October 25, 2013

How Does Geothermal Heating and Cooling Work?

Geothermal heating and cooling may sound like a great idea, but if you’re used to conventional furnaces and boilers, it can be hard to imagine how geothermal energy can sufficiently warm or cool your home. While certain components in geothermal systems may be complex, the basics of how these systems operate are fairly simple. Geothermal: The “Other” Heat Pump Geothermal systems, also known as geothermal heat pumps, work in a way that’s similar to conventional air-source heat pumps. In winter, an air-source heat pump doesn’t create heat, but draws heat from the outdoor air and transfers it into your home....

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October 16, 2013

Our Quick Guide to Furnace Maintenance

Wait too long to schedule your furnace maintenance and you may end up in the lurch. HVAC contractors are flooded with calls once the cold weather hits. Scheduling fall maintenance ensures your furnace will work the first time you fire it up, and will continue to work efficiently throughout the season. Here is a quick guide to furnace maintenance so you know what to expect when your technician knocks at the door. How often should you service your furnace? If your furnace is less than 10 years old, an annual maintenance appointment is usually adequate. If your system is older,...

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October 8, 2013

Get the Performance Edge with a Carrier Programmable Thermostat

One of the simplest ways to save energy on your conditioning bills if you have a Carrier Performance or Comfort system is with a Carrier programmable thermostat. It’s intuitive, easy to use and manages more than your indoor temperature. Having such a thermostat cuts your energy bills by automatically changing the temperature settings indoors without having to remember yourself or relying on family members to make the changes. This thermostat’s features include: Easy to read illuminated display that shows the time, as well as indoor and outdoor temperatures. Simple prompts to follow for programming. Automatically switches from cooling to heating....

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September 25, 2013

Can You Trust the Carrier Brand? Yes You Can

The Carrier brand is one of the most recognized in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) industry, and for good reason. The company’s founder developed the first air conditioning system in the world, and since then the company has continued its innovative process to make their brand one of the most trusted in the HVAC field. Of all the systems in your home, your HVAC system uses the most energy, something that the Carrier company cares about since they have a deep commitment to the environment. In fact, the Carrier company was a founding member of the U.S. Green...

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September 18, 2013

Purifying Household Air: Which Plants Work Best?

Homeowners who enjoy gardening and the beauty that plants bring to an indoor environment can use air purifying plants to decorate and clean the air at the same time. These plants are among the best at removing the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that come from common cleaning products, fresh paint, new carpeting and furniture, shower curtains and even dry cleaning. Some of the best air purifying plants include: Spider plant Boston fern English ivy Areca Palm Golden pothos Aloe vera Chinese evergreen Snake plant Marginata (dracaena) Peace lily Of all these plants, the peace lily removes the most airborne toxins...

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September 11, 2013

Want to Air Condition a Garage? Consider the Ductless Option

When you want to air condition a garage, consider the ductless mini split. They’re heat pumps that don’t require any ductwork to deliver conditioned air. Ductless mini splits provide significant benefits for spaces where it would be impractical to run ducts. Benefits of Ductless Mini Splits to Air Condition a Garage Easy installation – The two main parts of the ductless mini split include the outdoor condenser and the indoor air handler, which can hang from the wall or ceiling. A flexible conduit containing the refrigerant, drainpipe and power connects the condenser and air handler. The refrigerant for these systems...

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September 4, 2013

Enjoy the Benefits of Clean A/C Coils – A How-To Guide

Central air conditioners and heat pumps have two coils that perform better when they’re dust-free. In fact, clean A/C coils prevent high energy bills and reduce the work load on the compressor. Dust insulates the coils, slowing the heat transfer process. Outdoor Condenser The condensing coil needs periodic cleaning throughout the summer. Removing leaves and other debris from the unit enhances the airflow through it, which helps speed the cooling of the hot refrigerant from your home. The coil may also need to be washed off if you notice dust covering the fins and the coil. Use a gentle spray...

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August 26, 2013

A Federal Energy Tax Credit Can Ease the Pain of an Ailing A/C That Won’t Last Till Fall

Is your A/C unit showing the inevitable signs of age? Are you putting off buying a new one because of financial concerns? If you’re afraid your A/C may not survive to see fall, take advantage of a federal energy tax credit. It can help keep your family cool and comfortable all summer, and it will save you money next year at tax time. This tax credit expires in December 2013, so now is the time to act. The tax credit is a part of the federal Energy Star program and offers consumers the incentive to choose more energy efficient HVAC...

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August 19, 2013

Develop a Long-Term, Energy-Savings Strategy for Your Charlotte Area Home

The majority of your energy consumption is used to heat and cool your home. Therefore, the best energy-savings strategy begins with an efficient HVAC system. If your budget can’t accommodate a whole-system upgrade, you can develop a two to three year plan, prioritizing the most important upgrades first. Here is a step-by-step, energy-savings strategy. Use licensed and certified contractors. Make sure you hire a licensed HVAC contractor who employs NATE certified technicians. This will ensure that your service is performed by knowledgeable professionals who keep up with current industry standards. Change your filter. The more you use your heating and...

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August 12, 2013

Keeping a High Efficiency Air Conditioner Running at its Best: 3 Key Tips

Running the air conditioner all summer can lead to increased energy bills, even for homeowners with high-efficiency air conditioners. Purchasing an A/C system with a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (or SEER) isn’t the last step in ensuring a high efficiency air conditioner. Efficiency ratings refer to operation of A/C units in strictly controlled testing conditions, but reality does not match those test conditions and factors like climate and installation can greatly affect the actual operating performance of your unit. Boost the operating performance of your A/C unit by following these 3 tips: 1. Improve airflow: Air is cooled as...

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