Air Conditioning - How to Keep Your Electricity Bills Low

Are you finding it harder to budget for the amount of money you pay to your electric utility? This is a very common problem since most people have to deal with the rising cost of living on a fixed salary. At the same time, it is very hard to expect oneself and one's family to do without the comfort of an air conditioning unit because weather conditions have made summers too hot to handle and winters far colder than before. Thankfully, there are ways in which you can manage your air conditioner so that your electricity bills do not climb too high.

One of the first things you should do is pay close attention to the weather and set your air conditioning according. The amount of cooling you require during the peak of summer is undoubtedly high but you certainly do not need to cool your house to the same level when the weather cools. In fact, you might not even require air conditioning during some of the days late in the year.

Make sure that the air conditioner you use is placed correctly. Most people recommend placing it on the north side of the house so that it does not have to work too hard to cool the house. You should also use the right sized air conditioning unit for your room or house. A small unit will have to work too hard without giving satisfactory results whereas a very large one will use up a lot of energy.

You have to take care of your air conditioner well so that it works efficiently. This involves cleaning its filter as well as condenser and coils. You can do it on your own if you check the owner's manual. It is also a good idea to get it serviced twice a year.

Most people who have central air conditioning do not realize that they can save quite a bit of money by closing the air vents in rooms that are not occupied. You might have to take a bit of trouble to monitor this but it is certainly worth the effort. Another thing that you could do on really hot days is to close the intake of air from outside so that your air conditioning unit circulates air inside the house. If you do not do this your machine will pulls in hot air which it then has to cool, thereby using too much energy.

If you have a large window that bears the brunt of the sun's rays then you should close it with a blind so that the heat does not enter the house and reduce the cooling effect of your air conditioner. Another thing that you should always do is have the slats of the blinds pointing towards the ceiling and not downwards so that the sun's rays cannot warm the room.

These cooling tips will help you get the most out of your air conditioning system without having to pay too much money in electricity bills.

Selection and Installation - Air Conditioning Unit

When choosing the correct air conditioning for your home, consider various options before making a final decision. There are permanent models, as well as portable air conditioning units that you may use to cool your home. The small window models are easier to install than a large unit, which may require the help of a professional.

If you find yourself without a central air conditioning unit, you could be miserable during the summer months. You can save yourself the misery by installing a small, and very manageable, single room air conditioning unit. Many homeowners choose to install such a unit in their bedroom, but that's completely up to you. You can choose between an air conditioning unit that is removable for your window, or you may opt for a permanent installation in your wall. A portable window unit is the easiest to install and you will be glad to know that you won't have to make any holes in your wall because most units just use a regular electrical outlet.

Before purchasing your window air conditioning unit, measure your window to ensure that you get one that fits perfectly. If possible, choose a window that is already near an outlet as this will save you from having to use extension cords.

Installation Of A Window Air Conditioning Unit

When you've purchased the perfect air conditioning unit, remove it from the box and follow the installation instructions. Your new air conditioning unit should include mounting hardware, which will need to be attached to your window. It's important to read, and follow the instructions carefully. If mounting hardware is installed incorrectly, the air conditioning unit may fall from the window and cause damage to whatever lies in it's path, not to mention the certain damage of the unit itself.

Now, you are ready to place the air conditioning unit into place. Open the window high enough to allow you room to place the unit and also some extra room for your arms to move without hitting the window.

It may be a good idea to have someone help you during this step, in order to hold the window open and to allow you the convenience of an extra pair of hands should the unit be difficult to balance during installation. Your new air conditioning unit should have handles for easy manageability, but it's better to be safe than sorry. Make sure that the air conditioning unit sits properly into the mounting hardware and then close the window onto the air conditioner. Pull out the extensions, which should be located on the side of the unit, in order to close the openings between the unit and each side of the window. Once everything is in place, secure each extension to the sash according to the instructions.

Before wrapping up, look for a foam strip that should be included with your air conditioning unit. This product is used to fill the air gap in the window. As you finalize the installation, make sure that the air conditioning unit is secured in position using it's mounting brackets and plug in the unit once you have completed every step as outlined in the owner's manual.

It's important to realize that each unit may be different and, therefore, each may have small variations in installation. By reading your owner's and installation manual carefully, you will ensure a quick and easy installation. A window air conditioning unit should take 1-2 hours to install and is a recommended do-it-yourself project.

Repair Of An Installation Air Conditioning Unit

If your new air conditioning system is not functioning properly, unplug it immediately. Begin by reading through the troubleshooting section of your owner's manual. If your system is under warranty, call the manufacturer, whose name and contact number should be listed in the manual. If the system is no longer covered under any kind of warranty, you may wish to call an air conditioning professional or simply replace the unit altogether. It is often more expensive to pay for repairs of an item than it would be to purchase a completely new air conditioning unit.

Mini Split System Air Conditioner - 10 Advantages Of Ductless Mini Splits Over Conventional AC Units

Mini split system air conditioner technology was first introduced in Japan out of a need for smaller and more energy efficient air conditioning. When reducing your electricity bill by hundreds of dollars per month is your high priority you will want to read this article. The advantages of air conditioner split system are: Security, Noise, No floor space taken up, No big holes, No ducts, No heat losses, Multiple design options, Easy outside placement, Government subsidies, and Lower utility bills. After you have checked out these ten advantages, you should be in a better position to decide whether a mini split system air conditioner installation is worth looking into.

No security issues

With split air conditioner system, there are no security questions as with the portable air conditioners, where the venting hoses require a less-than-secure installation into the open window.

Noise is reduced and removed from the room

With the ductless mini split systems the most noisy, compressor unit is relegated outside of the room. Thus, the major contributor to the air conditioning noise is removed. It turns out that the inside unit, the evaporator, can be run much more quietly. Sometimes, the blowing fans will be the loudest noise you will hear from a split air conditioner system.

Slim line models take no floor space

The inside unit of a mini split system can be designed to be very slim and will take no floor space.

There is no need to create big holes in windows or walls

The only connecting hole to the outside is a 2-3 inch hole in the wall on the back of the inside mini split unit. There are absolutely no security concerns with that either.

No need to install any ducts

Compared with ducted, central air conditioners, there are no ducts here. Just the narrow conduit to connect the inside and the outside unit.

No energy losses in ducts

As there are no ducts, there are no duct heat losses either.

Flexibility in interior design options

The interior unit of a mini split system can be installed below the ceiling or above the windows. Some designs will allow for the bottom of the wall, or floor installation of a split unit as well.

Flexibility in exterior unit placement

The exterior, compressor unit can be as far as 50 ft. away, and in some cases even as far as 100 ft. away from the interior, evaporator unit.

Government tax credits on mini split systems

In the US, mini split systems qualify for government tax credits up to $1,500.

Utility bill savings

While the US tax credit savings come and go as the law changes, the energy savings on electricity bills are here to stay. When you are judiciously using mini split air conditioning system in your house, you can save hundreds of dollars each month.

Air Conditioning Repair - Essential for Your AC Unit

If you are serious about extending the life of your air conditioning unit, then, there is no getting away from regular air conditioning service. The air conditioner, just like any other electronic device, is vulnerable to functional and operational problems. Over the course of time, elements within the unit could break down. As a result, the unit begins to lose efficiency. In some cases, the unit may stop functioning altogether. In such instances, you need the services of a reputed air conditioning repair service.

Typically, most consumers arrange for periodic check-ups to ensure that everything is in working order. A spring and fall check-up should suffice. Minor problems do crop up from time to time, more so when the unit becomes old. However, these issues can be taken care of quickly and without much cost if they are identified early on.

Some of the recurring activities performed by service personnel include:

- Cleaning filters: Removing debris and dust from the unit involves more than just looking at the interior pads. It is necessary to inspect the ducts and vents too. This protects the entire system from all the potential problems that could arise. Clogs should be flushed so as to prevent blockages. When vents are cleaned thoroughly, efficiency also rises. Along with this, it is necessary to clean the area surrounding the unit.

- Tuning up: Regular tune-ups ensure that the unit is working at optimum capacity and delivering the right output. Tune-ups generally include measurement of airflow, making adjustments in refrigerant charge, testing the performance of the capacitor, checking levels of Freon and so on. All the coils and wires are also inspected for rust, wear and tear. Following a proper tune-up, the air conditioning unit becomes re-energized and it starts to work at its optimal capacity.

While some people leave off repairs until problems arise, others invest in regular maintenance. Repair must be performed by trained professionals who have the following skills:

- Preventative maintenance
- Diagnosing and fixing problems with heating and cooling systems
- Replacement of parts
- Regular tuning up of units
- Unit control adjustments
- Onsite evaluation

It is necessary to hire trained professionals. Working with electrical appliances is dangerous. For example, as far as the AC unit is concerned, mixing Freon with electricity could have dangerous repercussions. Having a trained professional on the job ensures safety as well as quality work.

When it is time to hire service professionals, some care must be taken to find the best company for the job. There are different options and the customer has the freedom to choose between different options.

Obtaining in Home HVAC-Financing

It may seem tough to obtain financing for the things you need in today's economy. However, if you want to finance a new heating and cooling system in Atlanta, it is very easy to obtain financing and get the system and service you desire. Getting a new air system can be a costly process and may not be in your immediate budget. To make this process more affordable and easier on the customers, companies are partnering with major lenders to make financing available for their services.

You may be wondering how to obtain this type of financing if you are in desperate need of a new heating and air system. The answer is to pre-qualify for a loan. This can be done with or without planning. You may choose to apply for a loan through a finance company without contacting a heating and air condition service. Another option would be to research available companies in the Atlanta area and apply for pre-approval through the financing company they work with.

To see how much financing is available without doing any research, choose a financing company with a good rate and fill out an online application. The Pre-Approval process could take minutes to days depending on the chosen finance company. When the process is finished, you will know the credit decision and the amount of money available for financing. If for some reason, you do not qualify, you may want to get a credit report to see what is preventing you from receiving financing and talk to the finance company about what you can do to resolve the problem.

If you want a more accurate and quick approval, it might be better to know who you will be dealing with and who their financing partner is. Begin by researching companies available in the Atlanta area and determine which ones provide financing. Once you have a list, pick the one that best suits your needs as far as convenience, quality of work, and experience. Ask the company themselves how to get pre-approved for financing and they should be able tell you where to apply and get pre-approved. Once you have been pre-approved, it will be easier to get an estimate of the work to be done based on the amount of financing available. By going with the financing partner of the heating and air conditioner service, you will get faster results and the most accurate loan information because there are no middle men.

The steps required to obtain approval are the same no matter how you go about it. Getting pre-approved for financing is normally a simple process, takes little time, and can be done securely online. It only takes a few minutes to fill out the application and get the pre-approval results. By getting pre-approved and obtaining financing you guarantee yourself quality service by a HVAC contractor and certified work and maintenance. This will put your mind at ease and make the process easier and the end result more enjoyable for you and your family.

How to Install a Duct Fan to Lower Heating and Air Conditioning Bills

What is a duct fan. It is a fan that is placed in the ductwork in your home to move air from one part of the house to another. Why did we add a duct fan inside the ductwork in our home? It is because we have a second floor that includes an office, a bathroom and what we call the craft room. Our air conditioner unit just could not get enough air to the upstairs. During the summer months, it was always too hot and during the winter months it was always too cold.

The new HVAC system we had installed in our home last year was supposed to be large enough to heat and cool the entire house. The problem turned out that when the house was built, the initial contractor made some glaring mistakes.

We had ducts that did not go anywhere and/or were not sized correctly for the air flow required. When the new air conditioner was put in, that was all fixed except for the duct going to the second floor.

We weighed our options and decided to put in a duct fan and here is how I installed it.

I cut open the supply duct before it went into a supply distribution box. The distribution box supplied our upstairs registers. Our duct was 12 inches, so inserting a 12 inch fan was not a big deal.

I then cut into the flex duct and pulled the Mylar and fiberglass material back.

I checked for the air flow direction arrow on the side of the fan to make sure I did not have the fan facing the wrong direction. Then I inserted the it.

The duct fan itself is just a hard galvanized metal tube with the fan mounted in it and two wires hanging out through a plastic grommet. I mounted a standard metal electrical box to the side of the fan housing that will allow me to connect all wiring in a protected enclosure. I really hate to see wires loose and just connected together. Also, the National Electrical Code requires it.

The next step is to reattach the supply duct to the fan. Once again slide the Mylar liner over the outside of the fan housing and tape it using Foil Sealant tape, mastic tape or butyl tape. All these tapes are a metal faced tape with a soft foam lining to seal the tape to the duct. It is really sticky stuff and it works great! Make sure you seal everything as you do not want any air leaks.

Then cover the entire assembly with more duct insulation to keep all air passing through the ducts and not leaking out. If any air leaks out, you can have condensation on the outside of the fan housing. This water can drip down and ruin your ceiling. I use foil tape with a fiberglass reinforced lining. I also use a foil tape for sealing joints and seams against moisture and vapor on foil jacket insulation.

Never use the gray cloth tape as it is not rated for this type of usage.

After the electrical work is completed, the last remaining piece of insulation will be sealed around the fan.

As a temporary measure to see if everything worked, I wired the fan motor to an extension cord and plugged it in. Immediately, there was cool air in the office area. Within the hour, the temperature was the same on both floors.

Now, to make it permanent, I installed a 4x4 electrical box. It was equipped with an auto/manual override switch and a variable speed motor control.

An air pressure switch was installed in the riser duct to automatically turn the fan on or off when the air conditioning unit turns on and off downstairs. The objective is to have fully automatic action with minimal electrical usage.

The total cost to install the duct fan and the controls were less than $200.

Hydronic Heating: An Ideal Solution for Your Home

There is no denying that hydronic heating has seen a spike in interest over the last few years. This heating system allows water that has been heated to be pushed through pipes in the home, providing warmth throughout the home. Sometimes called a forced air heating system, this setup is designed to be an option that is better for the environment.

One thing you will find with the use of hydronic heating panels is the fact that they will reduce your energy consumption in the home. This reduction in non-renewable energy is going to reduce your power bills while reducing your carbon footprint. This of course makes it a greener solution for your home.

Of course, the type of power you choose to fuel this system can also be adjusted. While some people may have access to things like natural gas, petroleum or even solar power, others may have access to the power company. No matter what power source you have, you are going to discover that there are available options for any type of hydronic heating systems you may be interested in. It will be important to consider all your options to determine the system that will best suit your needs.

Another benefit many people experience with this type of heating is that their home is going to be significantly quieter. Most homeowners who use the system have reported a noticeable reduction in noise levels and that creates a peaceful living environment. Best of all, you do still experience all the same warmth that you would expect from a traditional heater.

Those suffering from allergies are going to find that this heating system will also be a great choice for them. Unlike traditional heating solutions, there is a reduction in the amount of dust and an increase in moisture both of which can help to address some concerns you may have. Instead, the air circulation provided keeps the air cleaner, while bringing in natural moisture that will aid in the prevention of dry skin.

It will be a good idea to do your shopping in advance before you choose to install any of these hydronic heating panels though. There are quite a few companies who offer these systems and it will be important that you look at more than just the cost that is associated with them. You'll need to pay close attention to the features offered that can have an impact on the experience you may have, along with the amount of area that the system will heat.

When you prepare for this venture, just understand that the process is going to take time. Not only will there need to be an underground system installed, but there will also need to be alterations done to the ventilation system in your home. However, once it has been installed, you will have a system in place that will require little maintenance, while offering you effective heating at a reduced cost.