Spring Clean the Air in Your Home

If you want a truly clean, healthy home this spring, you need to do spring cleaning on more than just the surfaces in your home. The air your breathe day in and day out may be dirtier than any forgotten corner in your home. Did you know that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that most homes have five times the pollutants in the air than outdoor air? It is time to spring clean the air in your home with a new air filtration system.

Improve the Air Quality in Your Home

Most homes have a plethora of contaminants that can be hiding in the air, from dust and mold to pet dander and chemicals. For many people with allergies or respiratory problems, these elements can cause serious health problems. The best way to reduce these contaminants and produce clean, healthy air in your home is to install a whole home air filtration system.

Although most HVAC systems have some filtering included to clean the air, these filters are not the same as an air filtration and purification system. With a professional system, even the tiniest particles can be removed from the air, including bacteria, viruses and mold. Not only is the air healthier to breathe, it will also be fresher and odor-free, improving the overall air quality in your home.

This spring, do a real spring cleaning on your home with the installation of a new air filtration and purification system. Many systems can be used in conjunction with your HVAC system or as separate units. Talk to your local HVAC service provider about the best options available for your home.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
Marietta, GA
(770) 475-9564

 

It’s Time for an HVAC Tune-Up

To prevent HVAC failure and expensive repairs, your system should receive at least an annual tune-up, with many systems requiring bi-annual service. Spring is the perfect time to have your system inspected and regular maintenance performed, right after the colder months of winter and before the hot summer weather starts.  Regular tune-ups on your HVAC offers many benefits, including:

  • Prolonging the life of your HVAC system. A new HVAC system can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Make your system last as long as possible with a small investment into regular tune-ups and maintenance.
  • Prevent inconvenient and expensive breakdowns. According to Murphy’s Law, your air conditioning unit will wait until the hottest week of summer to go on the fritz. Many common repair problems can be prevented with regular maintenance.
  • Reduce energy costs. Tune-ups include filter changes and other maintenance services that help your HVAC system perform more efficiently. This can help lower your energy use, saving you money all year long off your utility bills.
  • Keep your warranty valid. If you have a newer HVAC system, you may be required to have tune-ups to protect your warranty. Don’t miss a scheduled service that could cost you thousands of dollars on repairs or replacement that could have been covered under the manufacturer warranty.

To make it easier to remember when your HVAC needs the annual tune-up, plan to have service every spring, or every spring and fall for bi-annual maintenance requirements. Your local HVAC service provider can perform all the needed maintenance, ensuring your HVAC system is ready for the hot summer weather ahead.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
Buford, GA
(770) 475-9528

HVAC Tips for New Home Buyers

If you are looking to buy a new home this year, there are many factors that will affect your buying decision. While you may be more concerned with the size, location and curb appeal of the home, you also need to consider future maintenance. One of the largest expenditures for homeowners is the heating and cooling of the home. Before buying a new home, follow these tips to uncover any possible HVAC issues before you sign on the dotted line.

Ask About the HVAC System

You need to know what kind of HVAC system the home contains, how old it is and what maintenance has been done. Most HVAC equipment is very expensive, with furnaces and air conditioning unit costing up to $10,000 each. If the equipment is 10-15 years old or older, it may need to be replaced in the near future. Ask for all records of purchase and maintenance of the HVAC system.

Get an Inspection

Most likely you are not an HVAC expert and will not know if there is an issue with the HVAC system until you are living in the home. The best way to know the condition of the equipment such as the furnace, air conditioning unit, heat pump or duct work is to have a professional inspection performed. This is a worthwhile investment considering it could add $10,000-$20,000 on to the home’s purchase price if the system needs to be replaced soon.

The cost of a home ownership does not end after closing. Expenditures on monthly heating and cooling, plus HVAC repairs and replacement should all be considered when buying a new home. Talk to your local HVAC service provider to learn more about scheduling an inspection and what HVAC systems would be the most efficient for your new home.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
Marietta, GA
(770) 475-9564

Commercial HVAC Automation for Small and Medium Businesses

HVAC automation has been available for some time, although usually only used by large industrial businesses. However, advancements in technology have made this efficient and effective tool available for businesses of all sizes, including small and medium companies. Automation of commercial HVAC systems allows for more enhanced control of energy costs and efficiency, making it a worthwhile investment for any size business. 

Benefits of Commercial HVAC Automation

HVAC automation allows business owners and property managers the ability to operate, monitor and control their HVAC system from anywhere using a web-based system. This means that owners or managers of several locations can have access to all their HVAC systems from anywhere they have internet access. The benefits of these systems include:

  • 24/7 access to HVAC controls
  • Immediate alerts for any problems
  • Efficient energy management
  • Improved data and security management

These benefits offer substantial cost savings, in energy costs, labor, management time and travel to the facilities. Many businesses can recover the initial cost of automation installation within a few years, with additional long-term savings. These systems can be installed as part of the HVAC system for a new facility or as part of a retrofit for an existing system.

For owners and managers of small to medium businesses that thought HVAC automation was out of reach for their facility size, it is worth investigating the advantages and options now available. Having the efficiency of automation can give even small businesses the same tools for controlling utility costs that was once only available for large companies.  Local commercial HVAC service companies can offer automation solutions that can fit almost any size business and budget.

Posted on behalf of:
JS Thomas Service, Inc
4085 Nine McFarland Dr
Alpharetta, GA 30004
(770) 475-2600

Are You Ready for Another Hot Summer?

Winter is finally over and what a winter it was! Most of the country experienced record-breaking winter storms that chilled even the warmest regions. Now summer is on the way and it can only be assumed that hot temperatures will plague many areas. If your home still does not have a reliable air conditioning system, now is the time to invest in the comfort of a cool whole.

Home Cooling Options

Beyond the small, inefficient window air conditioners, you have a few choices for whole home air conditioning. Units vary in cost from only a few thousand dollars up to $12,000 or more. These systems usually last for at least 10 years, longer when properly maintained.

If you are ready to either add an air conditioner to your home or replace an old model, here are some of the options available:

–          Central air conditioning. Centralized air conditioning is the most common option used in hot regions for cooling an entire home. These systems require ductwork, usually linked in with the heating system.

–          Heat pumps. Although heat pumps also dual as a heat source, they are efficient and effective for cooling homes. Heat pumps can be connected to duct work or work from a stationary area, with the unit installed on the exterior of the home.

In both centralized air conditioning and heat pumps, you want a unit that is sized correctly for your home and has a high SEER (energy efficiency score). To determine what is the best option for your cooling needs and budget, talk to your local HVAC service provided. They can evaluate your home and offer you choices on the right cooling system for your needs.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
Alpharetta, GA
(770) 475-9555