Last week Lennox taught you about their Precise Comfort™ cooling technology, now learn about their Precise Comfort™ furnace technology! It may not be cold now, but it doesn't hurt to be prepared!
For more than 30 years, R.S. Andrews of Tidewater, Inc. has provided our customers with fast, friendly and professional service. We are your hometown heating & cooling professionals. (757) 488-9611
Friday, June 28, 2013
Friday, June 21, 2013
Lennox Precise Comfort™ Systems
Call and ask us for more information about the Lennox Precise Comfort™ XC25 Air Conditioner and the XP25 Heat Pump today!
Friday, June 14, 2013
Bigger is not always better!
So the addition to the home is complete and now it is time to address the cooling and heating system. Put in a system that is too small and it will not have enough power to keep your homes climate comfortable. Go too big and the system will cycle on and off frequently, wasting a lot of electricity as well as shortening the life span of the unit.
Getting the size right will help keep the electricity bills low and the home feeling just right. If a remodel is in your future, an HVAC professional can give you the guidance as to what size unit would be the way for you to proceed with. The dealer will also be able to test the air flow of the installed unit and adjust it accordingly. Tuning in the air flow will help make a difference in the performance of the unit as well as saving you money by doing so.
There are plenty of other ways to save money and we would love to answer any questions you may have. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Getting the size right will help keep the electricity bills low and the home feeling just right. If a remodel is in your future, an HVAC professional can give you the guidance as to what size unit would be the way for you to proceed with. The dealer will also be able to test the air flow of the installed unit and adjust it accordingly. Tuning in the air flow will help make a difference in the performance of the unit as well as saving you money by doing so.
There are plenty of other ways to save money and we would love to answer any questions you may have. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Avoid A/C Problems this Summer.
Midsummer air conditioner breakdowns are inconvenient, uncomfortable and expensive. The best way to prevent a breakdown and the following issues is to schedule preventive maintenance with a qualified HVAC professional.
Low refrigerant level.
If your air conditioner was properly charged during its installation, a low refrigerant level means you have a leak. A technician can find and fix a leak, then test the repair and top of your systems refrigerant to match the manufacturer recommended level.
Drainage problems.
During periods of high humidity your condensate drain may become clogged resulting in an overflow and system shutdown. The clog can be removed with a plumber's snake. Any water damage will have to be completely dried to control and prevent the growth of mold.
Electrical control failure.
Corroded terminals/wires and loose electrical connections can prevent your system from working efficiently, or entirely even. Have a technician take a look and tighten the electrical connections, inspect the terminals and wires, and test the electrical control to ensure proper cycling.
Dust buildup.
Over time dust can build up in your air conditioner, causing the fan, motor or condenser to fail. An annual tune-up includes dust removal and between maintenance you can prevent dust build up by doing the following:
• Check your air filter monthly and replace it when it's dirty.
• Keep the area around your indoor unit free of dust.
• Hose down your outdoor unit monthly to remove debris and dirt from the coil and fins.
• Remove obstructions such as plants growth from around the unit.
Sensor Problems
Room air conditioners have a sensor that tells the unit when to cycle. If this sensor because bent or damaged, open the panel and bend it so that it's close to the coil but not touching it.
If you haven't had annual maintenance in the past year, or just want to be sure your system is running efficiently this summer, give us a call today!
Low refrigerant level.
If your air conditioner was properly charged during its installation, a low refrigerant level means you have a leak. A technician can find and fix a leak, then test the repair and top of your systems refrigerant to match the manufacturer recommended level.
Drainage problems.
During periods of high humidity your condensate drain may become clogged resulting in an overflow and system shutdown. The clog can be removed with a plumber's snake. Any water damage will have to be completely dried to control and prevent the growth of mold.
Electrical control failure.
Corroded terminals/wires and loose electrical connections can prevent your system from working efficiently, or entirely even. Have a technician take a look and tighten the electrical connections, inspect the terminals and wires, and test the electrical control to ensure proper cycling.
Dust buildup.
Over time dust can build up in your air conditioner, causing the fan, motor or condenser to fail. An annual tune-up includes dust removal and between maintenance you can prevent dust build up by doing the following:
• Check your air filter monthly and replace it when it's dirty.
• Keep the area around your indoor unit free of dust.
• Hose down your outdoor unit monthly to remove debris and dirt from the coil and fins.
• Remove obstructions such as plants growth from around the unit.
Sensor Problems
Room air conditioners have a sensor that tells the unit when to cycle. If this sensor because bent or damaged, open the panel and bend it so that it's close to the coil but not touching it.
If you haven't had annual maintenance in the past year, or just want to be sure your system is running efficiently this summer, give us a call today!
Friday, June 7, 2013
5 More Indoor Air Quality Tips
Another day, another set of tips to improve your indoor air quality!
Keep the floors clean!
Less dirt on the floors means less dirt in the air. Keeping everything nice and vacuumed/mopped reduced chemicals and allergens such as pollen, dander, dust-mites, lead and fire-retardants. Use door mats and leave shoes at the door to further stop the spread of dirt and pollutants in your home.
Keep the humidity down!
Make sure humidity levels stay in the 30 to 50 percent range, especially during the summer. Dust mites and mold thrive in humidity, so reducing it with the assistance of your Air Conditioner helps to control allergies and improve indoor air quality. If your air conditioner isn't keeping up with humidity control, consider upgrading to a high-efficiency model or invest in a whole-home dehumidifier.
Don't smoke inside!
This probably doesn't come as a surprise to anyone, but the thousands of chemicals in cigarette smoke significantly reduces indoor air quality and puts everyone at greater risk of respiratory infections, asthma, cancer and heart disease.
Steer clear of radon!
Radon is a naturally occurring colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the US. It can circulate your home through cracks and holes in your foundation. Any home could have potential radon issues. Read more about radon and what to do about it in the federal EPA's "Consumer's Guide to Radon Reduction" page.
Minimize the use of synthetics!
Synthetic fragrances in cleaning solutions, laundry products and air fresheners are hazardous to your health. They can release chemicals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and toxic or hazardous fumes. Purchase fragrance-free or naturally scented products and avoid aerosols. Use natural cleaners such as baking soda and vinegar scented with lemons or oils. Open windows to ventilate air pollutants out of your home, and use plants such as ivy, ferns and aloe to help cleanse the air in your home.
For more information on improving your indoor air quality, or to add an indoor air quality related system, give us a call today!
Keep the floors clean!
Less dirt on the floors means less dirt in the air. Keeping everything nice and vacuumed/mopped reduced chemicals and allergens such as pollen, dander, dust-mites, lead and fire-retardants. Use door mats and leave shoes at the door to further stop the spread of dirt and pollutants in your home.
Keep the humidity down!
Make sure humidity levels stay in the 30 to 50 percent range, especially during the summer. Dust mites and mold thrive in humidity, so reducing it with the assistance of your Air Conditioner helps to control allergies and improve indoor air quality. If your air conditioner isn't keeping up with humidity control, consider upgrading to a high-efficiency model or invest in a whole-home dehumidifier.
Don't smoke inside!
This probably doesn't come as a surprise to anyone, but the thousands of chemicals in cigarette smoke significantly reduces indoor air quality and puts everyone at greater risk of respiratory infections, asthma, cancer and heart disease.
Steer clear of radon!
Radon is a naturally occurring colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the US. It can circulate your home through cracks and holes in your foundation. Any home could have potential radon issues. Read more about radon and what to do about it in the federal EPA's "Consumer's Guide to Radon Reduction" page.
Minimize the use of synthetics!
Synthetic fragrances in cleaning solutions, laundry products and air fresheners are hazardous to your health. They can release chemicals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and toxic or hazardous fumes. Purchase fragrance-free or naturally scented products and avoid aerosols. Use natural cleaners such as baking soda and vinegar scented with lemons or oils. Open windows to ventilate air pollutants out of your home, and use plants such as ivy, ferns and aloe to help cleanse the air in your home.
For more information on improving your indoor air quality, or to add an indoor air quality related system, give us a call today!
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Minimize the Heat Gain in Your Home!
Looking to save some money this summer? Minimize the heat gain by addressing the primary areas that homes gain heat: the ceilings, the walls, and the windows. It's not hard or expensive to lower the heat gain and it can go a long way towards keeping your home cooler without stressing the AC. And better yet you'll also be helping to keep the cold air out during the winter! Here's how to address the primary areas for heat gain:
Ceilings:
Install more insulation, it will prevent the flow of heat from the attic through your ceilings. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends at least 16 inches of cellulose or fiberglass insulation the attic. Cellulose and fiberglass insulation are readily available at any home improvement store, along with the equipment to blow them in. Fiberglass batts are also an additional simple option.
Walls:
Using landscaping to cut the heat coming through the walls works particularly well, especially if you use deciduous trees or bushes. In the summer the leaves shade your home, reducing the heat that makes it through to your home. Alternatively you can paint the east, south, and west walls of your home a brighter color to reflect sunlight.
Windows:
Single-pane windows have very little thermal resistance, so anything you can do to shade or block the infrared heat from entering them will keep your home cooler. Shade screens use a shade clloth that can block as much as 90% of heat that hits the glass, and solar window film is a semi-permanent solution for the thermal changes. If your budget allows for it, thermal or Energy Star windows are a long-term solution and may add to the value of your home.
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and summer-proof your home! For any other HVAC repairs, installations or assistance, give us a call today!
Ceilings:
Install more insulation, it will prevent the flow of heat from the attic through your ceilings. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends at least 16 inches of cellulose or fiberglass insulation the attic. Cellulose and fiberglass insulation are readily available at any home improvement store, along with the equipment to blow them in. Fiberglass batts are also an additional simple option.
Walls:
Using landscaping to cut the heat coming through the walls works particularly well, especially if you use deciduous trees or bushes. In the summer the leaves shade your home, reducing the heat that makes it through to your home. Alternatively you can paint the east, south, and west walls of your home a brighter color to reflect sunlight.
Windows:
Single-pane windows have very little thermal resistance, so anything you can do to shade or block the infrared heat from entering them will keep your home cooler. Shade screens use a shade clloth that can block as much as 90% of heat that hits the glass, and solar window film is a semi-permanent solution for the thermal changes. If your budget allows for it, thermal or Energy Star windows are a long-term solution and may add to the value of your home.
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and summer-proof your home! For any other HVAC repairs, installations or assistance, give us a call today!
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