Improving the Air Quality in Your Home

March 26th, 2019 Posted in HVAC Accessories
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There are many factors that can impact the quality of air in your home, from mold spores to dust and airborne contaminants. While you may not be able to see what you are breathing in, it can become apparent when you or family members begin to have health issues. Protecting the air you breathe in your home is a vital part of wellness, helping improve your family’s health. Maintaining your HVAC system can help improve your air quality and ensure you have clean air for your family to breathe.

Removing Contaminants from the Air

The air in your home is circulated through your HVAC system, making it the easiest place to filter out contaminants. All HVAC systems have filters that remove some particles from the air, but the level of purification depends on the filter you use and how often it is changed. To improve this process, choose a filter with a high minimum efficiency reporting value or MERV, which will filter out smaller particles. For homes with members with extreme sensitivities, auto immune deficiencies or allergies, a HEPA filter may be best for cleaning the air.

Check Humidity Levels

Another aspect of air quality is maintaining 40-60% humidity in your home. Too much humidity can lead to mold problems, and too little can cause respiratory irritation. Have your humidity levels tested by your local HVAC service company – adding a humidifier or dehumidifier may be needed to maintain the right level of moisture in the air.

You can improve your air quality by keeping up on filter changes in your HVAC system – many filters should be changed every month. Also, have annual HVAC service and inspections performed to ensure your system is working correctly and your duct work is kept clean and free from contaminants.

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

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How to Reduce Your HVAC Energy Bills

March 26th, 2019 Posted in Reducing HVAC Energy Costs
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Many people pay thousands of dollars a year to heat and cool their home, money that could be used for something more tangible. If you are tired of high energy bills due to HVAC use, there are ways to reduce your energy use and your monthly bills. While some may require an initial investment, the return on the investment can be substantial. Here are some energy savers when it comes to lowering your heating and cooling bills.

Program Your Thermostat

If you have a programmable thermostat, use it. If you don’t have a newer model thermostat, make the investment. Programming your thermostat to reduce use when you are sleeping, or the home is empty can save you a large percentage of your energy bill each month while still keeping your home comfortable.

Keep Up with HVAC Maintenance

Making sure your HVAC system is maintained ensures it is working efficiently. Heat pumps, AC units and furnaces all need annual maintenance, which is a small price to pay to keep your system running efficiently.

Upgrade to a New HVAC System

If you have an older HVAC system that is 10, 15 or more years old, you may be paying much more than you should for heating and cooling. Newer systems are made for efficiency. Consider upgrading to an Energy Star rated HVAC system that will pay for itself with a reduction in energy bills.

Need more ideas on how to cut down on your heating and cooling bills? Schedule a tune-up for your HVAC system and have an efficiency analysis performed. Your local HVAC pros can help you find ways to reduce energy use and lower your monthly utility bills.

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

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5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Programmable Thermostat

March 26th, 2019 Posted in Thermostats
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A programmable thermostat is an HVAC accessory that can help save money on your energy bills – but only if you know the best ways to use it. Every home and family are different, which is why a programmable thermostat is important. You can customize your settings to your lifestyle, then let the thermostat regulate your climate control for the most efficiency. Here are five ways to get the most from your programmable thermostat.

  1. Write down your family’s schedule. The first thing you need to know is what hours your family is usually in the house and when they are not. Write down your schedule to facilitate programming your thermostat.
  2. Set your timer for work/school days. Using your schedule, if there are usual days when no one is home, set the timer to a lower or higher temperature (depending on the season) during the time the home is empty.
  3. Set the thermostat for sleeping hours. Change the temperature for your home when bedtime arrives for your family. Set it to a more efficient setting an hour before you go to bed and to change right before you wake to your standard temperature.
  4. Keep an eye on the batteries. Most thermostat batteries need changing about once a year, but not all models have a low battery indicator. Make sure to proactively change your batteries to ensure the thermostat works correctly.
  5. Avoid constant changes. Unless your schedule changes, try to avoid overriding your programmed settings. It is easy to forget to reset, which can cost you more in energy.

A programmable thermostat, especially some of the newer smart models, can save you hundreds of dollars a year in energy costs. If you have an older thermostat, consider updating your model to get the most efficiency for your HVAC system.

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

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Are You on a Commercial HVAC Maintenance Plan?

March 26th, 2019 Posted in Commercial HVAC Service & Repair
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Heating and cooling costs are part of your business’ overhead, but when a large HVAC repair is needed out of the blue, it can put a strain on your budget. If you manage or own a large commercial facility, you know HVAC service will be needed, but planning for the expenses can be difficult without a set maintenance plan in place. The best solution to control your HVAC costs is to find a service company that offers a maintenance plan that will eliminate most unexpected repair costs and work with your budget.

Key Components of a Commercial HVAC Maintenance Plan

Regular service and maintenance is always important for commercial HVAC systems, but even with preventive care, repairs will eventually be needed. With a solid commercial HVAC maintenance plan, you can get preventive maintenance and repairs rolled into one set payment. Some key components to look for in a service plan for your commercial HVAC system include:

  • Preventive service and inspections throughout the year
  • Covered repairs
  • A customized plan to meet your needs
  • A set fee to fit your budget
  • Experienced, reliable commercial HVAC technicians
  • 24/7, 365-day availability for emergency HVAC repairs
  • Full coverage plan to cover all your HVAC service expenses

When you get the right HVAC company and maintenance plan in place, it takes the guess work out of how much your heating and cooling maintenance will cost each month or year. Plus, a well-maintained system will work more efficiently and reduce energy costs for increased savings. Choose a HVAC company that specializes only in industrial or commercial HVAC systems with many years of experience to get the best service for your company.

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

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Why to Replace Your Furnace Before Winter

March 26th, 2019 Posted in Furnaces
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At the end of last winter did you determine that it is probably time for a new furnace? When spring and summer arrive, it can be easy to put thoughts of warming your home on the back burner, but this is the best time to consider replacement. Waiting until the first signs of winter arrive is not a good plan when it comes to furnace replacement. Here are some reasons why you should replace your furnace now before winter begins knocking at your door.

  • You are not using it. The best time to replace a furnace is when you are not using it. If you wait until fall, or worse, winter, you can be stuck without heat during the installation process. The same is true for your AC unit; choose a cooler time of year for replacement to avoid going without AC.
  • Easier scheduling. Unfortunately, the first days of winter are when many people realize they need heating service or a new unit installed. It can be difficult to find a HVAC service that can come out right away during this busy time. Off-season is the best time for quick service and easy scheduling for your furnace installation.
  • Great deals. Many companies have their best deals when demand is low. You may be able to save money on your new furnace by having it installed in the off-season – ask for summer, spring or fall specials.

There is no reason to wait until winter arrives to get your new furnace installed. Call your local HVAC contractor and ask about off-season service specials for furnace installations. When winter does arrive, your new furnace will be installed and ready to keep you warm.

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

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Ways to Reduce Strain on Your Air Conditioner

March 26th, 2019 Posted in Reducing HVAC Energy Costs
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How long your air conditioner will last and how often it will need repairs can be largely controlled by you. The harder your AC needs to work the quicker components will wear out and need replacement. To extend the life of your AC unit and reduce visits from your HVAC service for repairs, lower the strain on your AC with these few tips and tricks.

  • Use your programmable thermostat. Reducing use of your AC when no one is home or during off-peak hours is important for efficiency. Set your temperature higher for when you are not at home.
  • Don’t overdo it. 78-degrees is an efficient setting for your AC when you are at home. Going lower puts excess strain on your unit.
  • Use zones or close off areas. If you have a zone system, shut down zones or rooms you do not use. Or, shut doors where AC is not needed to help keep the main part of your home cooler.
  • Utilize other cooling methods. Just because you have AC doesn’t mean you need to use it all the time. Open the windows at night, use fans and cool down your home without using the AC when possible.
  • Keep up with maintenance. Simply having your AC cleaned, inspected and serviced once or twice a year by a professional can add many years to its lifespan and reduce the need for emergency repairs.

Not only will these tricks and tips extend the life of your AC unit, they can also reduce your monthly energy bills. With a little AC maintenance and planning, you can get a long life from your air conditioner and save money at the same time.

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

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