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How to Save Money on HVAC Costs

Saving money these days seems close to impossible. One minute, it’s payday––and the next, it’s time to pony up and pay those bills. However, homeowners may find their savings account growing just in time for the holidays by optimizing how their HVAC systems work. Here are some ways to drive down energy bills.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

Also known as “smart” thermostats, these devices optimize heating and cooling in ways never before thought possible. Big-name tech giants, like Nest and Honeywell, have jumped on the bandwagon with their products. But what makes a smart thermostat so special?

• They help homeowners manage their energy consumption. Many households are surprised to learn they consume more energy than they thought. With a programmable thermostat, one can keep track of their energy consumption, allowing them to make changes that save money.
• They allow for remote control. Most smart thermostats come with apps that pair with users’ smartphones. So, a homeowner can turn the AC off when they go to work and then turn it back on before leaving the office.
• They communicate efficiently with the HVAC system. Thermostats do more than give digital read-outs; they also communicate with the HVAC system, accurately monitoring temperature changes. They also ensure that an AC system doesn’t work “overtime” to cool a home.

EnergyStar notes that some energy-efficient thermostats can save eight percent on a homeowner’s annual energy bill. That’s about $50 a year–not chump change.

Change the Air Filter Trimonthly

The HVAC system relies on an air filter to keep the air free of airborne pollutants. However, these insertable devices don’t last forever. Per EnergyStar, they should be replaced once every three months–perhaps even more so, depending on how many people (and pets) reside in a household.

Keeping the AC system chugging along with a dirty air filter will waste money. Why? Because a dirty air filter will:

• Trap heat, causing the AC system to overheat and turn off. This could increase homeowners’ reliability on fans and other energy-sucking appliances.
• Interfere with the thermostat’s operations. A thermostat won’t get an accurate reading if the AC system needs a new air filter, even if it’s a “Smart” model.
• Lower the home’s indoor air quality. With poor indoor air quality, residents could suffer from various flu-like symptoms, from coughing to headaches.

Here’s a fun fact: one can buy reusable air filters for their HVAC systems. Instead of replacing the filter every three months, they just remove it, hose it off, and re-insert it. This could save money on purchasing new filters and trips to the hardware store.

Consult with an Air Conditioning Maintenance Professional

Homeowners can do everything possible to keep their heating and cooling systems in tip-top shape. Yet, some tasks are best left in a trained professional’s hands. For instance, a seemingly small HVAC problem could be an issue needing immediate attention.

Professionals can rely on their training, years of service, and experience to get the job done. Scheduling just one maintenance visit could prevent spending hundreds on unexpected repairs later.

About Crowe’s Comfort Solutions

Crowe’s Comfort Solutions follows this motto: “Your comfort is our top priority.” These trustworthy technicians have years of service working for the residents of Pooler, GA. They offer same-day service, flat-rate pricing, and a lot more. Call today to learn more about their air filter replacement and other HVAC maintenance services.

Need Heating Repairs? Experts Offer Tips

As Halloween approaches, East Providence homeowners might be prepared to be frightened by scary movies, haunted houses, and costumes. They might not be ready to be scared by a malfunctioning heater.

When a heater breaks down, it can lead to a cold and uncomfortable house, resulting in costly repairs. Homeowners can avoid this by following tips from experienced Rhode Island heating contractors.

Home Not Heating Up? Here’s Why

One of the scariest situations a homeowner can experience is walking into a cold house during a frigid fall night – when the heater should be running. If the house is cold and uncomfortable, it means the heater isn’t working correctly and isn’t heating the house to the setting on the thermostat.

There are several reasons why a heater fails to properly warm a house, including:

• The thermostat isn’t working correctly. A contractor will need to inspect it and determine if there is an issue with the wiring, batteries, or the device itself.
• The filter hasn’t been changed in 1-3 months. If the filter is dirty or clogged, it can prevent the warm air from flowing properly.
• The vents are blocked, preventing warm air from flowing through the house.
• The pilot light isn’t working correctly, preventing the heater from turning on and working correctly.
• The heater is too small to properly heat the house.
• The system needs a tune-up.

When You Should Worry About Unusual Sounds

While most sounds that come from a home’s heater are totally normal, some noises can signal a problem that needs heating system repairs.

If homeowners hear banging noises, it can indicate loose or broken components that need to be repaired, such as a blower wheel, heat exchanger, or even ductwork. Rattling can signal loose screws or panels.

Squealing or screeching sounds signal that a broken blower motor or wheel is making odd noises. If the sound is more similar to whistling or hissing, it can indicate a leak in the ductwork.

If households notice grinding sounds, it can signal the blower motor is damaged or other parts of the system need to be repaired.

Property owners need to schedule heater repair services with a heating contractor if any of these sounds are heard in a house.

Why Your Energy Bills Are Rising

If homeowners notice a sharp increase in their utility bills, it doesn’t mean a ghost is secretly running their HVAC system this Halloween. It can instead indicate there is a problem with the home’s heater.

A malfunctioning heater can cause energy bills to increase by:

• Operating inefficiently and using more energy than needed
• A dirty filter that causes the system to overwork
• A malfunctioning thermostat prevents the unit from running according to the programmed settings
• A serious issue, like a cracked heat exchanger
• An old, outdated heater

If homeowners notice their energy bills getting higher and higher, they should schedule repair services. Getting their heater fixed can cause the energy bill to return to its normal level and let property owners save money.

About Crowe’s Comfort Solutions

At Crowes Comfort Solutions, their customer’s comfort is their top priority. They have emergency services available and guarantee 100% satisfaction with every appointment. Call them today for HVAC services in East Providence, RI.

Signs You Need to Replace Your Thermostat

If a home’s thermostat malfunctions, it can quickly create an uncomfortable situation. It can prevent the air conditioner or heater from turning on when needed, leaving the house too warm or cold. It can also cause the system to keep running, even when the ideal temperature is met, causing utility bills to skyrocket.

To avoid these problems, homeowners need to recognize the signs that they need a thermostat replacement. Some symptoms to watch for can include increasing utility bills, incorrect temperature readings, and if the unit is short cycling.

Higher Energy Bills

If a homeowner starts to notice high energy bills, it can indicate they have a broken thermostat.

A malfunctioning thermostat can cause higher than usual energy bills by:

• Misreading the temperature displayed on a thermostat. This can cause the HVAC system to keep running, resulting in more energy being used than is needed. It can also prevent it from turning on.
• Getting stuck in the “on” position, making the air conditioner run continuously.
• Failing to respond quickly to temperature changes, leading family members to keep adjusting the temperature and causing the system to overwork.
• Failing to follow the programmed settings on a smart thermostat, causing the HVAC to run at the wrong times.

Incorrect Temperature Readings

Homeowners should also pay attention to if the thermostat displays the correct reading. If it starts to show a temperature that doesn’t seem to align with the actual temperature in the room, it can indicate the thermostat is failing.

Some broken thermostat symptoms households should watch for include:

• Large differences between the displayed temperature on the thermostat and the actual temperature in the house or room.
• Not reaching the temperature setting, even when the AC system or heater keeps running.
• Sudden temperature changes in a home due to the air conditioner or heater running more or less than usual.
• Having the HVAC system turn on and off quickly, without reaching the temperature setting.
• Issues with the thermostat’s buttons or screen, causing it to be unresponsive.

Short Cycling

If an HVAC system turns on and off again quickly without reaching the desired temperature, it can indicate the air conditioner or heater is short-cycling. This can happen due to a malfunctioning thermostat.

Failing thermostats can lead to short cycling due to:

• Broken sensors that cannot detect the temperature.
• Poor connections or faulty wiring between the thermostat and the heating or cooling system.
• Malfunctioning components that prevent the thermostat from accurately controlling the heating and cooling cycles, causing it to turn on and off unexpectedly.
• Compatibility issues between the thermostat and the HVAC system.
• A dirty thermostat filled with dust and debris that prevents the device from working correctly.

About Crowes Comfort Solutions

At Crowes Comfort Solutions, their customer’s comfort is their top priority. They have emergency services available and guarantee 100% satisfaction with every appointment. Call them today for HVAC services in East Providence, RI.

Importance of Having Good Indoor Air Quality

When homeowners schedule services for their property, they likely focus on their HVAC units, water heaters, and plumbing systems, but they likely don’t think about having their indoor air quality checked.

Neglecting to inspect a home’s indoor air quality can cause major health issues for family members – especially if someone suffers from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues. Indoor air quality – which indicates how healthy the air a household breathes in the property – can be impacted by high humidity levels, poor ventilation, mold, or other chemicals.

A home’s indoor air quality is extremely important. If particles or contaminants float throughout the air, it can result in numerous health issues for household members. It can cause respiratory issues and can exaggerate existing allergy or asthma symptoms.

Health Effects of Poor Indoor Air Quality

Poor indoor air quality can negatively affect all household members, but it can be especially problematic for family members who suffer from asthma or allergies.

For healthy individuals, poor indoor air quality can cause respiratory issues like congestion, sore throat, headaches, dizziness, or fatigue. For those with allergies, dust or pollen in the air can lead to sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, rashes, and other symptoms. For household members with asthma, the symptoms can be even more severe. They can experience increased coughing, wheezing, and asthma attacks.

These symptoms can be prevented by treating indoor air quality and reducing the amount of particles in the air.

Air Filter Replacement and Maintenance

There are two quick and easy steps for homeowners to take to avoid poor indoor air quality in their homes. This includes changing the air filters on time and scheduling routine HVAC maintenance services on HVAC systems.

Technicians recommend property owners replace their air conditioner or furnace’s air filters at least every three months. This is a general recommendation, but if family members suffer from asthma or allergies, or there are pets in the household, or the house is in an area with high pollution, the filters should be replaced more frequently. If filters are dirty or clogged, they cannot properly remove particles, leading to poor indoor air quality.

Homeowners should also schedule routine maintenance on their HVAC systems. During these services, technicians will clean the systems and check for issues that can cause poor indoor air quality. This can eliminate excess dust and dirt entering the home’s air and prevent chemicals from spreading throughout the house.

Air Cleaners and Filtration Systems

There are solutions if a homeowner needs ways to improve indoor air quality. Property owners are encouraged to install air cleaners and air filtration systems to remove particles from the air. Two common units are air purifiers and UV air sanitizers.

When selecting a system, homeowners should know which unit best suits their property’s needs. Both systems can improve a home’s air quality but do it differently. Air purifiers specialize in removing dust and allergens. UV sanitizers center on removing germs and bacteria. This will help prevent the spread of illnesses.

About Crowes Comfort Solutions

At Crowes Comfort Solutions, their customer’s comfort is their top priority. They have emergency services available and guarantee 100% satisfaction with every appointment. Call them today for HVAC services in Brooklet, GA.

Refrigerant Basics Every Homeowner Needs to Know

Air conditioners cannot work properly without refrigerant or coolant.This substance, which lives in the AC unit’s coils, takes the heat from the air and provides cool air for the home. Refrigerant enables an air conditioner to work properly. Without it, homes cannot cool to the desired temperature.

It’s important for property owners to fully understand what type of refrigerant their unit needs and what signs to look for that can indicate leaks or that professional repairs are needed.

How to Tell Which Refrigerant an AC Uses

HVAC technicians often surprise homeowners when they explain there are numerous types of refrigerant and that each unit requires a specific type. Refrigerant is not interchangeable, and using the wrong type can damage an air conditioner.

• How to determine the type of refrigerant: Homeowners should check the outside of their AC unit for a label that lists the type of refrigerant their system needs. They can also ask a professional to help them identify the type they need if they are unsure.
• When to replace the system: If an AC unit was built before 2010, it may use R-22 (freon). R22 refrigerant has been banned in newer models, as it is dangerous to the environment. Because of this, HVAC experts may recommend replacing the unit.

What Causes Refrigerant Leaks?

One of the most common reasons for refrigerant repairs is leaks.These can occur for a variety of reasons. Some of the most frequent causes include corrosion, poor installation, aging, and a lack of proper maintenance.

Rust and corrosion can occur as air conditioners age. The chemicals causing the corrosion can cause small holes in the tubing, resulting in refrigerant leaks. Damage to AC units during installation, or if a coil or valve malfunctions, can also cause leaks.

A cause homeowners might not often consider is how maintenance – or lack thereof – can lead to leaks. Failing to schedule services with a technician can open a system to problems. When an expert inspects a system annually, they will use a refrigerant leak detector to identify issues and repair small problems before they become larger. By forgoing services, there can be problems that go unrepaired and eventually lead to leaks.

When is it Time to Call a Professional?

To prevent major water damage, homeowners need to spot the signs of refrigerant leaks, frozen AC coils, and other problems as soon as possible so they can schedule repairs with an HVAC technician.

There are numerous signs property owners should watch for. One of the most common and obvious problems is if the house is not cooling to the desired temperature. If a house feels too warm, it can signal insufficient refrigerant due to a leak.

Homeowners should also call for repairs if their AC system runs continuously, hear hissing or gurgling sounds, or see ice forming on the refrigerant lines, leading to a frozen coil. 

About Crowes Comfort Solutions

At Crowes Comfort Solutions, their customer’s comfort is their top priority. They have emergency services available and guarantee 100% satisfaction with every appointment. Call them today for HVAC services in Brooklet, GA.

Save On Your Energy Bills With These Tips

Summer weather can take a toll on Georgia homeowners’ energy bills. While residents need to run their air conditioners to keep their houses at a comfortable temperature, it can cause their utility bills to skyrocket.

Fortunately, there are ways homeowners can reduce these expenses. To reduce cooling costs, air conditioning contractors suggest installing programmable thermostats, weatherstripping, and ceiling fans.

Programmable and Smart Thermostats

One of the best ways to save money on cooling costs is for homeowners to replace nonprogrammable thermostats with smart thermostats. These digital devices provide numerous ways for homeowners to reduce their energy bills, including:

• Allowing homeowners to set the temperature at an energy-saving level for different times of the day. They can raise the temperature when they are away and lower it when they return home.
• Providing the capability to adjust the temperature through an app on homeowners’ phones. They can use the device’s Away and Vacation modes.
• Letting residents use cooling zones to set different temperature schedules for various areas of the home. This ensures energy is not being wasted in unused spaces.
• Taking advantage of smart features. Programmable thermostats can learn homeowners’ preferences over time, changing the temperature based on residents’ schedules.

Suppose homeowners are interested in upgrading their existing thermostat to a programmable device. In that case, they should contact an air conditioner contractor to learn about the units and determine the best type for their house. Technicians can also provide tips and training on using the thermostat to take advantage of its offerings.

Weatherstripping

Another way for homeowners to reduce their utility bills is to add weatherstripping to drafty areas. Property owners should add weatherstripping if they notice gaps around the door or windows. This can prevent cool air from escaping or hot air from entering the home.

Drafts can not only make homes more uncomfortable, but they can also cause air conditioners to overwork. This can add to the wear and tear on the system and cause their utility bills to increase.

Use the AC Less and Fans More

AC technicians recommend homeowners reduce their air conditioner usage and use their ceiling fans more to reduce energy bills.

When the heat and humidity cause temperatures to rise in homes, property owners likely first think to adjust their AC system to make the house more comfortable. But the more an air conditioner runs, the higher the person’s utility bills will be.

Instead, ceiling fans can provide added comfort without using too much energy. The ceiling fan direction should be counterclockwise to keep the air circulating and make rooms feel cooler.

About Crowe’s Comfort Solutions

At Crowe’s Comfort Solutions, their customers’ comfort is their top priority. They have emergency services available and provide flat-rate pricing for their client’s convenience. Call them today for HVAC services in Brooklet, GA.

Schedule AC Maintenance Before the Heat of Summer!

When making a spring to-do list, is air conditioner maintenance on it? If it’s not, it should be.

While homeowners might be focused on spring landscaping projects or home updates, it’s essential to have the AC system serviced before summer. The heat and humidity will arrive soon, and one should ensure their AC tune-up is completed and ready for the demands before summer arrives.

Learn other benefits of scheduling AC maintenance services in the spring, including more availability, energy bill savings, and a longer unit lifespan.

More Availability for Scheduling

One of the top reasons AC contractors recommend having the air conditioner serviced in the spring is practical – more appointments are available.

Most people wait to schedule air conditioner maintenance services until summer arrives. Once the temperatures soar, more customers think about having their units tuned up. This can lead to a higher appointment demand, giving one fewer booking options.

As more people use their AC units during the summer, more systems may require repairs. This means one is also dealing with repair and replacement appointments and competing with others for routine maintenance appointments.

Instead, one can beat the rush by scheduling services on their air conditioning system in the spring. This will give them more flexibility for tune-up appointments.

Keep the AC Running Efficiently All Summer

Having the system serviced by a professional can also enable contractors to ensure the unit runs efficiently all summer.

During a routine inspection, experts will check all the components to ensure they are working correctly. If they are not, they can replace them during the services so homeowners don’t have to worry about them breaking down in the summer months.

They will also clean the system. Cleaning the coils, changing the filters, and even checking the thermostat can enable the system to operate more accurately and improve energy efficiency. This can save money on energy bills.

Make the AC Unit Last Longer

AC maintenance services can also enable the system to run longer. Technicians recommend performing services at least once a year to keep the unit operating as expected and prolong its lifespan.

While there is no guarantee of how long the air conditioner will last, most professionals estimate it will run for about 15 years. To make it this long, regular maintenance is required. Contractors look for signs of wear and tear, remove signs of corrosion, replace parts as needed, and monitor how well it’s operating. This can enable it to function correctly for longer.

About Crowes Comfort Solutions

At Crowes Comfort Solutions, comfort is their top priority. Their trustworthy technicians provide emergency services, flat-rate pricing, and guarantee satisfaction with every job. Call them today for HVAC services in Brooklet, GA

Breathe Easy This Spring

Most people look forward to the onset of spring for a good reason – the warmer weather and abundance of flora suddenly bursting into life is a welcome change from the cold and dreary days of winter. But this isn’t always the case, especially for people with seasonal allergies. The same plant life celebrated for bringing color to a steadily warming world brings misery to allergy sufferers who have to endure the explosion of pollen in the air, for which trees, plants, and flowers are responsible.

The good news is that there are relatively easy ways to endure the onset of allergy season. Short of wearing a mask outside, locking oneself in at home, or medicating with antihistamines, here are a few simple adjustments that can be made to help homeowners breathe better through the seasonal allergies this spring.

Open Windows At the Right Times

Health professionals often recommend keeping windows closed during peak times of the day when pollen is at its peak. Aside from particularly abundant peak times, health experts also recommend keeping the windows closed on dry, windy days or when lawn work is done outside. These conditions are often ideal for bringing allergens into the home through open windows.

However, there are times when it would be advantageous to open windows and let fresh air flow in instead of keeping stale, recirculated air trapped inside the house. Opening windows late in the day, when pollen counts are at their lowest, or right after a good, cleansing rain shower is ideal. Rain is especially good for washing the pollen off the air and allows homeowners to breathe easy without feeling trapped inside their homes. Opening windows at the right times also benefits from removing pollen that has already made its way into the home through other means, either through clothes or shoes brought into the home from outside.

Change Air Filters Like Clockwork

Air filters are important in keeping air inside the home free from dust, germs, and allergens like pollen. This is especially true for HEPA filters. HEPA, which stands for high-efficiency particulate air, is a type of filter that can, in theory, remove up to 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles sized 0.3 microns or larger. These kinds of filters are particularly helpful for people with allergies and are recommended for use in their homes.

Filters, however, can get dirty quickly as they trap air particles and separate them from the air flowing into the HVAC. Because of this, professionals recommend homeowners replace air filters regularly with fresh ones. The ideal cycle is once every 30 days. Still, at the height of allergy season, homeowners can opt to do air filter replacement more often to ensure no allergens are escaping the filter because the amount of dirt it is already holding prevents it from becoming more effective.

Keep Dust From Accumulating

Indoor air quality (IAQ), or the quality of air inside defined structures like homes and buildings, greatly impacts the quality of life of its occupants. The ability to breathe easily and comfortably is necessary and often dependent not just on things like when a window is open or closed or the effectiveness of an air filter but more so on how well cleanliness is maintained indoors.

Regular activities such as dusting, mopping, and vacuuming reduce the number of allergens in the home and subsequently reduce the burden on an HVAC air filter to keep the air allergen-free. Keeping a home clean seems like a foregone conclusion, but following these simple tips will go a long way in keeping allergies at bay.

About Crowe’s Comfort Solutions

Crowe’s Comfort Solutions is a reliable HVAC services provider in Pooler, GA. Their knowledgeable, background-checked technicians provide a full range of quality heating and cooling solutions using the latest technology. Their flat-rate pricing, on-time services, and 24/7 availability are top-notch, making them the HVAC solutions provider of choice in Chatham County. Call them today for all HVAC services.

Discover How the Inflation Reduction Act Incentivizes Energy-Efficient Upgrades

The Inflation Reduction Act can help homeowners looking to save money on home improvements. This act includes tax breaks and rebates for energy-efficient improvements like installing a new heating or cooling system. Homeowners who take advantage of these incentives can save money while lowering their carbon footprint. This blog will examine how the Inflation Reduction Act can help homeowners save money on new HVAC systems.

The Inflation Reduction Act and its Benefits for Homeowners

The Inflation Reduction Act is a piece of legislation passed by Congress that includes tax credits and rebates to encourage the installation of energy-efficient home improvements, including air conditioners, heaters, and heat pumps. These incentives are intended to reduce inflation across all sectors of the economy while also helping households reduce their energy use and emissions.

Heat pumps may be worth a tax credit of 30 percent of the project cost up to $2,000 and 30 percent for gas furnaces and ACs up to $600. By providing incentives, the Inflation Reduction Act encourages households and businesses alike to take steps toward increasing energy efficiency. Furthermore, it can also reduce emissions, helping protect the environment.

Discover Which Systems Qualify for Incentives

HVAC systems and heat pumps must meet specific energy efficiency requirements to qualify for tax credits and rebates under the Inflation Reduction Act. Central air conditioning units, for example, must have a minimum seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) of 16 and an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) of 95. Similarly, to qualify for the maximum rebate of $2,000, heat pumps must have a minimum heating season performance factor (HSPF) of 9 and a minimum SEER of 15.

It’s important to note that these tax breaks and rebates are only available for installations beginning in 2023, so these incentives are unavailable to homeowners who installed new HVAC systems before the start of 2023. In addition, they must be installed in a homeowner’s primary residence to qualify. Homeowners who qualify for these incentives can save a lot of money while contributing to a greener future by upgrading to an energy-efficient HVAC system.

The Benefits of Upgrading to Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems

Homeowners can enjoy significant savings by taking advantage of the tax credits and rebates offered by the Inflation Reduction Act. Furthermore, homeowners can also save money on energy bills because new systems must meet energy efficiency standards to qualify for the incentives. This means homeowners will save money in multiple ways because HVAC systems and heat pumps that use less energy to heat or cool a home result in lower utility bills.

These energy-efficient improvements can make a home more attractive to potential buyers and improve indoor air quality. Installing a new system will also result in fewer issues and repairs, reducing repair costs. Homeowners can enjoy a more comfortable, healthier home while contributing to a greener future by upgrading to a new energy-efficient HVAC system or heat pump.

About Crowe’s Comfort Solutions

Crowe’s Comfort Solutions is a local heating and air conditioning company serving Brooklet, GA, and the surrounding areas. They provide flat rate pricing, emergency services, and financing. Call them today for a heat pump, AC, or heater installation in Brooklet, GA.