One of the ways that we determine the efficiency of a home is through a blower door test. This allows us to see where air is leaking out of a home. Think about it, if you have 50 little leaks in your home that all let out a little bit of air, that can really add up. In most homes, we find enough leaks that it would be like permanently...
View Article Continue ReadingHere at Alps, we are passionate about helping homeowners save money on their energy bills. Fortunately, there are more ways to save energy than just installing a new HVAC system. Because of this, we thought we would share a few tips outside of the HVAC world to help you save money. Home Electronics Be sure to plug your home electronics into a power strip. When you aren’t using them, simply...
View Article Continue ReadingSaving money on your home’s energy bills is a hot topic. From solar panels to smart thermostats, there are a lot of options for saving money. We scoured the web and found a few interesting ideas that you can take and apply to your home. Some of these ideas take old principles, but apply them in new ways, while others are new technologies that could change the way homes are...
View Article Continue ReadingAttic insulation is a very important part of owning a home. Proper insulation means better heating in the winter and better cooling in the summer. According to the Department of Energy, stabilizing temperatures can reduce a home energy bill by as much as fifty percent. Important factors to consider include: Choosing the Right Material. Before starting a project, research what material works best for you. Loose fill blows insulation fiber...
View Article Continue ReadingA ductless air conditioner can circulate cool air without the use of traditional air ducts. These systems can be more cost-effective than conventional HVAC systems, but offer many practical benefits. Easy to Install. Unlike traditional HVAC systems, ductless AC units can be installed in less than one day. Having a professional team install a complex system of ducts and air vents can take much longer, depending on the size of...
View Article Continue ReadingIf you haven’t heard yet, there has been a discussion going on about the temperature in office buildings. To summarize, many women feel that office buildings are too cold, often having to go outside to frequently just to thaw out. Additionally, this has been linked to a history of men (who wear full suits in the summer) setting the temperature in the building. The most comfortable temperature that each building...
View Article Continue ReadingOn January 1st, 2015, new standards of efficiency from the U.S. Department of Energy went into effect. Among these are higher SEER standards than in previous years. Now, you may be asking: what does SEER even stand for, and what do these changes mean for me? SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, is the standard given to air conditioning systems in order to measure their efficiency. In more familiar terms,...
View Article Continue ReadingReminder for all you homeowners out there: The best time to schedule an inspection for your HVAC system is before the high temperatures of summer come around. So, while you’re doing some spring cleaning this month, think about getting a check-up for your hardworking HVAC system as well! Here are a few tips you can follow to get the most out of your HVAC system this summer. 1. Check your filters...
View Article Continue ReadingOn July 1st 2014, a few major changes to a California law called Title 24 went into effect. What exactly are these changes and how do they affect you? Well, three of the most notable changes to HVAC requirements are: mandated air duct sealing and testing in all climate zones, a raise in the minimum insulation required in air ducts in certain climate zones, and new requirements added to Home Energy...
View Article Continue ReadingA home energy audit, or a thorough examination of the energy use in your home, can be very beneficial to homeowners like you who might be looking to save a little money and increase the comfort of your living space. A general rule of thumb is this: the older a home is, the more likely it is to benefit from audit-recommended improvements. Certain styles of homes, such as multi-story or Cape...
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