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 Continue ReadingIn 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 Continue ReadingShould 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 Continue ReadingIf you’re looking to upgrade to a more energy efficient heating system, we’re here to help you. And if you haven’t thought about upgrading yet, it might be time to look into your options. The first step is to understand how efficiency is measured for a furnace system. Once you understand this, you can upgrade knowledgeably and take advantage of some great incentives. The measure of efficiency for a furnace...
View Article Continue ReadingHere are a few tips to keep your house warm in the winter months without turning the heater up. Pair them with a nice sweater and some thick socks and you’ll be nice and cozy all winter long. Get a Draft Snake Draft snakes cover the cracks beneath doors and windows to keep out drafts. They can be as simple as a rolled up towel placed over any gaps. You...
View Article Continue ReadingWhen it gets cold, many people wonder if it is more fuel efficient to turn on their gas furnace or huddle around a gas fireplace. Unfortunately there is no simple answer to this question, but there are a few things to understand when you’re wondering which way to get warm. Gas appliances have a BTU consumption rating that indicates the amount of gas they use in an hour. The rating...
View Article Continue ReadingNovember means we’re starting to have some chilly days in California, but it also means the sun is still shining brightly. You don’t need solar panels or fancy technology to use the sun to heat your home. Being smart about which window blinds to open and close is an easy way to harness the oldest clean energy there is: sunlight. To heat your home effectively, simply follow the sun. Open...
View Article Continue ReadingYou probably don’t ever think about your furnace until you are stuck on a cold night with one that isn’t working. The truth is, a furnace is key to your home comfort and the key to keeping your home warm on those chilly nights. There are several very simple things you can be doing to care for your furnace so that it can take care of you. You should be...
View Article Continue ReadingThere’s a new thermostat on the market and Alps has got it! It’s the Nest Learning Thermostat and it is a product that can save you money and energy. Kathy introduces this product in this short clip and, for more information, check out their website at http://nest.com/. Feel free to call us with any questions about the Nest or to have us install one in your home today!
Continue ReadingKeeping our houses cool with air conditioners costs Americans about $11 billion a year. This high-use is not only hard on the wallet, but hard on the environment as well. The good news is that by following some green tips at home this summer, you can cool off, save money, and make a sizable dent in your carbon footprint. Here are some ways to save money and energy while staying cool! Use windows...
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