About Me

Preparing for My Dream Home

My husband and I have spent a lot of time consulting with an architect. After living in our cramped, starter home for the past 11 years, we were finally ready to make some needed changes to it. We have added an extra 600 square feet of space onto our house. Before the construction began, we finalized the plans for our new heating and air conditioning unit with our HVAC contractor. Because our home was going to be substantially bigger than it is now, we purchased a larger HVAC system. We also installed a new, digital thermostat inside my home. On this blog, I hope you will discover the best types of HVAC units to buy for mid-size homes. Enjoy!

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Preparing for My Dream Home

The Top 5 Reasons You Need A 24/7 Emergency AC Repair Service On Speed Dial
This summer, having a functional air conditioning system will be crucial. Even an AC unit that's out overnight can cause problems. That's why it's so important to have a 24/7 emergency AC repair service on speed dial is important. Here are a few reasons why you should have an AC repair pro ready to answer the call at all times. 1 - A Breakdown Can Happen at Any Time Air conditioner failures are unpredictable, and they can happen at any time of day or night.

The Benefits Of A Home Energy Audit
Have your energy costs gone up in recent months but you aren't sure what is causing this increase? Do you have issues where it seems like one part of your house is consistently cooler or warmer than another section and you are just uncomfortable in certain rooms? It might be possible to solve issues like these with a home energy audit. Here's what a home energy audit is and how it can benefit you and your household.

4 Important Services Offered By A Heating Contractor
A warm, cozy home is necessary, especially during the winter months. A heating contractor can help keep homes safe and comfortable by providing critical services. Whether it's installation, maintenance, or repairs, a certified heating contractor has the skill and knowledge to get the job done right. Here are four important services offered by a heating contractor: Heating System Installation Whether you need a furnace, boiler, heat pump, or another type of heating system for new construction or renovation, a heating contractor can help you decide which system is best for your home.

A Shortage Of Hot Water Is A Frustrating Plumbing Problem That Has Multiple Causes
When your plumbing works normally, you have hot and cold water when you need it and none of your pipes are leaking. One of the frustrating plumbing problems you might encounter is when you run out of hot water too fast and you have to take a cool shower. You'll want to call a plumber to help with this problem since it has multiple causes. These are some reasons your water heater can't keep up with your demands for hot water.

What's An Air Conditioner's Condensate Drain Line And Why Is It Important To Keep It Clean?
One of the tasks that are part of routine air conditioning maintenance is cleaning the condensate drain line, which is a pipe that's attached to the indoor unit of your home's central air system. Periodically cleaning the condensate drain line will prevent it from becoming clogged and causing water to back up inside your home, which can lead to water damage and mold growth. To learn more about an air conditioner's condensate drain line and why keeping it clean is important, read on.

Reasons You Should Get An AC Tune-Up Before Summer
An air conditioner is your best friend during summer. That said, you must ensure that your AC system is ready to keep your loved ones cool and comfortable. And to achieve that, you must get an AC tune-up before the hot season starts. Here is why you should service your air conditioning unit at this time. Prevent Breakdowns Air conditioner breakdowns are pretty common during summer. Unfortunately, these breakdowns happen due to the lack of maintenance.

Your Furnace's Repair Needs
When your furnace starts having issues, you should have it fixed right away. Even if the furnace is still heating the home, signs of issues shouldn't be ignored. Any change means there may be a big malfunction looming. Here are some things that can indicate the presence of a furnace problem that should be repaired, as well as the advantages of acting quickly. Signs your furnace might have problems There is an unevenness to the heating: If your furnace has stopped heating your home evenly, then it can be due to a number of possible issues.

3 Strange Noises You Shouldn't Hear From Your Furnace
It's normal for your furnace to make noise as it operates. Note that most functional and well-serviced systems will run with a low humming noise. Moreover, if the heater is gas-powered, you might hear a tiny pop when it turns on. However, modern units have sound-dampening technology; hence you shouldn't hear the noise the system makes unless you're in the same room. Given this, loud and shocking noises from the system could spell trouble.

HVAC Systems: Why Is Air Balancing So Important?
As a homeowner, you own different systems that help you improve your home's functionality and ensure indoor comfort. One such unit is your HVAC system; without it, the weather outside would influence your indoor temperatures and make your home unbearable to live in. That's why you should get the most service out of the unit. Most homeowners don't realize the importance of air-balancing their HVAC system until it's too late. Air balancing is a process where different aspects of airflow within HVAC systems are adjusted to ensure that the indoor environment is comfortable for occupants.

Benefits Of Cleaning Your Air Ducts
Air ducts direct warm or cold air into and out of your home. However, dirt and debris may accumulate in your duct system over time, calling for air duct cleaning. Here are the pros of implementing duct cleaning solutions. Air Quality If your air ducts are dirty, air may carry dust or chemical particles. These foreign particles may contaminate the air, lowering its quality. Remember that inhaling contaminated air may cause health issues.

Differences Between Commercial And Residential Air Conditioning Installations
As someone who owns both a home and a commercial property, you might have experience with things like having an air conditioning system installed in your home. However, it might be time for you to install an air conditioning unit on your commercial property for the first time. Since you have experience with having this done in the home, you might assume that the experience will be quite similar when you have it done on your commercial property.

4 Signs That Your Ductless AC System Needs Repair
A properly functioning ductless AC system can deliver cool or warm air to a room without needing connective ductwork. It is a valuable addition to your home if you are looking for a much more energy-efficient system.  But, sometimes, the AC system may not work as you expect. If you notice that your house is not as conditioned as it was before, the problem probably stems from the ductless AC system.

Multistage Or Modulating Furnace—What's The Difference?
Selecting a furnace can be confusing for anyone who's not an HVAC technician or expert. Many people go into the process believing they'll need to select an appropriate size for their furnace, but this decision is largely out of your hands and determined by your home's size and environment. Instead, you'll need to select between options that will affect your furnace's efficiency, comfort, and noise level. If you've already started your selection process, you've probably come across terms like "

Signs Your Heater May Need To Be Replaced
While it's tempting to ignore the heater in your home and assume that it will work forever, unfortunately, this is not always the case. Heaters lose functionality with age, especially if they are not well maintained. If your heater needs to be repaired or replaced, there are often clear signs that you will notice. These signals are a clue that you need to contact a furnace repair company to investigate the situation before the heater stops working and you're left without heat entirely.

3 Ways Dirty AC Ducts Can Affect Your Health
Dirty AC ducts will affect your system's efficiency. The clogged ductwork will restrict proper airflow, which means your home won't have sufficient air to cool your home. The dirty ductwork can also cause overheating in your equipment, damaging components like the compressor. This problem can lead to a cascade of other repair issues in your unit. Besides affecting your unit's performance, do you know dirty ducts can adversely impact your health?

Signs Your Air Ducts Need Cleaning
Does the quality of air decline once you turn on your air conditioner? Well, high chances are you haven't had your air ducts cleaned in a long time, or the air filters are dirty. Most people only care for their air conditioners and forget to maintain the air ducts. That explains why the air coming from your vents is a bit dusty. So, when should you hire an air conditioner vent cleaning service?

Faqs About Air Duct Replacement
Does your HVAC system need an air duct replacement service? Whether your ducts are old, worn, or damaged, take a look at what you need to know about repairs, replacements, and your HVAC system. How Long Do Air Ducts Last? While age isn't the only predictor of the need for replacement, it is a major factor. Air ducts could have a 60 to 100-year lifespan, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI).

Toilet Issues That Plumbers Can Easily Fix for Homeowners
Your home probably has a couple of toilets and it's important that they work great each day. If you ever come into the following problems with them, you can hire a professional plumber and rest assured that the right repair services will be performed quickly. Severe Clogs For severe clogs that develop in your toilet, you probably won't have success alleviating them on your own. You need something strong to break up whatever is bundled up deep inside your piping.

What Happens If You Delay AC Repairs?
A cooled home is one of the comforts afforded by an air conditioner in hot and humid climates. If you notice your AC isn't working efficiently, consult a technician. Here are the consequences of delaying air conditioner repairs. Humidity Can Lead to Mold Growth A malfunctioning AC promotes high humidity levels. The humidity will cause mold to grow. This means you will have to foot the cost of AC repairs and also mold remediation.

3 Reasons To Delegate Your AC Needs To Air Conditioning Installation Services
It's not uncommon for some owners to try to install their air conditioner themselves to save money. This may lead to a poorly installed system that won't serve your needs as required. Most air conditioning systems are complicated and require you to follow elaborate installation steps. If any of these steps are missed, you'll have several problems, such as leaks, system breakdown, and inefficient operation. Luckily, specialists in air conditioning installation services can mount up an AC unit for you, saving you from hassles.

Times You May Need To Call A Furnace Repair Company For Help With A Furnace Malfunction
Even if you keep up with regular maintenance, your furnace might need repairs as it ages. Some parts tend to wear out faster than others, so malfunctions can happen. It's important to know when your furnace is struggling so you can call a furnace repair company right away and avoid damaging your equipment. Here are a few signs you might need furnace repairs. The Blower Works Intermittently The blower should start up and blow consistently for several minutes and then shut down.

Is A Furnace Or Heat Pump Best For Your Home
Are you feeling torn between getting a heat pump or a furnace for your home and are not sure what the best option is? If so, it will help to know the following things about these two heating methods. What Are The Benefits Of A Heat Pump? Many people are confused about what a heat pump can do, simply due to the name of the appliance. A heat pump is capable of transferring heat both in and out of your home.

Why Should You Consider A Newer Furnace?
You can find plenty of estimates for the lifespan of a typical gas furnace. Of course, reality doesn't always line up neatly with those guesses. The lifespan of your home's furnace can vary depending on its brand, how often you use it, your maintenance practices, and simple luck. While unlucky premature failures aren't uncommon, other times, your furnace may last for much longer than you expect. If you have an older furnace that seems to keep on going, it may still make sense to plan for a replacement.

Broken Furnace Repair: Do You Need A New Belt?
If you hear a loud squealing sound coming from your furnace, check the appliance's belt immediately. Your furnace may have a frayed, loose, or seriously damaged blower fan belt. Learn more about blower fan belts and why you should repair your furnace's belt below. What Should You Know About Blower Fan Belts? The blower fan circulates heated air throughout your furnace. But in order for the blower fan to work properly, it must use a special belt.

3 Ways To Maintain HVAC Systems Efficiency
Since your HVAC unit is the heart of indoor comfort at your residence, you should spare no expenses in ensuring it's in top condition. You should engage HVAC system services to help you maintain your unit's efficiency. Since it can be easy to forget about ac system maintenance, especially when it's not acting up, it's crucial to book routine servicing sessions that allow your AC technician to periodically check on your unit.

2 Variables To Consider When Choosing A New Furnace
When you are building a new house, you want to make sure that you are going to be able to be nice and warm in your new house. That means that you need to figure out what kind of furnace you want to have in your house. There are a lot of choices out there, and there are a lot of things that you can do that will help you pin down the right furnace for you and your house.

What Are The Benefits Of Fall HVAC Preventative Maintenance?
Preventative maintenance is a crucial part of any home's HVAC system, and it is especially important in the fall. In the fall, a home's heating and cooling system is put under a lot of strain due to the changing seasons. If preventive maintenance is not performed on a regular basis, then the system may begin to have issues due to the added stress of colder weather. This can cause your energy bills to go up, and your system may even break down completely.

Why Do You Need Residential Heating Installation Services?
A residential home needs a heating system like a furnace, heat pump, boiler, or ductless mini-splits to provide heat and ensure household members are comfortable, especially in cold seasons. Heating systems also regulate the ambient temperature, and in doing so, they help you maintain mechanical, electrical, and structural components in your property. If your home needs a heating system, you should always opt for professional residential heating system installation for the following reasons:

Strange Smells From Your AC And Associated Problems
Owning an AC unit often means you have to deal with noise and sometimes odors. Like most homeowners, you'll get used to the two, but occasionally, the odors become intolerable. You can ignore some mild odors, but certain odors necessitate immediate attention. These odors include the following.  Electrical or Burning Odor If you can smell a burning odor after you have installed a new AC and turned it on for the first time, or after months of inactivity, it's normal.

Signs That A New Furnace Installation Is Needed
Do you have small children? If so, you likely want the best for them and want to ensure that they are safe. This means ensuring that your home environment is safe. Some homeowners neglect their furnaces by skipping routine maintenance. Sometimes the oversight is a matter of not realizing that unsafe conditions exist. If you have a gas furnace in your home, you will need to pay close attention to your furnace and its upkeep.

Is Your Air Conditioner Making A Mess In Your Home?
It's an annoying prospect, walking into your home and discovering a puddle of water that has formed below your AC unit, invading your home and making a huge mess. If your AC unit is flooding, leaking, and generally cramping your style, you may need air conditioning repair. Here's what could be wrong. You Need More Refrigerant (and a Leak Repair) If your AC unit is low on refrigerant, it may need a refill.

4 Consequences Of A Refrigerant Leak In Your Air Conditioner
If you have a newer air conditioner, it probably has a more environmentally friendly type of refrigerant than older equipment. While the newer refrigerant may not be as dangerous to people and the environment when it leaks, you still want to repair leaks as soon as possible. Even if your AC seems to be working fine at the time, problems will develop eventually if the refrigerant is leaking. Here are four consequences you can avoid by having timely repairs when you have a refrigerant leak.

AC Repair: Signs You Need AC Fan Motor Repair
Investing in an energy-efficient air conditioning unit offers your home adequate comfort and relaxation. This means you can enjoy high-quality standards of living indoors when the temperatures spike. However, you'll need a skilled AC repair technician to restore your unit to its optimal status if a critical component malfunctions. The AC fan motor is one part that keeps your AC system operating when you need cool air the most. If the fan motor is knocked out, you can experience extremely hot conditions.

Central Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air? Try These Troubleshooting Steps
Is your central air conditioner on and your thermostat set to the desired temperature but yet you find that your unit is not blowing any or enough cold air? If so, you may be able to correct the issue with a few simple troubleshooting steps. Step 1: Clean Around The Outdoor Unit Begin by cleaning away any weeds, grass, and other debris from around your outdoor condenser unit. You will also want to spray this unit down using your garden hose in order to remove any debris that may have made its way inside the protective flaps on the outside of your unit.

3 Signs You Should Take Air Filtering More Seriously
Most people don't think about the quality of their indoor air until it starts to impact elements of their day. However, if you have ever struggled with coughing, had troubles with allergies, or had a difficult time keeping your house clean, you could benefit from an indoor air purifier. Here are three signs you should take air filtering more seriously.  1. Your HVAC System Needs a Boost If your AC unit or furnace is older and tends to experience problems, the last thing you'll want to introduce to the equation is dust and grime.

Problems That May Require Emergency AC Repairs
For those that live in areas with warm climates, an AC failure is a serious problem that must be handled immediately. In particular, there are a handful of problems that can require you to immediately contact a 24/7 AC repair provider. Major Refrigerant Leaks A major refrigerant leak can cause your air conditioner to completely lose the ability to provide any cool air to your building. While a minor leak may be temporarily addressed by adding more refrigerant to the system, larger leaks will require professional repairs in order to patch.

Why You Should Work With A Heating Contractor When Installing Heat In Your Casita
Building a casita behind your home can be a wonderful idea. It can allow you to improve your property values significantly. It can provide you with extra accommodations for family members or friends who might come and visit you, or it can even be used as a rental property. Of course, before you can fully put your new casita to use, you have to make sure that it's ready for use.

3 Repairs You Might Need When Mice Infest Your Furnace
If your furnace is malfunctioning, the problem might not be due to worn-out parts. Instead, there might be mice in the furnace. Mice can cause a lot of problems with your heating system. The pests want a nice warm place to nest when it's freezing cold outside, and your heating system is one of the warmest places they'll find. Here are some furnace repairs you might need to have done after mice invade your furnace.

Why It's Important For Your AC To Be As Efficient As Possible
One of the most important ways to tackle climate change is to think about your local climate—as in, as local as possible. The efficiency of your residential air conditioning unit can affect climate change, and if the energy efficiency of all forms of air cooling is significantly improved, it's been found that this could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 460 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide by 2060. So how can you be sure that your home's air conditioner is running at maximum efficiency?

Air Conditioning Solutions To Provide Your Home With An Efficient Makeover And Alternative AC
If your home air conditioning is outdated, it may be time to have it replaced. Some of the technology that is available today can also make your home more efficient. Rather than installing a conventional HVAC system, you may want to consider alternative solutions like heat pump ACs, evaporative coolers, or compact ducts. The following AC alternatives are some of the solutions that you will want to consider for your home:

Four Sounds You Don't Want To Hear From Your Air Conditioning Unit
If your home's air conditioning unit is working properly, you should rarely, if ever, hear any sounds coming through your vents, aside from a gentle click when the system turns on and off. If you do happen to hear any of the four sounds listed below, contact an air conditioning technician to have it looked at immediately, especially since it could be a sign of a bigger issue. Scratching The sound of metal on metal is grating to the ears, but if you hear it coming from your air conditioning vents, it could also be a sign that one of your fan blades or another piece of metal has broken off and is scratching the inside of your unit.

Make The Right Choice: How To Choose A New Furnace For Your Home
If it's time to invest in a new furnace, you might think that they're all the same. This is especially true if you've never bought a new furnacebefore. But, buying a new furnace is one of the most important investments you'll make for your home. If you don't make the right choice, you could be left to face problems for years to come. Here are some tips that will help you to make the right choice now that you're buying a new furnace.

3 Things To Do When Having A New Heating System Installed In Your Home
Are you planning to have a new heating system installed in your home before the next winter season shows up? Unless your home is already outfitted with such a system, the project can be a little overwhelming. The following are a few things to do when having a new heating system installed to ensure peace of mind and a positive experience. Schedule an In-Home Consultation One of the most important things you can do before you even decide what kind of heating system to install is to schedule an in-home consultation with your service provider.

Common Reasons Why Your Air Conditioning Unit Might Need Repair
You might know that your air conditioning unit needs to be repaired, but you might not really be sure of why. There are a lot of reasons why air conditioning units need to be repaired, including for the reasons below. Fortunately, if you call a qualified air conditioning repair professional soon, they should be able to diagnose the problem with your air conditioning unit, let you know why your air conditioning unit stopped working in the first place, and assist you with making the necessary repairs.

4 Causes Of Weak Airflow From Your AC And Repairs That Could Be Needed To Cool Your House Again
An air conditioner that has weak airflow won't keep you cool on a hot day. Here are four possible causes for weak airflow from your air conditioner and fixes for the problem. Airflow Is Restricted If your AC can't pull air into the unit, it won't be able to blow air back out. When the airflow seems weak, check for things that might be restricting it. This is something you can do yourself and might result in a quick fix for the problem.

Why Is There Very Little Water In Your Shower?
Many people take showers because it's more convenient, easier, and cheaper than taking regular baths. But if the fixtures in your shower can't produce enough water for you to wash properly, you may end up frustrated and confused instead. Before you skip your much-anticipated showers, learn why your shower produces very little water below. The Water Pressure in Your Bathroom Is Low One of the reasons shower heads and faucets produce very little water is low pressure.

Top Benefits Of Installing Multiple Air Conditioning Units In A Larger Home
If you own a larger home and are looking into your air conditioning options, you might need a little bit of advice. For many people with larger homes, it makes sense to install more than one air conditioning unit. This might be the best way to keep your home cool for the reasons below and more. It Might Be More Affordable You might be concerned about how much it will cost to buy a sufficient air conditioning system for your larger home.

4 Signs Of Imminent Water Heater Failure
Whether your home is outfitted with a gas or electric water heater, one fact remains: water heaters aren't designed to last forever. In most cases, a residential water heater can be expected to last for around eight to twelve years. If your tank is on the older side, it's not a bad idea to have a replacement installed before your current water heater fails. This can save you from the hassle of being stuck without hot water while you wait for a plumbing contractor to install your replacement.

Installing New Air Conditioning? Why You Should Go Ductless
If you are having a new air conditioning system installed, you have many options to consider. One of these options is a ductless system. Below are some reasons why you should consider this. Saves Money One of the main reasons you should consider going ductless is this will save you money in more ways than one. The air conditioning system uses much less power when compared to a traditional HVAC unit, as this system is much smaller.

Common Issues With Older Gas Furnaces
If you still have an older, conventional gas furnace — the type without any fancy options like a condensing chamber or a multi-phase fan — then it's time to be on the lookout for issues. After 15 or 20 years of use, these furnaces often start developing problems. The good thing is that these furnaces also tend to be pretty easy to repair. Keep reading for a look at common issues with older gas furnaces and a look at how each issue is dealt with.

Tired Of High Heating Bills? Top Ways To Reduce Your Overall Costs
Staying warm in your home is likely to be high on your priority list. Being comfortable throughout the day is the key to feeling your best. However, if you reside in a frigid climate, you may endure excessive heating costs. Knowing ways to lower these expenses can be helpful. 1. Use a programmable thermostat You may be amazed at how much better you can control your heating costs when you install a programmable thermostat.

Having Problems With Your Commercial Property Breaker Box Blowing Fuses? Get Help And Adress These Things Now
It can be difficult to run a business efficiently if the breaker box for your commercial property is constantly blowing fuses and needing attention or repairs. If this is happening to you, it's important to contact a licensed commercial electrician right away to get the unit the attention it needs. Not only may it be time for an improvement for the breaker box, but it may also be time for some energy-efficiency improvements.

Troubleshooting A Defective Electronic Ignition
One of the ways that a furnace will ignite itself is with electronic ignition. This is a common point at which a gas furnace fails and can leave you without heat. Of course, you should check to see if the gas heading to your gas furnace has been disrupted, but you should also look into your electronic ignition.  How Electronic Ignition Works While older gas furnaces use a pilot light, some newer gas furnaces use electronic ignition.

Both Oversized And Undersized AC Units Are A Problem
When looking to install a new AC unit, size matters. It's crucial that your AC unit is sized properly for your home. Otherwise, you might wear out your new air conditioner, and you also won't have your home sufficiently cooled.  Beware of Small Units Cycling On and Off If your AC never cycles off, it might be too small. It will constantly run while never being able to keep your home cool.

Signs It's Time To Change The Furnace Filter
The furnace filter cleans the air going into the furnace. This is beneficial both for the furnace and for your household members. However, the filter gets dirty with time and need to be replaced regularly. If you have not been keeping to a good filter replacement schedule, below are some signs that should tell you it's time to replace the filter. Lengthy Runtime Your furnace runs until your home temperature reaches the target temperature (as set in the thermostat).

The Simple Steps Of HVAC Maintenance
If your building has a central air conditioner and furnace, it's not a component that you can just ignore until it eventually breaks down. Maintaining an HVAC system is crucial for prolonging the system's lifespan and providing air that has been properly heated or cooled. Here are some tips for maintaining your home's HVAC system. Read the System's User Manual Remember that user manual that you filed away soon after having the system installed?

Three Ways To Reduce Your Heating Costs This Winter
Residential heating costs are expected to be all over the map this coming winter. If last winter was any indication, you may use more heating energy and/or fuel to heat your home this year. If you are thinking that there is no way you can afford another expensive heating season, here are three ways to reduce your heating costs this winter.  Install a Pellet Stove Pellet fuel is really cheap, and a pellet stove can heat large common areas of your home so well that you do not really need to run your furnace at all when you are at home.

2 Signs Your Commercial Air Conditioning Unit Is Too Small For Your Business's Building
If you own your business's building, you want to keep yourself, employees, and customers cool and comfortable during the heat of summer. However, you may have noticed that the air is not quite cool enough in certain areas. One problem that could cause this issue is that the unit itself is not large enough to cool the entire building. If you suspect this may be the case, look for the following signs.

3 Situations Where Portable Air Conditioners Make Perfect Sense
Of all the different types of air conditioning units out there, portable A/C units offer the most flexibility. These units are designed with mobility in mind, featuring a lightweight, compact design and durable casters for effortless movement from one room to another. Setup is minimal and the unit itself is usually powerful enough to cool off a single room. There are plenty of situations where portable air conditioning comes in handy, including the ones mentioned below:

4 Heating Maintenance Tips To Start Your Spring Cleaning And Prepare For Summer Weather
Soon, the summer weather will be here, and it will be time to start the AC to keep your home cool and comfortable. Before you forget about the cold winter months that have passed, you will want to do maintenance to the heating to ensure it survives the summer and is ready to heat your home again next winter. The following tips will help you with the spring cleaning and heating maintenance service that needs to be done before the summer months arrive:

3 Things To Know About Your Current Air Conditioner
Your air conditioning system is most likely something that you don't give much thought to until it stops working. In many parts of the country, going without air conditioning can be incredibly uncomfortable and in some cases even dangerous. For this reason, it's important to care for and maintain your system properly. Just paying a little attention to your air conditioner can mean staying cool when temperatures start to rise. Here are three things that you should know about your air conditioning system.

Tips To Keep Your Air Conditioner Running Efficiently
Your air conditioner should be maintained properly to ensure it continues to run properly throughout the season and beyond. You want your air conditioner running efficiently as well, so you aren't spending money unnecessarily. Read on for tips to keep your air conditioning system running efficiently. Don't Adjust The Temperature Too Much Don't attempt to adjust the temperature setting too much that you have a large sway in your temperature settings.

HVAC Maintenance, Repair, And Replacement? Proactive Ways To Put It On Auto-Pilot
Any HVAC contractor will attest that proper maintenance of your heating and air conditioning components is an excellent way to reduce costs of operation and extend the lifespan of expensive equipment. But the demands of a career, raising children, and taking care of simple daily tasks around the house can quickly push HVAC maintenance to the back burner for many families. If you, as a homeowner, know that you need to do a better job of taking care of your home's heating and cooling system, here are some proactive tips you can use to help ensure that it actually gets done.

3 Common Furnace Problems And Ways To Troubleshoot Them For Homeowners
The furnace is one of the more important appliances in your home, especially when temperatures begin to drop. When it malfunctions, you need to know how to respond so that you can keep heating your home. Here are three common problems you may experience with your furnace and ways to handle them.  Dirty Air Filter  When the air filter gets dirty, it can no longer keep dirt and other particles from reaching your furnace's system.

Tips To Keep In Mind Prior To Purchasing A New Heating Unit
If you believe your home's heater is on the fritz, you might be looking to contact a contractor for help with a new heating unit installation. But before you actually make that investment, make sure you do your research. You need to make sure that your current heating unit is actually the problem and then ensure that you get the right kind of replacement for your home. Here are a few tips to keep in mind before you purchase a new heating unit.

How Air Duct Issues Can Affect HVAC Operations
The ductwork is an important part of the AC system, and its failure can lead to serious cooling problems. After all, your AC's operation is based on the efficient circulation and delivery of cool air to the relevant rooms. Therefore, you may have ductwork-related cooling problems if: The Air Duct Was Improperly Designed An improperly designed air duct will interfere with the comfort of your home because it will not be delivering air to the targeted rooms.

Summer Blizzard: How To React When Your Air Conditioner Is Too Cold
Often, problems with the air conditioner are related to it being unable to cool down the home. The flip side to this is also a problem. If your air conditioner is making you shiver on its regular temperature, there is a problem in the system. Though some may want to be thankful for this change, not being able to properly control the temperature of your home can become a problem. The machine being out of order in this way can also cause mechanical issues in the system, which will be a costly fix.

Want To Save Money On Heating And Air Conditioning Replacement? 3 Options To Explore
For most Americans, summer is an activity-packed season. During this time, the average household often plans outings to the beach or amusement park, packs the kids off to camp, shops for school clothes, and tries to be an entertaining host to a variety of visiting friends and relatives. In addition to all of these activities, most homeowners also have a growing list of home improvement tasks that they want to accomplish.

Ready For Summer? 3 Reasons You Should Turn Your Air Conditioner Up A Few Degrees
If you like to keep your air conditioner turned all the way down during the summer so that your home is nice and cold, you might want to turn it down. Not only will running your air conditioner non-stop cause premature wear and tear, it can also cause a variety of other unpleasant, and unexpected, problems. Now that summer is just about here, take a look at three reasons why you shouldn't use your air conditioner so much this summer.

Tips For Hiring An HVAC Contractor To Install A New Air Conditioning Unit
Purchasing a new air conditioning unit is a large financial investment, so it is natural to want it installed correctly. Unlike other installation projects around the house, a homeowner should never attempt to install an air conditioning unit-- it is a job that needs to be done by an experienced HVAC contractor. If you are replacing your air conditioning unit soon and need to have a new one installed, use the following tips to find the right HVAC contractor for the project:

It's Not Going To Be Winter Forever: How To Get Your Home Ready For Summer
Much of the United States is still fully-involved in winter weather. However, summer will be here before you know it, which means it's time to start preparing for the warm weather. Your home endures a lot of wear and tear during the winter. To make sure it's ready for summer, you need to take a few preventative measures. Here are just a few of the measures you should take to get your home ready for that warm summer weather that will soon be here.

How To Improve Interior Air Quality
Many people don't realize how poor the air quality in their home has become. You can definitely get used to poor air quality. Even if there is a strong odor, you might just become accustomed to the weird smells. Luckily, if you do want to improve the quality of air in your home, it is actually not that difficult. This article explains how to find the source of odors in your home, and what you can do to get rid of them to improve the air quality inside your home.

Why Is Your Air Conditioning Freezing Up?
There are few things more frustrating than a broken AC unit in the heat of the summer. And if your air conditioning has "frozen," don't expect it to keep your house cooler. Ironically, when this happens, the coils in the unit collect ice because the refrigerant has gotten too cold. Air may be pumping through your vents, but it's not even remotely cool. If this happens to you, here are some of the common reasons why and what you need to do to fix the problem.

Four Benefits Of Air Conditioning You May Not Have Known
Yes, your air conditioning keeps you comfortable during the hotter times of the year, but they also do a whole lot more than many people never realized about their AC units. This is why it's so important to show your AC some love by providing regular maintenance and repairs. Here are four benefits of AC that you might not have realized existed: Remove Irritants From the Air: One of the bigger benefits is an AC unit can provide is the removal of irritants from the air.

How To Clean Your Furnace Cabinet
Does it seem like your heat or AC don't seem to be pumping as strongly as it used to? If you are having airflow issues, you might be able to fix the problem on your own. Often, the issue lies in the furnace. This article explains how to clean the furnace filter and pump to ensure that you don't have airflow issues with your heat or AC. These are simple DIY jobs that could completely fix your problem.

Keep an Ear Out for AC Trouble
Switching on your AC for the first time each summer should be done with attention to details. This is because you want to recognize any warning signs of impending trouble now, at the beginning of the cooling season, rather than later when the temperature outside is unbearably hot. Your ears are one of your best diagnostic tools when it comes to your AC. Listen carefully for the following trouble signs as the system begins running.

3 Tips To Reduce Your Commercial Heating Costs
As a business owner, you likely are always keeping a close eye on your expenses. If you own the building you do business out of, those expenses might also include things like your heating bill. While keeping your employees comfortable enough to do their jobs is clearly a necessity, that doesn't mean you should blindly keep paying the heating bill every month without taking a close look at the charges. If you would like to keep your commercial heating costs down, here are a few tips that might help.

Troubleshooting Furnace Noises
Pops and banging noises from your furnace can be very alarming, especially if your furnace previously made few loud noises. Sometimes these noises can indicate that there is an issue that needs attending to. The following guide can help you get to the bottom of the alarming noises. Squeals and whines Squealing and whining noises are typically indicative of either a blower or motor issue. These noises may only occur briefly when the furnace first pops on, or they may continue until the furnace turns off.

Need a Heater for Your New Home? 3 Common Types You Can Choose From
If you're in the process of building a new home, you'll need to choose a heating system for it. If you're not familiar with the different types of heating systems, you might not be able to make an informed decision. To help you choose a heating system that will work best for you, here's a brief description of the three most common types. Forced Air Forced-air systems are among the most popular types of home heating systems.

4 Signs Your Central Air Conditioning Needs Recharging
It doesn't matter how much you spent or the brand you bought, air conditioners can't run without flaws for the rest of your life. There will be times that the systems need recharging. Here are the signs to look out for, so you can recharge and get the cool air back as soon as possible. 1. The Unit Is Blowing Warm Air When the unit starts blowing warm/room temperature air, it is a sign the system needs recharging.

Three Ways Under Five Dollars To Save On Heating Costs
Nobody wants a high heating bill, but many of the tips you commonly see for saving on heating cost a lot to implement. If you don't have a lot of cash to dedicate to your heat-saving endeavors, here are some ways to save on heating for less than five dollars. Make a door snake.  A door snake is a long, snake-like pillow that you place in front of your exterior door to prevent cold air from seeping in beneath it.

AC Coil Troubleshooting
An AC unit depends on its coils to extract heat from the air in your house and then expel heat into the outside air. Each set of coils has its own challenges. Because they are located outside, condenser coils are prone to get dirty, and if evaporator coils do not get enough air flow, they can freeze the water vapor in the air, which coats the coils with ice. As a homeowner, you should know how to troubleshoot both of these problems.

Three Things You Should Do Before Opening Up An Air Duct Grille In A Room
Whether you want to push an automatic air brush through the duct or just want to change out the filter, it's necessary every once in awhile to remove (and hopefully clean) the air duct grilles in your home's various rooms. But with all the dust that will fall off a dirty air duct grille when you move it, it's not a good idea to start until you've taken some precautions. Specifically, consider these three things you should do before opening up an air duct grille in a room.

Improve AC Efficiency By Cleaning Your Condenser Coils
Condenser coils can get quite dirty, and dirty coils can drastically decrease your AC efficiency. In fact, dirty coils can decrease your overall system efficiency by up to 37%. To protect your budget, you should inspect your coils regularly and clean them whenever you see the need.  What to Look for? Dust and yard debris can accumulate inside coils. A condenser unit is designed to pull air up from near ground level and through the individual fins that make up the coils before venting the hot air out the top of the unit.

Heating And Air Conditioning In One Unit
When you buy two separate pieces of equipment to both heat and cool your home, you increase your installation costs. In some cases, you can save money by buying a heat pump, which will both heat and cool your home. An air-source heat pump will do the job if you live in a moderate climate, but for areas where you have to deal with extreme cold, a ground-source heat pump is a better choice.

Tips For Maintaining An Air Conditioner
If you are a homeowner, there is a good chance that you want to make sure that your air conditioner is working as well as possible. This is important because it will allow you to keep your house cool during the summer while not driving up an unnecessarily huge electric bill. Here are some tips for maintaining your air conditioner so that it remains in good working condition. 1. Clean the Evaporator

Could The Way You Do Laundry Be Inviting Mold Into Your Home?
Many people don't realize some of their daily actions are the equivalent of sending out an invitation for mold spores to come on inside of their home. Your clothing, for example, can be a mold spore magnet. This is especially true when your clothing accumulates sweat, food stains, body oils, and so many other substances daily. If you take the clothing off and they still contain any moisture – they become a breeding ground for mold.

3 Key Advantages Of Evaporative Coolers
There's no denying that traditional air conditioners are great at cooling a house. Yet not everybody can afford the higher electricity bills that tend to come with them. Luckily, evaporative coolers offer an effective and low cost way of achieving similar results. If you would like to learn more about the advantages of evaporative cooling, read on. This article will discuss three key things that you should know. Evaporative coolers are easier on the environment.

Why Fuel Delivery Services Are Better Than Fuel Cards
Fuel cards can be a useful program to enroll in for commercial trucking companies. By owning a card, the driver can travel to one of several fueling stations to have his or her gas refilled. However, these fuel cards also have their disadvantages and there are many reasons why it may be better to use a fleet fuel delivery service. More Savings While there are some savings associated with fuel cards, there are also costs.

Protect Your HVAC Units During Summer Vacation
There aren't many people who do not look forward to going on their summer vacation, but a lot has to be considered before you lock up your home and head out. One of the biggest considerations is your HVAC systems. The last thing you want to do is come home to a problem with one of your HVAC units. Not only do you want to preserve your systems while you are on vacation, but you could end up saving yourself some money if you plan ahead.

How Leaky Air Ducts Might Be Causing Inefficiency with Your AC System
If you've noticed that your central air conditioning system is not cooling your house as quickly or efficiently as it once did, you might assume that it needs to be cleaned or repaired. While this might be true, the problem could also be the result of leaky air ducts, which can make it hard for a system to keep up. Here are a few things to understand about this problem.

Air Conditioning Care Can Help Ease Your Allergy Symptoms
More than 50 million people suffer from allergies each year. While areas of sensitivity can include food, a substantial number of sufferers deal with adverse reactions to environmental elements like dust and tree pollen. Make your home a place of refuge by focusing on your air conditioning unit. The right type of filter and regular maintenance can help keep irritants out and keep you more comfortable.   Focus On The Type Of Filter

Four Reasons To Use Passive Cooling To Help Your AC System
As a responsible homeowner, you may know that having professional maintenance done yearly is an important part of keeping your AC system healthy. But did you know that you can also use natural cooling (also known as "passive cooling") to make things easier on your AC unit? Here are four reasons you should consider using passive cooling techniques in your home. 1. Less energy usage means lower energy bills You've probably noticed that your energy bills go up in the summer, especially if you live in the warmer part of the country.

4 Potential Reasons Your Air Conditioner Trips The Circuit Breaker Every Time It Runs
When your indoor temperatures start to feel balmy and uncomfortable, hearing the air conditioner click on is a sweet sound indeed. But what about when you hear a loud pop from the circuit box and no whoosh of air moving through the ducts instead? If your air conditioner is causing the breaker in the box to trip every time it starts up, you have a serious problem that may have a simple solution.

3 Simple Ways To Check For Air Duct Leakage
Your home's heating and air conditioning system relies on a series of ducts to deliver heated or cooled air throughout your living space. If one of these ducts springs a leak, your heating and cooling system becomes less efficient. Being vigilant when it comes to watching for air duct leaks is essential for homeowners today. Here are three simple things you can do to help you identify duct leakage in the future.

Three Tips To Get The Most From Your Air Conditioning System
Air conditioners can be indispensable for the comfort of your home's interior during the hottest times of the year. However, these systems can be remarkably energy intensive, which may cause your power bills to dramatically increase. Fortunately, you may be able to benefit from using the following three tips to keep your air conditioner running as efficiently as possible. Keep The Grass And Shrubs Around The Exterior Unit Trimmed The condition of the grass and shrubbery around your air conditioner may not seem like a particularly important factor.

Maintenance Tips For Your Restaurant's Walk-In Refrigerator
Your restaurant's refrigerator is a vital part of your business. If the commercial refrigerator (or "walk-in") doesn't work, food may spoil and you won't be able to serve it to your customers; you'll lose a lot of money. To ensure that the walk-in can continue to chill food for your restaurant, use the following suggestions. Check the Flow of Air In a busy restaurant, people stack boxes wherever they can in order to get work done.

Is A Malfunctioning Thermostat Causing Your Air Conditioning Problems?
It's getting warmer outside, and your air conditioner is showing signs of not being able to keep up. Maybe it's started "short cycling," where the cooling cycle abruptly shuts off, only to kick back in a few minutes later. Maybe the fan is running non-stop. Or maybe the air conditioner just isn't turning on when it should. A faulty thermostat can cause all these problems. Fortunately, a broken thermostat can be a relatively easy fix, but if you don't take care of the issue, it could lead to more substantial damage.