Many homeowners here in California and Nevada are resigned to paying higher and higher utility bills. The truth is, we don’t have to just accept higher costs for energy. Read More
Social Media
Connect with Us
-
Four Simple Ways To Boost Your HVAC System Efficiency
Sealing Air Leaks In Your Home? Remember The Attic Hatch
If you’re like many homeowners in California and Nevada, your attic hatch is not properly sealed against air leaks. According to the Energy Savers website, just a quarter-inch space around the edge of your attic access door may let the same amount of air pass through as goes through your bedroom heating vent. Read More
Your Furnace Purchase: Is It Better To Pay More Up Front And Spend Less Later, Or Spend Less Now And Pay Later?
Making a new furnace purchase is not a simple task. There are so many factors to consider it can make your head spin. For many people, one of the primary factors is cost, and even this is not as simple as comparing price tags. When it comes to furnaces, you have to consider both the purchase price and the future costs to operate the equipment. Read More
Posted in Energy Savings, Furnaces Tagged afue, energy efficiency, energy savings, furnace, southern california, utility bills Leave a comment
Choose The Right Home Insulation For The Project You Have In Mind
Adding insulation is an excellent way to improve the energy efficiency of your home. It’s cost effective, lasts for years and is relatively easy to install. However, you must ensure that you choose the right home insulation depending on where you are installing it. Read More
Lower Your Heating Bills Without Spending A Fortune
Contrary to popular belief, we do need to use heating equipment to warm our homes in winter here in Nevada and California. In fact, our heating costs can be quite hefty, especially in the higher elevations. If you’re not ready to purchase one of the latest ultra-energy-efficient furnaces, you can still lower your heating bills significantly by trying these tips: Read More
Posted in Energy Savings Tagged air ducts, air leaks, energy savings, furnace, insulation, southern california, thermostat Leave a comment
Is Uneven Heating And Cooling A Problem In Your Home? A Zoning System Could Take Care Of That
Uneven heating and cooling is very common in homes here in California and Nevada, especially in homes with a lot of windows and a southern exposure. As a side effect of these temperature problems, energy is wasted and utility bills may soar — without ever making your home really comfortable. Read More
Sealing Ductwork Leaks: Good For Your Pocketbook, As Well As Your Health And Safety
Ductwork circulates warmed or cooled air from your heating or air conditioning equipment to the rooms in your home, and then back again. Leaks in the ductwork can lead to increased heating and cooling costs and may aggravate or cause health and safety problems for occupants of your home. Duct sealing is a cost-effective way to improve energy efficiency and safety.
Among the benefits of sealing your ductwork:
- It will help resolve problems with some rooms remaining too hot or too cold. When conditioned air escapes where it’s not supposed to — such as in your basement or attic — your living spaces suffer uneven heating or cooling. Sealing keeps the air moving to the right places.
- Sealing ductwork leaks can keep your ducts clean. Holes in a duct system can allow dust, chemicals and insulation particles to enter the ductwork to be distributed throughout your home. This can worsen health problems, such as allergies and asthma.
- Fixing leaks will increase the efficiency of your HVAC system and reduce your utility bills. Leaks force your system to work harder, using more energy to maintain your desired temperature. According to Energy Star, a leaking duct system can increase heating and cooling costs by up to 20 percent.
- Sealing ductwork leaks can make your home safer. Many household appliances give off gases such as carbon monoxide during normal operation. In a system with properly functioning ductwork, the harmful gases are expelled outdoors. If there are leaks in your ducts, gases can “backdraft” into the interior of the home, creating a safety risk.
For questions or to find a qualified ductwork repair technician in California or Las Vegas, contact a certified contractor in the AC Pro network.
Our goal is to help inform our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Ductwork image via Shutterstock
With The Energy Star Yardstick, You Can See How Your Home Measures Up
Chances are, you’ve heard of Energy Star and seen its blue label with a white star on many home heating, cooling and other energy-efficient products. The program was created by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency. Their mission is to help consumers preserve the environment and save money by educating the public about energy-saving products and activities. Read More
Seven Common Ductwork And Vent Problems That Interfere With Airflow In A Home
Ductwork and vent problems are quite common in California and Nevada homes. When conditioned air leaves your A/C unit or furnace, a lot can happen on the way to the rooms of your home. If areas of your house never seem to get cool enough for comfort, or if the air in your home is stale, the problem may lie in your ductwork or vents. Read More
Finding The Right Contractor Before You Replace Your Heating And Cooling System
If you’re planning to install a new heating and cooling system, you’ll need to find a contractor to do the job. Finding the right contractor can mean the difference between getting the best possible performance out of your heating and air conditioning system or years of frustration down the road. Read More
