As spring settles in and the temperatures start rising around Charlottesville and Albemarle County, it’s time to give your HVAC system some much-needed attention. HVAC maintenance in spring is not just a routine task; it’s an essential step towards ensuring the efficiency and longevity of your system. Regular maintenance of your HVAC system can save… Read more »
HVAC
Prepare Your Home for a Power Outage
It’s December in Central Virginia, and we’ve been spared any severe winter weather so far this season. However, with a snowy and colder winter in Virginia predicted by The Old Farmer’s Almanac and AccuWeather, now is the time to ensure your household will be prepared for a power outage. As you may have experienced in… Read more »
Prepare for the Cold with These Fall and Winter Heating Tips
Getting your heating system ready for fall and winter weather should greatly concern you as a homeowner. The heating system is the lifeblood of the home during the colder months of the year, and the cost of heating your home during this time is probably one of your biggest upcoming expenses. These fall and winter… Read more »
What’s the Difference Between a Boiler and a Furnace?
Most homes are heated by a boiler or furnace. In Charlottesville, Virginia, heating accounts for nearly half of your family’s residential energy cost, so it’s important to determine which heating option to choose: a boiler or a furnace. Aren’t Boilers and Furnaces Similar? Boilers and furnaces are heating systems. Both appliances generate heat in a… Read more »
Extend the Life of Your HVAC system
One of the most important steps you can take to extend the life of your air conditioner, heat pump, and HVAC system is to schedule regular maintenance appointments with a qualified technician. This allows for timely inspections, cleaning, and adjustments. This proactive approach helps identify potential issues early on and ensures that your system operates… Read more »
Should I Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner?
“Summertime, and the living’s easy” — except when your air conditioner unit begins to malfunction. The heat begins to creep inside, and the discomfort settles in. You might think, “Should I repair my air conditioner? Or should I replace my air conditioner?” The answer depends on a few factors. We broke down the most common… Read more »
How to Choose a Programmable Thermostat
Choosing a programmable thermostat can reduce your heating and cooling costs by almost 10 percent a year, Energy Star says. Summer days in Charlottesville get hot. But you can enjoy returning home to a delightfully cool home after work without spending money to run your air conditioner all day. A programmable thermostat lets you schedule… Read more »
The Best and Worst Times for an AC Tune-Up
Temperatures are climbing in Charlottesville, and we’re anticipating another hot and humid summer. So, when is the best time to schedule a routine AC tune-up? Wait. Do I need an AC tune-up? What’s the best time to schedule an AC tune-up? What’s the worst time to schedule an AC tune-up? What should I expect with… Read more »
Air Duct Leaks Are Expensive
How Expensive Are Air Duct Leaks? You could be wasting 20% of the cost to heat or cool your home! That’s what an air duct leak can do to your power bill, according to Energy Star. Are Air Duct Leaks Costing You Money? Where Do Duct Leaks Usually Occur? Can Duct Tape Fix a Leak?… Read more »
Asbestos and Your HVAC System: Everything You Need to Know
The thought of asbestos in your HVAC system is a frightening one. Do you wonder if you might be at risk? If your home was built before 2004, it’s likely that it has at least some products containing asbestos. Asbestos is a white, fibrous mineral that was used regularly in many products — from cement… Read more »