September 27, 2018

Smart Thermostats vs Programmable Thermostats

Today, smart technology is moving into the home in many ways. With it comes the numerous benefits it can offer to you including more connectivity and seamless control over all parts of your home. Your thermostat is one of those areas. Do you have a programmable thermostat? Perhaps you are wondering if you should upgrade to a smart thermostat instead? Here’s what you need to know. What Can a Smart Thermostat Do? A programmable thermostat (which is still a relatively new option compared to traditional on-and-off systems) provides homeowners with the ability to set a temperature for when the system comes on and off. However, it also allows you to program times for different settings. For example, you may want to cool down the home on a hot summer day before you come home each day. Or, you may want to save money on heating costs by reducing the heating temperature during the middle of the night during the winter. Programmable provides you with some control. Benefits of Smart Thermostats Smart thermostats go further. Though differences are present from one system to the next, smart thermostats allow you to set the temperature and control times. But they also provide you...

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August 23, 2018

What Is Preventative AC Maintenance?

Preventative AC maintenance involves performing regular air conditioner maintenance and repair. It’s necessary to hire an accredited AC installation firm to install, maintain and repair your HVAC system. During preventative AC maintenance, a certified technician performs several tasks including: Checks Air Filter Determines Refrigerant Levels and Inspects Leaks Tightens Loose Electrical Connections Lubricates Movable Parts Ascertains Thermostat’s Condition Benefits of Preventative AC Maintenance Most homeowners rush to repair their conditioners before winter and summer. By then, AC technicians are usually in high demand. Some charge exorbitant prices for their services. It’s advisable to consider preventative AC maintenance as it offers numerous benefits including: High Energy Efficiency Regular AC preventative maintenance enables a typical HVAC system to use power efficiently. Routine maintenance constitutes cleaning the blades and cooling oils. Adequately cleaned cooling oils generate sufficient cold air. As a result, the air conditioner uses less power hence reducing your utility bills. Reduced Repair Costs Performing frequent preventative AC maintenance minimizes the likelihood of the system requiring major repairs in future. During each maintenance inspection, an HVAC specialist inspects and checks for any damage or malfunction. In case they notice any broken parts, they promptly inform and advise you on appropriate replacements...

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June 19, 2018

Can a Ceiling Fan Help Keep Your Granite City House Warm?

Heating costs in Granite City can become very expensive, but a small change you can make to save money is changing the direction of the ceiling fan. Ceiling fans serve a dual purpose of helping cool your home during the summer and keeping your house warm during the winter. As your furnace heats your home, the warm air rises to the ceiling. The ceiling fan works by pushing the air back down into the room.  By flipping the switch on the motor casing, you reverse the direction of the fan blades from counterclockwise to clockwise. The airflow will then reverse from moving upward to downward. Run the fan on the lowest setting so that it slowly recirculates the air, without creating a breeze. When you leave the room, make sure you turn the fan off so there is no wasted electricity. The only room that you will want to leave the fan on is the room with the thermostat. This will allow the thermostat to get a more accurate reading of the temperature in your home. If you have an open staircase, you should also install a ceiling fan at the top to recirculate the warm air upstairs back downstairs. There are several...

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June 11, 2018

What to Look for in an AC Company

Choosing an air conditioning service for your home is a major commitment, especially when you are interested in adding value to your property while enjoying energy-efficient cooling any time of the year. McFarland Indoor Comfort Services provides a variety of air conditioning solutions throughout the Collinsville, Maryville, and Edwardsville areas. Before choosing an air conditioning solution that is right for you and your household, there are a few factors to keep in mind to ensure satisfaction while getting the best deal possible. Bonded and Insured Only work with air conditioning companies that are bonded and insured to protect your home, valuables, and all of your property from potential damage or theft. Whenever you are searching for a new air conditioner or AC repair service, inquire about a company’s insurance and whether or not all employees are licensed and insured. It is also highly advisable to research individual air conditioning repair and installation services using the BBB (Better Business Bureau). Verify that the air conditioning repair and installation company you are interested in using is fully accredited through the BBB before moving forward with any decision for your home. Flexible Financing Any time you are researching AC companies to help repair...

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May 30, 2018

How Do I Improve My Air Quality?

Considering that many of us spend some quality amount of time at home, we often overlook the quality of the air we inhale. We tend to think that pollution only occurs outside: ozone, gases from industries, smog from cars or burning substances. The quality of the air we breathe can make us vulnerable to health conditions such as asthma, allergies, and other respiratory conditions. Did you know that air conditioners are among the best ventilators? Windows, doors and HVAC systems greatly improve air quality. Below are some of the things to do to improve on air quality with an HVAC system: 1. Cleaning the System Vacuum all your vents to get rid of debris, dander, and allergens. Clean up any dust that might be accumulating too close to the system, which can pose a threat to airflow. You can also clean the system to remove more debris by spraying it down using a garden hose. This kind of cleaning is mainly seasonal and therefore you should have your ductwork done by a professional HVAC company. 2. Proper Ventilation This is the main and most efficient way of improving air quality in your home. Opening doors and windows, running an air...

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April 18, 2018

How to Reduce the Energy Costs on Your Aging AC Unit

Like any other system in your Granite City home, AC units can become less efficient due to age or poor maintenance. New AC units are designed to be more cost-effective, saving you money and energy and is one of the most significant factors when making a decision to replace an older unit or one that is in disrepair. Is it Time to replace your AC Unit? AC units have a life expectancy of 15 – 20 years when properly maintained. If you have a system that is over ten years old a high-efficiency system that is Energy Star rated can save up to 20 percent a year on cooling costs. If your older system has been properly maintained then preventative maintenance will keep it running for a few more years. Is your AC unit the Right Size? An AC unit that is not sized to fit your home will be less efficient and have a shorter lifespan than a properly sized unit has. On the flip side, a unit that is too large for your home may not run correctly, which can lead to increased power bills, and inefficient operation, shortening the lifespan of the unit. An AC technician can...

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March 20, 2018

Should I Repair or Replace my Heating Unit?

Eventually, every machine breaks down, and your air conditioning and heating unit isn’t an exception. Whether you should repair or replace it depends on different factors. If it’s just a simple problem that can be fixed with repairs, then go for it, but if the problem persists or is complex, then it might be time to replace it. In most circumstances, the heating unit can be repaired, just make sure you are not throwing your money away by fixing something that is not fixable. Here is a guide to help you decide on whether to repair or replace: The Unit’s lifespan A heating unit has a lifespan of about 10-15 years according to the National Association of National Builders. If you keep repairing it after this time, it probably will keep breaking down. So, it’s time to get a new one to avoid making unnecessary expenses. Cost of repairing VS costs of replacing Before you decide on whether to repair or replace, do some research from your service providers. If in the long run, you will spend more on repairs, then it’s probably wise to replace it now and avoid unnecessary future expenses. Safety Should the problems on your heating...

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February 27, 2018

Winter Energy Saving Tips

An average American spends approximately $2,000 on utilities annually with at least half of the money being spent on heating or cooling the home, especially during the cold and hot seasons. The home heating costs are already soaring as the winter season continues in Granite City. Taking some time to winterize your home can go a long way in cutting down your energy bills. Here are some of the winter energy saving tips to help you cut down on your energy bills this winter. Bundle Up with the Warm Accessories This is one of the best ways you can adapt to save on your heating bills. Instead of turning on your heater, put on warm socks and a cozy winter sweater and turn down your thermostat. Don’t shed that sweater when you at home in the evening. You can easily save up to five percent on your heating bill for every single degree you drop your thermostat in the 60 to 70-degree range. Remember to Adjust Your Programmable Thermostat at Night The U.S Energy Department says that you can save up to 11 percent per year on your heating expenses by turning your thermostat down to 15.0 degrees for at...

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January 16, 2018

What Are the Benefits of UV Lamps?

Consumers usually use ultraviolet light products to sterilize water, remove germs from surfaces, and sanitize toothbrushes. However, there is another use of UV light when it comes to your HVAC system. UV light cleans the air which helps your HVAC system serve you efficiently. HVAC UV lights improve your home’s heating and cooling system in many ways. If you are a homeowner who is concerned about how the indoor air quality affects your sibling’s health, then you should consider installing UV lamps. Below are some of the benefits of HVAC UV light systems. It Improves Air Flow The UV light technology has been utilized in various air cleaners and heating and cooling systems since 1990 when the UV light became an answer to improving the home indoor air quality. The UV light helps in preventing microbial buildup on duct surfaces, air filters, drain pans, and cooling coils. This helps in minimizing contaminants that could easily build up in your HVAC system’s ductwork and cause it to work harder than usual. Eliminating the biofilm growth and contaminants from your system improves both heat exchange and airflow. It’s Crucial in Bacterial and Virus Elimination Installing UV light lamps is particularly crucial for high-risk environments...

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December 19, 2017

Should I Keep My AC on Auto or On?

Auto and On Settings – Whats the Difference? While for the most part, your AC unit is pretty self-explanatory it can difficult to understand the difference between setting your unit to “ON” and “AUTO”.  Both of these settings will force your AC to run, so what is the difference?  Setting your AC to AUTO means that the unit’s fan will run when the AC unit has turned on to reach the set temperature.  When AUTO is selected your unit will only turn on to circulate the cold air throughout your home or office.  Once the desired temperature is reached the fan will shut off. Know the Costs Selecting the ON function on your AC unit will keep the fan running constantly, regardless if the unit is actively cooling.  While on the surface this may seem like it is accomplishing the same goals, you could be wasting a great deal of energy.  Having the fan run all the time, even when there isn’t any cold air to circulate can cause your electric bill to spike.  Keeping the fan motor running constantly can also cause the fan motor and parts to wear out faster than normal.  When the fan is continually running the...

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