Indoor Comfort Solutions in Atlanta Georgia

Tyrone HVAC Checklist: Calendar year Round Upkeep Tasks

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Winkler) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Taking care of your HVAC system is not just your responsibility as a Tyrone homeowner, it is also the best way to protect your investment and save money on utility bills. A well-maintained HVAC system runs more efficiently and last longer than one that is neglected, meaning big savings to you.

So what should you do to maintain your HVAC system? It doesn’t take much, but it is a year round process.

First of all, have your system inspected every year by a professional. This is best done in the spring, when you likely won’t be using your heating or air conditioning, allowing you to get ready for the summer cooling system. During an annual inspection, a professional technician will perform routine maintenance and repairs, such as replacing air filters, tightening loose fittings, inspecting ductwork and fixing any small problems before they grow larger.

Beyond this professional walkthrough, you should also do your part to keep the whole system clean. That means doing things like:

Cleaning vents monthly, with either a damp rag or a vacuum hose. This gets the dust and debris out of the way so your air handler can function efficiently and you don’t breathe in pollutants and allergens.
During the heating and cooling seasons, inspect your air filters monthly. Clean and/or replace them when they are visibly dirty, or according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Once a season, take a few hours to clean your furnace room. Sweep out any debris that could get sucked into the intake, and check to see that fitting are clean and rust-free. Similarly, clean the area around an outside air handler if you have an outdoor air conditioning or heat pump system.
Program your thermostat to turn heating and cooling down during the hours that no one is home.

Keep your home clean and clear of dust and dirt. Vacuum carpets and dust hard surfaces often. Less dust in the home means less dust in the ventilation system.
Small tasks like these have a cumulative effect on keeping your Tyrone home’s HVAC system running smoothly for as long as possible, which saves you a bundle in the long run.

This blog is brought to you by Waleska HVAC by Premier Indoor. Offers cooling and heating tune ups, repair and replacement. Premier Indoor is one of the largest Heating, Air Conditioning and Indoor Comfort dealers in the Greater Waleska Area.

Jonesboro Electric Query: While Do you require a new Back up Home heating?

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Winkler) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 01:11:00 +0000

A backup heating system is sometimes necessary for Jonesboro homeowners who heat their homes with an air-source heat pump. This style of heat pump transfers the heat from the outside air to your home in the winter, and it pushes the warm air outside the home in the summer. Although some systems are efficient enough to work in colder climates, most heat pump systems require a backup heater when temperatures drop below 20° F.

Furnaces are commonly used as a backup heater for air-source heat pumps, especially since the furnace fan blower can help distribute the hot air throughout the home. Although they are more expensive to buy and install, geothermal heat pumps typically do not require a backup heating system. These are also called ground-source or water-source heat pumps since they draw in heat from the ground below the house or from a nearby water source. Because they take advantage of the ground or water temperatures, they are also easier to maintain and have lower operating costs.

Getting the most cost-efficiency from a geothermal heat pump will depend on several factors, such as the size of your property, the temps of the subsoil, and access to local water sources. You will most likely not have to install a backup heating system with a ground-source or water-source heat pump; however, it is important to think about the installation costs and the variables that need to be in place before deciding on this type of heat pump.

Absorption heat pumps use a heat source, such as natural gas or solar-heated water, instead of electricity. Natural gas is typically used for absorption heat pumps, so they are also called gas-fired heat pumps. Depending on the source of the heat, you may or may not need a backup heating system. It’s always best to speak to a professional heating and cooling contractor if you are not sure when it’s necessary for a backup heating system.

Call Premier Indoor Comfort Systems if you have any questions about a backup heater for your Jonesboro home.

This blog is brought to you by HVAC Union City by Premier Indoor. Offers cooling and heating tune ups, repair and replacement. Premier Indoor is one of the largest Heating, Air Conditioning and Indoor Comfort dealers in the Greater Union City Area. Premier Indoor has earned the elite status of a Premier Dealer.

Jonesboro Electric Problem: While Do you want a new Back up Heating System?

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Winkler) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 03:34:00 +0000

A backup heating system is sometimes necessary for Jonesboro homeowners who heat their homes with an air-source heat pump. This style of heat pump transfers the heat from the outside air to your home in the winter, and it pushes the warm air outside the home in the summer. Although some systems are efficient enough to work in colder climates, most heat pump systems require a backup heater when temperatures drop below 20° F.

Furnaces are commonly used as a backup heater for air-source heat pumps, especially since the furnace fan blower can help distribute the hot air throughout the home. Although they are more expensive to buy and install, geothermal heat pumps typically do not require a backup heating system. These are also called ground-source or water-source heat pumps since they draw in heat from the ground below the house or from a nearby water source. Because they take advantage of the ground or water temperatures, they are also easier to maintain and have lower operating costs.

Getting the most cost-efficiency from a geothermal heat pump will depend on several factors, such as the size of your property, the temps of the subsoil, and access to local water sources. You will most likely not have to install a backup heating system with a ground-source or water-source heat pump; however, it is important to think about the installation costs and the variables that need to be in place before deciding on this type of heat pump.

Absorption heat pumps use a heat source, such as natural gas or solar-heated water, instead of electricity. Natural gas is typically used for absorption heat pumps, so they are also called gas-fired heat pumps. Depending on the source of the heat, you may or may not need a backup heating system. It’s always best to speak to a professional heating and cooling contractor if you are not sure when it’s necessary for a backup heating system.

This blog is brought to you by Tyrone HVAC by Premier. Indoor offers cooling and heating tune ups, repair and replacement. Premier Indoor is one of the largest Heating, Air Conditioning and Indoor Comfort dealers in the Greater Tyrone Area.

Issue Through Norcross: What Is an Indoor Gas Heater?

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Winkler) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:39:00 +0000

An indoor propane heater is an option if you’re looking to supplement your central heating system in a particular location. After all, when you turn on your heat, you’ll likely be heating your whole Norcross house. But if you’re only occupying a small area of the house at any given point in time, it may not be necessary to expend all of that energy to heat spaces that are completely unoccupied.

While electric space heaters are certainly an option in this situation, indoor propane space heaters are definitely worth a good long look. There are several different types of propane space heaters and most can easily be mounted on the wall of a room in your house to provide consistent warmth any time you need it. And because propane is generally much cheaper than electricity, you’ll be able to save a ton on your total home heating costs.

Indoor propane heaters are available in both vented and unvented varieties, and the type that’s best for you will depend on your specific heating needs and the dimensions of the space to be heated, among other factors. In general, it’s a good idea to have propane heaters installed by a professional to ensure that they’re safely in place and that they’re set up to provide the most efficient and effective heat possible.

The main difference between vented and unvented space heaters is that the unvented models simply circulate the air in the room and use its oxygen supply for combustion. Vented propane heaters, on the other hand, are able to take in air from outdoors for combustion and will also vent any gasses produced during combustion back outside.

When you do install a propane space heater in one or more areas of your house, it’s a good idea to have a carbon monoxide detector installed as well. That way you’ll have an early warning if something is going wrong with the heater. Although propane space heaters are quite safe, particularly when they’ve been professionally installed, you should still take every precaution to keep yourself and your family safe.

This blog is brought to you by Stockbridge HVAC by Premier Indoor. Offers cooling and heating tune ups, repair and replacement. Premier Indoor is one of the largest Heating, Air Conditioning and Indoor Comfort dealers in the Greater Stockbridge Area.

Duluth Air conditioning Guidebook: The way to Purchase a Prrr-rrrglable Thermostat

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Winkler) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:20:00 +0000

Programmable thermostats are one of the best ways to save on heating costs, especially if you have a hard time remembering to turn down the heat in your Duluth home. Installing a programmable thermostat will allow you to set the times you want the heat turned up or down. Not only will this make heating your home more consistent and save energy, but it will also allow you to tailor your heating needs to your schedule.

For instance, you can set the thermostat to turn on before you get up in the morning so that the house is already warm when you get out of bed, and conversely, set it to turn down after you go to bed or leave the house for work. Depending on the brand and setting options, programmable thermostats are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.

Although all styles are slightly different, here are some basic instructions that show you how easy it is to install a programmable thermostat. Remember, this is only a general guide; always check the instructions inside the packaging of your new thermostat before you install it, or check with an electrician.

1. Remove the Old Thermostat
Before you remove the old thermostat, check to see where it’s mounted. If it’s mounted to an electrical box, the voltage used to power the old thermostat may not be compatible with the new one. Ask a certified electrician or heating technician if you aren’t sure.

CUT THE POWER TO THE HEATING SYSTEM TO AVOID ELECTRIC SHOCK. You should always turn off the main power supply to your heating system before installing any new thermostat. If you aren’t sure how to do this, ask your HVAC contractor. Once you unscrew the mounting plate for the old thermostat, just unhook the wires. Don’t throw an old mercury controlled thermostat. You should ask your local waste management facility how to properly dispose of mercury products.

2. Locate all Wires
Wrap the loose wires around a pencil to keep the wires from falling back into the wall. Identify and label each corresponding wire with a letter (do not use color coding since this is not always accurate). Strip the plastic off the ends of the wires about ¼ inch if you need to.

3. Install and Insulate Wallplate
If the area around the new wallplate is larger than the plate, insulate the hole with non-flammable insulation. Take the wallplate off the programmable thermostat and hold it against the wall to mark the screw holes with a pencil. Pull the wires through the large opening at the bottom and screw the plate to the wall.

4. Wiring
Make sure you are comfortable with wiring before you attempt to do any electrical installations. Check the manual for your programmable thermostat for instructions on wiring that specific model. In general, you’ll want to make sure you match the wire labels with the corresponding terminals on the thermostat. Sometimes there will be extra wires that aren’t needed. Always test it before completing the installation. Don’t forget the battery!

5. Install the Faceplate
Once you have it wired correctly, all you need to do is align the brackets on the faceplate with the corresponding slots on the wallplate and fasten the faceplate to the rest of the mounting. Lastly, tighten the screw at the bottom of the thermostat to hold it in place.

This blog is brought to you by Smyrna HVAC by Premier Indoor. Offers cooling and heating tune ups, repair and replacement. Premier Indoor is one of the largest Heating, Air Conditioning and Indoor Comfort dealers in the Greater Smyrna Area.

Altlanta ga Heating Tune-Up - Only $79!

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Winkler) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:06:00 +0000

Winter has really started, and getting your heating system tuned-up is more important than ever. That is why we are offering a $79.00 Heating Tuneup! Annual maintenance of your heating system will cut down on future repairs and your utility bills! Heating maintenance also is a safety precaution; a CO leak can be very dangerous to you and your family. It is never too late to get your system inspected, you will be glad you did!

This blog is brought to you by Roswell HVAC by Premier Indoor. Offers cooling and heating tune ups, repair and replacement. Premier Indoor is one of the largest Heating, Air Conditioning and Indoor Comfort dealers in the Greater Roswell Area.

Mableton Heating System Substitute List: What You Ought To Think About Before Replacing

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Winkler) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 23:28:00 +0000

Many Mableton homeowners who heat their homes with an older heating system—whether it’s a furnace or heat pump—may want to consider upgrading to a more efficient system. Older furnaces with an AFUE rating of less than 80%, for instance, could be costing you a lot more than you realize in heating bills.

While it is a significant initial investment, upgrading to a more efficient furnace or heat pump will pay for itself in energy savings. Before you decide on whether or not an upgrade is right for your home, here are some things to keep in mind.

Fuel Costs
Some types of fuel, such as electricity, are more expensive in certain areas. Depending on where you live, you may want to compare the cost of fuel before choosing a heating upgrade. In fact, natural gas may or may not be available to your home. Check with your utility company to find out what types of fuel are available and which ones would be more cost-efficient for heating your home. You can always call a qualified HVAC technician at Premier Indoor Comfort if you have any questions about a heating system upgrade or the products we offer.

Insulation
Whenever you are thinking about upgrading your heating system, you’ll want to make sure your home is properly insulated and sealed. If you purchase and install a highly efficient furnace, it won’t save as much in energy bills if your house is poorly insulated. Get a home energy audit with a local energy resource organization if you aren’t sure. You might want to also consider upgrading your old windows and doors, or installing storm doors and windows to improve air tightness.

Property Value
A lot of homeowners forget that any upgrade or remodeling project will increase the value of their home. Not only will a heating system upgrade lower your heating bills; it will also add value to your home and property. Always make sure you choose the right system for your home so that it lasts as long as possible.

If you are considering upgrading the heating system in your Mableton home, call us to speak with one of our HVAC experts to ask about our quality products and installation services.

This blog is brought to you by Powder Springs HVAC by Premier Indoor. Offers cooling and heating tune ups, repair and replacement. Premier Indoor is one of the largest Heating, Air Conditioning and Indoor Comfort dealers in the Greater Powder Springs Area.

Question coming from Cumming: What exactly is Normal Air-flow?

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Winkler) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 01:06:00 +0000

Traditional ventilation requires the use of mechanical air handlers and fans to move air between the inside and outside of your Cumming home. However, there are alternatives that naturally pull air into your home. Not only are these systems better for the environment because they use less electricity, they create a more natural flow of air that can be more comfortable for the occupants.

How Does Natural Ventilation Work?
There are two primary ways to employ natural ventilation in a building – either stack ventilation or wind driven ventilation. The former uses much lower pressure levels which means most buildings with natural ventilation opt for wind driven ventilation. While there are specific benefits to both systems, the best engineered systems tend to use both for a more even approach to natural ventilation.

Stack ventilation is incredibly simple. The idea is that warm air rises so when air enters a building, it heats up, both because of the people in the building and because of the indoor temperature. As the air rises and exits the building, it creates a vacuum that pulls new air in through vents placed at ground level. Simply opening windows can create this effect.

Wind driven ventilation uses the same concepts of stack ventilation but takes advantage of building design and the landscape to create pressure zones around the home. For example, the pressure on the side of a building that gets buffeted with wind will almost always be higher than the opposite side. Using ventilation based on this concept allows designers to create partial vacuums to draw new air in and expel old air.

What Is Best?
Most buildings today are built using mechanical ventilation because it can be better controlled and because it is more reliable than natural ventilation. Just be sure it will fit your specific needs by talking to a contractor first.

This blog is brought to you by Peachtree City HVAC by Premier Indoor offers cooling and heating tune ups, repair and replacement. Premier Indoor is one of the largest Heating, Air Conditioning and Indoor Comfort dealers in the Greater Peachtree City Area.

Issue through Norcross: What Exactly Is An Interior Lp Heater?

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Winkler) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 01:03:00 +0000

An indoor propane heater is an option if you’re looking to supplement your central heating system in a particular location. After all, when you turn on your heat, you’ll likely be heating your whole Norcross house. But if you’re only occupying a small area of the house at any given point in time, it may not be necessary to expend all of that energy to heat spaces that are completely unoccupied.

While electric space heaters are certainly an option in this situation, indoor propane space heaters are definitely worth a good long look. There are several different types of propane space heaters and most can easily be mounted on the wall of a room in your house to provide consistent warmth any time you need it. And because propane is generally much cheaper than electricity, you’ll be able to save a ton on your total home heating costs.

Indoor propane heaters are available in both vented and unvented varieties, and the type that’s best for you will depend on your specific heating needs and the dimensions of the space to be heated, among other factors. In general, it’s a good idea to have propane heaters installed by a professional to ensure that they’re safely in place and that they’re set up to provide the most efficient and effective heat possible.

The main difference between vented and unvented space heaters is that the unvented models simply circulate the air in the room and use its oxygen supply for combustion. Vented propane heaters, on the other hand, are able to take in air from outdoors for combustion and will also vent any gasses produced during combustion back outside.

When you do install a propane space heater in one or more areas of your house, it’s a good idea to have a carbon monoxide detector installed as well. That way you’ll have an early warning if something is going wrong with the heater. Although propane space heaters are quite safe, particularly when they’ve been professionally installed, you should still take every precaution to keep yourself and your family safe.

This blog is brought to you by Newnan HVAC by Premier Indoor offers cooling and heating tune ups, repair and replacement. Premier Indoor is one of the largest Heating, Air Conditioning and Indoor Comfort dealers in the Greater Newnan Area.

Convenient Solutions to Bear in mind Your Filtering Modifying Schedule: Helpful information From Fayetteville

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Winkler) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:41:00 +0000

Changing the air filters in your furnace and air conditioner is an essential maintenance task. The benefits of having a fresh filter for the air circulating in your Fayetteville home are numerous. The better air quality is good for your respiratory health, fewer allergens permeate the air, your system runs more efficiently and you save money. So why is it so difficult to remember to replace those filters? To help prevent those issues, try some of these tips to remember your replacement schedule.

Set Reminders for Later
Think of the last time you inspected and replaced your air filter. Was it more than three months ago? Replace it now. Can’t remember? Replace it anyway. Go ahead; this post will wait. Now that you’ve taken care of that, set a reminder for three months from now. Try one of these systems to remind yourself:

Put it into your cell phone calendar.
Use a calendar application that sends email alerts to remind you.
Circle the day on your wall or desk calendar.
Whatever method works best for you, make sure to use it and stick to it. While you are at it, set monthly reminders to inspect the filters. The EPA recommends making the switch every three months, or whenever the filter is visibly dirty.

Make a Connection
If you don’t like to have reminders, or perhaps find yourself forgetting to even set the reminders, hope is not lost. Try scheduling filter changes to coincide with something you will remember, or putting it on the same day as other routine maintenance tasks. Here are some examples:

Make the day of the month the same as that of your birthday or anniversary. Bonus points if your birthday is June 25, since that combines with Christmas to take care of two replacements a year. Just remember March and September and you are all set!
Three months is about as often as cars need oil changes, so do both on the same day. Drove 3000 miles already? Time to change the furnace filter.
Schedule on a holiday. In the U.S., for example, Martin Luther King Day, Easter Sunday, the Fourth of July and Columbus Day are all approximately three months from one another.

This blog is brought to you by Marietta HVAC by Premier Indoor offers cooling and heating tune ups, repair and replacement. Premier Indoor is one of the largest Heating, Air Conditioning and Indoor Comfort dealers in the Greater Marietta Area.

Satisfied Brand-new Year’s Event from the Atlanta Area Heating and Air Conditioning Builder!

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Winkler) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 20:55:00 +0000

Happy New Years! We hope you have a great time tonight welcoming in the New Year and saying goodbye to the old. Forty-five percent of people make New Year’s resolutions; ours is to serve our customers even better than we did last year! If one of your resolutions is to make your home more green, remember that improving your insulation, sealing up any air leaks, and upgrading your HVAC system can have a big impact on your energy usage. A makeover for your house is great way to start off the year; it will make your home more comfortable and more environmentally friendly!

This blog is brought to you by Kennesaw HVAC by Premier Indoor. Offers cooling and heating tune ups, repair and replacement. Premier Indoor is one of the largest Heating, Air Conditioning and Indoor Comfort dealers in the Greater Kennesaw Area. Premier Indoor has earned the elite status of a Premier Dealer.

Query Through Alpharetta: Must I Will Need Battery Pack Back-Up Regarding Our Solar Power Panels?

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Winkler) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:37:00 +0000

Solar power is a great way to get energy for your Alpharetta home – clean, cheap, readily available in near infinite supply. But what happens when the sun doesn’t shine? Sure, UV rays still reach the Earth and provide solar energy on a cloudy day, but not as efficiently as in bright sunshine. What if it rains for a few days? What about the winter months when sunlight is in shorter supply?

These are all logical questions for anyone considering switching to solar energy. After all, without sunlight, your home could be without power and then what do you do? There are a few solutions to these issues, including a battery backup system. Before deciding one way or the other on a battery backup, there are a few things to consider.

Are You Staying On The Grid?
If you plan to keep you home connected to the local utility grid and use the two energy sources to supplement one another, then there is no real reason to have a backup system. Effectively, the electric company serves as your backup system, so if your solar supply runs low, you can use “regular” electricity by buying power as you need it and selling back any excess. If you are getting off the grid, however, and using solar or other alternative energy sources for 100% of your energy needs, then you will need to have some kind of backup system in place.

Battery or Generator?
Aside from battery systems, using a generator as a backup is another option. Generators work well and can produce enough electricity to power a home, but they can also be rather noisy and require you to have a fuel supply (usually propane or gasoline) on hand. They are best suited to short periods of use.

If you want to get completely off the grid, and you plan on needing backup power more frequently that a generator would be convenient for, then a batter backup system may be for you. Such a system requires installation of additional components, including not just the batteries but also an inverter and extra wiring. This means extra cost to you, and extra maintenance down the road. The batteries will also need to be replaced as they become depleted and unable to hold a charge.

These are many issues to be aware of in deciding whether a battery backup system is right for you. Strictly speaking, most home solar energy won’t need a battery backup, but it may be appropriate or necessary depending on your needs.

This blog is brought to you by Jasper HVAC by Premier Indoor. Offers cooling and heating tune ups, repair and replacement. Premier Indoor is one of the largest Heating, Air Conditioning and Indoor Comfort dealers in the Greater Jasper Area.

Atl Air cooling as well as Air conditioner Installing -- Report from Ed R.

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Winkler) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 01:22:00 +0000

There are many reasons why you might like to have a new HVAC system installed in your house. Newer systems are much more energy efficient, so a new furnace and air conditioning system can help your cut down on your utility bills. New HVAC equipment also comes with some great features, like programmability and variable speed air handlers, that makes it much more convenient to use. A new heating and air conditioning set up can really make your whole house more comfortable.

At Premier Indoor Comfort Systems, we pride ourselves on our great service. Our installers are some of the best in the industry and we try our best to exceed all of your expectations. Here is what Ed R. in Atlanta wrote to us about his furnace and air conditioning installation:

They installed a new air condition and furnace. Install went great, workers were friendly and cleaned up after they were done. They did a great job.

- Ed R.

Thanks Ed! Don’t forget that even if you have a new system, regular maintenance is important to keep it functioning at peak efficiency. With a good maintenance plan your new system will last you for many years to come.

This blog is brought to you by Holly Springs HVAC by Premier Indoor offers cooling and heating tune ups, repair and replacement. Premier Indoor is one of the largest Heating, Air Conditioning and Indoor Comfort dealers in the Greater Holly Springs Area.

How Is It That I Thoroughly Clean My Own Air Ducts? A Question via Hampton

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Winkler) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 23:40:00 +0000

You know it’s important to keep your Hampton home’s air ducts clean, but why?

Actually, there is no one reason why your air ducts need to be kept clean—there are several, all of which are connected to one another. Here are five of them for you to consider:

Efficiency – Clean air ducts allow the air to flow through much easier and more readily, so your furnace, air conditioner or heat pump won’t have to work as hard to ventilate the house. This makes for more efficient operation and lower energy consumption.

Performance – When your HVAC system does not have to work as hard to push air through the ductwork, it will perform better. Your home will be more comfortable and better ventilated.

Longevity – Because your HVAC system is operating more efficiently, it will be able to perform at a high level for a longer period of time. Well-maintained systems last longer than those that are not taken care of, and cleaning the ducts is part of good HVAC maintenance.

Savings – Clean ducts can save you a lot of money over time. Your energy bills will be lower because of how efficiently the whole system is running. And, as an added bonus, your ducts will last longer because of the decreased risk of corrosion and damage from being dirty.

Health – Last, but certainly not least, clean air ducts mean clean air, which is important for your health and your family’s health. Especially if you have pets, if you smoke or live with a smoker, or if anyone in the house has allergies or asthma, cleaning your air ducts is a must.

This blog is brought to you by Fairburn HVAC by Premier Indoor. Offers cooling and heating tune ups, repair and replacement. Premier Indoor is one of the largest Heating, Air Conditioning and Indoor Comfort dealers in the Greater Fairburn Area.

Gas, Oil as well as Gas: Which Should I Select throughout Peachtree City?

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Winkler) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

In most cases, you’ll have a choice concerning what type of fuel you’d like your furnace to burn in your Peachtree City home. For most people, this choice comes down to propane, oil or natural gas. The one you choose could significantly impact the cost of heating your home for many years to come, but it’s usually a pretty clear cut decision.

One thing to remember is that most furnaces that burn natural gas can also burn propane. If you don’t yet have a propane tank but are considering getting one, you might not have to make a final decision just yet. Although it’s generally better to set up your furnace for one type of fuel and then leave it that way, you will likely still have the option of converting later on if you should choose to.

If you do have access to natural gas, though, that’s probably going to be your best option. Furnaces that burn natural gas or propane are generally much more efficient than any other type of furnace on the market. You can get them with annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) ratings as low as 80% and as high as 97+%, so that ensures that you’ll be able to find the one to fit your specific situation.

If you’re facing particularly harsh and frigid winters, you’ll want to choose the most energy efficient option available to you and that’s pretty much always going to be a natural gas furnace. Of course, when you’re looking to decide between natural gas and propane as a fuel source, you’ll just want to compare the relative cost for each in your area. For some people natural gas is cheaper, while it’s propane for others. And since your furnace will operate at the same efficiency no matter which of these fuels you choose, you just need to choose the cheapest.

Oil is certainly an option as well, but if you’re looking for a very high efficiency furnace, you’re not going to find one that burns oil. That doesn’t mean that an oil burning furnace might not be a good investment for you. If you don’t have access to natural gas in your area and your heating load isn’t that high, oil might be a perfectly economical choice for you.

If you do opt for a super high efficiency furnace, but don’t have access to natural gas lines, propane is probably the way to go as opposed to oil.

This blog is brought to you by Cumming HVAC by Premier Indoor offers cooling and heating tune ups, repair and replacement. Premier Indoor is one of the largest Heating, Air Conditioning and Indoor Comfort dealers in the Greater Cumming Area.

How Is It That My Partner And I Thoroughly Clean My Air Ducts? An Issue Coming From Hampton

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Winkler) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:02:00 +0000

You know it’s important to keep your Hampton home’s air ducts clean, but why?

Actually, there is no one reason why your air ducts need to be kept clean—there are several, all of which are connected to one another. Here are five of them for you to consider:

Efficiency – Clean air ducts allow the air to flow through much easier and more readily, so your furnace, air conditioner or heat pump won’t have to work as hard to ventilate the house. This makes for more efficient operation and lower energy consumption.

Performance – When your HVAC system does not have to work as hard to push air through the ductwork, it will perform better. Your home will be more comfortable and better ventilated.

Longevity – Because your HVAC system is operating more efficiently, it will be able to perform at a high level for a longer period of time. Well-maintained systems last longer than those that are not taken care of, and cleaning the ducts is part of good HVAC maintenance.

Savings – Clean ducts can save you a lot of money over time. Your energy bills will be lower because of how efficiently the whole system is running. And, as an added bonus, your ducts will last longer because of the decreased risk of corrosion and damage from being dirty.

Health – Last, but certainly not least, clean air ducts mean clean air, which is important for your health and your family’s health. Especially if you have pets, if you smoke or live with a smoker, or if anyone in the house has allergies or asthma, cleaning your air ducts is a must.

This blog is brought to you by Canton HVAC by Premier Indoor. Offers cooling and heating tune ups, repair and replacement. Premier Indoor is one of the largest Heating, Air Conditioning and Indoor Comfort dealers in the Greater Canton Area.

A Guide Through Hampton: What To Expect inside A Low, Method As Well As High Quality Furnace

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Winkler) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 01:09:00 +0000

When buying a new furnace for your Hampton home, you have many options. You can purchase a low end model to save money up front and you’ll still get exceptional fuel efficiency, but as you go up the scale, more innovative, money saving features become available. Here is a brief look at what you can expect based on which type of furnace you purchase.

Low Efficiency Furnace
This is a bit of a misnomer as even entry level furnaces have efficiency ratings of at least 80%. For comparison, if you’re still using an old gravity furnace, your efficiency rating could be lower than 50%. Modern furnaces are built to conserve, and while you won’t receive all of the bells and whistles that tend to accompany high efficiency models, you will get a durable, affordable furnace that will last for quite a while.

Medium Efficiency Furnaces
Furnaces in the mid-efficiency range have AFUE ratings of between 85% and 92% and are therefore significantly better than those in the entry level range. They also have some of the higher end features available in high efficiency models like programmability and the option for zone control. Because they are still mid-range, they are affordable without skimping too much on features too – a must for any homeowner wanting to save money on both ends.

High Efficiency Furnaces
The highest efficiency furnaces on the market are very different from those you would have purchased even just 10 years ago. Top end furnaces can carry AFUE ratings of up to 95% with a boat load of added features to conserve energy. These features include two stage gas valves so you can maintain a low BTU heating system for most of the year but crank up the heat when the temperature outside drops too low. They are also programmable, which allows you to easily change the temperature settings, fan speed and more from anywhere in the house.

And while they cost more to install, high efficiency furnaces use less energy over their lifespan, last longer and are more environmentally friendly than any other furnaces on the market today.

This blog is brought to you by Ball Ground HVAC by Premier Indoor. Offers cooling and heating tune ups, repair and replacement. Premier Indoor is one of the largest Heating, Air Conditioning and Indoor Comfort dealers in the Greater Ball Ground Area.

Restroom Sink Faucet Alternatives

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Winkler) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 23:52:00 +0000

If you're doing a complete bathroom remodel, a faucet seems almost unimportant in the grand scheme of things. But you should put the same thought into choosing your new faucet as you do that marble countertop or vessel sink, including understanding how your sink choices affect your faucet options. If you just want to perk up a tired old bathroom, a new faucet is a great — and functional — way to do it.

Pay Now or Pay Later
You may sputter a bit at the price of some faucets, but paying for quality now can save you searching for a plumber — or new faucet — later. Look for solid-brass construction instead of plated metal, and check the warranty. If you need to pinch pennies, consider a different finish. Polished chrome is one of the most popular finishes because of its timeless color and least expensive price tag.

Think Sink
Bathroom sink faucets come in four basic varieties, based on the configuration of the sink on which they're mounted: 8 inches, also called widespread; 4 inches; single hole; and wall mount. The first three can be mounted on the sink deck. If your sink has holes for a faucet, measure the span between the centers of the two outermost holes to determine which kind of faucet you need. If you have an undermounted or a vessel sink, you can choose a wall-mount faucet or put a deck-mounted faucet in the vanity countertop.

If you're remodeling or just adding zing to an old bathroom, you can avoid busting the budget by keeping the same type of sink or by choosing one that can use the same kind of faucet. This will keep down your plumbing labor costs.

The Choices
Most of the 8-inch or widespread faucets have three pieces, the tap and the hot and cold handles, which means some 8-inch faucets can fit holes not exactly 8 inches apart.

If the span is 4 inches, a 4-inch faucet is what you need. These usually have a base and come in one solid piece. Another option is a 4-inch mini-widespread — a seeming contradiction in terms — that comes in three pieces, like an 8-inch widespread, but it will fit a smaller sink with a shorter spread. Again, some of the mini-widespread models can be used with less-than-standard measurements.

Single-hole faucets have one stem and may have a single lever to control the water flow and temperature, or they may have two handles attached to a single spout. Either way, it needs only one hole for installation.

For a vessel sink, you can choose either a wall mount or a deck mount, and drill the appropriate holes in either the wall or the counter, respectively. Stephanie Jones, a designer with Casa Bella Design Center in Naperville, Ill., advises following the manufacturer's guidelines but remaining flexible when it comes to vessel sinks and their faucets.

"Each one is a little different. I installed double vessel sinks with wall-mounted faucets for a 6-foot, 8-inch man and his wife. We followed the manufacturer's guidelines, but the faucet ended up being too low for him."

However, some general rules for a wall-mount faucet do apply. It should have a long enough tap to reach over the sink — ideally with the spout above the center of the bowl — and the tap should have a minimum of 1-inch clearance above the sink rim.

Style Savvy
Configuration isn't the only faucet decision you'll need to consider. Design variations abound with today's bathroom sink faucets, providing a great opportunity for coordinating with your other choices. Is your bathroom contemporary, rustic or traditional? As you can see, manufacturers offer products in all of these styles.

The Match Game
Your faucet should match or complement the tub faucet as well as other hardware in your bathroom, such as towel racks, hooks and the toilet paper holder. Choosing from a manufacturer's design series can take away the guesswork when making your decisions, Stephanie says.

"I don't think I've ever done a bathroom with faucets of different brands, although I have used shower heads from a different company when I couldn't get what I needed, like a body spray," Stephanie says.

In those situations, she did, however, match the faucet finishes. So even if you don't opt for exact matches between all your plumbing fixtures, stick with the same finish or color. And that brings you to an array of choices, from the ubiquitous — for a reason — chrome, to polished or brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, brass, copper or even colors. Whichever you choose, consider how it will look with all your other design choices and pay close attention to the manufacturer's warranty.

And, finally, like any other remodeling choice, you'll be living with your bathroom faucet for a long time. So pick one you love.

This blog is brought to you by Douglasville Handyman Services by Detail Design & Remodeling. Still believes in continuing education to sharpen our skills. Douglasville Handyman Services accomplish this by attending builder shows and seminars to keep up with change and the newest state-of-the-art product lines, taking continuing education classes, receiving certifications in specialized and general knowledge areas and awards for leadership in the industry.

Which Are The Different Types Of Furnace Upkeep? A Question Via Newnan

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Winkler) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 23:38:00 +0000

If you haven’t done so already, take your automobile owner’s manual out of your glove box and check out the section where it lists regularly scheduled maintenance. You will probably see that the most frequent maintenance tasks are changing the oil, checking fan belts, changing windshield wipers blades, checking all fluids, and checking tire pressure. These are regular, routine tasks. You will also see other tasks like changing fuel filters, flushing radiators, and changing transmission fluid.

Depending on its frequency, there are different types of maintenance tasks associated with keeping your automobile in tip top shape. Did you also know there are tasks that can be performed at various intervals to keep your Newnan home’s furnace in peak running condition? Well, there are.

For example, the most frequent maintenance task is checking the filters in your air handling unit. These are often called furnace filters but in reality, they serve the same function to filter air to and from your air conditioner, too. It might be easiest to just call them air filters. The frequency of replacing or cleaning air filters usually depends on the type of indoor environment you live in – like humidity levels, number of household pets or occupants, etc. In general, filter maintenance should occur every one to three months.

A less frequent maintenance task is cleaning the moving parts of the internal mechanism. You may only need to have your furnace cleaned every six months to a year, depending on its use. In some cases you can perform the cleaning yourself or it is included in an annual cleaning as part of a service agreement with a qualified heating and cooling contractor. A furnace can typically run at peak efficiency when it is cleaned on an annual basis.

You can also make it a regular habit of checking the motor bearings and fan belt, too. You can lubricate the bearings and tighten or replace the fan belt on a same schedule as cleaning the moving parts.

Other maintenance tasks related to your furnace, which may require longer interval times include ventilation system cleaning, or more commonly known as duct cleaning. Some homes don’t require this type of maintenance more than every five to ten years – perhaps longer. Unless there are unusually high levels of dust, allergens, or contaminants in the air, most ventilation systems can remain clean for several years.

Of course, you can turn all of your maintenance tasks over to a heating and cooling contractor – and have the most peace of mind.

This blog is brought to you by Atlanta Air Conditioner Repair by Premier Indoor. Offers Air Conditioner and Cooler tune ups, repair and replacement. Premier Indoor is one of the largest Lennox Heating, Air Conditioning and Indoor Comfort dealers in the Greater Atlanta Area.

How Is It That My Partner And I Clean Up My Own Air Ducts? Something From Hampton

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Winkler) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 07:26:00 +0000

You know it’s important to keep your Hampton home’s air ducts clean, but why?

Actually, there is no one reason why your air ducts need to be kept clean—there are several, all of which are connected to one another. Here are five of them for you to consider:

Efficiency – Clean air ducts allow the air to flow through much easier and more readily, so your furnace, air conditioner or heat pump won’t have to work as hard to ventilate the house. This makes for more efficient operation and lower energy consumption.

Performance – When your HVAC system does not have to work as hard to push air through the ductwork, it will perform better. Your home will be more comfortable and better ventilated.

Longevity – Because your HVAC system is operating more efficiently, it will be able to perform at a high level for a longer period of time. Well-maintained systems last longer than those that are not taken care of, and cleaning the ducts is part of good HVAC maintenance.

Savings – Clean ducts can save you a lot of money over time. Your energy bills will be lower because of how efficiently the whole system is running. And, as an added bonus, your ducts will last longer because of the decreased risk of corrosion and damage from being dirty.

Health – Last, but certainly not least, clean air ducts mean clean air, which is important for your health and your family’s health. Especially if you have pets, if you smoke or live with a smoker, or if anyone in the house has allergies or asthma, cleaning your air ducts is a must.

This blog is brought to you by Atlanta Air Conditioner Repair by Premier Indoor offers Air Conditioner and Cooler tune ups, repair and replacement. Premier Indoor is one of the largest Lennox Heating, Air Conditioning and Indoor Comfort dealers in the Greater Atlanta Area.

Testimonial- Jerimiah K. in Decatur

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Winkler) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 07:24:00 +0000

Annual maintenance of your heating system can catch problems early, as Jerimiah K. in Decatur knows! Here is what he wrote to use about his recent furnace replacement:

Our experience began when James Knox, our service technician, expertly discovered a potential future problem with our old HVAC unit during our semiannual service. He briefly went over our options with me, and suggested I talk further with Steve Kenyon, our salesperson. Steve helped us make a very informed decision in the replacement of our system. The staff arranged financing and prompt installation, allowing us to take full advantage of rebates and tax credits available to us. The installation process was very clean and professional. Our son, himself a plumber from out of state, happened to be at the house during the install, and was very impressed with the workmanship – truly first rate! The entire experience was a great one. We would certainly recommend Premier to anyone with HVAC needs.

- Jerimiah K. in Decatur

This blog is brought to you by Atlanta Air Conditioner Repair by Premier Indoor offers Air Conditioner and Cooler tune ups, repair and replacement. Premier Indoor is one of the largest Lennox Heating, Air Conditioning and Indoor Comfort dealers in the Greater Atlanta Area.

Surprising Reasons for Inside Smog: Helpful tips through Sharpsburg

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Winkler) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 01:02:00 +0000

Indoor air pollution is a major problem for millions of homeowners throughout the country each year, including some in Sharpsburg. In fact, the EPA estimates upwards of 20 million households may have problems caused by mold, radon, humidity, exhaust or any number of other pollutant problems. However, not all of the indoor air pollutants out there are so obvious. Some are things you probably have in your home right now and don’t realize it. Here are some of the more surprising sources of indoor air pollution and what you can do about them:

Incense – Incense releases both carbon monoxide and benzene, two chemicals that are potentially harmful to human health. Cancer, skin irritation and asthma risks are all increased in people who spend a lot of time around incense.

Laser printers – Laser printers that use toner can release a number of harmful chemicals into the air. That toner is very fine and releases particles into the air that are equal to or in some cases worse than second hand cigarette smoke. If you have a laser printer, consider putting it in a well-ventilated, infrequently used space.

Kitchen Stove – If you have a gas stove, it releases Nitrogen Dioxide when on, an unsafe gas that is odorless and fills your home quickly. This gas is bad for respiration and can cause asthma attacks. To solve this problem, simply make sure you stove is ventilated properly when cooking.

Spackle – Old spackle – the kind used before the 1980s often contained asbestos which can still be there, waiting to be disturbed. Old asbestos, while not inherently dangerous, will become so if you start doing work in your home or if the spackle starts to wear away. To solve this problem either call an abatement firm or cover the offending wall with a new layer.

Drapes – Those drapes are filled with contaminants that cling there, especially if humidity is a problem in your home. Dust mites in particular are bad for your health and can cause asthma and other allergies. Blinds are better than drapes for this reason.

Your home is filled with potentially dangerous problems, but you can avoid them simply by taking care to ventilate, clear away unsafe products and keep things like drapes clean (or remove them). If you’re still concerned about your air quality, call an expert to investigate.

This blog is brought to you by Atlanta Air Conditioner Repair by Premier Indoor. Offers Air Conditioner and Cooler tune ups, repair and replacement. Premier Indoor is one of the largest Lennox Heating, Air Conditioning and Indoor Comfort dealers in the Greater Atlanta Area.

Open Up vs. Closed Loop Methods Inside Geothermal Energy

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Winkler) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:36:00 +0000

Even people who are somewhat familiar with geothermal heating systems may not be aware that there are actually two types – open and closed loop systems. The difference, of course, is that the closed loop systems make use of a completely sealed loop of pipe filled with water, antifreeze or some combination of these that cycles through the pipe absorbing heat and transferring it to your home.

Open loop systems, on the other hand, are linked to a well casting and draw water from there to circulate throughout the system as a heat source. Particularly if you already have an appropriate well casting in place, you can often save a lot on your installation costs by putting in an open loop system rather than a closed loop.

If you do not already have a well, however, the installation of an open loop system might still be cheaper but not by as much. Also, the costs of operation after the initial installation are pretty comparable, so the relative costs associated with operating one type of system or the other should not weigh to heavily on your decision.

In fact, the best way to decide which type of geothermal heating system is right for you is to talk to an experienced contractor about your particular situation. They will be able to tell you exactly what the installation of each type of system will entail in your specific case and make informed recommendations about what type of system will work best for you.

No matter what type of geothermal heating system you do go with, though, you will be getting an excellent and inexpensive home comfort solution that will keep your indoor temperature at the right level all year round. That is because geothermal heat pumps, just like air source heat pumps, can be reversed during the warmer summer months to actually remove heat from your home. That way, you can stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter without having to pay for heating or air conditioning.

This blog is brought to you by Woodstock HVAC by Premier Indoor. Offers cooling and heating tune ups, repair and replacement. Premier Indoor is one of the largest Heating, Air Conditioning and Indoor Comfort dealers in the Greater Woodstock Area.

How Do I Know If Solar power Cooling and heating Will continue to work On my own Residence? A Question Via Cumming

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Winkler) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 06:57:00 +0000

When undertaking any home improvement project in Cumming, there will be challenges making sure the new features fit well with the existing construction. Solar heating and cooling is no exception. You may want to install solar modules on your home for your HVAC needs, but will the two work together?

There are ideal conditions under which solar modules can be used, and striving to create these conditions will often present some challenges. Fortunately, in most circumstances, there are some easy adjustments you can make to ensure your new solar modules work as well as or better than advertised.

The Big Two
There are two major factors which play in to solar modules performance more than anything else. First is orientation, or where the house has exposure to the sun. Ideally, solar modules should be mounted facing south to maximize efficiency. They can also work when facing some easterly or westerly directions, albeit with some performance loss.

For maximum exposure to the sun, solar modules should be mounted at an angle that matches the latitude at which your home sits. You also want to avoid any obstructions. The path from the sun to the solar modules should be as clear as possible, with minimal shading or obstructions to interfere with the modules collecting light.

Other Challenges

Independent of these major variables, other issues can come into play when determining if solar heating and cooling will be a good fit for your home. You have to worry about geography and weather, your energy needs, and the insurance costs of adding solar power to your home.

While these challenges exist, as you can see there are generally ways around each of them. Consult with a contractor or other expert, who can help you decide if a SunSource® Home Energy System is a good fit for your home.

This blog is brought Geothermal Atlanta by Green Energy Geothermal Solutions designs and installs geothermal energy systems to heat and cool homes in Georgia with the specific goal of achieving the highest in customer satisfaction and excellence in service.

Standard HVAC Terms: Some Tips Via Smyrna

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Winkler) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 08:59:00 +0000

Ever try to look up basic information about your heating and air conditioning systems in Smyrna? There are dozens of terms that might as well be Greek for all you know – a mishmash of words and phrases talking about energy efficiency and air flow ratios. To make your next upgrade a little easier and give you a baseline with which to work, here are a few of the most common HVAC terms you’ll hear in the industry:

AFUE – Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency – This is a simple measurement of how much fuel a furnace converts into actual heat in your home. So, if a furnace converts 92% of the fuel it consumes into heat, it has an AFUE rating of 92.
Watts – A single watt is a measurement of electricity. Commonly, your electricity use is assured in kilowatts or kilowatt hours (kWh).

BTU – British Thermal Unit – A BTU is a common measurement of how much energy is produced or consumed by an appliance. When referring to an air conditioner, one “ton” refers to 12,000 BTUs.

SEER/EER – Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio refers to how many BTUs can be produced with a single Watt of electricity per hour. So, an air conditioner with an SEER of 14 can produce 14 BTUs of cooling per watt consumed each hour.
HSPF – Heating Seasonal Performance Factor – Refers to the efficiency of the heating elements in your heat pump.

COP – Coefficient of Performance – A measurement of how effective your heat pump is at heating a space compared to standard electrical resistance heat. The lower the temperature gets outside, the lower the COP will be. Equipment is usually measured for COP at 47 and 17 degrees to give an idea of seasonal performance of a new heat pump.

Refrigerant – Refrigerant is any gas that is used to draw heat from the air in a particular environment through an air conditioner or heat pump. It has a much lower boiling point than water, allowing it to cool despite the temperature outside. Currently, most equipment uses R-22 refrigerant while the new standard will be R-410A (Puron), legally required in all cooling units by 2020.
CFM – Cubic Feet per Minute – Used to measure the volume of air passed through an air handler by an air conditioner or furnace.

There are a number of complicated details to keep track of when choosing a new air conditioner or furnace. To ensure you get the very best out of your system, read up on these details in advance – you’ll feel a heck of a lot smarter when you call.

This blog is brought to you by Atlanta Air Conditioner Repair by Premier Indoor. Offers Air Conditioner and Cooler tune ups, repair and replacement. Premier Indoor is one of the largest Lennox Heating, Air Conditioning and Indoor Comfort dealers in the Greater Atlanta Area.