Save Money This Summer Cooling Your Home

April 10th, 2014 Posted in Air Conditioning Service and Repair
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Hot summers and high energy bills go hand in hand. Trying to stay cool can cost a small fortune in electricity alone. Before the summer heat hits, there are a few things you can do now to reduce your cooling bills. While there may be an initial investment, in the long run these tips can save you money by reducing your energy bills for years to come. 

  • Duct repair. You may not realize it, but your ducts may be seeping your expensive cold air into the crawl space or attic of your home. Poorly sealed or cracked ducts can wreak havoc on your energy bills. Have your ducts inspected for any leaks, having them sealed or replaced if necessary.
  • Programmable thermostat. Installing a programmable thermostat has dual benefits. One, you can set your thermostat to begin cooling the home right before you arrive home, so you come into a nice, comfortable house. Second, you are not spending money to cool the home when no one is there to enjoy it, saving you money off your energy bill.
  • Regular air conditioning service. Keeping your air conditioning unit serviced is paramount to ensuring that it is running efficiently. Most units should have semi-annual services, usually spring and fall, to check the filter, inspect and tune-up the system. 

Call your local HVAC service team to discuss scheduling a spring maintenance inspection and tune-up for your air conditioning unit and ducts. If you do not have a programmable thermostat, talk to your HVAC professional about the models they have available. Taking these steps now can mean smaller energy bills this summer, and many summers to come.

Posted on behalf of Western Aire

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Three Common AC Condenser Problems

April 10th, 2014 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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When your air conditioning unit stops working correctly, there is a good chance the problem could be traced to the condenser component. The condenser is comprised of coils that cool the heated refrigerant which the compressor has pressurized into a hot liquid. The hot liquid travels through the condenser coils while air blows on the coils,  giving off heat through the coil fins. Once the fluid reaches the end of the condenser coils it has cooled, leaving the coils through a valve that transforms the fluid into a cool, gaseous mist. This process is essential for your AC unit to work efficiently. 

3 Common Condenser Problems

There are a few problems that can stop your condenser and AC unit from performing optimally. Your condenser must be receiving air to cool the coils; it also must be able to push the hot refrigerant through the coils and radiate the heat from the hot fluid through the fins.  Here are three of the most common issues: 

  • Dirty coils. If the condenser’s coils are dirty, the heat may not be escaping properly. Dust and debris can insulate this heat.  The coils can be cleaned with water, spraying off the coils while the unit is turned off.
  • Blocked air flow. If sufficient air is not allowed into the AC unit from outside, there may not be enough air flow to cool the coils. Make sure that there is nothing blocking the air vent into the AC unit, either on the outside or in the unit.
  • Damaged coils or fins. The coils and fins on the condenser can become damaged over time. If fins are dented or bent, they can restrict the heat release needed to cool the air. If coils are damaged, it can cause refrigerant leaks. 

Regular residential HVAC service can ensure your condenser is clean and in good repair.  Before summer begins, have your AC unit and condenser serviced to make sure it is ready for the hot months again.

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

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Improving Air Quality In Your Home

April 10th, 2014 Posted in Air Duct Cleaning
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Air pollution is not just an outdoor air problem in urban areas; it can also be inside your own home. There are many pollutants which are common in the air you breathe that have nothing to do with automotive or industrial waste products. Your home can be home to mold, viruses, pet dander and dust floating in the air, which can irritate allergies and even cause illnesses. Fortunately, there are ways you can improve the air quality of your home, making it a healthier place for you and your family. 

Steps To Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

Any home can have an accumulation of air pollutants if proper cleaning and maintenance are not performed. Our own skin creates dust in the air, moisture can create mildew or mold and pets emit dander from their fur, causing a continuous build up of pollutants in your home. While it is impossible to eliminate all these elements, you can reduce the amount through a few simple steps: 

  • Cleaning. Vacuuming regularly reduces dust and dander, especially using a vacuum with a HEPA air filter. In addition, dusting surfaces with a damp cloth can also remove many pollutants that could enter the air.
  • Air Ducts. Air ducts can become encrusted with mold, mildew and dust, recycling these contaminants back into your home. Regular air duct cleaning can remove these pollutants from your home.
  • Air Filters. Your HVAC air filter needs to be replaced as recommended by the manufacturer. If you have people with allergies in your home, you may want to upgrade to a higher performance air filter, such as a HEPA filter to remove more pollutants from the air. 

Before summer allergens hit, schedule a routine duct cleaning and filter inspection or replacement. This is the perfect time to remove the pollutants that have built up over the winter in your home,  making it a safer and healthier place to live.

Posted on behalf of Western Aire

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Energy Saving Thermostat Setting Recommendations

April 10th, 2014 Posted in Thermostats
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According to Energy.gov, there are a few simple thermostat strategies you can use to significantly reduce your heating and cooling costs. By maintaining an even temperature when you are home, then allowing the temperature to go higher or lower when you are away from the home or asleep, you can save money and reduce your energy usage throughout the year. Applying this strategy is easy to do, especially if you have a programmable thermostat. 

Winter Thermostat Settings

For the colder months, you should keep the thermostat in your home set at 68 degrees Fahrenheit or lower when you are at home and awake. Depending on your family and schedule, this may only be in the mornings, late afternoons and evenings. During times when the home is empty or everyone is in bed for the night, lower the temperature at least 10 degrees. 

Summer Thermostat Settings

During the summer, your at-home temperature setting should be set at 78 degrees or higher to keep energy bills low. Once again, during the sleeping hours or when you are away from home, set the thermostat at least 10 degrees higher or turn off your air conditioning altogether to save on energy. 

Programmable Thermostats

The easiest way to accomplish these setting changes is to invest in a programmable thermostat. Set your thermostat to automatically change the temperature at your family’s regular bed and work or school times. By lowering or increasing the temperature at least 10 degrees for 8 hours a day, you can save up to 15% off your heating and cooling costs each year! Talk to your local HVAC service professional about installing a programmable thermostat to make maintaining these temperature settings easier.

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

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Do You Need A Zoned HVAC System?

April 10th, 2014 Posted in Reducing HVAC Energy Costs
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Not all rooms in the home heat and cool the same. Some may get hotter due sunshine hitting that side of the house, others may be well insulated within the interior of the home. These drastic changes in cooling and heating needs throughout the home make it difficult to maintain an even temperature, causing your heat pump, furnace, or central air conditioner to wor harder and energy bills to skyrocket. For homes that have these types of issues, a zoning system may be the answer. 

Would A Zoning System Work For Your Home?

A zoning system allows you to control the temperature in rooms separately, making  your home more comfortable and energy efficient. However, not all homes are in need of this type of system. Open floor plans and small, one level homes may not need to have separately controlled rooms. Some of the homes that often benefit from a zoning system include: 

  • Home with two or more stories
  • Homes with rooms that are consistently cooler or hotter than others
  • Homes with basements or levels that are underground
  • Families with members who need different temperature levels
  • Homes with rooms or areas which are rarely used 

If any of these apply to your home or family, a zoning HVAC may be worth investigating. By giving each area or room its own temperature zone, you can gain control of what you spend on cooling and heating. In addition, you can finally stabilize the temperature in rooms which get too warm or too cool. Talk to your local HVAC professional about converting your home to a zoning system and see what a difference in can make in the comfort and efficiency of your home.

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

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