How a Backup Generator Works

September 15, 2022

A backup generator provides you with peace of mind when the power goes out. You can keep food from spoiling, prevent pipes from freezing, keep some lights on and more when you have a backup generator. But how do they work? What is a Backup Generator? You use a backup generator when your home loses power. When it’s equipped with an appropriate switching device, it will start instantly during a power outage. Fuel options include natural gas, diesel or propane. You can choose how big of a backup generator you want. You can purchase one that supplies enough electricity to power your HVAC system, refrigerator and lights. There are backup generators that supply enough power for your entire home. It all depends on how much you’re willing to spend. A backup generator has two main components: the internal mechanisms and a transfer switch. Internal Mechanisms We can install a backup generator in a convenient spot in your yard. The housing encloses an engine, alternator, rotor and control center. The machine provides electricity to your home when the power goes out. An installed generator is more powerful, safer, longer lasting and quieter than a portable generator. Transfer Switch The other main...

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Can HVAC System Upgrades Increase My Home’s Resale Value?

August 10, 2022

It’s always important to consider resale value when you make home improvements, and you should strive to get as much “bang for your buck” as possible. You can usually recoup your investment in kitchen and bathroom upgrades, but they come with a hefty up-front price tag. On the other hand, you can also significantly improve your home’s resale value by replacing or upgrading your HVAC system. An upgraded heating and air conditioning system also offers increased comfort for you and your family and immediate energy savings. Here are a few affordable HVAC upgrades that can increase the resale value of your home. Air Filtration System Improving your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ) offers several important benefits. If you or anyone in your home suffers from asthma or other respiratory problems, you already understand the importance of filtering out pollen, allergens, pet dander, and other irritants from the air. Mold and mildew can also make healthy people just as sick. An energy recovery ventilator (ERV) connects to your home ventilation system to pump out stale and stagnant air from inside the house and draw in clean air from outdoors. In addition to improving your air quality, an ERV can also improve...

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3 Tips for When Your AC Unit Freezes

July 20, 2022

Your AC unit is crucial to your home’s heating and cooling system. When it malfunctions or freezes up, the house can quickly be stiflingly hot. 1. Turn off the Air Conditioning Unit The first thing you do when an AC unit freezes up is turn off the air conditioning to stop the freezing from doing more damage. Check for the blower’s efficiency before turning it on. A damaged blower could be the reason it froze. This is because it’s responsible for blowing air over the coils. If it is damaged, it won’t be able to perform its task, and thus the coils will lack sufficient airflow. If the blower is okay, you can turn it on, but it will have to be replaced if damaged. 2. Thaw the Ice Turn on the blower and then open the windows for better ventilation. Try to use a fan to help ventilate the room. As warm air is blown over the coils, the ice melts. It may take hours to be done. 3. Dry and Clean the Coils After the ice has fully thawed, the coils will be left wet and need to be dried. This is to prevent the coils from freezing...

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How Long Does Your Landlord Have to Fix Your Air Conditioning?

June 16, 2022

North Carolina is a state known for beachside activities and afternoons spent swimming in the pool or ocean. However, at the end of a long and hot day, you want to head back to your air-conditioned apartment. Upon returning home, though, you realize that the air conditioning unit isn’t functioning, and you want to know how long your landlord has to make the repairs. The Basics If your landlord has provided air conditioning in your apartment, this individual is then required to make any necessary repairs. You will need to give your landlord a letter indicating that the air conditioner needs to be repaired. Deliver the letter to your landlord by hand to ensure they received it. In this letter, make sure to indicate what the problem is and the fact that the lack of air conditioning is detrimental to you. The Questions While your landlord is required to make the repairs, North Carolina law does not stipulate a period of time in which the repairs must be made. The repairs are supposed to be made within a reasonable period of time, but this definition is arbitrary. If your landlord is not responding to your request, you may then need...

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Steps on How to Clean a Window AC Unit

May 16, 2022

Summer means hot, sticky weather and many will turn on the AC. If you have a window AC unit, it’s important to keep it clean so that it runs efficiently and doesn’t break down. serving the residents of Mount Airy and surrounding areas has outlined a procedure on how to clean your window AC unit in just a few easy steps. Steps on How to Clean an AC Window Unit First, you will need to gather a few supplies. You will need a bucket, some soap, and a sponge. You will also need a ladder if your AC unit is high up. Next, you will need to turn off your AC unit and unplug it from the outlet. Be sure to do this before you start cleaning. Now, you can begin washing the outside of the unit. Use your soap and sponge to clean the unit, being careful not to get too close to the fan. Once you have cleaned the outside, you can move on to cleaning the inside. To clean the inside of your AC unit, you will need to remove the filter. Most filters can be removed by simply pulling them out. Once you have removed the...

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Are Window Units Less Expensive Than an HVAC System?

April 14, 2022

Keeping your home cool during the summer can skyrocket your utility bills. You may be considering updating your home with an HVAC system or window units. Here’s what you need to know to keep your air conditioning costs down this summer. Window Units Window AC units can be easily installed in any room of the house and are generally inexpensive. They’re much cheaper than installing an HVAC system in your home. These portable units are perfect for families living in rented houses or apartment buildings. Put units in essential areas like your bedroom or living room to maximize your family’s comfort and save money. While window units are the least expensive option, they also come with a few downsides. Window units aren’t able to thoroughly filter your air and remove contaminants and pollutants. You’ll also struggle with hot spots, which can restrict you and your family to certain areas in the home. An HVAC system Central air conditioning is the more expensive option that’s installed within your existing HVAC system. This form of air conditioning is efficient and cools the entire home during the summer. You’ll be able to maintain more consistent temperatures throughout the home without worrying about hot...

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Do Leaky Windows Affect Your Heating System?

March 18, 2022

Leaky windows are one of the biggest culprits behind heat loss in a home. They cause more expensive energy bills because your heating system has to operate more to maintain your ideal temperature. You could reduce your energy bills by fixing your leaky windows. Heat Loss Through Windows Leaky windows can account for up to 30% of your heating bill. Two-thirds of the heat loss through windows occurs when your home’s heat comes into contact with the glass. This is why having quality windows is important. Single-paned windows are especially leaky. Double-paned windows are more efficient than single-paned windows, but as they age, they gradually lose efficiency. If you have old double-paned windows, you may want to replace them to save on your home’s energy consumption. The remaining one-third of energy loss through windows comes from leaks in the seals and frames. Benefits of Quality Windows Once you have quality windows installed, your heating system can operate at its peak efficiency. It won’t have to work as hard to keep your home warm. The lifespan of your unit may also be extended because it will go through slower wear and tear. How to Find Air Leaks You can find air...

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Comparing Air Purifiers and Dehumidifiers

February 15, 2022

Air purifiers and dehumidifiers are both devices designed to help you breathe easier, but they accomplish it in very different ways. Some people mistakenly believe the two are interchangeable, but the difference between them is in the details. Before purchasing one or the other, make sure you understand how each of them works and what benefits they offer. Air Purifiers An air purifier works by circulating your home’s air through filters to improve its quality. Pollutants and irritants like dust, pollen, smoke, and pet dander get trapped in those filters, making your breathing air far cleaner and healthier. These devices utilize HEPA filters, which are made up of thousands of tiny, interwoven fibers and can trap up to 99.7% of the airborne contaminants in your household. Certain purifiers also come equipped with activated carbon filters, which allow them to also remove mold and mildew smells from your air. Air purifiers are extremely helpful for people suffering from allergies or asthma. Even without those health issues, installing one should make your indoor air smoother and more comfortable to breathe. Dehumidifiers Instead of circulating air through filters, dehumidifiers work by removing excess moisture from the air. They accomplish this by sucking that...

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How to Tell if Your Ductwork Is Damaged

January 11, 2022

When it comes to proper HVAC operation, most people focus on the mechanical components that make up their system. One of the most important components of your system, though, is the ductwork, and this component can have issues just like the other components. If your Mount Airy home seems uncomfortable, recommends looking for any of the following signs that your ductwork might need to be repaired or replaced. Temperature Differences Between Rooms If you notice wide temperature differences between various rooms in your home, it could be a sign that your ductwork is damaged. Large gaps and cracks in your ductwork can allow conditioned air to leave the ducts before it arrives at its intended destination. This means that rooms located before the gaps and cracks might be comfortable, while the rooms further down the line aren’t very pleasant at all. Noisy System A noisy HVAC system can be an annoying problem to have. While strange noises could be caused by clunky mechanical components, they could also occur because of ductwork damage. Damaged ducts can prevent air from flowing through the ducts properly, increasing the pressure in the ducts to the point that they creak and pop when your system...

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Furnace Heat Exchangers: What They Are and How They Work

December 20, 2021

Your furnace has a heat exchanger inside it. It’s the most critical component in your furnace and is often referred to as its heart. But what is it and how does it work? What Is a Heat Exchanger? A heat exchanger is a furnace component that’s made of metal shells and tubes. When your furnace turns on, gas is combusted to produce heat. The resulting flue gas enters the heat exchanger and warms it. The heat is transferred to the air passing over it, and that is then blown throughout your home by the furnace fan. The heater exchanger separates flue gas from the warm air it produces. The flue gas is vented outdoors, as it’s dangerous to breathe. Primary and Secondary Heat Exchangers All gas furnaces have a primary heat exchanger. High-efficiency furnaces have a secondary heat exchanger as well. This allows them to extract more heat from the flue gas than just a primary heat exchanger can. High-efficiency furnaces are those rated as 90% efficiency or more. Health Risks Heat exchangers can become cracked and deteriorate. When this happens, flue gas can enter the warmed air that is blown into your home. The flue gas contains carbon monoxide...

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