "one stop shop" for all of their indoor comfort, indoor air quality, HVAC service and maintenance needs.

     Our founder, John B Flathe, has spent his entire career in the HVAC field. Upon graduating from Vanderbilt University with a Mechanical Engineering degree, John secured Engineering positions, first with Lennox Industries and then York.


     Being a true entrepreneur, John decided to branch out on his own and formed Georgia Metal Corporation. For over 30 years Georgia Metal Corporation has installed HVAC systems in some of the most prestigious Retail Centers, Office Complexes, Condominiums, and Residences in South Florida and Georgia. Our extensive list of clients include Publix Supermarkets, Kohl's Department Stores, Staples Office Supplies, Wallgreens, Best Buy and Whole Foods Market, just to name a few.

     While much was accomplished over the years, John still had one goal; to build a HVAC Service and Maintenance Company that would delight customers in the same fashion that Georgia Metal Corporation has for over 30 years. To achieve this goal GMC Air Conditioning Services was created.

     The 1st step was to find a leader for the new entity. John hired Skip Farinhas, an industry veteran, as General Manager. Skip is a University of Miami graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management. Skip also has spent his entire career in the HVAC Industry, beginning his career in his family's HVAC contracting business, then co-owning and operating a wholesale HVAC distribution company. Skip also spent several years with York as the Sales Manager for Florida. As General Manager of GMC Air Conditioning Services, Skip has built an organization that is focused on exceeding your expectations each and every time!


     You can trust GMC Air Conditioning Services to provide solutions to the most difficult cooling problems.
We pride ourselves on honesty, integrity, and dependability.
Our list of services include...
  • Air Conditioning Replacements.
  • Duct Repair.
  • Indoor Air Quality Solutions.
  • 24 Hour Emergency Service.
  • Fast Reliable repairs.
  • Preventative Maintenance Agreements.
  • Free Estimates.
  • Free 2nd opinion of your cooling problems.
Let us worry about your air conditioning, so you don't have to!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Toys for Tots

We are extremely pleased to announce that our Facebook promotion was a great success! For every new like we got from Thanksgiving until December 16th, we donated a new toy to Toys for Tots. We gained over 50 new fans and gave away over 50 toys to this wonderful organization.



Thank you for your continued support of GMC AC Services, of Toys for Tots, and our community!

Friday, December 16, 2011

Your Air Duct System



From our website, we want you to understand how the air ducts in your home affect your comfort, health, utility costs, and the environment.

Since the energy crisis of the 1970’s , scientists, researchers, industry, and government agencies have been investigating ways to save energy, and make products “green”. Great strides have been made in making appliances such as Air Conditioning units more energy efficient, but Forced Air Distribution Systems “Air Duct Systems” have been mostly overlooked up until recently. 



Nationwide Air Duct System testing has been conducted over the last decade, and here is what you should know:
  • Air Duct Leaks waste 15% of ALL power generated in Florida.
  • Air Duct Leaks increase cooling costs by an average of 23%.
  • Air Duct Leaks increase heating costs by an average of 37%.
  • The average air duct leak in Florida is 348 CFM50.
  • The average reduction in Residential cooling costs, by properly sealing air ducts is 17%.

Because of these compelling facts, we believe all of our customers should have their Air Duct system tested and properly sealed. Call today in order to schedule an appointment. You will save money & be more comfortable!

Friday, December 9, 2011

Preventative Maintenance Agreements

You have heard of your neighbors and coworkers having service maintenance plans, but wondered what the benefit would be to you. Preventative maintenance plans are like insurance. You take out a policy that says that your appliances may, and likely will, break down at some point. When they do, you don't want to be blindsided by a bill. Instead of a last-minute bill, plan throughout the year to maintain your items and keep them in great condition for their lifetimes.

Our preventative maintenance agreement includes:
1. Fewer expensive repairs and inconvenient breakdowns.
Professional maintenance results in fewer and less costly repairs.
2. Quick response to your call for service.
As a Peak Performance customer, you are given priority status over other callers.
3. Discounted repairs.
You will receive a discount of 15% on BOTH parts and labor, should your system require any repairs.
4. Never be charged overtime rates again!
As one of our preferred customers, you will not be charged overtime, should a repair be necessary after normal working hours.
5. 24 Hour service available 7 days a week.
Your comfort is our top priority, and we will be there when you need us.
6. Extended Equipment Life.
It is a proven fact that regularly scheduled professional maintenance will enhance the lifetime of your HVAC equipment.
7. Lower utility costs.
Our Peak Performance Tune-Up’s keeps your equipment running efficiently, which will reduce operating costs, and save you money each & every month.
8. Improved Dehumidification.
Equipment with dirty coils or filters can lose as much as 40% of their capacity, which can lead to a lack of proper dehumidification
9. Improved Health.
A clean system is a healthy system. Professional maintenance will keep your system clean.
10 Improved Safety.
As a part of our Peak Performance Tune-Up, we check all factory safety controls and switches, as well as check for frayed and loose wires, which greatly reduces the chance of an electrical short or fire.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Customer Service

Does the thought of hiring a contractor make you happy? It should!
Are you afraid of being overcharged or having shoddy work? Fear not!

GMC AC Services offers a 100% Customer Satisfaction Pledge. Our goal is that you are 100% satisfied with the products and services we offer you. To this end, we make the following pledge:
If you are not completely satisfied with a product or service you have purchased from us, simply let us know and we will do what is necessary for you to be completely satisfied. Satisfied customers are our most important product!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Fresh Air with Fresh-Aire UV Purity


Studies have shown viruses can spread through the air as well as by physical contact so a preventive strategy must include an effective method of air disinfection. Hand washing alone will not do the job!

Fortunately an ideal solution already exists. For over a century Germicidal Ultraviolet Irradiation or UVGI has been recognized as a highly effective tool against airborne and surface microbial infection. UV light systems are routinely used for disinfection in hospitals,the food industry, and in water purification. In recent years there has been a tremendous growth in the number of UV lights installed in HVAC systems large and small as a means to reduce maintenance by suppressing mold growth and to provide healthier indoor air quality for occupants.

These lights are so effective because microbes have no defense against C-band ultraviolet light (UV-C) which is Germicidal UV Light: A Defense Against Airborne Infectious Diseases not present in daylight (it’s filtered out by the atmosphere). UV-C light sterilizes germs by penetrating their cell walls and scrambling the DNA inside leaving them incapable of reproduction. In the past, UV light has been shown to be effective against influenza strains (including ‘bird’ flu) as well as SARS, legionella, TB, pneumonia, German measles, and many other airborne infectious diseases.

Source: GMC AC Services


Saturday, November 19, 2011

The Importance of Clean Coils


When a coil becomes fouled with dirt and grime, it cannot provide adequate or designed heat transfer causing higher discharge pressures. The higher discharge pressure requires more electricity, thereby increasing the costs for operating the equipment. The energy consumption of equipment operating with dirty coils can be as much as 37% more than that used by equipment with clean coils.

For example, a typical 5-ton air conditioning system operating for an average cooling season of 2,400 hours, with clean coils, will cost approximately $2,020 to operate. However, when the coils become dirty, the nine-month cost could escalate to $2,768 a 37% increase or a $778 savings by keeping the coils clean.

DIRTY COILS REDUCE COOLING:

As the dirt and grime collect on the coils it restricts heat transfer causing the compressor to work harder. This adds more heat to the system and raises the head pressure as much as 75%. Higher head pressure can result in a loss of up to 30% of the systems cooling capacity. This loss will be most noticeable on the HOTTEST DAYS when cooling is needed the most!

DIRTY COILS SHORTEN EQUIPMENT LIFE:

Higher operating pressures and temperatures caused by dirty coils can reduce the equipment's life expectancy. The elevated system pressure and temperature can lead to the breakdown of the compressor's lubricant. In addition acid formation can occur, leading to an acid burnout. Lubricant breakdown and acid formation will seriously compromise the compressor and ultimately lead to equipment failure. Compressor failure means NO COOLING. No cooling means no comfort. And, a compressor replacement means a costly repair.

DIRTY INDOOR COILS AFFECT AIR QUALITY:

The evaporator, or inside coil, presents major concerns that include, and go beyond, the issues already discussed. A fouled and dirty evaporator coil creates a breeding ground for bacteria and mold that can impact the indoor air quality. Cleaning, Sanitizing and Protecting the evaporator coil and surrounding areas is critical. Specific cleaners and products will be required for these applications.

Source: Our Learning Center

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Money Saving Tips

Saving money on your energy bill doesn't have to be hard! Follow some of these simple tips and watch the savings add up!


Use the AUTO setting
Generally, it is best to set your indoor fan to AUTO. This costs less and provides better humidity control in the summer. However, if you desire to operate your system with constant air circulation, ask for advice from your Ruud Reliable Top Contractor.

Control direct sunlight

Let the sun in during winter. Keep the sun out during summer. In summer, direct sunlight increases the load on your cooling system. Use of window shades and awnings will reduce the amount of direct sunlight and lower the cooling load. In winter, direct sunlight reduces the load on your heating system. Open window shades and awnings to increase direct sunlight and lower the heating load.

Keep the condenser coil clean
The condenser coil (the unit outside your house) should be kept clean to ensure efficient operation. If the condenser coil becomes restricted by dirt, lint, paper, grass clippings, leaves, or other debris,system efficiency will deteriorate. Use a garden hose to keep the condenser coil clean.

Insulate air ducts
Be sure all air ducts are well-insulated. Ducts should also be sealed with a vapor barrier.

Keep an air tight house
Ensure maximum retention of heated or cooled air by adding insulation to outside walls and to the attic. Seal cracks and use storm doors and/or insulated doors to prevent air leaks.

Properly vent clothes dryers
Be sure your clothes dryer is vented to the outside. Also ensure that your clothes dryer is vented away from your outdoor unit.

Keep heat away from the thermostat
Make sure no heat-generating appliances are near your thermostat. These include lamps, TVs, stereo and computer equipment.


Remember, when your AC is in need of repair or even just an upgrade, call us at GMC AC Services

Sunday, October 23, 2011

We Understand...


We understand that no one is comfortable hiring a company by the hour. After all, we are consumers too! That is why, when you do business with GMC Air Conditioning Services, you will be quoted a flat price for your repair, and that is all you will pay, regardless of how long the job takes. We charge a small diagnostic fee in order to determine the problem with your A/C system and then we let you know exactly what the cost to repair will be. It is that simple, no hidden charges!

Our goal is that you are 100% satisfied with the products and services we offer you. To this end we make the following pledge. If you are not completely satisfied with a product or service you have purchased from us, simply let us know and we will do what's necessary for you to be completely satisfied. Satisfied customers are our most important product!


Sunday, October 16, 2011

What is a thermostat?

A thermostat is the control device used to set or change the temperature of a room or building. Thermostats help us to keep the temperature in our homes at a reasonable level. When a desired temperature is set, the thermostat detects the current temperature in the house and turns the air conditioner on to heat or cool the house to the temperature that was set. Once that temperature has been reached, the thermostat turns the air conditioner off.




Having a thermostat in your home can save you money by regulating the temperature accordingly. Investing in an automatic thermostat can save you even more by allowing you to set an automated heating or cooling regimen. Basically you set the desired temperatures for morning, noon and night and the thermostat does the rest! 

To have a new or updated thermostat installed in your home, call GMC AC Services!

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Air Filter vs. Air Purifier


Air Filter - 

Air filters are available in many sizes - varying in length and width according to the system in which they are being inserted. The thickness of an air filter will determine how well it works.

Air filters are typically made with straight fiber media or pleated media. Pleated media typically performs better than straight media because the pleated filters provide more surface area in the same amount of space as a straight filter. Because pleated filters offer less resistance, they also allow an A/C system to perform more efficiently overall.

Air filters are simply parts that are used in an HVAC system to maintain the quality of the air within the home.


Air Purifiers - 

Air Purifiers work to remove particles and gases from the air that are often too small for a regular A/C filter to handle. These particles are typically so small that they cannot be seen but can often be detected by smell. Some of the most common gases and particles that air purifiers are used to clean up are:

-Carbon
-Potassium Permanganate
-Zeolite

Most air purifiers are designed with multistage replaceable elements in order to handle the filtration and absorption needs necessary.

For more information, visit our website

Source: HMEA.com

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Nativity Catholic Church Project

GMC AC Services replaced the AC unit and pipes at Nativity Catholic Church. You can see a drastic difference from the before and after pictures!

Before






After




Sunday, September 25, 2011

US Customs and Immigration Project

We completed 5 locations throughout South Florida. All were required to be LEEDS Compliant. GMC Air Conditioning Services has also been selected to be the Preventative Maintenance Contractor of all 5 facilities by C.B. Richard Ellis, the Property Manager.







For more information on our projects, visit our website

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Winter Heating Tips


Although South Florida rarely has a very cold winter, it is still important to know how to maximize your A/C during the cooler months (and why not know about it before the time comes)! To save money and keep your home warm, follow these easy tips!


  • Do not let your heat escape! Make sure all your doors and windows are shut tightly.
  • Check for leaks, and replace old weather stripping or caulk.
  • Use your window shades and drapes to maximize heating benefits. Keep shades closed at night to conserve heat. During the day, open shades to let the sunlight in.

  • Add humidity. Humid air feels warmer than dry air. Increasing the humidity of your home also helps you resist winter colds and moisturizes dry skin. Using a humidifier can help with this.
  • Keep your furnace air filter clean. A dirty or clogged filter can make your furnace work harder, which costs you more.
  • Much of the heat escaping homes is lost through the attic. Be sure to close off any attic vents or fans during the winter and check on how well the attic is insulated.
For more information, contact us at GMC AC Services


Source: CheckMyAC

Sunday, September 11, 2011

UV Light Technology

At GMC AC Services, we pride ourselves in being on top of the latest technology for keeping you cool and keeping your air healthy. That's why we've turned to UV Light Technology from Fresh-Aire.
The Fresh-Aire UV Purity filtration system offers the ultimate enhancement to indoor air quality. The system features not one but three unique technologies that actively reduce airborne microbial contaminants.

This UV Light Filtration System: 

• Provides a healthier living environment for your family

• Kills mold, bacteria, and viruses where they lurk

• Reduces system maintenance

• Reduces household odors
Check out this great video for more information!  

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Client Testimonials!


We love client testimonials. Here are just a few we've received for a job well done!


Skip, your crew is doing a dynamite job. A clean-hard working methodical outfit. Thanks for the great deal. You guys ROCK!
Lawrence Legg, CPA
Hollywood, Florida
Replace the duct system located in the 2nd story of his home and install a Whole Home air sanitizing system.

Skip, your installation crew was great! They worked efficiently, and were very neat. We really appreciated your company getting our new unit installed, and running in 1 day!
Rob & Michelle Higdon
Hollywood, Florida
Replace existing 4 ton package unit with new unit

GMC AC Services thanks you for your kind words!

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Sunday, August 21, 2011

The Do's and Don'ts of Summer Cooling



Those of us in South Florida are no strangers to the summer heat. To keep your home cool and energy efficient, follow some of these helpful tips!

1. Make sure your home is properly insulated. This helps to keep the hot air out and the cool air in. The better insulated your home is, the less cool air it will take to cool it.

2. If your central A/C is over 12 years old, you may want to consider replacing it with a newer, energy efficient model. This could help you cut your energy costs by about a third!

3. Call GMC AC Services at least once each year to have your A/C serviced!

4. Ensure your doors and windows are properly caulked. A 1/8th inch gap in your doorway is essentially the same as a 6 in square hole in the center of your front door, you'll lose a lot of cold air!

5. Get your windows Energy Star qualified!

6. Purchase energy saving light bulbs for your lights. Using these bulbs can cut a great deal off of your energy bill.

7. Install a programmable thermostat. It only takes a few minutes to program but the benefits will be endless. These thermostats can be programmed to turn up the A/C when you're not home and cool the house down when you are!

8. Install ceiling fans in your home. They consume less energy than your A/C and can save you money while keeping you cooler.