Whether your cooling costs are at an all-time high and you want them lowered or you just want to make sure you keep them at an affordable rate, follow some tips to help you lower your costs. These steps will help keep your energy bill in a decent range. The steps are all steps that any home owner can take and are not hard to do. Keeping your home cool in the summer time can sometimes be difficult especially when the sun is blazing down on your house.

Curtains

Curtains are important to have in your home to cover up the windows. During the summer time it is a good idea to have curtains up especially on the windows that face the east and west. Make sure that you cover the windows that the sun will beat down on in the middle of the day. The curtains will help keep the heat out and keep your home cooler during the day.

Ceiling Fans

Use ceiling fans when you are in a room and going to spend time in there. This will limit the amount of time that your AC unit needs to run. Ceiling fans help circulate the air throughout the room and keep the house cooler throughout the day. Ceiling fans have different speeds and can be adjusted without any effort at all.

Thermostat

Another great way to lower your cooling costs is to keep your thermostat in great working order and also keep it set at 78. This is the temperature that most AC units are set to work at their optimum ability. When you are not going to be home make sure to turn off the AC or even set it to a higher temperature. You can set it up to 80 or even 85 degrees when you are gone for the day. Programmable thermostats are perfect for cutting cooling costs in the home as well. These can be completely programmed to your schedule.

Insulation

To keep your cooling costs low you should check and make sure that you have proper insulation. The insulation in your home will help to keep your home cooler in the summer by retaining the air that is being fed into your home. If you do not have insulation or not an adequate amount, your AC unit is working harder than it needs to cool the home. You are also missing out on a cool home when the insulation is not there.

These steps above will help you in lowering your cooling costs. It is important to be able to live in a home that is nice and cool in the summer without having to sacrifice your comfort. Your family will appreciate the comfort of your home if you maintain a cool temperature in the home. These steps above will keep your home cool by providing you with extra ways to cool your home and weed out the heat. Make sure to follow these for the best results.

For more details call 425-827-9997 or click here.

Finding the best heating services for you can sometimes be a daunting task. However, with the right tools at your disposal, it may be easier than you think. The important thing to keep in mind about businesses is that they want you to find them.

Keeping that in mind, it stands to reason that any company worth their weight in salt will be relatively easy to find. The difficult part from there will be deciding which company to choose. This will usually be decided based on a mixture of service ratings from previous clients, the quality of their work and, last but not least, the price.

One of the most useful tools at hand for you to find your best deal on heating services you need is the internet. A quick search in any search engine should return plenty of results for services available in your area. You will usually be able to find the website of that company, complete with list of services that they offer, pricing on some services and contact details available for you to contact them directly to find out more information. It is usually best not to choose the first company you get in contact with.

Speak to several HVAC companies, make notes of their pros and cons, as a choice for you and your current situation and check to see what other people are saying about this company, if possible. Any horror stories that previous clients had will usually be a good indicator of whether or not a company is trustworthy and could potentialy save you from losing out on money, time and effort, as there are many companies everywhere who run sub-par operations to make a quick buck.

Another method of locating available services in your area is the local telephone directory or business listings. Sources like the yellow pages will have advertisements, rates, services and contact details available for most, if not all, of the services available in your locale. Similarly, make a list, speak to several companies and come to a conclusion on which company would be best for you.

If business in that trade is slow at the moment, as many people cannot afford home improvement services at the moment, mention casually that you are comparing all the local businesses to see what the best deal available is, they may offer you a more competitive rate to attract a larger customer base, which is mutually beneficial, as you save on costs and they might gain more business, if they're smart about it.

Another great way to find good quality, affordable services is through word-of-mouth. If you know anyone who has had a similar service carried out lately, talk to them, ask them how that company were, how affordable they were and if you could have their contact details. This can often lead you to great workmanship that you may not have found otherwise.

So the most effective way to find the best deal for you is through research, talking with the companies beforehand and price comparison, so that you can find the perfect fit for you and your home.

For more details call 425-242-6912 or click here

Proper maintenance is important if you are a homeowner. You need to make sure that all of the infrastructure in your home is working properly, so this is going to mean taking a look at the air conditioning, the heating and the plumbing system. From time to time, you are going to need to call in a professional to inspect all of these systems. When it comes to your heating, you should ideally have someone come in once a year to take a look at the boiler or furnace and to ensure that there are no issues with it. When the winter season ends, you will need to take a look at your system yourself and ensure that it is clean. A clean system will work more efficiently, so you will have to get down on your hands and knees and give it a good inspection yourself. This will ensure that the system is ready to start running again when the winter time comes around.

The Filter

The first thing you need to do is take a look at the filter. Filters are there to catch all of the dust and debris that generally gathers up when the system is in use. Most people are going to clean their filters at least once a month, but a lot of people forget this. If your filter can be properly cleaned, then make sure to do this. Otherwise, you may have to replace the filter by getting a new one.

Turn off the System

When you decide to get into the system itself, you will need to make sure that you have switched it off entirely. You do not want to endanger yourself, so make sure that all of the power is completely turned off. You can then start to take apart the components and check for dust and other bits of debris that could’ve gotten caught in the system. A lot of the time, you are probably going to have to clean out the ducts. Make sure to be careful when you are doing this.

Talk to A Professional

If you are unsure about whether or not you should clean the system, then the best thing to do is call in a certified HVAC professional. He or she will be able to take a look at the system and determine whether it needs to be cleaned. For simple things, you will be able to clean the heater or the furnace yourself. Some jobs may take extra work, and this is usually where it is a good idea to call someone up so that they can do a proper job. While it may cost you money, you will be able to get rid of all the issues that are slowing your heating system down.

You need to make sure that your heater is working properly for when winter returns. If you are in doubt about anything regarding the system, then do not be afraid to call a professional who can give you expert advice.

For more details call 425-242-6912 or click here

When it comes to a geothermal heat pump, there are many benefits associated with the system. A geothermal heat pump is a unit that is considered eco-friendly as well as cost effective for heating and cooling the home. The unit has many benefits that continue to see homeowners asking for this type of installation. Below are four examples of the benefits you can expect from a geothermal heat pump.

 

The Cost

The cost of everything today is going up. It’s essential to save your money in every aspect of life. Did you know you can save money while heating your home by making a simple switch? When someone switches to a geothermal heat pump, they can bet on their cost of heat going down. It doesn’t take as much energy using a geothermal heat pump, which causes the energy bill in the home to go down. In fact, the heat pump lowers the bill up to 70 percent.

No noise disturbance

You must know what it’s like to have loud noises in your home when it comes to heating. However, the geothermal heat pump runs so smooth that it delivers a quiet operation. You will be able to watch your favorite movie or sleep right through the process of it running.

Think of the environment

Many homeowners have started thinking about the environment. Switching to geothermal heat pumps is beneficial for the environment. The U.S Department of Energy considers the geothermal system the most environmentally-friendly way to heat a home. Which makes it a perfect choice for your home!

Life Cycle

You can expect your geothermal system to last you 15 or more years. This is a spectacular plus of these heat pumps because typically, a furnace will only last 7-10 years and that is with normal maintenance. Having a system that can save you time and money is essential. It’s a hassle to go out and find a new furnace. However, with a geothermal heat pump, you will be less likely to have to do this.

If you make the switch to the geothermal heat pumps, you will be saving not only your money, the environment as well. If you would like to do that and have a clean, safe and efficient heating environment, then simply contact your local provider to begin the geothermal heat pump installation process. Soon you too will benefit from the comfortable heat source.

Keeping cool and your wallet full may be easier than you think. There are many energy saving tips that you can put into place to help you keep the savings while staying cool and comfortable in your home this summer. You will find that there are many great ways to keep the air inside your home and have a great time. Check out these tips for maximizing your savings this year.

 

 

Seal Drafts

Be sure that you go around your windows and doors checking for drafts. While you might think about this during the winter, it can also cause problems of lost air during the summer. By fixing those leaks you are sure to keep the air inside your home and not sharing it with the neighborhood. Be sure to seal off any leaks you find.

 

Steady Temperature

Be sure to set your temperature to as high as you can handle it. While you want to be cool and comfortable, setting your temperature to a higher setting can help you save money. The higher your temperature settings the less work your unit is doing. Try setting a few degrees higher to see how much you can save on your electric bill. You can be comfortable without your home feeling like an icebox.

 

Maintenance Checks

Set up an appointment for a routine inspection on your cooling unit. This can help you prevent any huge repairs that are waiting to happen and make sure your unit is ready to go. When the technician comes out he can check belts and filters and also lubricate bearings. All these small items can make a big difference in your cooling bills.

 

Proper Unit Size

Do you know if the unit you have is the right size for your home? If you are not sure you need to have this checked out. Some homes have units that are way to small to heat and cool their home size. In this case your unit works double time trying to keep it the temperature you have it set to. Have a technician check this out for you and if it's too small, replace it.

 

Change Air Filters Once A Month

This easy to do routine step will make a huge difference in how hard your unit works. By changing filters out regularly you are giving the machine an easier way to filter the air. When your filter is clogged it makes the unit work even harder. This means your bills are going up. The more it has to work the more money you are paying out of pocket.

 

Energy Efficient Units

There are some low draw units you can consider as well. These will help you to get the maximum benefits for less usage. Check into these units to discover how easy it is to upgrade and save money. All these tips can help you save and keep the money in your wallet during the hot summer months. Stay cool and enjoy your time off while resting easy about your unit. Keep these tips in mind for every summer to be a happy and cool one.

 

 

When installing a new air conditioning system in your home, it is important to understand exactly what you need. When a licensed technician arrives at your home, it is best to be able to let them know exactly what you need so they can help you accomplish your goal. Below are a few tips on what you should tell your HVAC technician before installing a new air conditioning unit.

 

First decide on your plans for your air conditioning installation. Figure out if you want to replace a broken part with a new part or if you want to install a completely new system. Once you understand your needs, it will make it easier for your technician knows exactly what you need. An example of this would be if you are going to replace a part of your system. You need to let your technician know that you want the same type of part that exists in your system.

Also it is a good idea to let the technician know your current problem. Are you needed a new installation because your current one is simply broken or do you need a new installation because your home was not being properly cooled? This information will help the technician give you the best possible service. Allow your service technician to give you an estimate of a new installation, you may find that the cost difference between your repair and a new installation are not that great. Or you may find that a new installation will benefit your greater than a repair.

It is also important to discuss how much power you will need with your service technician. A professional will be able to look at your home and tell you exactly how much power you need. It could turn out that the system you are currently using is not powerful enough to cool your home.

It is also important to consider energy efficiency. An older unit is not going to be as efficient as a new air conditioning system. An older system will have decreased in efficiency over the years and a newer unit will make a big difference. You will see a cooler home as well as lower utility bills which will save you money in the long run.

Take the time to discuss each of these options with your HVAC technician. Your technician will understand your needs and get ready to install a new system or make the repairs you need in a quick and efficient manner.

 

 

Solar powers cost is actually becoming affordable. However, it comes down to location, installation and the kind of solar power. This technology in Africa is cheaper then kerosene! The Renewable Energy News says that solar is actually cheaper then diesel generators in India. Solar direct which is French has a bid to supply the solar power at a cheaper rate then diesel. There are many reasons why solar power dominates diesel power. Here are 4 reasons:

Cost Effective

The solar photovoltaic panel can be expensive but it gives it all back in time. It will reduce the amount of electricity used and save you money. The payback time is shorter every day. In some areas the electricity from the sun is less per kilowatt hour then producing it from fossil fuel. We all realize that coal, gas oil and nuclear prices will rise and solar energy is cost effective. Its efficiency is recognized when it breaks even and cuts your monthly payments.

Global Warming

We are all concerned about global warming into the future. With solar energy there is no carbon dioxide, methane or emissions into the air. The only small amount comes from the manufacturing, transporting and installation. However, it is minimal.

Jobs

With people losing their jobs everywhere it is nice to know that solar power is creating jobs. In Germany it has born several hundred thousand jobs! It is a growth industry. The politicians love solar power and want to expand incentives to increase sales.

Solar powered generators are safe

They are cleaner then petroleum units which can smell horrible. With the smaller generators you can limit to plug ins with less power. With diesel powered tanks you have to fill them up every couple of hours. With solar power you can use a freezer or washer just by wiring to the appliance and bypassing the company's meter. Solar generators can be used anywhere even a shop or barn.

 

If you have a cabin you can have electricity from the sun. Solar powered generators cannot power a whole home but will work on smaller jobs. They will give you a backup power source in case you need it. If you have a shop, barn or workshop outside then a solar powered generator will give you all the power you need and more. We all need power at one time or another and solar power definitely wins out over diesel power in some instances.

 

Geothermal Heat is a relatively new option for home owners to have installed in their homes for their heating and cooling comfort. The unit works with the Earth's surface to provide the temperatures needed to make the home comfortable no matter what the season. This unit is great for home owners who are building a new home or are in the market for a new unit. A geothermal system has many advantages that benefit home owners and their families. It is important for home owners to understand these advantages, including how to save money with geothermal heat. Below are a few examples of how you can save money with this unit in your home.

Energy Efficiency

This unit is a great option because it provides the energy efficiency needed to save energy as well as save money each month on utility bills. A geothermal heat pump is one of the most effective options for energy efficiency on the market today. This unit does not create heat, despite the name. The unit moves heat from the ground to your home, by way of a refrigeration circuit and collector unit under the ground. This unit can lower your energy usage percentage greatly sometimes up to 70 and 80 percent!

Cost Effective

This heating solution is also cost effective. Many state governments offer incentives for home owners to install energy efficient solutions. So incentives added with financial plans and savings options from various local HVAC companies, you can really save from the beginning. Find a great deal and you will be able to save money on your install and then save money each and every month as you heat and cool your home! Always ask your local provider for ways you can save on installation. Your provider may be offering special deals or incentives of their own. It never hurts to ask and you may find that you are able to save even more money on your install!

No Fuel Source

Since the unit uses the temperature under the ground to heat and cool your home, no fuel source is needed. this means you never have to have fuel brought to your home so there is no added cost or hazard at your home. This is why the unit is so energy efficient!

Preparing your site

To try and get added savings, ask your local provider what you can do. They may suggest prepping the area for installation. You may be able to save additional funds by clearing the area where the unit will be stored. This is an option that is not always available but one that home owners should ask about.

The tips above are just a few ways that home owners can save money with a geothermal heating unit. This system is eco-friendly, energy efficient, affordable, offers incentives and works great in the home. If you do decide to install this unit, you will not regret your choice. Simply sit back and enjoy the warmth while you put the money you saved in your savings account!

US Department of Energy announces new efficiency furnace standards. This will impact many home, condo and townhome owners in the Northwest

DOE Regional Standards Effective May 2013 http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/residential/pdfs/cacfurn_dfr_final-version.pdf

After years of debate, the US Department of Energy has finalized their new federal minimum energy conservation standard in the Northern region. Fuel efficiency ratings for furnaces will increase to 90 AFUE. The new standards will become effective May of 2013.

What will impact homeowners in the northern region, is the installation requirement of 90%+ minimum efficiency furnaces. We’re not talking about just new construction, but retrofit (replacement) as well. We are concerned about the impact this will have particularly on owners of condos, homes and townhomes. As of today, when it’s time to replace an 80%  furnace, the homeowner usually has little choice but to install a standard efficiency replacement furnace due to venting that makes upgrading nearly cost prohibitive. Upgrading to a high efficiency furnace requires a PVC vent, usually (and preferably) out the side of the home which can require drywall and painting expenses at a minimum. Energy conscious homeowners will opt for an 80% efficient furnace with a high efficiency, Direct Current drive blower motor.

Come May 2013, all home, condo and townhome owners will have no choice but to install a 90%+ efficient furnace. In many cases, to make a high efficiency furnace work in some residences, the installation will require major remodeling work. This is true for homes where the mechanical system is in a closet or other interior space of the home.

If you’re a home owner and concerned about whether the new standards will impact you, here are a few things to consider. Most furnaces in condos and townhomes that were built 10+ years ago are standard efficiency furnaces. If your furnace has a metal chimney, it is a standard efficiency furnace. A PVC vent connected to your furnace means you are OK to install a 90% efficient furnace. The second thing to look at is whether the utility room is on an exterior wall. An exterior wall allows a vent to be installed out the side of your home which may be fairly easy to do. Keep in mind that just because it’s on the exterior wall, a number of other factors still need to be considered to determine whether a high efficiency vent will be feasible. According to several local regulations and codes, you can’t have exhaust fumes near a window, fresh air intake, gas meter, etc. Lastly, running new venting is often not allowed by townhome and condo associations – a guideline that will soon need to be changed.

Running the venting for a high efficiency furnace in a retrofit situation at a home, condo or townhome can be extremely difficult. Although Cardinal Heating almost always recommends high efficiency equipment whenever possible, we are encouraging you to weigh your options NOW before the new laws go into effect in May 2013. If you delay, it’s possible that you will be facing sheetrock repair, soffit building, relocation of utility room, electrical, plumbing, siding and painting in order to comply with the installation of a 90% furnace.

High efficiency equipment is great – lower utility bills, smaller carbon footprint, quieter equipment, etc. However, this DOE mandate can really add up for a homeowner. We urge you to act now so you can make an informed and fiscally responsible decision before you have no choice. Local HVAC suppliers are already depleting their stock of 80% furnaces so that they are not stuck with inventory that cannot be sold. It will be against the law to sell or install any furnace less than a 90% efficiency rating beyond May 2013.

Call Cardinal Heating and A/C, Inc. at (425) 827-9997 and speak with an experienced sales associate and make a no obligation appointment to evaluate your system.

Geothermal heat pumps are an excellent form of heating and cooling in the home. Home owners are able to have comfort in their home year round with an efficient and eco-friendly HVAC option. Many home owners are opting to install this type of heating and cooling system because it not only allows them to help the environment but also to save money. More and more people are starting to realize the need for eco-friendly machinery and the geothermal heat pump is an excellent source. Below are a few reasons why this type of heat pump is energy efficient.

Studies Show

Like any other product, geothermal heat pumps have been studied by many groups including the EPA. The EPA conducted a study of energy efficiency and determined that the geothermal energy option is the most environmentally one for heating and cooling system options. This means that a geothermal heat pump is better with energy usage than other forms of HVAC systems including central air, boilers and furnaces.

Compared to Conventional Systems

Many studies have compared the geothermal unit to conventional systems. Each study has shown that no matter what region, the geothermal unit is better at energy efficiency than a conventional unit. This means the geothermal unit is greener, which helps the environment, and also will give home owners lower utility bills because they will be using less energy.

Harnessing the Earth's Temperature

A geothermal unit is able to use less energy because it does not require a fuel source. This unit has a piping system underground which will harness the temperature underground to help heat and cool the home. The temperature below the ground is constant so home owners will always have the source of energy they need to cool and heat their home.

Energy Incentives

The geothermal pump is so energy efficient, that governments in the US are offering incentives for home owners to install this type of unit. At any given time, there are savings options on the  federal, state, local and utility level so home owners can earn money back for switching to a geothermal heat pump. This means that home owners will be paid to help the environment as well as their own pocketbook!

Overall

This is just a small portion as to how a geothermal heat pump can save energy. This unit was created to use the earth as a tool and it is also giving back to the earth by saving energy. Home owners can find out more about this option for heating and cooling by contacting their local HVAC dealer. A professional technician will be able to assess your home and determine if this type of unit will work best for you and your need.

Saving energy with a heating system can save home owners money but many home owners have no idea how to save energy with their heating system. There are a few tips and tricks that can be done in the home to ensure that the heating system works properly and saves you money! Below we will list a few helpful hints which will help you save on your energy bills.

Temperature Programming

One way to save energy with your heating unit is to have a programmable thermostat. A programmable unit will allow you to set the temperature in advance. This way, you can set the temperature for while you are away, so you are not using the heat when you do not need to. This option can help home owners cut their utility bill by a large percentage.

Temperature Setting

Another option to save energy is with the temperature setting. The best setting for the home during the winter to save energy is 68 degrees. This temperature setting will still give you a warm home but will allow the unit to turn off before it would if you had the temperature set at 70 or 72 degrees.

Maintenance

Another way to save energy is with regular maintenance service. Regular maintenance service will ensure that your unit is working efficiently. An energy efficient unit will work properly as well as use the least amount of energy to heat the home.

Insulation

Home owners can also make sure that their home is properly insulated. A properly insulated home will be able to trap the heat that is emitted from the heating system. This way, the heat will stay in the home and the unit will be able to turn off in no time, giving you less energy spent but a warm and comfortable home!

Cleaning

Another option that will allow your unit to remain energy efficient is cleaning. The home owner can clean the unit regularly or hire a professional technician to do so. Cleaning the unit will allow each component to continue to work properly and efficiently, which means lower utility bills for you and your home!

Overall, it is important to take care of your heating system. The heating system is an important part of the home. without this system, home owners would not be comfortable in the home when the temperatures outside drop. Taking care of your unit will not only insure that the unit continues to work properly but it will also insure that the home owner will continue to save money each month on utility bills because the unit will remain energy efficient. Simply contact your local provider today to help you save energy with your heating system!

Keeping your home heated during a long cold winter is a priority of every family, and keeping your electric boiler going for as long as possible is the best way to make sure you are comfortable when the air is chilly outside. To do this, you will want to increase the life of your electric boiler by following the tips below.

Make sure that your electric boiler isn't working harder than it needs to work. You can make the job of your unit a little easier by creating a home that is efficient to heat. Is there a draft around your doors and windows? Is your attic properly insulated? Is your basement unfinished? By fixing all of these problems, you can increase the efficiency of your heating system. Since it will not have to work as hard, it will last longer.

Operate your electric boiler only when you need it. Operating when the weather is warm will cause additionally wear and tear on your system.

Once a month visually inspect your boiler for any problems. Most of the time it should look just fine, but taking the time to look over your system will help you spot problems early and help prevent serious damage.

Clean your unit. Keeping your system clean and free of dirt and debris will increase the life of the unit. Most problems begin with too much dirt clogging an area causing it to break.

Keep the area around your unit free of clutter. Do not use your boiler as a storage area. Clutter around or on top of a boiler will place undue stress on the system. This can cause something to break or over time just cause the structure of the system to weaken decreasing its life.

Set the unit to automatically turn off after the interior has reached its target temperature. This will ensure that the unit doesn't continuously run. By allowing your unit to rest, the life of heating system will be longer.

Change the filter. A dirty filter will cause your unit to work harder and will break down sooner. A clean filter helps everything to run smoothly.

Have your boiler serviced regularly by a professional HVAC technician. A professional servicing will increase the life of the boiler by keeping maintained.

By following these tips, your electric boiler will running smoothly for years to come.

Having an air conditioner in your house is one thing and having it working properly is another. This is because there are many people who bought and installed the air conditioner but after that they never bothered to take care of the system and so the efficiency of the system really dropped. As a result, they have not been able to continue enjoying the benefits of having a system in the house.

But to those people who are concerned about the way their system is working, then they will get time to do some servicing. As a result, they have been able to reap a lot of benefit from the system and this is what everyone should yearn for from their system.

The following are some of the results of keeping your air conditioner at the best condition through regular servicing.

If you manage to keep your system maintained at the best level, then you will be able to realize of the increased cooling in the house. A well maintained system will be able to ensure that the system is running as efficient as possible and this will mean that the air will be cooled to the best level. A system which is serviced at regular intervals will be able to keep your house cooled and this will give you a lot of comfort in the house. This will impact your life especially in the summer season when it is normally very hot and it will be required that the system should cool the house.

So a well maintained system will make sure that the house will be able to be a good place to live in.

Another great significance of a well maintained system is on the way it will impact the amount of bill which you will be require to pay at the end of the month. Everyone would love to save some money which is normally spent for the electricity bills. And so since the air conditioner system is one of those system which normally uses a lot of energy, it will be good for you to ensure that it is very efficient so that it can be able to run on minimal power.

You will also have an improved health as the system will be able to eradicate most of those pollutants which would have caused a threat to your health.

 

The air conditioning system in your home consumes about 40% of your total energy bills and therefore to improve the efficiency of the system, it is essential to maintain and service your AC unit regularly. When your AC system is neglected, you would land up with high utility bills and also expensive repairs and replacements.

An efficient AC system provides comfort to the occupants and safeguards them from hazardous pollutants and allergens. To get a better cooling and an improved air quality for your indoors, it is important to check if your air conditioner has a good SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating.

Tips to improve the efficiency of air conditioning system:

• Buy an air conditioner with correct size that matches with the size of your room in order to deliver better cooling.
• Another important aspect about AC units is to do a regular inspection and servicing. Regular maintenance can improve the efficiency of the system. Hire a qualified HVAC technician for frequent inspection to check if there are any small repairs and replacements required for your system.
• Make sure to clean the condenser coils frequently with a soft brush to improve the efficiency performance of the system.
• Clean or change the air filters regularly as dust or debris could get clogged inside which in turn obstructs the airflow and reduces the efficiency of the system.
• Check the AC and Control settings and make sure to turn off the main AC switch when you are not available indoors and also check if your air conditioner starts on and off properly.
• Make sure to lubricate the moving parts since un-lubricated parts can consume more energy.
• Check for leakages in ducts which can reduce the cooling capacity of the AC unit.
• Do not run the air conditioner continuously throughout the day which can make it inefficient in performance and give a break of at least 10 to 15 minutes in between.
• Buy a high energy star rated AC unit which can help to conserve maximum energy with low energy bills.
• Check the insulation of your home and also for any air leaks which can reduce the efficiency of the system.
• Provide a shade for your AC's outdoor unit which can easily cool the air inside and save up to 10% percent of your energy consumption.

 

What is an air duct?

Well, as your air is "conditioned," that is, when it is processed into something that is fit to be distributed throughout your home (as in the case of a central air system), the ducts are the avenues by which it gets distributed. In many cases, however, too much of the air that flows through the duct system gets lost.

Why? Because it is leaking. And why is that, you ask?

Because there is something faulty in the duct system itself. Maybe there are improper seals. Maybe there is poor construction. A lot of these problems happen right from the outset because the initial work wasn't done the right way. No one expects the average consumer to be intimate with all the technical aspects of a duct system, but it doesn't hurt to have some familiarity with what we're talking about, because you'll have a little easier time in the event you'll have to have service on that aspect of the air conditioning system.

Not only that, you may able to determine more about the "symptoms" of what may be going wrong with your air conditioner. For example, when you see a spike in your utility bills that may be even higher than you are used to during the summer months, but don't detect that you are running the AC at an unusually high level for the time of year, there is something you should be able to point to.

If you find that there are certain rooms or areas in your home that are strangely difficult to cool off, when other areas are just fine, then you have to ask questions about how well your air is being distributed to that area. That can relate directly to the air ducts. if the air just doesn't feel right in a room, you know that there is something wrong. You need to know where your ducts are.

Do you have a basement? The crawl space is an obvious area. How about the garage? Many homes have an attic as well. Do you know anything about the construction of your home? Are you aware of what a poorly sealed duct looks like? Do you have the proper sealant to do the job yourself?

You might, but that is only one step. It is strongly suggested that you contact an air conditioning professional to make sure that you aren't losing a lot of energy efficiency by not having the proper ductwork in place.

 

As a consumer, you have been through all kinds of situations where things didn't turn out the way they seemed in the beginning. Maybe you've been to a car lot, where you were in a buying mood, and made the decision, only to find out that the price of your car was really going to be a lot higher than what showed on the sticker. That is known as "sticker shock," and it has taken on a meaning that spreads across all kinds of circumstances.

If you have found yourself in the unfortunate situation of seeing your air conditioning break down, you don't have much choice other than to do some extensive repairs or to replace it completely. Since you are, in all likelihood, not an AC professional yourself, you have to call one. They come and give you an estimate, then at the end of the job you find out that it is 30% more than you were told. Then there are the explanations about this or that running over the anticipated costs.

That becomes a nightmare, especially if you are on a tight budget to begin with. It's certainly nowhere you want to be. The good news is that you don't have to wind up there.

In almost every metropolitan area of this country, you'll be able to find HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) companies who operate with a lot more reputability than that. Their standard of doing the business with the customer is to reveal all the costs up front. You will, after an evaluation of your home, receive a written estimate of everything, before any of the work is done. And they will back it up. Nothing begins until you've signed off on it, so you don't have to hear the dreaded explanation that "It's too late, we've already started."

Companies who are not operating at high standards have been known to drive the price of a job up by adding on a lot of hidden costs, so that they have already trapped you. Then, if you have a problem with that, it starts a whole quagmire of problems that will just wind up costing you more money before it's over. You could complain to the Better Business Bureau, but frankly, a lot of companies who engage in such a practice know they're not going to get a lot of work from people who call the Better Business Bureau anyway.

If you think you're getting a good price, think again. That might just be the tip of the iceberg. Stick with HVAC companies who will tell you everything up front and don't minding getting behind what they say.

Every time the summer rolls around, homeowners hope that their air conditioning unit will work. Instead of hoping on your unit to work, it is a good idea to plan ahead. Homeowners can plan ahead each season by signing up for a maintenance agreement with their air conditioning technician. This way, as each season rolls around, their unit will be serviced and will maintain its workability.

Air conditioning maintenance agreements will vary depending on the company you use. Some companies offer seasonal maintenance agreements while another option is annually or bimonthly. Homeowners will need to do a little research to find out what agreement will suit their needs and then find a company that offers the best service plan.

The best plan to go with is the seasonal or bimonthly basis. With this plan, homeowners will see a technician come to their home at the beginning of every season or every two to three months. Plans will vary but most times, a technician will check all parts of the air conditioning unit and then discuss any problems that may be present.

Homeowners can also choose to purchase a cleaning package if it does not come with the maintenance agreement. A cleaning package would include cleaning of the unit to maintain the integrity of the machinery to makes user it will continue to work for the next season.

Any add-ons and extras included in a maintenance package can be discussed with a certified technician. There will be different choices depending on the company you choose. A basic package is not very expensive and will save you money in the long run so it is a great choice for homeowners. Adding on other options will cost more but could be beneficial depending on your home’s needs.

Homeowners interested in signing up for a maintenance agreement will need to contact their local HVAC technician and begin discussing the options they offer. It is a good idea to contact several reputable companies and get a detailed list of maintenance plans. This way you can compare what each company offers and make a decision based on the best deal as well as type of service.

If you have your unit serviced on a regular basis it will last for many years and maintain the coolness and comfort in your home. Look at a maintenance agreement as an investment in your comfort!

When it comes to new air conditioning installation there are many options available. Homeowners should consider which option is best for their home before making the plunge. Certified technicians will be able to help you decide which unit is best for you after visiting your home and finding out your cooling needs.

A popular installation choice is the central unit. This type of unit can be expensive but is well worth the money. A central air conditioning unit will cool your home and newer models are now more energy efficient to help save you money while helping the environment.

This unit has two parts: one on the inside and one on the outside. The outside portion is connected to the inside via a series of ductwork which will push the air throughout your home. On the inside of your home you will have a return which will hold your air filter. The air filter filters the air to keep the air quality in your home fresh and healthy.

A central air unit uses a thermostat so homeowners can set the temperature in the home. With this option, homeowners will be able to choose the coolness of their home which is a great luxury. With this type of installation, homeowners can add items such as a programmable thermostat to be able to set the temperature in the home while they are away. This is an added expense but will help homeowners save money as they can program the thermostat to turn up during the day while they are at work or just out of the house.

The central air option is great for homeowners who have any type of home but especially for older homes. This option cools the entire house instead of just individuals rooms like the option we will discuss next.

The next option is room by room cooling which comes in the form of a window or wall air conditioning unit. This unit is a small box type option which can be placed in a window or on the wall. This option cools individual rooms and is very cost effective. This option is good for homeowners with small homes or those who need to install a unit that will cool just one room or a small area. This option is also good for those who do not have the funds to install a full central unit option.