Many people today may not be aware of the fact that a significant increase in a homeowner’s monthly electric bill could be directly related to a lack of adequate attic insulation. As a matter of fact, The Department of Energy recommends that homeowners increase attic insulation as one of the best ways to decrease electrical energy consumption. This makes sense simply because an abundance of insulation helps to keep heat inside your home and it avoids waste.
Adequate Insulation
Simply stated, when there is sufficient attic insulation the end result is outstanding performance when it comes to preventing heat loss or transfer. When heat transfer is prevented, electric bills are lower. Even those who think they have adequate insulation may find that old insulation may not be working as it was intended. It is best to have a professional inspect your attic to determine whether or not the existing insulation is doing what it was intended to do.
Properly Installed In The Beginning
One thing that a professional technician will look at is whether or not the insulation was properly installed from the very beginning. A technician will also check for loose, broken or uneven sections of insulation as well as sections that have become settled over time. These are all conditions that can have a big impact on preventing the transfer of heat. In addition, there are circumstances where a contractor may not have used the right type of insulation with an approved R-value. Keep in mind that an R-value is the measurement of an installation’s ability to effectively prevent heat transfer.
Trusted Heating and Cooling Professional
The higher the R-value the better the insulation will be at stopping heat transfer. Regardless of what the reason is for insulation not performing the way that it should, it’s never too late to improve the insulation in your attic as a way to save money on energy. Those wishing to save up to 20% on electric bills can also do something as simple as seal insulation air leaks. Contact a trusted heating and cooling professional today to arrange an insulation inspection in order to save money over the long term. Contact Alpine Heating & Cooling today to learn more about Mount Vernon Washington heating and cooling services that get results.
Today there are several different methods of heating a typical residential home in the United States. Here are a few simple examples of the most common ways that homes are currently being heated around the country. For example, a gas or oil furnace is typically used to heat a home by burning oil or gas contained within a sealed chamber. A blower moves air around externally to the chamber where ambient air then absorbs heat that is then ultimately pumped back into the home through ducting.
Make a System Safer and More Reliable
In most cases when a home is heated in this way, combustible gases that are toxic are vented outside of the home through pipes or tubing. While older furnaces will often use air from inside the home for heating, newer units sold today make use of outside air for the same purpose. Using outside air actually helps to increase efficiency and makes a system safer and more reliable. In addition to oil and gas furnaces, there is also the option to heat a home using an electric furnace. This type of system incorporates the use of simple electric strip heating elements. These elements serve to convert electricity into heat that is then used to warm a home.
Heating a Modern Residential Home
Air inside a home comes into contact with heating elements that serve to heat that air that is then distributed from room to room via ducting. This is considered one of the less efficient ways of heating a modern residential home. The system is simple, safe and reliable but generally is more expensive in terms of electricity usage. Finally, heat pumps are perhaps the most efficient way to heat a home using electricity. A heat pump will typically be of the air source type using some kind of refrigerant or chemical to effectively absorb latent heat in the air found outside of the home. This heat is then concentrated and then distributed throughout a home as a way to make the interior environment warm and livable.
Geothermal Style Heat Pump
Considered highly efficient in its operation a typical heat pump may not perform as well when the air outside becomes very cold. Unlike a normal air source heat pump, a geothermal style heat pump will derive its heat energy from the earth as a way to heat a home. This is a unique type of system that uses heat energy from the ground to produce very efficient heating. The benefit of using a geothermal system is that it is unaffected by outside air especially when this air becomes extremely cold. Contact Alpine Heating & Cooling today to learn more about Burlington Washington heating system maintenance and repair.
While there are many choices when it comes to heating and cooling companies found throughout the greater Burlington Washington area and the surrounding communities, choosing carefully can make a big difference in the final outcome. One company in particular that has consistently outpaced the competition year after year is Alpine Heating and Cooling. The company began operation all the way back in 2003 with the goal of creating the very best HVAC repair and installation company serving the greater Skagit County region. With a laser sharp focus on HVAC repairs, maintenance and servicing, the company personnel are highly qualified to install and maintain virtually any type of equipment in use today.
Alpine Maintains a Number of Certifications for Contractors
One key consideration when it comes to choosing the right heating and cooling company in Burlington begins with looking at its licensing, insurance and bonding details. Alpine maintains a number of key certifications for contractors including the following.
- UBI # 6O3 481 1O4
- Contractors # ALPINHC852DR
- Electrical Contractors # ALPINHC855DO
- Master Electricians # KIRKEG*970QS
- EPA Certified # P1101C6B150D160E0
Serving a vast stretch of the region including areas such as Bow, North Camano Island, Sedro Woolley, Anacortes, Burlington and La Conner as well as Mount Vernon and Stanwood, this is a company with extensive resources and experienced technicians. Another important fact about Alpine is that it has on multiple occasions won the best heating company Super Service Award offered by Angie’s List. This fact alone lets you know that you are choosing the right company for all your HVAC, heating and cooling needs in Skagit County.
Winners are Determined Based Upon Actual Customer Reviews
The Angie’s List Super Service Award is given out each year to top rated companies in each specific category within their given market. Keep in mind that winners are determined based upon actual customer reviews. Companies that have the highest rated reviews (indicating excellence in service and quality customer care) must have a minimum number of actual qualified reviews. Alpine has achieved success multiple years running by gaining impressive reviews from highly satisfied customers.
Premier Heating and Cooling Services by Alpine
Customers searching Angie’s List for the best Mount Vernon heating and cooling company will immediately spot the award with a small golden stars next to the business’s name. The Super Service Award logo will be displayed on the company’s profile letting you know that you are working with a top-rated heating and cooling company. Customers who have enjoyed quality heating and cooling services by Alpine can simply log in into Angie’s List and submit a review based upon their actual experiences with the company. From having a hot water heater installed to having an air conditioning unit repaired or replaced as well as a wide range of other services, Alpine Heating and Cooling is always standing by and ready to help.
Staying warm in the winter helps us to feel cozy and comfortable. Here are a few simple and useful ways of staying warm even when the mercury dips below freezing. For example, making use of space heaters in the rooms that are most frequently used is a great way to take the load off of a main heating system or furnace. In many instances an inexpensive space heater can actually be more efficient that a typical central home heating system. This is particularly true when heating a very small space.
Putting Your Home Heating System on Autopilot
In addition, enough cannot be said about the advantages of using a programmable thermostat in your home. This is a completely automatic way of putting the entire house heating system on autopilot all day long. It will reduce the temperature inside during the evening hours while you sleep, and will take the pressure off in terms of you always having to adjust the temperature manually. Best of all, it serves to substantially decrease energy consumption by in many cases up to 25%. It is also recommended by experts to keep temperatures as steady as possible throughout the day.
Reduce the Workload
Wide swings in temperate can result in a system working much harder to maintain optimal temperatures all day long. The idea here is reduce the workload on the system as much as possible. This not only, as mentioned, reduces energy usage but it also helps to extend the life of the equipment. This means you heating system will last longer and that repairs will be less likely. Speaking of repairs, always have your system routinely inspected at the very minimum once every two years, where annual inspections are even better.
Dissipate Through the Ceiling and Walls
Equally important is to get into the habit of reversing ceiling fans in the winter. When you do this you are in effect allowing the fan blades to draw down heat that is hanging out up around the ceiling. As everyone knows, heat rises and this is just a very inexpensive way of recycling this heat to your benefit. It makes sense to access this unused heat, as it will likely dissipate through the ceiling and walls otherwise. Finally, if you have a wood fireplace and can source very inexpensive or even free wood, this is a sure way to reduce the amount of energy consumed in your home during the winter months. Contact Alpine Heating & Cooling today for the best in Mt. Vernon WA heater maintenance and repair service.
As the temperature outdoors dips into the 30’s it becomes important to be aware of a few home heating safety tips as a way to protect you, your family and your investment. Your home is one of the biggest investments you will ever make, and that is why it is so important to consider these basic home heating safety tips. For example, it is a known fact that generators can create exhaust fumes that are toxic. Always place generators outside and far enough away from windows and doors and vents so that carbon monoxide does not enter your home.
Causing Headaches and Even Unconsciousness
Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas that can build up quickly and last for hours lingering in your home and causing headaches and even unconsciousness. Also keep in mind that appliances that use combustion for energy to cook, warm your home or even for decorative purposes can be dangerous. Fuels used today for combustion appliances can include everything from kerosene to oil and natural as well as liquefied petroleum in addition to coal and wood. Heaters, furnaces and ovens along with fireplaces and water heaters can all present danger because they may be using this type of fuel.
Be Aware of Changes in How You Feel
While in most cases these types of combustion appliances are completely safe, there are certain circumstances where they can result in combustion fumes and pollutants that can indeed have an effect on health and even cause loss of life. Be aware of changes in how you feel including dizziness, headaches, sleepiness in addition to watery eyes and problems breathing. These can all indicate the carbon monoxide or some other type of toxic gas is present. Typically speaking, the best thing to do if you suspect that toxic gases are present in your home is to vacate the premises immediately.
These Materials Can All Release Dangerous Chemicals
Remember that a combustion appliance that has been properly installed should operate as advertised and not cause any problems. However, if you see or smell smoke this may indicate that there is something wrong. Always avoid burning any type of artificial material including plastic, foam or even colored or inked paper as well as household garbage for fuel. These materials all release toxic chemicals that can only lead to unwanted health related problems. Contact Alpine Heating & Cooling today to learn more about Skagit County heater installation and services with a proven track record.
With energy costs steadily on the rise it is increasingly important for homeowners to make full use of all available options when it comes to increasing residential energy-efficient. Here are just a few useful ways of making your home more energy efficient in order to reduce your carbon footprint and to save you money. For example, insulation plays a key role in keeping a house at a comfortable temperature and so that the temperature does not fluctuate excessively. Keep in mind that wall insulation as well as attic insulation can be increased as necessary to improve insulating efficiency.
Isolate and Repair any Drafts That Exist
In addition, there are many modern ways of using recycled insulation to increase your home’s efficiency. Everything from shredded blue jeans to recycled paper and other similar materials can literally be blown into the attic or the walls of a home to improve efficiency. Equally important is to make sure that you identify, isolate and repair any drafts that exist within your home. When draft areas are detected they should be sealed using silicone caulking or some other type of foam sealant. Even pet doors can create a serious problem when it comes to allowing conditioned air to escape to the outdoors.
Allowing The Sun To Warm The Interior of Your Home
Another great way to improve energy efficiency in any home is to consider using passive solar heating. This can be as simple as allowing the sun to warm the interior of a home by opening all window coverings on the side where the sun is currently shining. Having regular and routine maintenance performed on a home’s heating system is another great way to better manage efficiency. Units that are properly maintained and routinely inspected perform better and ultimately will save you money.
Wood-Burning Fireplace Will Produce More Heat Than a Gas Fireplace
As an added note, making full use of a wood fireplace can also be a great way to lower energy costs. A wood-burning fireplace will generally produce more heat than a gas fireplace and can be used to burn (in many cases) free fuel sources. This can include everything from fallen trees to cut branches and even wood pellets. Getting creative in this regard will have a big impact on annual energy usage. Finally, reversing ceiling fans and lowering the temperature by a few degrees on the thermostat can have a substantial impact on overall energy usage during the winter months. Contact Alpine Heating & Cooling today to learn more about the best in Mount Vernon Washington heating and air conditioning maintenance and repair.
Today, more than ever before it is financially sensible to ensure that your HVAC system is free of problems and that it operates efficiently over the long-term. Having HVAC routine inspections performed along with scheduled maintenance is one of the best ways to ensure a long lifespan and excellent performance when it comes to HVAC equipment. In fact, a lack of routine regular inspections and maintenance will ultimately end up costing homeowners more money over the long term.
Service Life and Reliability
Here are some of the typical benefits associated with having routine inspections performed on HVAC equipment. For example, those who have their systems inspected routinely can expect a longer useful life for their HVAC equipment. Keep in mind that replacing a complete HVAC system can be an expensive proposition and that is why it is well worth maintaining existing equipment as long as it is in good operating order. Most experts agree that a lack of proper maintenance and routine inspections can greatly hinder service life and the reliability of a typical residential or commercial HVAC system.
Service Life and Efficiency
In fact, many estimates suggest that service life and efficiency can be reduced by as much is up to 50% when regular maintenance and inspections are not performed. Keeping detailed records of data and monitoring performance of an HVAC system provides a more complete picture of the overall condition of the equipment. This helps to quickly identify any potential problems or defects that could lead to more serious and more expensive issues. In addition, equipment that is properly maintained, inspected and cleaned will simply operate more efficiently. Keeping a system operating at the highest levels of efficiency equates to saving money in terms of energy usage.
Routine Inspections
Dirty equipment such as a dirty heat transfer surface or tubes that are clogged makes it more difficult for equipment to transfer heat efficiently. This results in equipment working harder to do the same job and ultimately using a greater amount of energy. Routine inspections not only check for good functionality but they also look for parts and components that are dirty and that may require cleaning. At the end of the day, routine inspections will improve efficiency and save money on energy.
Greater Levels of Efficiency
Finally, routine inspections of HVAC equipment mean that the homeowner is now proactive rather than reactive. Waiting for unexpected problems to arise in an HVAC system can be a very costly way to manage this important home appliance. That said being proactive and having preventative maintenance and routine inspections performed on HVAC equipment will ultimately be less expensive and less resource intensive than waiting for something to break or malfunction. Those wishing to extend the useful life of their HVAC equipment will enjoy greater levels of efficiency and save money by being proactive rather than reactive and simply need look no further than routine HVAC system inspections. Contact Alpine Heating and Cooling today for the best in Bellingham HVAC system maintenance and repair.
Extending the life of a residential hot water heater can save money and prevent potential water damage as well as other related costly repair problems. Here are a few useful tips for homeowners wishing to maintain a residential water heater in top condition year-round. One example is to simply know where the water heater is located within your home. Be sure that there is clear access to this important home appliance and that the plumbing is easily accessible in the event that repairs or immediate action is required.
Powered by Propane
In addition it is recommended by most professionals that you know what type of water heater you have installed. For example, is the water heater powered by propane, electric or natural gas. Perhaps you have a tankless type water heater. Whatever the case may be, knowing well in advance what kind of device is installed in your home can ultimately save a lot of time, trouble and money. Experts in the industry recommend that homeowners write down in a safe place the serial number and model number of the unit that is installed in their home.
Model Number
This information is vital and important especially for a professional plumber who may end up working on the unit at some point. Keep in mind that embedded within the serial number and model number is information on gallon capacity as well as the age of the appliance. Equally important is to know where and how to turn off the flow of water to a water heater. Knowing how to shut the water off quickly in addition to the power or fuel supply for the unit can prevent water damage and other situations that could result in expensive repairs.
Adequate Airflow
Finally, keep the area around any water heater clear and free of debris at all times. This ensures that if a leak develops that you will notice it quickly. If the area surrounding the heater is cluttered it may not be as easy to identify developing leaks. Also ensure that there is adequate airflow around the unit. This is especially true of water heaters that use gas as a fuel. A lack of adequate airflow can result in reduced efficiency and even result in damage to the burner chamber or other parts and components within the unit. Contact Alpine Heating & Cooling today for Burlington WA HVAC services that always get results.