Take Control of Your Winter Heating Bills This Year With These Tips

Winter is an expensive time of the year for people who have inefficient heating systems. Some people spend upward of $500 on their heating costs every month during the winter, and it can be frustrating when you know that you should be able to heat your house for less and be comfortable at the temperature that you choose. Thankfully, there are a few techniques that you can use to reduce the amount of money that you spend every year on your heating costs. Open Up the Shades If you’re interested in a completely free way to partially heat your home, consider opening the curtains and lifting the shades. The sun is a completely free source of warmth, and when you open up the draperies, you’ll spend a lot less money on heating because you can get the heat from the sun without any charge. When the blinds are up, the heat can get inside the house, and you can simply lower the shades when the sun goes down, which will reduce the amount of energy loss that you experience. Assess Where You Need More Insulation Most people understand that you need insulation in the attic, but you might not realize...

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How to Test for AC Efficiency

The San Antonio heat is no joke. Therefore, making sure that your air conditioner system maintains its efficiency should be a top priority. Doing so will save you money down the line. In addition, it will prevent many issues associated with wasted energy. Luckily there is a way to prove that your energy efficiency is fine with nothing but a thermometer. There are also other ways to help you determine the likelihood of having AC efficiency. How to Judge Efficiency There are several things about your AC that are the standard. Anything below these standards is a sign that something isn’t operating correctly within your system, and your energy efficiency will likely take a dip. If you notice you lack in any of these areas, immediate maintenance is needed to avoid further money loss. Reasonable Bills The most common indicator of your energy efficiency is the amount of money you spend on energy. If you have kept track of these numbers, you will notice any changes or irregularities. Taking the days into account that you purposely used more energy than usual to cool your home, there should be no large jumps or gradual increases in your bill. In these cases,...

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Noisy AC? Try These Tips

A noisy air conditioner can ruin your sleep or your party, but there are many reasons why your unit might be making more sounds than you would like. Additionally, some of the sounds could be signs of other problems that you need to address so that you do not have bigger issues down the line. Other noises might be completely normal for your model, while some could indicate that you should get a new unit altogether. The following are some of the sounds that you should be aware of and how you can quiet your air conditioner. Problems With the Ducts First of all, you might hear a hissing sound if you have problems with your duct system. If you have a hole or crack in your ducts, you might start to hear hissing sounds as the air flows through those parts of the system. If there are holes, your AC system is not working efficiently, and this can lead to expensive energy loss. You can fix the holes and cracks, but you can also use insulation to further soundproof your home from the noises. Holes and Obstructions in the Drain Line Your air conditioner has a way of collecting...

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How To Keep My Home Cool Without Air Conditioning?

Not all households have state-of-the-art air conditioning systems. Additionally, saving a dollar or two on electricity bills is an excellent way to keep your finances checked. Though it might be tempting to crank up the AC during the hot summer, sometimes, it’s a great idea to improvise and keep your home cool through other means. The following are examples of simple tricks you can use to keep off the heat. 1. Switch Your Fans to Rotate Counterclockwise Ceiling fans have two rotation direction settings: clockwise and counterclockwise. During summer, you can switch the settings of your fan to rotate counterclockwise. This pushes the cooler air down. Typically, a clockwise rotation during winter helps to distribute heat in your home. It’s a good idea to switch the direction of your fans from clockwise to counterclockwise when you start preparing your home for spring. 2. Use Curtains to Block Out the Heat Generally, you can help prevent your house from heating up in the summer by blocking out the sun using blackout curtains. Drawing your curtains during the brightest and hottest part of your day will keep the sun out. These curtains are specially made with heavy material that absorbs the light...

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How Candles Affect Indoor Air Quality

Candles help enhance a room’s atmosphere. Nonetheless, some candles emit particulate matter, which pollutes the indoor air. Candle soot will tamper with the beauty of your San Antonio home, and it will also affect your home’s ventilation. The market is flooded with different candle designs, but excessive use can expose you to polluted indoor air. The majority of people tend to add scented candles to their dining room table. The candles create a relaxing, intimate, and elegant statement. However, they are also a health hazard. The information below will help you understand how candles affect indoor air quality. What Are Candles Made Of? For years, medical professionals have been researching the effects of candles on people. The human body tends to react negatively whenever the air is polluted. In the marketplace, you will come across scented, aromatic, and paraffin candles. These candles are made of paraffin wax, and there are other instances where paraffin wax is mixed with different wax types. Every time you burn a candle, carcinogenic toxins are produced. Toluene, acrolein, soot, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and benzene are some of the carcinogenic toxins emitted. The toxins released by paraffin candles are identical to the toxins from burnt diesel fuel....

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Who Invented Air Conditioning?

The sizzling-hot summers in San Antonio, TX, will have you reaching for your home’s thermostat to crank up the AC. You might be surprised to learn that air conditioning has only been the norm in houses for about 60 years. Earlier, people had to use fans, swamp coolers or simply leave their doors and windows open for air circulation. Read on to learn about who invented air conditioning, some of the earliest types of air conditioning systems and what types of air conditioning inventions may be in store for the future. Willis Carrier Willis Carrier is widely regarded as the father of air conditioning. In 1901, he worked for an engineering firm. One of the clients was a printing company. It had a chronic problem with too much humidity. The moisture caused paper to get stuck. Carrier was tasked with solving the company’s problem. He invented a machine that was powered by electricity. This machine lowered the humidity in the client’s manufacturing facility. An unintended side effect of the dehumidification was a reduction in the room’s temperature. Carrier patented his machine in 1902. In 1915, he and his co-workers split from their employer and founded the Carrier Corporation. Carrier Corporation...

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How Energy Efficient Are Heat Pumps?

Are you looking for a more energy-efficient way to heat your home during the winter? Instead of replacing your furnace, a heat pump might be a better option. Many San Antonio homeowners believe that heat pumps are only used for heating a home, but these units provide much more for your family. What Is a Heat Pump? Despite the name, a heat pump actually offers heating and cooling for your home. The unit works by extracting heat from the outdoor air, soil, or water. During the winter, the extracted heat is pushed into your home to keep your family warm. In the summer, the heat pump removes heat from the air inside your home and recirculates it. Benefits of a Heat Pump If you are interested in learning more about heat pumps, call the experts at . Some of the benefits of these compact units are: Lower cost of operation Less maintenance compared to standalone furnaces and air conditioners Safer than natural gas units Environmentally friendly Provides heating and cooling in a single unit Lasts longer than other types of HVAC equipment Best Conditions for Heat Pumps Heat pumps are recommended for moderate climates, such as the San Antonio area....

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Signs Of Poor Indoor Air Quality

Your home is a haven for resting away from the harmful elements out there. However, there are situations when your house can make you sick and uncomfortable. Poor indoor air quality can make your residence in San Antonio, TX, uncomfortable and encourage allergies, respiratory problems, and infections. However, you can prevent the issues caused by poor indoor air quality by determining the source. The following signs can assist homeowners in preventing complications and taking necessary action to make their houses comfortable. Coughing or Difficulty Breathing Coughing is one of the telltale signs of poor indoor air quality. Difficulty breathing is also among the most prevalent symptoms. Lack of ventilation can cause poor indoor air quality, making breathing difficult and causing other respiratory issues because the air is concentrated with dirt particles. Breathing in polluted or contaminated air filled with carbon dioxide can cause complications with your respiratory tract. It would be advisable to take action to avoid severe respiratory problems that affect your lungs. Sneezing or Allergic Reactions Most people confuse allergic reactions and sneezing with cold symptoms. Watery eyes and irritation can come in conjunction with sneezing and allergic reactions caused by poor indoor air quality. If the hay...

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How Long Do Heat Pumps Last?

There are many ways to keep your home at a comfortable temperature all year long. While traditional heating and cooling systems are used seasonally, heat pumps can operate 365 days a year. This modern alternative to a traditional system is built to operate in an efficient, effective manner. It’s a perfect option for most regions in the United States. If you’ve done your homework and have chosen to install a heat pump, congratulations. Heat pump owners can expect reliable results as long as the equipment is handled properly. Here’s more information on how long these units can last and why a heat pump can fail before it should. We also outline why this modern heating source is a beneficial system for most homes. How Heat Pumps Work Many models are installed on a wall near the ceiling and can be operated by remote control. They typically require a single conduit to the outside air to operate. There is no actual heating of the air that occurs inside a heat pump. Instead, a heat pump is designed to move warm air from one place to another through an internal blower. In the winter, warm air from outside the home is moved...

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How Do You Replace an Air Filter in a Heat Pump?

A heat pump is an excellent choice for heating and cooling your home in the moderate climate of San Antonio, TX. Heat pumps transfer heat instead of burning fuel, so they’re efficient and effective at both functions. In order to maintain this indoor climate control, the heat pump needs routine maintenance. One of the most important parts of maintaining your heat pump is changing its air filter. Use these tips to successfully check and change the filter in your heat pump. Locate the Air Filter Housing The first step in replacing an air filter is turning off the power to the heat pump. You shouldn’t access any of its parts while it’s running. Next, locate the filter. Heat pump air filters are contained within a housing that looks like a drawer or cabinet door. It’s in the indoor unit near the air handler. Some air filter housings use a screw or clamp to maintain a tight seal. You might need a screwdriver to open the housing door. If your air filter’s housing isn’t labeled, the owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website will have a diagram of the filter’s location. Determine the Correct Size of Replacement Filter The filter that’s already in...

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