Air conditioning is like a friend to many of us. Summertime heat waves so often feel like tidal waves crashing at our front steps that we’ll do just about anything to keep them from getting in. Usually we rely on air conditioning to do the trick, and it works hard, pumping cool air constantly until it finds the comfort zone. Yet, in a way, air conditioners are like people; when they work that hard all the time they get worn down, they don’t work as well and they need a little TLC at the end of the day. Keeping your air conditioner healthy keeps your air healthy, your spirits high, and your energy bills low. Here are some tips for a healthy AC system: (more…)

With the 4^th of July holiday now behind us, we’re beginning to settle into the long, hot days of summer. Many of us are desperately looking for solutions to our discomfort in the relentless heat. With rising energy costs to consider, which are more cost-effective and efficient: window ACs or central units?

The initial cost to install a central unit is significantly more expensive than a window unit. Although each area varies, it can cost up to $6000 to install a central HVAC system. Because it must cool the whole house at one time, a central unit has to work harder and will consume more energy. The pros are that the whole house will be comfortable for you instead of just one room, and you don’t have the eye-sore of a window unit. (more…)

We’ve established before how important ventilation is throughout the home. Just as you need to keep air flowing throughout the house, you also need to keep air flowing to and from appliances. In order to keep appliances running efficiently, vents will need to be cleaned, maintained, and updated if necessary.

Dryer Vents

Dryer vents are critical because an unclean, clogged vent will release lint and dust into the air and, aside from creating a mess over time, can cause respiratory problems for you and your family. Vents should be checked regularly and changed when necessary. It is not too difficult to tell when the vent is clogged or inefficient because the laundry room air will get noticeably humid and even taste stale or starchy. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) highly recommends that homeowners with plastic dryer vents upgrade to metal vents due to the high flammability of plastic. You can purchase vent upgrade kits to do the project yourself. Just note that different brand dryers have different vents and require different parts, so buy a kit that fits your Maytag, Amana, or whichever brand. (more…)