This article and video will describe why it’s so important to have an air conditioning system check NOW.
It will also describe the types of air conditioning maintenance and system checks that are included in our air conditioning service.
Please See Disclaimer on Bottom of this Post.
Air Conditioning System Check: Why it’s Important!
It’s the perfect time of year! We’ve been blessed with cool temperatures, but summer is quickly approaching. Most people don’t think about their air conditioner until something bad happens. In the worst case, it simply doesn’t start. Or, you hear the motor and fan running, but the unit is blowing warm air. You’re frustrated. You’re spending money for no return, and your family is uncomfortable and probably complaining. Regardless of the type of system break down, an air conditioning system check will get your system operating at peak proficiency. Not only does this ensure that your home is cooling properly, you are saving on you energy bills, and you have a happy family.
Furthermore. it protects you from the huge burdensome costs of replacing your entire system. Don’t be fooled by all these recent cool days when you can simply open the windows, use some window fans, breathe fresh air and be blessed by low energy costs. There will be a time, soon, that you are going to need your air conditioner to pump in cool air and keep your family cool in the pending hot summer months.
Please enjoy this short video! It will describe why an air conditioning system check is so important and cover the various services that will be performed to ensure that your cooling system is operation at peak proficiency.
Air Conditioning System Check: Services Performed
In our video, we explained all the detailed inspections and services our techs perform both inside and outside your home that are necessary to bring your air conditioning system to peak performance. These service checks are included in our air conditioning system check inspection. This is a basic preventative maintenance check-up and should be done every year. More importantly, it should be done now! …Before the outside Summer temperatures hit the high 90’s!
Visit our Homepage, Take Advantage of our Current Coupon Offer
and Call Us Today: 240-222-3205
DISCLAIMER: Please accept our apologies! There’s been some confusion with a few people calling in to get their air conditioning systems checked at this time of year. Our video calls this service a Tune-Up and naturally our customers have certain expectations. We are working to edit this video. This reduced priced service and coupon is actually an Air Conditioning System Check. If there is any confusion, please call our office and we will be more than happy to explain the difference. We fully want to meet the expectations of all our customers in our continuing attempt to provide top-notch high quality service.
Air conditioner maintenance is important. While maintenance can be as simple as replacing the filter every three months, it is sometimes very complicated
The purpose of this article is to share an excellent and very timely article on cleaning and maintenance of air conditioning units. According to its author, air conditioner maintenance involves a lot of steps, which is why many homeowners choose to hire professionals. Dirty and clogged filters need to be replaced or cleaned since they block normal airflow and significantly reduce the unit’s efficiency. Cleaning or replacing the filter can reduce the unit’s energy consumption by up to 15%.
This article also talks about other components like evaporator and condenser coils which collect dirt, even with clean filters. This causes a decrease in airflow and will also insulate the coil, minimizing its ability to absorb heat. Other parts of the air conditioning unit that need maintenance include coil fins, condensate drains and window seals.
With the summer months coming up, HRC Climate Services encourages air conditioner maintenance to insure optimum cooling performance. Utah air conditioning services. ( Newswire.net — June 13, 2016) Spanish Fork , Utah
HRC Climate Services is encouraging homeowners to have their air conditioners checked and maintained now that the warmer months are here. Maintenance on air conditioners is extremely advantageous to homeowners because of the benefits it can offer, especially in the summer. Unless it is brand new, an air conditioner may not be running as efficiently as it is supposed to. Air conditioning units require regular maintenance, and if not maintained, may work less efficiently with time. They may not cool a room as they used to, giving homeowners an uncomfortably hot home during the summer. When they can no longer cool a room with the original amount of energy it used to require, they will work harder to achieve their usual standard. This results in utilizing more energy and can cause a higher utility bill. Even as energy usage increases, the unit will not be able to cool a room the way it used to. Cleaning and maintenance on air conditioning units involve a lot of […]
We also recommend you read our article titled Air Conditioning Repair Services in Southern Maryland. In this article we provide recommendations on what to look for and how to choose a professional air conditioning repair contractor..
Finally, you might want to check out this timely article on Air Conditioner Repair and Replacement. In this article, we describe some of the many technical changes that have occurred in air conditioning repair. For example, as of 2010, manufacturers must use a new kind of refrigerant that’s not an ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbon. Plus, we explain some cost/benefit solutions when making a decision to either repair or replace your air conditioning system.
As summer continues, the continued heat means you’re bathing more, watering plants, watering the grass, washing your cars and making gallons of iced beverages. The purpose of this article is to provide some easy ideas to help you reduce your water bill by following these simple tips.
Tips to Reduce Your Water Bill
Stop Leaks
Check all your faucets for leaks. A month of drips can add up to anywhere from 200-250 gallons of waste water. Also, be sure to check your toilet. The Environmental Protection Agency suggests putting a few drops of food coloring in the tank and waiting 15 minutes before flushing. If any food coloring appears in the bowl before flushing, you have a leak. Check your toilets as well! Look in the bowl after you flush. Make sure the water in the bowl is not moving. If it’s moving, the water is draining and you’re losing water! This is a relatively easy job for you to fix. Just make sure you fix it. This will help you reduce your water bill! If you need help, we’re here… just give us a call.
Tip: If you decide to invest in a new toilet, look for one with the EPA WaterSense label. They use at least 20% less water than a standard toilet. This will save a family of four $90/yr in reduced water utility bills. Learn more about WaterSense HETs.
Shower Power
The EPA reports showering saves significant amounts of water. A bath tub can use 30 gallons or more, depending on the water depth. If you DO soak in the tub, use the bath water on your plants. Try to limit your showers to 5 minutes or less. Also, think about getting a water-efficient showerhead to save even more. And, look for those leaking shower heads!
Go Easy on the Dishwasher
Run the dishwasher only when it’s fully loaded and use the economy setting. Newer models run on different cycles, so check your manufacturer’s recommendations for the most efficient setting. Also, scrape dishes rather than rinsing them before placing them in the dishwasher.
Garbage Disposals: Cash Down the Drain
They can use as much as 4 gallons of water per minute! Consider disposing of food waste by composting or by wrapping it and placing it in the trash. Here’s some great tips that can help you keep your garbage disposal operating at peak proficiency. Do you peel potatoes? One of our customers has been peeling potatoes all summer and his drains kept clogging. Do not put the peels in your garbage disposal? And, never put coffee grinds or egg shells in your disposal!
Outdoor Water Use
It’s okay to let the soil dry out between watering your lawn. Water your vegetables and annuals as soon as they start to wilt. Perennials are tougher and only need water when they get droopy. Water during the cooler parts of the day to reduce evaporation. The EPA estimates that more than 50 percent of landscape water is lost due to evaporation, wind, or overwatering. If you water during the hot and humid part of day, as much as 30 percent of the water will be lost to evaporation alone.
Make sure your sprinkler is only watering plants and grass, not your sidewalk. Check hoses for leaks, and collect rainwater in barrels to water plants. The EPA suggests using soaker hoses because they use less water than sprinklers.
Another great idea is to use the water you might have sitting in the kids’ swimming pools. This is the water that you may have accumulated via rain, not the filtered chlorinated water associated with built in swimming pools.
In summary, using these simple tips will help you reduce your water bill. And, keep your eyes posted for other simple techniques. I saw a commercial on television that was both funny and informative. During a nice rainfall, a very intuitive family was using this as an opportunity to wash their cars. So, keep your eyes peeled for other ways to use free rain water to help you save on your water bills. As always, give us a call if you need help with any leaks you might have around your house or if you need any toilets replaced. We always recommend that you prepare a checklist of those little problems, like leaky faucets and toilets, and have our technician fix these problems on one service call. This will also save you money!
For more great tips on water usage and conservation, here’s a great article: Water Watch. Be sure to scroll down to the plumbing sections.
When your old hot water heater stops working, you will either need to repair or replace it. However, with hot water heater technology evolving at such a rapid rate, it can be hard to pinpoint which option is best for you. The information below discusses three of the most popular high tech hot water heaters to help you find the right balance between efficiency and performance for your particular home.
Tankless Hot Water Heater (see picture above left).
Like the name suggests, these water heaters do not contain a water storage tank. Instead of keeping 40 or 50 gallons of heated water in a reservoir 24 hours a day (which is a waste of energy and a drain on your utility bill) a tank-less unit heats the water as you need it.
Pros:
Never run out of hot water
Saves about 30-50% in energy costs, when compared to conventional gas heaters
Takes up less space
Cons:
Takes about 3-8 seconds to heat the water to the desired temperature
Not easy to install
Must be flushed with special chemicals every year to maintain energy efficiency and remove scale
Hybrid Electric Heat-pump Hot Water Heater
This type of hot water heater works by pulling heat out of the surrounding air and pumping it into the storage pump. It has conventional heating coils but, they only activate when the heat pump cannot sufficiently warm the water by itself.
Pros:
Lowest operating cost of any electric water heater on the market, especially if you live in a warm climate and it is installed in your hot garage or attic
Potential tax incentives and/or rebates (check with your state and electricity provider)
Cons:
Costly price tag
Takes up a lot of space
Air filter must be cleaned on a regular basis to maintain operating efficiency
Condensing Gas Hot Water Heater
Instead of wasting energy by sending hot exhaust gases out of the flue, a condensing gas hot water heater blows them through the coil at the bottom of the fan to heat the water to the desired temperatures.
Pros:
Most energy-efficient, gas powered water heater on the market
High first hour recovery rate virtually guarantees that you’ll never run out of hot water
Cons
Expensive price tag
Require venting and gas line reconfiguration
Important Considerations
Regardless of the model that you choose, there are a couple of ratings that you must check before you buy your new heater:
Energy factor (EF): Indicates how efficient the unit is; the higher the number the more efficient the heater.
First hour recovery: This is for storage tank heaters and indicates the amount of hot water that you will get within the first hour after opening the spigot.
Flow rate: This is for tank-less heaters, that use incoming winter water temperatures to provide the flow rate that you want.
Before you put down a ton of money for a new high tech hot water heater, it is important that you take some time to understand the pros and cons of each. To learn more about hot water heaters, see 5 Facts About Hot Water Heaters. The information above will help you narrow down your options so that you make the right investment for your needs. However, even though all the new models are more energy efficient, that doesn’t mean you’ll find them the most cost effective for your family. Plus, we are always ready to answer your questions and provide you with the facts you need to make an educated decision to meet your particular needs.
The purpose of this article is to provide an overview on the types of gas furnaces available on the market today. You will not become an overnight expert on gas furnaces, but you will be much more knowledgeable and better prepared when either building a new home or replacing an existing furnace.
That day may come when you need to invest in a new furnace for your home. So, in terms of priorities, what should you consider in choosing a new furnace. Obviously, comfort is important. You should also consider cost and efficiency as major priorities. In the meantime, make sure you read our article on Furnace Maintenance Tips.
For example, electric furnaces are still very popular with people who want to reduce their carbon footprint. But, while electric furnaces are generally the least expensive to buy and install, they are not necessarily the most energy efficient.
Although both electric and oil furnaces are still popular, forced air furnaces that burn propane or natural gas, are generally the most efficient and economical method of heating.
Energy Efficiency is measured according to how efficiently each unit produces heat. This measurement is known as the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency or AFUE. AFUE is determined by comparing the amount of fuel consumed to the amount of heat created. For example, an AFUE of 80% means that 80 cents of each dollar is being converted into effective heat, while 20 cents is essentially wasted. For more information see Guide to Furnaces.
5 Types of Gas Furnaces:
These gas furnaces are ranked according to efficiency, comfort, heat distribution and quietness.
1. Modulating Variable Speed Gas Furnace
Modulating Variable Speed Furnaces are the very best furnace available in terms of operating efficiency, comfort, heat distribution, and quietness. According to Washington Energy, The National Association of Homebuilders likens a standard furnace to stop and go traffic, with its inefficient use of energy for your car. Modulating furnace performance is more like highway driving, where you are cruising along, making slight operating adjustments while achieving maximum efficiency. The modulating furnace operates with more finesse to reduce temperature fluctuations, providing consistent indoor temperature, quiet operation, and an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) up to 98%. That means fuel is used more efficiently, reducing your energy consumption and cost.
2. Three-Stage Variable Speed Gas Furnace
Three stage furnaces use a variable or three speed variable blower to increase efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. On days where it’s not as cold outside, your blower will operate at a slow speed. Then, on colder days, it will automatically switch to a higher speed. Once the desired comfort is reached, the blower will gradually slow down to the lower speed levels.
3. Two-Stage Variable Speed Furnace
Two-stage variable speed furnaces, like the three-stage variable speed gas furnace, can provide additional comfort in your home and reduce energy consumption. Two-Stage Variable Speed Furnaces are much quieter than Single Stage or Two Stage Furnaces. When additional equipment is added to a furnace, a Two-Stage Variable Speed Furnace is a good choice for two and three story homes.
4. Two-Stage Furnace
Two-Stage Furnaces have two fan speeds, provide a more uniform heat distribution, and are generally a bit quieter than Single Stage Furnaces.
5. Single-Stage Furnace
Single-Stage Furnaces only have one fan speed. While these are the most common furnaces, they are generally the least energy efficient and loudest on terms of operation.
For more information on Single-Stage versus Two-Stage gas furnaces, watch this short 3-minute tutorial produced by Alpine Home Air Products.
The four major advantages of a geothermal heating and cooling system are: 1.) reduced heating and cooling costs; 2.) low life-cycle costs; 3.) positive environment impact; and 4.) potential Federal and State tax credits.
A geothermal heat pump functions like a conventional heat pump, by using high-pressure refrigerant to capture and move heat between indoors and out. The difference is that conventional systems gather their heat—and get rid of it—through the outside air. By comparison, a geothermal heating and cooling system transfers heat through long loops of liquid-filled pipe buried in the ground.
Reduced Heating and Cooling Costs
Homeowners should realize a reduction of 30 to 70 percent in their overall heating and cooling costs with a geothermal heating and cooling system. Geothermal systems have the capability of capturing reclaimed heat during heating and cooling modes and using it to heat domestic water. This application can reduce the water heating cost of a four-person household by 50 to 60 percent. In the winter, the geothermal heating and cooling system pulls heat from the earth into the house or building and in the summer, the system removes heat from the house or building by dumping it into the ground.
Low Life-Cycle Costs
A study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency showed that geothermal systems have the lowest life-cycle cost of all heating and cooling systems currently on the market. Lower maintenance costs and longer life expectancy of geothermal units should certainly be taken into consideration when determining true savings. You can expect your geothermal system to provide an average of 20 to 24 years of reliable comfort and savings. In comparison, the average life cycle of a conventional system is 13 to 15 years.
Positive Environmental Impact
Furthermore, geothermal systems have a positive impact on the environment since they burn no fossil fuels and operate on a modest amount of electricity. According to the United States Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency, geothermal systems are the most environmentally friendly way to heat and cool your home. They do not emit greenhouse gasses, which are known to contribute to environmental air pollution. Flammable fossil fuels are not used to operate geothermal units. Because there is no combustion, there is no chance of explosion, hazardous fumes or risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Tax Credits
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act adopted in October 2008 allows for a 30% tax credit for costs associated with ENERGY STAR qualified geothermal heat pumps, as noted in section 25D of the Internal Revenue Code. The credit applies to geothermal equipment placed in service through December 31, 2016. The credit is equal to 30% of the total system cost.
Furthermore, HB 1186 (May 22, 2012) allowed Maryland to become the first state in the country to make the energy generated by GHC technologies eligible for the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) as a Tier 1 renewable source. GHC system owners are also eligible for Renewable Energy Credits (RECs). See more here: Geothermal Heating and Cooling (Maryland Energy Administration).
In summary, there are some very significant advantage to geothermal heating and cooling systems. Cost savings alone can help offset what can be a high price to install this type of system. If you are interested in learning more about geothermal heating and cooling, please use the source links we provide below.
This article and video will describe why it’s so important to have an air conditioning system check NOW.
