Archive for June 2013
Forgot to Make an Appointment for Annual Service? Why You Shouldn’t Wait a Minute Longer
Your cooling and heating system is just like any other machine – parts and components can wear down, get dirty, and need to be replaced or adjusted. It takes regular checkups to catch these issues and solve them before they affect your system’s efficiency or damage it, reducing its longevity. Regular maintenance tune-ups will keep…
Read MoreTake Advantage of Tax Credits for High-Efficiency Cooling Systems
Homeowners who need to replace their heat pumps or air conditioning equipment can take advantage of federal tax credits for high-efficiency cooling systems this year. The equipment has to meet minimum energy efficiency standards, known as the SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) and EER (energy efficiency ratio). The credits are retroactive to Jan. 1, 2012…
Read MoreCalculate Lifetime Cost Factors of Your New Cooling System Before Buying
Chances are good if you own a home that you’ll need to install a new cooling system at least once. The upfront costs of replacing your cooling system can be daunting, but considering that you might be living with this appliance for up to 20 years, it’s important to look for a system with the highest…
Read MorePurchasing a New Cooling System? 2 Efficiency Ratings Dictate Performance
When you consider purchasing a new cooling system for your home, there are many terms you should know, but two efficiency ratings that can really help guide you to the right model are EER and SEER.
Read MoreThe Right Programmable Thermostat Settings Help Control High Energy Bills
Your programmable thermostat can help you save on your energy costs, but are you getting the most efficient use out of it? Here are some tips you can use to make sure you’re getting the most savings by using the right programmable thermostat settings.
Read MoreThe Relationship Between Airtight Homes and Ventilation
Modern homes tend to be much more airtight than homes in the past. We find drafts and seal them up, and we install insulated windows and doors to save heating and cooling costs. But this creates a problem: we still need fresh air, and we need to vent stale interior air to the outside. In…
Read MoreYour Estimator Should Use Manual J and D Calculations Before Installing New Cooling Equipment
When installing a new air conditioner, bigger is not always better. Having your HVAC systems properly sized through the use of software protocols Manual J and Manual D is necessary for ensuring efficiency and performance. Here’s a look at how your HVAC estimator will use these calculations, and why you should insist that they use…
Read MoreMaking the Switch to Solar Power? Here’s How to Proceed
In recent years solar power has become increasingly popular. With the increased availability and decreased costs of solar panels, making the switch to solar power is a great option to lower your electric spending long term. For qualifying systems, switching to solar power will even get you a 30 percent federal tax credit on the cost of…
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