Tips
Tips for Your Home
Energy Saving Ideas:
There are several ways to help you and your loved ones stay cool while saving energy in the process. Listed here are just a few suggestions that are very easy to implement and to create your energy-saving routine.
Help Your Electronics to Save Energy:
You have probably added a programmable thermostat, created shade for your windows, and sealed your duct system to lower your utility bills. Are you still trying to find ways to save energy? Look toward your lamps, TVs, and any other lighting that could be to close to your thermostat. When these house-hold items are too close to your thermostat, it can be "tricked" into operating as if the room is actually warmer than it is. These items put off a considerable amount of heat and your thermostat will turn on more frequently than it should.
Switch the Direction Your Ceiling Fan Rotates:
Your ceiling fan can be an asset in your home year-round. It can keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter very easily by flipping that switch at its base to change the direction the fan is rotating. When the fan is running in a counter-clockwise direction, warm air is pushed up, allowing cooling of the room. When the fan is running in a clockwise direction, warm air close to the ceiling is pushed downwards, creating warmth in the room.
Turn Your Thermostat Up a Few Degrees:
A system is only as good as the thermostat that is controlling it. You can simply adjust your thermostat up or down 5 degrees which could help you save up to $250 a year. Also, if you like to sleep in cooler conditions, a programmable thermostat can automatically adjust to accommodate you. In the morning it can automatically adjust so you don't have to get up to a freezing home. Some are even programmable so you can change the temperature with your cell phone when you are away.
There are Three Types of Programmable Thermostats:
A 5+2 model has one setting schedule for week-days and another schedule for the weekends.
The 5-1-1 model has one setting schedule for Monday- Friday, one for Saturday, and one for Sunday. The flexible 7 day model allows a different daily schedule with up to four different temperature time periods each day. Also, some more advanced units run diagnostic programs and can show the homeowner information such as when to change the air filter. There are also units that start cooling/heating early, so the scheduled temperature is reached at the right time. Quality Air Care can help you find the right model for you, tailored to your specific needs.
Create Some Shade:
Having some shade indoors is another way to save some energy during the hot days of summer. Closing curtains and blinds during the day is a great way to create some shade. Concealing windows that face east in the morning, and windows that face west in the afternoon will keep your home from overheating by blocking out the heat. Investing in an awning outside is also a great way to eradicate some of the unwanted heat.
Attic Fans are Cool:
Proper installation is vital every time. Some people have what is called a "whole-house fan" in their home. These instruments are quite handy when evening temperatures dip below 60 degrees in the summer, for example. The outdoor air can really be a comfortable option compared to running the air conditioner. This "whole-house" fan exchanges the outside air quickly with the indoor air, which removes hot and humid air through the attic or roof of the upper floor.
Zoning at Home:
No matter where you live, zoning systems are a perfect way to eliminate hot rooms and provide an even temperature throughout your home. There are different types of zoned heating and air conditioner systems, but the typical home is divided into multiple zones that allow the home owner to adjust the temperature in different rooms. This would allow you to turn the temperature up or down, adjusting accordingly. Furthermore, you can turn the temperature off for rooms that no one is using.
Recycle your Heat and Air Unit:
We are all capable of taking better care of this beautiful world God has given us. When you replace your heat and air unit, what do you do with the old one? We will happily haul it off for you. If it is still in good working condition, we can fix the problem and donate it to a family in need, if you would like. The Municipal Solid Waste Agency will pick up old units because the steel and copper that make up most of the unit is recyclable. The oil and refrigerant also needs to be disposed of properly. Give us a call at Quality Air Care for more information.
The Dry Side of Humidity:
Humidity isn't all it cracked up to be. This is a common weather phenomenon during hot summer months. Did you know that dry skin, static electricity, a scratchy throat, and coughing can all be signs of low humidity levels in your home. Investing in a home humidifier will help you to maintain comfortable humidity levels; between 30 and 50 percent.
Seal your Ductwork:
With a rusty metal air exit, the long maze of duct work can cost you up to 20% of your heating and cooling bill. The most common place for air loss is through the vent registers, where the drywall and duct work connect. Our service professionals can do a thorough inspection and see if they are properly installed. As well, they are trained to correct flawed installation issues, and bring your duct work up to par.
Replacing Air Filters:
Don't let a cheap filter destroy an expensive system. Regularly replacing your air filters can increase the air flow throughout your home, especially if you have pets. Your system will last longer because a clean air filter will prevent dust and dirt build up. Most filters need to be replaced every three months, but if you have pets, you may want to replace them every month for maximum efficiency.
Contaminants:
All HVAC systems need routine maintenance. The elderly, young children, and people with breathing problems are especially susceptible to allergies and lung diseases-- and are specifically prone to disease-causing biological agents from indoor air. Biological contaminants can trigger allergic reactions and some types of asthma. Symptoms include and are not limited to sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, dizziness, fatigue, fever and shortness of breath. We cannot express enough: if you are experiencing these symptoms seek medical attention promptly.
Minimizing Contaminants:
Install and use exhaust fans in the kitchens, bathrooms, and clothes dryers expelling warm, damp, and excess air to the outside. Ventilate attics and crawl spaces to prevent moisture from building up. Keep your house clean to prevent dust mites, pollens, animal dander and other allergy causing agents. Furthermore, take precautionary steps to minimize mildew and mold in basements.
Maintenance and Replacements:
Everything needs a check-up just like your car needs a regular tune-up to work safely and properly. Your cooling system can cost you more than it should to keep you comfortable without a regular maintenance. A regular tune-up is important to the life expectancy and energy efficiency of your air conditioning unit. Some of the things we check are the electrical connections, cleaning evaporator and air conditioning coils, checking the refrigerant levels, sanitizing and cleaning the coil drain, air distribution, lubricating the fan motor, calibration of the thermostat as well as changing air filters.
Air Filter Tips for New Equipment Owners:
Quality Air Care recommends air filters be changed or cleaned within two weeks of start-up of any new system. If your home is new or newly remodeled, this is very important due to dust, fumes, and building materials floating in the air. Dirty air filters will increase your operating costs and make your equipment work harder, possibly causing damage to your equipment.
Advantage Plan Maintenance Agreement:
Quality Air Care offers several different types of protection plans. Before summer and fall, it is very important to call and set an appointment to have your equipment checked to insure the highest level of efficiency. Without these inspections your unit can wear itself out quickly, pump deadly carbon monoxide into your home or simply stop working. Certainly, this can be a much bigger expense than purchasing one of our protections plans, which are designed to prevent such terrible situations.
We specialize in all the keys to your comfort!!!
Our Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
We are always on call 24 hours a day, 7 days each week for your heating and air emergencies.
Quality Air Care is pleased to be here for your convenience!
There are several ways to help you and your loved ones stay cool while saving energy in the process. Listed here are just a few suggestions that are very easy to implement and to create your energy-saving routine.
Help Your Electronics to Save Energy:
You have probably added a programmable thermostat, created shade for your windows, and sealed your duct system to lower your utility bills. Are you still trying to find ways to save energy? Look toward your lamps, TVs, and any other lighting that could be to close to your thermostat. When these house-hold items are too close to your thermostat, it can be "tricked" into operating as if the room is actually warmer than it is. These items put off a considerable amount of heat and your thermostat will turn on more frequently than it should.
Switch the Direction Your Ceiling Fan Rotates:
Your ceiling fan can be an asset in your home year-round. It can keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter very easily by flipping that switch at its base to change the direction the fan is rotating. When the fan is running in a counter-clockwise direction, warm air is pushed up, allowing cooling of the room. When the fan is running in a clockwise direction, warm air close to the ceiling is pushed downwards, creating warmth in the room.
Turn Your Thermostat Up a Few Degrees:
A system is only as good as the thermostat that is controlling it. You can simply adjust your thermostat up or down 5 degrees which could help you save up to $250 a year. Also, if you like to sleep in cooler conditions, a programmable thermostat can automatically adjust to accommodate you. In the morning it can automatically adjust so you don't have to get up to a freezing home. Some are even programmable so you can change the temperature with your cell phone when you are away.
There are Three Types of Programmable Thermostats:
A 5+2 model has one setting schedule for week-days and another schedule for the weekends.
The 5-1-1 model has one setting schedule for Monday- Friday, one for Saturday, and one for Sunday. The flexible 7 day model allows a different daily schedule with up to four different temperature time periods each day. Also, some more advanced units run diagnostic programs and can show the homeowner information such as when to change the air filter. There are also units that start cooling/heating early, so the scheduled temperature is reached at the right time. Quality Air Care can help you find the right model for you, tailored to your specific needs.
Create Some Shade:
Having some shade indoors is another way to save some energy during the hot days of summer. Closing curtains and blinds during the day is a great way to create some shade. Concealing windows that face east in the morning, and windows that face west in the afternoon will keep your home from overheating by blocking out the heat. Investing in an awning outside is also a great way to eradicate some of the unwanted heat.
Attic Fans are Cool:
Proper installation is vital every time. Some people have what is called a "whole-house fan" in their home. These instruments are quite handy when evening temperatures dip below 60 degrees in the summer, for example. The outdoor air can really be a comfortable option compared to running the air conditioner. This "whole-house" fan exchanges the outside air quickly with the indoor air, which removes hot and humid air through the attic or roof of the upper floor.
Zoning at Home:
No matter where you live, zoning systems are a perfect way to eliminate hot rooms and provide an even temperature throughout your home. There are different types of zoned heating and air conditioner systems, but the typical home is divided into multiple zones that allow the home owner to adjust the temperature in different rooms. This would allow you to turn the temperature up or down, adjusting accordingly. Furthermore, you can turn the temperature off for rooms that no one is using.
Recycle your Heat and Air Unit:
We are all capable of taking better care of this beautiful world God has given us. When you replace your heat and air unit, what do you do with the old one? We will happily haul it off for you. If it is still in good working condition, we can fix the problem and donate it to a family in need, if you would like. The Municipal Solid Waste Agency will pick up old units because the steel and copper that make up most of the unit is recyclable. The oil and refrigerant also needs to be disposed of properly. Give us a call at Quality Air Care for more information.
The Dry Side of Humidity:
Humidity isn't all it cracked up to be. This is a common weather phenomenon during hot summer months. Did you know that dry skin, static electricity, a scratchy throat, and coughing can all be signs of low humidity levels in your home. Investing in a home humidifier will help you to maintain comfortable humidity levels; between 30 and 50 percent.
Seal your Ductwork:
With a rusty metal air exit, the long maze of duct work can cost you up to 20% of your heating and cooling bill. The most common place for air loss is through the vent registers, where the drywall and duct work connect. Our service professionals can do a thorough inspection and see if they are properly installed. As well, they are trained to correct flawed installation issues, and bring your duct work up to par.
Replacing Air Filters:
Don't let a cheap filter destroy an expensive system. Regularly replacing your air filters can increase the air flow throughout your home, especially if you have pets. Your system will last longer because a clean air filter will prevent dust and dirt build up. Most filters need to be replaced every three months, but if you have pets, you may want to replace them every month for maximum efficiency.
Contaminants:
All HVAC systems need routine maintenance. The elderly, young children, and people with breathing problems are especially susceptible to allergies and lung diseases-- and are specifically prone to disease-causing biological agents from indoor air. Biological contaminants can trigger allergic reactions and some types of asthma. Symptoms include and are not limited to sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, dizziness, fatigue, fever and shortness of breath. We cannot express enough: if you are experiencing these symptoms seek medical attention promptly.
Minimizing Contaminants:
Install and use exhaust fans in the kitchens, bathrooms, and clothes dryers expelling warm, damp, and excess air to the outside. Ventilate attics and crawl spaces to prevent moisture from building up. Keep your house clean to prevent dust mites, pollens, animal dander and other allergy causing agents. Furthermore, take precautionary steps to minimize mildew and mold in basements.
Maintenance and Replacements:
Everything needs a check-up just like your car needs a regular tune-up to work safely and properly. Your cooling system can cost you more than it should to keep you comfortable without a regular maintenance. A regular tune-up is important to the life expectancy and energy efficiency of your air conditioning unit. Some of the things we check are the electrical connections, cleaning evaporator and air conditioning coils, checking the refrigerant levels, sanitizing and cleaning the coil drain, air distribution, lubricating the fan motor, calibration of the thermostat as well as changing air filters.
Air Filter Tips for New Equipment Owners:
Quality Air Care recommends air filters be changed or cleaned within two weeks of start-up of any new system. If your home is new or newly remodeled, this is very important due to dust, fumes, and building materials floating in the air. Dirty air filters will increase your operating costs and make your equipment work harder, possibly causing damage to your equipment.
Advantage Plan Maintenance Agreement:
Quality Air Care offers several different types of protection plans. Before summer and fall, it is very important to call and set an appointment to have your equipment checked to insure the highest level of efficiency. Without these inspections your unit can wear itself out quickly, pump deadly carbon monoxide into your home or simply stop working. Certainly, this can be a much bigger expense than purchasing one of our protections plans, which are designed to prevent such terrible situations.
We specialize in all the keys to your comfort!!!
Our Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
We are always on call 24 hours a day, 7 days each week for your heating and air emergencies.
Quality Air Care is pleased to be here for your convenience!