Posts Tagged ‘East Cobb’
Tuesday, July 17th, 2012
Rising temperatures and glorious sunny days make summer an ideal season for getting work done around the house. Whether you’re cooling off indoors or working on your tan, take the time to perform some simple, routine home maintenance. You’ll have a safer home if you catch problems and wear-and-tear before they become hazards.
Keeping Cool Inside
Energy efficiency is a top priority when electricity bills climb as high as the temperatures outside. Hopefully you’ve had your air conditioning system checked in the spring, as repairmen are often busy in the summer and you may have to sweat it out until your appointment.
Ceiling fans provide an energy-efficient way of circulating cool air. Dust them if needed and balance any wobbly blades by tightening loose screws. For additional energy efficiency, check windows and doors for air leaks and seal with weather stripping or caulk as needed. You’re paying for the cool air, so take steps to be sure it’s not escaping outdoors.
Home Exterior Care and Landscaping
Take advantage of the warm weather and wash the outside of your windows and clean the siding. While it might be tempting to use a pressure washer, a garden hose is best to avoid potentially damaging the exterior of your home. Apply a coat of fresh paint if needed, and repair any damaged vinyl or aluminum siding.
Be aware of termites while you’re outside inspecting your home. Termites can easily go undetected until significant damage has been done. Look for telltale signs like flaking wood or mud buildup and tunneling systems in the exterior wood of your home. Professional pest control inspections are recommended if you have any suspicions of possible infestation.
Well-tended landscaping and a trim and tidy house are as welcoming to guests as the smells of a barbeque. Garden beds look their best when mulched and weeded. Summer annuals can be induced to produce more flowers and bloom longer when you deadhead them. Removing spent flowers also prevents the plant from going to seed. Check garden plants, trees, and shrubs for insect infestations. Unhealthy plants should be removed so that others may thrive.
Lush green grass is of course desirable; however, it is not always realistic or water-efficient. Encourage healthy grass growth with regular mowing, but remember: Keeping grass cut longer in the summer months will prevent roots from drying out as quickly.
Grass and plants should be watered in the morning to allow the water to soak through the soil throughout the day in order to completely nourish their root systems. Check to see if your municipality has water conservation restrictions before watering your lawn or garden.
Trees provide shady ambience and should be well cared for to avoid potential damage to your home. Keep their branches pruned and at a safe distance from your home to avoid storm-related damage. Inspect trees for signs of decay, such as cracks or hollowed limbs, and keep branches clear of your home and power lines. Tree care professionals can assist with the cutting and removal of large or high limbs.
Also, before planting additional trees and shrubs in your yard, take into consideration the plant’s size when mature and whether or not roots might intrude upon underground pipes or paved surfaces such as sidewalks and driveways.
Garage Upkeep
Hazardous materials such as paint and solvents should be disposed of properly. Don’t store heat-sensitive or combustible materials in the garage, as the temperature will be rising throughout the season. Inspect the floor for grease spots from leaking car fluids, and have your car serviced promptly if you find any.
If you have children, instruct them not to go in the garage unaccompanied. Store your hand tools and power tools behind a lock and key. Fertilizers, weed-killers, and pesticides should be stored out of a child’s reach or behind a locked cabinet. You might also consider organic gardening, which employs nontoxic alternatives to these poisonous chemicals.
Driveways And Walkways
Inspect the pavement for cracks and holes, and repair them. This goes a long way in preventing accidental slips, trips, and falls. It also works to avoid larger repairs or resurfacing in the future. If you see weeds popping up between cracks in the pavement, resist the urge to pull them up. You’ll remove the upper part of the weed, but the root system will remain and new growth will return within a few weeks. For a cost-effective solution, boil water in a kettle and pour the water on any weeds to kill them off for the season.
Tags: Acworth, Air Conditioning, Alpharetta, Atlanta, Austell, Buckhead, Canton, Cherokee County, Cobb County, Dallas, East Cobb, Euharlee, Fulton County, Holly Springs, Indoor Air Quality, Kennesaw, Kingston, Lake Arrowhead, Lost Mountain, Mableton, Mars Hill, Paulding County, Powder Springs, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Smyrna, Taylorsville, Waleska, White, Woodstock
Posted in Services | Comments Off
Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012
By SFLCAuthor
According to ENERGY STAR®, the ideal indoor humidity level is between 30 and 50 percent. In addition to just making you uncomfortable, high humidity levels can pose a threat to your home’s structure and surfaces. Help clear the air with these tips for reducing and controlling humidity at home.
Why Home Humidity Matters
Managing indoor humidity levels can:
• Improve personal comfort.
• Control moisture that can damage your home’s wood, paint and siding.
• Prevent mildew growth and odors in clothing and belongings.
• Improve indoor air quality by reducing dust mites, mold and other allergens.
• Reduce pest infestations.
• Improve the energy efficiency of your air conditioner.
How to Help Reduce and Control Humidity
Some Southern homeowners use their air conditioners year-round to combat humidity. Theo Etzel, CEO of Conditioned Air Corporation of Naples, Inc. in Naples, Florida, has these recommendations for more effective continuous use of your cooling system:
• Set the fan to automatic. (Keeping it in the “on” position actually re-humidifies the space by blowing air over a wet coil when the condenser cycles off.)
• Invest in a unit with a variable-speed air handler.
• Consider installing a whole-house dehumidifier.
• Don’t automatically lower the thermostat. Etzel says turning down the thermostat to reduce humidity can actually be a sign of an oversized air conditioning system.
Ways to Help Cut Excess Humidity
Etzel notes that air-conditioning systems can only keep up with the moisture they’re designed to remove, whether the systems condition fresh incoming air, recirculating interior air, or both.
Here are ways to help keep additional moisture and humidity from infiltrating the home:
• Vent clothes dryers to the outdoors.
• Install vent fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Run a dehumidifier.
• Cover dirt floors in crawl spaces with a plastic vapor barrier.
• Seal air and duct leaks.
• Select houseplants that absorb moisture from the air, such as Boston ferns.
• Keep air-conditioning drip pans and drain lines clean and unobstructed.
• Avoid activities that add moisture to the air on humid days, such as taking hot showers and boiling water on the stove.
• Take measures outside. ENERGY STAR suggests keeping gutters and downspouts clean, extending downspouts further from the house, watering plants only when needed and sloping soil away from foundations to keep water from pooling.
The information in this article was obtained from various sources. While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. The information is not intended to replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. We assume no liability in connection with the information nor the suggestions made.
Tags: Acworth, Air Conditioning, Air Filtration, Alpharetta, Atlanta, Austell, Bridgemill, Buckhead, Canton, Cartersville, Cherokee County, Cobb County, Cumberland, Dallas, East Cobb, Euharlee, 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 Services | Comments Off
Tuesday, June 19th, 2012
HVAC Quick Tips
Your heating and cooling system equipment runs best when properly maintained. Change your filters on a regular basis. Having your HVAC system serviced on an annual basis will ensure that your system is not costing you more than it should as well as increase the life of the system. Also, remember a dirty system means your system is working twice as hard or constantly. This then means that your energy bill will rise but your home will not be any cooler or warmer. Your air conditioner produces a lot of water while it runs. Don’t forget to have your drain lines cleared to protect your home from water damage.
Thermostat Quick Tip
The average home will spend over $1,000 a year on heating and cooling. Programmable thermostats adjust the temperature in winter and in summer as well as during unoccupied hours. At a cost of $50 – $150, the payback can be seen in well under a year.
Switch Tips
*Take a look at the lights you burn. A 100 watt lamp costs roughly a penny an hour to operate.
*When you finish cooking, turn off the kitchen lighting and the range exhaust fan.
*Don’t leave unnecessary lighting on during the day.
Unplug Tips
Check around the house to see of devices are unnecessarily plugged in. Cell phones, MP3 players, chargers and small appliances are still drawing power when not in use. Be aware the plasma TV’s and entertainment systems, DVR’s especially are drawing power even when off. Also switch computers off or use computers power management settings to allow standby mode when its not needed. A computer can use as much electricity as a refrigerator.
With just these few little tips, watch how much energy and money you can save.
Tags: Acworth, Air Conditioning, Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cartersville, Cherokee County, Cobb County, Cumberland, Dallas, East Cobb, Euharlee, Fulton County, Geothermal, Holly Springs, HVAC, Kennesaw, Kingston, Lake Arrowhead, Lost Mountain, Mableton, Marietta, Mars Hill, Paulding County, Powder Springs, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Smyrna, Taylorsville, Townlake, Vinings, Waleska, White, Woodstock
Posted in Services | Comments Off
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 Services | 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 Services | 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 Services, Uncategorized | 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 Services | 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 Services | Comments Off
Saturday, 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
Tags: Acworth, Cobb County, Cumberland, East Cobb, Kennesaw, Lost Mountain, Mars Hill, Mountain Park, Powder Springs, Smyrna, Vinings
Posted in Services | Comments Off
Monday, August 1st, 2011
Geothermal energy is energy extracted from the ground. This energy is in the ground in the first place because the ground absorbs the heat coming from the sun. This heat is always there, even when it is very cold outside. In fact, even when the ground appears to be frozen, you can actually extract plenty of heat to keep your Mars Hill home nice and toasty.
While this may at first appear to defy logic, the way that geothermal energy can be used for heating your home is actually quite simple. A geothermal heating system typically consists of an indoor air handler with a fan, a series of air ducts for the heated air to travel through and a closed loop of pipe that extends into the ground below and around your home.
This closed loop of pipe is actually where the geothermal heat is collected. Some type of liquid, usually water or antifreeze, will be continuously run through this pipe loop. As the liquid passes through the area of pipe that is below ground, it will absorb the heat from the surrounding soil. Once the liquid makes it back up to the air handler, the heat is able to disperse, heating the air in the chamber.
This heated air is then circulated throughout your house through the ducts by a fan. After it has released its heat into the air in your home, the liquid will cycle back into the ground to absorb more. This allows a geothermal heating system to provide you with a constant supply of warm air.
Unlike a furnace, which mixes in blasts of very hot air with periods of inactivity to try and keep your house at a constant temperature, a geothermal heat pump is able to provide a more consistent flow of air that is just the right temperature to keep your home comfortable. This means that these types of heat pumps are running just about all of the time as opposed to furnaces, but they are designed to work this way and the constant operation does not cause any excessive wear and tear.
Another great benefit of geothermal heat pumps is that they are able to keep your house cool in the summer as well. Just as the ground is warmer than the air in the winter, it is also cooler in the summer. That means that heat removed from your indoor air can be transferred to the ground in the same way that it was transferred in during the winter.
Tags: Austell, East Cobb, Geothermal, Heating, Mars Hill
Posted in Services | Comments Off
Join Us Online