Tips To Reduce Air Cooling Costs

May 8th, 2014 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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As summer approaches and temperatures rise, so does the cost of cooling your home. Even the most efficient air conditioning system can cost a pretty penny to keep running on days when temperatures reach the 90 or 100 degree mark. Before you get sticker shock from opening your energy bill, consider these tips to keep your cooling costs as low as possible. 

  • Heat producing appliances. It is bad enough that the air outside is hot; don’t make the situation worse by adding unnecessary heat indoors. Many appliances create heat when in use, including computers and stoves. If it’s not necessary, keep these appliances turned off or unplugged.
     
  • Programmable thermostat. One of the biggest contributors to high cooling costs is cooling your home when you are not home or your family is sleeping. A programmable thermostat can help you automatically set your air conditioning to turn off when it is not needed. Talk to your HVAC service company about installing a programmable thermostat if you do not have one.
     
  • Cooking. On the hottest days, consider cooking meals on an outdoor grill or buying take-out foods for dinner. Turning on your stove or oven on a hot day puts extra strain on your cooling system.
     
  • Keep shutters and curtains closed. In the mornings, close all your curtains and shutters on your windows and glass doors to insulate your home from the heat outside. Consider purchasing drapes which are specifically designed for insulating purposes.
     
  • Keep your air conditioning system maintained. Having annual HVAC maintenance performed on your air conditioning unit can ensure that it is working efficiently as possible.

 Hopefully using these tips will help keep your cooling costs to a reasonable level this summer. If you have not already done so, schedule your annual air conditioning maintenance now to avoid breakdowns and additional costs during the hottest months ahead.

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

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What Is SEER?

May 8th, 2014 Posted in Air Conditioning Service and Repair
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If you have been shopping for a new air conditioning unit, you most likely have come across SEER ratings on different models. The SEER stands for the seasonal energy efficiency rating, which is a gauge of how much cooling output is given against the input of energy. SEER ratios are established by the  Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), which define what these ratings mean when buying an air conditioning unit. 

Analyzing SEER Ratios

When researching what air conditioning units will best fit your needs, the SEER ratio can have an important impact on your final purchasing decision. In a nutshell, the higher the rating, the better efficiency of the air conditioner. The rating is created by calculating BTUs, watts per hour and total hours used. To compute the rating, the BTUs and watts are multiplied by the hours used. These two numbers are used to create the ratio or rating. 

The SEER ratio is generally listed on a sticker attached to the air conditioning unit, or will be listed within the product specifications if you’re shopping online. You may also see units that list EER, which is the energy efficiency rating. The big difference between these two is that SEER is gauging the efficiency of the unit during an entire warm season, where EER is rating efficiency for certain temperature periods.

Not all air conditioning unit may display SEER; however, your local HVAC service professional can easily calculate this rating for you. SEER is not the only consideration when buying a new unit for efficiency, but is also important for choosing the right size and model for your specific home, which is why it is always best to consult with your air conditioning professional when purchasing a new unit.

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

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The Bigger Is Better AC Myth

May 8th, 2014 Posted in Air Conditioning Service and Repair
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On hot summer days, we want to be able to get away from the heat with refreshing, cold air in our homes. To maintain that cool air, we depend on our air conditioning units to keep the heat at bay. So when it’s time to buy a new air conditioner, many homeowners are convinced that they should buy a unit that’s bigger and more powerful, giving them the cold air they desire. However, bigger is not necessarily better when it comes to AC units. In fact, the only things that will be bigger will be your energy bills, in most cases. 

The Right Size AC Unit Is The Better Unit

AC units come in a variety of sizes and powers, meant to cool different sizes of homes. It makes sense that a 4,000 square foot home will need a larger AC unit than a home that is less than 2,000 square feet. However, some homeowners get caught in the trap of thinking that if they buy the larger unit made for a larger home, they will get increased comfort. Unfortunately, that is not necessarily true. What will happen is that they will pay more to cool their  home to the same temperature that a correct sized AC unit could have done for less money and energy. 

If you have a correctly sized AC unit that is not cooling your home effectively, it is most likely due to problems with the unit, not because the unit is too small. Before spending the money to replace the entire unit, call your local HVAC service company to inspect and service your existing unit. It may just need a tune-up, new filter or some other simple and affordable service. If you do need a new system, they can offer you solutions for AC units which are appropriately sized for your home, and will be efficient as well as effective.

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

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Heat Pumps Versus Air Conditioning

May 8th, 2014 Posted in Heat Pumps
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As summer approaches, those of you who are considering different ways to stay cool this summer may be shopping for a new cooling system for your home. There are two main types of cooling systems, either an air conditioning system or a heat pump. While both systems will cool your home during the summer, it is the heating factor that can determine which will be the best option for your home. Here are three factors to consider: 

  • Winter temperatures. For those who live in a mild climate with moderate winters, a heat pump can be the most efficient option. While heat pumps are not designed to heat well in frigid temperatures, they are fine for heating on cool days when temperatures hover around 50 degrees. For colder winters, a furnace will offer more efficient heat, paired with either a heat pump in a dual system, or a central air conditioner for summer.
     
  • Humidity. For climates with high humidity, heat pumps can offer both heating, cooling and humidity control, while air conditioning does not. For many homeowners in the southeast regions of the U.S., a heat pump system can be the best option.
     
  • Energy efficiency. Heat pumps can offer substantial energy savings over a furnace and air conditioning unit in mild climates. The energy used to heat on cool days with a heat pump can save up to 40% off your electricity bill. However, in cold temperatures, a furnace is more efficient. 

Both systems can offer refuge from the hot summer days ahead, but it most likely will be the heating aspect that will determine your choice of cooling system. Talk to your local HVAC professional about options for your home to learn more about which system will best meet your needs. 

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

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Have Your Air Ducts Been Inspected Lately?

May 8th, 2014 Posted in Reducing HVAC Energy Costs
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Air ducts are an important aspect of your HVAC system. However, often homeowners are unaware that they are in need of repair or service. Poorly maintained air ducts can have detrimental effects, including increasing your heating and cooling costs as well as affecting your air quality. There are several good reasons why you should have your air ducts regularly inspected to protect your family and to improve the efficiency of your HVAC system. 

Importance Of Maintaining Your Air Ducts

Regardless of how well your HVAC system seems to work or how new your air filters are, if your air ducts are dirty or in poor repair, your entire system may be working inefficiently. Your air ducts transport the heated or cooled air throughout your home, so any issues in these ducts can affect your entire home. Here are few excellent reasons to schedule a air duct inspection: 

  • Energy costs. Any holes or cracks in your air ducts may be leaking your expensively cooled or heated air before it reaches your vents. One of the biggest causes of high heating or cooling costs is poorly maintained air ducts.
     
  • Air quality. Over time dirt, dust and even pest debris can accumulate in air ducts. The air that travels through these ducts is picking up these elements and pushing them out into your home. This can hurt your air quality, increasing the chance of allergies and other illnesses.
     
  • Efficiency. If a duct to certain rooms or areas of the home is damaged, it can affect how efficiently that area is cooled or heated. Does one room or area seem to be more difficult to keep at a comfortable temperature? It may be a problem in your duct work.

If you have not had your air ducts cleaned or inspected in a year or more, it may be time to schedule a time for your HVAC professional for a system efficiency analysis appointment. In the long run, it could save you money off your energy bills and increase the quality of air in your home.

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

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Maintenance For Commercial HVAC Systems

May 8th, 2014 Posted in Commercial HVAC Service & Repair
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Although both commercial and residential HVAC systems have similar functions, their maintenance requirements can be very different. A commercial HVAC system is not just a creature comfort; it is a necessary component in a business investment. Whether you own a large business, office building or industrial facility, maintaining your HVAC system can be essential to protecting your commercial property. Finding the right company to do the job should be a priority, ensuring that the HVAC service professional you choose can provide the level of expertise needed to properly maintain a commercial system. 

Choosing A HVAC Service Company

Although many HVAC service companies will claim to be experts in both residential and commercial HVAC systems, not all are equipped to handle the demanding needs of large commercial HVAC maintenance. Depending on the type of business you own, you may have specific HVAC needs which are beyond the scope of many HVAC businesses geared more toward residential service. When choosing a HVAC service for your commercial property, consider these qualifications: 

  • Are they specifically dedicated to commercial HVAC maintenance and repair?
  • Do they offer both basic maintenance and full coverage maintenance and repair plans?
  • Will they custom design a maintenance plan around your business’ specific needs?
  • Can they repair and install a variety of HVAC commercial systems, including roof top units, cooling towers, heat pumps and heat exchangers?
  • Are they available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year for emergency service and repair? 

Your commercial HVAC system is an important part of your business investment. Do not trust the maintenance and repair to a company that is not qualified or experienced in the unique needs of a commercial HVAC system. In the long run, hiring an experienced commercial HVAC service company  for your maintenance can save you money, downtime and stress.

Posted on behalf of JS Thomas Service, Inc.

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