View Full Version : Air Conditioning
farawayfan
21-06-2006, 00:58
This is a bit of a delicate question but what is acceptable (if there is such a thing) use of the air conditioning in the villas?
Do people tend to leave it on during the day so that you come back to a cool house?
Do you leave it on at night?
Do they have time switches so that you can preset it to come on say half an hour before you expect to be back to cool the house down?
I don't want to take advantage of the electricity bill but at the same time I do want to know that the house is cool.
I'd appreciate any comments/advice.
thanks
chrizzy100
21-06-2006, 01:04
It may already be set so you can't change it..if its not then 76/78 should be cool enough...ceiling fans can cut down on use...I'm sure the villa owner will let you know all about their AC...
You don't turn off the AC..it should just do its own thing in the back ground...
Its on 24/7 normally, its best not to touch it and to read any intructions in the guests manual[msnwink]
Paula D-S
21-06-2006, 01:44
Our timer is set by the management company and is on 24/7. It's only changed when the weather gets cooler.
E. Cosgrove
21-06-2006, 02:13
Ours is 24/7 also, with instructions in information book.
Just remember to keep doors closed at all times so that you are not cooling the whole of your community!![msnoo]
Hi Jackie,
You've actually hit on here one of the great unseen benefits of a villa.
I can only use ours as an example, but the AC is their for your use and comfort. You set it to the temperature that suits you and let the climate control worry about keeping the villa at exactly that temperature. It runs 24x7 so the villa should always be comfortable. Also, because most villas are residential they tend to use more advanced AC systems, plus the air handlers tend to be out of the way so there's no sound from them. After a day or two you forget they are there as they just keep the villa at a really stable temperature. Overnight is the real bonus and we've had guests remark about how well they sleep in the house, and one of the reasons that has been mentioned more than once is that the temperature is so stable and there are no bumps, clicks or cold draughts. Personally I think being tired after a long day out helps too, but I'm sure there is something in that.
When you are choosing a villa don't be afraid to ask the owner for details about the AC, whether you are allowed to change the temperature, what the limits are, etc. Everyone should be more than happy to answer any and all the questions you could ever have.
ShirleyD
21-06-2006, 03:01
You should not turn the air con off as this can lead to a build up of humidity in the villa, but if your owner allows you to adjust the temp, then you could turn it up 2 or 3 degrees when you go out for the day. What you must never do is turn it down too much as this can freeze the system. Fans will help keep you cool, but as they only cool people and not rooms, should only be used when you are in the room. Never leave the doors or windows open or you will never be able to keep it cool
orlandodaze
21-06-2006, 04:18
We never touch it , the owners have already set it and it works splendidly, except one year we returned from Sarasota to a very warm villa in our innocence we thought it was due to the fact the villa was empty for three days . Then we realised we had a serious problem , my husband headed for walmart(God bless them) and got us some much needed electric fans . Everything was fine in the end , and the guy fixed the AC in no time at all .
Like most owners ours is on 24/7 and set by the MC at a steady temperature.
As others have said, make sure you keep the doors and windows shut, and it will work perfectly.
TracyAndDean
21-06-2006, 20:12
Our air con is on 24/7 and is pre set.
We advise all our guests to keep windows closed at all times and always close patio doors when going out onto the pool area, this way the air conditioning will work efficiently.
Magical Dreams
22-06-2006, 03:03
Ours is also on 24/7 to make sure the house is kept to the right temperature.
Our guest book as all the info you would need and if all else fails you could always ring our MC.
As others have said, after a couple of days you forget about it.
It is very rare you would have a problem with it especially if the system is maintained regularly.
We were told not to drop the temperature below 74 Degrees .
This way the system will work fine and should not cause issues.
Pegasus928
22-06-2006, 05:01
In the first villa we stayed in it did give a minimum temp to set it to, also advising us that if we went below this the unit would have to work extra hard and could be damaged as a result (especially if the pool door etc was left open).
If this were to happen we would lose the security deposit, so make sure you do check the villas guest book and follow the advise given.
After staying in a few hotels and struggling with the air-con they provide it really was a luxury to be cool all day - every day.
God Bless the villa lifestyle :D
The Pegs
steph_goodrum
22-06-2006, 12:02
Although most villas have an adjustable thermostat it's best not to adjust it unless you find it absolutely necessary and then only within any parameters set by the owners according to their particular system.
We generally have ours set on Auto so the the cooling will come on as and when required to keep the preset temperature. Around 78 when the villa is occupied is comfortable and if you turn it up to 80 if you are going out for the day it will still feel cool when you first come home (but not too cool if the temperature has dropped after sundown) and will save a fair amount of electricity (which along with water, as I'm sure you can imagine Florida is struggling to find ways to conserve energy resources at the moment, so all savings are appreciated).
Jackie
Thank you for asking the question though as most of us in the UK dont have AC so it takes a while to understand the concept and guests have in the past tried all sorts of things if they weren't comfortable if someone else has adjusted the system rather than just ask.
For the benefit of those who may not know how the air conditioning works, the easiest way to think of it is as a giant fridge/freezer, The compressoer runs to keep the air inside the freezer at a constant cool temperature and once it has achieved that can chug along quite nicely, to maintain it. However if you were to open the door of the "freezer" and leave it open for any length of time , as I'm sure most have done at some stage with your fridge/freezer, the compressor is having to work extra hard to cool the constant warm air flow that is coming in, if you leave your freezer door open for too long it makes the ice build up, and this is exactly what happens if you open doors and windows with the aircon on, the compressor has a build up of ice and freezes the unit which means someone has to call out to service it and obviously does the unit no good.
It's exactly the same when you are driving in your car, if you have the aircon on then you should have the windows closed to create a sealed unit that the aircon can cool efficiently.
Robert5988
22-06-2006, 12:58
One important factor not mentioned above is the effect of humidity.
A room temperature of 78 with high humidity is uncomfortably 'sticky', at least for me. With low humidity it is fine.
Air conditioning is the way most homes control the humidity, which is another reason to keep windows and doors closed. Air Conditioning units extract moisture from the air and you would be surprised to see how much water runs into the drains. The same effect can be seen with the puddles under cars parked with their aircon running.
In summer I use a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity in my property and this is a lot cheaper to run than aircon - but I don't rent.
lorraine51
22-06-2006, 14:38
We had lots of problems with ours freezing up last year with renters altering the settings,leaving doors and windows open. Its set now and a sign alongside it advises not to alter settings from what it is set out and explains why(i.e. freezing up).
It would be lovely to think we needed it here in the UK instead of the heating !! but it is so lovely to walk into an air conditioned house after being out in that glorious sun all day ! It always seems a bit cool at night but you do get used to it.
chrizzy100
22-06-2006, 17:57
I'm a lot happier having the windows open than living with the AC...I only use my AC on the Cape if its humid..I just use fans if its not even in very hot weather...having my windows open all summer is one thing I miss about the UK..
steph_goodrum
22-06-2006, 18:07
I must admit when we are "in residence" in our home in Florida we often turn off the AC and have the doors and windows open and use the fans, mind you there is usually some painting of some description going on in the house and its nice to get rid of the fumes that way.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by lorraine51
We had lots of problems with ours freezing up last year with renters altering the settings,leaving doors and windows open. Its set now and a sign alongside it advises not to alter settings from what it is set out and explains why(i.e. freezing up).
[/quote]
Can also mean your freon is on the low side .....and may need a top up
Pegasus928
23-06-2006, 02:38
The last villa we stayed in we couldn't leave the door open because of the alarms that are fitted to it. Any longer than 10 seconds and the whole neighbourhood knew what we'd done wrong [msnscared]
chrizzy100
23-06-2006, 03:29
Its not really a good idea to open windows etc anyway..it makes the AC work over time...
Also remember to close the garage door if there is a games room out there..
Hi All
Just wanted to look this one up as when we arrived at our villa a couple of weeks ago, the air conditioning was turned off at the fusebox. We do have a locked cover over the thermostat control in the lounge so no-one can change it. We have only had one person in the villa, a couple of weeks before us, and he is a friend so can't imagine he would have turned it off. Management Company have just come back to us and said they didn't turn it off. Any ideas why this could have been off at the fusebox, like would a storm throw the switch and just that switch? Any replies gratefully received!![msnwink]
floridadreamvilla.co.uk
26-07-2006, 18:39
We have door alarms on all door and windows that lead to the patio area. They are there as a condition of our Short Term Rental Licence and also give our guests that extra peace of mind that children cannot wander into the pool area un-accompanied.
Also, from an owner point of view, they stop guests air-conditioning Florida as you would be surprised how many people will leave all the doors on and the air-con on at the same time, resulting in a HUGE electric bill for the owner and an overworked air-con unit which will probably have a detrimental effect on the unit [msnsad].
As others have said, air-con works at it's best with all the external doors and windows closed and in conjunction with ceiling fans which really help move the air around.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Pegasus928
The last villa we stayed in we couldn't leave the door open because of the alarms that are fitted to it. Any longer than 10 seconds and the whole neighbourhood knew what we'd done wrong [msnscared]
[/quote]
pieman790
26-07-2006, 19:43
I understand what you are saying but if guests leave the door open whilst they are by the pool it like leaving the door open in the middle of winter when its snowing in that the air condition unit has to work over time to keep the place cool.
It also have the safety elelment for young children
But does anyone know if a storm could throw just the one switch like the air conditioning one????
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Fran19
But does anyone know if a storm could throw just the one switch like the air conditioning one????[/quote]Why not ask this question in the Owners' area as it's not of interest to guests?
Thanks Blott
I have done just that!![msnsmile2]
More likley if it was off at the fusebox that it was "tripped" as the eleccy guys would say.
Fuses "trip" when they get overloaded or there is a problem like a spike in the power which can happen during a storm if power is lost
Hope it helps
Thanks Vince
That does help a lot. I just didn't know if it could trip just the one. There was a bit of a storm by all accounts, just before we got there, so maybe that was it. It sure was hot when we opened the door!![msneek]
It annoys me when home owners put a cover over the air conditioning controls. You may say that 74+ is comfortable but I personally find it too hot and dislike being in that climate. I prefer the temperature to be lower. I never leave doors and windows open by the way.
I have yet to find a control box cover that has beaten my attempts to infiltrate it and turn the temperature down a little. I have never had a unit freeze either, I only turn it down a couple of degrees. If they are so concerned about the electricety bill then charge a little more, don't force holiday makers to suffer high temperatures because it costs a little more.
Not so worried about that as little hands fiddling and parents not knowing they have done so. Children seem to love little buttons and levers to fiddle with. Do you ask if there is a cover when booking, as you shouldn't really 'break in' to the cover as you may cause damage? That way, you could avoid the villas with covers over the temperature box - obviously there for a reason!!
pieman790
31-07-2006, 13:38
We have a digital control unit which varies the temperture throughout the day and night automatically to enure the villa is kept to the right temperture. You can adjust the temperture up or down by 2-3f but when it hits the next time zone it will reset itself. We have done this to make inside temperture more comfortable for our guests and to ensure the A/C does not freeze over.
It is protected by a password so that the guest cannot alter the program. We have not yet had one complaint about it been either been too warm or too cold since it was installed almost 10 months ago.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Badger
It annoys me when home owners put a cover over the air conditioning controls. You may say that 74+ is comfortable but I personally find it too hot and dislike being in that climate. I prefer the temperature to be lower. I never leave doors and windows open by the way.
I have yet to find a control box cover that has beaten my attempts to infiltrate it and turn the temperature down a little. I have never had a unit freeze either, I only turn it down a couple of degrees. If they are so concerned about the electricety bill then charge a little more, don't force holiday makers to suffer high temperatures because it costs a little more.
[/quote]
Newhomebuyer
31-07-2006, 13:39
I am sure that most villas owners, like myself make a plea to their guests to call their Management Company if anything at all is wrong at the villa. This would include the setting of the thermostat. It is far more appropriate for someone who is familiar with the controls to make adjustments for the guest and would save any misunderstandings about blame if there were any major costs involved with broken controls.
All owners want their guests to love their villas and would want them to be comfortable, but it is not a good idea to tamper with controls which have obviously been locked.
eclipsed
31-07-2006, 13:45
The villas weve stayed in have all had pre set AC.I never touch the controls,if it needed adjusting I would phone the MC to check on what was o.k to do.
chrizzy100
31-07-2006, 17:26
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Badger
It annoys me when home owners put a cover over the air conditioning controls. You may say that 74+ is comfortable but I personally find it too hot and dislike being in that climate. I prefer the temperature to be lower. I never leave doors and windows open by the way.
I have yet to find a control box cover that has beaten my attempts to infiltrate it and turn the temperature down a little. I have never had a unit freeze either, I only turn it down a couple of degrees. If they are so concerned about the electricety bill then charge a little more, don't force holiday makers to suffer high temperatures because it costs a little more.
[/quote]
I would ask the owner before booking if they have a cover if its a big worry...covers are there to make sure people don't play around with the AC which can be costly to repair..if I thought any guest had tried to get passed a cover I'd not be very happy...I would expect them to talk to my MC to see if it could be turned down by someone who knows what they are doing...
jackie greaves
31-07-2006, 17:40
We used to have a cover on one of ours but our MC kept getting call outs to go and turn the temprature up or down, so we decided to take it off. Since then we have had one problem where guests fiddled about with it and messed it up. We had to get the AC guy out to fix it and the guest was charged accordingly, as per my terms and conditions. They were not happy about it though. So you can't win.
chrizzy100
31-07-2006, 18:16
Unless you are cleaning or doing a workout..76 is a nice temp...if not sometimes a little cool...my place is at 80 most of the time..if the house is still hot at 74 then there could be a problem with the AC..or someone in the house is going through the change...:D:D
SunLover
31-07-2006, 19:42
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Badger
It annoys me when home owners put a cover over the air conditioning controls. You may say that 74+ is comfortable but I personally find it too hot and dislike being in that climate. I prefer the temperature to be lower. I never leave doors and windows open by the way.
I have yet to find a control box cover that has beaten my attempts to infiltrate it and turn the temperature down a little. I have never had a unit freeze either, I only turn it down a couple of degrees. If they are so concerned about the electricety bill then charge a little more, don't force holiday makers to suffer high temperatures because it costs a little more.
[/quote]
Owners are of course concerned about high electricity costs.... compared to the UK, electricity is probably triple the cost in the USA. As a result, owners who have covers over their AC controls to counter this problem do so to disuade guests who "fiddle" with settings, not knowing what they are doing. Let's face it how many of us in the UK have AC in our own homes ? So how many such guests are familiar with the correct mode of operation for an AC unit ?
AC units along with pool heaters are the most expensive piece of equipment in most rental homes, so it makes sense that an owner should protect their investment, by keeping temptation out of the reach of guests.
As a villa owner you have to try to accommodate the wishes of all guests, which is why we choose an average recommended temperature at which the AC is to be set. Whilst this will suit most folks, it will not suit everyone.
However, I would never condone the "infiltrating" of AC controls without the owner's or MC's permission. This sends out the wrong signal to guests, especially on an open forum.
Badger, you suggest that we should charge more to allow for fluctuations in AC temperatures and therefore additional charges. To my mind, why should I overcharge the vast majority of guests who are quite happy with the average temperature that is already set ?
If you yourself do not mind paying extra to have the villa cooler, that's great... but make your request with the owner or MC, along with your offer of additional payment.... don't please break into a control box and make adjustments yourself without permission, because by doing so, you are in fact cheating the owner out of the money that you state you would happily pay !
Blue Eyes
12-08-2006, 15:30
Hi All,
New to the forum. Information please. If I decide not to rent my house and I leave the A/C off for the months I'm not there, would this cause a problem??
Katrina
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Blue Eyes
Hi All,
New to the forum. Information please. If I decide not to rent my house and I leave the A/C off for the months I'm not there, would this cause a problem??
Katrina[/quote]Welcome to the forum. :)
You need to apply for access to the Public Owners' area by emailing forums@orlandovillas.com for the password so that you can ask your question there as we're not allowed to discuss home owning in the Guest areas of the forum.
chrizzy100
12-08-2006, 19:22
Never turn off the AC...guest or owner...mold grows most in the spring and fall...and the odd times that the AC comes on in those months will keep the home dry....
Robert5988
13-08-2006, 03:46
The problem in Florida is the humidity rather than the heat.
If you are absent long periods you should fit a humidistat. This controls the A/C by monitoring the humidity rather than temperature. You can turn the thermostat up high and set the humidity to 65% or so.
However I would be vary wary of leaving a house unchecked for long periods. Any problems the A/C(freezing up, power surges etc) can be very a serious problem if mold(mould) gets a hold.
chrizzy100
13-08-2006, 04:25
You can tell by the bill Robert...a few weeks will not hurt a house if empty...you just need some one to pop in when you notice the bill is a lot cheaper than normal...its different after a storm if water gets in...then you need to make sure the house is OK...and to make sure the AC is working OK..
Robert5988
13-08-2006, 07:07
Chrizzy,
I have spent some considerable time looking at this subject. Mold can form in a few days if the conditions are right and in a month your property and furnishings can be severely damaged.
Even though I have a humidistat fitted I would be unhappy if my place was not checked weekly.
chrizzy100
13-08-2006, 08:25
So have I....I lived in a place full time that makes FL seem dry...and very few people have AC etc..and have homes that feel wet most of the summer..we've had mold in our place twice...even with the AC humidity can be at 80% in our house all summer..
I have a record of the humidity in my FL house ...and its rare it goes about the setting of 56%.. (I should really have it set at 50% or even lower)that I have my humidistat set to...and that is mostly when we visit...and have showers and cook...so I'm happier about that house than I am about this one...
Cheshirecat
17-08-2006, 12:51
The house we stayed in for our November trip had a little sign by the AC controls, that actually asked guests to turn it off when they were out during the day. The guest manual thing also said the same thing and also stated that it saves energy and would not take long to cool the house down once switched back on. It also had a temperature range that you could change yourself and stated the limits to avoid damage to the unit etc.
Didn't think anything of it then, now it sounds very unusual!