Monthly Archives: May, 2014
Effective Energy Saving Tips for Summer Season
Gone are the colder days of the year for winter has passed. Now summer is here to welcome every one. Unfortunately, there are some days when temperature exceeds 100 degrees in some parts of the country, according to Meteorologist Mike Voss of PG&E.
Therefore, to ensure the family’s safety during this very hot summer season, here are some tips for staying safe and cool.
- Set the thermostat temperature to 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you are at home and 85 degrees when going out. Adjust the temperature accordingly if you are in poor health condition, elderly, or simply sensitive to heat.
- Stock up as many bottles of water and healthy drinks in your refrigerator. You will need it to combat the heat.
- When the lights in any room of the house are not in use, make sure to turn them off to conserve energy.
- Use a microwave instead of an oven to heat your food. The former requires lesser electricity, hence lower bills.
From: PG&E Currents… Continue Reading
Maintaining the Swimming Pool Heater
Owning a swimming is an added luxury and responsibility to the homeowner. Regular maintenance is required to ensure its efficiency and performance. Not only is it used to cool off from the summer’s heat, it can also be used during colder days with a heater attached to the pool.
Installing a pool heater is one thing; regular maintenance is another. The latter is important to ensure that you can use the swimming area for as long as you can without problems in between.
Gas type heaters are the currently the widely used ones. To work, they need propane tanks or natural gas. Unfortunately, these are also the spiders’ and other insects’ favorite hiding place. Hence, it is highly advised to clean and get rid of any dust or dirt from the heating system to avoid clogs and other issues.
Electrical pool heaters are also quite the popular choice nowadays. They produce heat without the use of natural gas or propane tanks but with heating elements. When the elements become damaged, expertly replacing them is necessary.
Air Conditioner Repair: Have You Done the Following?
Normally, when the air conditioning system malfunctions or shuts down, homeowners tend to fix or assess things themselves. They refrain from hiring a professional and reliable technician because they are afraid of the expenses it will cost them. What they do not know is that failing to hire an expert could only cause more expenses for problems that worsened.
Save yourself the time and money by adhering to the following basic points of hiring an AC repair pro.
- Ask for any promos currently ongoing. You can also find discounts for service packages. Also, ask for price cuts in relation to the Energy Star compliance.
- When working with an expert, listen to what they ask and tell you. If you also have questions in mind, do not be hesitant to ask them.
- Confirm your chosen professional with the Better Business Bureau and other AC repair affiliated organizations. Ensuring their license and certification are up-to-date is vital in avoiding hiring a fraud.
How to Avoid AC Repair Ripoffs – Do Not Be a Victim
One of the sad facts of having an air conditioning system is experiencing an AC repair scam. Fraudulent people exist in this modern world and some of them might lure you into a scam. So, arm yourself with the right knowledge beforehand.
Look into the following points.
- Ask for a written estimate of the overall costs. Do not just be satisfied with the verbal quote they give you. A written estimate helps avoid dishonesty, discrepancies, and misunderstandings.
- Make sure that the services and parts used for the repair process are all under warranty.
- Do not be hasty with your decisions. Try to go to three or four AC companies and compare their prices and services before finalizing your choice
- Always double check with the BBB for the legitimacy of your choices. Ask past customers for their feedback as well.
Is Your HVAC System Ready for Spring?
While you are excited for the new season, are you sure your HVAC system is ready to perform effectively this time?
Here are some things to keep in mind and guarantee a worry-free season.
- It is vital that you change the air filters of your air conditioner and heater regularly. Change your filters monthly especially if you use the system often. A clean filter paves way for high quality air to circulate.
- After checking your system and if you believe everything is all set, do a test run to see if you are right.
- Clean and get rid of any dirt and dust buildup in the ducts.
- Last but not the least, have a reliable professional inspect your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system.
Heater Maintenance, Making Sure It Lasts a Long Time
When winter strikes, it is difficult to stay warm if you have no heater. Fortunately, many homeowners have understood the importance of having heating systems in their residences.
If you have a heater, here are some tips to make sure they last long and perform efficiently.
- Vacuum and thoroughly clean the interior area of your furnace. Get rid of any debris and dust particles.
- Make it a point to replace air filters monthly during winter season.
- Check and make sure the oil bearings are lubricated properly.
- Replace the fanbelt if you find any signs of wear and tear.
- If you are hesitant, seek the help of an expert before anything else.
- Always turn off the system before performing any inspections or repairs.
Summer Keep-Cool Tips Fit for Your Budget
Looking for more ways to cool your home while spending as little as possible? Check out the following tips:- Keep any possible cool air outlet properly sealed, including doors, windows, gaps and cracks along the walls, etc.
- Opt for the highest-but-still-comfortable thermostat level.
- Don’t leave your AC unit directly exposed to the sun — provide a shade or build trees or bushes around it.
- Give your unit more time to cool the house to keep it from getting too worked up.
Steering Clear of Common Summer Problems
Summer usually spells two major problems for homeowners: extreme heat and bug infestation. The ProudGreenHome website shares some tips to its readers on how both problems can be mitigated, or better yet prevented:
- Proper sealing and insulation can lead the way to an energy-efficient season. Make sure to inspect the following areas and make sure that they are properly sealed: sill plate, rim joist and your HVAC system.
- Keep insects off your property by filling holes, gaps and cracks around the house. Pay extra attention on the following places: water hose bib, dryer vent, and plumbing.
Keeping Your Bills Low and Your Home Cool
Summertime can be a pretty trying period, especially for homeowners who spend most of their time in their houses. Air & Heat Service Co. has some tips for their readers on keeping homes more livable on hot summer days:- Invest on an Energy Star rated fan to aid your air conditioning system in cooling your home.
- Avoid exaggerating the thermostat level — set it as high as you can handle.
- Observe regular maintenance to preserve your unit’s efficiency.
Save and Keep Cool This Summer Season
Keeping your home cool and comfortable during hot summer days can be very pricey. However, there are multiple ways to cut back on your expenses:- A programmable thermostat allows you to automatically control the temperature in your home at different times during the day.
- Regularly changing the air filters keeps the indoor air clean and allows your unit to work at maximum level without consuming as much energy.
- Keeping your doors and windows sealed ensured that no warm air intrudes your home and that the coor air stays inside the house.