While temperatures have been cooling off recently, we still aren’t to the coldest part of the year. However, it will be upon us sooner than you might expect. And while temperatures in Southern California don’t get extremely cold, they do warrant turning on the heater to help keep your home comfortable. Any time you turn on your HVAC system, you have the opportunity to be more energy efficient. That’s why...
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 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 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 ReadingHomeowners try many things to save energy and to make their heating and cooling systems work better for them. You may have tried a few of those things, but unfortunately these tricks and tips will not get you the results you are hoping for. Here are a few myths to avoid as you try to make smarter heating and air conditioning choices. Faster Heating or Cooling When people want their...
View Article Continue ReadingA good furnace will last a long time, but not forever. If you have a furnace that has been working hard for you and your home for quite a few years it might be in need of replacement. Here are a few simple signs that it is time for a new furnace in your home. Age First, find out how old your furnace is. In homes today most furnaces last...
View Article Continue ReadingAt 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 Continue ReadingWhen 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...
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