Spring 2012
Do You Need a New High-Efficiency AC System This Spring?
Spring is the perfect time
to start thinking about installing a new high-efficiency air conditioner in
your home. To begin making this decision, you’ll want to think about how your
AC unit performed last season. Were you constantly paying for repairs? Did your
air conditioner cool your home sufficiently? Were your energy bills higher than
normal throughout the season? These are all questions to ask when you are
considering investing in a new high-efficiency AC system for your home.
If you decide that you could benefit from a new air conditioner, you’ll want to start looking at all your options now so that you will get the most use out of your new unit throughout the entire season. Because it’s a significant decision, make sure you speak with an HVAC professional who can help you decide which new model will be the most cost-efficient for your home and cooling needs. As you begin your research, think about your goals, your budget, and what type of AC system might work best with your current HVAC system.
For instance, central air conditioners are installed in homes that have existing ductwork that’s in good condition; however, if you have to replace your air ducts, you may want to consider a ductless mini-split. You can always call us if you have questions or want one of our technicians to take a look at your current system or ductwork. Regardless of the type of air conditioning system you choose, you’ll want to pay attention to the efficiency ratings of the new models available today.
Any new air conditioning system on the market should have a minimum SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating of 13. This number measures the efficiency of that particular model, and air conditioners with the highest ratings will be the most efficient. An easy way to make sure you are getting a high-efficiency air conditioning unit is to look for models with the ENERGY STAR label. There are also government incentives that will help deflect the initial cost of the unit, but you will see the real savings in your utility bills.
Don’t hesitate to call us to learn more about high-efficiency air conditioners and our quality installation services. Always hire a contractor you can trust to install your new AC unit. Improperly sized and poorly installed units can cause a number of problems down the road, including decreased efficiency levels. We are always here to answer your questions help you in any way we can, so call any time to speak with one of us about your options. Don’t wait until the middle of the season to decide to install a high-efficiency air conditioner. Get the most of your energy savings and install a new unit now!
Relieving Allergies with Better Indoor Air Quality
Many people have allergies, especially in the spring when trees and flowers start to bloom. But, if your allergies persist year round or if your home is prone to problems with ventilation, pet dander and hair, or moisture build up, then you may need a better indoor air quality system. Fortunately, there are a number of technologies available that make it possible to efficiently remove the vast majority of indoor air pollutants, thereby reducing the number of irritants making your allergies worse.
Common Indoor Air Pollutants
There are quite a few common indoor air pollutants that can make even relatively mild allergies worse. The most common air pollutants include:
- Pet Dander
- Pollen
- Mold
- Dust
- Smoke
These are all very common in most homes, even if you don’t have pets or plants to produce dander and pollen. Why is this problem worse in recent years than in the past? Our parents and grandparents didn’t have indoor air quality systems after all and they were fine, right?
It has to do with how we seal our homes against heat and cooling loss. New insulation and building standards seal up homes so efficiently that air flow is disrupted, keeping contaminant laden air inside and fresh air outside. To offset this imbalance, we need technology to both clean and circulate air and keep it safe.
Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality
There are a number of technologies that immediately improve indoor air quality. The most common is filtration. Air filters are present on all of your major HVAC components – the furnace, air conditioner and air handler. However, additional highly efficient air filters, including HEPA filters, can be installed to work with your ductwork system.
UV germicidal lights can also be installed in your ductwork can help remove a number of unwanted pathogens as well, including bacteria and viruses that are circulated by your forced air system. Combined with higher MERV rated air filters and an electronic air cleaning system which can remove smaller particles like gas fumes and smoke, your indoor air quality system can immediately improve your allergies by removing the number of things you must breathe in each day.
If you are concerned about your overall health and are tired of dealing with allergies on a consistent basis, now is the time to take action. Give us a call to learn more about installing or expanding your indoor air quality system today.
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