Choosing the Best Air Conditioning System For Your New Home

When you are home, your comfort is probably one of your primary concerns. Nobody wants to feel forced to leave their house because they are unable to find peace. Every day after work, you should be able to come home to enjoy your family, kick back and watch television, or do anything you wish. Clean air is an important element to your home comfort, so if you are in the market for a new air conditioning system you want to make sure you have the best.

A quality air conditioning system is an important investment in your home. Whether you plan to stay for years to come, or end up selling after a short time, your AC should perform at optimal levels when you need it. More than likely, the thought of air conditioning will not cross your mind until you need it the most - say, an extremely hot day that leaves you setting up electric fans in every room. If you're feeling the heat, you don't want to rush out and buy the first thing you see thinking you'll get instant relief. You may, but in the long run your purchase may not turn out to be a good one.

As you browse for air conditioning systems, you need to decide first if a central system is best for you, or if you wish to maintain individual units. For apartment living, window units may be your only choice if central AC is not an option. If that's the case, make sure you properly measure the window receiving the unit and look for an energy efficient model. Also consider the size of the room you plan to keep cool. With a smaller room, for example, you probably will not need a huge unit. Consult home improvement sites and magazines for tips if you're unsure.

For a central system that requires a more advanced installation, you may wish to consult with an HVAC contractor for recommendations. A reputable HVAC specialist can assist you not only in getting a quality unit that cools your house, but comes with controls that let you regulate where the air goes. You risk wasting energy and money cooling rooms that are not used often, so you want to be sure your unit offers the flexibility and functionality you need.

Depending on the unit and time you buy it, you may also be eligible for a tax rebate. Speak with your local residential HVAC company for more information.


Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Newport News HVAC services or Hampton HVAC services.

Pros and Cons of Geothermal Heating

Perhaps you have an older home you wish to modernize, or maybe you have had so many problems with your current HVAC system that you are ready to try something different. Geothermal heating is an option that provides heat to your home through pipes and a heat pump. Since the heat is sourced from the ground, hence the name, your HVAC contractor will lay the pipes in trenches dug into your property to create the closed circuit needed to keep your house warm. The heat pump takes the water in this circuit and produces the warmth which is circulated throughout your house.

Geothermal systems can work with under floor heating systems or immersion systems. Question is, is this type of HVAC right for you? As with other types of heat management systems, geothermal has its pros and cons. Let's take a look at some of them.

Pros

If you are eco-minded, you will be pleased to know that geothermal heating is a good way to go green. Heat is derived from a source that doesn't require mining, and you are less likely to create a hazard through this natural method of keeping your house warm. You could discover a good reduction in energy bills as a result.

Geothermal heating also does not require a lot of maintenance to run. You are not responsible for cleaning a chimney or refilling an oil tank, and you will rarely need to call a repairman. This heating method provides an energy efficient method of keeping your house comfortable in any season.

Cons

While the source of the heat is energy efficient and environmentally friendly, bear in mind that not all equipment works the same way. More than likely you'll use the same source for cooling your home, which means using refrigerants to power your pump. You will need to look hard for eco-friendly equipment.

Depending on where you live, you may need permission to have the pipes laid. For geothermal heating to work properly, you will need quite a bit of space, and if you live in an attached home or condo this might not be possible.

Also, the initial cost of digging the trenches could set you back. Granted, geothermal heating could save you in the long run, but note you may need to make a sizable investment up front.

Is geothermal heating for you? Weigh the pros and cons of the system to determine if it will work for your home.


Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on  Newport News HVAC services.

The Benefits of Under - Floor Heating

It makes sense for homeowners to look into new and different ways to save money on heating and cooling bills. As energy costs fluctuate according to consumption and homeowner needs, the necessity to keep costs low reflects our willingness to conserve in questionable economies. While you may be inclined to stock up on more blankets as opposed to turning up the thermostat in winter, however, you may wish to look into alternative methods of keeping your house warm, such as underfloor heating.

Underfloor heating provides homes and other buildings with a manner of radiant heating, for radiation allows for the primary source of thermal comfort. Radiation typically accounts for more than half of the heat given off in this system, which is often comprised of radiant tubes laid out underneath a floor during construction.

Are there benefits to having such a system in place in your home? Absolutely! Anything that gets layers of winter coats left on the hooks is certain to please homeowners, though the idea of a major construction project may leave people reluctant to move forward. Hiring a reputable HVAC professional contractor, however, makes for a quick turnaround in service so you can feel warm and comfortable in any part of your house. Also, consider these points:

1) Underfloor heating can free up home space. One disadvantage to other types of radiant heat is having an unsightly coil radiator in your room. You can't really cover it up, and you lose real estate, even though your radiator is likely to be tucked in a corner. Moving the heating system under the floor leaves you free to decorate as you wish.

2) Under the floor heating allows for better distribution. Perhaps with your current heat system there is one spot in the house that remains warmer than others. With everything set in your floors, the heat has the opportunity to radiate throughout the area, leaving every spot comfortable.

3) This heating system provides a more cost efficient, greener method. Homeowners with such heating in place will find it reduces carbon dioxide emissions, and the addition of solar panels to create heat can further lower energy bills.

4) Moisture content in the home decreases. With the heating equipment under the floor, there's less of a chance of dust and other allergens. The home will seem cleaner and safer.

If you are building a new construction, consider the installation of underfloor heating to keep your house and family warm in the winter. It is a great, green alternative that lasts.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Williamsburg HVAC services and Virginia commercial HVAC services.

Air Conditioning Systems For New Construction

For companies planning new construction projects to house their businesses, the necessity of planning everything down to the exact detail will determine how well or how poorly productivity progresses. Whether you are building offices for clerical or storage use, or are building a place for a restaurant or other food service work, the contractor you hire should take into consideration the proper ventilation of the workspace.

You may be advised, too, to bring on a contractor that deals exclusively with commercial HVAC services, if your builders do not have such a person on hand, or else do not sub-contract that work. Commercial HVAC - or heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, is important if you wish to maintain a clean, healthy environment for your employees. As you plan your new construction project, here are a few things you will want to consider:

1) Size. How large is your building? One floor, or several? Will your work area be spread out or situated on so many square feet? The size of your work space will determine the size and power of the HVAC units that will heat and cool the buildings.

2) Usable Work Space. Depending on the scope of your business, not every square inch will be occupied by manpower. Offices where your employees will work, of course, should be temperature controlled, as should areas that will house sensitive equipment (foodstuffs, computers, etc.). Therefore, your HVAC system will be installed accordingly so that the most important areas are affected.

3) Location. Where is your office located? Businesses in the deep South will have different construction concerns than those in New England or the Pacific Northwest. Where your office is located will determine whether or not your HVAC system should be geared to heat or cool more.

4) Budget. How much money do you have to use toward constructing your office or warehouse? Though it's important to have a good HVAC system that will work for a long time, you want to operate within your budget and choose units that won't require too much maintenance. Consult with your contractor for the best solution.

Air quality is one of the most essential components in a healthy office and commercial environment. Keep your offices and work spaces at comfortable temperatures with clean air, and you will find your business functions at optimal levels. For a new construction, this is especially crucial as you plan to start work as soon as possible. Research the best commercial HVAC company to do the job.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Norfolk commercial HVAC services and Virginia commercial HVAC services.

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The Most Economic Way to Heat Your Home

As a homeowner, you're watching every penny that leaves your wallet. Between cable and insurance, gas and groceries, the cost of living seems to offer few breaks. When it comes to heating your home in the winter, you might consider piling up on blankets and thick socks rather than adjust the thermostat! Truthfully, there is no need to resort to drastic measures if you know how to economically heat your home. Here are a few suggestions to consider.

1) Shop around for the most affordable resource.

Depending on where you live, one way to heat your home may be cheaper than another. Oil heat, for example, may come at a premium, so you will want to research options for gas heat, electric, and even wood. The addition of a wood-burning stove in an oft-used part of the house may have merit if you are able to find the materials you need. Otherwise, you can consult with an HVAC professional on the best options for heating your home.

2) Invest in the right windows.

Thermal windows are helpful in the winter time, for they properly seal your home and prevent heat and air from leaking. If you find you are constantly having to turn up the heat, there could be a problem with your current windows. Installing thermal windows helps to insulate your house from the cold, and you won't need to fiddle with the thermostat as much.

3) Check your doors and roof as well.

Roofs are designed to ventilate and keep in the air you circulate in your home. If you suspect heat is leaking from your roof, it's best to have an inspection done to determine if repairs are necessary. As with your windows, you will want to invest in a strong door that works to trap in the warmth without letting it escape and in turn drive up your bills.

4) Close off unused rooms.

It isn't necessary to heat rooms you don't use. Keep the warmth relegated to the most populated parts of the house - the living room and the bedrooms in particular.

5) Insulate your floors.

If heat has a chance to escape, it certainly will. If you do not have insulated floors in unheated spaces, you risk losing heat. Research your insulation options so your bills don't skyrocket.

Properly heating your house involves more than making sure you have an HVAC unit or gas system set up. With the most economical heating option comes the responsibility of making sure the rest of your home keeps the heat where it needs to be, inside!

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Newport News HVAC services and Williamsburg HVAC services.

The Benefits of a New Heating and Air Conditioning System

First thing any homeowner should know: regular knocking and pinging within your walls is definitely not a sign of good tidings. If you're freezing at home during the winter and broiling in the summer, this is more than enough evidence that a new HVAC system is in your future. Even if you feel your current heating and cooling set-up has not aged to the point of replacement, you'll find that the benefits of a new installation outweigh your current deal.

What are the benefits of a new heating and air conditioning system for your home? Aside from many days of comfort regardless of the weather, your home and your bank account will gain considerably.

1) Depending on when you make the purchase, and what kind of model you buy, you may set yourself up for a nice tax rebate on your next return. Making greener improvements to your home through the installation of energy efficient appliances and fixtures may qualify you for these benefits. You may wish to speak to a provider for the details.

2) Consequently, eco-friendly products are known to help lower energy bills. If you're interested in paying out less per month in heating and cooling, this is something you should consider.

3) Improvements to your home help increase your property's overall value. If ever you decide to sell, your home may be appraised accordingly because you took the time to upgrade your HVAC system.

4) Newer systems may be simpler to use than the model you have right now. You can upgrade to a digital thermostat where applicable, and manage which rooms in your house get more heat and air so you're not wasting energy.

5) Lastly, a newer system can help rejuvenate you and your family. Even though you may change filters on a regular basis, there is something about a new HVAC system that brings peace of mind to your home. You may breathe in cleaner air and feel more active, and it's a good way to prepare for especially extreme weather seasons.

Consult with your local HVAC installation service to determine what is involved for you as far as getting a new system bought and placed in your home. The sooner you have the updated model in place, the sooner you can breathe easy knowing you are saving money, keeping your home clean, and improving the way you work and live. A new HVAC system works for you.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Newport News HVAC services and Yorktown HVAC services.

How HVAC Systems Work

Heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (otherwise known as HVAC) systems are often referred to as climate control. They regulate temperature, air quality and humidity. Heating and cooling systems systems were first used in commercial buildings, but are now routinely being installed in domestic homes.

An HVAC system has two main parts - an external condenser and in internal evaporator coil. These two components work in conjunction to cycle cool, dehumidify, or warm air through the HVAC ducts in your house. It is possible to get the two components in a single external unit, depending on your specific needs. Your HVAC installation company will tell you if this is an option for you.

Compared to traditional heating and cooling methods, HVAC systems are easily regulated and are more efficient. They can be installed with "zonal" control, which allows you to precisely regulate the climate in specific areas or rooms. Central air systems are more expensive up front than traditional heating and cooling methods, however the cost can be recovered in the long run because of an heating system's energy efficiency, versatility and ability to be upgraded.

HVAC systems have seen a marked improvement in the development of efficiency within the past decade. Using new gas refrigerants, modern climate control systems are environmentally friendly and efficient. In fact, many commercial buildings and homes are having their HVAC system customized to fit their specific needs.

You can maximize the energy savings by taking a few steps to optimize your central air system and reduce its energy consumption. First, you can insulate and weatherize your home. If your home has insufficient attic insulation or poor or old window construction, heat will be lost. This means your HVAC system will have to work harder to produce more heat. It is important to make sure your home is expertly insulated to get the most out of your heating and cooling system.

Remember that turning the thermostat down even one degree can have a dramatic impact on your energy bills. You may elect to install a thermostat that can give you precise control over the climate in your home during scheduled times, or thermostats that control specific rooms.

Make certain to replace the air filter on a regular basis, usually once a month. Keep exterior components of the climate control free of dust and debris to prolong its life.

Be sure to have a qualified heating and cooling professional install, inspect and upgrade your temperature control equipment. Inspections should take place once a year to clean the system and make sure it's running properly. HVAC professionals will be able to diagnose problems and fix issues such as excessive humidity, loud noise and improper temperature.

Energy bills are constantly skyrocketing. Take control of your energy consumption without compromising on the comfort of your home by having a qualified heating and cooling company install an HVAC system.

Mr. Oliver is a marketing agent of Arundel Cooling and Heating. The HVAC specialists can also assist homeowners with electrical issues, as well. Arundel Cooling urges all customers to perform routine maintenance on your heating system before the harsh winter climate sets in. For more information on their HVAC Service Maryland please visit their website.

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HVAC Troubleshooting

Did you know that the third biggest investment for the average American is their air conditioning/heating unit? With prices in the thousands of dollars, most people want to be sure that their HVAC unit will provide the comfort they seek, use the least amount of energy possible, and be relatively trouble-free. But even with new units, there are bound to be some issues that arise with your AC/heating unit, but not everything that happens requires an expensive visit from a professional. Before you call in the AC guy, you may want to check out HVAC troubleshooting guides available on the Internet.

There are several HVAC troubleshooting sites from which to choose, and you may even like to read over more than one of them to see if the advice is consistent. Even if you do need to call in a repairman, it certainly pays to understand the basics of how your HVAC system works so you can converse intelligently with the service technician when he or she arrives.

HVAC troubleshooting guides can also help keep you from getting ripped off. Of course, most service companies are quite legitimate and honest, but there are probably some out there that might choose to take advantage of uninformed consumers, so having a reasonable knowledge about your product is always a good idea. The more informed you are, the less likely it is that you will get taken for a ride, so take care of that expensive HVAC system, but look into understanding as much as you can about it yourself via online or other HVAC troubleshooting guides.

These guides can also help you find local, reputable repair technicians, answer questions that you have, provide information and reviews of books on the subject, give you the contact information for professional HVAC organizations, and so on.

Question for an HVAC Technician? HVAC Troubleshooting [http://www.hvac-troubleshooting.net] is the place to visit.

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Do You Need a New Heating and Air Conditioning System?

When at home, your personal comfort is important. No matter the conditions outside or the season, you should be able to adjust your HVAC system where necessary so you can relax at the ideal temperature. However, not all situations are ideal - occasionally you'll hear knocks and pings from your heating and cooling units, and maybe nothing happens when you try to adjust the dials. Your first thought may be to replace your HVAC system altogether, but consider for a moment that repairs are all you need in order to feel cool or warm in your home again.

Do you need to replace your air conditioning or heating system? Here are some things to consider before you make a final decision.

1) How old is your unit? Whether you have had a home built or bought an existing one without making any major renovations, you should have a good idea of the age of your HVAC system. If you are experiencing problems after only five or seven years, you can estimate that problems are related to faults during manufacture or with the initial installation. A full replacement may not be required in this situation, but you may want to have an HVAC expert take a look to determine it.

2) Have you recently weathered any bad storms? If you live in an area susceptible to hurricanes and tropical storms, or high winds, the damage eventually shows up in your equipment. Leave your outside unit unprotected, and you risk problems in the future. If you find your heating or cooling isn't as quick to start after a bad storm, you will want to assess the damage before budgeting a new system.

3) Does it cut off abruptly, or not start up at all? The more frequently you encounter serious problems is perhaps your best indicator that you need a new unit. First, check to see if any warranties are attached to your current system and find out what you need to do to get a replacement. If you have considered a more energy efficient model for replacement, you may be eligible for tax credits. Talk to your HVAC serviceman for options.

When the air suddenly shuts off, it may not necessarily be a sign that you need a new system. Know your unit and listen carefully for problems, and you can determine for yourself the next steps to take. In some cases, only minor, inexpensive repairs may be needed to keep you comfortable.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Newport News HVAC services and Williamsburg HVAC services.