A smart programmable thermostat starts with all the features of a standard programmable thermostat. In the cooling season, a properly programmed thermostat will allow your home to warm up while you’re away and cool off to a comfortable level before you return. In the heating season, your thermostat can automatically lower your home’s temperature when you’re away or asleep, and warm up your home when it’s time to do so.

These programming options can bring significant energy savings, but there’s more. A smart programmable thermostat will communicate with your HVAC system, kind of like a supervisor that reports to you.

• One of the most innovative settings of this smart technology is the ability to manage your thermostat online. Remote access gives you the ability to view and change temperature settings to mesh with your unpredictable schedule. You can also monitor your system and update notification and alarms. To use this feature, log into your thermostat via the web.

• Some smart models can also work with the components of your cooling and heating system such as ventilating systems and humidity control devices.

• You can receive notifications when it’s time to change your air filter, as well as when regular maintenance should be performed.

• Your smart thermostat can even detect and warn you about problems with your system, which can save you costly repair or replacement costs if you catch a problem early. The thermostat can also warn you of freezing or overheating problems, or alert you if your power goes out.

• All these settings are easily accessible via a large touch-screen that also displays system information.

Seek professional help if you’re installing a smart programmable thermostat, especially if it’s a new installation. An HVAC service technician can provide professional installation, setup and programming advice.

For more tips on smart programmable thermostats and other home comfort topics, please contact us at Level Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve been serving Maryland homeowners since 1972.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about programmable thermostats and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Level Heating & Air Conditioning services Baltimore, Maryland and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!

Hospitals, businesses and clinics have used UV light air-cleaning systems for years. UV lights have proved useful in providing high degrees of safety and sterilization. The systems neutralize living pollutants by breaking down their body structure, eliminating their ability to reproduce. When your indoor air is not properly filtered and cleaned, the risk of developing health problems, including worsening allergies, asthma symptoms and respiratory ailments, increases.

So how can a UV light system benefit the homeowner?

First, UV lights enhance the efficiency of HVAC systems. Molds and other unwanted living particulates can build up on home HVAC systems. They can accumulate on coils and inside ductwork. UV lights, properly mounted in return-air ducts, will kill these microbes, improving efficiency and indoor air quality at the same time.

It’s important to remember, however, that UV light systems won’t do anything to filter out non-living particulates in your indoor air, such materials as dirt, dust and other non-organic debris. For a complete home air-cleaning strategy, consider coupling UV light technology with high-efficiency air filter and even an air purifier. When your home HVAC system targets both living and non-living airborne materials in your home, you’ll have a complete clean-air strategy.

For help installing a UV light system in your home, or for any other home-comfort or air quality issue, please contact Level Heating & Air Conditioning. We serve the greater Baltimore area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about uv lights and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Level Heating & Air Conditioning services Baltimore, Maryland and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!

As a homeowner, you can take care of several details on your air conditioner to keep it running smoothly, including:

• Cleaning or replacing dirty filters: Most filters are disposable and inexpensive to replace. Some older air conditioners have metal filters that are washable.

• Clearing the area around the condenser: Bushes, dried leaves, weeds and grass clippings obstruct airflow to the condenser.

• Cleaning condenser coils and fins: Dirt or grime gathers on the coils and fins and reduces airflow to the unit.

• Examining insulation covering the outside refrigerant line: Insulation protects the cooling process of the refrigerant returning to the evaporator coils.

These simple details a homeowner can complete, but consider scheduling a trained technician to perform a comprehensive inspection of your cooling system. A professional has the knowledge to recognize a complication before it becomes an expensive issue and the appropriate equipment to fix it. A pro will examine your cooling system and clean, address or repair the following:

• Refrigerant levels: Low refrigerant levels are a sign of leaks, which is hazardous to the environment.

• Evaporator coils and fins: Dirt accumulates on the coils, acts as insulation and hinders the cooling process. The fins collect dirt and slow the airflow to the evaporator coils.

• Ducts: Ducts can develop leaks at joints or seams, allowing dirt to enter the air flowing to your rooms. If moisture from unconditioned areas seeps into the ducts, mold could develop.

• Condensate drain: A blocked drain stops the release of excess moisture to the outdoors. This excess moisture may produce mold on parts of your unit.

For expert advice concerning air conditioner maintenance, please feel free to contact us at Level Heating & Air Conditioning. We have been serving Baltimore, Towson, Bel-Air and the surrounding areas since 1972.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about air conditioners and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Level Heating & Air Conditioning services Baltimore, Maryland and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!

You can relax and put your mind at ease if your chosen contractor uses technicians certified by North American Technician Excellence (NATE). NATE-certified technicians receive this esteemed certification only after passing core and specialty exams that test their knowledge of all aspects of the HVAC industry. These tests also determine whether technicians possess the proper expertise to install and service related parts and equipment.

Homeowners list a number of positives when it comes to the work performed by NATE-certified technicians, including lower utility bills as a result of properly-installed equipment and an ability to trust these workers based on their display of heating and cooling knowledge. Additionally, surveys show that NATE-certified technicians receive nearly 13 percent fewer callbacks than technicians that aren’t NATE-certified.

As more and more consumers restrict their choice of HVAC companies to those who have these knowledgeable and tested workers on staff, contractors across the country are going out of their way to make it known that they hire and use technicians certified through North American Technician Excellence.

Since 1972, Level Heating & Air Conditioning has provided quality service to clients throughout Maryland’s Harford, Cecil and Baltimore counties. Contact us today to set up a service call and then allow one of our NATE-certified technicians to provide our guaranteed “service beyond your expectations.”

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about NATE certified technicians and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Level Heating & Air Conditioning services Baltimore, Maryland and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today! 

The energy factor is computed from data derived in a standardized 24-hour hot-water usage test. Broadly speaking, the EF refers to the ratio of energy delivered by the heater in the form of hot water to the amount of energy (gas or electricity) that the heater consumes. The EF rating combines three parameters, including the:

• Efficiency of the heating element in transferring energy to the water.
• Amount of energy lost during storage in the tank over a set time.
• Amount of energy consumed as the heater alternates between active (heating) mode and standby (storage) mode.

The EF figure for water heaters is expressed as a decimal numeral. Whether you are considering a natural gas or electric model, the higher the energy factor, the more money you’ll save. For a gas-fired model, an EF rating of .67 or better is considered energy efficient. The most efficient electric models start with an EF of .93.

The energy factor rating provides a good basis of comparison between water heaters that use the same fuel. However, EF doesn’t tell the whole story when contrasting a gas heater with an electric model. For example, because electricity is generally more expensive from the source, the electric heater with a high EF, such as .95, may actually cost more to operate than a gas heater with a lower .75 rating.

For advice on sorting out the facts and figures of energy efficiency, homeowners in Northeastern Maryland turn to the pros at Level Heating & Air Conditioning. Since 1972, we’ve proudly served residents of Harford, Cecil and Baltimore counties.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about water heaters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Level Heating & Air Conditioning services Baltimore, Maryland and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!

A heat pump transfers heat from one place to another. In the summer, the pump takes heat out of your home, while in the winter, it reverses the process, extracting heat from the outside air. It is one of the most efficient heating methods, since it doesn’t require any fuel but rather runs on electricity. These systems work well until temperatures drop into the low 30s, but that’s where the fuel-burning component of a dual-fuel system shines.

When temperatures hover at freezing, the heat pump automatically switches to the fuel-burning component to provide more heat. The fuel can be natural gas, propane or heating oil. The dual-fuel systems work with forced air or radiant heating systems and may work with an existing furnace, depending on its age.

Heat pumps, including dual-fuel systems, have efficiency ratings. The SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, is the ratio of cooling that the heat pump provides compared to the energy it consumes. The HSPF, or Heating Season Performance Factor, measures its heating efficiency by how much heat it produces versus the energy it consumes. Additionally, a dual-fuel pump has an AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency), which indicates how much usable heat it produces compared to the energy it consumes.

When you’re shopping, it’s helpful to know that the minimum SEER, per industry standards, is 13; the HSPF is 7.7; and the AFUE is 78 percent, which means that 22 percent of the fuel is wasted. Higher ratings for all heating and cooling systems translate to lower winter and summer utility bills.

A heat pump has a heat-producing potential of 300 percent, compared to the top efficiency of a combustion-fuel furnace, which is 98 percent. Instead of relying on a fuel-burning heating mechanism all winter, you can use the more efficient heat pump when temperatures are over 30 instead, lowering your heating bills.

If you would like to learn more about dual-fuel systems, contact Level Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve been serving Baltimore, Hartford and Cecil Counties since 1972.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about dual-fuel systems and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Level Heating & Air Conditioning services Baltimore, Maryland and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!

As the weather warms up, mold becomes an issue for many homeowners, so consider these seven tips for a mold-free home:

1. Minimize dampness. Mold loves a moist environment, and the best way to control mold is to control moisture. If something in your house gets wet, dry it as quickly as possible, and don’t leave damp items like towels or clothes sitting around.
2. Fix leaky plumbing. Leaky pipes can be a big contributor to mold growth, especially if those pipes are in a confined area like a crawlspace or the cupboard under your sink. These areas can be hotbeds of mold growth, so it’s important not to let pipes drip.
3. Use your vent fan. Most homes have two vent fans: in the kitchen and in the bathroom. Run the kitchen fan while you’re cooking to get rid of excess moisture, spatter and fumes. Run the bathroom fan while showering and for a few minutes afterward.
4. Control humidity. The ideal humidity level is somewhere between 30 and 50 percent. Below that range, you can start to see dry skin and damage to wood furniture, but higher humidity levels boost mold growth. During the winter, when too little humidity typically is a factor, consider using a whole-house humidification system. During the warm weather, when there’s too much moisture in the air, you typically can control that with your air-conditioning system. However, if it’s still too humid in your home, considering installing a dehumidifier into your existing HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system.
5. Maintain air flow. Mold grows best in stagnant air, so it’s best to keep things moving. You can do this by running a ceiling fan and opening windows when the weather allows, and by maintaining a gap between your walls and furniture.
6. Vent appliances outside. Any appliances that produce heat and/or moisture should be vented outside. These include stoves, clothes dryers and boilers.
7. Maintain your HVAC system. Mold can build up in air ducts, as well as in your heating and cooling appliances over time, so schedule annual maintenance to ensure your HVAC system is clean, lubricated and working efficiently to keep you comfortable.

To learn more about how you can achieve a mold-free home, contact Level Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve been serving the Baltimore area since 1972, and look forward to helping you with all of your heating and cooling needs.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about mold and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Level Heating & Air Conditioning services Baltimore, Maryland and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

Prevention image via Shutterstock 

If you decide to pursue furnace replacement in the spring, you’ll probably experience fast service from HVAC experts, who typically have a bit more time, now that the busy winter heating season is winding down, and before the cooling needs of customers kick in.

While you wait for your new furnace to be installed, be prepared for any sudden spring storms that bring cold temperatures back to the region, even briefly. If the weather forecasts cold weather, space heaters may do a good job of providing heat in your home temporarily and are safe, as long as you follow the operating instructions carefully and the units have the UL label on them. If your heaters are old, and don’t have tip-over switches or the UL label, consider borrowing or buying a few new ones to assure your family’s safety.

If below freezing weather pops back into the forecast, and you don’t have your new furnace in place, keep in mind that your plumbing might freeze if it’s in an area of your home that doesn’t have adequate insulation or which isn’t staying warm enough. You may need to shut off your incoming water, and drain your pipes. If you stay at home during a cold snap, open your bathroom and kitchen cabinet doors to let your home’s warm interior air circulate around water pipes. And let a hot water faucet drip. Your pipes may still freeze, but this can help prevent pipes from bursting.

If you want more information about a furnace replacement this spring, contact Level Heating & Air Conditioning. We can help you make the best choice for your furnace replacement. We’ve been providing HVAC and plumbing services for Hartford, Cecil and Baltimore Counties since 1972.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about furnace replacement and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Level Heating & Air Conditioning services Baltimore, Maryland and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

Heating and cooling your home typically consumes more than half of the typical household’s energy bills. You can:

• Install a programmable thermostat. When you’re not at home, you reduce the amount your HVAC equipment runs without it affecting your comfort when you’re at home.
• Keep the system maintained through routine HVAC cleaning and tune-ups.
• Increase the amount of insulation in your attic and basement.

Water heating is responsible for 11 percent of energy bills. Try these tips to lower your costs:

• Turn the temperature down to 120 degrees. Besides saving energy, it reduces the amount of hard water deposits, making your water harder to heat and reducing the life of the appliance.
• Put an insulating blanket around your water heater. You can buy these at home improvement stores. If your heater is gas, you might ask for technical assistance.
• Fix any leaking faucets.

Laundry can use 10 percent of your energy bills. Save by:

• Use cold water for doing the laundry and wash only full loads. Washers use the same amount of power regardless of load size.
• Clean your dryer’s lint filter after each load. If you use dryer sheets, wash your filter frequently to remove the residue that can start fires and block the flow of air through the dryer.

Under ideal conditions, lighting takes 7 percent of your home’s energy budget. Save even more by installing CFL or LED bulbs. Not only do these save energy; they last longer and run cooler than incandescent bulbs.

Electronics and appliances take the remaining 27 percent of energy usage. Choose Energy Star products when replacing them and turn off computers when not using them.

Level Heating & Air Conditioning has been providing HVAC services in Hartford, Cecil and Baltimore counties since 1972. Contact us to learn more about HVAC maintenance and lower heating and cooling bills.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about energy bills and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Level Heating & Air Conditioning services Baltimore, Maryland and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!

Combined with dust deposits inside the blower, a slower airflow over these parts contributes to overheating in the winter and possibly freezing in the summer. Both situations reduce the efficiency of the HVAC equipment and can eventually lead to expensive repairs or replacement.

Clean air filters will prevent these mechanical problems and also keep your indoor air healthier. Most of the dust in indoor air comes from fibers from fabric, pet dander, shedded skin and dust mites. Keeping filters clean reduces the amount of these particulates in your air, helping you breathe. Checking the filters monthly when you’re using your heating and cooling equipment and replacing or cleaning routinely will lower the concentration of these respiratory irritants.

You can also increase the effectiveness of air filtration through the blower. Filters have a MERV rating, which stands for minimum efficiency reporting value. Higher numbers indicate better filtration, and the ratings for residential use range from 1 to 16. People who have allergies or asthma can benefit from using higher-rated air filters, but there are limits on how high a MERV your HVAC equipment can handle.

Heating and cooling equipment are calibrated to have a minimum amount of airflow going through them. If the filter has too high a MERV rating for your system, it can impede airflow and potentially damage your equipment. If your appliance manual doesn’t state the maximum MERV rating for the heating or cooling unit, talk to an HVAC technician before upgrading.

Level Heating & Air Conditioning is a NATE-certified HVAC contractor serving Cecil, Hartford and Baltimore counties in Maryland. We can help you choose the right air filters for your home to protect your HVAC equipment and improve indoor air quality. Contact us to learn more.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about air filters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Level Heating & Air Conditioning services Baltimore, Maryland and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!