Even in places like Oak Harbor which typically experience mild summer weather, keeping your home cool can still be quite costly. The steadily rising energy prices mean that most homeowners are constantly looking for ways to lower their energy costs without sacrificing their home comfort. If you’re looking to save some money on your energy bills this summer, here are a few simple tips you should definitely consider. 1. Schedule an AC Tune-Up Having your AC system professionally serviced, cleaned and inspected is essential for limiting how much energy the system uses. If the system isn’t serviced yearly, it can start to experience a variety of issues that reduce its energy efficiency and limit its effectiveness. Issues like leaking ductwork or a dirty evaporator coil can potentially increase energy usage by 25% or more, and these can easily be avoided by scheduling an annual AC tune-up service. Having the system inspected is also important for identifying and preventing issues that could cause the system to break down or shorten the lifespan of your AC unit. 2. Keep Window Coverings Closed During the Day Windows are always one of the biggest sources of heat gain. If you leave your curtains, drapes...
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If the air conditioner in your Oak Harbor, Washington home malfunctions or fails, you may be able to sidestep the costs of replacement or repairs. Nearly all AC manufacturers offer five-year product warranties that cover defective parts. However, the only way to enjoy the benefits that these warranties provide is by scheduling routine AC service. Why Professional AC Service Is Essential Annual service optimizes the efficiency of air conditioners. When scheduled in spring, these services also prime cooling equipment for the challenges that lie ahead. They give our technicians a chance to identify and address problems early on. This way, minor issues never spiral out of control. During routine AC service, we replace worn or missing parts, calibrate cooling equipment, and take other measures to limit system stress. Well-maintained AC units last a lot longer than models that never receive professional care, and they’re less likely to require expensive repairs. If you skip annual maintenance service and your air conditioner breaks down, your AC manufacturer is unlikely to cover your repairs. This remains true even if your AC problems are the result of a manufacturing defect that would otherwise qualify you for coverage. The reason is simple. When you sign...
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Your air conditioner is probably one of the most vital appliances in your home during the summer months. An AC keeps your indoor environment cool and comfortable from the scorching temperatures. But even the best brands in the market require professional service to facilitate proper functioning throughout the hot days. However, it may be challenging to determine when to schedule a service for your air conditioner. Here are five tell-tale signs that it’s time for AC service. 1. System Makes Strange Noises Usually, an air conditioner makes some low-level sounds, especially when turning on and shutting down. But during normal operation, it should make little to no noise. If you notice any strange sounds, such as buzzing, screeching, humming, or rattling noises, it indicates that your AC needs service. A screeching sound may be an indication of a malfunctioning fan motor. Humming or buzzing may signify a compressor problem, while rattling noises may be a sign of a mechanical issue. An experienced professional will assess your system’s internal components during AC service and fix the issue. 2. AC Blows Warm Air The main function of your AC is to cool down your indoor space. But if you turn on your...
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Air ducts are responsible for distributing heated or cooled air from the HVAC system throughout a building. Air ducts consist of steel, aluminum, fiberglass, or flexible plastic, which work similarly to circulate air. The primary purpose of an air duct system is to ensure each room or living space maintains the desired temperature and humidity level. Air ducts also reduce noise, odors, pollen, and allergens from entering a home. Over time, dust, dirt, and pet dander can build up in the air ducts, leading to poor indoor air quality. To keep your air ducts in optimal working condition, you’ll want to clean them often. A professional cleaning service can remove accumulated dust and debris from your ducts to ensure your HVAC system runs well. Here are some reasons why you should have your air ducts cleaned. Reduces Allergens and Irritants When dust, dirt, pet dander, and mold build up in a system, it increases the number of allergens and irritants circulated through a house. Cleaning your air ducts reduces airborne pollutants, allergy symptoms, or other respiratory conditions. Investing in air duct cleaning is suitable for health reasons and will improve your home’s indoor air quality. Enhances Performance of HVAC System...
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As a homeowner, you rely on your HVAC system to provide heating and cooling inside your home year-round. While you need your HVAC system to stay comfortable, you also want to ensure that you take steps to keep your energy bills in check. Fortunately, there are several things that you can do to balance comfort and energy efficiency. You can also follow a few tips to get the most out of your HVAC system. 1. Service Your HVAC System Often Can you recall the last time you had your HVAC system checked? If not, lack of maintenance could be the reason you’re paying more on your energy bills than usual. Investing in regular maintenance is perhaps the most important thing you can do to ensure that it is running efficiently and free of operational issues. Unmaintained HVAC systems often contain dirty or worn-out components that make it harder for the system to do its job. An overworked system will drive up your energy bills and have a harder time keeping you comfortable. Lack of maintenance can also lead to costly repairs and premature breakdowns, costing you even more money. 2. Invest in a New Thermostat HVAC thermostats have come a...
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Ductless mini splits are a unique type of HVAC unit that can both heat and cool. These units are designed for use in buildings with no central heating or air conditioning system, as they operate without the need for ductwork. They are also a great option for additions that aren’t connected to the central HVAC system or for any rooms or areas where you may need to supplement your heating and cooling. As with any other type of HVAC unit, it is vital that you choose a ductless mini split that is the right size for the space. If not, the unit may not heat or cool sufficiently. An oversized or undersized unit will also lead to higher energy bills, experience more frequent issues and likely break down much sooner. With all this in mind, here is a quick overview of how to calculate what size of ductless mini split you need. Determining Your Needs Most mini splits are designed to heat or cool just one room or space, but there are systems that can control the temperature throughout an entire home. These systems still have one outdoor heat pump that is connected to multiple indoor air handlers. In order...
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There are blogs and billboards all over the place to remind you that you need professional HVAC maintenance. But does all maintenance look the same regardless of what kind of system you have in your home? Discover how maintaining a traditional HVAC system differs from a heat pump and whether one requires more than another. Two-unit Traditional HVAC System Before we begin talking about the maintenance required on traditional HVAC systems, it’s important to know what we mean. The traditional HVAC system consists of two functions: heating and cooling. The heating is typically provided by a furnace or boiler. The furnace can be an electric coil or, more commonly, it burns fuel such as natural gas, propane, or heating oil. It then transfers the heat from the exhaust of the burning fuel to the air moving over through the heat exchanger. The second unit is the cooling unit, also known as the air conditioner. This uses a refrigerant to absorb heat from the air circulating through the system and transfers it to the air outside. Both of these units will require maintenance to keep them operating efficiently. Regardless of the system you have, the goal is to maintain its efficiency...
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The burners are one of the most important parts of a gas furnace as they are what cause the gas to combust in order to create heat. Although natural gas burns extremely clean and doesn’t produce any soot or ash, furnace burners will still get covered in dirt and grime over time. When this happens, it can create numerous issues and limit the effectiveness of your heating system. This makes it essential that furnace burners are cleaned regularly, and here is everything you need to know about why this is necessary and how it is done. Why Furnace Burners Need to Be Cleaned Dirty burners can create several major issues for your furnace. If the burners are clogged with gunk and debris, it can make it so that the gas doesn’t fully combust. This leads to lots of energy waste and thus higher gas bills. If the gas doesn’t fully combust, your furnace also won’t create nearly as much heat. This means that it will take your furnace much longer to fully heat your home, leading to even greater energy costs. This issue also results in greater wear and tear and may shorten your furnace’s lifespan. If the burners aren’t...
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If you own a home in Washington State, ductless AC can be better than a traditional HVAC system. There are several reasons to consider having a ductless AC system installed in your home. What Is Ductless AC? Also known as a mini-split system, a ductless AC system has two components. There is an outdoor unit and an indoor air-handling unit. There is a conduit running between these components that has a refrigerant line, power cable, condensate drain, and suction tubing. Some outdoor units can attach to up to four indoor air handlers. Heat and Cool Your Home A ductless AC can also heat your home. In the summer, it moves warm air out of your home and releases it outdoors. In the winter, it moves heat from the outdoors into your home. As such, a ductless AC will completely replace a traditional HVAC system. Better Energy Efficiency A ductless AC is more energy efficient than furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps. One reason for this is that you’re only heating or cooling a single room instead of your entire house. Another reason they’re very efficient is that they don’t need ductwork, unlike traditional HVAC systems. In most homes, over 30%...
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You might recently have been wondering if you should upgrade to a smart thermostat. Choosing to do so has a number of advantages and can make controlling your home simpler. This device is useful for many homeowners, so if you fall into one of the following groups, the time has likely come to make this important upgrade. You Want to Save Money A smart thermostat can help you save money in several ways. Many of these thermostats can detect when you’re home, thereby adjusting the temperature automatically. Further, smart thermostats can provide you with the latest tips and tools for maintaining an energy-efficient home. Some people shy away from smart thermostats because of the costs associated with purchase and installation, but these devices can actually save you money in the long term. Another benefit of a smart thermostat is that you can track your usage. By doing so, you might realize that you’re unnecessarily using energy on certain days of the week, which allows you to make a plan for reducing consumption. You Want to Monitor Your Home’s Temperature Remotely Getting a smart thermostat also provides you with the ability to know what’s happening in your house when you’re out,...
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