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Is Your HVAC System Protected From Power Surges?

Most homeowners consider surge protection a necessity with expensive electronics such as computers, stereos and televisions. With these items, they typically use a point–of–use surge protector that they can plug into an electrical outlet. However, most people do not realize that heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment have sensitive electrical components that also need the same kind of protection. A power surge is a short–lived spike, or a series of spikes, in electrical service voltage. Usually, a power surge lasts for only a fraction of a second; on the other hand, utility equipment failure can cause longer–lasting spikes that may last for sizeable fractions of a second or longer. No home is immune to electricity surges; therefore, all expensive appliances should have some surge protection. Since the HVAC system is one of the most important and expensive investments for a homeowner, it stands to reason that it should have adequate protection from power surges. The most common natural cause of power surges is lightning. Characterized by an instantaneous spike in voltage for a short duration, it can cause substantial damage to structures, electrical equipment and appliances. The biggest factor about lightning is where it strikes; fortunately, the effects dissipate rapidly

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Hiring a professional NATE certified technician to keep future indoor forecasts cozy

When a homeowner needs the services of an HVAC specialist, they want to know they are hiring an expert. A heating and cooling service company is not a professional company just because they ‘claim’ to be. This is why NATE certification is so important for technicians and companies to have. What does NATE certified mean? Having NATE certification means that an individual or company is indeed a professional in the HVAC industry. NATE is the shortened word for North American Technician Excellence organization. Created by some of the best HVAC professionals in the industry, this nonprofit group provides several tests that pertain to different skills needed in the heating and cooling industry. Each test was designed to enable technicians to prove their knowledge in this field. Due to all of the changes in the HVAC industry, NATE requires that technicians have to periodically retest in order to renew their certifications and remain NATE certified. This is great news to all home and business owners, because it ensures that technicians are staying educated and are skilled to work on all of the latest HVAC equipment on the market. Having regularly scheduled maintenance and tune ups on an HVAC system is a

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Save Money With Summer Cooling Tips

Many people know that keeping their home cool will be much more effective if they follow some simple summer cooling tips. Of course, some of the best tips will not only help keep your cooling equipment functioning at its best, but they can actually help lower expensive cooling bills in the process. For example, ceiling fans can help keep you feeling cooler, but they are also a great way to save on energy costs. One of the most effective tips to stay cool in summer months is to make sure that you keep your air filter clean. Most HVAC professionals recommend changing the filter at least once every three months; however, you should check your filter every month to see if it needs more frequent changing. An air conditioner with a dirty filter will not be able to provide sufficient cooling to keep you comfortable, especially when the temperatures start to climb. Other great cooling tips for your home include shutting blinds and shades in order to keep indoor temperatures from getting too hot and to planting shrubs or trees that will provide some shade for your outdoor unit. The more you can do to help ensure your air conditioner

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Summer Energy Savings: Use Ceiling Fans or Raise the Thermostat?

Summertime brings hot days and higher energy bills for most home owners. The electricity used to run air conditioners in our homes consumes up to 15 percent of all the energy used in the home, according to the U. S. Energy Department. In hotter parts of the country, an A/C unit consumes much more to cool the house. There is no doubt that air conditioning contributes greatly to Home Energy Costs. Some homeowners think the only solution for reducing air conditioner energy use is to raise the temperature setting on their thermostats and live with a warmer indoor climate. Though that does save some money on electric bills, it is not the most effective answer. Consider this information from the New York Times. Central A/C units use around three kilowatts of energy per hour. Window units use 1.2 kilowatts per hour. Ceiling fans, however, only use a scant 30 watts of energy per hour. Think of the energy savings to be gained from using ceiling fans to cool the home. Now look at the cost of that energy use. Central A/C units cost approximately 36¢ per hour to run, based on their energy use. Window units cost 14¢ per hour.

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High Winds Across the United States Affecting Indoor Air Quality

The high winds that have been experienced from coast to coast in the United States lately have wreaked havoc on home A/C and HVAC systems. Therefore, it is the perfect time to clean the dust and debris from the air conditioning components and machinery. It is important to clean as soon as possible in order to prevent broken parts and eventual expensive repairs. Taking the necessary steps to protect the system and to prepare for harsh weather can help protect the whole family’s safety and comfort. HVAC Vent Cleaning and MaintenanceIndoor air quality is an issue of growing importance and increased visibility. Many HVAC contractors are marketing services and products intended to improve home air quality. The range in cost of vent cleaning services depends on the services offered, system accessibility, the size of the system, and the level of contamination. Generally, vent cleaning refers to the cleaning of different heating and cooling components of forced air systems, including the air ducts and registers, heating and cooling coils, grilles and diffusers, condensate drain pans, fan motor and housing, and the unit housing. If not properly cleaned and maintained, these components may become contaminated with allergens, dust, pollen, and other debris.

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Tips for Putting Together Your Summer Energy Savings Plan

The invention of air conditioning made life immensely more comfortable for all of us. It is very pleasant to be able to come home to a cool house on a hot summer day. We pay for that comfort, however, in the form of higher energy consumption and increased utility bills. A house’s A/C unit utilizes 15 to 25 percent of the total energy the house uses monthly. To begin to put together a homeowner’s Summer Energy Savings plan, the first item to address is efficient use of your air conditioning system. Most people can be comfortable with a thermostat setting of 78°F to 80°F, so set your temperature up some. You will save seven to ten percent on cooling costs for each degree you set it above 78°F. If you have ceiling fans, run them along with your A/C and your will feel four to five degrees cooler. Just be sure to turn the fan off when you leave the room, as the fan cools you and not the room. Set the thermostat up several degrees when you will be away from home for several hours. Better yet, invest in and install a programmable thermostat. Close air vents in rooms

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Summer Heat Brings Air Conditioning Boost

With the sizzling summer temperatures taking over much of the United States, air conditioning sales and air conditioning repairs have surged. Though, people enjoy the outdoors, swimming, and the sports of July and August, nothing beats running into a nice, cool, air conditioned room. From the over 100 degree New York temperatures, to the San Fernando Valley of California blazing summer heat, residents are flocking to their local air conditioning repair shops and researching ways to stay cool. Air conditioning service technicians, A/C installers, and commercial air conditioning high-end experts, stay ready and equipped to bring in the cool temperatures, in every circumstance, and with some helpful tips included: Keeping your A/C unit running at peak performance during the summer months requires regular air conditioning maintenance and a simple thermostat bump up to 75 degrees. This minor adjustment allows for a cool down and results in savings.

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How to Winterize Your Air Conditioner

Other than the usual functional reasons why you should consider winterizing your air conditioner, many homeowners do it because it helps to save some money in the long run. During the winter season, the only way you can protect your air conditioner is to winterize it. It is one way of ensuring that your air conditioner is prepared for the cold weather. Winterizing your air conditioner technically means preparing it for the cold season ahead. There are several ways in which one can ensure that this is done properly. The first step always involves turning off the system by disconnecting the switch at the breaker panel. When you disconnect the switch, you will be guaranteeing your safety and the safety of the system. This is because the switch can accidentally turn on and cause water to seep into the unit and freeze or it could accidentally electrocute you. In order to prepare your AC for the cold weather you will need a number of things. One of these items includes a garden hose, which will be used to remove any dirt, leaves, twigs, branches and any other debris that may have collect and got stuck to the compressor. Another item

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How to Locate Top Quality Heating Contractors

When it comes time to have your heating and cooling units worked on you want to know that the company you work with is a top quality company. You may be a little concerned as to how you can pick the right contractor for your home. Whether it is new construction or you just need some repairs or replacements at home, here are a few tips to help you choose the right contractor. Customer Service Skills While you want someone knowledgeable with the heating and cooling industry, you also want someone that knows how to handle customers. Do they make you feel comfortable with the process and answer all your questions? How do they handle your calls? Do they call back in a prompt time frame or are you waiting for days with no return calls? These are just a few ways to know if the customer service of the company is one you want to deal with. Proper Insurance And Regulations Make sure your contractor you are considering has all the proper insurance and follows the regulations set forth by the state and county you are in. Check with them to see what type of coverage they have and

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How to Diagnose Manual and Automatic Zone Damper Issues With Your AC System

Are you having trouble regulating temperature within your home? Chances are, the larger your house is, the harder it will be to regulate the temperature inside it to keep everyone comfortable and happy. These issues can result in areas that are too hot in the summertime and too drafty and cold in the wintertime. As you are attempting to find an even balance, you will end up dueling with your thermostat to keep problem areas and the rest of your home balanced. There is something you can do, however, which is to consider getting a zone damper system. What is a Zone Damper System? A zone damper system is simply installing motorized doors to restrict airflow in specific rooms within your house. If you have a bad HVAC damper, you can no longer achieve proper airflow through the ductwork. This results in too much or too little airflow through the duct and improper temperature regulation within your home. Manual Zone Dampers vs. Automatic Zone Dampers Certain HVAC units are equipped with manual zone dampers for regulating the amount of air conditioning or heat being delivered in a room. A zone control system like this uses levers, which are located outside

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