How A Zoning System Can Keep You Cool And Comfy All Summer Long

How A Zoning System Can Keep You Cool And Comfy All Summer LongA zoning system allows you to control the temperature in two or more areas of your house independently, instead of relying on a single thermostat. This can significantly reduce your cooling costs, allowing this feature to pay for itself over time. At the same time, it will increase comfort levels in your home significantly. Read More »

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Replacing Your Cooling System: Consider These Features, In Addition To The SEER Rating

The SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), developed by the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute, is an important tool for evaluating the efficiency of a central air conditioner. Provided by the manufacturer in standard product information, the SEER is derived by dividing the total BTUs of energy produced over a normal cooling season by the total kilowatt hours of electricity consumed. Air conditioners manufactured today have SEER ratings ranging from 13 to 24, with the higher number representing the greatest efficiency. Higher SEER ratings generally imply higher upfront purchase expense, too. However, lifetime savings can easily offset increased initial investment. Your HVAC contractor can help you strike a balance between these two considerations. Read More »

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Your Air Conditioner: Put A Tune-Up On Your To-Do List, Or Risk A System’s That Done In

Your Air Conditioner: Put A Tune-Up On Your To-Do List, Or Risk A System's That Done InBefore you turn on your air conditioner this spring, make sure it gets a tune-up so it runs better, uses less electricity and operates more efficiently. Dust and dirt are the most common causes of premature system failure with air conditioners. You can complete some of the necessary annual maintenance yourself and then turn over the technical work to an HVAC technician, whose expertise can add three years to the life of your system. Read More »

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The Geothermal Heat Pump: Weighing Initial Cost Against Long-Term Savngs

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that heating and cooling a home can consume up to half the annual energy budget of a typical family. When you’re looking for ways to lower your energy bills, you may want to consider a geothermal heat pump. Although these systems cost more initially, they provide a substantial payback for years to come. Read More »

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Your Heat Pump: It Works All Year For You, So Give It The Attention It Needs

Your Heat Pump: It Works All Year For You, So Give It The Attention It Needs  Heat pumps function as both a heating and cooling system. Since the system doesn’t use separate furnace and A/C units that are idle half the year, components in a heat pump pull double duty and operate through all seasons. Maintenance therefore becomes all the more critical to continued efficient and dependable operation. A heat pump that isn’t regularly maintained may exhibit up to 40 percent loss of efficiency. Some maintenance may be carried out by a homeowner following manufacturer’s instructions. Other vital procedures should be performed only by an experienced HVAC technician. Here’s a rundown: Read More »

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Completing Your Own Home Energy Evaluation

If you are tired of wincing when you open your monthly utility bills, perhaps it’s time to take control of the energy consumption in your home. This starts with simple steps such as turning certain items off when they’re not in use, and unplugging small appliances and electronics. Read More »

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UV Lights In Your Duct System May Offer Relief During Spring Allergy Season

UV Lights In Your Duct System May Offer Relief During Spring Allergy Season  Although spring in eastern North Carolina is one of our most beautiful seasons, allergies can detract from your enjoyment. (Especially this year, with our mild winter!) Relief exists, however, with UV lights that can zap that pollen and other irritants from your indoor air. When tiny organic particles are exposed to UV rays, they die and cease to be a hazard. The particles affected by these rays include mold spores, pollen, pet dander, dust mite waste products, and viruses and bacteria. Read More »

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Here’s How You Can Tell If It’s Time For A New Air Conditioner

We haven’t exactly had a winter in Eastern North Carolina, so it feels a little strange to be thinking about the coming of spring and eventually summer. But something tells me this summer may be a pretty warm one and you may find yourself facing the choice: replace your old, balky air conditioner, or hope it makes it through another year? Here’s how you can tell if it’s time for a new air conditioner:

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Control Your Home’s Thermostat Remotely Using High Tech Devices

Control Your Home's Thermostat Remotely Using High Tech DevicesThe media broadcasts news of technological advancements in computers and mobile devices regularly, but how technology can regulate the temperature in your home may be news to you. Specialized thermostat features allow homeowners to integrate high-tech devices into their HVAC systems. This process is part of the world of direct digital control (DDC), or controlling a system via the Internet.  Read More »

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Indoor Air Quality Concerns? Here’s How You Can Check It

No matter the age of your home, knowing the status of your indoor air quality is important because you spend so much time at home. Indoor pollutants occur naturally or come from products that you bring into the home. Natural pollutants include radon, second only to cigarette smoke for causing lung cancer, mold, pet dander, dust mites, and occasionally found in older homes, airborne lead and asbestos. Read More »

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