Is an Automated Energy Management System Right for Your Business?

September 21st, 2018 Posted in Commercial HVAC Service & Repair
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Does your commercial building still use a manual control system for your cooling and heating? You could be losing money and wasting time by not updating your commercial HVAC system. Automated energy management systems have many benefits that could improve your climate control abilities, reduce monitoring efforts and impact your bottom line. Here are some of the advantages of upgrading to an automated control management HVAC system.

  • Easier monitoring. Automated systems can be monitored from anywhere through wi-fi connections. Your management team can check on climate control on any building from anywhere, making it simple to manage your building temperatures.
  • Improved data. Energy management systems that are automated give you better data to help improve energy expenditures. This helps you better plan for your energy expenses and find ways to reduce energy costs.
  • Lower energy costs. Automated systems can help you better manage your energy costs for heating and cooling issues, saving you thousands of dollars. Most large businesses recoup the cost for implementing an automated system within the first few years in energy savings alone.
  • Quicker alerts. If there is a problem with your HVAC system, an automated control option alerts you quicker so you can get the issue resolved. Time is money and the faster you can fix an HVAC issue, the quicker you can get your business back up and running.

If you are still using a manual control energy management system, consider investing in automation. It is a wise investment into your business and can help reduce time spent on managing climate control while reducing energy use. Talk to your local industrial HVAC service company that offers automation upgrades to find out more about updating your system.

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

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Improve Your HVAC with Optional Accessories

September 21st, 2018 Posted in HVAC Accessories
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Your HVAC system is designed to keep your home comfortable year-round, cooling the hot summer air and heating it up when the temperatures drop in the winter. While a good HVAC system can easily control temperatures, it may need additional accessories to provide clean, comfortable air. Here are a few optional accessories to consider adding to your system to improve your HVAC efficiency and air quality in your home.

High Capacity Air Filters

The air in your home is circulated constantly and needs good filtration to keep it safe and healthy for your family. The filter you use in your HVAC system can make a big difference on the purity of your home’s air. High capacity air filters provide a higher level of filtration, removing more contaminants from the air, including molds and other allergens.

Humidifiers

The air in your home can become very dry, especially with air conditioning. A humidifier helps improve the comfort level of your home and can help keep respiratory and skin issues from dry air from occurring.

Advanced Thermostats

Upgrading your thermostat can improve the efficiency and comfort of your HVAC system. Advanced options include wi-fi capabilities so you can change the programming from anywhere. Setting it to more mild temps when you are sleeping or away from home can dramatically impact your energy bill; many newer models can even be controlled through your smartphone.

Talk to your local HVAC service company about accessories you can add to your HVAC system when you schedule your next service. Remember, annual service can prevent breakdowns and extend the life and efficiency of your HVAC system, so make sure to keep up with the needed maintenance.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
1925 Lena Carter Road
Buford, GA 30519
(770) 475-9528

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Is My Home Too Humid?

September 21st, 2018 Posted in Dehumidifiers
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Climate control in your home can be difficult to manage. Keeping it the right temperature and humidity for comfort and safety can be a chore. A good HVAC system with an updated thermostat can help you manage the temperatures, but it does not help with the humidity. Here is how do you know if the humidity is too high in your home and what should you do to manage it.

Most people who have a humidity problem don’t need to check the air moisture levels to know they can an issue. There are subtle signs throughout the house that can alert you to a humidity problem. Signs to look for include:

  • Mold growth. Do you have mold on walls, windows or excessive amounts in your bathroom?
    While mold will grow if you don’t keep up with your household cleaning, if it seems excessive, you probably have a humidity problem.
  • Window condensation. Is there water condensation on your windows or do the trays in the window sills have water in them? This can be due to poorly insulated windows, but it is also a sign of high humidity.
  • Musty smells. If you walk into your home and it smells musty, it may be because your humidity levels are too high.

You can have your local HVAC service company check the humidity levels in your home. You want to stay between 40-60% on average to keep a good moisture balance. If your humidity levels are too high, you can discuss adding a dehumidifier option to your HVAC system. There are also portable dehumidifiers if the problem is only in certain rooms or areas of the house. Getting your moisture levels under control is important to prevent mold growth to maintain a healthy home, so don’t delay on finding a solution.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
3870 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. Suite 340-129
Duluth, GA 30096
(770) 475-9555

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Pros and Cons of Heat Pumps

September 21st, 2018 Posted in Heat Pumps
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Are you considering updating your heating system in your home? If a heat pump is on your list of options, it is important to know the benefits and disadvantages of this system of heating and cooling. Heat pumps are very popular in mild climates, but don’t work as well in climates with more dramatic season changes. Here are some of the pros and cons of owning a heat pump for your climate control needs.

Heat Pump Pros

The reason heat pumps are common in mild climates is that they use the outdoor air to generate heat or to cool the air. Mild air temperatures are easier for a heat pump to be efficient, especially when generating heat. Here are the pros of using a heat pump:

  • Efficiency. Heat pumps tend to be more energy efficient than furnaces. They can quickly convert air to heat using minimal amounts of electricity, often saving money on heating your home.
  • Heating and cooling. Heat pumps heat and cool the home, providing comfort in both the winter and summer months.
  • No fumes. While furnaces create dangerous fumes that need to be ventilated out of the home, heat pumps do not create carbon monoxide or other hazardous fumes.

Heat Pump Cons

While heat pumps are efficient, safe and convenient, they are not the best heating source for all climates. Here are a few of the cons of heat pumps:

  • Cold climates. If the outside temperatures consistently are below 40 degrees, heat pumps may have trouble heating to comfortable levels.
  • Electricity costs. In areas where electricity rates are high, the cost for using a heat pump versus a furnace may be more, especially if it is colder during the winter.

If you are still not sure if a heat pump is the best option for heating your home, talk to your local HVAC service company. They can discuss the benefits of all heat sources for your area and help you find the best one for your needs.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
5950 Shiloh Road East
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(770) 475-9555

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Do You Need a Carbon Monoxide Detector?

September 4th, 2018 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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Every year, usually during the winter months, you hear of tragic deaths due to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. This deadly, yet odorless and colorless gas, can quickly cause bodily harm and death when people are exposed to it in enclosed areas. Since you cannot see, taste or smell it, a carbon monoxide detector is the best way to alert you if it is present in your home. If you don’t have a detector, you may want to get one installed.

Common Sources of Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide does not just appear; it must be from a source. This gas is a bi-product of incomplete burning carbon-based fuels, such as coal, natural gas, wood, propane and oil. Combustion engines in vehicles produce CO, as can appliances and furnaces that use carbon-based fuel for heat or energy. When the proper ventilation is not present, the gas can fill your car or home, putting your health at risk.

CO does not take long to endanger your health. High doses of CO in an enclosed area can cause you to become unconscious within minutes and suffocate you as it deprives your brain of oxygen. Even those that survive CO poisoning can have serious brain damage and other health effects.

Homes that use gas heat or appliances should always have a CO detector, as well as homes that use propane, oil or wood. Homes that only use electricity for power or heat are less prone to CO poisoning, but if a propane or oil heater is used when the electricity is out, there are risks for poisoning. To be safe, all homes should have a CO detector installed. The next time you schedule your annual HVAC service, ask if they can provide CO testing for your home and install a detector to keep you and your family safe.

Posted on behalf of:
Western Aire Heating & Cooling
Marietta, GA 30066
(770) 505-7426

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What are the Benefits of HVAC Air Duct Cleaning?

September 4th, 2018 Posted in Air Duct Cleaning
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When was the last time you had your HVAC air ducts cleaned? If it has been years or even worse, never, it is time to consider scheduling a duct cleaning. Those air ducts that transport the warm and cool air to the various rooms in your home can stockpile dirt, dust, mold and other debris inside, causing many types of problems. Here are some of the benefits of investing in an air duct cleaning for your HVAC system.

Reduce Energy Costs

Everyone wants lower utility bills, and this is one of the big reasons to clean your air ducts. Dust and debris in your air duct can clog filters and impact your HVAC system, making it run inefficiently. Clean air ducts can help lower your utility costs, a big reason to add this service to your to-do list.

Better Air Quality

What is inside your air ducts is also circulated through your home. Dust, dirt, mold and even pest waste can be coating the inside of your air ducts. When the air is forced through your ducts, it picks up some of these contaminants and releases them into the air you breathe. This can be harmful to your health, especially for anyone with allergies, asthma, lower immune response or any type of respiratory problem.

Air ducts should be cleaned every few years at minimum to help improve the performance of your HVAC system’s efficiency and to help maintain good air quality in your home. Your local HVAC service company can perform this service and ensure your air ducts are well-maintained for a healthier and more efficient home and HVAC system.

Posted on behalf of:
Western Aire Heating & Cooling
264 Buchanan Highway
Dallas, GA 30157
(770) 505-7426

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Making the Most of Your BAS for HVAC

September 4th, 2018 Posted in Commercial HVAC Service & Repair
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Investing in a building automation system (BAS) can have a dramatic impact on your bottom line – if you make the most of it. A BAS in and of itself will not save money, but if used correctly, it can pay for itself in a matter of a few years or less. It is crucial that your facility managers and employees are familiar with the system and know how to use the controls to reduce energy costs and improve efficiency.

Setting Temperature Controls

One of the best ways to save money with your BAS on energy bills is by controlling the temperature. If certain zones in buildings are not used during certain hours, setting the temperature lower or higher during these hours can save thousands on energy costs.

Occupancy Sensors

If your BAS system has occupancy sensors, you can go a step further than just timers for control. The sensors can detect when certain rooms or zones are occupied, and change the temperature setting accordingly, reducing the need for cooling or heating when not occupied.

Web Management

Newer BASs have options to monitor and manage the system from anywhere on web or cloud-based software. Using the data provided through the software can help you identify areas that are using too much energy for heating or cooling and give you an opportunity to correct the settings for more efficiency.

A new BAS can save 20-40 cents per square foot in utility costs per year. In large facilities, this can be an astronomical savings. If you have an older system that is difficult to use or are not using a BAS at all to control your HVAC system, contact a commercial HVAC service that offers automation upgrades to improve your efficiency for lower overhead costs.

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

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6 Symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome

September 4th, 2018 Posted in Commercial HVAC Service & Repair
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Do you ever notice when you spend time in certain buildings that you start feeling poorly? Often it is not in your mind, it is in the air. Sick building syndrome or SBS is a real problem and a risk to your health. Any building, commercial or residential, can have contaminants in the air that cause symptoms of poor health.

SBS can be caused by a variety of factors that impact air quality. Chemicals, second hand smoke, radon, mold, allergens and other biological elements can be forced through the air through the HVAC system, creating poor air quality. It can be at your workplace, business or home, wherever you have an HVAC system.

For many people, they can begin noticing symptoms caused by SBS within 10-15 minutes of being in the building. For others, it may take longer exposure, depending on their sensitivity to the contaminants. Here are six common symptoms that people can experience with SBS:

  1. Headaches
  2. Skin rashes
  3. Aching muscles
  4. Respiratory issues like coughing or sneezing
  5. Sore throat
  6. Fever

If you have notice that you get any or a combination of these symptoms when in certain buildings, but not in other locations, it could be SBS. It is not just a coincidence that you do not feel well; it could be a very real health concern that involves the air quality in that building.

If you have a home or business that you believe may be causing SBS, contact your local HVAC service. They can perform air quality testing and recommend solutions to combat SBS or improve the filtration in your building for improved health and comfort.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
1925 Lena Carter Road
Buford, GA 30519
(770) 475-9528

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5 Reasons to Call an HVAC Service for a Diagnostic

September 4th, 2018 Posted in Air Conditioning Service and Repair
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Rarely does an HVAC system stop working without giving some warning signs. Usually your HVAC system will start acting differently before it breaks down. Knowing what to look for can help you avoid a complete loss of climate control on those hot or cold days when you need it most. Here are five signs that should have you reaching for your phone to call an HVAC service for a diagnostic.

  1. Strange sounds. Often an HVAC unit will become louder or make strange noise right before it finally stops. Do not ignore odd sounds from your HVAC system; call for a diagnostic to find out what is wrong.
  2. Unpleasant odors. Do you smell burning or an electrical odor when your HVAC system is running? There may be trouble in the wiring. Not only could this impact your HVAC system, it could be a fire risk.
  3. Thermostat not working right. Does your HVAC turn on or off at the wrong temperature settings? Thermostat problems can cost you on your utility bills and eventually lead to a breakdown.
  4. Moisture. If you notice condensation on or around your unit, there could be a leak or other issue with your air conditioning.
  5. No heat or cold air. If only the fan is blowing, but no heated or cooled air, your HVAC is already in need of service and its time to call in the experts.

Save your less the time and frustration of a HVAC breakdown by proactively watching for signs of trouble. A quick diagnostic can help your HVAC professional find and fix the issue before it causes more damage to your unit and a possible shutdown.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
3870 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. Suite 340-129
Duluth, GA 30096
(770) 475-9555

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Pet Hair and HVAC Systems 101

September 4th, 2018 Posted in Air Conditioning Service and Repair
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Furry companions are commonplace in many homes. They become part of the family and can add joy to your life. They can also add extra hair and dander in your home, a problem when you have an HVAC system. If you have furry family members, it is important to know how their hair and dander are affecting your air quality and HVAC system.

Dogs and cats are notorious for shedding. Their hair is everywhere, on furniture, your clothing and your floors. In addition, their skin or dander is constantly flaking off, creating dust around your home. All this hair and dander floats and can be filtered through your HVAC air ducts and filters, causing havoc on your system.

Tips for HVAC and Pet Owners

If you have an HVAC system and pets, you need to be aware of how the hair and dander of your pets can impact your system. Filters can become clogged, and you may have less efficiency. Plus, your system will circulate the dander throughout the home, which can trigger allergies. Here are a few tips to protect your HVAC system from the pet hair and dander:

  • Brush pets regularly to remove excess hair
  • Bath dogs routinely to remove dander and dirt
  • Vacuum and dust your home 1-2 or more per week
  • Change your HVAC filter at least once per month
  • Use an air purifier to help collect hair and dander from the air

You can have your furry friends and an efficient HVAC system, you just need to minimize the amount of hair and dander that is released into the air and keep your filters changed. Talk to your local HVAC service about the best filters to use for homes with pet to get the efficient results.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
5950 Shiloh Road East
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(770) 475-9555

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