With the first big heat wave of the year behind us, we thought we would share a few videos about common problems with air conditioning systems. If you are like some of our customers, you may have turned on your AC unit when it was warm, only to find it didn’t cool the way you wanted or didn’t work at all. Fortunately, there are ways to make sure your AC...
View Article Continue ReadingDid you know we are in the middle of Bike Week? That’s right, May 12 – May 18 is Bike Week this year. What exactly is Bike Week? It’s a movement to get people to ride their bike this week instead of driving their car. You might be thinking, “What does this have to do with HVAC?” Well, not a whole lot actually. However, here at Alps we are big...
View Article Continue ReadingIf you suffer from allergies you know that they tend to act up around this time of year when the trees are in bloom and we are spending more time outside. There are also some allergens that might be getting comfortable inside your home as the weather gets warmer and humidity rises. Here are some tips on how to allergy-proof your home and make it the safe and comfortable sanctuary...
View Article Continue ReadingAir conditioners are given a rating of their energy efficiency called the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). A higher SEER means a more energy efficient air conditioner. The United States Department of Energy sets a minimum standard SEER rating for air conditioning systems. In 2006 the minimum SEER for commercial air conditioners sold in the U.S. was set at 13. To qualify as an Energy Star appliance, an air conditioning...
View Article Continue ReadingWe have told you about some great things you can do to help the environment. Now is the perfect time to reaffirm your commitment to a cleaner, greener earth or start a new one by joining people all over the world as they celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd. People all over the world celebrate Earth Day by doing environmentally friendly activities and pledging to reduce their usage of resources....
View Article Continue ReadingThis month, millions of California homeowners will see a credit on their electricity bill that they can expect every April and October for years to come. The credits for Californians are funded by a statewide program to reduce greenhouse gas emission, fight climate change, and clean the air. In 2006 California passed the Global Warming Solutions Act with the goal of reducing carbon pollution by at least 15% by 2020....
View Article Continue ReadingHomeowners try many things to save energy and to make their heating and cooling systems work better for them. You may have tried a few of those things, but unfortunately these tricks and tips will not get you the results you are hoping for. Here are a few myths to avoid as you try to make smarter heating and air conditioning choices. Faster Heating or Cooling When people want their...
View Article Continue ReadingIt is important to have an HVAC specialist perform routine maintenance and cleaning on your AC unit as you get ready to turn it on for the summer. Whether it is time for maintenance or not, be sure to keep your system dust and debris free. Doing so will make your unit more efficient and keep you breathing easier all year long. Here are a few things you can do...
View Article Continue ReadingEvery year at the end of March, the global community comes together to make a difference for the environment with an event called Earth Hour. It is a great opportunity for homeowners everywhere to do their part and see what a big difference we can all make when we come together. To participate in Earth Hour, all you have to do is turn off all nonessential lights in your home...
View Article Continue ReadingYour air conditioner consumes a tremendous amount of energy, which costs you a lot of money. By reducing the amount of time your AC unit is running, you can save money. Here are five ways to reduce the need for air conditioning when it’s warm out. Turn the Temperature Up If you must turn the AC on, set it at the warmest temperature that is comfortable for you. Every degree...
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