Category Archives: Consumer Advice

Air Conditioners In NYC & Preventive Maintenance

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Preventive maintenance can extend the life of Air Conditioners NYC. This is because you can prevent potential breakdowns simply by detecting small problems before they can become big ones. At the same time, regular tune-ups assure that your unit is running at its most efficient best. It is not unrealistic to compare regular HVAC NYC maintenance with changing the oil you your vehicle. Just by spending $30 to $40 dollars to have the fluids checked and the oil changed, you can save several thousand dollars in expensive repairs when your engine seizes up.

It is a real bargain, when you think about it, having regular Air Conditioners NYC maintenance performed on your heating and air conditioning unit. A poorly maintained unit will quickly degenerate and require much more than simple maintenance. When you consider the expense of completely replacing the unit, or even just having the compressor and other components replaced, regular maintenance does save a lot of money for any homeowner.

The simplicity with which you can have regular HVAC NYC maintenance done makes it easy to decide that this is something that should be part of normal home ownership. Just by scheduling preventive maintenance with your Air Conditioners NYC service provider, you will be able to get the maintenance done at critical times of the year. Most people schedule routine maintenance during the spring of fall so that their units will be ready to work efficiently during times when they are being used the most.

Being proactive with maintenance on your air conditioning system reduces the chances that you will have to deal with costly repairs. Those times when you need your unit to be working well are the times when they are most likely to break down if they are not maintained properly. No one wants to have to endure the discomfort of cold winter nights without heating or hot summer days without cooling, but that can happen when your home comfort system is not well cared for.

Anyone wishing to reduce their carbon footprint on the earth should always consider having regular maintenance completed on their home comfort system. The HVAC system is one of the largest consumers of energy in the home, and by keeping it maintained properly it will be working at peak efficiency. This not only saves money, but it also reduces the amount of energy that is used. It is possible to reduce energy bills by more than 10% every year just by having regularly scheduled maintenance done. This is a win, win situation for everyone involved.

Air Conditioner NYC service providers typically offer preventive maintenance plans to anyone who wishes to take advantage of them. These plans offer seasonal tune-ups and discounts on any needed repairs. Customers get preferential treatment and 24-hour emergency service is typically included with purchased plans. In most cases, for about the cost of a daily cup of coffee you can get the assurance that someone will be taking care of your HVAC NYC unit and you can sit back and enjoy a comfortable climate inside your home no matter what time of year.

This article was written by Jeff Lafferty and provided exclusively to the website you are viewing it from. Mr Lafferty is a HVAC expert and frequently writes about installation and maintenance of air conditioners in NYC.

A Man For All Seasons

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I am not stupid. I know that the hotter I heat my home the more it is costing me. I have insulated so what is the problem. The problem is that whatever the time of the year I always try and maintain the same temperature. Chilly summer nights are hot. Cold winter nights are hot. Fresh spring mornings are hot.

I hadn’t actually thought about it. But I am doing my best to get rid of seasons in my home. I made a decision recently. I am going to regulate my inside temperature better based on the outside temperature. When it is hot outside I am going to leave the heating off in the evenings. It doesn’t get cold just cool. I am going to become a man for all seasons rather than the man creating a tropical season.

Making a Difference

It is going to save me money, save energy, and perhaps even make a difference to the way I experience life. I am not normally feng shui or mind & body type in my outlook but I reckon it might actually make a difference if I am more connected to the World outside instead of cocooning myself.

Here are some tips I read that will save energy and help you control your home environment.

Summer Savings

Set your thermostat in summer between 78 to 82 degrees, depending on your comfort level. Air conditioning removes humidity as its first step, so warm air at a lower humidity will still feel comfortable for summer activities.  If the thermostat is set too low, your air conditioner will run continuously, wasting energy, or it will short cycle (turn on and off too quickly), wearing down your unit mechanically. If the temperature is set too high, the unit will run too long trying to catch up with the ‘slingshot’ effect of too much heat in summer air.

In hot climates it is important to be sure to have an air conditioning mechanic check your machine at the season’s start, The mechanic can make sure it is in efficient working order, check for wear and tear, for any coolant leaks, and make sure the coils are clean for the best heat transfer.  These simple steps can add years to your air conditioner’s life and add comfort with savings to yours.

Winter Savings

On the other end of the temperature spectrum, winter heating bills can run into hundreds of pounds. Having a mechanic check your furnace at the start of winter will greatly enhance your energy savings and ensure safe operation with peace of mind for a long winter’s nap.

Everyone knows that turning down the thermostat during winter will save energy.  So when you are home, set your thermostat as low as possible yet still at a comfortable(ish) temperature. Replace standard thermostats with programmable ones that will automatically adjust the heat according to your needs and occupancy. *Turning your thermostat back 10° to 15° for eight hours saves approximately 10% a year on heating bills.*

Check Your Bills

Check with your local utility company for their best payment plans throughout the year.  Many offices offer Level Pay, where based upon a year’s history of energy usage, your bill can be leveled out to a standard fee that will not fluctuate each month.  This will allow you to budget as needed for each season’s bills.

What does everyone else do – Consistent temperature or a bit of variety?

Phil Turner looks forward to the day he is offered a smart meter. He has read about their advantages on pages like http://www.uswitch.com/gas-electricity/guides/smart-meters-explained/ and can’t wait for the day it is installed.

Keeping It Cool in Wisconsin

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Air ConditionerAlthough summer has just begun, it’s beyond hot all across the United States. Some areas are even hitting the triple digits as we speak. Can you say unbearable? If you’re like me, you can’t live without your air conditioner in weather like this. If you’re in that state of Wisconsin what do you do if your AC breaks down in the middle of a heat wave? Do you panic? Do you move to the supermarket? Spend your days at the library sucking up the free cool air? The best things to do is stay at home and call a Wisconsin AC installer to either come out and repair or replace your fussy unit. But, how can you be sure you’re getting what you pay for? The Wisconsin Better Business Bureau has released some tips on how to make sure you don’t get burned by your AC repair/installation company.

Apparently over the last 12 months alone the Wisconsin BBB has received almost 100 complaints against air conditioning companies. So before you bring a repairman into your home make sure you carefully research contractors. The biggest complaint of consumers has been that the contractors they’ve hired weren’t on time or were hard to get a hold of. I guess there are some baddies out there that don’t like to respond to phone messages. There were also a fair number of complaints that even after the contractor came to their home and supposedly fixed the problems, issues remained. But, the most frustrating seems to be that there are companies out there that do not honor their warranty.

Finding a Reliable AC Installer

The BBB of any state is a really good place to start when looking for and AC contractor. Taking the time out to arm yourself with knowledge before hiring a company can save you a lot of needless grief in the long run. Most specifically, the Wisconsin BBB recommends you start by checking out the company’s background and licensing. It’s smart to learn a company’s history and reputation before you hire them. And, make sure the company you are thinking about hiring is licensed.

Comparing prices and service packages can save you a lot of money in the long run. The Wisconsin BBB recommends you get at least three different estimates. The BBB can put you in direct contact with an accredited Wisconsin AC installer. All estimates, if presented properly, should be in writing and provide a full description of charges and services along with a list of materials that will need to be used.

Make sure you review the warranty coverage. If any company you contact does not provide a warranty of their work, pass on them. If you don’t understand any of the terms and conditions make sure you ask questions so that you can avoid confusion down the road should you need to take advantage of the warranty. The best warranty will include coverage of any repair or replacement work that may have to be done.

Go Green

And ask about energy efficiency. In today’s world it’s important to think of the environment. Every person should do their part by trying to conserve as much energy as they can. In some instances, energy efficient units may give you a tax break too. If the unit you purchased falls into that category make sure the contractor who installs it gives you the necessary paperwork so you can cash in on the benefit.

It’s hard to keep your cool in the summer months. It’s even harder when your AC is on the fritz. Make sure you find the right contractor to bring that temperature down to normal.

Stephen Craig is a part of an elite team of writers who have contributed to hundreds of blogs and news sites. Follow him @SCraigSEO.

Keep Cool This Summer Without Breaking the Bank

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Keep Cool This SummerKeeping your home cool during the hot summer months can be costly. Prolonged heat waves often mean running the air conditioner for weeks on end, resulting in massive utility bills. Follow these energy saving tips to lessen the sticker shock of your summer cooling costs.

Lighten your electrical load.

Keep an eye on the forecast and plan to turn off the air conditioner when temperatures drop at night. Take advantage of breezes — especially cross-breezes — and use a combination of box, ceiling and tall oscillating fans for maximum air flow.

Unless you have pets and are unable to keep windows open, consider turning off your air conditioning when you leave for work. Your air conditioning unit actually runs more efficiently and does a better job of dehumidifying the house when running at full speed.

Turn off lights and keep curtains closed during the day. Lights generate heat, diminishing the cooling effect produced by your air conditioning unit. Unplug TVs, gaming systems and other electrical devices when not in use since these items use energy even when turned off.

Use your power wisely.

Many power companies calculate utility bills based on usage times. People use less energy on average at certain times of the day, so it may cost less to operate electrical appliances during those hours.

When possible, save chores like laundry and running the dishwasher for off-peak hours. Call your electrical supply company for more information or look up local off-peak times online.

Maximize your energy savings with government incentives.

If you plan on making home improvements to boost energy efficiency, take advantage of the Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit available from now to December 31st, 2012. This federal tax credit provides taxpayers with a credit totaling 30 percent of the cost of installing a solar energy system, geothermal heat pump, wind turbine or fuel cell at a qualifying property.

Visit the official IRS website to find out if your property qualifies. Check the product packaging or the company’s website for the manufacturer’s tax credit certification statement to ensure that your energy efficiency-boosting product meets tax credit eligibility standards as well.

Try these efficient energy saving tips to keep your utility bills from short-circuiting your summer fun. From installing energy-monitoring devices to air-drying clothes to deciding what you want before opening the refrigerator door, lower electricity bills are within reach.

Mindful use of appliances and devices, as well as simple changes to the way you operate your air conditioning system, goes a long way toward conserving energy and trimming your household budget.

Jillian Johnson is a professional content writer who writes blogs concentrating on various topics, offering advice and tips. Follow her @JillianLJ87.