Do you have an outdoor living space?
Grab a cool drink, pull up a lounge chair and put on the sunglasses…summer will be here in just a few short weeks! How do you plan on spending the season – huddled indoors or enjoying the sunshine?
Having a designated outdoor living space makes it much more convenient to enjoy the warmer weather. If you don’t have one, you could be missing out! If you are considering adding one to your home, there are some things to keep in mind.
Spend less time indoors. Spending lots of time indoors can increase the demand on your air conditioner and raise utility bills. Nothing rains on a warm summer day like a high electric bill.
Build in the shade. Think you can’t enjoy an outdoor living space on really hot days? Think again. If you set up your space in a shaded area, it can be much cooler. As long as you stay hydrated and out of the sun, the heat shouldn’t hold you back.
Think about the plants nearby. Live in an area that has mosquitoes? Consider planting a citronella plant near your outdoor space. Worried about sunburns? Consider planting an aloe plant. Adding plants can make your outdoor space much more inviting. Why not plan things that have more than one use?
Add a grilling area. Taking the cooking outdoors during the summer is a great way to lessen the demand on your air conditioner. Plus, nothing quite says summer like a backyard barbecue.
Think about how often you are going indoors and outdoors. Opening and closing exterior doors many time can let in hot air and increase the demand on your air conditioner.
Have a split system air conditioner? Make sure to design your space away from your condenser. You don’t want to block airflow and lower efficiency.
Are you considering an outdoor living space?
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Do you have to replace your air conditioner before summer starts?
Maybe something came up during preventative maintenance… Maybe your bills have skyrocketed… Maybe you turned on the system only to find it blowing HOT air… Whatever the reason, replacing an air conditioner is an important investment.
The air conditioner you choose today is going to be with you for the next 10-15 years (on average). Because HVAC equipment is such an infrequent purchase, homeowners may feel lost when they embark on the purchasing journey.
Here are some things to help you through the buying process.
Everything rests on the shoulders of the contractor you choose… so choose well. Often, the efficiency and performance of your air conditioner is determined by the quality of the install. The average “Joe” is not going to be able to effectively install your air conditioner. Make sure the contractor you choose comes out to your home BEFORE giving you a quote – no pricing on the back of a business card or over the phone. Make sure they ask a lot of questions. After all, how are they going to know what you want if they don’t ask? Lastly, make sure they are up-to-date on training, licenses and permits. You want the job done right the first time. If you think hiring a qualified contractor is expensive, just see how much is costs to hire one who cuts corners.
Explore your efficiency options. A good rule-of-thumb is to invest in the most efficiency you can afford. Luckily, air conditioners come in a range of efficiencies that can fit any budget or need. A more efficient unit is going to be more expensive up front, but it may pay for itself over the course of its life.
Find out if you have an air conditioner or heat pump. Heat pumps can provide electric heating capabilities in addition to electric cooling. This can make it a great option for those nights when an air conditioner would have to tap into backup heat to keep a home comfortable. Ask your contractor what is popular in your area.
Make sure you ask your contractor whether they register your warranty, or whether it is up to you to register your warranty. Most HVAC manufacturers require product registration for their long parts warranties. It is a simple step, but one that is frequently overlooked.
Are you ready to buy your new air conditioner? Find a qualified local contractor and the rest should be a breeze.
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How much do you know about coils?
The weather is already heating up. Spring has already bought about some uncharacteristically warm temperatures to many areas of the United States. It’s looking like it’s going to be one hot summer! Do you know if your air conditioner is ready to tackle the heat? Each component of your air conditioner must be operating properly for you to enjoy maximum efficiency and comfort. Knowing what each component does can help you understand your contractor better during a service appointment.
It’s time for another component highlight – coils. An air conditioner contains two coils – an outdoor condenser coil and an indoor evaporator coil. If either of these coils were to malfunction, your air conditioner will not be able to supply cool air for your home.
So, what are the different types of coils? Well, condenser coils are located in the outdoor portion of your air conditioner. When refrigerant is inside the condenser coil, it does just what you would think it would do – it condenses the refrigerant into a liquid. It does this by transferring heat from the refrigerant to the outdoor air. Have you ever stood next to your outdoor unit? This process is the reason the air coming out of your air conditioner is warm!
The next coil is the evaporator coil. In this indoor coil, the refrigerant evaporates from a liquid into a gas. It does this by removing heat from air that is blown across the evaporator coil. This is the part of the cooling process that results in cool air. The air that is blown across the coil is cooled and then distributed throughout your home through your ductwork.
Knowing what the different components in your air conditioner do can make it clear why scheduling preventative maintenance in the spring is so important to the health of your air conditioner. If one component isn’t working well, it affects the operation of all other components. Make sure to call a qualified local contractor today, before the start of the peak cooling season. You won’t regret it when temperature start to soar during the summer.
Are there any other components you want to learn more about?
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Have you ever heard of a compressor?
We’re coming up on the peak cooling season! Is your air conditioner ready to handle the heat? Air conditioners are complex pieces of equipment that help make our homes comfortable during the summer. And, any HVAC system that provides cooling to your home includes a compressor.
If we’re comparing your air conditioner to the human body, the compressor would be like the heart. This component helps circulate refrigerant throughout your air conditioning system. It compresses so that it reaches the right pressure and temperature for optimal heat transfer.
However, the compressor also uses the most energy out of all the components of your central cooling system. Different kinds of compressors can operate at different efficiency levels. There are two main compressor designs – scroll and rotary.
Scroll compressors contain two spiral shaped compressors – one of which stays stationary while the other rotates around it. This motion provides the necessary compression function.
Rotary compressors contain a roller that rotates off center to provide necessary compression. Ultra-high efficiency equipment has an additional component that works alongside the rotary compressor – the inverter. Units that contain an inverter can modulate between capacities. This way you are using just the right amount of energy to cool your home at any given time – saving money and increasing comfort.
Your best resource when it comes to heating and air conditioning knowledge is your local HVAC contractor. In fact, now is the time to give them a call and schedule preventative maintenance.
What other components of your HVAC system would you like to learn about?
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Are you prepared for the warmer weather?
Happy first week of spring, all! Has warmer weather moved into your area? In the Midwest, the first day of spring brought the first wave of summer for some parts – temperatures nearing 90F! Is your air conditioner ready to tackle the heat?
What is your favorite part of spring? Ours? Spring preventative air conditioner maintenance, of course!
Why is that? Well, it is the best way to get your air conditioner in peak condition for cooling season. During a preventative maintenance appointment, your contractor can catch any minor issues with your cooling equipment that may cause big problems for you during the cooling season. There is nothing worse than a “no cool” call in the middle of July!
Also, remember with spring comes allergies! Those beautiful flowers blooming around you are great to look at, but can wreck havoc on your health. One of the best defenses against springtime allergies is your air filter. Add “change the furnace filter” to your spring cleaning to-do list. This way you can breathe easier.
Are you ready to schedule spring preventative maintenance? Make sure you do some research and find a reputable local heating and cooling contractor. They will be able to perform maintenance AND set you up with IAQ products that can help reduce allergens in your home.
Have you scheduled preventative maintenance yet?
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Do you know how your air conditioner cools?
Your air conditioner is arguably the most important large appliance in your home during the cooling season. You may not notice it when it is working properly, but you sure notice it when it is not working 100%. Each part of an air conditioner plays a crucial role. If one part isn’t working right, the whole system will not work right.
It’s never a good idea to attempt to fix your air conditioner yourself. However, the below definitions can help you understand what your contractor is talking about when they come to work on your heating and cooling equipment.
Compressor. Any central cooling HVAC system uses a compressor. It compresses the refrigerant in your system to get it to the correct pressure and temperature before the refrigerant moves on to the condenser coil.
Condenser Coil. One of two coils that are a part of your central cooling system. The condenser coil is located outdoors (in a split system) and is where heat is removed from the refrigerant – condensing the refrigerant into a liquid.
Evaporator Coil. This is the second of two coils that are located in your central cooling system. In a split system, the evaporator coil is located indoors and is where refrigerant absorbs heat from the air.
Linset. The linset connects your indoor and outdoor equipment (in a split system) and is responsible for circulating the refrigerant through your cooling system.
IAQ. Indoor air quality components are a crucial part of your cooling system. This category includes products that help purify the air, remove allergens, eliminate odors, etc.
Thermostat. Think of the thermostat as the “brains behind the operation.” This is where you control your comfort. A thermostat can be non-programmable, programmable, Wi-Fi compatible, etc.
Refrigerant. Arguably one of the most important components of your cooling system. Refrigerant is what facilitates the transfer of heat either into or out of the air blowing over one of the coils.
Remember, if you think something isn’t right, contact your local heating and cooling contractor. Never attempt to fix your cooling equipment yourself. In fact, now is the time to schedule spring preventative maintenance. This is the best way to avoid any potential problems that could cause a “no cool” call during the busy season.
Are there other cooling components that you want to learn more about?
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Tricks for keeping cool in your home during the summer
Fall may be creeping closer and closer, but summer temperatures are still very much present. Has it been hotter than usual around your home this summer? There are a lot of things you can do around your home that can help keep things cool when temperatures soar.
Ultimately, you want your equipment to be running as efficiently as possible and operating smoothly. Here is a list of things you can do to make sure that you stay cool during the summer.
- Keep windows and doors closed
- Use blinds and curtains to block sunlight.
- Rearrange your furniture so that you aren’t blocking any vents or registers.
- Keep registers and vents open.
- Check to make sure your pets have not accidentally closed a vent while lying on it.
- Change your furnace filter regularly, particularly if you have pets.
- Shade your south-facing windows.
- Seal any air leaks around your windows and doors.
- Shade your air conditioning condenser (the box that sits outside).
- Have your ducts cleaned each year.
- Have preventable maintenance performed on your air conditioner each year.
Make sure you mark your 2017 calendar for a spring clean and check. It’s never too early to plan ahead!
If you think that your air conditioner is not performing to the best of its ability, contract your local heating and cooling contractor.
Do you do these things every year? What other tasks do you have for keeping cool during the summer?
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Don’t buy a new home cooling system without exploring all of your options.
Having your home cooling system break during the summer can be a stressful, frustrating thing to go through. But, when you go to replace the unit, the number of different options available can add a layer of confusion to the whole process – there are so many systems to choose from!
With the help of this guide and your local heating and cooling contractor, you can be sure to get the right unit for your home. The first step is knowing what your options are and what they do. Here is a list of most of the home cooling system options available.
Window Air Conditioners. Let’s start off with the good old window air unit. These are more targeted, affordable cooling solutions – used when you want certain rooms cool and may not have the resources for a central air conditioning system. And, while they have benefits, they also have some drawbacks. These units may not be able to provide a whole-home cooling solution and still maintain its economical appeal.
Central Air Conditioners. When you think of a cooling system, a split-system central air conditioner is probably the first thing that comes to mind. These systems use ducts to deliver cool air to every room in your home. They can be paired with either an air handler or a furnace and can come in a range of efficiencies. They also come in packaged and split varieties. Remember, packaged units have all of their components outdoors – even the heating element. Split systems have both indoor and outdoor components.
Heat Pumps. Central air conditioners are great, BUT wouldn’t it be good if you had the option to heat your home using electricity as well? That’s where a heat pump comes in. It uses the same process that an air conditioner uses to cool your home, but is also able to reverse the process to provide heating. This is ideal for times when you need some heating power, but you don’t quite need the power of a gas furnace. These units are typically more efficient than other electric heating methods because they don’t have to create original heat; instead they use heat transfer. Heat pumps come in a range of efficiencies, and in packaged and split varieties.
Gas Packs. Those that need a packaged system (if you’re replacing a packaged unit, chances are you will choose another packaged unit) should look at their gas pack options. This all-in-one unit combines the power of an air conditioner and gas furnace in one – so electric cooling and gas heating power. They come in a range or efficiencies and sizes – perfect for most installations.
Dual-Fuel Systems. Now if you want the versatility of the heat pump/gas furnace pairing, a dual-fuel system is the way to go. It is able to provide electric cooling, electric heating and gas heating. This way you are always using the most efficient heating method for the weather conditions.
When you have a new HVAC system installed in your home, you also want to make sure that your contractor takes a look at your ductwork, does a Manual J load calculation and recommends the IAQ products that will suit your needs. Need a jumping off point? Start by hiring a local heating and cooling contractor. They can give you more advice on ideal system selection.
What other things do you want to know about heating and cooling?
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This summer is heating up! Do you know how to stay safe in the heat?
The summer heat has been intense. And, as we reach the peak of summer, it’s important that we remember some safety tips for hot weather. Of course, the best way to stay safe during those hotter days is to stay indoors and enjoy your central air conditioning system. But, for those occasions that do mandate an outdoor excursion, safety should be at the forefront of your mind.
Here are some things you should keep in mind during extreme heat waves.
Always stay hydrated. Yes, this includes when you go to the pool as well. If you are outside – whether that’s for work or play – make sure you have a water bottle of some sort with you at all times.
Take advantage of shade. There are many ways that you can take advantage of shade. You can set up patio furniture and outdoor spaces in the shade, wear a hat or bring an umbrella.
Be safe at the pool. Not only should you hydrate at the pool, but you should make sure to put on sunblock and shower before you enter the water.
Wear sunblock when you aren’t at the pool. You may directly attribute sunburns to spending too much time at the pool, but you should wear sunblock on exposed areas of your body every day of the summer.
Keep your pets in mind. Our furry friends love the shade too! Make sure you are bringing them indoors during the heat. A shaded dog house isn’t always enough!
Invest in an outdoor fan. If you are having people over during the evening and plan on taking the party outdoors, have a fan ready! Not only can fans help you feel cooler, but they can keep mosquitoes away.
Dress for the weather. And, this isn’t just about wearing shorts and t-shirts. Loose-fitting clothing and lighter clothing is actually a better idea during extreme heat waves.
Work on that lawn during the evenings. You should not be outside working on your yard during the peak temperatures of the day. Push it off as long as you can (just don’t disturb your neighbors).
Do not leave children and pets in hot cars. Even if it is just for a few minutes. You’d be surprised how quickly a car can heat up.
Know the symptoms of heat stroke, heat exhaustion and dehydration. If you or a family member start displaying symptoms of any of these conditions, seek immediate medical attention.
What other things do you try to keep in mind during hotter summer days?
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What affects cooling efficiency? It’s more than you may think.
With a severe heat wave moving over the Midwest, it’s more important than ever to keep the efficiency of your cooling equipment in mind – whether that is an air conditioner or heat pump. Cooling efficiency is important for not only comfort, but reducing how much you spend on cooling during the summer.
In order to really decrease the amount of money you spend on cooling during these extreme heat waves, it’s important that you understand the things that heavily affect cooling efficiency. Here are some things to keep in mind when trying to maximize the efficiency of your cooling equipment.
Airflow. One of the key factors of efficiency is proper airflow. Make sure there is proper clearance around your air conditioner, your system is free from debris and there are no obstructions in your ductwork.
Upkeep. Like your car, your air conditioner needs frequent check-ups. Your air conditioner should be serviced once-per-year (ideally in the spring). If you’ve missed the boat, you can always have a contractor come out and look at your air conditioner at any point in time. Just remember, it is always better to head-off a problem instead of waiting for one to find you.
Air Leaks. Just like too little airflow can be a problem, too much can also be a problem. Make sure you weatherize your home before the cooling season, and make sure to keep windows and doors closed while your air conditioner is in operation.
Thermostat settings. Find the highest temperature you are comfortable with and stick with it. A few degrees isn’t going to kill comfort, but it can make a difference at the end of the month. Frequently changing the temperature of a non-programmable thermostat can also be an efficiency killer. If you want customized temperature settings, invest in a programmable thermostat model.
Think beyond the box outside. There is more to your central cooling system than just the box that sits outside. When you get your system checked, make sure you consider your thermostat, ductwork and indoor equipment (if you have a split system) as well.
Knowing when to replace. If it seems like your cooling bills keep rising year after year, it could be an indication that your system is nearing the ends of its lifespan. If you are having to make frequent repairs and your air conditioner is nearing the 12-year mark, it may be time to consider an efficient replacement.
Always doing your research. When it comes to selecting your equipment, choosing your contractor and running your system at ideal operating levels – research is key. Do you need an air conditioner or heat pump? Is a programmable thermostat the best model for your needs? Do your local contractors have a positive reputation? All of these are great questions to ask.
If it’s time to replace your old cooling system with something more efficient, make sure you get in touch with your local HVAC contractor. They can steer you in the right direction.
Has the hotter summer affected your summer plans? Make sure you stay safe during excessive heat conditioners!