3 Things To Consider When It Comes To Purchasing An Air Conditioner For Your Home

Posted on May 7, 2012 by admin

Most of the time, people have no idea how much it costs to install an air conditioning system in their home.  However, in order to answer that question, you need to consider exactly why and what you need the air conditioner for when you are talking to an HVAC technician or company.

First you should consider:  What is the purpose of getting/having a new or additional conditioner?

1.  If you just want to be able to keep your entire home cool when it’s hot outside, a traditional air conditioner would do the trick.
2.  Cooling for your whole home throughout the winter, plus having the system heat your home in the winter can save you money.  Many people opt for a heat pump because not only does it provide cool air throughout the summer, but it also has the ability to heat your home during the winter.
3.  Even if you already have an air conditioning system in your home, chances are that you may have some rooms that do not get enough air. A great way you can solve that issue is by providing “room spot cooling” through ductless mini-split systems. Inevitably, these will cool down the spaces that need it.

Second, you should consider the size of your home…

A bigger home means that a bigger air conditioning unit is necessary.  Unfortunately this also means an increase in the cost of the unit.

Third, is your ductwork in good or bad condition?

You should always get your ductwork checked by an HVAC technician.  If you neglect checking the ductwork within your home, the cooled air may be released into your attic wasting energy and causing the air conditioner to work much harder.  There is no doubt that this scenario will raise your energy bills.

Considering Custom-Aire Inc. to install your air conditioning system or heat pump?  Call us immediately!  Family-owned and operated, we have been providing our customers with dependable service throughout Philadelphia, New Jersey, Bucks, Montgomery counties for the past 40 years!  Come to us with any questions you have, we will be glad to answer them!

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Central Air vs. Portable Air Conditioning Units

Posted on April 18, 2012 by admin

It’s that time of year where the heat is turned off and the air is turned on. If you’re looking for a new air conditioning system for your home this summer, here is some information on both central air conditioning systems as well as portable air conditioning units that will help you determine which is best for you.

Central Air Conditioning: Today, 80% of new residential homes that are built in the United States have central air. Central air can be installed in almost any home using the existing duct. The unit is placed outside, and it pumps air through the ducts and out vents around the home. An important benefit of central air is that it also acts as a dehumidifier, helping to maintain your home environment. The use of a thermostat with central air can help you to save money by turning the air up or down depending on the time of day, such as the afternoon when you are out of your home. If you’re concerned about the environment, using central air will use less electricity, which in turn leads to less fossil fuel burning and pollution.

When purchasing a central air system, it is beneficial to look into the seasonal energy efficiency rating (SEER). This will help you to decrease costs and find a system that will run at optimal efficiency. Other factors to consider include looking into the option of including an electrostatic filtering system which will help if any family members have allergies.

Once the unit is purchased, a contractor will need to size the unit correctly in order to ensure efficiency. Just as with a window unit, air can be lost if the unit is improperly sized; and oversizing can be a problem too, preventing the system to run less efficiently.

Some units create a lot of noise, and it is important to check the filter monthly as well as service it every 2 years. Units more than 10 years old are no longer considered efficient; today’s units are 40% more efficient.

Portable Air Conditioning: In some places, installation of central air conditioning units may be difficult or very costly, and for these instances many turn to window or wall units. This type of unit will cool and dehumidify 1 to 2 rooms, depending on its strength.

In order to determine the size of unit that is best for the room you would like to place it in, it is important to measure the size of the area you would like to cool. It would be a waste to purchase a large unit for a small room. A 5,000 BTU unit only cools about 150 square feet equal to a 10 by 15 room whereas a 20,000 BTU unit can handle a 1,100 square foot room

When purchasing a portable unit, consider a unit with 3-speed control so you can switch between low, medium, and high. Another beneficial feature is a timer that can be set to turn the unit off for when you fall asleep or leave the house. A model with a thermostat is also helpful in regulating the temperature of the room as well as decreasing the output of the unit, which will save energy. A recommended model would have an ENERGY STAR* or EnergyGuide label on the unit, meaning it has a higher energy efficiency rating (EER).

Once the unit is installed maintenance is important and the filter in the unit should be changed every 90 days to remain effective.

When determining what type is best for your home, keep in mind that the number of rooms you plan to cool will make one more efficient than the other. If you plan to cool 1 to 2 rooms, it will most likely be best to use a portable unit, whereas if you plan to cool the entire house a central unit would be more efficient. Some people buy several window units to put in multiple rooms in the house, and it is likely that in this case central may be the better option because it would be more efficient and less costly. Central air has a better long-term value and could pay for itself within a few years. It will cost a few hundred for a window unit and in the thousands for central air, so if cost is an issue for you it may be better to purchase a portable unit. Another factor to consider is whether or not you own the home. If you are the owner and plan to stay in the house central air could be a beneficial investment. If you are renting or do not plan to remain in the home for a long period of time, a window unit would be the best option.

 

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What To Look For When Checking Your Air Conditioner’s Efficiency

Posted on April 5, 2012 by admin

All around the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area, the sun is staying out longer, the air is getting warmer (as if it hasn’t been), and most people are getting ready to do their spring cleaning.  If you are one of those people getting ready to do the same thing, you should also consider arranging an air conditioner inspection on your long list of things to get done!

As you are vacuuming your carpets and throwing out the junk your home collected over the winter, you should also take a few minutes to check your air conditioner’s efficiency.  Following are a few key things you should look for before you contact an air conditioning company:

Make Sure Your Compressor Is Clear

It is hard to figure out what kind of waste and other objects collected around your air conditioner compressor during the winter months. It may not seem like a huge deal at first, but all that debris can prohibit air from flowing into your compressor.  Also, air being prohibited from the compressor will prevent the coil from radiating heat away—eventually causing the compressor to overheat!  That is not something you want to happen!

Air Filters

Most people change their air filters during the winter while they run their furnace, but if it’s been over a month now, it is a good time to check them and make sure they are clean and clear. Clogged air filters will raise your costs and may potentially cause your unit to burn out too early.

Thermostat

This may be common sense to some, but it is still vital to check your thermostat to make sure it’s set to “COOL.”  It’s surprising how many people call their local HVAC company every summer thinking they have a broken air conditioner, when all they really neglected to do was switch the thermostat setting!

Having an air conditioner inspection from the technicians at Custom Aire is one of the best things you can do in order to keep your air conditioner running efficiently during those warm and hot summer months. If you need an air conditioner inspection, call us!  Custom Aire is one of the best heating companies and air conditioning service Bucks County, PA has to offer!

Custom Aire, cooling Bucks County for decades!

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How To Improve Indoor Air Quality

Posted on March 21, 2012 by admin

Even though there is significant a focus on outdoor air quality, many fail to consider the quality of air indoors. For many people, the amount of time spent indoors is higher than the amount of time they spend outdoors making indoor air quality an important factor to health. Indoor air quality can be affected by many factors and should be paid attention to in order to avoid health risks associated with poor air quality.  Indoor air pollutants include chemicals, gases, or molds and dust. If outdoor air is not flowing into the home or there is no source of ventilation, any pollutants that find their way indoors will accumulate, possibly to dangerous levels. Indoor air pollution can cause symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, sore eyes, or burning in the throat. Indoor air quality is especially important to those who suffer from respiratory or heart problems because these pollutants can worsen these illnesses. Adequate air quality is also especially important to those who have children in the home.

The sources of indoor pollution are numerous and many come directly from our actions. One of the most obvious contributors is smoking indoors. A study showed that banning smoking indoors decreased indoor air pollution by 60%. Banning smoking indoors will also prevent the effects of second hand smoke, to which children are especially vulnerable. Another type of indoor air pollution is gases such as nitrogen dioxide (a colorless, odorless gas which cause irritation in the eyes or throat and other respiratory problems such as shortness of breath) or carbon monoxide (a colorless, odorless gas that enters the bloodstream and hinders supply of oxygen). These gases come from heating or burning materials, so sources can be space heaters, stoves, water heaters, dryers, or fireplaces. Many of our everyday household products can also be a source of indoor air pollution. Many products, such as cleaning supplies, paints, air fresheners, or nail polish emit VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) into homes. These VOC’s can become dangerous if there is no ventilation in the home. Another reason good ventilation is important is because it prevents the buildup of dust as well as molds and spores that appear in humidity and high temperature.

So, what are the ways in which you can help improve the air quality in your home?Always make sure that you have sufficient ventilation and that it is providing a mixture of both indoor and outdoor air. Increase the amount of fresh air entering the home by opening windows when weather permitting, or use bathroom or kitchen fans. Always ventilate when using products that can increase indoor air pollution. Maintenance and inspection of HVAC systems is highly important; be sure to check air filters to make sure they are well installed as well as change them regularly – filters are important to maintaining indoor air quality. Be careful when building or repairing your home – make sure new materials are safe and that removing old materials will not release or stir up pollutants (such as asbestos) that are already in the home. It is also important to regulate humidity within the home – the humidity level should be between 30 and 50%. When humidity is too high try opening the windows, turning on the air conditioner, or adjusting humidifiers. When humidity is low use a humidifier to help balance the humidity in the home.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the quality of air in your home you can always check the EPA’s website for more information.

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What To Consider When Purchasing A Heating and AC System

Posted on March 14, 2012 by admin

How do you go about choosing the right heating and air conditioning/HVAC system for your home? The weather outside can be unpleasant sometimes, and, as this winter has shown us, unpredictable—further highlighting your need for the ideal HVAC system.

One of the first things you should think about when purchasing a new heating and air system is its overall energy efficiency—When heating and AC units first emerged, the individual components of both of them were not as proficient with the energy today’s models use.  So, chances are that any new model offered by your local heating and air conditioning company will be more resourceful than the old model you may currently have in your home.  However, any model will not always do….

The size of your home is essential when selecting your HVAC system—If you have a bigger home, more powerful components are going to need to be installed to attain the preferred heating and cooling results.  If your home is smaller, you will not need such heavy-duty equipment.

The average weather for your area also plays a huge role in figuring out which model/type and power consumption level is appropriate for your home—for example, if the weather is quite warm throughout the year, than it would be beneficial to have a system with components that are more on the small end.  If you have extremely hot summers and harsh winters, it would be better to go with a bigger system.

Need help with choosing a new heating and/or air conditioning system?  Get in touch with Custom-Aire Inc. immediately!

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The Benefits of Solar Heating

Posted on February 29, 2012 by admin

With so many possible benefits to be had, the trend towards home solar energy has caught on with homeowners in recent years. The US market for solar energy systems grew 140% in the year 2011 and 1.5 million homes in the United States use solar power. But how does it work, what are the benefits, and how do you know if solar energy is right for your home? This article offers a little insight into the ins and outs of solar energy.
The process of solar heating is fairly simple – there are two types of systems but both essentially collect and absorb solar radiation on sunny days and transfer it to a storage system (which is large enough to hold 1 sunny day’s worth of heat) where it is saved until needed and then distributed throughout the house. The outcome is a highly efficient heating system that can be used in most homes.

In order to make the decision to invest in solar energy, you should first look at regulations and codes. It is important to check building codes and other regulations (on the state, city, and local level) that may prevent you from installing the system. The installation of a solar system on an existing building will most likely require that you obtain a permit. Another thing to consider is getting an energy audit in your home to determine where the current energy waste in your home is, how much any necessary repairs would cost, and estimates on how much you could save by switching your system.

Selection of a solar energy system depends on the size and heating needs of your home. It is best to have soar energy provide 40% – 80% of your homes heating needs, because any less and it is not cost effective and supplying 100% is not practical. This system, along with good heating insulation, could prove very beneficial to your heating costs. Having a solar energy system is estimated to save homeowners an average of $600 to $1000 annually.

The most considered factor in the decision is of course the benefits. Solar energy is the most cost-effective way to replace fossil fuels and lower heating bills. In the United States, oil is at a $4/gallon average, which is about 50 cents more than it was at this time last year. Besides benefiting yourself financially, it also benefits the environment by reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. In recent years the affordability of these systems has increased greatly due to government and utilities incentives as well as lowered purchasing and installation prices of this technology. Many states offer significant tax cuts for homes that use solar energy as well as rebates for the purchase cost of the system. Utilities companies offer incentives as well, such as rebate programs, competitive rates, and the opportunity to sell surplus power to your local utility. There are now programs like Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE), which is present in 28 states, offering financing options and homeowners loans to pay for solar systems and other energy saving technologies. If you are worried about the payback period, or don’t know how long you will be in your current home, it is estimated that homes with solar power sell for an average of $17,000 more than homes without. With incentives as well as cost saving benefits, investing in a solar energy system may be something worth considering for many homeowners.

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3 Tips To Boost Your HVAC System’s Efficiency

Posted on February 1, 2012 by admin

When it comes to your HVAC system, try the following 3 simple tips to boost your HVAC system’s efficiency, as well as enhance home comfort meanwhile bringing utility costs into line!

1.  Change or clean your furnace/air conditioning filter monthly—particularly during those times when you use it  a lot! Clogged air filters meddle with the airflow throughout your home, reduce your indoor air quality, and make your air conditioning or heating system work extra hard to keep you comfortable.  In all, if you refuse to take a few minutes time to change your filter, you may just damage your system over time. Changing the filter on a regular basis protects equipment components from harm due to dirt buildup (which could cause the system to break down often, and fail many years sooner!)

2.  Try using a programmable thermostat at home (or even for your business). It is an automatic energy, as well as money saver that can allow you to pre-set temperatures in harmony with your current schedule. Doing this may just help you use less energy when you’re not home, as well as when you are sound asleep. When you are awake and home, you will benefit from the comfort of your chosen temperatures plus lower energy bills.

3.  Make sure that you have a professional system check-up every year. Forgetting about, or avoiding a yearly system inspection and check-up can be a safety issue since HVAC systems can develop leaks or electrical issues that can go without being seen. Also, habitual check-ups can keep your HVAC system in almost-new condition and sustain its effectiveness years after you have it installed.

For any help in increasing your HVAC system’s efficiency, contact Custom-Aire Inc. immediately!

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4 Furnace Air Filter Tips

Posted on January 3, 2012 by admin

Having good air filtration is very important for a number of reasons. Most people usually think about their furnace’s air filter when they’re dusting a coffee table or when their kids are experiencing an asthma attack in the wee morning hours.

Has your furnace maintenance experience been frustrating?  Well, it doesn’t have to be!  By following these few helpful tips you will be to select the opportune air filter!

Tip #1

How many times you will need to replace your filter will vary by filter type and by the size and “dustiness” of your home. Furnaces in bigger homes move more air and will clog filters faster. If you have pets you will need to change your filter twice as often. Pet dander and pet hair are leading allergens and can clog filters very quickly.  If you’re ready to get serious about clean air, you should consider using an Aprilaire whole-house air cleaner instead of a typical furnace filter. Aprilaire filters clean the air better than any type of 1 inch filter sold at the hardware store (and they only need to be changed one time each year!)

Tip #2

Purchase your air filters by the case (six to twelve at a time) and place them near your furnace.  If you store them near your furnace it will be less likely that you will forget to change the air filter. Buying cases of them can also be more cost-effective.

Tip #3

Never run your system with a filter that is the wrong size!  A furnace filter that does not correctly fit will permit dust and other pollutants to seep through the filter and thus circulate throughout your home!

Tip #4

Lastly, don’t guess about where your furnace filter goes, how to install it, or what type or size you should, always get in touch with a professional heating and air conditioning company if you are in need of any kind of assistance or help!

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5 Tips To Help Lower Your Heating Bills In The Winter

Posted on December 2, 2011 by admin

High home-heating bills pack a real punch into household budgets across the United States each winter.  They always pose an exceptional challenge for people who rely on fixed incomes or live paycheck to paycheck.  However, many families can see slight price breaks on their heating bills, especially if they use natural gas to heat their homes.

If you’d like to reduce your heating bills even further this season, consider giving a few of these free or low-cost tips a try.

Keep Windows Covered When It’s Dark Outside

This will help you decrease heat loss and keep cold air at bay, especially if you have older windows.  However, be sure to let in the light during the daytime—those rays of sun will help heat your home!

Lower Your Thermostat

You likely won’t detect a vast difference if you turn it down just a few degrees—a move that can shave five to ten percent off your heating bill!  It’s especially wise to turn down the heat whenever you leave your home for a long period of time.

Don’t Let Heat Escape Pointlessly

Always have your doors and windows shut when the heat is on.  If you aren’t using your fireplace, be sure the flue is closed and (glass) doors are in place to lessen heat loss.  Also, make sure to turn off your bathroom and kitchen ventilation fans when they are not needed.

Use Heat That’s There Anyway

Cooking a meal or taking a shower can generate warmth.  While showering, have the bathroom door open so steam spreads to other rooms, and don’t turn a ventilation fan on because it will remove the warm air you want when it is cold.

Wear Socks More Often

If your feet are cold, your whole body will feel cold, so make a point of wearing socks around the house when it is cold.

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