Author: Kevin

Year after year, carbon monoxide takes about 200 lives in America and puts about 5,000 more people in emergency rooms for treatment, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The risk is often unnecessary and can be prevented easily.

Lots of people wonder what carbon monoxide is and how it gets into homes in the first place. Basically, when carbon-based fuels such as gas, oil, kerosene, or wood burn, they produce gases. When fuel combustion or burning isn’t complete, carbon monoxide enters the air. The CPSC offers advice that carbon monoxide detectors are a great way to alert yourself or other family members to the presence of toxic gas in your residence.

If you or someone else in your family wake up at night with a strong headache or another family member is unreasonably difficult to wake up — get out of the house as fast as possible and seek medical help.

If you don’t want to risk it or suffer unnecessarily, our experts recommend that you have carbon monoxide detectors installed in your home! It’s easy.

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Contact our experts online or by calling us today for more information about setting your thermostat properly.

Many people wait until they are in need of a major repair before considering the option to upgrade their heating and cooling system. It is important to remember that when the age of the HVAC equipment in your home is over 10 years and the warranty period has expired; the option for replacing the system should be considered along with the repair alternative.

Intcentives on AC Upgrades

Many local utilities are incentivizing their customers to upgrade their systems early in order to save energy and manage their energy usage better. A poorly maintained system will cost you more money to operate and continue to cost you expensive repairs, especially if the efficiency of the system is 10SEER or below. For more information on efficiency, ratings check out the Department of Energy.

Ameren of Missouri Rebates

The rebates and incentives that some local utilities are extending to customers can be in excess of $1800. For example, in the Ameren of Missouri coverage area, these rebates are available along with an efficiency analysis that will determine your system efficiency. The higher efficient systems can save you service costs and lower utility bills. When you consider the increasing cost of utilities and the long-term savings on your energy costs, the upgrading of your heating and cooling system can be the better choice. Especially when you will also be getting a new extended warranty, and a reduction in service costs.

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Contact our experts online or by calling us today for more information about replacing your air conditioning system.

We get this question asked by many friends, customers, and associates. Especially after this extreme heat this year, many people have indicated that next time they want to get their heating and cooling system checked out before the season starts. But, what do I look for? And how do I know I’m not getting “ripped off?

First, let’s talk about the benefits of a Maintenance Membership or Maintenance Agreement program.

Here are a few of the key benefits that you will receive from your investment each season:

1. Proper cleaning of your unit will improve efficiency and make sure your system is operating as it was designed. Dirty systems may be operating several efficiency points below the original manufacturer’s specifications.
2. Maintaining a clean filter is one of the most important items you can do. It keeps your system running efficiently. However, a clean and properly maintained filter improves airflow which contributes not only to system performance but also to your comfort. Dirt will reduce the life of your system.
3. Systematic maintenance corrects minor problems before they grow into costly emergencies, and extends the life of your system.
4. Many companies, like ours, offer priority service if you participate in their Maintenance Plans.
5. Also, most companies offer discounts on any repairs if you are on a Maintenance Plan with their company.

You should remember a Maintenance Plan is an annual agreement, and a Maintenance Membership is a one-time event for each time you authorize it.

So, how do you know whether I am are getting a good deal and a reputable contractor? Let’s look at pricing first. Many contractors will discount their plans throughout the year. However, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. When a contractor offers a rate like $29.95, you need to remember “buyer beware”. This level of pricing means you have a contractor that may purposely try to find a repair to increase the invoice even if it is not really needed. For example, they will add a pound or two of refrigerant to get the price up. Look for a price of around $75 to $90. You should be able to get complete service at a good value in that price range. Note, if you have multiple systems, and/or additional system features like humidifiers, air cleaners, and UV lights, the price will be greater based on the number of systems and the components that are included.

Look for a referral from a neighbor or friend. Ask them if they thought the contractor performed a detailed inspection of the unit. Ask them if they were charged any additional fees during the maintenance service. Did they leave a checklist of items performed? If they cut corners here, they have probably cut corners in their service.

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Want to maximize indoor air quality and reduce the indoor air pollutants in your home?

A high-efficiency air cleaner might help. You can eliminate as much as 99% of the pollen and spores that find their way into your home through your heating and cooling system. You can also eliminate a great deal of household dust, dirt, smoke, and other air pollutants in your HVAC system. Your indoor air will become cleaner and fresher while reducing the allergens and dust that circulate throughout your house.

If you use a whole-house humidifier, you can drastically reduce the annoying discomfort of dry indoor air. A good humidifier works to reduce itchy skin, scratchy throats, static electricity, and damage to your furnishings and woodwork.

One thing that most people don’t realize is this. Since humid air feels warmer than dry air, you do not have to set the thermostat as high to feel the comfort you want. A lower thermostat setting will reduce the costs of your energy bill.

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Contact our experts for more information about controlling the air quality inside of your home. Call us today to ask about our air filtration and humidity control systems.

The Department of Energy has the authority to develop minimum efficiency standards and can establish Regional Standards as a component of these regulatory changes. The northern states will be impacted by the changes that the DOE sets forth. In fact, the number of heating hours is more than doubled the cooling hours in this region.

Because of these standards, we recommend that you migrate your system to 90%-efficient furnaces. These furnaces are labeled as “condensing furnaces”. However, before you jump in and purchase a new condensing furnace, there are several items to consider before you replace your non-condensing furnace with the condensing type.

You should consider the following and how it may impact you:

1. Equipment Space Constraints –
   Can the new furnace fit in the old one’s spot? How big is the new furnace going to be?
2. Exhaust Venting Requirements –
   What all do you need to have to make the new one work? What’s the cost comparison?
3. Condensate Disposal –
   Do I have the means to eliminate the condensation produced by my new condensing furnace? Do I need to call my local HVAC expert for information?

The space requirements do vary with this equipment change but the real focus is on the exhaust venting requirements. These may be the most difficult to accommodate in your home or office. It is possible that you may need to give up living space or modifying ceilings and soffits in order to complete the installation of the new furnace.

These complications will need to be reviewed and may provide for additional costs than the single cost of the furnace. The good news is that your energy usage will be less! You may also consider a Hybrid option, which could save you additional operating costs depending on your utility rates for natural gas, propane, and electricity. In many areas, your Electric Utility or Co-op may have additional incentives or rebates available. Your heating and cooling professional can help you evaluate your alternatives to provide you the best option at the best value.

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