How to Handle the Energy Vampires in Your House

January 2, 2015

Are energy vampires stealing all your hard-earned money? An energy vampire is a device that continues to gobble electricity when not in use, on standby mode, or completely switched off, while being plugged in. This continuous consumption of energy causes wastage and increases your energy bills. Energy conservation is an important thing today as it directly impacts the environment. A recent report has indicated that 32 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions in the United States in 2012 were caused by electricity generation. Dependency on Electricity Grows When we compare our household electrical appliances today with those of 50 years ago, we observe that we are much more dependent on them. There is equipment like computers, computer-controlled washing machines, microwave ovens, dishwashers, and smart-phones, which have made life easier but have certainly contributed to an increase in energy consumption. All these devices continue to use energy even when on standby mode and thus inflate our electricity bills. To get a perspective about energy vampires, an air conditioner in standby mode consumes about 1 watt, whereas a TV consumes a whooping 43 watts when switched off. All this adds up to a large amount of energy wasted by each household. How to Reduce Energy Waste The...

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Deciding the Right Heater for Your Home

December 26, 2014

Selecting the right heater for your home can be a tricky task, since no two homes have the same requirements. There are manufacturers’ size charts available which may be helpful in making your choice for a heater; however, the product installed may not meet the actual requirements needed. There are ways to minimize errors in making the right decision by educating yourself about heating basics and what you desire to achieve with your heating system. It is advisable to consult a St. Louis HVAC expert to recommend the best heating equipment for your home. Determine Load Calculation While designing an HVAC system, heating experts consider load calculations to estimate the correct size and capacity of the heating system required for a space. They take in consideration the local climate, the build and layout of the house, insulation of the house, and the number and size of doors and windows. When you decide to install a heating system, you can undertake the above mentioned calculations at a much simpler level so that your estimate is better than one made only on square footage. The Size of the Space The first calculation to make is the size of the space. Manufacturers recommend equipment based on the area of the...

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Say Goodbye to Drafts in Your Home

December 23, 2014

Your HVAC system might not be enough to keep you warm during harsh winters. You need to support the HVAC system in a way that it works effectively without gulping down too much energy. One way that you might be making your heating system’s job tough is by not checking and sealing any drafts that may be present in your home. Identifying Drafts in Your Home If you feel a steady breeze or just notice that the drapes keep swinging even when all the windows are closed, it is a sign that there are drafts in your home that need to be sealed. Unless you plug the drafts, you will have to brave the chill under layers of blankets and with chattering teeth. If you feel you there is a draft problem in your home, identify the culprits first. Most likely the problem is originating around doors and windows, which tend to contract and expand when humidity and temperature levels change. With time, the problem can develop into permanent warping, which creates openings from where the outside air can pass. Worn siding and roofing can also cause drafts to develop, so it makes sense to have the roof inspected and consider adding attic insulation. Your...

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A Geothermal System For Your Home

December 8, 2014

The term “geothermal system” is unfamiliar to some; however, the technology is quite interesting. A geothermal system requires circulation of water through pipes which run under your house to heat up the house during the winter and forces the heat and humidity of summer out into the ground. A geothermal system is actually a ground source heat pump which captures the solar energy trapped in the surface of the earth for heating and cooling. The system counterbalances itself with the change in seasons, thus providing you effective heating in winter and cooling during summer without using additional energy, except for the pumping system, and saves you quite a lot of money in energy costs. The Importance of Location A geothermal system is a good option for your new house or if you are remodeling. Before you decide to invest in a geothermal system, it is essential that a thorough study of the location and surrounding area is undertaken to check the feasibility of operation of the new technology. There are St. Louis HVAC consultants available who can carry out the feasibility study and advice you for choosing the best and most effective solution for your requirements. The most important requirement for a geothermal system is land. A geothermal system requires plenty...

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How a Whole House Humidifier Benefits Your Family

December 3, 2014

We normally associate humidity with sultry weather, sweat, and sheer discomfort. It is hard to imagine how one can survive a hot and humid summer day without an air conditioner. However, it is important to be aware that some level of humidity is not only necessary but also beneficial for us. Humidity keeps the atmosphere healthy and balanced, especially inside your home. The Problem with Excessive Dryness If the internal air is too dry, it can cause several health problems such as nose and throat irritation, which can further make you prone to other illnesses. Excessive dryness in the air also causes chapped skin and lips. Too low humidity can damage your property as well. It can cause problems such as peeling wallpaper, chipped paint, and cracked furniture. Ever get those unexplained electric shocks? Those are a result of the severe static electricity caused by dry air. However, if humidity levels are too high, it can cause the growth of bacteria, mold, dust mites, and other allergens. So, it is extremely important to balance the humidity levels inside your home, and the best way to achieve this is by using a whole house humidifier. What Is a Whole House Humidifier? A whole-house humidifier is a device...

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HVAC System Maintenance – What Does It Mean for a Homeowner?

November 20, 2014

Regular maintenance of the HVAC system keeps it running as efficiently as possible and saves you a lot of money by preventing costly repairs. For the HVAC system to function effectively, it is important to inspect and maintain the filters, fins, and coils regularly. This ensures that the system runs efficiently and effectively. Neglecting HVAC system maintenance will lead to a decline in system performance over time and an increase in energy consumption. Air Conditioner Filters We have devoted many posts to emphasize the importance of changing the air filters regularly. Dirty and clogged air filters obstruct airflow and reduce the system’s efficiency. If the filters are clogged with dirt, the air that passes it will carry dirt to the evaporator coil and reduce its heat absorption capacity. By regularly replacing the air filters homeowners can reduce energy consumption by over 10 percent. There are different types of air filters available in the market, and some of them are reusable and others need to be replaced. During the winter season, it is recommended that the air filters are replaced every two months or so. Depending on how much the system is used, the quality of air, and whether or not there are pets in the...

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How to Operate and Maintain Your Heat Pump

November 13, 2014

Proper maintenance is the key to efficient and effective operation of all HVAC systems. Your air conditioning system and heat pump are important investments that you make for your home; they play a crucial role in ensuring your comfort during harsh weather conditions. So, it is extremely important to take all possible steps to ensure that they work at their peak capacity and do not break down when you need them the most. Maintaining Your HVAC System HVAC system repairs can be quite expensive and replacement can be even more expensive. Take proper care of your system to make sure that they serve you for years without requiring any expensive repairs. There are some simple things that you can do to maintain your HVAC system. With winters already upon us, most homeowners want to know how they can operate and maintain their heat pump properly to get the best performance out of it. Maintaining the Heat Pump Proper operation of the heat pump not only ensures efficiency but also saves energy. St. Louis HVAC experts recommend that one should not set back the thermostat if it causes the backup heating to switch on. Remember, back up heating systems are more expensive to operate. Also, if you operate the...

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Selecting the Most Suitable Furnace For Your House

November 6, 2014

There are many options available on the market for new furnaces, making it difficult sometimes to choose the correct one for your home. Some homeowners may have to consider replacing their existing HVAC system, especially if it needs frequent and expensive repairs. However, with the myriad options available in the market, homeowners may not find it easy to choose the most suitable furnace for their homes. St. Louis HVAC professionals have given tips and advice that homeowners can use to make an educated decision about this major investment. Deciding on the Most Suitable Furnace Size of the home and unit – A small furnace may not heat up the home adequately during the cold winter season. But, a furnace that is sized too large for the home may also not be efficient and can affect the life of the system. Consult an experienced St. Louis HVAC company to seek advice on the appropriate size that meets your needs. Energy-efficiency rating – The latest models of furnaces and heating systems come with an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) ratio. The AFUE ratio of furnaces produced in the 70s was around 65. However, the law has set the lowest ratio for modern furnaces at 78. A number...

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Safeguarding Your HVAC System Against Storm Damage

October 31, 2014

Storms are among the most common causes of HVAC systems damage. Storms can bring along rain, hail, and strong winds and all of these can damage both the HVAC system and the house. Being aware of the effects of a storm and the different methods of protecting the HVAC system can ease the anxiety of a homeowner and help avoid unnecessary repair bills. Homeowners should keep in mind that they should not touch a storm-damaged HVAC system. Contact an HVAC professional who can evaluate the damage and make the necessary repairs on the unit. Set Up and Use a Sump Pump HVAC systems located in the basement are at a higher risk of getting damaged because of flooding caused by heavy rains. It is advisable that homeowners set up a sump pump in the basement to prevent a flood from damaging the HVAC system. A sump pump is activated automatically once it detects water inside the basement. It will pump out the water before it builds up inside the basement. It is also necessary to check the sump pump and its power supply regularly to ensure that it functions properly when necessary. Utilize a Protective Cover on an Outdoor HVAC...

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How to Halloween Proof Your Home

October 22, 2014

Here are some tips to help protect the little ghosts and goblins who will be knocking on your door this Halloween. Halloween is fraught with hazards both real and imaginary. With dozens of young witches and warlocks knocking on your door that night, you want to make sure that your home is safe. Here are some useful tips for the scariest night of the year to help protect the trick-or-treater’s, your home, and maybe even your pet. Keep the lights on: Even if you are out of candy, the kids are still going to knock. You are better off keeping the light on and posting a sign on your door, than turning it off and risk a little one tripping on your front walkway. Clear the front of your house: Put away the garden gnomes, hoses, and kid’s toys. These only serve as one more thing for an excited kid to fall over when rushing up to your door. Make the entire pathway from the sidewalk to your doorbell as clear as possible. Take care of Jack: You spent a lot of time and energy carving out the perfect jack-o-lantern. Keep it up and out of the way of the...

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