Buying the Right Ceiling Fan

April 25th, 2012

Ceiling fans really help people reduce their heating and cooling cost. They have the ability to reduce warm temperatures up to 7 degrees, while dramatically reducing air conditioning costs. During the winter months, ceiling fans can operate in reverse mode. Doing so will circulate warm air throughout the room by pushing it up toward the ceiling. Careful consideration should be given when buying a ceiling fan, because of the wide variety available.

Fan Size

The fan should not be too large or too small for your room. A rule of thumb is to have at least 7 feet of clearance from the floor to the fan. The blades and the nearest wall should be a minimum of two feet apart.

Fan Motors

For ceiling fans to operate with efficiency, the size of the motor and the ground motor windings must coincide with blade length. This will allow the fan to run without using a lot of energy and continuously without any problems. However, when the blades or motor are not balanced correctly, the fan will begin to vibrate even at lower speeds. The motors that come with outdoor fans are built to endure temperature changes and moisture.

Fan Blades

Fan blades come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Appearance however is secondary to choosing ones that will provide the best performance and stability. You also need to decide what blade pitch you want. A higher pitch equals greater air circulation at lower speeds. Blade pitches are available between 8 and 15 degrees.

Another thing to consider is fan mounts. There are three types: flush mount, down rod mount, and tri-mount. Down rods are suited for higher ceilings, flush mount is designed for lower ceilings, and the tri-mount provides the best circulation regardless of height.

For more helpful hints check us out on www.southairinc.com

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Posted in Air Conditioning, Energy Savings, Gas Heaters, Geothermal, Heat Pump Systems, Heat Pumps, Heating, Home Savings, Indoor Air Quality, Insulation, Maintenance Plan/Comfort Club | Comments Off

Thinking of Changing Careers?

December 18th, 2011

Are you looking for a job that will be around in the future? Consider the HVAC industry. People will always be living in homes and homes will always need to be heated in the winter and in the Atlanta area, cooled in the summer. Below are some compelling reasons to consider a career in the heating and air conditioning field.

The current demand for HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) specialists has been growing over the past couple of years and is expected to continue to grow for the next several years. This is according to current U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (or BLS stats).

Current industry trends indicate a future growth rate of nearly 28% nationwide – this trend is predicted to continue until 2018, a total period of researching and studying 10-year industry trends beginning in 2008. Studies have revealed that once the results of that research and those studies are complete, there will be nearly 395,000 individuals who make their living in the HVAC industry, and choose to make this their lifelong career.

Ironically, there are those who feel that the HVAC industry is not recession-proof. Whether or not this is true, we can tell you that there are no statistics of current career trends in the HVAC industry that prove this. So, saying that the HVAC industry is recession-proof or not is purely speculative. However, on a more positive note, here is why the demand for top notch HVAC techs is going to be worth looking into:

Going Green – Numerous HVAC companies have put their efforts into green technology. Many technicians are educated in energy-efficient systems because the industry demands that they keep up with HVAC market and technological trends.

Maintenance and repair – Even if you do not need to replace your current HVAC system, it will always need preventative maintenance and repairs. Just like electricity, natural gas, and water, air conditioning and heating is something that no homeowner or business owner wants to do without.

Replacing your system – Even well-maintained heating and cooling systems eventually need replacing, considering the average lifespan of a HVAC system is 10 to 12 years. This is the case whether the economy is good or bad.

Upgrading older systems – Most home and business owners realize that maintaining HVAC systems involves keeping up with energy efficiency and technology. By upgrading or replacing your current system, you will save money on your monthly utility bills.

Here is another great reason to consider a career in the HVAC industry. When you are a certified HVAC tech, you can earn from $40,000 to over $100,000 per year in the metro Atlanta area!

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Posted in About Us, Air Conditioning, Energy Savings, Heat Pumps, Heating, Home Savings, Maintenance Plan/Comfort Club, Tax Credits, Trane | Comments Off

Winterizing Your Home on a Budget

December 6th, 2011

Are you looking for inexpensive ways to save money on energy bills this  winter? Now is a great time to tackle these home projects and each of them is very affordable.

1. Add weather stripping to your doors and windows. Keeping warm air from escaping and drafts from blowing in can make a 5% to 10% difference in your energy use.

2. Seal exposed ductwork in attics and basements. Check for gaps in seams and joints, holes, or other places where warm air can escape. Use high quality mastic, rather then silver or duct tape that won’t hold as well or be efficient. Experts say that as much as 20% of warm air can escape through leaky ducts, so this is a great way to save money!

3. Put an insulation blanket on your water heater. The water tank warms up 30 or 40 gallons of water and then it starts to cool off, wasting money. An insulating blanket will slow down the heat loss substantially.

4. Program your thermostat so that the system runs less when you are nott there. Let the temperature fall 10 degrees or so when the house is empty, and you can program it to warm back up before you get home

5. Run full loads of laundry instead of several small loads. You’ll reduce your water use and your overall electrical use.

6. Add insulation to the attic. In winter, heated air escapes through the ceiling into the attic and out of the house. In summer, the attic gets hot and that air pushes down into the house, causing the air conditioner to work harder. A layer of insulation (minimum R19) in the attic will help year-round.

7. Have your furnace or heat pump cleaned and tuned up for winter. A dirty furnace or heat pump coil can waste 20% or more of the energy it uses. Having your entire HVAC system serviced before winter is a cost that might pay you back very quickly.

These are very good ways to reduce energy use on a limited budget. They are easy to accomplish and you will notice immediate results — lower energy bills every month going forward!

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Posted in Energy Savings, Gas Heaters, Heat Pump Systems, Heat Pumps, Heating, Home Savings, Insulation, Maintenance Plan/Comfort Club, Rebates & Tax Credits, Tax Credits, Trane, Winterizing | Comments Off

The Most Important Part of Your Home — Your Furnace:

November 30th, 2011

Winter is coming fast, and it certainly doesn’t let us forget it! Blustery winds that chill through to your bones, iced up car windows, and snow days, this often means that the temperature outside has reached as low as 30 degrees or colder when wind chill is considered!

A large reason that we are able to live comfortably in this weather is because of a special appliance that is often tucked away in your house and not really considered on a daily basis: your furnace.

Furnaces consist of three major components: the burners, a draft inducer, and a heat exchanger. When you bump up your thermostat or it detects that the temperature of your house/building has dropped below its designated temperature, it send a signal to the furnace to ignite its burners.

After the burners are ignited, the draft inducer kicks into action, and sucks the hot gases from the burners towards the heat exchanger. A draft inducer looks similar to a cars turbocharger, and works in a similar manner also. While the hot gas is moved through the heat exchanger, the furnace also brings air from your house through the heat exchanger in order to warm it. If the draft inducer is dirty in any way, this could cause the unit from igniting or staying lit.

And there you have it! Now you understand the basics of how a furnace works. Always use a professional to carry out maintenance and repairs to keep it running at peak efficiency and safe for the whole family.

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Posted in Energy Savings, Gas Heaters, Heating, Home Savings, Maintenance Plan/Comfort Club, Rebates & Tax Credits, Tax Credits, Trane, Uncategorized, Winterizing | Comments Off

Feeling a Little Chilly?

November 18th, 2011

Your home is a haven for you and your family. You do all you can to keep it comfortable and safe. If you live in a cold climate, you know how important it is to keep your home warm during the cold months. Being unsure whether your heating system will work properly through the winter can cause serious worry for a homeowner. Hiring a professional home heating service to do a yearly check-up is a great way to catch problems and make repairs before they turn into serious problems

Heating contractors have the expertise and training to handle any size of repair, and they deal with furnace issues and ductwork on a regular basis. They will evaluate your needs and give you an estimate for the repair before they begin it. You want to contract with professionals who have the skills and abilities to detect and repair problems to your heating and air conditioning system. Because they are experienced, they have worked on many different types of units, which give them important knowledge that the average homeowner simply doesn’t have.

Reliable heating contractors work hard to provide affordable bids quickly so that you can have them do the work that gets you back to status quo. It is a good idea to locate a contractor before you have a problem so that you will know who to call if an emergency were to occur. It is a good idea to have a company come out for a basic service call so you can see how easy they are to work with and how well they do their job. This way if problems arise later you know you have someone to call that you can trust and knows your system. If you try to fix a problem with your heating or air conditioning system on your own, you could actually make it worse and cause your home to be without heat for a longer period of time.

Choosing professional heating contractors will keep this from happening. Be sure when you call for your emergency that you accurately describe the problem with your system so that your heating contractors will have a better idea of where to start. This may reduce the total time they must spend and can save you money, since they get paid by the hour.

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Furnace Repair or Replace? A question from Marietta

November 14th, 2011

When the heater starts to malfunction, many homeowners debate whether they should call for furnace repair or buy an upgraded system. There are pros and cons to each choice and every individual will have to do some research and thinking to decide for himself or herself. Reparation can be the ecologically sound thing to do — or not. Many appliances are designed to go kaput at a certain age and to be hauled away to the dump.

Purchasing a new system can be good for the planet due to increased energy efficiency. If a system is so old that it guzzles energy like a hungry monster, this will make a large carbon footprint on the earth. Using a minimum of energy will be best for the planet and best for a consumer’s wallet. Here are some things to think about:

- Maintenance: An ounce of preventative maintenance is worth a pound of repair. Want to keep that HVAC working seamlessly for many years to come? Then perform regular maintenance and servicing. Replace the filter every month like clockwork.

On a specific date, such as the first of each month or every full moon, take out the old dusty one and discard it. Slip the new one into place, you have just extended the life of your furnace. Having a service technician come in at the beginning of every season to perform service will be a wise step, too.

- How old is your heater? Ancient furnace systems that clunk, clank and guzzle may be hopelessly outdated. When this old dinosaur breaks down, it may be wise to give it a decent burial. If it’s only a few years old, however, it would be wiser to call the repair person out to fix it.

- Energy star products: The government has given the “energy star” label to a variety of green products that are proven to cut energy consumption by 10 to 15%. The average family spends a couple thousand dollars to heat their home each winter and this savings can accumulate quickly. Not only will the utility bills be lower, but the government offers tax breaks to homeowners who install energy star products.

- Your repair person: It’s smart to establish a relationship with a tech before a breakdown occurs. Having an annual seasonal service performed will be the perfect opportunity to get this business relationship cemented.

When the heater goes kaput, it may be wise to call for furnace repair or might just be a wakeup call to purchase a new system. Doing a bit of homework and comparison shopping will provide answers for making an informed decision. Always choose a licensed professional.

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How you buy a top of the line 80% Efficient Furnace for $699

November 12th, 2011

This may sound like it is not possible, but it is!

2011 has been one slowest years in sales since the down turn in the economy.  Slow sales are a killer because whether we sell anything or not, we have expenses in our business we have to cover.  We call this the overhead monster, because everyone is always afraid of these expenses.  They are business killers!

Not having any sales during what is supposed to be the very BEST part of my year can spell doom for my business unless I can spread out my work.  Plus, we are now coming into what is my traditionally slowest sales period.

The Idea Hit Me!

That is where I came up with the idea to offer a limited number (20) of incredibly efficient systems (80% efficient), at ridiculously low prices.  There are always people in need of new furnaces, even when it is slow (although fewer than normal they still break occasionally), so I decided that I had to get some work to TAME the savage overhead monster.

Because I need the work during this awful period of weather to cover these expenses, it only made sense to offer a great deal to the first twenty people who wanted them, to get some sales and cover the costs.

I know what you’re thinking

The same thing I do when I see these kinds of deals out there!

Is it a real offer or are they trying to sell me something else?

It’s to good to be true – best quality at lowest price – can’t have both?

If I buy one of these, the quality can’t be good at these prices – they’ll skimp?

This is a real offer, and a real guarantee.  It is very simple.

I am only doing this for the first (20 people).  After that my prices go back to normal.  Because I will have covered my expenses and need to get back to selling at normal prices or I will go out of business if I keep these ridiculously low prices.

The first 20 systems I sell are it!  But if I do well for you, I get referrals.  So it’s worth it!

I am guaranteeing these factory premium, matched systems just the way I would any of my other installations, because I am a quality contractor doing quality work.

We want and need referrals to all your friends and neighbors and the only way that happens is if I give you the very best quality you can get!  You have to like me, and like the new installation or your not going to recommend me, so while I am offering this deal, I still have to make the installation perfect!

Plus, you get the ironclad guarantee that if you are not 100% satisfied with my people on the job, their appearance or how they treat you, or any part of our equipment we install, the way we treat you or your home, for 365 days from the date we install your new premium, high efficiency system we will remove the equipment and refund 100% of the money, no questions asked.

One More Guarantee – Is He out of his Mind?

I will also guarantee I can lower your energy bill by no less than 25%.  In most cases actually saving you enough money on your utility bills to more than pay for the new system.

Like Always there is Fine Print – Here is the fine print!

1. You have to be one of the 1st 20 to buy a system from me

2. The offer is only good until (February 27th, 2012)

3. When you buy a matched system, which includes the furnace, and air conditioner, you will get a high efficiency premium air conditioner, matched coil, plus the new 80% high efficiency furnace for $699.

You Get from Me:

1. A premium matched system that is brand new and guaranteed

2. The 100% money back satisfaction guarantee

3. The energy savings guarantee

4. A great product, great service, and a great installation

Plus:

I am willing to also offer you (only on the 1st 20 systems for those who act now and buy on this special offer).

A 10 year FULL PARTS and LABOR guarantee on this matched system – meaning you will not have to worry about any breakdowns or service charges of any kind for the next 10 years on your home heating and air conditioning equipment.

That’s it – That’s the Deal

All you have to do is call 678-721-6992!  You have to act quickly on this offer, because when the first 20 are sold, they are sold and I cannot extend the offer, or make any exceptions.  My crews will be full and busy enough that we can’t afford to do any more than these 20, but what a 20 it will be!

The absolute worst thing that can happen to you is we make friends, and you learn a whole lot more about your home, and the way to heating and cooling works inside of your home.  The air in your home is more important than ever, sow hat have you got to lose really?

I hope we get to serve you as one of our many happy, healthy, valued customers.

David Roussel

General Manager

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Carbon Monoxide Indoors

November 11th, 2011

What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, but dangerous gas. It is produced when a fuel such as natural gas, oil, kerosene, wood or charcoal is burned. Exposure to CO reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. Fuel-burning appliances used indoors must be maintained, used properly and fully vented to the outdoors to prevent dangerous levels of CO. Hundreds of people die accidentally every year from CO poisoning caused by malfunctioning or improperly used fuel-burning appliances.

What are the health effects of carbon monoxide?

Once inhaled, CO attaches to the hemoglobin in the red blood cells. Hemoglobin normally carries oxygen throughout the body. When CO attaches, it blocks the oxygen the body must have, creating a wide range of health problems.

Breathing low levels of CO can cause:

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Confusion
  • Disorientation1

Many of these symptoms are similar to the flu, food poisoning or other illnesses. So you may not suspect CO poisoning. If symptoms persist, and especially if they get better after you leave the building, CO may be the cause.

Breathing higher levels of CO causes flu-like symptoms such as headaches, dizziness and weakness in healthy people.

Breathing high levels of CO also can cause:

  • Sleepiness
  • Nausea
  • Anxiety or depression
  • Vomiting
  • Confusion
  • Impaired vision
  • Impaired coordination
  • Disorientation2

Breathing CO at low levels regularly may cause permanent mental or physical problems. At very high levels, it causes loss of consciousness and death.2

Approximately 450 people die each year from CO exposure related to fuel-burning, residential appliances. Thousands more became ill or sought medical attention.3 CO poisoning is estimated to cause more than 50,000 emergency room visits in the United States each year.2

How can you protect yourself from carbon monoxide?

Make sure stoves or other devices that burn fuel indoors are fully vented to the outdoors. Have a professional check them once a year to be sure they are running well.

Sources include:

  • Gas appliances (furnaces, ranges, ovens, water heaters, clothes dryers, etc.)
  • Fireplaces, wood stoves
  • Coal or oil furnaces
  • Space heaters or oil or kerosene heaters
  • Charcoal grills, camp stoves
  • Gas-powered lawn mowers and power tools
  • Automobile exhaust fumes

The following simple steps can prevent CO poisoning:

  • Make sure appliances are installed and working according to manufacturers’ instructions and local building codes.
  • Never use unvented appliances — make sure all appliances are fully vented to the outdoors.
  • Have the heating system, chimney and flue inspected and cleaned by a qualified technician every year.
  • Do not use ovens and gas ranges to heat your home.
  • Do not burn charcoal, kerosene lanterns or portable camp stoves inside a home, cabin, recreational vehicle or camper.
  • Do not operate gasoline-powered engines in confined areas such as garages or basements.
  • Never leave your car or mower running in a closed garage.
  • Make sure your furnace has an adequate intake of outside air.
  • Install a CO detector with an audible alarm in your home and garage.
  • Cigarettes, pipes and cigars also produce carbon monoxide. Do not let anyone smoke inside your home.

After an emergency or power outage, be sure to remember these steps so you don’t risk your family’s health. Too many people are poisoned by CO after bad weather emergencies, like snowstorms and hurricanes. You may need to seek shelter elsewhere until the electricity is back.

Should I buy a carbon monoxide detector?

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Is a Home Warranty Worth It?

November 6th, 2011

After walking our dog Tobey this morning, I walked by a home for sale that advertised a free one year home warranty. It turns out that a lot of homes are offering this as a way to differentiate themselves from other homes. It’s a way for a house to stand out on the street because you get to put a placard that screams “Free One Year Home Warranty.” Back when we bought our home, throwing in a home warranty was like a cherry on top. Buyers battled for homes but sellers probably thought that throwing in a home warranty could juice up demand even more. What’s not to like about avoiding appliance headaches for one year?

The question is – are they worth it?

What is a home warranty?

When you buy a home warranty, you’re basically signing a service contract. The contract states that, for the life of the contract, the warranty company will pay for repairs or replacement on a number of appliances within your home. The contract will spell out which appliances it’ll cover, how much you pay per occurrence (similar to a deductible), and what is not covered.

It doesn’t cover structural aspects of your home. So if your roof collapses, that would be covered by homeowner’s insurance. If your water heater leaks, the water heater would be covered (if you bought that coverage) but the subsequent water damage would be a homeowner’s insurance matter.

In general, home warranties are nice to have when you buy a home, as it protects you for a year from unexpected expenses at a time when you can least afford them, it’s usually not advised unless you have extenuating circumstances.

Home warranties were a subject of a Devil’s Advocate post arguing that you should buy that home warranty. There are some compelling reasons in favor of home warranties.

That said, if you ask ten people about home warranties, you’ll likely get ten different opinions on it. Some people think as I do – put the savings away in an emergency fund to cover those potential problems. Some people think the peace of mind is worth the extra cost each year.

In the end, it comes down to doing the math after you get some quotes and finding the solution for you.

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Testimonial: Kathy Murphy From Waleska

September 26th, 2011

South Air has always been committed to customer service. We try hard to make sure that our customers are always happy, as Kathy Murphy from Waleska knows! Here is what she wrote to us about her experience with our great team:

Shane is always patient, quiet, and thorough. I ask a lot of questions and he goes above and beyond to make sure I get answers. Lisa is always friendly too. I feel like I’ve known her all my life, even though we’ve never met. I think it was Ben who sold me my new system. I’ve seen him on the property since and he always makes a point to stop and ask how it’s working. I expect a lot from any company I hire and I’m willing to go through several to find the right one. I’m pleased to have found the “right one” to handle all my heating and cooling needs and would highly recommend South Air to anyone who asks.

- Kathy Murphy

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