One of the most important parts of your HVAC system is the least expensive. Disposable filters make it easy and affordable to change your filters regularly. Bi-annual maintenance typically includes filter replacement, but changing your filters yourself quarterly or even monthly helps to keep more allergens out of the air and keeps your system running efficiently to prevent expensive AC repair in Burlington. For those who suffer from severe allergy symptoms, standard filters may not be enough. Some filters are designed to remove both higher quantities of particles and smaller particles from the air. Here’s how to determine what type of filter will work best in your home HVAC system.

The Pros and Cons of HEPA Filters

You may have heard of HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Arrestance) filters. They are used in HVAC systems, vacuum cleaners, air purifiers, and other appliances. HEPA filters are designed to remove the smallest particles from the air, including pollen, dust mites, and other allergens.

Pros:

• Remove more allergens
• Keep your indoor air cleaner
• Keep your HVAC system cleaner and running more efficiently

Cons:

• May restrict air flow
• Only compatible with certain types of HVAC systems
• Work better with commercial grade systems

It’s not wise to simply install a HEPA filter in your HVAC system without first doing some research. Not all residential central air systems are equipped to work with HEPA filters, which tend to restrict airflow because of the thicker filter material. Some systems, primarily commercial systems, are strong enough to maintain airflow with thicker filters, but many residential systems are not. Consult your HVAC maintenance provider before switching to a different type of filter.

Understanding MERV Rating

Filters are assigned a MERV (Minimum Efficient Reporting System) rating from 1 to 20. The higher the rating, the finer the particles that it will filter from the air. It is also safe to assume that the higher the MERV rating, the lower the airflow that can pass through, and therefore, the stronger the HVAC fan will need to be in order to draw in enough air to function properly. You may find that a basic non-HEPA filter with a moderate MERV rating of 10 or higher will be sufficient enough to achieve the level of clean indoor air you require. And it is more likely to be compatible with your current HVAC system.

Consult Alamance Oil for Anything from Filter Recommendations to AC Repair in Burlington

If you or someone in your household suffers from allergies or other respiratory illnesses, it may be worth your while to give extra consideration to the filters you use with your HVAC system. If you’re not sure what type would be best for your home and model, consult Alamance Oil, your top AC repair service in Burlington. Alamance Oil can evaluate your home and HVAC system in order to give the best recommendation for a filter. You can even order replacement filters through Alamance Oil, either directly from your technician or online. Call (336) 226-9371 to speak with an associate today.

You probably know some common simple ways to save energy in your home. You likely make a point to turn off the lights when you leave a room. But there are many other small steps you can take that will save you a lot of money on your energy bill. Many of these tips are related to your HVAC service in Greensboro. Give these tips a try this summer and see how much you can save.

• Keep Appliances Away from your Thermostat. Many different appliances generate quite a bit of heat. Your television, if placed near your thermostat, could cause your AC to run more often. If your thermostat is located in your kitchen, the heat generated by your stove, refrigerator, and other appliances could confuse it. Either move the thermostat or the appliances, whichever is easier.

• Set your Thermostat for 78° Fahrenheit. This has been determined to be the optimal temperature for comfort and energy-efficiency. The closer the indoor temperature is to the outdoor temperature, the less often your air conditioner has to run.

• Use Ceiling Fans and set your Thermostat Higher. You can still feel comfortable at a higher indoor temperature when you keep the air circulating with ceiling fans. The amount of electricity needed to keep a fan spinning is less than what your AC uses to create cool air. Just remember to turn the fan off when you leave the room. It only serves you well when the room is occupied.

• Schedule Regular HVAC Service in Greensboro. It goes by many names from preventative maintenance to an AC tune-up, but every year your air conditioner should be serviced. This typically entails cleaning, inspecting, lubricating, repairing, and general tweaking of your system to make sure it is running properly. A properly functioning air conditioner runs much more efficiently, which saves you money.

• Have your Ducts Cleaned and Inspected for Leaks. Regular HVAC maintenance does not typically include duct inspection and cleaning. There is a good chance that your system is losing efficiency due to clogged or leaky ductwork. If your AC has just created cool air, but it encounters hot air that has leaked into your ducts, the air coming out of your vents will not be as cool as it should be.
• Get a Programmable Thermostat. The newest technology in HVAC efficiency is programmable thermostats. These gadgets allow you to preprogram your desired indoor temperature for certain times of the day. You can set it to be higher while you’re out and cooler while you’re home. You can set it to be cooler or warmer at night, depending on your sleeping preferences. And some even allow you to program them remotely using a smartphone or other device.

Schedule a Tune Up and Duct Inspection with Berico

Be sure that your AC is working as efficiently as possible by scheduling regular HVAC service in Greensboro. Berico can perform routine maintenance, check your ducts for leaks, and install a programmable thermostat in an ideal location. Call (336) 273-8663 to make an appointment today.  

Older homes have a certain charm, a beauty that invokes a sense of nostalgia. Homes were once built with a level of personalized craftsmanship that is rarely displayed in newer homes. At the same time, older homes are often missing the modern conveniences homeowners have come to appreciate, such as central air conditioning. Installing a brand new AC system in an older home is possible, but it comes with its own set of challenges. If your home has an existing HVAC system, it may simply need a little tender loving care. Whether you need a full installation or AC repair in Reidsville, Carolina Fuels can handle the job.

Does the House have Existing Ductwork?

If there are ducts leading to each room of the home from either a forced air heater or an old air conditioning system, the project will be much easier. The most important thing to consider is that the existing ducts should be cleaned and inspected for leaks. If any leaks are found, they should be repaired if possible or the entire duct system should be replaced, especially before you consider installing a new air conditioning system. Faulty ductwork will drastically reduce the efficiency of your new AC and you’ll most likely find yourself repairing or replacing it. If your home does not have any ductwork, installation is possible, but it isn’t always an attractive option. Ducts installed against ceilings are difficult to disguise and may require ceilings to be lowered, which isn’t always ideal. It can take away from the overall aesthetic of the home and often make rooms feel smaller and cramped. Another less visible option is to install ducts in closets, but consider that you’ll lose valuable storage space, which older homes are often lacking by modern standards. If neither of these options sounds appealing to you, there’s still another viable avenue.

Ductless HVAC Systems are Flexible and Affordable

One of the best options for installing air conditioning in a home without ductwork is a ductless mini-split system. Mini-split refers to the fact that the system is basically split between a small outdoor unit and an individual wall-mounted unit in each room. Most older homes already have some type of heating system, whether it’s a radiator, furnace, boiler, or other type. Air conditioning can be added to it with a mini-split ductless system. The best part is that the wall-mounted unit is the only part that needs to be installed inside the home. You save a lot of space by opting out of ductwork that can be intrusive and bulky. Another major advantage is that you can achieve zone cooling inside your home, meaning the temperature in each room can be set according to personal preferences.

AC Repair in Reidsville Can Restore an Old System to Like-New Condition

If you are moving into an older home that has an existing air conditioning system, it is wise to have it thoroughly inspected and any issues repaired. An old system may not have to be replaced, it may simply need restoration. While newer systems tend to be more efficient, the real key to efficiency is a well-maintained air conditioner. For a maintenance plan or a free quote on AC repair in Reidsville or installation of a new air conditioning system in an older home, call Carolina Fuels: (336) 623-9741.

Indoor plants bring the beauty of nature into your home. They are pleasing to the eye and make wonderful décor. But they offer another benefit that is invisible to the eye. Plants are natural air purifiers. They absorb air pollutants and release fresh air into the atmosphere. While houseplants can help to keep your indoor air clean, they are no replacement for regular maintenance and filter changes to avoid breakdowns and expensive AC repair in Greensboro.

How Do Plants Purify the Air in your Home?

The leaves of plants are naturally porous. The pours are designed to absorb gases, allowing photosynthesis to take place. Flashback to your middle school science class and you may remember that photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight and carbon dioxide into energy. The byproduct of this process is oxygen, which the plant releases into the atmosphere. Therefore, your houseplants are taking the carbon dioxide out of the air and adding oxygen to the air, creating fresh new air in your home constantly.

Houseplants Remove Toxins from the Air

Besides just carbon dioxide, plants remove all sorts of hazardous gases from the air. Some of the most harmful chemicals in the air are called VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). VOCs, like Benzene, are found in fabric, plastic, paint, cigarette smoke, and some pesticides. If you’ve recently purchased new carpet or had remodeling done, you might experience headaches or dizziness from the fumes these products exude. Formaldehyde is another VOC found in some cleaners, soaps, and cosmetics. Your houseplants can remove these chemicals from the air, making your inside air much healthier.

Why is Indoor Air Quality so Important?

Air pollutants cause a number of health issues from mild conditions like allergies and asthma to more serious health problems like pneumonia and emphysema. You may not even be aware that your indoor air is polluted, as the symptoms can come on gradually and some health issues don’t manifest until many years after exposure.

What Are the Best Houseplants for Better Air Quality?

• Peace lily
• Rubber plant
• Boston fern
• Parlor palm
• Sanseveria
• Spider plant
• English Ivy
• Aloe Vera (also has healing properties)
• Gerbera Daisy (bright colored flowers)

The Added Benefit of an Air Purification System

If pure indoor air is a high priority for you, consider installing an air purification system. Many products are designed to work with your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system to filter more toxins from the air than your regular intake vent filters do. Some air purification systems are designed to create new clean air, much like plants do. Contact Berico, the premier company for AC repair in Greensboro, to ask about air purification products.

Berico is the Choice for General HVAC Maintenance and AC Repair in Greensboro

A properly functioning HVAC system is an important element of keeping indoor air clean. Replacing your filters regularly keeps dust and other particles out of your system. Regular maintenance includes filter replacement as well as system cleaning that removes other dirt and debris before the air comes out of your vents. It also ensures that your air conditioner and furnace are operating and venting properly. Call Berico to schedule an AC tune-up and filter change to keep your indoor air pure and clean: (336) 273-8663.

Because most newer homes have pretty standard HVAC systems installed, the average homeowner may think they know all there is to know about using one. However, there are a lot of myths floating around about heating and cooling systems that need to be busted once and for all. Alamance Oil wants you to know the truth so you can avoid expensive AC repair for your Burlington home. 

Myth 1: You Only Need to Change your Filters Once a Year. 

How often do you change your HVAC filters? Every year as part of your spring cleaning regimen? If that’s the only time you replace your old dusty filters, you could be causing unnecessary harm to your central air system. Clogged filters don’t allow the intake vents to pull in the air your HVAC system needs in order to operate properly. Dirty filters will also let extra dirt and dust get into your system which lowers its efficiency. Changing your filters twice a year is good, changing them quarterly is better, and changing them monthly is best.  

Myth 2: An Energy Efficient HVAC System Automatically Saves you Money.  

False. An energy efficient system will maximize energy usage, meaning your energy bills should be lower, right? Not necessarily. Other factors affect your energy bills such as insulation and other sources of energy usage in the home. It is also important to select the right size HVAC system for your home. Always consult a reliable company that offers services such as AC repair, maintenance, and replacement, to recommend the best system for your home.  

Myth 3: Closing the Vents in Unused Rooms Saves Energy. 

This is one of the most harmful myths about HVAC systems. Closing vents in certain rooms will not save energy. In fact it will cause problems with your system by causing the air pressure to become unbalanced. Your AC will struggle to keep proper airflow throughout your home and the system itself and could even cause leaks in the ductwork.  

Myth 4: HVAC Maintenance is a Scam.  

Wrong. The truth is, HVAC companies make more money off of customers who call for emergency repairs or those who need their systems replaced more often because of lack of maintenance. By paying a minimal yearly fee for a maintenance agreement with your HVAC company you avoid emergency repairs, save on your monthly energy bill, and get many more good years out of your heating and cooling system.  

Save Money by Avoiding Extensive AC Repair in Burlington 

Now that you know the truth about some of the most common HVAC myths, you can avoid pitfalls, save money, and stay comfortable in your home. Alamance Oil offers a Comfort and Protection Service Plan for twice-yearly AC repair in Burlington to keep your system running efficiently. Call (336) 226-9371.