Heating & Air Conditioning

If you’re looking for an HVAC company in New York to restore your home comfort and deliver lasting peace of mind, then it pays to hire the right professionals for the job. Innovative Air offers high-quality results across Westchester County, and our team is here to show you that we are qualified for the job.

In order to benefit from the best results in the industry, you can take a few steps to ensure that you are hiring the right heating and cooling contractor for the job.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

The best place to start is with the coverage offered by your HVAC company. Be sure to check for proper licensing and insurance, at least enough to meet state regulations. Hiring a contractor without the proper insurance can leave you and your property at risk if something happens. The same can be true if your heating and cooling technician suffers an injury while on your property. Do some research to verify insurance and license coverage!

MAKE A LIST

Before you call, it’s helpful to compile a list of your concerns (and any helpful information) to ensure that your HVAC professional can provide the appropriate services. Some outfits may specialize in furnace repairs, yet fail to provide needed plumbing services needed, such as water heaters. You can also check to ensure that your contractor offers repairs for your specific make and model.

REQUEST REFERRALS AND REFERENCES

Word of mouth is still one of the best ways to find a local professional rated to get the job done and provide lasting satisfaction. You can ask friends, coworkers, relatives, and other individuals for referrals to any companies that did a good job in the recent past.

Once you contact your potential HVAC company, be sure to ask for some references to check with past clients. Be sure to inquire about performances, types of projects completed, and more to get a good picture of their skills and how they will apply to your home or business needs.

PERFORM A FULL INSPECTION

Your chosen HVAC contractor should provide a comprehensive evaluation of your home or business and provide a clear picture of what is needed. Keep in mind that bigger isn’t always better, especially when it comes to heating and cooling systems. Your technician should have the skills to assess air flow and overall comfort.

CHECK FOR PROMOTIONS

Special promotions and coupons can help to make the cost of installing a new furnace or air conditioner much more affordable. Check with your chosen company for current promotions, and also inquire about any available rebates related to ENERGY STAR-qualified equipment.

If you’re ready, feel free to check our coupons and promotions to see how much you can save.

ASK ABOUT ENERGY STAR PRODUCTS

Any heating and cooling equipment which meets the strict domestic guidelines put forth by the EPA can qualify for serious reductions in your energy costs. In addition to the rebates associated with ENERGY STAR-rated products, your contractor should be able to calculate your long-term savings on heating and cooling costs. This can help you justify making an investment if new equipment is needed!

REQUEST A COMPLETE ESTIMATE

An itemized list of all of the services and costs should be included in your contractor’s work bid. If you want to make multiple requests, this is an ideal time to compare the costs and coverage of each HVAC company. Keep in mind that the lowest cost isn’t always the best choice, especially if your equipment does not provide budget-friendly results!

SIGN A PROPOSAL TO GET STARTED

Upon receiving a written proposal, you have the ability to sign it to lock in the rates discussed and the services offered. This document should also include a clear calendar of your work dates, as well as the equipment being used and any add-on charges.

CALL TODAY

Innovative Air in Mount Vernon is your trusted, reliable HVAC company, as well as your local plumbers and insulation experts. You can browse our site to learn more, and be sure to check out our Comfort Club to see how joining with us can provide serious savings and advantages.

Ready to get started? Contact us online today, and be sure to follow this list to see how we stack up to the competition!

Owning a home comes with responsibility and a long list of tasks to maintain that home. When it comes to heating and cooling services, it’s never a good idea to cut corners. Whether you think you’re capable of doing it yourself or you’ve found someone with less experience and credentials to hire, think twice. In this article, we go over six reasons you should always choose a licensed HVAC contractor to work on your heating and cooling equipment.

1. LICENSED CONTRACTORS ARE EXPERIENCED

When you are considering someone for a home project, it is always best to go with professionals. A licensed HVAC contractor will possess the experience necessary to complete a job the first time. They are aware of the rules necessary to renew and keep their license. They also acquire the professionalism required for working in someone’s home. They have gone through training and years of on-the-job situations that an unlicensed contractor probably has not, hence being unlicensed.

2. LICENSED CONTRACTORS ARE INSURED

A licensed HVAC contractor not only carries workers’ compensation insurance to protect themselves as a person, but they’re also bonded and insured to protect the equipment that they work on. For example, your technician is working on your air conditioner, getting things ready for spring, and over the course of the job something gets damaged. An uninsured worker can leave your home and not be responsible, while a licensed worker can’t and won’t, since any damage done is fully covered. This maintains their reputation of being professional and reliable, while also getting the work done.

3. LICENSED CONTRACTORS KNOW BUILDING CODES AND REGULATIONS

Whoever you hire to work on your home, you want them to be educated and up to date with their training. They’ll be aware of any and all laws, regulations, and building codes so that all steps are taken to complete a job successfully. This knowledge helps keep you both physically and legally safe as a homeowner. In the short term, you probably won’t notice that things weren’t done according to code if you hire someone who is not licensed. If you ever want to sell your home, however, everything will be inspected and anything not up to code will become an issue. This can be avoided altogether by hiring someone who is covered by their license.

4. KEEPS YOUR WARRANTY IN TACT

Paying for repairs and maintenance work completely out of pocket can be expensive, especially if you have an older system that needs more frequent maintenance. The warranties on your furnace and air conditioner help pay for much of these costs, making them important to keep intact. Having an unlicensed professional or yourself do work on these systems voids most warranties and can even cause your equipment to be red-tagged if things weren’t done properly.

5. QUALITY PARTS FROM THE MANUFACTURER

Using only manufacturer parts made for your specific make and model is an important but simple way to get the most from your HVAC system. Unlicensed contractors might purchase aftermarket parts or even used systems, or you may be completely unaware of where they get their parts. Licensed HVAC contractors typically get everything straight from the manufacturer, with proof through a receipt or invoice. This ensures the quality of both parts and contractors.

6. PEACE OF MIND

A priceless benefit that is often overlooked is the peace of mind you get hiring a licensed HVAC contractor. Hiring a licensed team of professionals takes the worry out of the situation. You’ll know your warranty is still intact, your equipment will run safely and with the proper parts, and you have someone knowledgeable to answer any questions you may have. This may not save money immediately, but definitely in the long run.

Whatever your HVAC needs may be, Steinheatingandcooling.com is here for you. With experienced, highly trained technicians, you can count on our range of heating, cooling, and indoor air quality service options. From repairs and installations to maintenance work that keeps your equipment running well, we’re the experts to tackle the job. We understand the need for quality air equipment and even offer financing on approved credit. You have the option to book a service online, or you can give us a call today and schedule your spring tune-up!

Soon summer will be in full swing and we’re extremely excited by the coming of the hot season. But sometimes, the heat might be too much, and that’s why your air conditioning system should be set ready for the season. Although many people know the most obvious benefit of the AC unit, and that’s the ability to cool their home, there are many other reasons why you should have an air conditioning system. Here are the benefits of good air conditioning no one have ever told you:

1. Cooler tempers
These are the main air conditioning benefits that most people know about air conditioning systems. It has the ability to control the indoor climate in order to provide cool air. This is a valuable function, especially in hot seasons where temperatures will rise. With the rate of humidity rising, having a good air conditioner is just an overturn switch giving a comfortable, peaceful and enjoyable environment.

2. Better air quality
This is another great health benefit that’s associated with the AC units. The system circulates and filters air entering the room to remove pollutants and mold from the air. This enables entrance of only cleansed air to the living space for easy breathing. It provides a perfect atmosphere for people allergic to pollutants especially individuals who have asthma

3. Better health
Having a good air conditioner provides movement of purified air inside the living space. This is air free from dirt particles, dust, bacteria, and smoke making the environment extremely healthy. Due to the ability to stop dangerous toxins from entering the living space, the health of a person inside the room is enhanced by keeping our airborne illnesses.

4. Less noise
This is another benefit that many people do not realize. If you don’t have an air conditioner, you will be forced to open the windows to allow for natural cooling. However, having the windows of the rooms kept closed, noises from outside are significantly minimized, and thus you can concentrate on whatever you are doing. The unit also provides a soothing sleep at night.

5. Fewer Sweat Stains
With high temperatures and a lot of sweating, the likelihood of stains on clothes is very high. An AC unit controls sweating thus playing a good role in protecting clothes from stains caused by sweating. You don’t want to face humiliation from discoloration brought by sweating. An air conditioning system provides a relaxed environment which helps in maintaining your wardrobe in an acceptable way.

6. Protect electronic devices from overheating
The consequences of high temperature and humidity do not only affect our bodies but also what’s in the house. Electronics are some of the most affected household appliances. With the temperature rising, serious damage can occur to computers, televisions, and phones amongst many other things. It affects the useful life of the electronic, and you may ultimately end up losing data from devices such as phones and computers.

7. Improve workforce efficiency
As humans, we can only operate at certain temperatures. If the temperature goes too high, it is extremely difficult to work efficiently in such an environment. You easily become dehydrated, and this makes it difficult to do even the lightest task in the house. The body also loses a lot of energy trying to cool itself, and this makes you weary. This unit provides a cool environment for anyone to work in comfortably.

Heating and cooling systems are used by a large number of people to cope with all types of weather and to live at a comfortable temperature in their homes. On average, it takes 43% of your utility bill to stay cool or warm inside your home. A good heating and cooling system provide benefits as it helps you deal with weather changes and provides a comfortable environment in the home. However, there are some advantages that most people do not know. Here are some of those advantages of heating and cooling systems:

Energy Efficient

There is no denying the fact that energy expenses are one of the major expenses of any home. They can either make your life easier or more miserable if they get out of control. Heating and cooling systems can really disturb the energy expenses if they are not proper for your home. If you have an older heating and cooling system, you should consider replacing it with a newer one.

Air Leaks

Air leaks are one of the worst cases in any home’s heating and cooling system. The new and advanced heating and cooling systems prevent unhealthy air from entering your home and make sure that your home is at the same temperature level that you desire. Newer and proper heating and cooling systems improve the air quality of your home with advanced filters.

Efficiently Maintains The Temperature

Older heating and cooling systems used to take a lot of time to make the environment warm or cool because of the old ducts. A proper heating and cooling system will maintain the temperature at your desired levels within no time.

Less Maintenance Required

New and advanced heating and cooling systems require less maintenance. The ducts and filters are designed in a way that they remain clean for a longer period of time. The thermostat fan makes sure that the system is always clean.

These are some of the best benefits of proper and advanced heating and cooling systems. They will make your life easier for you and they will also reduce energy bills. If you are looking for a heating and cooling system, you should visit https://www.summitheatingco.com. We offer state-of-the-art, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems at the best competitive rates. You can also visit our website to get a free quote. If you are not sure about the size of the heating and cooling system, you can also contact us and talk with a professional who will guide you concerning the size of the heating and cooling system that you should get for your home. Buying a new and proper heating and cooling system will not only benefit you in the long run but it will also help you save a considerable amount of money in the short run.

I am one of those people who get cold easily – (yes, I wear my socks to bed) and at anytime in the winter, you’ll be hard-pressed to find me without a hoodie on. So it goes without saying that having a good heating system in my home is a necessity.

I’ve lived in homes with different types of heating systems and each has its pros and cons. If you’re in the market for a new heating system and are wondering what’s available out there, you’re at the right place.

The systems that are available include forced air, electric, geothermal, radiant heat, and even steam radiant heat. What is right for you depends on your unique needs and situation. The five systems:

Forced Air Systems

A forced air heating system is the most common option that is found in a residential home. This system is also common in many retail stores and in larger buildings. Air is heated in a furnace that will then be blown or into forced through ducts to various vents and registers. Many people may refer to this as a basic central heating system. The furnace that is used for a forced air heating system can use various fuels based on the availability in a specific area. A system may be powered by electricity, propane, natural gas, or fuel oil. The ductwork will be installed in the interior walls of a structure.

Electric Systems

This type of heating system is common in homes that do not have access to natural gas, propane, or fuel oil. The most common option for a home is to install baseboard heaters that are controlled by the use of a thermostat. Individual units can also be controlled individually. One aspect about the use of an assortment of baseboard heaters is the cost of electricity will be higher than other heating systems. This will mean you may need to budget during the winter when outside temperatures drop.

Geothermal Systems

This is a great option for a heating system as it is the most energy efficient. The heat used by the unit is obtained from the ground and uses water from ground wells. These systems use little electricity and are a great option to keep utility bills low during the cold months of winter. One thing to note is the setup cost of a geothermal heating system is much more than other conventional options.

Radiant Heat Systems

Homes and buildings with a boiler will have the option to use a radiant heating system. Water is heated in a boiler that is sent through tubes that are installed beneath the floor to distribute heat. Heat will radiate up through the floor to all the rooms in a home or building. The boiler for the system is powered by using fuel oil, propane, electricity, or natural gas.

Steam Radiant Heat Systems

Old homes and buildings with radiators in various rooms are radiant heating systems. A boiler is also used with this system to send hot water to all the radiators. Cold water is then returned to the boiler unit where it is reheated.

Summertime, and the living is easy. The living is also hot, sweaty and can get a little uncomfortable in the land down under at this time. Australia has beautiful long summers with temperatures that can easily soar to the mid 30s (degrees Celsius) so retreating to a gloriously cool air conditioned home after being in the oppressive heat of the day is sometimes just what the doctor ordered. Thank goodness for a comfortable air conditioned oasis. It’s an Aussie family’s relief from those endless summer days when the air can sometimes feel like a hot blanket.

Of course, the downside is that your air conditioning unit at home will be asked to work super hard in this peak season. This means your air conditioning bill could climb without you realising. Energy consumption can soar just like the temperature at midday. However, there are some very simple and effective tips to reduce your air conditioning bill over the summer period and keep a comfortable indoor environment. Applying these tips will help you keep cool when the bills come rolling in.

1. Turn off at night, and save while you sleep
This money-saving tip is as clear as night and day! Keep your air conditioning on during the day, and off at night. The reasoning is simple. Firstly, the evening air is naturally cooler, so you can take advantage of that by turning off the air conditioning and opening a window. You may even get a gentle breeze to cool things down.

If you do find a welcome breeze, open windows or doors on both sides of your house to allow it to flow through.

Secondly, for comfortable sleeping, your body simply doesn’t need your air conditioner to run at the same temperature as it does during the day. So, with your air conditioner off, you can enjoy some nocturnal energy savings and sweet dreams.

2. Thermostats and timers – set and save
When it comes to energy consumption and reducing your air conditioning bill over summer, every degree matters!

So one of the most energy-efficient things you can do is set your thermostat at a comfortable temperature that won’t make your unit work too hard, but will still make you feel like you’re sitting pretty. As a guide, somewhere between 22 and 24 degrees Celsius is where you should set the thermostat. Be aware, that for every single degree of cooling you can do without, you’re saving on your energy bill. So avoid setting it too cold in summertime. Even setting your air conditioning unit one degree warmer than you normally world can cut costs by up to 10%. As a rule, try not to set the thermostat less than 8 degrees below the outdoor temperature (so if it’s 30 outside, aim for 22 or 23 degrees Celsius inside).

To really help reduce your energy bill, consider a thermostat with a built-in timer, so you’re not only setting the temperature, but setting the hours of operation for maximum energy efficiency. It makes sense to have a system that does it for you automatically, so you can set, and forget. And save of course.

3. Get shady and shut out the sun
Shade, shade, shade. However you can get it, grab it, and it will help your home stay cooler. Therefore, your air conditioning unit won’t have to work so hard, and your energy bill will be reduced. It’s simple. During a hot Aussie summer, you can’t turn down the sun, but you can add some shade to turn down the heat.

The first way to get shady is to keep blinds, curtains, drapes and awnings drawn and closed. Whether it’s Venetian blinds, roller blinds, plantation shutters or lined curtains, keep that beautiful sunshine outside where it belongs. For sun-facing windows, light-coloured backings for blinds and curtains will help deflect sun heat too.

By closing windows, blinds, shutters or drapes, you’ll be keeping the hot air and the sun’s rays out, so your air conditioning doesn’t have to run all the time to maintain the optimal temperature. Heat absorption can be drastically reduced if your windows have a strong line of defense. Even tinted windows can stop some of the sun’s heat coming into your air conditioned sanctuary, and your unit won’t have to work so hard.

Want some more ways to throw shade and reduce air conditioning bills? Consider Mother Nature’s original shade maker – trees. Plant trees, vines or shrubs that can add a defensive line of shade to the house – consider the walls and roof as well as the windows.

4. Turn off those heat-emitting culprits
The television, the computer, the printer, the lamp in the corner, the kitchen oven… all of these household essentials generate bucketloads of heat and will be forcing your air conditioner to work harder to keep the temperature under control. Turn them off and you’ll save money on your air conditioning energy consumption straight away!

What can you turn off? Can you turn off lights in unused areas of your home?

Are you game to unplug? Can you turn off the television or any other appliances? Those tablets, computers and printers emit a lot of heat that can make your air conditioner work harder. Who knows, it might even help bring back the art of conversation (or perhaps cause a family mutiny!)

Why not try cooking the dinner on the BBQ outside, or enjoy a lovely salad that requires no cooking at all? Your indoor stove can really heat up your living space and add to your air conditioning bill.

So if you want to keep your energy consumption and air conditioning bill down, think about al fresco food preparation. Who doesn’t love a snag or a steak cooked on the BBQ in Summertime? And if it keeps your house cooler, all the better.

5. Keeping it clean to keep costs down
Here’s one more awesome tip to reduce your air conditioning bill over summer. Ensure your air conditioning unit is regularly maintained and that the filter is either replaced or cleaned to maintain optimum efficiency. A dirty filter makes any air conditioning unit work harder, meaning more electricity and higher energy costs!

Everyone wants to know they’re living in a house that’s safe and healthy. One way to keep your home’s air healthy is by installing an air conditioner. There are many health benefits to air conditioning that you may not know about.

1. Reduce High Humidity

The most important health benefit of air conditioning is reducing your home’s humidity. Living in a house that prevents high humidity creates a less damp home, as well as keeps you healthy. High humidity is linked to dust mites, mold, heatstroke, and dehydration.

Although there are other methods to stay cool, owning an air conditioning system is the best to reduce high humidity.

2. Reduce Asthma Attacks

For those suffering from asthma, you want your home to be a safe haven, a place you can call a safe haven. One of the health benefits of air conditioning is it reduces the chances of asthma attacks.

This is done by filtering dirty air that may contain dust mites, pollutants, or allergens, as well as eliminating any dampness that can lead to mold. These are all symptoms of increasing asthma attacks.

Don’t neglect to change your air filters. By keeping the same air filter, you’re cycling dirt through your air conditioner back into your home. On average, you should be changing your air filters from 30 to 60 days.

Cleaning your air filter also prevents your air conditioner from acting up. A dirty air filter can cause your AC to freeze up or blow out warm air.

3. Better Air Quality

Another reason to breathe easy is by installing air conditioning. From dust to bacteria, your indoor air can become a hazard to your health thanks to improper ventilation and overheating. You can develop coughs, colds, headaches, and fatigue.

Your air conditioner is the Brita filter for your house by improving ventilation and controlling the temperature of your home. There are many other ways to improve your air quality but air conditioning is the best option. You can also improve your ventilation by accompanying an HRV or ERV system.

4. Reduce the Risk of Dehydration & Heat Stroke

Since dehydration’s cause is lack of water, one key factor that some forget to account for is sweat. Our sweat contains water from our bodies. The more you sweat, the more water you lose, and the more vulnerable you are to dehydration.

With heatstroke, you can obtain this illness when your body begins to overheat due to the surrounding temperature.

Both of these illnesses can be prevented by air conditioning. The cool air in your house will reduce sweating and lower your body temperature. Remember to stay cool on those crazy hot days.

5. Stop Insects & Parasites

People are looking for any method, tool, or spell to put a stop to mosquito bites, and invasions, and house flies.

Not many know this, but your air conditioning reduces the number of insects and parasites. These pesky critters aren’t only annoying to deal with but also can transmit diseases.

A few ways air conditioners stop insects and parasites are by:

• Cooling your house to create a cool atmosphere for insects, who desire a warm climate
• Cooling your body temperature make you less desirable for mosquitos, who enjoy warm body temperatures
• Creating a dry atmosphere for insects, who desire damp atmospheres

6. Decrease Work Stress

When you’re working, the last thing you need is added stress from the heat of a hot day. You can become unfocused and stressed due to the temperature of a room.

Creating a good work environment allows your workers to get their job done without the stress of turning into a melted popsicle.

7. Count Sheep, Not Sweat

What’s worse than a nightmare? A hot, sweaty sleep. Tossing and turning in your bed, flipping your pillow, and feeling around for any sliver of cold not yet absorbed by your body heat.

When you’re not able to achieve REM sleep, the restlessness of the previous night will carry into your day and cause you to be more tired and grumpy.

The best way to maintain a cool sleep is by owning an air conditioner. Using your air conditioner at night lowers your body temperature for a more restful and cool sleep.

8. Odours & Fumes

Whether it’s fumes, dirty air, cleaning chemicals, or expired milk, air conditioning helps keep those odors and fumes at bay.

By cycling out the smelly air with clean air, you’re destroying any smells or chemicals that can affect your health.

9. Mould Growth

Without air conditioning, your room can become damp and wet. Which, allows your room to be susceptible to mold. The health benefit of air conditioning is preserving a dry atmosphere and thwarting any trace of mold.

10. Better Living

Smile! Maintaining a room with cool air makes for a happier home. Instead of complaining about how hot it is, you can take time to appreciate whatever you’re doing indoors.

Winterizing your house helps tackle the unforgiving cold head-on! While you get your cozy blankets and warm sweaters out, a few preventive measures to protect your home from the harsh winter can do wonders.

With an easy winterize your home project, you’ll be able to minimize your energy bills and keep your home warm and cozy. And who doesn’t love saving some extra cash for holiday shopping, right?

So, let’s get to work!

How to Winterize Your Home for Maximum Comfort and Savings

It’s always best to start winterizing your home a bit early. Rather than waiting for temperatures to plummet, get started on your weatherization project in the fall. It is the perfect time to carry out these activities. Of course, you would want your home to be ready before the cold winds hit, as nobody likes to work on home improvements in chilly weather with numb fingers!

Here are 20 cost-effective winterization tips & tricks which only require minimal effort! This handy winterizing home checklist has everything you need:

1. Get your Heating System Checked
2. Use Smart Home Devices
3. Winterize Your Pipes
4. Add Reflectors to Your Radiators
5. Slash the Bills
6. Flush the Water Heater
7. Upgrade Your Attic Insulation
8. Get Rid of Unvented Space Heaters
9. Use Chimney Balloon
10. Get Draft Guards
11. Weatherproof Your House Spaces
12. Use Weatherstripping
13. Check the Gutters
14. House the Hose
15. Run Fans Counterclockwise
16. Replace Screen Windows and Doors
17. Get Your Chimney Professionally inspected
18. Inspect Roof Shingles
19. Test Your Detectors
20. Trim Your Trees & Plant a Windbreak

1. Get Your Heating System Checked

One of the main tips for winterizing your home is to get your heating system checked. Your heating unit will be the one appliance you will regularly use. Thus, it makes perfect sense to give it a detailed look before putting it to use.

Start by checking the air filters of your heating system when winterizing your house. If they have accumulated dirt or dust, take them out, wash them, and leave them out to dry. Once completely dry and clean, put them back in. A clean filter will improve air quality and reduce energy bills by as much as 15%.

If you want a more detailed check of your HVAC system, you need help from a licensed HVAC technician. Regular preventative maintenance will keep your system stay efficient all year round.

2. Smart Home Devices Save You Effort

Smart home devices are all the rage these days and are essential if you want to winterize your home. For example, you can use a smart water leak detector near your boiler or water heater to alert you in case of a leakage. You can also use a smart mattress heating pad to keep you warm and cozy all night.

For central heating systems, smart thermostats can be utilized to maintain an ideal home climate. If you have a ductless heat pump, smart AC controllers should be your go-to device to automate your ductless heating and cooling units. Smart AC controllers enable you to save on energy bills. With smart climate control devices, you can set up schedules for the whole week and use temperature and humidity triggers to maintain the perfect environment.

Here’s a guide on  how to DIY a smart air conditioner!

3. Winterize Your Pipes

Water expands when it freezes, and this can be hazardous for your pipes! If the temperature drops below 32F, your pipes can freeze and burst. Before the extreme cold sets in, always check for blockages and winterize your pipes. Pipes in areas such as the garage are very vulnerable to freezing during winter. A blocked pipe is more prone to cracking under extreme cold due to pressure build-up.

An essential step when winterizing your home is to insulate your pipes and carefully look for any cracks. The pipes outside your home, such as garden hoses or sprinklers, can be disconnected and turned off. Ductless heat pumps offer a great solution with the innovative Freeze Protection mode, which allows your heat pump to blow in hot air while consuming minimum power to prevent the freezing temperature in your home.

4. Add Reflectors to Your Radiators

Radiators are nearly always installed next to walls, making one side ineffective in transmitting heat to the room. Only the wall heats up on that side, reducing the efficacy of the radiator. To prevent this issue, install a radiator reflector on the wall behind the radiator.

As the name suggests, a radiator reflector will reflect the heat away from the wall and back towards the room, making it heat up much better than before. When coupled with reflectors, radiators can perform their best without any energy wastage.

5. An Energy Audit Saves You Money

Among all the tips on winterizing your home, knowing how to cut down your energy bills is the most crucial. So as the winter season approaches, call your local power company to conduct an energy audit of your home. The professional will suggest changes to make your home more energy-efficient to lower energy bills and increase comfort.

Following energy-saving tips throughout the year will help you slash your energy bills by a significant amount.

6. Flush Out the Water Heater

Before winter sets in, be sure to flush your water heater or boiler system. Because water heaters remain inoperational during the summer sediment and other particles can settle in the outlets, reducing their efficiency.

Flush the drain valve at least once before the winter season starts to get rid of sediment. It would be best if you drained the flush valve at least once a month to remain on the safe side during winters.

7. Don’t Forget Your Attic

You must insulate your attic if you want to keep your home warm. Unfortunately, an attic is often neglected when discussing home insulation, but in most cases, it is the single most helpful addition you can make to winterize your home.

It is necessary to insulate your attic in winter because hot air rises and all the heat from your heating unit will move the uninsulated attic. Moreover, cold air sinks and to prevent the conduction of cold to the floors below, insulation is required.  An uninsulated attic will also pose damage to your roof and can cause ice dams.

8. Get Rid of Unvented Space Heaters

Gas space heaters are a great way to introduce a lot of heat into an indoor space, but they can be equally dangerous. The way they work, directly heating the room through combustion, fills the place with hazardous carbon monoxide gas. Without proper air circulation, CO2 can build up in the room and be potentially fatal.

It’s best to opt for a different heating system instead of unvented space heaters. If there is absolutely no other option, opt for electric space heaters, which are much safer.

9. Use Chimney Balloons

Even if the rest of your home is well-sealed, having a chimney means a big hole in the room, providing a way for the cold wind to enter your heated living space. So as much as you’d want to keep the chimney open for Santa, the most obvious solution to keep the chilled air out is to close off this space.

A chimney balloon inflates like any other balloon and acts as a barrier to prevent heat loss. In addition, it creates an airtight seal within the chimney. If your chimney does not have a damper, or if it’s broken or damaged, a chimney balloon is a must-buy.

10. Get Draft Guards

Small leaks and holes in the interior space can add up and result in drafts, introducing cold air into the room. According to the US Department of Energy, the total energy wastage from these air leaks can be around $400 annually. Potential sources of drafts are door hinges, under-door spaces, broken window seals, power outlets, and other wall fittings.

Commercially available draft guards are flexible pieces of foam that can slide in under your doors and windows, sealing them up so that no air can come in from the outside.

Now that the winterize your home checklist is complete be sure to follow all the above steps well before the cold wave sets in so that you are prepared to tackle the chilly weather. Seal your windows, clean your gutters, get your heating system checked, and enjoy a hassle-free winter!

You may also want to prepare your home for winter emergencies if you need to face any blizzards, ice storms, or other harsh winter conditions. Weather disasters can result in power outages or keep you homebound for weeks! Therefore, stocking up on food & supplies, having a secondary power source, and keeping an emergency kit handy are necessary.

Have a great winter!

A vital part of hotel guestrooms, packaged terminal air conditioning units must be properly maintained in order to perform effectively and efficiently, according to Jim Clements, VP of operations for Innworks.

“PTACs are vital to a good guest experience,” he said. “They must be in appropriate working order to offer that experience.”

Clements, who has been in the hotel/hospitality operations business for more than 30 years, has created a PTAC checklist for Innworks’ three properties to follow in order to maintain good PTAC systems.

Clements gives the Innworks’ GMs and the maintenance staff a checklist each month for PTAC maintenance. Every room’s PTAC is checked at least once a month and as needed.
The cleaner the PTACs are, the better the units run and the lower the utility costs are, Clements said.

◾ Each month, every PTAC filter is cleaned.
◾ Drip trays are cleaned every month or as needed because “they can smell,” Clements said.
◾ The coils are cleaned twice a year or as needed.
◾ The outside grills are checked regularly to make sure none of them are bent, which affects air flow.

“This is just the basics that should be taken care of,” Clements said. “Air conditioners can last a significant amount of time — as long as you take care of them properly.”

Clements has a sign-off form that each GM needs to check off on each month. Several times a year Clements visits each property and checks the units in each room, among other maintenance checks.

Every PTAC manufacturer recommends a complete cleaning of each unit at least once per year or more, if conditions warrant.

In dusty or corrosive environments such as near construction sites or salt water, cleaning must be performed more often, sometimes up to four times a year. In addition to cleaning the filters, fans, fan shrouds, drain passages and base pan, all coils in each unit should be thoroughly cleaned.

Recommendations for HVAC, PTAC maintenance and prolonging product life

Keep the unit clean.  Dirty filters impede the flow of air across the (indoor) evaporator coil. This makes the heat exchange process less efficient and forces the compressor to run longer to achieve the desired temperature.

■  It is recommended that the air filter be cleaned twice a month or more depending on the environmental conditions using lukewarm water.
■  The chassis/coils should be cleaned every three to four months depending on environmental conditions. Nonpressurized water and a mild detergent are recommended for cleaning.
■  Do not use any cleaner containing acetone or ammonia,  that is alkaline-based or any acidic cleaners.

Make sure the housekeeping staff adjusts the temperature when they are cleaning a room. If they continually forget to do this, you can have units running anywhere from 12 – 14 hours per day with no occupants; this wastes large amounts of money and energy.
Watch for signs of poor working order. Banging noises are a sure indicator that the unit is in need of service. To ignore this problem will lead to unit failure.

If the unit seems to be running all the time or overly long, this is a clear indication of a problem. If this happens, the unit is not reaching the temperature set point or is operating inefficiently. Have the unit repaired immediately so you don’t waste energy or money running a unit that can’t handle the workload.

Source: Ben Broido, national sales manager, PTAC, LG Electronics USA.

Are your PTAC units in proper shape to keep guests cool?

Many Choice Hotels International franchisees use packaged terminal air conditioning systems to heat and cool their guestrooms. PTACs help franchisees reduce utility costs because the systems are localized and only heat and cool occupied rooms. But proper maintenance and cleaning are essential to keep these systems working efficiently and to ensure that every guest has a pleasant stay.

PTACs that are not cleaned regularly have a tendency to emit odors that guests often find unacceptable. In fact, many Choice franchisees have failed QAR inspections due to poor maintenance of their PTACs.

Most PTAC manufacturers recommend a complete cleaning at least once a year. If local conditions warrant, cleanings may be required up to four times each year. Frequent cleanings are particularly important in dusty or corrosive environments, such as near construction sites or salt water. A well-maintained PTAC system could last seven to 10 years, with that figure dropping significantly when units are neglected.

PTAC filters, fans, fan shrouds, drain passages and base pans can be cleaned with basic equipment — bristle brushes, towels and vacuum cleaners are usually sufficient. Keeping the filters clean is essential for energy efficiency. Dirty filters can restrict airflow, which makes the engine work much harder. In addition to using more energy, this could shorten the life of the PTAC system.

It is also extremely important to clean the base pan. The most common cause of unpleasant odors from PTAC systems is the accumulation of condensation. If water sits in the base pan for an extended period of time, it becomes stagnant and the base pan becomes a breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria.

While cleaning most parts of a PTAC system is fairly simple, cleaning the heating and cooling coils is not. This process usually requires that the PTAC system be removed from the wall and taken to a remote work area. The chemicals used to clean coils can be toxic. If they are applied to the PTAC system in a guestroom, the chemicals could get onto carpeting, curtains or upholstered surfaces. This could be dangerous for future guests and it could damage the fabric.

While some companies sell products that they claim make it easy to clean the coils in the guestrooms, hotel operators should take every precaution to ensure health and safety. This usually means removing PTAC systems from guestrooms prior to cleaning so that the chemicals can be applied and discarded safely.

Removal of the systems from the wall requires care to ensure that electrical cords and other PTAC components are not damaged. Removal of PTAC units typically requires two people because PTACs can weigh 150 pounds or more.

Hotels with large engineering or maintenance staffs typically handle PTAC cleaning themselves. Smaller properties often hire contractors because the hotels may not have the equipment or personnel necessary to move and clean the systems properly. When PTACs are removed from guestrooms for cleaning, the rooms are unusable for at least one day, sometimes longer.

When the systems are returned to the guestrooms, the maintenance staff should check for anything near the PTACs that could restrict airflow. Trees or shrubs on the outside of the hotel may need to be trimmed, and mulch or debris may have to be removed. Inside the room, furniture should not be positioned too close to the system.

These simple maintenance suggestions should help franchisees extend the life and performance of their PTAC systems. Guests will have more comfortable visits and owners can reduce their operating costs. Proper PTAC maintenance is a winning proposition for everyone.

Source: Choice Hotels International.

Cleaning PTAC coils efficiently

Various methods have been used to clean the coils in a PTAC, including the use of a soft bristle brush and vacuum or blower, a garden hose and pump spray bottle, pressure washers and steam cleaners. Traditionally, the PTAC is removed from its wall sleeve and taken to a remote work area where cleaning is performed. This cleaning process is time consuming and leaves the room unusable until the PTAC is reinstalled. Additionally, extra care must be taken to protect electrical components from overspray when hoses, steam cleaners or pressure washers are used.