Posts Tagged ‘Cherokee County’
Wednesday, 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
Tags: Acworth, Air Conditioning, Alpharetta, Atlanta, Austell, Canton, Cartersville, Cherokee County, Cumberland, Dallas, East Cobb, Euharlee, Fulton County, Geothermal, Holly Springs, HVAC, Indoor Air Quality, Kennesaw, Kingston, Lost Mountain, Mableton, Marietta, Mars Hill, Paulding County, Powder Springs, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Smyrna, Taylorsville, Townlake, Vinings, Waleska, White, Woodstock
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
Sunday, 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!
Tags: Acworth, Air Filtration, Alpharetta, Austell, Bridgemill, Canton, Cartersville, Cherokee County, Cobb County, Dallas, Marietta, Powder Springs, Roswell, Townlake
Posted in About Us, Air Conditioning, Energy Savings, Heat Pumps, Heating, Home Savings, Maintenance Plan/Comfort Club, Tax Credits, Trane | Comments Off
Tuesday, 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!
Tags: Acworth, Alpharetta, Atlanta, Austell, Bridgemill, Buckhead, Canton, Cartersville, Cherokee County, Clarkdale, Crabapple, Cumberland, Dallas, East Cobb, Euharlee, Holly Springs, Kennesaw, Kingston, Lake Arrowhead, Lost Mountain, Mableton, Marietta, Mars Hill, Milton, Mountain Park, Northpoint, Powder Springs, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Smyrna, Taylorsville, Townlake, Vinings, Waleska, White, Woodstock
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
Wednesday, 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.
Tags: Acworth, Alpharetta, Atlanta, Austell, Big Creek, Bridgemill, Buckhead, Canton, Cartersville, Cherokee County, Clarkdale, Cobb County, Crabapple, Cumberland, Dallas, East Cobb, Euharlee, Holly Springs, Kennesaw, Kingston, Lake Arrowhead, Lost Mountain, Mableton, Marietta, Mars Hill, Milton, Mountain Park, Northpoint, Powder Springs, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Smyrna, Taylorsville, Townlake, Vinings, White, Woodstock
Posted in Energy Savings, Gas Heaters, Heating, Home Savings, Maintenance Plan/Comfort Club, Rebates & Tax Credits, Tax Credits, Trane, Uncategorized, Winterizing | Comments Off
Friday, 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.
Tags: Acworth, Alpharetta, Atlanta, Austell, Bridgemill, Buckhead, Canton, Cartersville, Cherokee County, Cobb County, Dallas, East Cobb, Euharlee, Holly Springs, HVAC, Kennesaw, Kingston, Lake Arrowhead, Lost Mountain, Mableton, Marietta, Mars Hill, Milton, Mountain Park, Paulding County, Powder Springs, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Smyrna, Taylorsville, Waleska, White, Woodstock
Posted in Gas Heaters, Heat Pumps, Maintenance Plan/Comfort Club, Trane | Comments Off
Monday, 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.
Tags: Acworth, Alpharetta, Austell, Buckhead, Canton, Cartersville, Cherokee County, Cobb County, Dallas, East Cobb, Euharlee, Holly Springs, HVAC, Kennesaw, Kingston, Lost Mountain, Marietta, Mars Hill, Milton, Paulding County, Powder Springs, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Smyrna, Townlake, Vinings, White, Woodstock
Posted in Energy Savings, Gas Heaters, Heating, Home Savings, Maintenance Plan/Comfort Club, Tax Credits, Trane | Comments Off
Friday, 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?
Tags: Acworth, Air Filtration, Atlanta, Austell, Bridgemill, Cherokee County, Dallas, Indoor Air Quality, Kennesaw, Marietta, Paulding County, Woodstock
Posted in Energy Savings, Gas Heaters, Heating, Home Savings, Indoor Air Quality, Oil Heaters, Winterizing | Comments Off
Wednesday, September 21st, 2011
At any time of year, it’s hard to overcome the constant feeling of misery that illness can bring to your Canton home. Endless sniffles, stomach aches and fever not only make you feel horrible; they can put a kink in your daily routine, making it harder to get work done or take care of your family.
But, a good indoor air quality system will help when it is properly maintained throughout the year. Here are some tips to cut into the duration of a particularly nasty cold or flu.
Humidity and Air Circulation
When the humidity gets exceptionally low, your body gets dehydrated more easily, especially in your skin. This can lead to trouble fighting off colds and flus, especially if they are very strong. A good humidifier increases humidity to a comfortable level that’s ideal for the immune system. Air circulation is equally important as it keeps fresh air coming into your home.
Air Purification
The next step in purification is to reduce the number of air borne pathogens that can make your illnesses worse or spread them to other people. There are constantly bacteria and viruses floating through your home, either on people or in the debris carried by your home’s indoor air.
A good air purifier ionizes the air and removes things like dust, pollen and mold. The air purifier then destroys the bacteria and viruses with the use of UV lights. This kind of system won’t stop you from getting sick when you leave the house and interact with people on the train or at work, but it will slow the spread of illness in your home and help people recover much faster.
Cleanliness Breeds Healthiness
The key to staying healthy is to stay active and keep your home clean. With the help of a good home air quality system, you can remove the unwanted contaminants and debris that clog up indoor air and ensure everyone in your family is safe and comfortable all year.
Tags: Canton, Cherokee County, Indoor Air Quality, Mableton, Waleska
Posted in Indoor Air Quality | Comments Off
Wednesday, September 7th, 2011
Indoor air pollutants are a major issue for millions of Atlanta homeowners and while you may know the most common culprits such as pet dander, pollen, dust and smoke, there are a few other indoor air pollution sources you may not be aware of. Here are some that almost any home will have and simple tasks you can perform to reduce their risk.
- Cooking Surfaces – Gas stoves in particular are a major source of Nitrogen Dioxide. To reduce the amount of this gas in your indoor air, make sure you have proper ventilation above or near your stove. A simple exhaust hood or wall fan will do the job.
- Insects – Roaches in particular are a major issue. Their droppings, saliva and dead body parts can significantly increase the risk of health problems like asthma. Many other insects produce allergens as well, though roaches are worse because of their size and the nature of most infestations. Avoid using roach killers however. Prevention is better than extermination both for your indoor air quality and for the general health of those in your household.
- Dust Mites – Dust mites are different from insects because they are so small (and are technically arachnids). They like things like your drapes, upholstery and carpet. They also like high humidity levels so if you can keep the humidity in your home low, they will be much less of a nuisance.
- Asbestos – You’ve probably heard that asbestos is a carcinogen and should be covered or removed from your home. But do you know just how many places in your home it can be found? Asbestos is present in old insulation, spackle, pipe wraps and even some older upholstery. If your home is more than 30 years old, make sure it is inspected and checked for asbestos. If found, asbestos is usually isolated so it cannot fray and get into the air you breathe.
- New Electronics – New products can have a variety of chemicals in them like phthalates that have a negative impact on the respiratory health of those exposed to them. These chemicals are emitted after a product is opened for the first time. With time their concentration will diminish, reducing the risk, but at first, make sure to properly ventilate the space and keep children away from new electronics or computers.
Chemicals, pollutants and other indoor air quality issues are numerous. To avoid a problem, make sure you investigate carefully to determine if your home needs additional repairs. A professional contractor can test for dozens of pollutants or you can order at-home kits to test for specific pollutants yourself.
Tags: Atlanta, Cherokee County, Indoor Air Quality, Townlake, Waleska
Posted in Indoor Air Quality | Comments Off
Friday, July 29th, 2011
There are many types of thermostats available for your home, but which is the best for your particular needs? It depends largely on how often you are home, how many rooms you have and how people in your house use each of those rooms.
A programmable thermostat in particular is a great option because it allows home owners to control when and how much heat or cooling is introduced to their indoor air. Normal thermostats lack this level of control, largely because they are built as simple switches that flip on whenever your temperature gets too low or too high.
Situations for a Programmable Thermostat
When you leave your home every day, you have two options. Either set the heat and AC so you’ll be comfortable when you return, or turn them off completely and suffer through the first half hour or so when you get home that night.
If you choose the former, you’ll pay a lot more in energy bills to heat or cool an empty house. And if your humidity levels need controlling as well, this may be your only option. Those in the second camp are forced to endure uncomfortable temperatures right when they get home and want nothing more than to relax. Not much better.
That’s why so many homeowners are opting for programmable thermostats to overcome this issue. With a programmable model, you can actually tell your home’s comfort system when to turn on and off each day, depending on when people will be there. Imagine going on vacation for three or four days and coming home to a nice and toasty living room and a smaller heating bill to go with it. That’s the kind of control a programmable model offers.
Zone Control and Beyond
Some programmable thermostats even allow you to section your home off into zones and choose specific temperatures for different areas of the house. This allows a great deal more control over when and how your system will operate each day, depending on the individual comfort needs of your family.
If you’re making dinner and don’t want the heat blasting you while you’re standing over the stove, just set the kitchen temperature lower. And with a programmable thermostat, you can tell it to come back on an hour after you leave the kitchen so that it’s comfortable later when you need a glass of water.
Tags: Austell, Cartersville, Cherokee County, Programmable Thermostats, Thermostats, Zone Control
Posted in Indoor Air Quality | Comments Off
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