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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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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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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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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The air inside your home is not as clean as you may think. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the air inside homes and other buildings can be more polluted than the air outside. There are many things that can contribute to poor indoor air quality, such as smoke, mold, dust mites, and pet dander. The good news is that there are some simple things you can do to improve the air quality in your home and enjoy a healthier environment. 1. Invest in an Air Purifier Air purifiers work by trapping harmful airborne particles, such as allergens and smoke and removing them from the air. This can help reduce various respiratory problems, such as asthma and allergies. Additionally, air purifiers can also remove harmful chemicals and pollutants from the air, providing a cleaner and healthier breathing environment. An air purifier can also extend the life of your furniture and reduce household dust levels. When purchasing an air purifier, it is important to look for one with a high clean air delivery rate (CADR). The higher the CADR, the more effective the purifier is at filtering the air. 2. Change Your AC Filter Regularly You might not often think about...
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Energy costs can make up a significant portion of your monthly bills. This is particularly true during the summer season when many people run their air conditioners frequently. Whether you are in need of a new cooling unit or are looking for a way to save money, you may be wondering if a window unit or whole-home HVAC system is a better option. This depends on a number of factors. Let’s take a look at those factors so that you can make the best decision according to your home’s needs. How Much Will You Pay for a New System? When deciding between a window unit or an HVAC system, one of the most important factors to look at is the amount you need to pay upfront. On average, a window air conditioning unit ranges in price from around $250 to $1,000. According to the most recent statistics, a new central AC system will cost between $3,800 and $7,400, with the national average sitting at about $5,600. You also have to factor in installation fees. Most homeowners can install a window unit on their own in as little as 30 minutes. A central AC, on the other hand, requires professional installation,...
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Your HVAC system is one of the most crucial aspects of your home. During summer, your air conditioner keeps you and your loved ones cool and helps eliminate the humidity that encourages mold growth in your home. During winter, your heater protects you against freezing temperatures. But if you have a bigger home that relies on one central cooling or heating unit, cooling or heating your home can become a difficult task for your HVAC system. As you consider adding another unit to your home, you may find yourself wondering if you should choose HVAC zoning or two systems. Both approaches have their pros and cons, and which one is the best for you depends on your unique situation. If you’re unsure which HVAC system you need, is here to help. Consider your heating and cooling needs and compare HVAC zoning with installing two systems using the guide below. What’s HVAC Zoning? HVAC zoning refers to the practice of dividing your heating and cooling system so it cools and heats different areas of your home. This practice allows you to set cooling and heating conditions independently for each zoned area in your home. A zoned HVAC system leads to better...
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You rely on your furnace or air conditioner to keep your Oak Harbor home comfortable. When there is a problem, most people immediately suspect that the heating or cooling equipment is the culprit. The experienced technicians at are more than happy to handle your AC or furnace repair needs. However, there is another component of comfort systems that homeowners often forget. A network of ducts carries the warm air from your furnace to the vents scattered throughout your house. If there is a problem with your ductwork, it can impact your home comfort and climate system efficiency. Dusty Vents If you notice excess dust around your vents, it may point to leaky ductwork. In a well-functioning system, filters will remove a good portion of the dust, hair and other impurities floating around your air. Dusty vents may point to impurities getting into the system after passing through the air filters. Holes or cracks in your ductwork may be the problem. Lingering Allergies You may not see the dust, pollen and dander around your vents, but sensitive household members may experience allergy symptoms if the air is not clean. If one of your loved ones has cold symptoms that never seem...
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There have been inventions in the history of mankind that have been game-changers of their era. The invention of the air conditioner in the early 20th century was one such invention. What started as a customized engineering solution for a local paper mill led to the invention of one of the most influential products of the century. The inventor of the air conditioner was Willis Carrier, who didn’t stop at just inventing the air conditioner but made it into one the most successful products of its time. The Genius of Carrier Willis Carrier was born in Angola, NY, in 1876. He attended Cornell University on scholarship, graduating with a mechanical engineering degree. Carrier was always passionate about mathematics and experimental engineering. After graduation, he was hired by Buffalo Forge, an engineering firm in the state of New York. In 1902, a local paper printing press approached Buffalo Forge for a solution to the inconsistency in the printing of their paper machines. The ink would not stick to the paper properly because of the high temperature and humidity at the printing press. The task of finding a solution to this problem was given to Carrier by his employers. Carrier developed a...
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There’s a reason utility companies put additives in natural gas to ensure you can’t miss its pungent odor: gas leaks can be quite dangerous. A gas furnace is a common source of gas leaks in an Oak Harbor home, meaning that you need to be vigilant when it comes to this piece of equipment. When you smell gas from your furnace, though, it’s not necessarily a cause for concern. To learn more about when you should take action, check out this troubleshooting guide from . How a Gas Furnace Works When your thermostat senses that your home has dropped below a certain temperature, it sends an electrical signal to a relay in your furnace. This starts the draft inducer in your furnace’s flue pipe to remove unburned gas and any carbon monoxide that the system releases. Once the draft inducer is operating, the system opens the flow of gas to the burner so that the pilot light can light the burner. Then, the blower motor turns the blower fan to pull air through the furnace, heating the air in the process. If this process occurs out of sequence, you could experience problems with your furnace. Common Furnace Problems A problem...
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