How To Efficiently Reduce HVAC Costs

During winter and summer months, it’s hard to maintain a comfortable temperature at home. During these seasons, your HVAC system will work harder to keep the desired temperature inside your house. This extra work causes energy consumption to go up, as well as your energy bill. But there’s a way to reduce those costs.

Tips For Reducing HVAC Costs

There are several things you can do to save money on your HVAC consumption.

1. Regular Maintenance

To keep your HVAC system working correctly, it needs at least annual maintenance to make sure all components are in good condition. Otherwise, it may lead to damaged parts due to overuse or excessive stress on certain pieces.

2. Stable Temperatures

Most HVAC systems have optimum temperatures at which they operate more efficiently. You can look at your owner’s manual to find out yours. It’s also recommended not to adjust temperatures drastically. This will make your unit work harder, increasing energy consumption.

3. Seal Your Home

During winter or summer, having proper sealing on your doors and windows will help you save money. Otherwise, you allow hot or cold wind to get inside your house. This will make your HVAC system work nonstop because the hot or cold air produced will be lost.

4. Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat will make your life easier and your costs lower. You just have to set timers when no one is home, so your HVAC system can save energy during that time. It’ll automatically work when you are there and turn off when you are not.

5. Cover Your Windows

Covering your windows with curtains or blinds will help you maintain the temperature inside your house. During the cold season, this can work as an extra layer of insulation between the window and the interior. In summer, keeping them closed will keep the heat of the sunlight out. 

Save Money & Keep Your HVAC Working Properly

If your HVAC system needs some maintenance, call KAY Heating & Air Conditioning to help you out. We have almost 50 years of experience in installing and repairing HVAC systems, so we know how to treat your HVAC properly. 

IMPROVE YOUR HVAC TO SAVE MONEY NOW

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Mistakes That Occur When Setting Up Your HVAC

Even when hiring someone to install your HVAC system, some common mistakes can occur, leading to severe problems and costing you a lot of money later on. As HVAC experts, we always recommend working with a qualified, experienced professional to make sure the installation is done correctly. Read on to learn about these mistakes so you can identify them and avoid them.

3 Common HVAC Installation Mistakes 

Keep these common mistakes into account when getting a new HVAC system installed so you can avoid expensive issues later on.

1. Wrong size furnace

Your installer may want you to get the biggest furnace or air conditioner for your house. Bigger is better, right? Wrong. What you need is a unit appropriate to the size of your home and your needs. Even if you’re just replacing your HVAC system, consider if a smaller size may be best for you. Newer, smaller models actually tend to be more efficient.

2. Poor air distribution

The duct system must be adapted to your furnace or air conditioner capacities to save money. Contractors typically use the old ducts that are already installed. In some cases, these ducts have leaks or are bigger than the unit output capacity, forcing the unit to maintain an excessive airflow to reach the required temperature.

3. Flawed duct installation

Even the contractors that go to the trouble of installing new ducts try to cut costs with low-quality materials and poor handwork. This can lead to gaps in the duct system, causing leakages, which will affect your energy consumption because hot or cold air will be lost. It will also cause noises, excessive dust, and even humidity problems.

Take Care Of Your Money & Your HVAC

As you can see, these mistakes can have severe consequences, and you’ll have to pay again for an efficient system. Prevent these mistakes by calling KAY Heating & Air Conditioning to install your HVAC for you. We only work with licensed contractors and have almost 50 years of experience in the field.

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While You Were Out: Most Common Home Disasters That May Occur While You’re on Vacation

home robbery

Everyone loves a nice trip away from the ordinary and familiar. Whether you’re visiting family for the holidays, setting out on a relaxing summer cruise or embarking on a spontaneous road trip, many Americans view vacations as the best way to unwind and decompress from their stressful everyday lives.

Unfortunately, the world doesn’t stop the moment you cross city limits, and life has a way of throwing you and your home curveballs when you least expect it. If you’re preparing to go on a trip – short or long – it’s vital you recognize the risks of leaving your home unoccupied so you can protect yourself against any nasty disasters that may affect your home while you’re gone.

Common Home Disasters

Robbery

When you’re overflowing with excitement about your next trip, you’ll want to share it with everyone, including your religious or community group, family and friends. While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to express your excitement, divulging that information on social media could cost you.

According to a UK-based survey, four out of five convicted burglars used Facebook and Twitter posts to choose their target homes.1 Specifically, thieves search for profile updates detailing a vacation itinerary to ensure they won’t be caught and their crimes will go unnoticed for some time, allowing them time to disappear. Similarly, if you’ve just made a large, valuable purchase such as a television or computer, posting that information on social media is just “sweetening the pot” for burglars looking for a lucrative target. So, while it’s fun to boast a little about your trip to Hawaii next week, keeping that information off social media and restricted to face-to-face conversations could keep your home and belongings safe.

However, social media isn’t the sole reason robberies occur. In the same UK survey, an equal number of burglars – four out of five – also stated an alarm system would have turned them off the property completely, despite knowing the family was out.1 If a security system is too far out of your price range, getting a dog or reinforced doors and windows will help deter criminals as well. Burglars are just looking for an easy score. If you don’t make it easy, they’ll probably move along.

Fire or Flood

If a storm is headed your way, your home may be in for some dangerous conditions. Lightning and heavy rain could cause nearly irreparable damage to your house if you don’t prepare it before you leave. With no one around for a few days or even longer, leaks could go unchecked, leading to serious water damage and flooding. Have a plumber check your home’s piping for leaks or existing water damage and your lawn’s drainage before you go away to ensure none of that rainwater gets into your home. You may also want to consider having your water heater serviced before going on a long vacation, as a failed water heater could result in extensive flooding.

Lightning could also cause major trouble while you’re out. Without professionally installed lightning rods or protected exterior cables and electrical units, such as your HVAC system, your home could be in danger of being struck by lightning. If the lightning strike doesn’t start a flame, a short in the wiring or your HVAC system might.

Even without a storm, your HVAC unit may still be at risk of starting a fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association, HVAC units were involved in 7,400 structure fires in 2010, accounting for $207 million in property damage.2 If you can’t even remember the last time you had your entire system cleaned out – not just the air filter – it’s best to do so before you leave on vacation. Dust and debris can easily ignite when they begin to stifle air flow in the ducts.

Additionally, your unit may have faulty parts that can cause an electrical fire while you’re gone. Have a professional technician clean and service your unit before leaving for your trip.

Keep Your Home Safe While You’re Away with Kay Heating and Air Conditioning

Your home is one of your most important assets, so it’s only natural you’d want to protect it even when you’re not around. Luckily, by staying vigilant and preparing your home for your vacation, you can enjoy total peace of mind.
A major part of keeping your home safe is ensuring your HVAC system is running properly and efficiently. Before Greensboro homeowners set off on their grand adventures, they should give Kay Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. a call to clean and service their home’s unit. To schedule your service today, contact us online or call 336-274-6323.

1http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/8789538/Most-burglars-using-Facebook-and-Twitter-to-target-victims-survey-suggests.html

2http://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Fire-statistics-and-reports/Fire-statistics/Fire-causes/Appliances-and-equipment/Home-fires-involving-air-conditioning-or-related-equipment

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Climate in Greensboro, NC

Climate in Greensboro NC | Kay Heating and Air

Whether you’re considering a move to the Greensboro area or have already taken the plunge, the first thing you’ll notice is the city’s beautiful climate and day-to-day weather. The South is known for heat and humidity, producing sweltering summers and nonexistent winters.

Greensboro, however, sports a unique climate that offers four blissful seasons and plenty of precipitation all year long. Due to this reason, having an HVAC system at your home or business is the best way to ensure a comforting climate indoors.

Warm Months in Greensboro

Spring and summer bring about gorgeously sunny weather and occasional spectacular storms. With an average high of 60 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit in spring, Greensboro is perfect for springtime nature enthusiasts.

From gardening to camping, this pleasantly warm weather allows for a full six months of outdoor play with no danger of late spring snowstorms or cold snaps as in other parts of the country. April showers really do bring May flowers in Greensboro.

Throughout March, April and May, the average rainfall amounts to almost four inches per month, promoting the growth of gorgeous spring flora. Summer in Greensboro comes in at a balmy 85-degree average, perfect for road trips and camping vacations.

Little known amongst out-of-state vacationers, North Carolina offers some of the East Coast’s most luxurious beaches, giving every Greensboro resident, even more reason to get out and about during the warm summers.

Cold Months in Greensboro

The fall and winter months in Greensboro cool off significantly, even allowing for the occasional snow day. Beginning in September, the average temperature drops to a high of 80 degrees and continues to slide downward as fall takes the stage.

By November, the highs only reach about 60 degrees Fahrenheit and the lows can level out at 40 degrees. In such a forested area, these cooler temperatures mean you’ll experience plenty of gorgeous autumn color all the way through December.

Winter swoops in with a cool snap and the potential for a little snow. Though it’s unlikely you’ll experience blankets of snow for the holidays, January and February retain the potential for a light dusting of powder. December’s highs can hit up to 50 degrees with lows just below freezing. January is the coldest month of the year on average.

December and January both typically produce just over three inches of precipitation per month, while February is the driest month of the year at an average of just under three inches. Although the temperatures are typically warm for regular snowfall, snow lovers can rest easy knowing Greensboro receives about six inches of snow a year.

Protect Yourself from the Elements with Kay Heating and Air

Greensboro continues to grow in size every day due to the attractive and comfortable climate. Though it can be a wet city, the lack of snow to shovel brings residents in from the north while the comfortable temperatures attract migrants from the south, making it the perfect place to make your new home.

Having a well-maintained HVAC unit in your new home can do wonders for the occasional warm or cold front, ensuring you experience blissful temperatures all year long.

Don’t leave your all-important air conditioning unit in the hands of just anyone. Kay Heating and Air employs highly trained, courteous technicians who are ready and willing to answer any questions you may have before, during and after your service.

Contact us online or call 336-274-6323 to schedule your service today!

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