Do Solar Panels Work in the Winter?

November 17, 2022

Many people believe that warm, sunny days are the only time solar panels are effective. While they perform at peak levels when exposed to direct sunlight, they can still work very well during the winter. Performance in Cold Weather Although it may seem odd, cold weather can actually help with the production of energy that solar panels give off. Since solar panels operate like many other electronic devices, they typically function better in cooler temperatures rather than warmer ones. Colder months can also be a great time to install solar panels since the demand for them is at its lowest and they tend to be less expensive. Impact of Snowfall on Solar Panels Cold weather won’t have an impact on your solar panel’s performance, but snow can affect the overall level of energy produced by them. Even if you live in an area where snowfall is common in the winter, that doesn’t mean that solar panels are not a good option for you. The overall impact will be dependent on how much snow accumulates on top of your panels. Light dustings won’t cause much of a disturbance, but heavier snow can decrease production levels. The good news is that solar...

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5 Amazing Benefits of Getting a Fall HVAC Tune-up

October 20, 2022

Even though the weather tends to be favorable in autumn, scheduling a fall HVAC tune-up is still important. A professional tune-up will result in energy efficiency and many other perks. The following are the benefits of scheduling an HVAC tune-up this fall. 1. Increase Your HVAC Lifespan An HVAC system that does not undergo regular maintenance won’t last for long. Scheduling seasonal check-ups for your unit, including fall tune-ups, can significantly increase its longevity. Technicians will identify issues and make necessary repairs to your HVAC to ensure optimal operation. 2. High Energy Efficiency Many things can affect the efficiency of your unit. Dust, dirt, and other debris can clog various parts and impact performance. Broken components can also result in high energy use. Professional technicians will clean your unit and repair any issues to increase efficiency. 3. Better Air Quality Getting a fall HVAC tune-up will likely improve the air quality in your building. Professionals will service your unit to remove dirt and replace older components that might compromise your air quality. A well-functioning HVAC will act to lower humidity and filter dust, making your air cleaner. 4. Lower Costs A fall HVAC tune-up can save you money! Increased efficiency...

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Can You Install AC in a Home With No Ducts?

September 19, 2022

If you own an older home, you may think you can’t have AC when there aren’t any ducts. Installing ducts for a conventional air conditioner may involve tearing your whole home apart, which is of course very expensive and time-consuming. You can have AC, though, by having a mini-splits system installed. What Are Mini-Splits? Mini-splits are a cooling solution that doesn’t need ducts. The two parts of a mini-split are an outside unit and an indoor air handler. You can even have multiple indoor air handlers connected to an outside unit. Instead of ducts, mini-splits deliver cool air by directly moving hot air out of your home and expelling it outside. There’s a conduit between the outdoor unit and the indoor air handler that contains a refrigerant line, power cable and other necessary parts. Energy Efficient Mini-splits are very efficient. They only work as hard as they need to as they have compressors that speed up and slow down. They only work as hard as needed, which saves you money. When your home has ductwork, you lose up to 30% of the cool air in them in unconditioned areas such as your attic. Since mini-splits don’t use ducts, they entirely...

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How to Safely Clean Your AC Unit

August 10, 2022

A clean AC unit operates more efficiently and isn’t as susceptible to surprise breakdowns. Yet, how do you clean the unit safely without damaging its vital components? Many people ask whether it’s safe to power wash their AC unit. The answer is 100% no. You should never power wash your AC, but there are ways to safely clean the unit. Here are some tips for cleaning the indoor air handler and the outside condenser. How to Clean the Inside AC Unit Over time, the inside AC unit accumulates dust and other debris, making it necessary to give it a thorough cleaning. Periodically, you want to wipe down the interior unit’s exterior to remove dust. Also, stay on top of regular filter changes to keep dirt to a minimum. Aside from wiping down the unit’s exterior, there are interior parts that need cleaning as well. However, it’s recommended that only qualified service professionals handle this type of cleaning. When you schedule professional AC cleaning services, you can expect the technician to open up the unit and clean the following: Conditioner drain if it’s clogged Drain pane Evaporator coils How to Clean the Outside AC Unit The AC’s condenser is located outside...

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Reasons Your AC Is Causing Humidity in Your House

July 18, 2022

Excess humidity can make your home more uncomfortable, especially during summer. That’s why you use air conditioners to cool your home and assist in controlling indoor humidity levels. However, sometimes your AC can make your home humid when it’s ineffective or requires repairs. Here are some possible reasons if you wonder why your house is humid even when the air conditioner is running. AC Is Too Old Like other equipment, an air conditioner also undergoes wear and tear as it ages. Thus, the system is unable to eliminate indoor humidity properly. It often occurs when you postpone or fail to maintain your AC regularly. If your house feels muggy, hire an expert to inspect your air conditioner and recommend a replacement if the system is too old. The Wrong Settings Using incorrect thermostat settings can cause AC humidity issues. Running the fan setting doesn’t always eliminate excess moisture in your home. Instead, it might make the levels worse. The fan can blow moisture your air conditioner removes back into the house, making your home humid. High Outdoor Humidity Levels It might be more difficult for your AC to control indoor humidity levels when the outdoor environment has exceptionally high humidity....

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How Long Before You Should Replace Your HVAC System?

June 17, 2022

Replacing your heater or AC isn’t something you want to think about, but the time will come sooner or later. It’s good to know, then, just how long the average HVAC system lasts. It all depends on the factors below. The Sort of HVAC System You Own HVAC units come in all shapes and sizes. Central ACs and heat pumps, which heat or cool a home through a system of ducts, can last a good 15 to 20 years, but the ductless kind, called mini-splits, can last about a decade longer, though they only heat or cool a single room. Among furnaces, life expectancy varies based on the fuel that’s used: oil furnaces last 10 to 15 years, but gas and electric furnaces can run for five years longer on average. The Quality and Frequency of Maintenance Maintenance keeps your HVAC system from incurring premature wear and tear, which is, after all, the top culprit behind a shortened lifespan. Make sure you’re getting a tune-up every spring for your AC unit and every autumn for the heater portion. If you neglect it, your system will break down frequently, not deliver the comfort you want, and raise your monthly bill. Doing...

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How Long Should You Leave Your AC Running?

May 20, 2022

It is important to familiarize yourself with cycling your air conditioner to avoid fluctuating room temperatures that would be uncomfortable. For optimal performance, it is crucial to know how to let your AC run in a cycle. Your AC should ideally run for fifteen to twenty minutes; however, some factors could affect the unit’s runtime. Factors That Affect Your Air Conditioning Unit The outside temperature is the first factor to consider. The hotter the area you live in, the longer your air conditioner will need to run to cool your room. For example, those living in hot areas like Nevada might experience temperatures that could go higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Long cycles in such areas should not alarm you as it is completely normal due to the circumstances. The air conditioner’s size should also be taken into consideration. Most people overlook the size of AC they are getting in comparison with the room it is meant to be in. The size could vary the runtime of the AC unit, depending how big or small it is. If the AC is oversized, the unit will have a short runtime of about ten minutes. This is not enough time to get...

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3 Ways a Smart Thermostat Can Save You Energy

April 18, 2022

3 Ways a Smart Thermostat Can Save You Energy With the Show Low, AZ summer right around the corner, you may soon see your monthly energy costs start to rise. You’ll probably be turning the air conditioning up quite often to stay comfortable, and cooling systems can use up quite a bit of electricity over time. However, if you install a smart thermostat now, you could keep your monthly bills at a reasonable level all summer long. 1. No More Unnecessary Cooling Every time you forget to turn the AC off when you head to work or go to sleep, it results in several hours of wasted electricity. Additionally, every time you leave the AC running even after the house is comfortable, that’s wasted energy as well. With a smart thermostat, these occurrences will no longer happen. You can program your schedule into the thermostat, and it will automatically turn off your HVAC system during the hours that you don’t need it. Over several months, this can significantly impact your electricity bills. 2. Controlling the Climate Remotely Most smart thermostats feature an app that you can use on your phone to control your home’s climate. So, if you’re out running...

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Assessing the HVAC Equipment of a Potential Home

March 15, 2022

The process of looking for a new house is thrilling if not a bit intimidating. While examining the variables that influence a home’s livability, make sure to keep the HVAC system at the top of your list. The HVAC is a crucial system that affects both the comfort and the running costs of a home. Here are some tips for assessing a home’s HVAC equipment. Determine the Age of the System The life expectancy of a system is affected by how it is utilized and maintained. Nonetheless, a typical HVAC system lasts between 10 to 15 years. When purchasing a property with equipment in that age range, it may make sense to request that it be updated even if it is well-maintained. The reason for this is that the HVAC business is always increasing product efficiency, which means that newer models are more efficient and cost-effective to use than those outdated ones. Inquire About the Repair and Maintenance History When HVAC experts do servicing or maintenance, they leave dated task tickets with the homeowner or may attach them to the system This information serves as a history of what’s been done to the unit. Look for evidence of regular repairs,...

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When Should I Install a New Air Conditioner?

February 15, 2022

The long, hot summers in Show Low, AZ create a lot of work for your air conditioner. A typical lifespan for central air conditioning systems is 12 years. After this duration, major parts are likely to fail, and the systems rapidly lose efficiency and effectiveness at cooling and dehumidifying your home. Here are some guidelines on the best time to install a new air conditioner. After Remodeling or Expanding Your Home If you finished your basement or attic or added more square footage to your home, you’ll need a new air conditioner. The right size air conditioner ensures that your home receives even cooling and maintains a consistent temperature. When a Major Component Fails After a major component failure, such as the compressor, consider installing a new air conditioner. A rule of thumb is, if the repair is more than one-third the cost of a new system, you’re better off replacing the old air conditioner. Temperature or Humidity Control Problems If your air conditioner can’t keep up with your cooling requirements, it’s time for a new unit. New air conditioners offer better energy efficiency, and your electricity bills may drop. System Older Than 12 Years Consider proactively replacing your air...

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