Alps Air Conditioning and Heating Blog HVAC maintance

February 18, 2014

Geothermal Technology May be the Future of Heating and Air Conditioning

At Alps, we like to stay on top of the latest ways to heat and cool your home while protecting the environment and keeping bills down. Geothermal heating and cooling systems are gaining popularity because they use very little energy to keep a home at a steady, comfortable temperature. Geothermal technology transfers heat between your home and the earth’s crust where heat is a naturally renewing resource. We know from...

View Article

February 11, 2014

Airflow Tests: What can they Tell Us?

Are you really getting what you are paying for from your air conditioning and heating system? Alps uses two Energy Star required tests to help you answer this question. The first is a duct test, which we previously wrote about on our blog: Duct Testing to Save Energy and Money. The second is an airflow test, which we will be discussing today. Both tests can tell you a lot about...

View Article

February 5, 2014

Health Benefits of Humidifiers

When it is cold out, a great heating system can keep you nice and cozy indoors. However, when the windows are closed and the air in your house is heated, it loses a lot of its humidity. Humidity refers to the level of moisture in air. Ideal humidity for your home in the winter is 25-40%. During cold months, air outside is usually low in humidity and the process of...

View Article

January 31, 2014

Duct Testing to Save Energy and Money

Duct tests aren’t actually required by the city or state, so why do we do them? A duct test is an important way to make sure that the air you are paying for is actually making it to the rooms you want to heat or cool. If there are any leaks in ductwork, the air is wasted because it goes into the attic instead of into your home. But, after...

View Article

January 23, 2014

Keeping Your House Safe on Vacation

If it is time to leave your house for a business trip, a family visit, or a well-deserved vacation, there are a few things you should do to make sure your house stays safe without you. Keeping your lights on timers and stopping the mail are important steps to keep your house safe from burglars but there are also dangers within a home that build up without the care and...

View Article

January 16, 2014

The Importance of Insulation

In any season, you want your HVAC system to get your house to the desired temperature as quickly and efficiently as possible. No one wants to spend their money on heating or cooling the outdoors. But if your house is poorly insulated you could be doing just that. Insulation is a material that resists the flow of heat. When it is installed in and around your house it acts as...

View Article

January 9, 2014

Stay Safe from Carbon Monoxide Buildup

Carbon monoxide, or CO, is a colorless and odorless gas that is a byproduct of using common fuel sources like gasoline, propane and kerosene. It can waft around like steam or perfume but is undetectable by humans. If CO builds up in enclosed spaces it is very dangerous. Low levels of CO can cause a person to experience flulike symptoms and high levels can be fatal. High levels of CO...

View Article

January 6, 2014

Everything You Need to Know About Ducts

The quality of your ductwork can have a huge impact on the efficiency of your home. Even if you have an energy efficient HVAC system and you have sealed all your windows and doors to be able to better regulate your home, that could be wasted if you don’t have properly insulated ducts. If you have cracked or low quality ducts running through your attic, you are losing your heating...

View Article

December 26, 2013

How Much Does it Cost to Increase Your Heater by One Degree?

Should you throw on an extra layer or turn the thermostat up? It’s on everyone’s mind this time of year. The temperatures are dropping and as we attempt to stay warm, we consider the trade off between staying warm and saving money. If you’re like most people, you know that turning your heater up costs more money, but you aren’t sure how much money it will actually cost you. All...

View Article

December 19, 2013

Heating or Cooling Your Spare Bedroom

This time of year is a common time for houseguests. Whether it’s your in-laws, siblings or old friends, it is likely you will be hosting a guest in your home. And where will they stay? They will probably stay in your guest room. And when was the last time YOU spent a night in your guest room? You set the thermostat to be comfortable in your bedroom at night, but...

View Article