Restano Blog

Having your air conditioner fixed can be costly. If you have an older system, you can count on needing more than just regular maintenance to keep it running at its top efficiency. Newer systems can usually last a few years without any trouble if you make sure you keep it properly serviced. There are ways you can get free service if you know how to talk to your service company and take advantage of different offers they have available.

Service Plans for New Systems

When you have a new system installed, ask the company about a service plan. It is possible to get some type of extended warranty that will include servicing and any unexpected repairs for the cost of the plan. The cost of the plan can be included with the cost of your new system so you do not have to worry about paying more when the serviceman comes out. The work should be guaranteed so you will not have to worry about repairs for the duration of the plan either.

Plans for Older Units

Older units can have an extended warranty too, if you buy the whole plan. While it might seem like an unnecessary expense at the time, having it will save you a lot of money when you wake up to a house that is hot and getting hotter as the day goes on. In most cases, there will be a routine servicing included with the plan, giving you the chance to find out just how the system is working and if you should expect any big problems before the next servicing. Since you should have regular maintenance at least once a year anyway, paying for the plan will be no more than paying for the service, and is usually a lot cheaper because the company knows it will have the business and can schedule you well in advance. Any and all work will be guaranteed as will the parts needed for the repair.

State Funded Plans

Frequently there are state funds to help if you are going to upgrade or improve your air conditioning system. Having a new system will not only save you money on your electric bills, but will lower your carbon footprint and save our natural resources. You can check with the electric company to find out what is available if you are willing to have a new system put in.

Before you go out and have a new system, contact a few companies. Most offer free estimates on the work and some will be willing to lower their prices to a competitor's rates. Once you have the service done, talk about a warranty on the work and getting an extended service warranty. The more you can save, the better. Getting work done for completely free is probably not going to happen, but paying a bit every month that will cover any work you need done will be a lot better than having to pay the full rates when it is the middle of summer and  your house is uncomfortably warm.

For more details call 412-653-2150 or click here.

Staying warm during the winter may seem simple. You might turn your heat on and forget it. That can spell danger for some depending on the heating system you use. There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to heating your home. Staying safe is important as fires and other problems can come during those cold winter months. Check out these three tips for keeping safe while heating your home this winter.

Clean Flues and Chimneys

Whether you have a fireplace or you have a furnace, be sure to clean out the flues of the units to keep from having debris cause problems. You want to be sure that the smoke in your fireplace goes out of the home and doesn't hang around in the home. The flues on your furnace should be well supported and have no leaks in them. Inspect the bricks on the chimney to make sure there are no cracks or loose ones. Seal any leaks you may find. This will help you keep warm and prevent damage. If you have a service technician have them come out and inspect the unit as well to make sure it is ready to go.

Change Filters

You need to make sure and change all filters on your heating system. You want to make sure they are clean and free of debris. This can cause burning smells in the home and it can blow back into the home. One of the first things you should do when you are getting ready for the winter season. These small changes can mean a big difference in how your heating system works. They can help your heater heat the home efficiently and for cheaper than if you do not change them out. Be sure you have changed them regularly each month too.

Space Heater Safety

These can provide a great alternative heat source but can also be a source of danger. Keep children and pets away from these units at all times as they can get very hot. Keep the space around the unit clear and free of debris that may end up against the unit. Never use the unit when you are going to be away from home. These can easily start a devastating fire if you are not there to watch the unit. If it is a kerosene version be sure to turn the unit off before refilling the fuel. While these are a great option, they are not for everyone. Do your research before buying a space heater for your home.

Have your technician come out regularly to perform maintenance and inspections on your home heating units. Your heating units can run safely as long as everything is in proper working order. Keep the units clear of debris and clear around the unit. Make sure that you turn off the units and inspect them for leaks and cracks in the pipes. Check out your heater before winter arrives so you can have any necessary repairs done before it's an emergency.

For more details call (412) 203-8018 or click here

Geothermal heat pumps have become very popular over the last few years. One of the main reasons that they are popular is because they provide you with heat during the winter time and cool air during the summer. A geothermal heat pump works simply by transferring energy from one place to another. During the winter, the heat pump is going to bring up warm air from the earth itself and use it to heat your home. During the summer time, your heat pump is going to move the warm air in your home outside. This can provide you with a much more efficient way of heating or cooling the home but, on top of this, it will also save you a lot of money when it comes to your electricity and heating bills. From time to time, your system may experience problems. If this happens, you need to ensure that you know how to fix it.

The Power Supply

If your heat pump does not seem to be working properly, then the first thing you need to do is take a look at the power supply. A lot of the time this is the main issue. You need to make sure that the machine itself is actually getting the energy it needs to pump and transfer energy around the home.

Dirt

If your heat pump is kept outside, then the ducts and filters could be the problems. You will need to check this by taking a look at them and seeing what kind of debris and dust has built up here. A lot of the time, a simple clean is going to solve the problems that your pump experiences. You will also need to make sure that you give it a regular monthly inspection to ensure that nothing has gone wrong.

Frost

This is similar to the heat problem. If frost gathers on any part of the pump, then it can cause the pump itself to stop working. You will need to make sure that you keep frost off the pump and ensure that it works efficiently. This is a problem that can usually happen during the winter time, so make sure to keep an eye out for it.

Replacement

If your pump seems to be failing regularly, then one of the main reasons could be that it has to be replaced. Like most systems, your heat pump should be replaced at least once every ten years or so. Make sure to get a contractor in to take a proper look at the system and give you a diagnosis.

Your geothermal heat pump is going to be a very important part of the heating system in your home, so you will need to make sure that you take good care of it. Always inspect it and ensure that all of the ducts are clean. This way you will be able to enjoy a much more efficient way of keeping your home both warm and comfortable during those harsh winter months.

For more details call (412) 203-8018 or click here

You may be wondering why you should even take the time to maintain your heater. We live such busy lives and do not really have the time to worry about it, right? There are some significant reasons as to why you should maintain your heater. Taking the extra time to do so will only provide great results for your home and family.

Comfort

First, you should maintain your heating unit for comfort. If your heating system is not working properly during the winter then you and family are probably uncomfortable. Staying warm throughout the cold winter is a must have and achievable if you have a properly working system. Freezing inside your home is not fun and with a little extra time you can avoid this and stay warm all season long.

Money

Saving money is a large factor for homeowners who have their unit maintained regularly. If you are running a heater that is inefficient and not working properly then you are wasting money. Your electricity bill is going to sky rocket and you will not have received any benefits from it. Paying a high bill and not keeping your home warm is like paying for your groceries and never receiving them. You are paying for your heater to work and it should. It should be working to keep you and your family warm.

The other reason to maintain your system is because if you don’t then it will cost you more money in the long run. Failure to properly maintain your heater can result in it needing to be completely replaced or a major tune up. These are going to cost you more money than it would have cost you in the first place to just go ahead and maintain it.

Tune-Up

Another must have maintenance feature for your heating system is having a tune up service provided by a professional. We have tune ups performed on our vehicles and also need to on our heating systems. There are professionals who will come out and do these for you so that you do not have to.

Maintaining your heating system will benefit you in the long run. If you do not have the time to properly maintain your system then hire someone to come out and take care of it. If you properly maintain your system you will keep your family warm and happy during the winter.

Learning how to shut off your water supply can be vital in a plumbing emergency situation. Even if you are using a professional plumber you will still need to be able to shut off the water supply to avoid flooding in the home or in areas of the home. If you're unsure of how to shut off your water supply, here are a few steps to help you get started. The steps are generalized steps for shutting off the water supply to a home or to an area of a home. Though each home is different, these steps will help you with shutting off the water supply in protecting from a flood.

Locating the Water Supply Valve

The first step in learning how to shut off your water supplies to locate the water supply valve. Depending on the style of home you have you may have several valves in the home. For example, if you are having a bathroom plumbing emergency then you would want to shut off the water valve to the bathroom. The valves can be located on the appliances themselves are under a cabinet. In a kitchen you may have a water valve that can be shut off to stop the water supply to a dishwasher, sink or to a refrigerator ice machine. You also have water shut off valves for washers and dryers and various other areas of your home.

However, if you are unsure of where the water leak is coming from with a plumbing emergency, then you will need to make sure you turn off the main water supply. The main shut off the water supply can be located outside of the home and may be located at the street in front of the home. In order to make sure that you can shut off your water supply you will need to make sure that you know the location of not only the individual water supplies in the home but the main water supply. If you're unsure where the main water supply is, you may ask your realtor or you can ask a plumber to help you locate it and show you how to shut off the water.

Turning off the Water Supply Valve

Turning off the water supply valve to the home will shut off all water leading into the home until a plumber can arrive. If you are turning off the water supply valve, it is a fairly easy procedure. You will simply need to remove the cover from the water supply valve area and turn the water valve until the water has shut off into the home. Remember, that if a pipe is broken it may take a few moments for the water supply valve to stop the water from flowing into the home. If you're unsure if the water has stopped flowing and the home have someone inside the home turn on faucets in various rooms of the house.

If you are turning off the water supply to a particular area you can check the water supply has in fact been turned off by turning on a faucet in the sink, flushing the toilet, turning on a washing machine or turning on the dishwasher. This will let you know if the water valve has been completely shut off and the water to the home has been shut off. In the case of a plumbing emergency you will be able to contact a plumber without worry of flooding the home or a room of the home.

While fixing your home plumbing problems can be simple fixes, you do have to know when it is time to call in a professional. There are several items you can fix yourself and there are items that are best fixed by a licensed plumber. Part of fixing it yourself is to know when you should stop and call before going any further. Here are a few instances where calling in a professional is important and most often times critical.

Remodeling

There are several items you can do when you remodel your bathroom. Floor items and paint are a few that do not require a professional. There are some plumbing items though that you need license and permits for and a professional is the one to take care of those. If you have a project you are working on that requires a permit the plumber should do it. These are items like adding in a new line or moving an existing line. While you may think it's okay to do it alone, you need a licensed professional for these type of items.

Replacing A Tub

While you may think it is an easy job this is a tough job even for a professional. If you want to update or just replace an old tub then call your friendly plumber. They can help you choose the right tub and install it the right way. This can prevent major problems like leaks and cracks from happening. Be sure you call them before you install a new tub.

Water heater

This is definitely a time when you want a licensed and experienced plumber helping out. These need to be precisely fit to your home and the right size. Talking with a plumber can help you get the right unit and they can set the right temperature to prevent burning. If you are just trying to fix a problem it is best to call them as well. What you think might be easy to fix can result in huge leaks and major damage. If your water heater is malfunctioning save yourself some time and money and call the plumber.

Main line stopped up

If you have a toilet that has stopped up and you notice it is backing up into the showers and sinks, it is time to call a plumber. This could be a sign that your system needs to be pumped and that there is a major problem in the main lines. This can cause sewage to back up into your home and is not safe. Be sure if you notice this to call a plumber right away to prevent further damage and problems inside your home.

While you can typically fix things easily with your home plumbing there are times when you need a professional to come in and help. Be sure you take note of projects that are too big to do alone or ones that require permits. Take into account the damage that could be done if you are unsure of how to fix it. That could cause you more money and time where your plumbing is not working. Be wise and know when to call it quits and dial the plumber.

The kitchen is the heart of every home and many home owners live in the same house for decades. After a few years, the décor tends to become boring and home owners would like to spice up the way their house looks. Many will start with the kitchen. A kitchen only needs a few small changes to look like new. A few simple decisions can take your kitchen from old and shabby to new and fantastic!

Paint

One option is to change the paint color. Painting is a simple and inexpensive way to change the look of your entire kitchen. You can choose to paint one wall a bold color or repaint the entire kitchen to another color of your choosing. You can also take the time to choose several colors and paint your kitchen in a unique way to really stand out in the home.

Counter

Another great option for making your kitchen look like new is to change out the countertops. Old laminate can be exchanged for a new laminate or marble or granite. There are many choices on the market today that are inexpensive and will totally transform the way your kitchen looks. Home owners can find options at their local hardware store or discount warehouses.

Cabinetry

Another change that has a dramatic effect is the cabinets in the kitchen. Many kitchens have old style cabinetry. Home owners can choose to change the cabinets entirely which will cost quite a bit, or cabinets can be painted for a new look. Painting takes time but gives a great result that is cost effective.

Cabinet Handles

Another option is to change our cabinet handles. Simple remove your current handles and clean your cabinet doors thoroughly. Then place new handles on your cabinet doors. This can give you a new look in your kitchen for a very small amount of cash.

Flooring

Another option that can totally transform your kitchen is the flooring. By simply taking up linoleum and adding hardwoods or ceramic tile, will give your kitchen a whole new look. Any new flooring will give your home an entirely new look in the kitchen which will give you the feeling of a new kitchen without a complete remodel!

Any of these ideas will do well to change the overall look of your home. Making just a few small changes will give your home a completely new look without breaking the bank! Take the time to view your kitchen and decide which options you would like to do in your home. Then start saving and get ready to have a brand new kitchen that you can enjoy each and every day!

If you are a home owner who has a conservatory or an enclosed outdoor space, you may be wondering how you can heat this space to be able to enjoy it during the winter months. When the temperatures drop below freezing, it can be difficult to enjoy a conservatory because the many windows allow the cold air to enter into the space. Below are a few ideas for heating options that can be used to warm up a conservatory.

Fireplace

A simple solution that can be installed during the building phase is a fireplace. A fireplace is a great option for this type of space because it can provide heat but also a cozy atmosphere. If the conservatory is a small space, a fireplace will have no trouble heating the entire room evenly.

Electric Underfloor Heating

Another option which can be placed in a conservatory during construction is electric underfloor heating. This type of heating system is placed between the subfloor and the actual floor and radiates heat to the room via a series of wires. This option can be quite expensive but offer a warmth like none other.

Hot Water Underfloor Heating

Another option that is similar to the one above, is hot water underfloor heating. This option is located in the same spot but uses hot water to heat the room. Hot water will flow through a piping system under the floor which will heat the floor, creating a very warm environment.

Space Heater

A simple and inexpensive option is a space heater. A space heater is very inexpensive, starting at around $10 to $20 for smaller versions. This option can be plugged up in the area when in use and instantly provide heat to the area. This option can be a safety hazard so it is best to turn a space heater off when the room is not in use. This option may be a home owner's best bet if the room is already built. This option comes in a variety of styles and can go along with your décor and help you avoid ripping the room apart to add another option for heating.

These are just a few options that can be used to heat a conservatory. It is best for a home owner to speak with a  heating specialist to determine which option will work best for their home.

Heating needs as well as budget vary from person to person so it is important for home owners to discuss the options with a heating service professional and get a qualified opinion. Simply contact your local provider to find out your options and once you decide, get started with installation. In no time, you will be enjoying your conservatory, no matter what the temperature outside!

Radiant heat is a way of heating a home in a way that is similar to the way the earth is heated by the sun.  This system does not require blowers or vents. The only equipment required is to have radiant elements installed in the ceiling, floors, or walls.

Each place where elements are installed will have a separate control panel to mark the temperature higher or lower. This control is directing the elements, but they do not display the current temperature in a room the way a traditional thermostat does. Radiant heat has several benefits especially when compared to forced air heating systems.

CLEAN- A radiant heating system is a cleaner way to heat your home. Since there are no blowers, you will not have dirt, dust, pet dander, bugs, viruses, or other types of debris pushing its way into your home through the heating system.

COMFORTABLE- The main purpose of any heating system is to create a comfortable and safe environment for your home. A radiant heating system does just that because of the way it works. Radiant heat heats up the room by allowing objects within a room to absorb heat. When this heat is absorbed, then less heat from your body is needed to warm the objects around you.

EFFICIENT- Radiant heat systems work like sunshine. The sun heats the earth very efficiently. Since radiant heating units operate on the principles of the earth being heated by the sun, less energy is used than in other conventional heating systems. Your heating bill will be slashed by up to 40 percent.

ECONOMICAL- More efficient heating is also more economical heating. There have been studies done to determine at what temperature humans find a room comfortable, and the surprising results are that people can feel the same level of comfort at a lower temperature in a room that is being heated by radiant heat. In a room that is six to eight degrees lower people felt comfortable in the radiant heated room. To feel comfortable in the forced air heated room, people needed a higher temperature. Forced air heat also seemed leave hot and cold spots making it hard to get an evenly heated space.

HEALTHFUL- In a hot air heated room, one's sinuses and breathing passages can become dried out. This makes you more vulnerable to infections. Because radiant heated rooms are heated in the same way the earth is heated by the sun, then the problem of breathing drier air is not a problem.

COMPACT- A radiant heating system is usually hidden in the floors, walls, or ceiling. This leaves more room for furniture placement because there are no vents that have to be accounted by in the plan. It also leaves extra room where in other cases there would have to be ductwork or venting.

A few decades back, if someone pointed out that the air we breathed contained contaminants, people would have laughed at them. But, it is quite unfortunate that the situation now has completely changed. In fact, it is an alarming situation now. We can not say with confidence that the air we breathe is pure because all sorts of pollutants and contaminants are present in the air. These pollutants can cause inexplicable harm to our health.

It is true that we are making great efforts to keep our homes clean but these efforts are not enough to drive away the pollutants from the air. When there is pollution and contamination all around, the efforts we make at our homes can not clean the air completely. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary that we should have air purifiers at our homes.

Polluted air can cause a lot of disruptions in our lives. When the air we breathe is impure, our immunity levels automatically come down. So, we may frequently be affected by common as well as serious illnesses. This may force us to abstain from our workplace or colleges or schools. Ultimately, our career or studies may be affected.

It is also a proven fact that air pollution can cause problems like obesity and overweight. You may wonder what relationship may be there between the air we breathe and obesity or overweight. When we breathe the air that contains chemical pollutants, they enter the fat cells of our body and remain there. So, our fat cells become strong and more stubborn. So, we may find it difficult to shed the excess fat we have accumulated in our body, especially around our waists.

Pollution in the air may affect the brain also. Scientists have done extensive research on this aspect and have come out with their findings. If the oxygen content in the air we breathe is less, our brain may not get the required amount of this vital element, oxygen. So, the brain cells may struggle to carry out their functions. This may lead to memory loss in people. Especially, aged people may be affected by problems like dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Skin, that is the largest organ in our body, may also be affected by the free radicals that are present in polluted air. Due to it, wrinkles may form on the skin and we may look more aged than our calendar age.

In view of the foregoing, it is very much necessary that we must have air purifiers at our homes so that we can breathe pure air and lead a healthy life.

A gas furnace is a top choice of many home owners, for their heating system. A gas furnace can heat the home throughout and give you a toasty environment to enjoy during the winter months. When installing a new gas furnace, it is very important to go over a checklist to ensure that you have the best gas furnace heating unit in the industry. Below is a checklist you can use to make sure that you make the best decision for your home.

Home Size

It is very important to determine the size of your home before installing a gas furnace. The size of your home will determine the size of the furnace unit that you will need. It is very important to make sure you purchase the right size unit and not one that is too small or too large. A unit that is not the appropriate size will have to work overtime to warm the home, which can cause problems and cost money. A trained technician will be able to help you determine what size furnace you will need.

Space in Your Home

It is also important to determine the space in your home where the furnace will be placed. You need to have enough room in the home to place the unit. Home owners also need to be sure that the furnace will be situated in an area where it can be accessed easily and will not be disturbed by other items.

Contractor

It is VERY important to find a reliable and dependable contractor to install your new furnace. If you do not research your contractor options in the area you could lose out on money or have shoddy service. If you research companies you will be able to find out which companies offer the best deals and promotions as well as service. It is important to have a contractor that hires only the best technicians so you know that your unit is being installed by a qualified professional.

Affordability

It is also important to make sure that you can afford your new installation. The new installation should be affordable and meet your budget needs. Top quality HVAC companies will be prepared to offer you great deals and meet your budget needs. Speak with your local providers to find out which options you have when it comes to affordability, so you can find the best deal to suit your needs .

Purchasing quality and affordable air conditioning systems need a considerable research and it could be a challenging task for many of us. Most of the brands are quite expensive in the market and therefore many people go for a cheap air conditioner unit for their homes. Do not compromise on the quality of the product just because of high price because most of us totally rely on the cooling systems of our house to keep us comfortable throughout the year. There are also affordable and quality brands of AC units that are totally energy efficient which in turn help you to save more money on your energy bills.

Choosing the right air conditioning equipment for your home depends on several factors such as the size of the house or room, floor plan, age of the home, and insulation and thermal efficiency. The next thing to consider is about the type of air conditioners you wish to buy depending on the budget and your requirements. There are several types of AC units such as portable, window, split-type and centralized units and you can either buy them through online to save money or get in touch with a reputable heating and cooling company to ensure high quality.

When you decide to buy the air conditioning systems online, make sure to compare the prices offered by various companies and choose the size and type that best suits your need and budget. You may also contact a HVAC technician to get a good idea about the right type of AC unit required for your home. In case, you require them for your office, then decide how many AC systems you would need for your business and the number of cooling hours required. You may choose a central air conditioner unit for a larger room to save more money.

Choose an AC unit that is rated by SEER (Standard Energy Efficiency Rating) which can consume very less energy and can save drastically on your utility bills. Therefore, choose the right sized air conditioner from an experienced contractor and it is also important to invest in a 13-14 SEER model to save more energy and money. If you do not have relevant information about air conditioners, then get in touch with your coworkers, friends or AC technicians and do a thorough research and compare the prices the products before making an investment.

Most people, when they have something with their air conditioning apparatus that has to be dealt with, generally pick up a phone and call for service, whether it's during emergency hours or otherwise, count on the repair person to correct the problem, and really don't want to know too much more about it.

Their position is that all they care about is that everything is running right, and that the whole thing is a little too complicated for them. As far as understanding what actually went on, it's just a hands-off proposition.

We suspect you may be one of those people. Are you? Well, we have what we think is a worthwhile suggestion for you.

We think it is a good idea to try to get as educated as possible about your AC system, so that in the event you encounter any kind of a problem that might need to be fixed, you have a little better idea of what it is about. That has several different positive effects:

First of all, you're going to be in a better position to know quickly about any malfunction. This is can be critical at this time of the year, when it is hot and you really can't afford to be without an AC system for very long.

Second, you are going to be better able to converse with any service person when you make a phone call to the HVAC contractor, usually in distress. That will help save time.

Third, you will have a better idea of whether you are satisfied with the job the air conditioning service person has done. You are going to know whether whatever is fixed is running properly. Keep in mind that most of the top-shelf AC companies will offer guarantees of different kinds; hopefully they will have a guarantee of your 100% satisfaction. You'll have a clearer picture of whether you are 100% satisfied if you have some working knowledge of your system.

Fourth, you'll be more likely to do those little things that can help the AC run more efficiently. We're talking about things like checking the air filter, removing the obstructions from vents, getting some shade around the vicinity of the house or the outdoor part of the unit, and so on.

Fifth, you'll have enough knowledge to know that there are some things you should not undertake yourself, but call an AC professional to fix, but this time with a little more understanding!

• Take note of all the different ways that heat can get in your house, and either take steps to correct those things yourself or make arrangements for it to be done. This can entail some simple tasks, like sealing up cracks and potential leaks that are around the house; places where wiring can come in, for example. Get some plants that can be relatively close to your outside compressor. Put some tinting on the windows, especially those that are on the south side of the house, because that is where the sun will hit with most of its power. Make sure you are okay up on the roof, because a LOT of heat comes in through there. Make sure the vents in your house are clear of any obstructions. Close the damn drapes in front of windows that might let a lot of heat in. Make a little survey of your windows and figure out which ones can do you the most harm in terms of where the heat can come in. Get some awnings over windows as well. That helps, as does closing vents in rooms which are very rarely occupied. Hey, your air conditioning works hard as it is. You want it to work overtime too?

• In the summer months, otherwise known as the cooling season, you might want to consider changing the air filter a little more than usual, because of the work it has to put in. You will certainly find that a nice, clean filter can do a better job for you in all aspects of air conditioning, including keeping those damaging particles away from you and your family.

• Make sure you have regularly scheduled maintenance in place. You may not realize that if you leave your system alone, it can lose 5% of its efficiency each year. And that just doesn't make sense from any angle you can think of.

• Along those lines, do something that might cost you a few dollars, but could be absolutely necessary. Get a professional air conditioner service person to look at the system and help get it ready for the summer months and the hot weather. In fact, the time to do something like that would be right about now.  We said RIGHT NOW.

Homeowners who own an air conditioning system that is over ten years old should consider installing a newer model. Older air conditioning units are usually inefficient and oversized for the current needs of the home. Installing a newer model will give homeowners lower energy bills as well as comfort, not to mention the impact will be greater for the environment.

There are many reasons why a new installation should be considered. Is your unit very loud when it operates or does not cool evenly? These problems mean that your unit is not working properly. Problems of this magnitude can require costly repairs and the amount could be close to a new installation, especially if you consider the money you will save on your utility bills.

When it comes to energy savings, a homeowner should have a system that operates above a 10 SEER level. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Homeowners can look at their unit and if it says a 10 or below SEER level than an new installation should be considered. Before 2006, units were required to have at least a level 10 SEER. However, today a unit should have a SEER rating of at least 13, so that is quite a difference in SEER from the older models.

Homeowners should also consider installation a new unit for the incentives. Many states in the US offer special incentives to install an energy efficient model. Federal tax credits also exist and should be taken advantage of while they are available.

Another option is to add more insulation in the home. Homeowners can add more insulation to their home and many times this will allow them to install a smaller air conditioning unit than their existing one. The initial cost may be great but the benefits would be immediate. If you can save $100 or more on your utility bill each month, it would not take very long to pay yourself back for your efforts.

It may seem expensive or daunting, but replacing your old air conditioning unit with a new one is a great decision that can help you for years to come. Be sure to remember that with any new installation comes maintenance. Maintaining your new unit will ensure that your air conditioning system is working properly and it will continue to cool your home for many summers to come!

When learning about an air conditioning system, one phrase you will always read about is Air Filters. The air filters are an essential part of the air conditioning system, yet many people fail to consider this important part of the machinery. The filter helps keep you healthy by cleaning the air that is coming through your home. Clean air is a must to remain allergy free as well as an overall clean quality air.

Clean air is not only important for your health but it is also important for your air conditioning unit. The filter helps the machine operate. If the filter becomes clogged with dirt and particles then this will cause the unit to work overtime. The blower and other parts of the unit will begin to work overtime to cool your home, causing your machine to lose some of its life expectancy.

The best way to remember to change and clean your air filters are to create a schedule. This will help you remember to check your filters as well as clear and replace when needed. You can also write down the specifications of your filters so you know exactly what kind to purchase when the time comes.

With a central air conditioning unit, the air filter handler will need to be checked on a monthly or at least bimonthly basis. You should remove the handler and check the filter each month to ensure it is clean and then replace if necessary. Choose a certain day, like the 1^st of the month, and make a note on a calendar to remember to check this important piece of your unit each month.

Because the fans run in a certain direction, the filter can become clogged with dirt and dinginess very quickly, even if your air conditioner is not running. Many homes have additional dust from pets as well as how well they clean.

Central air conditioning units also have an outdoor unit which should be maintained as well. On the same day you check your filters, take the time to walk outside. Check your outdoor unit for debris and remove any items that may be in the way of the unit. Also take the time to clean the condenser and evaporator coils. You can refer to your manual on how to clean these items or you can take a simple garden hose and spray the unit to keep it dirt free.