How to Reduce Air-Conditioning Costs With These Money-Saving Tips

There are ways that you can reduce your electric bills quite significantly if you have central air conditioning or a window unit. This article will attempt to show how to reduce air-conditioning costs, even in very warm climates during the summer months.

Consider the size of the room and base your air conditioning on that when buying a unit as more does not mean better in every case. Other factors to consider are in respect of what will affect the room temperature such as number of windows, direction it faces etc. If you buy a unit that is too large for the room, it will need to work much harder and end up costing you more money.

When in the market for a central air conditioning system, always check that the SEER number (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is above thirteen (fourteen for warmer climates). Less efficient systems' running costs will be more and so for room air conditioners, look for an energy efficiency ratio of eleven or above. High efficiency units will cost you more on the initial purchase but, particularly if you live in a hot climate, the extra cost will more than be recovered over a few years from lower electricity bills.

Make sure that you maintain your air conditioning unit and regularly check and replace the filter (every month) during the cooling season and have it professionally serviced every year at the start of the cooling season..

Cooling systems are renowned for being the largest consumers of energy in the home. Depending on your location, it will probably only be outdone in the energy sapping stakes by your heating system. If your system is aged with a SEER rating below eight, it may be worth consideration to replace it with a more energy efficient system.

You may also want to consider installing a thermostat that you can program in order to vary the temperature according to the times when you are actually at home. A setting around seventy eight degrees Fahrenheit is okay for when you are present. If you are away from your home for more than a few hours, it may be apt to set the temperature higher (around eighty five degrees) for the time that you are away.

The location of your condenser is another important consideration. Make sure that it is in the shade and has enough room to dispose of the hot air that it removes from your home. Do not place shrubs or plants around it - enable it to breathe. You can, however, plant shade trees and plants around the house to assist in reducing the heat from the sun, particularly on western and southern sides to your home. This could result in a reduction of up to thirty per cent on your cooling costs.

Close all curtains and blinds on the sunniest side of your house to prevent the heat coming into your home and wherever possible, install awnings on the windows. Sealing any air leaks in your home will reduce costs of your air conditioning as well as your heating costs and remember to check that all seals around drying vents, plumbing are closed. Fill in any gaps that there may be around places like chimneys and weather tape any doors or windows that cause drafts.

You may wish to consider putting in ceiling fans into rooms and running them on hot days. If it is too warm for you, use the fan without air conditioning but if t is hot enough for it, using both together will allow the temperature to rise by five degrees, therefore reducing costs. Only use ceiling fans when you are in the room as running it alone doe not actually lower temperatures - it is the movement of air increasing skin evaporation that causes coolness.

The colour of the exterior of your home will also make a difference. The darker it is, the more heat it will take in so bear this in mind when building, repainting, buying property in the future. Choose light colours for the outside of your home.

Did you know that thirty per cent of heat in homes is absorbed through the roof? Ensure that any attics are ventilated sufficiently. Vents in the eaves will allow for cooler air to enter. A ridge vent or even an attic fan can reduce cooling costs significantly.

Any heat that is generated within the home will need to be removed by your system of cooling so avoid it whenever you can. Try grilling or barbecuing food outdoors or if you have to cook inside use the microwave or a crock-pot.

Following just some of these tips on how to reduce air conditioning costs will help your wallet and also make your life that little more comfortable during those long summer seasons.

Air Conditioning - Routine Maintenance

There are many routine maintenance procedures that you can take to keep your air conditioning system running at peak efficiency. In Frederick Maryland where I live, it is essential to routinely maintain the air conditioning and heat pump unit to help keep utility costs down, and it is imperative where you live as well.

In order to keep your air conditioning running at its highest efficiency, it is always best to have your unit or units periodically serviced by a professional. Whether this is done by the contractor who installed your HVAC units, or another contractor that you have a set up a service agreement with, you should have them service your air conditioning at least once a year.

However, there are many things that you can do between professional servicing that will extend the life of your system and lower your electricity costs as well.

Probably the most important procedure that you can perform is to clean the air filter every month. Not only does this keep the system running smoothly, it reduces the amount of airborne dust and dirt from being transported through your home. There are many different types of filters that can be used in an air conditioning system, and it is important to understand how your filter for your particular system works.

There are some filters that need to be washed with soap and water and then laid out to be dried before being re-installed into the unit itself. These type of filters can last for several years, and if cleaned every month, will keep your system running at optimal condition.

Then there are some filters that will need to be gone over with a vacuum. These filters will need to be replaced every year. Your service technician can tell you more about what type of filter that you have in your air conditioning system and can give you the servicing routine for each type of filter.

Then there is the outside units themselves. First off, if your outside units are in a corner of the house, make sure that you clean the area around the units periodically. Any mulch, grass clippings and debris should be removed from around the units, and every six months, you should remove the grill cover and take a garden hose and wash down the fins on the unit. Just be careful not to spray with too much pressure against the fins on the air conditioning unit. This will help the outside parts of the system running smoothly.

Also, if you live in a colder climate and receive any kind of snow or sleet during the winter, make sure that you protect the units from sucking in the snow into the fins. This will eventually turn into a solid block of ice if left unchecked. As the unit is trying to heat your home, the snow will be pulled into the unit, filtering in through the fins and becoming frozen. Install a shelter around the units leaving about three feet of clearance around the unit itself, even on the top. This will keep any unwanted snow and ice from accumulating in or on the unit.

Facts About Air Conditioning and Heating Repair

OK, calm down. AC and heating repair isn't that bad, right? Stop! Put that wrench down. Please pick up the phone and call an expert. Air conditioning and heating repair is not for novices. Unless that is your profession and you are repairing the units yourself, another professional or expert is needed. So, let's break it down.

AC- Heating Repair

The prelude to repairing your unit is regular maintenance checks. These are things like a removable replaceable filter that might be the only thing you as a novice might be able to do by yourself, cleaning the unit of dust, and making certain to adhere to the manufacturers' specifications. Additionally, if you have an outside unit, be sure to keep the surrounding area clear to create better drainage.

Heating Repair

To understand the how to of AC- heating repair you must first understand the type of unit installed. Not knowing the type and specs could cause you to hire the wrong type of expert. Your product manual should be kept for this purpose in a safe and easily accessible place. Any type of heating unit should always be serviced regularly by a professional in that field in addition to regular maintenance checks done by the homeowner, thus minimizing any unforeseen costly repairs and damages.

If you are building for the first time or having to repair a system for the first time, you might ask questions like these:

Are air conditioning units and heating units the same thing?

That would depend on which type of unit you choose. Some air conditioning units are equipped with heating mechanisms. They are called Package Units. Separate air conditioning and heating units can be installed based on your needs.

What is an air conditioner?

An air conditioner is a machine that converts hot air inside an enclosed space to cool air, keeping it dry and at a regulated temperature.

What types of air conditioning systems are there?

An air conditioning system can be package units, central air conditioning units and split units.

What type of heating units are there?

Heating unit choices can vary between any of the following: radiators, boilers, heat pumps, fireplaces and furnaces.

What caused the problem?

Figuring out what is wrong with your air conditioning or heating unit can be anything from a blown fuse, the system not cooling or heating to bad odor emitting from the unit.

How much does it cost to repair?

The general advice as is normally with any electrical product is to have a professional assessment for repairs. The level and costs of the AC- heating repair would depend on the type of unit and the problem.

Now that you know what you are working with and have hired a professional to troubleshoot and repair the damage, ensure that a proper maintenance log is kept for each unit whether it is a package unit for both air conditioning and heating or two separate units. Repairs for individual air conditioning and heating unit types can vary drastically from that of package units.

All About Commercial Air Conditioning

Commercial air conditioning is available for hotels, restaurants, industries and other institutions. Schools, churches and retail stores can find appropriate services and there is a wide range of products that are available. You may locate a company providing these products and services through the internet and one can also call them for more information.

If you have any questions, you may find a live agent that you can chat to over the internet and they will ensure that instant response is provided. Commercial product application will also include public buildings, mining and industrial, restaurants and fast food joints and even hospitals. With the appropriate solution, you will be able to reduce your energy bills and save money in the process.

Professional service will be provided and this includes the design and installation of your unit. Comprehensive after sales service will be provided and your unit shall be maintained for you. Redundant systems may be decommissioned and gas reclaimed from them. In addition, redundant systems may be removed from your facility.

Service and maintenance programs are available and you can enjoy many benefits from air-conditioning. Common problems can be solved for you and if you have a computer room, the heat that is emitted from the PCs can be too much. Too much heat in a room hosting a server can make the server fail to function and you may lose business if your systems are not functioning.

Wall or floor mounted systems can be provided for your computer room and this will enable you to control the temperature in the room. Offices can sometimes get too hot and you shall be uncomfortable is the office. The reason is because there might be too many people in the office. Overhead lighting and heat emitted from computers can also contribute to the rise in temperatures.

For an office, an appropriate solution will be offered and this includes outdoor units. Delicatessens can become quite hot due to having several refrigerators in a facility. In addition, there is a high density of clients in the shop and it can become uncomfortably hot.

An open plan office can be offered with an air-conditioner and studios may also be provided with appropriate solutions. Dentists, warehouses and nurseries can also be offered with the appropriate solution. Pubs and nightclubs can also have air-conditioning units installed for them. If you would like additional information about commercial air conditioning, you can contact a company that is providing the products and services.

A Spring Maintenance and Auto Repair Checklist

The auto repair that your vehicle needs may not just be based on the sounds you hear. In fact, if you are like most people, you don't think twice about getting your oil changed or checking your tires. You have things to do, and your schedule is often too packed to worry about additional things. When it comes to maintaining your vehicle though, there are several things you need to do. This spring, be sure that you are taking every step possible to ensure that your vehicle is able to run its best all summer long.

Basic Maintenance

Have you pulled out the auto repair and owner's manual yet to find out how often you should get the oil changed? Do you know when you should change each of the filters? Perhaps you haven't thought about having the car lubed in a long time. All of this adds up to potentially big risks for the vehicle. You should have this done once every three months or more often in most cases.

Those Problems You Put Off

You have a check engine light on in your vehicle. You know that you need to do something about it, but you really have not had the time to get it done. This is the perfect time to take the vehicle in for a engine performance and evaluation. You will want the technicians to perform a diagnostic test to determine what steps you need to take to maintain your vehicle. The longer the engine is not functioning at an optimal level, the more likely it will be for your vehicle to have long-term problems. This can affect gas usage, too.

Other Services

What other services do you need to have done to maintain your car? The following auto repair is often considered a must for most vehicles. During the spring, you should have your air conditioning system checked to ensure that it is working properly. You should also have the braking system visually inspected and tested, especially with wet roads in your future. Your transmission may also need service. You may need to have the suspension, steering, and differential inspected and maintained as the manufacturer suggests. You should also consider having the electrical system, tires, windshield wipers, and the lights checked. Taking the time to have this done will reduce risks to your vehicle.

Auto repair is not something to put off. If you know that your vehicle has a problem, get it taken care of right away. If your vehicle has not had all of the required maintenance, it is time to keep that in mind as well. Don't put off getting the help your car needs now.

Wood Burning Stoves - Do You Have The Tools Needed To Be Using One In Your Home?

Whether you installed your wood stove yourself to reduce the cost of your heating bill, or you're utilizing the stove that came with your house when you purchased it, wood stoves can help to serve multiple purposes, including heating as well as a place for the family to gather around on those cold winter nights.

There are certain tools you should have before having a fire in your stove. Some stove tools include a poker, which can be used for stirring up the fire and moving logs around. Another tool you will need is some kind of scoop for shoveling out ashes, if your wood burning stove doesn't have any kind of ash drawer, this is a must. Another accessory you should add to your supplies arsenal, is a set of tongs for picking up logs. You may also want to purchase fire retardant gloves, so you reduce your risk of burn when working with a fire.

Blowers can be utilized in a way that is beneficial to a wide range of wood stove owners. The purpose of wood stove blowers is to redistribute the heat throughout your home. Many people don't realize the savings potential in purchasing a wood stove blower. It may be 85 degrees Fahrenheit by the stove but if the heat isn't being distributed throughout the house, other rooms in the house may only be 60 degrees or lower. The benefits in purchasing a blower are both money and peace of mind, in knowing that you are getting the most out of your wood burning stove.

Having a log holder near your wood burning stove is also a recommendation. A log holder will help to keep wood chips and saw dust consolidated all in one place. Another option is a wood carrier to help you transport your wood from wood pile to stove without losing a single chip. Log holders can be a worthy investment if you don't enjoy the mess associated with having a wood burning stove.

If you have a fireplace, you may want to consider investing in a fireplace insert. Fireplaces are not airtight structures, so most of your heat will just get sucked straight up the chimney. This is fine if you only have a fire a few times a year for special occasions, but if you are looking to use your fireplace for heating your home, you should consider purchasing a fireplace insert. A fireplace insert is basically a wood stove that fits inside your fireplace. A fireplace insert is airtight so it will burn slower and it won't suck in air sending all your heat up the chimney.

When using a wood stove or fireplace, it is very important that you get your chimney checked regularly for creosote buildup. Creosote buildup is more common with slow burning such as wood stoves and fireplace inserts, but you should still get your chimney checked if you are just burning with a fireplace. It is imperative that you check for creosote in that it can potentially cause chimney fires.

Aircon Service - 3 Things To Look Out For When Hiring An Aircon Contractor

Today, almost every household and office has installed an aircon unit. Air conditioning has become such as integral part in our lives, even though we do not give much thought to it. Whenever you are out shopping, all the centres will surely be air-conditioned. Whenever the weather gets hot, you will be desperately looking for air-conditioning place to cool yourself.

As we are now overly-dependent on air conditioning, sometimes aircon contractors use this opportunity to maximize their profits in unethical ways. So, let me share with you 3 things to look out for when you are hiring an aircon contractor:

1. Make sure that the contractor cleans your air conditioner in the right way by using the right chemicals. There are harmful moulds growing in your air conditioner fan coils. When the contractor cleans your fan coils with a brush or vacuum, they loosen these spores from the fan coil units. These loosened mould spores will be blown into the air and you will breathe into your lungs. This is extremely harmful to your health and you need to make sure that your contractor does not do this. Always ask for the right types of cleaning chemical to be used when cleaning your air conditioning unit. Sometimes, the contractor may not want to use it because he wants to maintain his bottom line. This is also part of his strategy to get more service jobs out of you.

2. Always insist on at least a ½ inch drainage pipe for split unit air conditioning. If your contractor tells you otherwise, you need to beware. Sometimes, the contractor may just give you an undersized drainage pipe so that the pipe will choke. This will cause the unit to leak easily and thus require you to call for service often. So always insist on a large enough drainage pipe to be used.

3. Always check the full range of service offered by aircon contractors. One trick many contractors use is to offer relatively low cost for their annual servicing contracts, which they will use brushing and vacuuming method to service your aircon unit. As I have mentioned before, brushing and vacuuming are not enough and they can be harmful to your health if not done properly. Usually by the second servicing, you will complain about low performance of your aircon unit. Upon this time, your contractor will recommend a full chemical service. A full chemical service is very expensive, and since you have already committed to the contractor for a year, you will agree to the full service to get back the strong clean air as before. So, make sure you know exactly what they are offering for their annual package and ensure that they clean with the right methods to preserve the useful lifespan of your air conditioning unit.

Keep yourself up to date by doing a research on the Internet to find out the right way to clean. In this case, you will prevent yourself from falling into victim into these unethical contractors' plans.