A lack of proper maintenance is the primary reason that HVAC units fail. If your air conditioning near Seattle hasn’t been inspected for over a year, it may not be functioning at maximum efficiency. Watch this video for tips on getting the most out of your air conditioner.

If your A/C sounds noisy, keeps turning on and off, or seems to be running all day, then you may benefit by scheduling air conditioner maintenance. Also, a rise in the cost of your monthly energy bill or a higher humidity level in your home are both indicators that the unit may be functioning poorly and can benefit from a tune-up. Your air conditioner loses an estimated 5% of its efficiency each year that it isn’t inspected and cleaned.

If you’re in the market for a new air conditioner and live in the Seattle area, selecting the right sized unit for your space is essential. When an HVAC unit’s cooling capacity is too small, it will fail to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. When your A/C is too big for your home, it will use more electricity than is necessary and will make your home’s interior unpleasantly humid. Figuring out the right size air conditioner for your needs is vital for maximizing the unit’s efficiency and performance.

Measure your home’s square footage.

Determining the size air conditioner that you need will require some measurements and a bit of math. First, measure the square footage of each of the rooms that you intend to cool. Use a tape measure to learn the length and width of one room, and write these measurements down. Next, multiply these two numbers to figure out the square footage. Complete this process for each room of the house, writing down the measurements and totals as you work. Be sure to include only areas that your central ducts reach, excluding basements, garages, and attics.

Determine your cooling capacity needs.

The next step toward finding out what size air conditioner you need is to use your measurements to determine the cooling capacity required for your home. The cooling capacity of central air systems and room air conditioners is measured using British Thermal Units (BTUs) per hour. The United States Department of Energy’s Energy Star website provides guidelines for determining the BTUs needed for your home or room’s square footage .

Consider your home’s additional factors.

Choosing the right size air conditioner can depend on a few things besides your home’s square footage. If your house receives significant sunlight or has many windows, it may need more cooling capacity than one that is shaded or allows less sunlight into the interior. Your home’s insulation will also contribute to its need for cooling capacity. Experts recommend having multiple HVAC contractors perform an estimate on your home before you make a decision about purchasing your new air conditioner.

Many people are looking to save on their energy bills by making their air conditioning near Seattle as efficient as possible. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to promote the efficiency of your air conditioner. Read on to learn about some easy ways to help your HVAC system save energy .

Inspect Your Air Filters

A clogged filter can make your air conditioning system work on overdrive. Thus, it’s important to check and replace your filters regularly to increase the lifespan of your HVAC system, cut costs on your energy bills, and reduce the amount of dust and allergens circulating through your home. Check your filters monthly and consider calling an HVAC professional if you need help replacing them.

Consider the Location of Your Unit and Thermostat

In order to keep your air conditioning unit working efficiently, avoid installing your unit and thermostat in an area that gets a lot of sun. Placing your unit in a shaded location will make cooling the surrounding air easier. In addition, keep your unit’s thermostat away from heat-producing objects, such as lamps, television sets, computers, and other electronics. Your air conditioner will run longer than it needs to if it senses these nearby sources of heat.

Adjust the Dial

Keep the thermostat at 78 degrees or higher to significantly reduce your energy consumption. It’s especially important to turn the dial before you leave the house so that your air conditioning unit won’t be running while your home is unoccupied. If you frequently forget to adjust the temperature before heading out, you might want to consider installing a programmable “smart thermostat” or timer so that this important task is completed automatically.

Weatherize Your Home

Prevent cool air from leaking out of your home by caulking and weather-stripping problem areas. You may also want to insulate your air conditioning ducts to prevent energy losses if they run through unconditioned areas such as your attic or crawlspace. Finally, applying window film to your windows can also help reduce the energy required to maintain a cool temperature in your home.

Are you considering installing a heat pump near Seattle ? A heat pump can help keep your home at a comfortable temperature all year round by warming your house in the winter and cooling it in the summer. Plus, heat pumps require less energy than other types of heating and cooling systems, meaning a heat pump can help you cut down on your energy expenses.

Heat pumps work through the use of a compressor to move heat from one area to another. In the winter, a heat pump takes heat from the outside air and pumps it into your home. In the summer, it acts as an air conditioning system by reversing this cycle.

In addition to their versatility, heat pumps have numerous other advantages. First of all, they are easier to maintain and have a longer lifespan than conventional heating and cooling systems. In addition, they transfer heat rather than generate it, reducing your energy consumption and thus your carbon footprint. Finally, heat pumps also act as dehumidifiers, making your home more comfortable in the summer without increasing your electricity bills.

While Seattle is known for being a damp, rainy place, the city has recently experienced hot, dry summers that are only getting warmer. July of 2015 was the hottest month on record in Seattle’s history, with temperatures topping out at 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Instead of suffering through another hot summer, consider getting air conditioning so that you can be comfortable in your own home. Air conditioners give you the option to only use them when you need to, and not when you don’t. Your home’s security can also benefit, as you won’t have to have open windows for air circulation. Check out this infographic to learn more about why it’s a good idea to get an air conditioner in Seattle , and to learn about a few of your options.

If you have a tankless water heater in Seattle, you know that this type of hot water heater offers numerous benefits and can even reduce your electricity expenditures. Thanks to its on-demand heating capabilities, you won’t need to maintain the temperature of a large boiler using a tankless water heater.

Watch this video to learn more about how a tankless water heater works. A tankless water heater won’t run until there’s a demand for hot water heater in your house, such as when you turn on the hot water tap in the shower. This type of water heater can be up to 30% more efficient than a traditional tank type water heating system. If you’re looking for instantaneous savings, a tankless water heater may be the right choice for your home’s hot water needs.

Are you considering installing ductless air conditioning near Seattle ? Ductless air conditioning is a great choice for residential or commercial buildings that have non-ducted heating systems or lack space for adding ductwork. Keep reading to get the scoop on what a ductless air conditioner can do for you.

How It Works

A ductless mini-split air conditioner is composed of two main elements. One, the compressor and condenser, is installed outdoors. The other is an indoor unit that diffuses air throughout the room. The two components are connected by a conduit, which contains the multiple cables and tubing that the system requires. Several indoor air handling units may simultaneously be connected to one outdoor unit. The result is that each indoor unit handles the temperature in its own “zone,” meaning that you can control the heating and cooling system in each room individually.

How It Looks

Ductless mini-split systems are small and relatively easy to install. Installation of the conduit only requires a small hole in the wall about three inches in diameter, so it won’t require a major remodel. The indoor units of ductless air conditioners can be installed in the most convenient place for you, whether that’s hanging from the ceiling or the wall. And their sleek packaging blends seamlessly with your interior design. Placement of the outdoor unit is equally flexible; it can be installed at a distance of up to 50 feet from the indoor unit, meaning you can choose an inconspicuous location near your building.

How It Saves Energy

Ductless mini-split systems can help you save on your energy expenses in a few ways. Most air conditioning systems that use ducts run through spaces that are not temperature controlled, such as the attic or crawlspace. This leads to energy losses and causes your cooling system to work extra hard. As mini-split systems don’t use ducts, they avoid this loss of energy. In addition, the flexibility of mini-split systems also helps you save energy and money by allowing you to cool only the spaces that are occupied at a given time.

Having trouble with your air conditioning in Seattle? One of the most frustrating things that can happen on a sweaty summer day is for your air conditioner to break for an unknown reason. Sometimes a simple fix can get your unit working properly, while other times it is necessary to call in the expertise of a professional. To learn more about some of the common problems that occur with air conditioning units, keep reading.

User Error

That’s right—air conditioner units most commonly have issues because of improper use. When your air conditioner is on, make sure that all of the windows and outside doors in your house are closed. It’s also your responsibility to make sure that your air conditioning unit is properly maintained. That means keeping the air conditioning filters and coils clean to avoid premature compressor or fan failure. Finally, thoroughly read through user manual for some basic operating rules that can increase the lifetime of your air conditioning unit and prevent future problems from occurring.

Refrigerant Leaks

If your unit is low on refrigerant, it is likely that you have a refrigerant leak. Refilling your unit’s refrigerant won’t solve this problem. You’ll need to call a professional technician to repair the leak and refill the repaired system with refrigerant. That’s because it’s important that the refrigerant charge precisely matches the manufacturer’s recommendations. If it is undercharged or overcharged, your air conditioning unit won’t work as it should.

Thermostat Sensor Issues

If your unit is behaving strangely by turning on and off at random periods, cycling constantly, or varying heating and cooling options, it’s likely that there is a problem with your thermostat sensor. The thermostat sensor is located behind the control panel and works to calculate the room’s air temperature. It can become dislodged, resulting in faulty temperature measurements. Check and make sure that the sensor is in place behind—but not touching—the evaporative coil. You can adjust the position of the sensor by moving the wire that holds it in place.

Do you use an air conditioner near Seattle ? It goes without saying that you want to keep your air conditioning unit working properly for a long time to come. One of the most important things you can do to maintain the condition of your air conditioner is to change its filter.

Watch this video to learn more about the process of changing an air conditioner filter. First, turn your electric furnace switch off. Then, reach in and pull your filter out. Make sure that the filter is the proper size for your unit. Also, make sure the filter is facing the right direction. It’s important to keep the filter clean so that it doesn’t reduce the air flow of your unit. Then, replace the filter, double-checking that it is facing the right direction.

If your HVAC bills are skyrocketing from heating and cooling your home by using the air conditioner in the summer and heating in the winter, you may want to consider installing fireplace inserts near Seattle . Fireplace inserts can save you money on your energy bills as they are more energy-efficient than traditional fireplaces. While a fireplace insert is a significant initial investment, it will save you money in the long run. Keep reading for tips on choosing the best fireplace inserts for you.

Temperature Control

Just as some air conditioner units are adjusted differently, fireplace inserts have various types of temperature controls. Some inserts feature one-touch temperature adjustment to keep you comfortable with ease. Others have remote temperature control, so you can adjust the thermometer from across the room. Programmable thermostats with wall control units are also an option.

Size

You can choose your fireplace insert based on your preferences or the size of your current fireplace. Some fireplace inserts are designed to fit into small areas, while others are very large. You can find inserts that jut away from the masonry for more radiant heat, or inserts that have a less visible look by sitting inside your fireplace.

Fuel

Do you have a preference for what type of fuel your fireplace insert runs on? Pellet models run on biofuels, such as wood pellets, corn, sunflower seeds, wheat, and other natural materials. There are also smoke-free wood-burning options for those that prefer a traditional fuel source without the mess or telltale smell of a traditional furnace. Prefer not to feed the fire? You can choose an insert that runs on gas—these models are especially easy and convenient to turn on and off.

Heat Output

You can choose from a variety of heat outputs, depending on how big the room is that you are looking to heat. Most of the available options heat areas of between 1,500 and 3,000 square feet. Some inserts also include fans or convection blowers that you can adjust to get the temperature in your room just right.