6 Easy Ways to Weatherize Your Home

May 2nd, 2019 Posted in Reducing HVAC Energy Costs
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Is the climate-controlled air you spend so much money to create in your home leaking outside? Heating and cooling your home are the biggest expenses you pay for each month. One way to cut utility costs is to ensure the air inside your home is not escaping and that air from outside is not leaking in. Weatherizing your home with a few easy and inexpensive options can reduce your energy bills and keep your home comfortable year-round. Here are six tips for weatherizing your home:

  1. Shrink wrap windows. Give your windows extra insulation by investing in clear shrink wrap. These kits are inexpensive and easy to install, giving your better insulation for your windows without replacement.
  2. Seal windows and doors. Adding a quick caulking around windows and doors can reduce leaks.
  3. Stop drafts. Invest in draft stoppers for the bottom of exterior doors. This includes your door to your garage, unless your garage is climate controlled.
  4. Close fireplace dampers. Unless the fireplace is in use, make sure the damper is kept closed to reduce leaks in and out.
  5. Insulate the door to your attic. Often the door to attics is not insulated, even if the rest of the attic has insulation. Adding a strip of insulation to the door can cut down on leaks.
  6. Duct work leaks. Many homes built over 20 years ago have ductwork that leaks. Have your HVAC ductwork inspected by a professional to ensure that it is sealed and not leaking out the expensive air you are heating or cooling.

A few small steps to winterize your home can have big savings on your energy bills. Use these tips to ensure your home is better insulation for higher efficiency.

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

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Fall Tune Ups for Your Heating System

May 2nd, 2019 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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Even when the days are still warm in the fall, winter is never that far away. Don’t wait for the nights to get cold to get your heating system ready for winter. Every heating system needs annual service to ensure it is ready to take on the role of warming your home. Whether you have a heat pump or a furnace, fall is the time for your tune-up.

Heat Pump Tune Ups

Heat pumps require similar tune ups as air conditioning units. Since they do not use fuel, there is no pilot lights or other heating elements to check. However, they still need to have the moving parts lubricated and other elements inspected. The filter needs to be cleaned or changed, belts adjusted, connections inspected, and the thermostat checked for efficiency.

Furnace Tune Ups

Like a heat pump, a furnace will need the filter cleaned or changed, and the various moving parts lubricated. A full inspection of the system should be completed, from the thermostat and wiring to the duct work and blowers. Furnaces will also need the heat exchanger, vent pipe, pilot light and flues inspected. Any soot or corrosion should be removed and a check for carbon monoxide should be performed.

While some maintenance for heat pumps and furnaces like filter changes can be performed by the homeowner, a full tune up by a professional is recommended. When completed in the fall before the temperatures drop, a tune up can ensure the system is ready to perform at the highest efficiency and catch any repairs that need to be done before winter arrives. Schedule your tune up for your heat pump or furnace with your local HVAC pro this fall and be ready for winter when it arrives.

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

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Solving the Mystery of Temperature Fluctuations Throughout Your Home

May 2nd, 2019 Posted in Air Conditioning Service and Repair
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Does it seem like some rooms in your home are always a little warmer or cooler than the rest? It can be frustrating to have uneven temperatures throughout your home and it could be costing you more on your energy bills. Temperature fluctuations between zones or rooms in your home can be caused by many different issues, making it a mystery for some homeowners. Here are some common contributors to this issue to help you solve the climate-control mystery.

Location of the Thermostat

Every room has different impacts on the temperature. Rooms on one side of the home may get morning sunshine, while the other side warms up in the afternoon. Where the thermostat is located in relation to these factors can impact the different temperatures felt in each room.

A zoning system with sensors in each room can alleviate this issue. This can be accomplished with dampers in ductwork that cut off rooms that are too warm or too cold due to their location. Mini-splits can also be used to create single zones.

Ductwork Difficulties

One of the main reasons for fluctuations in temperature in different rooms is ductwork issues. Before the early 2000’s, many ductwork systems were installed without the right framework and support, leading to leaks down the road. This can account for many differences in temperature from room to room and also means air is coming in or leaking out, creating less efficiency.

To determine the reason for your temperature fluctuations, contact your local HVAC service and have an energy evaluation and inspection completed on your system. Not only can fixing these issues create improved comfort in your home, it can lower your energy bills for substantial savings.

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

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Are Pests Causing Problems with Your HVAC System?

May 2nd, 2019 Posted in Air Conditioning Service and Repair
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Most people do not want pests in their home. Rodents, insects, snakes and other critters are not welcome in most homes and with good reason. However, there are parts of your home that extend to the outside and can invite pests to live on the outskirts without coming inside. Your HVAC system may be a haven for unwelcome pests and they could be causing problems without your knowledge.

Pests Living in Your Ductwork

The ductwork for your HVAC system could be harboring pests like rodents, reptiles and insects. Rodents are known for their ability to chew through almost anything, including metal. If they create a hole in the ductwork, they may find their way in and allow other pests to follow.

Holes in the ductwork can cause lost energy efficiency and impact climate control. Plus, those pests may be living, and dying, in your ducts. This can create air quality issues as their remains contaminate the air that flows through your ducts.

Pests Living In Outdoor AC Units

Another place an unwanted pest may want to visit is your outdoor AC unit. They even decide to make it their home, especially during the winter. Birds, rodents and snakes can create nests in your outdoor unit that can cause major damage once the unit begins working again in the spring. Rodents can also chew wiring, hoses and other components, causing significant damage.

Unfortunately, you may not know there are pests causing HVAC issues until you have your system inspected or it breaks down from damage. This is a good reason to have an annual HVAC inspection and tune-up performed to ensure your ducts and outdoor AC units are sealed properly to keep out those destructive pests.

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

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Tips to Troubleshoot Your Heat Pump

May 2nd, 2019 Posted in Heat Pumps
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Is your heat pump giving you trouble? The first step in fixing the problem is identifying the issue. Sometimes it is something simple you can fix yourself; other times it may take a professional to complete a repair. Here are some easy ways to troubleshoot and identify the problem to determine what steps are needed to restore complete function.

Airflow Isn’t Consistent

Does it seem like the airflow is low or are different rooms getting less or more air? If only a few rooms get less air, it may be a ductwork issue to those rooms or the vents could be dirty. Clean the vents; if this doesn’t improve airflow in those rooms, you may need the ducts inspected.

If airflow is low to all rooms, check your filter. It may be dirty or clogged and need changing. Low airflow can also be caused by dirty evaporator coils, which may need professional assistance to remedy.

Temperature Is Wrong

If your heat pump isn’t heating or cooling to the correct temperature, it may be on the wrong setting. Make sure the thermostat is set correctly. If the settings are correct, it is possible there is a problem with the thermostat or there is a refrigerant leak.

Heat Pump Will Not Turn On

If your heat pump is not working at all, make sure there is not an electrical issue. Check your fuse box and ensure the unit is getting electricity. If this does not resolve the issue, call your local HVAC service to have them inspect your unit.

The best way to keep your heat pump working year-round is with routine tune-ups from a professional and DIY maintenance like filter changes. Stay on top of maintenance to avoid complete shutdowns and unexpected repairs.

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

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Looking to Upgrade to Automation for Your Commercial HVAC System?

May 2nd, 2019 Posted in Commercial HVAC Service & Repair
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If you have not already automated your commercial HVAC system, what are you waiting for? Manually controls for managing your building’s heating and cooling system is outdated and most likely costing you in efficiency. Automation can reduce energy costs and give your building managers more precise control over your system.

There are many different options available for retrofitting your existing system to automated controls. However, two stand out as leaders in the industry and should be on the top of your list to consider when moving to building automation.

Distech Controls

Distech controls offer improved efficiency, a cost-effective option for any company looking to upgrade to automation for their HVAC system. Users can realize up to a 30% saving with Distech Controls, making it a wise investment. Their innovative mobile application allows users to access all controls from any mobile devices, offering 24/7 control of your systems from anywhere.

Niagara Framework

Another option to transform an older HVAC system to automation is Niagara Framework. This software system can automate all the building systems under one platform, from the HVAC and lighting to security systems and elevators. All the controls are accessible from mobile devices and computers, giving your building managers the ability to see alerts, alarms and functional reporting from any location.

While investing in an automation system for your building or complex is a major investment, it is one that has a high return. Most companies can pay for their automation start up costs in the first few years with energy and efficiency savings. Make sure to have a HVAC service contractor that is certified to install and work on these devices to get the most from your investment.

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

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