When it comes to your home, saving energy can seem like a big task. Fortunately, there are a lot of little things you can do to be more green. Additionally, if you make smart decisions when it counts (like when you purchase appliances), it can save more for years to come. Here are a few ways to save energy around your home. Minimize Washer and Dryer Use Be sure to...
View Article Continue ReadingIf you are like most people in Southern California, you probably don’t worry too much about the winter being too cold. After all, we are famous for it being 75 and sunny all year long. However, the truth is that the temperature does drop significantly during the winter months. It’s common for temperatures to drop into the 30s and 40s in the evening during the coolest part of the year....
View Article Continue ReadingCooling your home in Southern California can be expensive. We live in a climate where it is warm for most of the year, meaning we need to run our air conditioner more often than those in other parts of the country. With the added expense, it’s important to understand different ways to cut down on cooling costs. We identified 5 easy steps to take to save money on your air...
View Article Continue ReadingIf you are looking to take your HVAC system to the next level of comfort, you should consider installing a system that gives you more control over the temperature of your home. A multiple zone system does just that – it allows you to control the temperature in different “zones” in your home. Depending on how you set the system up, the zones can be simply be upstairs and downstairs,...
View Article Continue ReadingWe have been talking about air conditioning for a long time now. It’s been a long, hot summer and it doesn’t show any signs of stopping. Well, except for the calendar. As we head into September and as Fall quickly approaches, the temperatures will drop, your AC will no longer be needed and your heater will become necessary. The great part about Fall is that the temperatures usually stay pretty...
View Article Continue ReadingWe work with a lot of great people, but sometimes they have the wrong idea when it comes to their HVAC system. Here are some common myths we hear and the right answer. Duct Tape is Good for Sealing Ducts Unfortunately, duct tape doesn’t really stay sticky for that long. After a few years or less, it can lose it’s adhesion. If you are going to seal your ducts, use...
View Article Continue ReadingElectrical outlets are pretty standard, right? A couple places to plug things in and you’re set. Well, the world of electrical outlets has been changing recently, and for the better. There are a lot of different outlets and outlet covers you can now purchase to make your life easier. Here are four that you should know about. USB Outlet Cover If you are like most people, you have a particular...
View Article Continue ReadingConserving energy goes far beyond your HVAC system. Although your HVAC system consumes a great deal of energy in your home, there are many, many other ways to conserve energy and help keep our environment sustainable for years and generations to come. It’s important to teach our children about this at a young age. The sooner it becomes a habit for them, the easier it will be for them to...
View Article Continue ReadingHere at Alps, we are always looking for ways to help our customers save money by saving energy. One of the newest ways to monitor your energy usage is through mobile apps that connect directly to your thermostat. There are also many apps that will monitor energy usage on appliances. These apps allow you to see how much energy is being used and adjust accordingly. You no longer have to...
View Article Continue ReadingCalifornia is in the middle of one of the worst droughts in the history of the state. Nearly 100% of the state remains in the third-harshest category for dryness, according to the latest measurements. Because of this, California has enacted strict laws and steep penalties for people who are wasting water. You might be breaking the law and not even know it. The new laws went into effect on August...
View Article Continue Reading