Here at Alps, we talk a lot about reducing your energy use. However, we wanted to take the time to explain how reducing your energy use affects you and those around you. Although there are a lot of secondary benefits of reducing your energy use, there are three primary reasons to make your house more efficient. Reduce Your Bills Let’s be honest for a minute. If reducing your energy meant...
View Article Continue ReadingFrom all of us here at Alps Air Conditioning and Heating… THANK YOU! Because of our fantastic customers who donated, we were able to help less fortunate children receive gifts for the holidays this year. It was such a success that we plan on doing it again next year and hopefully get even more of our customers involved. We hope you all have a Happy New Year! Contact today!
Continue ReadingAs new technology progresses, it’s clear that the home is becoming increasingly connected. With smart thermostats like Nest that allow you to monitor and adjust your home’s temperature from an app on your phone, it’s only a matter of time before you can control many items in your home from your phone. Although there are many independent appliances and pieces in your home that can be controlled separately, it’s obvious...
View Article Continue ReadingIn a study conducted in 2013, hanging laundry was America’s least popular way to lower utility costs. Approximately 85% of American households own tumble dryers, and those who do own one burn through two or more loads a week. Dryers are one of the top energy consuming appliances, using about 12% of a typical household’s electricity! This is a surprising contrast to the 95% of Italians who hang dry their...
View Article Continue ReadingFor the month of December, we are raising support for Toys for Tots! Toys for Tots is an organization that collects and distributes toys to less fortunate children. Here’s where you come in. For every toy that you donate, we will match that toy with another toy. In addition, if you donate a toy, we will upgrade you to a Wi-Fi thermostat at no cost with any installation job we do....
View Article Continue ReadingWith winter getting closer, and cooler weather along with it, more people will begin turning their heaters on. Propane is a common energy source for fireplaces, heaters, and other heat producing appliances. Although California is one of the biggest propane users in the country, most people in the Southern California have hardly needed to use propane for heat, considering the beautiful weather all year round. Because of this, if it’s...
View Article Continue ReadingWith cooler weather upon us, it makes us want to turn on the thermostat and huddle under a blanket. For families with fireplaces, ‘tis the season to light it up and make s’mores. However, many fireplaces are not energy efficient, and much of the potential heating benefits are lost. Here’s a few tips for upgrading your fireplace to achieve maximum efficiency! The Right Kind of Wood If you happen to have...
View Article Continue ReadingHave you ever read the label on your household cleaning supplies? You might be surprised by what you find. Phosphates, chlorine, ammonia and some types of acid are all common ingredients in our favorite cleaners. Ingesting or inhaling too much of these toxic chemicals can lead to lung complications, irritation, and corrosion of delicate tissues in the body. Leaving bottles of these cleaners can endanger children and pets alike, and...
View Article Continue ReadingLooking for ways to cut down on heating or cooling costs? Insulation is a key factor in household energy usage, so if your windows are the old single panes, it may be time for an upgrade. Regular windows allow air to escape more easily. This requires more work from the heating/cooling systems to maintain the desired temperature, and in turn, raises energy costs. Installing double paned windows can effectively double...
View Article Continue ReadingIn Southern California, it can get hot any time of the year. It’s not unusual to have a few days each month, even in the winter, where temperatures warm up to the point of needing to turn on your air conditioner. Because of that, there are many unique ways to combat the heat and keep your home cool. One of those is a reflective roof. Reflective or “Cool” roofs reduce...
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