With the hot summer weather starting to give way to the cooler autumn conditions, many people are turning off their fans and starting to think about the heat. Whether someone has a gas heater or an electric system, they are probably concerned about how their utility bills are going to be affected by this switch. As the temperatures continue to drop, the heater is going to run more. As a result, their utility bills are going to start to rise. Some people might not be able to handle this as part of their budget. Fortunately, there are a few ways … [Read more...]

No matter where you live, it's never too early to put some thought into getting your house ready for fall. Your HVAC system works hard over the summer months. You want it to keep operating at its best no matter what the temperature is outside. Are you looking to improve the efficiency of your home’s temperature control and ventilation system? You can test how airtight your home is and make some easy changes.Check Your SealsAfter a long, hot summer, the seals around your doors and windows may have warped. Here's a simple test for this … [Read more...]

Like nearly every other area of your home, air ducts accumulate dirt and debris. It may become obvious that your ducts need cleaning if puffs of dust come out of a duct each time you turn on your air conditioning or heating. Even if this doesn't occur, your air ducts likely need to be cleaned on a regular basis. There are five specific reasons it's important to keep air ducts cleaned.1. Reduce ContaminantsContaminants can include a variety of chemicals that may get circulated through your home. Everything from leaks in the AC … [Read more...]

If you're like most homeowner, you've been looking forward to the return of warm weather flowers, and blues skies. However, if you suffer from seasonal allergies, you may not be as welcoming as you'd like to be to blooming flower gardens, orchards, and other sources of pollen. Fortunately, those in your position can usually find respite from their allergies by keeping windows and doors closed during periods of heavy pollen activity and keeping cool by turning on the air conditioning system.Although this is a very effective approach to … [Read more...]

When your heating or air conditioning isn't working properly, the thermostat is often the last thing you may think to check. It's important, however, to keep your thermostat in the best condition possible. There are several steps you'll need to take when testing and tuning your thermostat. Accurately TestBegin by accurately testing your thermostat. You can do this by taping a thermometer near a wall. You should use a glass thermometer and gently place paper towels under the thermometer so it isn't directly … [Read more...]

It seems like every day there is a new smart home device coming out and recently there has been a lot of attention paid to smart home thermostats. Everyone is looking for a way to save money and some people might be surprised to know that heating and cooling contribute to about half of the home's overall energy costs. For those looking for ways to lower their utility bills, heating and cooling are good places to start. The next step in controlling the temperature of a home is the smart thermostat. There are several benefits of these smart … [Read more...]

If you're like most modern homeowners, you probably already know that one of the essential keys to keeping your air conditioning system up and running throughout the summer is to have it serviced by a professional before the warm season begins in earnest. Although this is an excellent way to get the summer of to a great start, it's also important to consider other aspects of HVAC maintenance that may not be quite so obvious. For instance, homeowners should also think about the potential havoc that pests can introduce to their air conditioning … [Read more...]

The polar vortex sent a cold snap deep into Texas, but people living in the area know that triple-digit heat will be back during the summer months. Those types of highs and lows can play havoc on even the best HVAC. If you haven’t had your system serviced recently, it’s imperative that you call an experienced technician ASAP. Here are five reasons why regularly scheduled maintenance and repair are a priority.Extended LifespanAmong the primary reasons that regularly scheduled service is important is the fact that it will likely extend … [Read more...]

Some homeowners will be ill-prepared to pay for emergency HVAC repair. Such an emergency can come when least expected and 25 percent of Americans have not allotted the savings needed to cover the costs of such a repair. With colder temperatures sweeping many parts of the United States, no one needs an issue with their HVAC system.  So, it’s good to know what some signs are and what to look for when having problems with your heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit.What Are Some HVAC Emergencies?HVAC home emergencies are at the top … [Read more...]

Replacing or repairing air conditioning and heating systems can be expensive, even for moderate-income households. The expense often comes as an unexpected one when HVAC systems abruptly experience an issue that requires immediate attention.If you find yourself in urgent need of repairing, upgrading or replacing an HVAC system, but you do not have the savings or are able to pay out-of-pocket, keep in mind there are a number of financing options available for people in various situationsAre Credit Cards a Viable Answer?Most people … [Read more...]