With temperatures in the State of Washington rising into the 90s in the summer and falling below freezing in the winter, you need a reliable heating system to keep your loved ones comfortable during seasonal temperature swings. Unfortunately, these temperature fluctuations take their toll on your system. During the summer, heat exchangers have to work overtime and transfer thermal energy through the evaporator coils. In the hot season, they circulate the refrigerant through the same coils to lower the temperature. Whenever the key units break down or start to wear out, they’ll hurt the entire system. Here are the signs your home heating and cooling unit requires an upgrade. 1. The System Takes Time to Respond to Settings An efficient heating system should respond immediately to the default settings. If the system doesn’t respond as quickly as it should, it’s an indication that something may be wrong with the heating system, the ducts or the thermostat. One way to test this is to turn the temperature way up on a hot day or way down on a cold day. If the ducts continue to heat a hot room or cool a cold room, even when you make the necessary adjustments,...
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Old homes are beautiful and built to last a lifetime. One thing they aren’t known for, though, is their energy efficiency. As older materials settle, gaps between the materials can lead to significant air leaks. When you combine these issues with the inefficiency of older materials such as single-pane windows, it’s easy to see why old Oak Harbor homes can be energy hogs. If you’re tired of paying for the privilege of living in a historic home, though, there are steps you can take to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Here are a few steps to get you started: Fill the Cavities Given that construction methods for many older homes differed from the construction methods that are used today, most older homes have significant empty cavities throughout their structure that lead to energy inefficiency. To make your home more comfortable, therefore, it’s important to fill these cavities with high-density insulation. Of course, cavities on exterior walls are the most important, but all cavities should be filled to achieve the best results. Change the HVAC System The technology used to heat and cool a home has improved drastically since your older home was built. While it may be easier and less...
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Unless you are a professional technician, it is difficult to differentiate between the terms HVAC and AC. Aren’t they both the same? Is a furnace part of an HVAC system? Is AC and HVAC the same thing? You’re not the only person who gets confused after hearing this lingo. What you need to know is that these are acronyms that are used to denote the electrical systems that regulate heat and cool air on your property. At , we get this question from our customers, especially those who want to invest in these systems for the first time. Here are some differences that will help you to distinguish between the two terms and help you make a sound buying decision. Component Difference So, first things first. Let’s start with “HVAC”. HVAC is an acronym that stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. It is an all-inclusive package that makes our living areas comfortable. As you can see, an HVAC system regulates the heat inside the houses and conditions air inside our rooms. On the other hand, the air conditioner mostly referred to as AC, is primarily used in air conditioning. It is that aspect of the entire HVAC system that...
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Winter for most people means that socks and sweaters are put on, along with your home’s heating system. Unfortunately, heating systems mean dry air, which cause a host of problems for the health of your family and the health of your home. Whole home humidifiers work with your current heating system to maintain the appropriate level of moisture in the air – saving you from expensive medical bills and home repair. Humidifiers also have the added benefit of lowering your heating bills! Dry air does not carry heat efficiently, instead, it leaves us feeling “chilled to the bone.” A humidifier is the perfect solution and will result in a healthier, happier home. Determing If Your Home Needs a Humidifier But how do you go about determining if your home needs a humidifier? The first thing most people notice when the heat gets turned on is the drying out of their skin. Common symptoms are chapped lips, itching, and flaking skin, even nosebleeds. While these may seem like minor inconveniences, they can lead to further health problems by allowing bacteria in through the damaged skin. You may also notice a dry throat and cough that seem persistent when you are at...
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