Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

February 7, 2024

Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand water heaters, offer numerous benefits that traditional tank-based systems simply can’t match. One of the most notable advantages is their compact size. Unlike bulky traditional water heaters that take up valuable space in your utility room, tankless models are sleek and compact, freeing up space for storage or other appliances. Plus, since tankless heaters heat water as needed, they eliminate the standby energy losses associated with traditional tanks, leading to increased energy efficiency and lower utility bills. Endless Hot Water Supply Say goodbye to cold showers and waiting for the tank to refill! With a tankless water heater, you’ll enjoy an endless supply of hot water on demand. Whether you’re the first or last to shower, everyone in your household can enjoy hot water whenever they need it. Tankless heaters heat water directly as it passes through the unit, ensuring a continuous flow of hot water for your comfort and convenience. Longevity and Durability Investing in a tankless water heater is not only beneficial for your comfort and convenience but also for your wallet in the long run. These units are built to last, with a typical lifespan of 20 years or more...

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Why Does My AC Smell Weird?

January 9, 2024

A healthy furnace or air conditioner won’t produce any strange odors when they kick on. In an ideal home, your HVAC system should instead provide fresher air that’s been filtered of contaminants. If you’re noticing fluctuating mustiness or sharp burning smells, something’s going wrong. Address these foul odors fast before their root cause is given the chance to spread or worsen. Here are a few common HVAC odors and what they may mean. Mildew/Mold Smell Air conditioners can struggle with musty odors if their evaporator coils freeze and begin dripping water into the system. Both central ACs and furnaces also have condensate lines and drain pans that should safely transport moisture to a drain. If this line clogs with mildew or your pan cracks, water will begin pooling inside or even around your system. Left unresolved for too long, the mold spores may spread to your filter or other parts of your heating and cooling system like your ductwork. In addition to creating an unpleasant odor, breathing in airborne fungal contaminants can harm your respiratory health and worsen your allergies. Dustiness A dusty or old smell is most commonly noticed at the beginning of the cold season when you first...

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5 Things You Can Do To Maximize Your Heating System Efficiency

December 13, 2023

The efficiency of your heating system is the foundation of a comfortable indoor experience. It helps maintain warmth, conserve energy, and reduce heating bills. Here are tips you can employ to have a more efficient home heating experience. 1. Regular Maintenance Over time, dust, dirt, and debris will accumulate in your heating system. This will hinder air flow and result in uneven heat distribution. Regular cleaning and inspection will maintain proper functioning. Allowing your system to consume less energy to produce the desired level of warmth. Also, regularly inspect all heating vents and registers in your home. Ensure that they are open and unobstructed. Scheduling routine maintenance will help with maximizing your heating system’s efficiency. 2. Upgrade Your Thermostat The thermostat is the control center that dictates when the heating system turns on or off. You may upgrade it to a smart thermostat that has precise temperature control. They allow you to create heating schedules based on your daily routine. 3. Seal Air Leaks Air leaks allow cold air to enter and warm air to escape the room. Your heating system works hard to provide the required heat. Use weatherstripping to seal gaps around windows and doors. Apply caulk to...

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3 Tips for Choosing the Right Size Water Heater

November 16, 2023

Choosing the wrong size water heater for your home impacts much more than your comfort. It also influences your home’s energy efficiency and overall functionality. Water heaters that are too small experience insufficient hot water during peak usage. This turns into running out of hot water when taking showers and doing laundry. Water heaters that are too large tend to overheat the water, which can cause serious injury through scalding. In addition to all these problems, improperly sized water heaters consume more energy than necessary, leading to higher energy bills. To ensure you pick the right size water heater for your home, use these three helpful tips. 1. Verify First Hour Rating The first hour rating (FHR) considers how much water the heater needs to heat during the busiest parts of the day and the system’s recovery rate. To calculate the FHR, you count the number of people living at home, add one and then multiply that number by 12. For example, if you have five people living in the home, you need a water heater with a minimum FHR of 72. You can find the system’s FHR on its yellow EnergyGuide label. 2. Do You Prefer Baths or Showers?...

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4 Tips for Choosing a Furnace for Cold Climates

October 18, 2023

It is not uncommon to deal with below freezing temperatures in the winter in Charlottesville. A furnace that can keep your home comfortable on the coldest days is vital. Here are some tips you can use to ensure that you pick the best furnace for your home. Determine the Heating Load Several factors contribute to your home’s heating load, including how big your home is, window quality, insulation levels and the local climate. BTUs are the measurement that tells you the heating capacity. A professional can come out and look at your home to determine the right heating capacity to ensure the right level of heating during the cold months. Examine Variable-Speed Blowers Furnaces with this type of blower keep your home more comfortable and work more efficiently. They are able to adjust their speed depending on how much heat your home needs. This helps keep your energy bills lower while making sure your home is heated to the level you set on your thermostat. Consider a High AFUE Rating AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. This rating tells you how much fuel turns into heat when you are running your furnace. Looking for a furnace with a 90%...

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How Your HVAC Can Help With Pet Allergies

September 19, 2023

The presence of an HVAC system is an essential aspect of a comfortable experience at home. Despite the overwhelming benefits offered by your heating and cooling system, it may indirectly cause pet dander to circulate and linger in your home. Pet dander has been known to instigate pet allergies, causing those who are susceptible to become ill. Luckily, you won’t have to put up with constant pet allergies just so you and your furry companion can live comfortably in your home. Keep reading to discover four different ways you can lessen pet allergies by utilizing HVAC systems and accessories. 1. Have a Dehumidifier Installed A dehumidifier can help mitigate pet odors that become intensified from high humidity levels in the home. By reducing the overall humidity, dehumidifiers lessen the growth of bacteria caused by a muggy, humid environment interacting with pet dander. Additionally, some dehumidifiers can be affixed with filters designed to catch and therefore decrease the amount of pet hair present in your home. 2. Germicidal Lights Could Be the Answer Germicidal lights can kill bacteria caused by pet dander. This occurs because UV lights are able to disturb the bacteria’s DNA, therefore neutralizing its ability to trigger pet...

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Do You Need to Change Your Air Filter More in the Summer?

August 7, 2023

The role of an air filter is vital in keeping your HVAC system working at an optimal level. The filter improves indoor air quality by eliminating dust, debris, and other contaminants. Taking the time to change your air filter more often during the summer is recommended for various reasons. Here are a few factors to consider if you are undecided about replacing your air filter. Higher Usage Rates in Summer During summer, people tend to use their air conditioning units more to combat the hot temperatures. The continuous operation of your HVAC system during this period can cause the air filter to fill up quicker with dust and pollutants. The air filter needs to be replaced more often to maintain your unit’s efficiency, preferably during routine AC maintenance. Allergen Buildup Summertime can bring an increase in airborne allergens like pollen. This increase in allergens can cause the air filter to clog up faster, reducing your HVAC system’s effectiveness. Regularly replacing the filter ensures that the allergens are captured, improving the indoor air quality of your home and reducing potential allergen-related health issues. Maintaining Optimal HVAC Performance The performance of your HVAC system relies heavily on the cleanliness of your air...

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5 Ways You Can Reduce Your Cooling Expenses This Summer

July 17, 2023

Some estimates suggest that your air conditioning may account for as much as 50% of your summer electricity consumption, especially when it’s hot and humid outside. Discover five ways you can easily reduce the amount of energy you’re consuming each day and your expenses this summer. 1. Replace Your Air Filter A clogged air filter will restrict airflow into your air conditioner, reducing its efficiency and increasing your costs. Plan to check your filters every month, and expect to change the common 1- and 2-inch filter every 30 to 90 days. 2. Leverage Thermostat Programs The Department of Energy estimates that you can save up to 10% of your annual cooling costs by using your thermostat’s programs. Use these settings to increase your home’s temperature by at least 7 degrees during the times when you’re not home to reduce the amount your air conditioner runs. 3. Draw Your Shades One of the best ways to reduce the amount of work your air conditioner performs is to reduce the heat in your home. Keeping thermal heating down is key, so draw your blinds and shades when the sun is beating in on your windows. 4. Manage Heat Producing Activities There are...

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4 Simple Steps to Ensure Fresh and Clean Indoor Air During the Summer Months

June 12, 2023

As the summer heat rolls in, it’s important to pay attention to the temperature in our homes and the quality of the air we breathe. Indoor air quality is crucial to our overall well-being, affecting our respiratory health and comfort. To ensure a healthier living environment, it’s essential to take proactive measures to improve indoor air quality. Read on as we explore a range of tips and strategies to enhance indoor air quality this summer. 1. Keep Windows Closed During Peak Pollution Hours While it’s tempting to open windows for fresh air, it’s important to be mindful of outdoor air quality. During peak pollution hours, such as early mornings or late afternoons, pollutants like vehicle emissions or pollen may be high. Keep windows closed during these times to prevent them from entering your home. 2. Clean and Maintain Your Air Conditioning System Regular maintenance of your air conditioning system is crucial for good indoor air quality. Change air filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, which is typically every 1 to 3 months. Clogged filters can reduce airflow and allow dust and allergens to circulate in your home. Additionally, consider scheduling professional maintenance to clean out ducts and ensure optimal functioning....

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Finding the Perfect Size AC Unit for Your Home

May 10, 2023

Getting the right size air conditioner is important for reducing your costs of installation, operation, and maintenance. Learn what AC size means and how a professional determines the exact size you need for your home. How AC Systems Are Sized Air conditioner size refers to the cooling capacity it offers, which is measured in British Thermal Units, or BTU for short. You may also see it expressed in tons or tonnes, which is equivalent to 12,000 BTU per ton. A single BTU is the amount of heat needed to raise one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. The BTU rating on an air conditioner tells you how much heat the unit can transfer out of your home for each hour of operation. Your Home’s Size The first step to determining your cooling capacity needs is your home’s serviceable area. This could be as simple as looking at the last real estate listing. However, you need to check your attic, garage, and basement to see if the system services those areas too. Consider Your Home’s Construction How your home is built will affect the amount of cooling capacity you need. This includes the amount of insulation you have, how well...

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