Wednesday, March 19, 2014

What Everyone Should Know about Geothermal Heating, HVAC | Heating, Air Conditioning Marietta GA | 770-444-9142

What Everyone Should Know about Geothermal Heating Are you interested in going green? If so, then you will find quite a few different technologies and techniques that can help. These range from recycling plastic, glass and paper to installing solar panels on your roof. However, if you want to go green and reduce your energy expenses, while maintaining the most comfortable home possible, then you should know a thing or two about geothermal heating. What is this technology and can it be of use to you? Fist, you might be under the impression that to use geothermal energy, you have to be near a natural geothermal feature - like a hot spring or something similar. This is actually untrue. Geothermal technology can be used anywhere within the US, and it does not necessarily rely on natural geothermal features. The underlying premise here is that the earth beneath your feet is able to maintain a constant temperature throughout the entire year. Just a few feet below the surface, the temperature never varies, whether it is the height of summer or the depths of winter. A geothermal heat pump takes advantage of this. A geothermal heat pump uses the constant temperature beneath the soil to cool or heat coolant, which is then used to condition your air. For instance, during the summer, a geothermal heat pump sends heated coolant into the earth to a heat exchange. Here, heat is transferred to the surrounding soil, cooling the fluid in the coolant lines. The fluid then completes a circle and is used once more. The single most important benefit here is that geothermal technology allows you to reduce the costs of heating and cooling your home. Because the earth around your home maintains the same temperature throughout the year, your heat pump does not have to work as hard to heat or cool the air sent into your home. This slashes the amount of electricity used by your system, lightening the load on the local power grid. Therefore, you can see that using a geothermal heat pump offers savings for your power bill, but also helps to reduce your carbon footprint. These solutions can also be integrated with solar and wind power systems to provide the most comprehensive savings possible. Of course, geothermal systems are not right for everyone, as they do require a considerable amount of space for the initial installation. Speaking with a certified HVAC installation company will help you determine if this is the right path for you to take. Heating and Air Marietta GA

Heating & Cooling, HVAC | Heating, Air Conditioning Marietta GA | 770-444-9142

Heating & Cooling Just exactly how the city of Atlanta earned the nickname "Hotlanta" is up for debate. Some claim it's because of a thriving music scene that has become a breeding ground for hip-hop artists, as well as rock, pop, and folk music stars. Others claim it's because Atlanta has been one of fastest growing cities in the U.S. since the turn of the millennium. Then again, sometimes the simplest explanations are best. It might not get as much press as other hot spots like New Orleans and Miami, but Atlanta is no slouch when it comes to hot, humid summers. Record highs in Atlanta have topped 100 degrees every month June through September, and temperatures of 90 degrees or more have been recorded in April, May, and October. All that adds up to one thing: Atlanta air conditioning is a top priority for A-T-L homeowners and needs to be kept in tip-top condition. Atlanta Air Conditioning Costs We'll get to suggestions for purchasing the right air conditioner in a moment, but first, let's take the opportunity to discuss what's at the top of every Atlanta homeowner's need-to-know list: cost. ServiceMagic.com has provided thousands of contractor referrals for homeowners across metropolitan Atlanta, and we follow up on each and every one to ensure our customers are getting the best quality service from our contractors. From the information we gather from those surveys, we're happy to provide you with a reliable estimate of what an average air conditioning installation in Atlanta is going to run. Based on our data, an average A/C installation in Atlanta runs about $4,100, with high and low numbers coming in at $9,000 and $1,100, respectively. Why the huge gap between the extremes? There are a number of factors that influence how much air conditioning in Atlanta costs to install, including the price of the unit, the size of the home, and whether the home is "A/C ready" or needs appropriate ductwork installed, as well. Efficient Atlanta Air Conditioning: SEER Ratings The place to start when it comes to finding an air conditioner is to pay attention to SEER ratings. All air conditioners manufactured today have SEER ratings of 13 or better, though units with ratings as high as 20 are available for purchase (the higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the A/C). In a climate like Atlanta's, where homeowners can run air conditioners for six months out of the year or more, you're wise to go with the highest SEER rating you can afford. Why? An A/C with a SEER Rating of 13 is 30 percent more efficient than one with a SEER rating of 10, and up to 50 percent more efficient than units with SEER ratings of 6 or less (not uncommon in air conditioners that are more than 15 years old). Translate that into dollars and cents, and you'll find that you can save hundreds of dollars a year on your electricity bill with a high-efficiency unit. And if you'll get those kinds of savings by upgrading to a 13 SEER unit, think about what an A/C with a SEER rating of 20 or more will do for your wallet. Don't get left in the heat! Use this link to Install Central Air Atlanta Air Conditioning and Energy Costs Just as it's no secret that venturing outside on an August day in Atlanta is a little like being thrown into a pressure cooker, it's also no secret that air conditioners aren't inexpensive to run. In fact, it has been reported that 5 percent of the energy use in the U.S. each year can be attributed to residential air conditioners alone. Of course, for Atlanta homeowners, your air conditioning is going to account for a lot more than 5 percent of your annual energy bills from your utility company. It's important to talk to contractors in-depth about how much energy your air conditioner will use. You may experience some sticker shock when you see the difference in installation cost between basic units and highly-rated energy-efficient units. Yet, the monthly and annual savings from these highly-rated units are just as likely to catch your eye. Atlanta Air Conditioning and Proper Installation Installing air conditioning in Atlanta with a high SEER rating is a waste of time if it isn't done correctly. Improperly sized units, poor installation, and overlooked leaks in your home's ductwork, can easily negate any energy savings you were hoping to enjoy. Most homeowners donĂ½t realize it, but you should install the smallest possible A/C system. Ideally, your air conditioner would run continuously, sapping moisture from the air and allowing warmer absolute temperature to feel more comfortable through low-moisture ambient temperatures. Thus, hiring an experienced contractor is a vital step in ensuring your new A/C cools your home properly and as efficiently as possible. If you're ready to install air conditioning in Atlanta, or need to replace an older unit that's seen better days, contact at least three contractors who specialize in air conditioning installations to get bids on the job. That's a good rule of thumb wherever you live in the U.S., but it's even more important in Georgia, where contractors aren't required to obtain licensing to operate. Comparing multiple bids, and checking up on references, is the only way to ensure you get the best deal, and the best contractor, for your Atlanta air conditioning installation. Heating and Air Marietta GA

What Everyone Should Know about Geothermal Heating, HVAC | Heating, Air Conditioning Marietta GA | 770-444-9142

What Everyone Should Know about Geothermal Heating Are you interested in going green? If so, then you will find quite a few different technologies and techniques that can help. These range from recycling plastic, glass and paper to installing solar panels on your roof. However, if you want to go green and reduce your energy expenses, while maintaining the most comfortable home possible, then you should know a thing or two about geothermal heating. What is this technology and can it be of use to you? Fist, you might be under the impression that to use geothermal energy, you have to be near a natural geothermal feature - like a hot spring or something similar. This is actually untrue. Geothermal technology can be used anywhere within the US, and it does not necessarily rely on natural geothermal features. The underlying premise here is that the earth beneath your feet is able to maintain a constant temperature throughout the entire year. Just a few feet below the surface, the temperature never varies, whether it is the height of summer or the depths of winter. A geothermal heat pump takes advantage of this. A geothermal heat pump uses the constant temperature beneath the soil to cool or heat coolant, which is then used to condition your air. For instance, during the summer, a geothermal heat pump sends heated coolant into the earth to a heat exchange. Here, heat is transferred to the surrounding soil, cooling the fluid in the coolant lines. The fluid then completes a circle and is used once more. The single most important benefit here is that geothermal technology allows you to reduce the costs of heating and cooling your home. Because the earth around your home maintains the same temperature throughout the year, your heat pump does not have to work as hard to heat or cool the air sent into your home. This slashes the amount of electricity used by your system, lightening the load on the local power grid. Therefore, you can see that using a geothermal heat pump offers savings for your power bill, but also helps to reduce your carbon footprint. These solutions can also be integrated with solar and wind power systems to provide the most comprehensive savings possible. Of course, geothermal systems are not right for everyone, as they do require a considerable amount of space for the initial installation. Speaking with a certified HVAC installation company will help you determine if this is the right path for you to take. Heating and Air Marietta GA

Perfection Air Marietta GA - What Is HVAC?, HVAC | Heating, Air Conditioning Marietta GA | 770-444-9142

What Is HVAC? When it comes to your home, ensuring that you are comfortable at all times is very important. To combat summer heat and winter cold, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC) provide important benefits. Technically, anything from a window-unit to a central heating and cooling system falls under the heading of HVAC. However, it is most commonly associated with whole-home systems. These can provide immense amounts of comfort, and can also help reduce your utility bills if you have been relying on space heaters and window AC units So, this is what HVAC is, wait, there is more to it.. There are several components to an HVAC system. The largest component is the outdoor unit. There is also an indoor unit, where the cooling cools and blower are located. You will also find the filter located on the indoor unit, as well. Another main component of an HVAC system is the ductwork. These are the lines that bring the conditioned air to each room of your home. Usually, the ductwork will be either under the home or in the attic, keeping the lines out of sight. There are many parts to your ductwork: the main supply is the main trunk that carries the highest volume of air. Side branches allow each room in your home to be heated or cooled. HVAC systems also come in different types. Increasingly, having a heat pump is the most popular option. However, there are also AC/furnace types that can be used. There are even hybrid gas furnace/heat pump systems that can be used to attain better savings on utility bills. Of course, not all HVAC systems are created equal. While all of them have to fall within federal and state guidelines in terms of performance, that does not mean that they are all of the same quality or the same efficiency. If you are purchasing a new HVAC system or upgrading your old one, then it is imperative that you work with an industry leader to ensure that you are able to be the highest quality, most efficient system on the market. In addition to greater reliability and savings on your utilities, you will also find that the top providers are able to give you other advantages. For instance, innovators in the industry can help you determine if a solar/power grid hybrid system is to your advantage (for the best savings on electricity), or if you need a different type of system altogether. Heating and Air Marietta GA

Go Green With These Top HVAC Tips For A More Efficient Home, HVAC | Heating, Air Conditioning Marietta GA | 770-444-9142

Go Green With These Top HVAC Tips For A More Efficient Home Going green means decreasing your carbon footprint. There are many ways that you can do this, from recycling to driving less to buying a hybrid vehicle. However, there are some very important ways that you can slash the energy use within your home and make it more energy efficient. The less electricity you use, the lower your impact is on the environment. Here are some of the most important tips for a greener home. Ceiling Fans Did you know that ceiling fans can cut your cooling costs by almost 50%? These simple devices offer dramatic savings on your energy bills, and they can even add style to a room, as well. Of course, you need to make sure that the ceiling fans you purchase and install are Energy Star rated so that you reduce your power usage as much as possible. Programmable Thermostats In most homes, the thermostat allows you to adjust the temperature manually. This is quite convenient. However, it can also be wasteful. Your heating and cooling needs change during different parts of the day. Investing in a programmable thermostat allows you to set your temperature for each part of the day, and can allow you to save money and energy throughout the day and the night, as well. Ditch the Single-Pane Windows If your home has single-pane windows, then you are wasting more energy than you might realize. By investing in double-pane windows, you can increase your energy efficiency and decrease the amount of time that your HVAC system has to run. Double-pane windows keep your conditioned air where you need it - inside your home. They also help prevent energy loss by temperature transfer. Go Solar Solar energy has been around for a very long time. However, new advances in solar technology have both increased the efficiency of solar panels and decreased the cost to homeowners like you. You'll find that adding solar panels to your home can provide some substantial benefits. There are even solar HVAC-specific systems that allow you to tie your heating and cooling system directly into your solar panels. This allows you to operate your HVAC system on solar power, but also tie into the power grid when there's not enough energy from sunlight. These are only a few of the ways that you can green up your home. Other options include replacing your roof with light colored shingles, as well as making sure that all areas of your home are adequately insulated. Heating and Air Marietta GA

The Secret To DIY HVAC Maintenance, HVAC | Heating, Air Conditioning Marietta GA | 770-444-9142

The Secret To DIY HVAC Maintenance Maintaining your home HVAC system can seem like a daunting thing. However, it does not need to be confusing, frustrating or problematic. In fact, there are several things that you can do to maintain your HVAC system and even improve its performance and efficiency. Here are the top ways to ensure that you remain as comfortable as possible, no matter the season, while spending less money on your heating and cooling needs. The most important thing to do is to check the filter in your HVAC system. Over time, your air filter will become clogged up with dust, debris, allergens and pollutants. When this happens, it restricts the amount of air that the system can move, forcing your HVAC system to work harder to achieve the same results. Obviously, this requires more energy. Therefore, you pay more. However, it also creates dramatically higher wear and tear, so you might actually be cutting short the lifespan on your system can a significant amount. You should also take the time to clean out your air vents every month. Dust and debris buildup in your vents can block air from actually reaching the rooms of your home, but it can also force your heating and cooling system to work far harder than it should. By dusting and vacuuming out your air vents on a monthly basis, you ensure that your system operates correctly and you can enjoy better indoor air quality. If you are having problems maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home, you can take several steps. These will not only help you stay more comfortable, but reduce the power consumption of your heating and cooling system. One of the most important tips is to ensure that your attic is properly insulated, as this is the prime area for heat and cooling loss. Another important tip is to make sure that you have all air leaks in your home sealed. Check the attic, the basement, all crawlspaces and the space around doors and windows. These areas can cause serious problems and allow your conditioned air to escape from your home. This causes your HVAC system to run longer and more frequently than it should, increasing wear and tear, as well as increasing power consumption in your home. Perhaps the most important thing to do is to actually have your heating and cooling system inspected by a professional. Whether you have noticed that your cooling system is not doing its job correctly or that your home doesn't stay as warm as it should, an HVAC professional can help.

Green Furnace and Heating Options for Your Home, HVAC | Heating, Air Conditioning Marietta GA | 770-444-9142

Green Furnace and Heating Options for Your Home It seems like everyone is going "green" these days. There are solar power options, wind power, organic products and more, all of which are supposed to better the environment one way or another. However, the fact remains that one of the most important ways to "go green" is to cut your carbon footprint. Of the many factors that contribute here, your home energy usage is one of the largest. As such, your HVAC system can be a large contributor to your overall energy use. However, there are green furnace and heating options available that can help you slash your energy usage, without cutting down on your comfort. One of the best options is to invest in a high-efficiency heating system, such as the SLP98V. These systems provide plenty of heat for your home, but they operate at considerably more efficient levels, helping you save money on your electric bill each month. If you prefer to use a different green furnace, then you might consider new dual-fuel heat systems. These operate on both gas and electricity. In essence, these furnaces combine an electric heat pump, with the reliability and performance of a gas system. When the weather becomes too cold for optimum efficiency in the electric system, the furnace switches to gas and your efficiency is increased. Because gas is only used to heat your home during the very coldest times of year, this is an excellent way to increase your savings while decreasing your overall home heating costs. Another option here is to look at new solar heating systems for your home. These systems combine the energy generation and immense savings of home solar panels, with the performance of the best heating systems on the market. In essence, the company installs the number of solar panels you want on your home, and the power produced from these offsets the cost of operating your new home furnace. This provides you with free energy. During certain times of the year, you can actually operate your furnace without having to worry about any electric costs. Even during the coldest months, you will still be able to offset the cost of heating your home by a considerable amount. These are only a few of your options in green furnace and heating options on the market today. Speaking with a reputable HVAC company will help you determine which path is best for your needs, and allow you to go green today. Heating and Air Marietta GA