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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
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Common Ductless AC Problems
Ductless air conditioners can have different problems than those of regular ductwork air conditioners, different signs and different fixes. Here are 3 of the more common problems and signs for ductless mini-split air conditioners:
• Not enough cooling - Possibly the most common issue. The most likely culprits are a clogged air filter, low refrigerant, a broken compressor, or a bad fan motor.
• Unusual noises - If your system starts to make new noises you should call in the pros asap. If it's gurgling, screeching, squealing, hissing or otherwise it's probably only going to get worse the longer you wait. You may have a refrigerant leak or a bad motor somewhere.
• System won't turn on - This can be caused by a broken thermostat which controls when the system is supposed to turn on. It could also be caused by faulty motors for the fan or compressor, or maybe even a bad capacitor which provides a surge of power for the system to turn on.
Ductless or otherwise, if your air conditioner is having issues, give us a call today and get everything running as it should be!
• Not enough cooling - Possibly the most common issue. The most likely culprits are a clogged air filter, low refrigerant, a broken compressor, or a bad fan motor.
• Unusual noises - If your system starts to make new noises you should call in the pros asap. If it's gurgling, screeching, squealing, hissing or otherwise it's probably only going to get worse the longer you wait. You may have a refrigerant leak or a bad motor somewhere.
• System won't turn on - This can be caused by a broken thermostat which controls when the system is supposed to turn on. It could also be caused by faulty motors for the fan or compressor, or maybe even a bad capacitor which provides a surge of power for the system to turn on.
Ductless or otherwise, if your air conditioner is having issues, give us a call today and get everything running as it should be!
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Freon is going the way of the dinosaurs, are you prepared?
The U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) along with the environmental agencies from many other nations around the globe have joined forces to phase out Freon. Scientific evidence has shown that Freon, otherwise known in the HVAC industry as 'R-22', damages the ozone layer that shields the earth from harmful ultraviolet sun rays. However, many consumers who still own older air conditioners and heat pumps that use Freon coolant are left wondering if their system can be recharged still.
The phase out is taking place over the course of approximately 20 years, and an existing system that uses Freon can be recharged until January 1st, 2020. However, due to a decrease in supply as a result of the phase out, the cost has significantly increased as of late. Homeowners who need to recharge their system due to a Freon leak or otherwise may find that they will have to spend several hundred dollars to do so.
In January 2010, air conditioning manufacturers stopped making equipment that uses Freon. When a Freon coolant system breaks down or starts leaking the homeowner must decide between repair and replacement, and it's only going to get more and more expensive as Freon becomes more difficult to obtain. For many homeowners a system upgrade is the better choice, economically in the long run, and environmentally. Newer systems use R-410A coolant, otherwise known as Puron, which is just as efficient as Freon without the negative environmental side-effects.
It's true that you can still buy Freon, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't start planning ahead toward your next air conditioner. An upgrade could net you lower energy bills and lower environmental impact today, so give us a call!
The phase out is taking place over the course of approximately 20 years, and an existing system that uses Freon can be recharged until January 1st, 2020. However, due to a decrease in supply as a result of the phase out, the cost has significantly increased as of late. Homeowners who need to recharge their system due to a Freon leak or otherwise may find that they will have to spend several hundred dollars to do so.
In January 2010, air conditioning manufacturers stopped making equipment that uses Freon. When a Freon coolant system breaks down or starts leaking the homeowner must decide between repair and replacement, and it's only going to get more and more expensive as Freon becomes more difficult to obtain. For many homeowners a system upgrade is the better choice, economically in the long run, and environmentally. Newer systems use R-410A coolant, otherwise known as Puron, which is just as efficient as Freon without the negative environmental side-effects.
It's true that you can still buy Freon, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't start planning ahead toward your next air conditioner. An upgrade could net you lower energy bills and lower environmental impact today, so give us a call!
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Are you beating the heat?
It's still hot outside, but fall is just around the corner. Are you beating the heat?
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Both energy conservation and energy efficiency result in less energy used. Energy conservation is doing something, often an alternative way, that results in lower or no energy use. An example would be to air dry your clothes rather than run the dryer. Energy efficiency is the efficiency that a technology uses energy, like a fluorescent light bulb using less energy than a traditional one. While energy efficient technologies typically have a bigger up-front cost, both energy efficiency and energy conservation will (eventually) result in money savings.
Here are some ways you can conserve energy:
• Turn off the lights when you're done in a room.
• Turn off the TV, Computers, etc. when you aren't using them. Additionally, turn off the power strips they are plugged into at night; TVs, DVD players and the like use several watts of power while in standby mode.
• Air dry your dishes.
• Air dry your clothes.
• Take short showers instead of baths or long showers.
• Close the doors and windows to your home when the heating or cooling system is running.
Here are some ways you can be energy efficient:
• Purchase a programmable thermostat to efficiently manage your systems and temperatures.
• Purchase low-flow shower-heads.
• Washing laundry and dishes only at full capacity to maximize efficiency.
• Use appliances, electronics and light bulbs with Energy Star labels, as these products meet very strict efficiency requirements.
• Purchase a newer, more energy efficient heating and cooling. You'd be surprised how far efficiency and standard efficiency requirements have come.
If you're looking for a new system or maybe just a thermostat, give us a call today!
Here are some ways you can conserve energy:
• Turn off the lights when you're done in a room.
• Turn off the TV, Computers, etc. when you aren't using them. Additionally, turn off the power strips they are plugged into at night; TVs, DVD players and the like use several watts of power while in standby mode.
• Air dry your dishes.
• Air dry your clothes.
• Take short showers instead of baths or long showers.
• Close the doors and windows to your home when the heating or cooling system is running.
Here are some ways you can be energy efficient:
• Purchase a programmable thermostat to efficiently manage your systems and temperatures.
• Purchase low-flow shower-heads.
• Washing laundry and dishes only at full capacity to maximize efficiency.
• Use appliances, electronics and light bulbs with Energy Star labels, as these products meet very strict efficiency requirements.
• Purchase a newer, more energy efficient heating and cooling. You'd be surprised how far efficiency and standard efficiency requirements have come.
If you're looking for a new system or maybe just a thermostat, give us a call today!
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Key AC Installation Factors That Can Make Or Break Performance.
So maybe you've decided it's time for a new Air Conditioning system, or maybe you're just wondering what could be keeping the one you have from performing as good as it could be. Here's 4 of the most important factors to consider when your having a system installed:
System Size - It's relatively common for systems to be too big or too small for a home's needs, unfortunately. Being anything aside from perfect can affect your systems efficiency. A system that is too big will start and stop too often adding extra wear to the components as well as supplying inferior humidity control. A system that is too small will run for far too long, and struggle to keep up on hot days.
Duct Leaks - Air leaks in the ductwork can account for up to 35% of a home's total energy loss. Plus, unfiltered air from the attic or crawlspace can find it's way into your cleaner, distributed air.
Airflow - If your airflow is poor, then your ideal temperature will be hard, if not impossible, to achieve; but your air conditioner will keep trying anyway. A well-trained professional can check for restrictive grills or ductwork design, improperly sized ducts or if your air handler is incompatible with your other equipment.
Refrigerant Charge - This often goes unnoticed to homeowners; up to 70% of home A/C units are using an incorrect refrigerant charge. An HVAC technician will know how to set this charge, maximizing the efficiency of your system.
If you're planning on buying a new Air Conditioner or suspect any of these problems with your current system, call us today to make sure whatever system you have will run great!
System Size - It's relatively common for systems to be too big or too small for a home's needs, unfortunately. Being anything aside from perfect can affect your systems efficiency. A system that is too big will start and stop too often adding extra wear to the components as well as supplying inferior humidity control. A system that is too small will run for far too long, and struggle to keep up on hot days.
Duct Leaks - Air leaks in the ductwork can account for up to 35% of a home's total energy loss. Plus, unfiltered air from the attic or crawlspace can find it's way into your cleaner, distributed air.
Airflow - If your airflow is poor, then your ideal temperature will be hard, if not impossible, to achieve; but your air conditioner will keep trying anyway. A well-trained professional can check for restrictive grills or ductwork design, improperly sized ducts or if your air handler is incompatible with your other equipment.
Refrigerant Charge - This often goes unnoticed to homeowners; up to 70% of home A/C units are using an incorrect refrigerant charge. An HVAC technician will know how to set this charge, maximizing the efficiency of your system.
If you're planning on buying a new Air Conditioner or suspect any of these problems with your current system, call us today to make sure whatever system you have will run great!
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Freons Affect on Energy Cost and Comfort
Freon is a refrigerant used to remove the heat from your home. When the levels are out of whack the efficiency of the system will drop. If either over charged or under charged with Freon, the air conditioner will cease to cool your home efficiently or effectively.
Maybe you've got a Freon leak; many homeowners have Freon problems right this moment and don't even know it. The system may be just barely keeping up with the summer heat, but it may be because of Freon level rather than it just being really hot out. If the problem doesn't lead to a break down, then you will definitely notice on your energy bills.
Here are the most common symptoms of a low Freon charge:
• The air coming out of the vents in your home should be freezing cold to the touch. if the air feels 'cool', but not 'cold', the Freon levels may be off.
• An ever increasing energy bill is another sign of a refrigerant issue. When Freon levels are low, the A/C must work much harder to remove the heat with whatever less-than-ideal ammount of Freon it has available.
• If the air conditioner is running 24 hours a day, it's not operating normally. Definitely a tip-off for a low Freon charge.
If you suspect that your system may be low on Freon, call today!
Maybe you've got a Freon leak; many homeowners have Freon problems right this moment and don't even know it. The system may be just barely keeping up with the summer heat, but it may be because of Freon level rather than it just being really hot out. If the problem doesn't lead to a break down, then you will definitely notice on your energy bills.
Here are the most common symptoms of a low Freon charge:
• The air coming out of the vents in your home should be freezing cold to the touch. if the air feels 'cool', but not 'cold', the Freon levels may be off.
• An ever increasing energy bill is another sign of a refrigerant issue. When Freon levels are low, the A/C must work much harder to remove the heat with whatever less-than-ideal ammount of Freon it has available.
• If the air conditioner is running 24 hours a day, it's not operating normally. Definitely a tip-off for a low Freon charge.
If you suspect that your system may be low on Freon, call today!
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Win a Lennox System and a year's supply of ice cream!
Are you an
"Energy Savings Superstar"? You could win a Lennox system and a
year's supply of ice cream! http://social.lennox.com/OWV
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Happy 4th of July!
Normally we're all about staying cool and comfortable in this intense heat, but tomorrow is the 4th of July! The Declaration of Independence was approved way back on the 4th of July 1776, a momentous landmark in our nations history. For many people the 4th brings on memories of the holiday in past years, full of annual parties, festivals and ceremonies. So gather your friends and family to get out there for a barbecue, enjoy some fireworks and have a good time.Stay safe and have fun!
Friday, June 28, 2013
Lennox Precise Comfort™ Furnace Technology
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!
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!
Thursday, May 30, 2013
More Tips to Keep Cool This Summer!
Not really HVAC related, but definitely relating to keeping cool: we've got some more little tips and tricks to keeping cool in spite of the heat outside.
1. Dress lightly! Wear short-sleeved, loose clothing, even indoors. Absorbent, wick-able cotton is the go to clothing for hot weather.
2. Drink plenty of water. Hopefully you're doing this already, but drinking water lowers your bodies core temperature and cools you down quickly.
3. Shut stuff off when you aren't using them (TVs, computers, stoves... obviously, etc.), appliances and electronics will generate a lot of extra heat that your system will have to handle.
4. Use the microwave instead of the stove when you can. The stove heats up the area around it when it cooks, whereas the microwave cooks the food directly and exclusively.
5. Wash and dry clothes when the day is cooler, and avoid the dry cycle if you can! Use a clothes line or rack to dry your clothes.
6. If your bathroom has a (private) window open it while you shower to vent the heat and humidity. If the window is not in a good spot for privacy then open it after your dressed to vent the room.
7. Run your AC on the low setting if it has it. This is particularly beneficial in humid areas, as the low air volume will help your AC dehumidify.
8. Keep heat producers away from the thermostat. If your TV is churning out heat right at the thermostat it's going to get an inaccurate read on the house and work hard to reach a temperature that isn't even correct.
9. Check your refrigerator settings. The fridge transfers heat out of your food and into your kitchen, so make sure you've got it running efficiently. The refrigerator works best between 37 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and the freezer at 5 degrees.
10. Close the fireplace damper. Don't let your cool air escape your home right out the chimney. If your fireplace has a glass door, close it!
Stay cool this summer, and if you've got any problems with your AC give us a call asap!
1. Dress lightly! Wear short-sleeved, loose clothing, even indoors. Absorbent, wick-able cotton is the go to clothing for hot weather.
2. Drink plenty of water. Hopefully you're doing this already, but drinking water lowers your bodies core temperature and cools you down quickly.
3. Shut stuff off when you aren't using them (TVs, computers, stoves... obviously, etc.), appliances and electronics will generate a lot of extra heat that your system will have to handle.
4. Use the microwave instead of the stove when you can. The stove heats up the area around it when it cooks, whereas the microwave cooks the food directly and exclusively.
5. Wash and dry clothes when the day is cooler, and avoid the dry cycle if you can! Use a clothes line or rack to dry your clothes.
6. If your bathroom has a (private) window open it while you shower to vent the heat and humidity. If the window is not in a good spot for privacy then open it after your dressed to vent the room.
7. Run your AC on the low setting if it has it. This is particularly beneficial in humid areas, as the low air volume will help your AC dehumidify.
8. Keep heat producers away from the thermostat. If your TV is churning out heat right at the thermostat it's going to get an inaccurate read on the house and work hard to reach a temperature that isn't even correct.
9. Check your refrigerator settings. The fridge transfers heat out of your food and into your kitchen, so make sure you've got it running efficiently. The refrigerator works best between 37 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and the freezer at 5 degrees.
10. Close the fireplace damper. Don't let your cool air escape your home right out the chimney. If your fireplace has a glass door, close it!
Stay cool this summer, and if you've got any problems with your AC give us a call asap!
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Keep Your Summer Electricity Bill Under Control.
June is only a few days a way; don't let the summer heat get the best of you and your electricity bill. Follow these 10-simple-tips and you'll be well on your way to saving money this summer.
1. Install a programmable thermostat and then program it to only condition the air when anyone is around to appreciate it.
2. Open the windows and take advantage of the cooler air in the evening. Set up a whole-home fan or a window fan to further circulate the air.
3. Cook on the grill. Cooking indoors on the stove can raise the temperature, making your Air Conditioner work harder. Utilize an outdoor grill as much as possible.
4. Change your light-bulbs: switch out your incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs which use less energy and produce less heat.
5. Turn on the ceiling fans and make sure they're spinning the correct direction. They should be spinning clockwise to push the heat upwards. This can make rooms feel about 5 degrees cooler.
6. Properly insulate the attic. If properly sealed and insulated, the attic will keep the heat from significantly increasing the temperature below in the rest of the house.
7. Fix any air leaks around doors, windows or wall sockets. Keep the conditioned air inside with weatherstripping and/or caulking.
8. Check the duct-work for visible breaks or holes and seal it up duct mastic, not duct tape.
9. Block out the sun with curtains and blinds during the daylight hours, especially in rooms that get direct sunlight or have west facing windows.
10. Turn up the thermostat if you can. For each degree over 78 degrees you can save between 5 and 8 percent on your energy bill.
If your looking for programmable thermostats or any summer preparation or weatherization, give us a call today!
1. Install a programmable thermostat and then program it to only condition the air when anyone is around to appreciate it.
2. Open the windows and take advantage of the cooler air in the evening. Set up a whole-home fan or a window fan to further circulate the air.
3. Cook on the grill. Cooking indoors on the stove can raise the temperature, making your Air Conditioner work harder. Utilize an outdoor grill as much as possible.
4. Change your light-bulbs: switch out your incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs which use less energy and produce less heat.
5. Turn on the ceiling fans and make sure they're spinning the correct direction. They should be spinning clockwise to push the heat upwards. This can make rooms feel about 5 degrees cooler.
6. Properly insulate the attic. If properly sealed and insulated, the attic will keep the heat from significantly increasing the temperature below in the rest of the house.
7. Fix any air leaks around doors, windows or wall sockets. Keep the conditioned air inside with weatherstripping and/or caulking.
8. Check the duct-work for visible breaks or holes and seal it up duct mastic, not duct tape.
9. Block out the sun with curtains and blinds during the daylight hours, especially in rooms that get direct sunlight or have west facing windows.
10. Turn up the thermostat if you can. For each degree over 78 degrees you can save between 5 and 8 percent on your energy bill.
If your looking for programmable thermostats or any summer preparation or weatherization, give us a call today!
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