Anderson Air Corps Blog

When it comes to having maintenance done on your AC system, there are two ways to get it done. Most people will just call and set up an appointment when they feel it is time. A much better way is to have your service company create a maintenance schedule for you. This is similar to having regular dentist appointments or having the oil changed on your car when needed. If you want to keep your unit working to the best of its ability, have a maintenance plan in place and stick to it.

Your System is Known

Just like having a primary doctor gives you someone who knows your history and personality, having a regular technician work on your system has advantages too. There will be a paper trail of what has and has not been done and any noted issues. You will have more trust in the serviceman and know the things suggested are not just to pad the bill. Some systems will have little quirks that a regular technician will make not of and be prepared for on the next visit. If you always have a different company, they might need time to decide what the quirk is and what to do about it.

Lower Electric Bills

When your system is maintained regularly, it runs better. In most instances, you will not need to call for an emergency visit if things are taken care of before they become bad. This means your system is efficient and not struggling to keep a certain temperature. An AC unit should kick on and cut off as the temperature is maintained. If you do not have routine maintenance done, your system will become dirty and clogged and will run all the time. This will send your electric bills through the roof as your AC keeps running all day.

Extend the Life of Your System

Just like anything mechanical, if you take good care of it, it will last longer. Simple things like cleaning and lubrication can go a long way in extending the life of your system. You do not want to have to buy a whole new air conditioner that will cost a lot of money all at once. It is much easier to pay smaller amounts over the years to keep your system in good working order. You can keep the same unit for 5 to 10 years longer when you make sure it is properly cared for. That should be more than enough time to pay for a new unit.

Whether you have a rooftop unit or multiple window units, making sure your AC is up and working in the middle of summer is important. You do not want to have to call in the middle of summer for an emergency visit. The cost will be much higher and you may have to wait in the heat for a day or two until they can get to your home. Having a maintenance plan in place keeps you cool and your system running well.

For more details call (505) 855-9028 or click here

If you are interested in getting a better level of heating during the winter time, then you will need to take a look at your system and see how you can adjust it to suit your own needs. Most people are going to either have a gas furnace or a boiler. This is going to mean that the house will be heated in a specific way, either by hydronics or by hot air. In both cases, you will be able to enjoy a more efficient use of energy, and in turn you are going to save a lot more money. All you need to do is take a look at these tips in order to help keep your house warm, but affordable.

Thermostats

The thermostat is going to control the level of heat in your home. A lot of people nowadays are going to have programmable thermostats. This means that you will be able to put everything on a timer, and have the heating switch on and switch off during certain times of the day. This means that you do not have to have the heating on all the time, but you can still ensure the house is warm when you are there. This is one of the most efficient ways of heating the home.

Insulation

Properly insulating your home can ensure that your system provides you with adequate heat, while keeping your bills down. Most houses these days are going to be insulated, so you do not have to worry about this. If heat does seem to be escaping, then make sure to get an inspection. A contractor will come around and take a look at all of the possible gaps and be able to seal them up. By keeping the heat inside your house, you won’t have to use the heating so much.

Cleaning Your System

At the end of winter, make sure to clean your system. Dust and debris is going to fill up the inner components of your furnace, so you need to make sure that all of this is removed. It can also get into the ducts, and this can cause a lot of problems. Your system is going to be working heavily during the winter period, so make sure to get rid of this dirt as soon as possible. Give it a quick inspection before the summer comes to an end, and you will have a system that provides you with a decent level of heating.

Inspections

Inspecting your system once a year is essential. What you will need to do is call in a certified HVAC contractor who can provide you with this service. If there are any issues with your system, then your contractor will be able to sort them out as soon as possible.
Keeping up with all of your home’s demands can be tough, but in the long run it will be worth it. Not only will you get a more efficiently-running system, but you will also save money and help the environment.

For more details call (505) 855-9028 or click here

During the long hot days of summer when there is high humidity that adds to the heat, it is good to have an AC that works to keep your home cool. Having an AC system that will work properly when you need it is something homeowners depend on. When AC systems get old, they may not work as well as they should. This can result in very uncomfortable temperatures inside your home. Just as any other household appliance, AC units are not meant to last forever. If your AC is not keeping your home cool, it may be time for an upgrade.

One reason your AC unit may need to upgrade is that the unit is outdated. Updating an older system to a newer and higher efficiency system can help keep your home cooler. Older systems may have to work harder to cool your home. This is hard on the AC system and it can cause problems that can mean costly repair bills. Alternatively, the system may break down entirely, leaving your home hot and uncomfortable. An upgrade to a newer system means the system will not work as hard to keep your home cool on those hot summer days.

Another reason to upgrade the AC in your home is the cost of cooling your home. Older systems cost more to run as they cool your home. A newer and higher efficiency system will help cut energy costs for you. Newer systems have added features that help them keep costs down including a fan-only switch. The switch lets you use the system to reduce costs by using it for nighttime ventilation. Other features of newer systems are quiet operation and filter check lights. All newer systems have a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER rating. The higher the SEER rating, the more you save in electricity.

A third reason for getting an AC upgrade is that by upgrading you will help the environment. Newer and more efficient systems emit less greenhouse gases, which is better for the environment. Greenhouse gases affect global warming and climate change. Emitting greenhouse gases can lead to changes in plant growth, warmer ocean temperatures, and elevated ocean levels. All of which can destroy coastal ecosystems. Newer AC systems contribute less to the ozone depletion and are more eco-friendly. Less greenhouse gas being emitted into the atmosphere has less of an impact and is better on the environment.

Why take a chance on an older AC system breaking down when you need it the most? By getting an AC upgrade, you will ensure your home is cool and comfortable during the long hot days of summer. You will not only have a nice cool home but you will benefit from upgrading to a newer system in other ways. You will enjoy more efficiency with the newer system, which will result in lower energy costs. Saving money and helping the environment with an upgrade to your AC as well as knowing your home will be comfortable makes very good reasons to upgrade. 

For more details call (505) 855-9028 or click here

In almost every home, across the globe, there is some form of air conditioning and heating system. Most people have an electrical or fuel source system that needs a thermostat to operate correctly. The thermostat is the brain behind the unit as it tells the unit when to turn on and off and at what temperature the home should be. Since the thermostat is so important, it is vital that home owners have a proper thermostat unit in their home. a great option for home owners is a programmable option. A programmable thermostat comes in many forms and can provide home owners with not only efficiency but also money savings. Below are three tips you can use to save money with your programmable thermostat.

While Away

While you are away at work or on vacation, a programmable thermostat allows you to set your unit to a certain temperature. You have the option to preset temperatures so you can turn your unit off while you are away but have your unit turned back on for when you arrive home. This can be a great asset especially during the winter and summer months as temperatures can be extreme. This option not only allows you to remain comfortable but it also allows you to save money because your HVAC unit is turned off while you are away.

During Sleeping Hours

While you are sleeping, your body sets itself to a certain temperature. Everyone wants to remain comfortable while sleeping but many end up cutting their unit on and off during the night trying to be comfortable. With a programmable thermostat, you can set the unit to cool you off during the night but then preset a time for heating to warm you up. This will not only keep you comfortable but also allow you to avoid turning the unit on and off, which can cause a fluctuation in your heating and cooling bill.

Energy Efficiency

A programmable thermostat also provides energy efficiency to your heating and cooling unit. Because the thermostat allows for presetting temperatures, the unit you have in your home will have better efficiency. The unit will not use as much energy and it will also get longer breaks than a unit without a programmable thermostat.

These are just a few reasons why a programmable thermostat can help your home not only be comfortable but save money as well. Contact your local HVAC provider today to begin adding a new thermostat to your home or install the new unit yourself. You will be glad you did!

High energy bills plague millions of homes across the globe and many home owners are struggling to pay their monthly bills. It is imperative to be able to afford heating and cooling bills so that the home can continue to remain comfortable no matter the season. The best way to lower the energy bill in the home is to install an energy efficient heating and cooling system. An efficient system will allow you to save money on your energy bill each month as well as have a longer lasting HVAC unit. Below are five ways that an energy efficient system can help with high energy bills.

Lower Utility Bills

One way that an energy efficient system can help with high energy bills is the most important, it can lower them. An energy efficient system requires less energy to function. Thus less energy is used and your unit will cost less to operate. This will make your utility bills lower, which will save you money and cause less stress.

An energy efficient unit has a higher SEER rating. A proper unit must have a SEER rating of 13 or higher. A unit that does not have this rating and is lower, such as an older unit, will not work efficiently. When installing a new unit, make sure the unit has a high SEER rating to be able to operate on less energy.

Longer Lasting Unit

An energy efficient unit can also provide you with a longer lasting unit. Because the unit requires less energy to operate, it will essentially be able to last longer.  A unit is expected to last around 10 to 15 years but a unit that is energy efficient and is maintained on a regular basis will be able to last much longer, sometimes 20 years and beyond.

Warmer / Cooler Home

An energy efficient unit will also be able to provide your home with a warmer or cooler environment. A unit that is energy efficient and functions properly will be able to meet your temperature needs. This means that your home will be as warm as you need and as cool as you need. The temperature in the home should be stabilized properly and energy efficient unit can provide this for you.

These are just a few reasons why an energy efficient unit is the best choice for your home. If you have high utility bills, it is recommended that you install an energy efficient unit. To find out more, simply speak with your local HVAC provider. A qualified dealer and contractor will be able to explain to you the benefits of a new system. A technician will be able to view your property and help you determine which energy efficient unit work best for your home.

Once a decision has been made, the installation process can begin. You will soon be enjoying a new unit in your home and lower energy bills for many years to come! Speak with your local provider today to find out more!

Like any appliance, a water heater can break down over time. If it happens and you have a warranty then the company should fix it. However, if not then you should be aware of the parts and be able to troubleshoot any problems. You have to keep in mind that heaters are dangerous so make sure you know what you are doing. Always turn off the power supply and inlet water pipe and fixing the hose to the drainage valve. There are steps involved when you want to remove rust from your electric water heater.

Here we will cover some tips on removal.

-add insulation

-set the temperature

-flush the tank and check the anode rod

Taking care of your water heater will keep your home running smoothly. When you add insulation you can save on water heating costs by at least 9 percent. When you flush the tank you get rid of sediment and the tank will last longer. A good anode rod prevents the inside of the tank from rusting. The anode rod is the most important factor in the tank running well. In fact, some tanks can have more than one. Newer technologies can be used in the form of powered anodes that will take care of odors from bacteria. If the tank is full the electrolytic process starts and the anodes are destroyed to protect the naked steel. Powered anodes are electric and cannot be destroyed.

Cleaning your water heater is hard work and once you put cleaner in it has to be flushed out. A good CLR cleaner is best because it can clean the calcium, lime and rust. The electric heaters contain mineral deposits on the heating elements and then they fall to the bottom. Most will flush but some are too big to get through the drain valve.

Here are some prerequisites to remember:

Disconnect-turn off the electric power from the breaker box and mask the switch. Then disconnect the water inlet pipe.

Drain Some Water- Use a water hose and put it on the drain valve. Run it to a sink where the hot water can sit. Open the drain valve after you unscrew the water supply line. Let the all the water drain and then close the valve.

Put in the cleaner and check it by putting a plastic bag over the inlet pipe and watch if it inflates. When it does inflate the CLR cleaner is neutralized.

The furnace is a common tool used to heat home's all across the globe. A furnace can be operational via oil or gas and is easy to install and maintain. It is important for home owners to service their furnace on a regular basis to ensure that each component is functioning properly and efficiently. However, many home owners are unsure as to when they should have their unit serviced. Below are a few tips to better understand when to service your furnace equipment.

Repairs

If your furnace is in need of repair service, the unit should be inspected right away. Home owners, who find that their furnace is in need of repair, should contact a repair technician immediately. Any repair, no matter how small, that is ignored can become a greater issue. The longer a repair goes uninspected, the worse the problem can be. Eventually you will see a total breakdown of your unit and you will be without heat in your indefinitely. Take care of the issue so you can save money as well as time and stress.

Maintenance

Maintenance service is also an important service option that home owners need to set up for their furnace system. Maintenance service will see a qualified technician heading to your home to fully inspect your unit. Each component of your furnace will be inspected for energy efficiency as well as workability. Your unit needs to be maintained each year to ensure that the unit is ready to warm your home for the winter season. Most home owners have this service performed on their unit at the end of the summer season. This way, the unit can be repaired if needed to be ready for the winter season.

Cleaning

Another service option available for home owners to use to have a proper functioning furnace system is cleaning service. Cleaning is required to remove any dust and debris that can surround your unit and its components. It is very important that your unit is cleaned on a regular basis so that each of the components of your furnace is ready to perform. A qualified technician can help you with the cleaning service you need to have your unit ready to go!

Installation/Replacement

Another option available to home owners is installation as well as replacement. Local providers will be able to help you with a replacement part or installation. If you find that your unit is in need of a replacement service, you need to have the unit checked and the part replaced as soon as possible. This will ensure that your unit is ready to function. It is important to make sure that you take advantage of every service option available to you. Follow our guide above to be able to have a unit that functions properly for the winter season. Once you schedule the services, sit back and allow the technician to take care of your unit. You will have peace of mind knowing your unit is in perfect running condition!

A boiler is a form of heating system that can be found in many homes and businesses. Boilers have been around for many decades and have proven to be a good choice for heating needs. A boiler is a piece of machinery which uses water to transfer heat from a fuel source. Such fuel sources as oil and gas are used to create the heat and transfer the water to steam which will help heat the home. it is important for home owners to understand exactly how a boiler works so they can become aware of problems if they arise. Below is a simple explanation of how a boiler works.

Overall Operation

As we mentioned above, a boiler contains water which is used to heat the home. the fuel source of the unit will help create the heat by turning the water to steam and the piping the steam through the home. This type of system will eventually turn the steam back to water and then start the process once again. The steam will return and then start the process over and this is called a closed system. If a unit does not return the condensation then it is called an open system

Firetube Boiler

One type of boiler is a firetube system. This system will have fire or a hot gas in the inside of the tubes of the boiler shell. These tubes are surrounded by water and the tubes will be arranged so that the gases inside can pass through as many as four times before they pass out of the stack. The system will expose the heat transfer surface at the water and this type of boiler is found in 80% of boilers that are in use today.

Packaged Boiler

A packaged boiler is a subtype of a Firetube boiler. This type of unit contains the fuel burning equipment as well as mechanical draft, automatic controls and accessories. The unit will work automatically and needs very little care.

Watertube

A watertube system is another type of boiler unit. This unit has fire or hot gas as well but these items are directed to and around the outside of the tubes instead of the inside. A watertube boiler has at least two drums and is shaped like a rectangle. This unit will separate the steam and water in the top of the drum and the bottom will collect sludge from the unit.

Other Designs

There are also other designs of boilers available on the market which can be adapted and configured to meet the home owner's needs. To find out more about boiler systems and what will work for your home simply contact your local HVAC dealer to get started!

Maintaining your heating system is very important to keep is working and operating properly. Without proper maintenance your heating system could fall into disrepair, break repeatedly, be unsightly, not work properly, shorten its life span, and cause other damage to your home or building.

One disadvantage of a unmaintained heating unit is that it could fall into disrepair. This means that your unit could just stop working because it is not properly maintained. Continuing with poor maintenance could cause your heating system to break repeatedly. This is not only expensive to continuously have to fix, but it also inconvenience for your family or customers. It also creates an uncomfortable environment for everyone involved. Anything that is not properly maintained can become unsightly. Our homes are very important, and we feel best when everything looks its best. The heating system is no different. A well-maintained heating system will also look well maintained. While the heating system may not always break down if not properly maintained, it may just not work properly. Poorly maintained units will not operate at peak efficiency. It may be harder for the temperature to be maintained in the home. The life span of the system could be limited or shortened by poor maintenance. Purchasing a heating system for a home is expensive and time consuming. Getting the most life out of your current system is wise and economical. It is a definite disadvantage to not maintain such an important appliance in your home or business. Finally, a heating system that has not been well-maintained could cause other damage to your home. With excessive debris or dirt build-up, a heating unit could catch on fire and spread to the rest of your home. Rot or mold growing in a system could spread further into the home causing more damage.

To prevent all of these disadvantages from happening to your heating unit, you can follow a few easy maintenance steps for a well-maintained unit.

Call a professional in once a year to service your unit.
Clean your system by wiping away dirt and debris.
Remove any clutter around the system. Leaves, sticks, and other objects around the system cause undue stress that could cause problems.
Change your filter once a month during the heating season as well as at the beginning of the heating season.

When it comes to air conditioning systems, there are two common options: the Window unit and the Central Air option.

Both options have positives as well as negatives for cooling the home. It is important to weight each option carefully so you can make sure to choose the best option for your home.

Installation

The installation process is different for both AC options. Window units are pretty easy to install.

This option is set inside an open window or placed in a cut out to the outside of the home. Simple tools and fasteners will place the unit in the appropriate spot.

A central unit is much harder to install and usually requires a professional. A central unit requires duct work to be placed in the home, in the ceiling or the crawl space.

The size of the home must be considered as well as sizing of equipment to make sure the unit will cool the home.

Cost

When it comes to cost, a window unit can be more cost effective. Not only is the option easy to install but it requires simple power to run.

Central air can cost quite a bit to install and they use more energy than a single window unit, but they have the ability to cover more space with cooling than a window unit.

Positives

The positive aspect to a central air unit is that a central unit not only cools the home but is also heats the home as well. This can reduce installation cost as well as headaches.

This option can also cool the entire home, as we mentioned above. This option can also be easily controlled and timed with a special thermostat. A window unit positive is the easy installation as well as price.

They are easy to operate and can be controlled via the main panel.

Negatives

A negative aspect to a window unit is that this option can be risky as burglars can remove the unit and use the open space to access your home. Many of these units must also be removed during the winter months so you are constantly taking the unit down and putting it back up each summer.

A negative to central air is the fact that you cannot cool one room at a time. If you need just a few rooms cooled, you will not have this option. This type of system can waste energy, causing you to pay for cooling that you do not need.

We proudly install and service Central Air Albuquerque.

Energy Star is not a brand name for air conditioners. It is a program that has been developed by the U.S. Department of Energy, and designed to promote the idea of selling and buying products that are energy-efficient. Ideally, when the consumer sees the Energy Star label on a product, it is a signal that you can expect to be able to save energy with the product, and of course, that is going to translate to greater savings in your budget.

And make no mistake about it - the government unquestionably wants you to see the Energy Star designation, because increased sales for those products is going to mean a lot of energy savings in the long run. This program has indeed been in place for 20 years, and that is a testament to the effectiveness of the message. Let's face it - the smart people are always looking for some kind of an edge that can help them in their quest to spend less money.

What does a product have to do to qualify for Energy Star?

Well, let's talk about air conditioners for purposes of this discussion. There is a qualification process, and there are minimum efficiency figures that have to be met. Air conditioners have to have a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating of 14.5 or above, an EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) of at least 12, and 8.2 or greater in the HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor). All of these measurements are emblematic of energy efficiency. These high efficiency levels certainly contribute to lowering your bill, as does the construction of the home. Of course, the best way to conserve energy may be to plan using less of it.

The intention behind establishing an Energy Star label isn't just to help people in the U.S. save money by burning up less energy, but also to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions. This would seem to be a reasonable thing. Through the Energy Star program, the government wants consumers to be educated about comparative products. In other words, what they want you to know that there could be some competing products out on the market that are less expensive, but do not meet the standards for SEER, EER or HSPF, but that when you calculate the savings you will accrue over the long run, it is worth the little extra money you may have paid for greater efficiency.

With the summer heat already upon us, many of us are looking for ways to improve our home and office cooling systems. With the energy and power prices shooting through the roof, we're caught up in a dilemma as to what to do - go for lesser air conditioning and sacrifice comfort, or go for comfort and burn a huge hole in your pockets. Good news is, you do not have to do either. There are ways to increase the efficiency of your air conditioning unit by following a few painless steps to improve its performance drastically. Lets dive right into it then.

1) Maintenance

One of the most important, and most also under-rated ways of improving the efficiency of your air conditioner, is proper maintenance. Make sure all the coils of your unit are clean. Dusty coils block airflow and reduce the efficiency to start with, and might cause short-circuit fires when unchecked for a long time.

2) Proper Sealing

Make sure all your walls and windows are properly sealed, with no air leaks. Keep all the doors and windows closed at all times. Keep the sunlight from the windows out of your home as much as possible. This can be done with the help of window curtains and drapes. Avoid using dark colors for the same. A properly sealed residence can save up to 8% of their electricity bills through a year.

3) Thermostat

The thermostat settings largely affect the kind of comfort your air conditioner provides. Maintaining proper temperature when everybody's away is an absolute essential. In case of an automatic thermostat, make sure it properly senses every part of the house for a centralized air conditioning system.

4) Filters

The air filters of your air conditioner should be changed regularly to maintain the efficiency of your unit. The filter can be changed manually by the user, no technical knowledge is required. An unclean filter blocks the flow of air, and causes contamination to the clean air.

5) Over-cooling

Perhaps the most important point would be to not buy a system that has a cooling capacity more than that is required. Higher cooling causes the room to become cold and clammy and does not allow the unit to dehumidify the room, which causes problems in the unit over time.

With the summer heat already upon us, most of us look forward to the soothing, cool and calm temperature of our offices or homes.

While air conditioners have become an absolute essential in our lives, right after food, water and shelter, how do we protect this almost precious piece of equipment that not only provides us with cool air, but also removes harmful germs and bacteria, thus improving our health and overall quality of living?

Here are some tips for effective air conditioning maintenance.

1) Proper Servicing

Have your air conditioner serviced by a professional ( like ourselves ) at-least once every six months. A professional can check the direction of air flow, inspect the coils and assess its efficiency.

2) Make sure the air conditioner unit's registers are not covered

This includes window curtains and hanging plants too. Ideally, the curtains should be held about 25cms above your unit, in case of a window type air conditioner.

3) Curtains and Drapes

Use curtains to block the heat and sunlight into the room during the hottest part of the day. This not only prevents unnecessary heat accumulation in your room, but also keeps your cooling appliances clean.

4) Maintenance

Maintenance is one of the most important, and equally overlooked aspects of maintaining your air conditioner. Keep the appliance and the surroundings clean, vacuum the house regularly, and make sure wall sprays and other sticky items are kept away from the unit. Also, all kinds of indoor plants and creepers should be kept well away from the air conditioning unit. This is because these plants usually attract various small insects that might seek refuge inside your unit.

5) Chemical Cleaning

Vacuuming of the coils causes one of the most dangerous forms of air pathogens available. The growth on the coils of the air conditioners is set loose by vacuuming, which is then present in the free air that we breathe, getting lodged in our lungs and producing infections and diseases. Chemical cleaning is required for proper cleansing of the coils. Make sure the servicemen use good quality chemicals, that have been attested by recognized national laboratories before giving them the green signal. Also make sure the chemicals are properly removed from the surface of the coils once the cleaning is done, so as to prevent their mixing with the air we breathe. Proper professionals will be able to remove the lodged particles smoothly so as to allow proper flow of air and enable proper cooling.