What You’re Really Breathing in Your Home

May 21st, 2013
Poor Indoor Air Quality

You air conditioner could be the cause of your seasonal allergies.

Good indoor air quality has a positive effect on people’s health. To maintain a high level, it’s important to keep your home free of airborne pollutants and contaminants. Operating a maintained air conditioner unit has a major effect on this effort.

While in operation, your air conditioner attracts whatever is released into the room—for example, smoke, dust, dirt, hair, and mold. By making sure it’s maintained appropriately, you will also be making sure that your home’s air quality is also maintained.

Assessing the Condition

To control the amount of dust and dirt circulating in the room and being absorbed by your AC, air cleaning system checks should be done regularly. Using up-to-date equipment and technology, a technician will conduct an assessment that includes:

  1. An air filter inspection, cleaning, and replacement
  2. A check of air cleaner performance
  3. Humidity control

Results of Maintenance Neglect

As Charlotte air conditioning experts, we know that buildup of dust and dirt can be hazardous to the health of your family members. Health experts confirm that inhaling the dangerous circulating particles in homes can cause ailments like:

  • Skin rashes
  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Wheezing
  • Respiratory complications like asthma and other breathing issues
  • Red and itching eyes

Mixed in with the dust and dirt are colorless, odorless, and poisonous gases like carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. Combined with toxins from household products such as pesticides and disinfectants, they compound the problem of poor indoor air quality.

A proper air cleaning system will aid in regulating purified air flow. If the air is clean, it reduces the chance of loved ones becoming infected with adverse health conditions. Neglecting to ensure clean air puts people at risk as long as they are breathing in the impure air.

You may or you may not know what you’re breathing in your home. What matters is that Charlotte air conditioning professionals at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning of Charlotte can help protect you. Call us at 704-323-8004.

Categories: Indoor Air Quality Tags:

Can You Trust the Air You Breathe?

April 23rd, 2013
Dusty Blinds

The dust you see on your blinds could be because of your AC system

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the air inside homes is often many times more polluted than in outdoor environments. Common indoor pollutants include allergens, radon, formaldehyde, and chemicals emitted by household cleaning products, pesticides, and paint.

At One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning of Charlotte, we’re pleased to provide products and services that improve your home’s indoor air quality.

Health Consequences of Indoor Pollution

Children, seniors, and people who suffer from respiratory ailments like asthma and allergies are particularly sensitive to indoor pollutants, but long-term exposure can negatively affect others too. According to the American Lung Association, breathing indoor pollutants can contribute to the development of serious health conditions like asthma, infections, and even cancer.

Indoor pollution can cause indirect effects that impact health as well. Pollutants can cause structural rot and can corrode conduits in gas-burning heaters and appliances, leading to dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and even more dangerous health risks.

Your First Line of Defense

Your Charlotte air conditioning systems plays a vital role in reducing the number of airborne pollutants in your home. Air conditioners don’t just help filter out pollutants like pollen from the air that you breathe—they help regulate the relative humidity (RH) levels in your home. Believe it or not, allergens like dust mites, mold, mildew, and bacteria thrive in moist environments. But, as an air conditioning system’s refrigerant loops through the system, it extracts moisture as well as heat from the air, thereby protecting you from these pesky particles.

Maintenance is Key

Scheduling regular air conditioner maintenance ensures that your AC works at peak efficiency and enhances indoor air quality. Seasonal tune-ups include inspections of all your air conditioner’s components, from the air filter to the ductwork that delivers cooled air to your living spaces. Your system will run cleaner, work better, and last longer with regularly scheduled maintenance, promoting the health, happiness, and overall safety of your home and family.

At One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning of Charlotte, your safety, wellbeing and comfort always comes first. For HVAC solutions that improve the quality of the air that you breathe, call us today at 704-323-8004.

Categories: Indoor Air Quality Tags:

Get Air Conditioning Repair Before the Peak Season

February 28th, 2013

air conditioning repairThe last thing that you want when you turn on your air conditioner on the first sweltering day of the season is for the system to falter or fail. Without regular maintenance, however, the chances of a breakdown increase significantly. A malfunctioning air conditioner strains to deliver the comfort that you expect on hot and humid days in Charlotte, increasing the odds that you’ll need air conditioning repair.

The best time to have your AC equipment serviced is before the peak cooling season, and the best technicians to perform air conditioning maintenance are the pros at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning of Charlotte.

Timely Maintenance & Repairs

Around 87% of American homes are equipped with air conditioning systems, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Only around 42% of those who own central air conditioning systems, however, have them regularly serviced.

The onset of the cooling season typically bring high demands for immediate emergency service. By scheduling service before the peak season begins, you’ll enjoy better prices as well as visits arranged at the times most convenient for you.

Thorough Tune-Ups & Inspections

Preventative maintenance from One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning includes inspections and service for all the component of your AC equipment, from the air filter to the ductwork distribution system. Regular checkups ensure that each part is working in sync with each other for optimal energy efficiency.

In most households, a hidden maze of ductwork is responsible for supplying and returning air. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), however, around 20% of the conditioned air that passes through ductwork in the average home is lost to cracks, gaps, and leaks. Our HVAC service technicians can pressure-test your ductwork to assess performance. If warranted, our techs can seal and insulate ducts for you as well.

As a leading Charlotte air conditioning company, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning of Charlotte strives to keep homes and businesses in the community operating at peak energy efficiency, with repairs, maintenance, and replacements that save you money. Call us today at 704-323-8004 to schedule service before the peak cooling season begins.

Categories: AC Repair Tags:

How to Save Money with a Programmable Thermostat

January 30th, 2013

Programmable ThermostatHeating accounts for around 30% of the average American household’s energy consumption. You can cut those costs by 10% or more without compromising home comfort with an affordable programmable thermostat from One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning of Charlotte. Our experienced technicians can install the thermostat for you and help you with programming it, too.

To help you achieve the optimal savings from the thermostat, we’re pleased to offer the following tips as well.

  • Analyze Your Family’s Schedules. The key to maximizing savings with a smart thermostat is to program them according to your household’s daily routine. Most models have six settings for every day of the week. In the winter, program the thermostat to lower the household temperature when the family is away during the day.
  • The Eight-to-One Ratio. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, for every degree that you raise your thermostat setting for an eight-hour period in the winter, you’ll reduce your heating costs by one percent. Be sure to schedule the thermostat to raise the setting automatically while the household is asleep.
  • Use Incremental Settings. Heating system operation is based on the concept of time, not speed. Cranking up your thermostat on a frigid day won’t heat your home faster but will cause your heater to continue to run after your ideal temperature is reached. Program the thermostat to raise or lower temperatures by small increments for optimal comfort.
  • The Hold Feature. All programmable thermostats have a feature that lets you override scheduled settings without erasing them so you can adjust the temperature any time that you like. To maximize your savings, however, be sure to release the hold setting once your home has reached a comfortable temperature. Some models have temporary hold settings that switch off after a set period of time.

As your friendly neighborhood Charlotte heating company, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning is pleased to offer products and services that increase your heating system efficiency. To schedule an installation or to learn more about these savvy devices, call One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning of Charlotte today at 704-323-8004.

Categories: Thermostat Tags:

Why Home Generators are Important for Charlotte Homeowners

December 28th, 2012

Mother Nature has been absolutely unpredictable during the past few years, and that is the main reason why so many people are choosing One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning of Charlotte to keep their homes comfortable throughout the year. Our company understands how hurricanes have been affecting our country, and we want to provide everyone in Charlotte with a great home generator. Home generators will keep the electrical juices flowing whenever the main source of power goes out. Besides helping you with all of your generator needs, our highly professional team members can install, repair or replace any heating or air conditioning units.

Generators

Generators work by providing electricity to your home when the main source of power goes out. There are many different types of generators to choose from. These machines convert mechanical energy to electrical energy. This conversion takes place through the machine and the use of some type of gas. The generators are designed to work in the most terrible possible conditions, and they are built to be tough. The generators allow homeowners to still use the electrical features in the home when the power goes out. The makes and models of these generators vary, so each manufacturer may have different ways of creating electricity.

Air Conditioning Services

The summer is hot in Charlotte. Our professional air conditioning team is prepared to install a new air conditioning unit in your home. Many people do not need a brand new unit installed, so we can do any repairs that are necessary. In many cases, a repaired air conditioning unit will be fixed so that it runs like it is brand new.

A New Heating Experience

We are the authority on Charlotte heating. When we come to your home, we will inspect your current heating system and offer some valuable repairs and tips that can help you to save some money on your monthly utility bills.

One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning of Charlotte provides top quality heating, air conditioning and backup electrical system assistance. Call us at 704-323-8004 to improve the comfort and safety of your home.

Categories: Heating Tags:

Getting Affordable Heating Solutions from One Hour Charlotte

November 28th, 2012

HVAC RepairAs the cold winter months approach, you’ll want to make sure your heating system is properly functioning. If your household system is not working correctly, your family is at risk of not having a warm environment throughout the cold season. When it comes time for heating system repair, don’t leave your system in the hands of just anyone—the best thing you can do is enlist the assistance of a professional Charlotte heating company like One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning of Charlotte.

The first thing you can do is make sure your heating system is prepared for winter. Keeping up with the maintenance of your heating system will help to extend its lifespan, which means you will be saving money on the cost of repairs. Not only will it save you a lot of hassles and headaches, but it will also provide you with the peace of mind you need without any of the added stress and chaos.

If you invest in proper maintenance for your heating system, you will not have to worry about an extensive repair bill. For those who have a reliable repair company behind them, there is no need to worry about what to do in the event of an emergency. When you have someone on standby throughout the year, it helps save you a lot of money and time in the end.

Many homeowners don’t know what they are going to do when it comes time to pay for heating repairs. Thanks to some of the most trusted companies around, you can have your repairs taken care of without the frustration that accompanies finding a means of paying for them.

Affordable heating repair is right around the corner with One Hour Heating & Air. If you need financing options for your heating and cooling system, speak to one of the representatives at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning of Charlotte today. Once you have a moment to speak with one of our representatives by calling 704-323-8004, you will be able to determine the appropriate plan of action for your system.

Categories: Heating Maintenance Tags:

Fast, Reliable Heating Repair in Charlotte, NC

October 26th, 2012

If your heating system has ever failed you on a cold winter evening, you know just how important a quality heating system repair can be. You not only want to make sure that your family stays warm and cozy in your Charlotte home during the cold-weather season but remains safe as well. Malfunctioning fuel-burning heating systems can cause exhaust and harmful byproducts to leak into your home’s living areas. One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning of Charlotte is the company to call when you want fast, reliable heating repair.

At One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning of Charlotte, we’ve built our business around providing prompt and professional services, from emergency heating repairs to new HVAC installations. Our licensed and insured technicians are knowledgeable in all types and all major brands of heating systems. That expertise and experience means that you can be confident that we’ll repair you heating system right the first time in a timely fashion.

Whether your Charlotte heating system is a furnace, a boiler, or a geothermal heat pump, regular system maintenance is your best defense against future repairs. Preventative maintenance keeps systems operating at peak efficiency too, helping to keep monthly energy bills manageable. If your heating system is powered by gas or oil, regular system maintenance is essential to prevent fuel waste. Our expert HVAC technicians will use combustion analyzers to measure and adjust your furnace’s efficiency. You’ll breathe easier knowing that fuel exhaust isn’t back-drafting into your home.

If your heating system is over eight years old, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning of Charlotte can help you determine if a replacement is a more cost-effective solution than repeated repairs. Heating system energy efficiency has significantly improved over the last decade, and monthly savings on operating costs can sometimes make a new heating system installation the most practical solution.

As a well-established company with a stellar reputation for quality, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning of Charlotte is committed to keeping your family safe and comfortable in your Charlotte home in every season. Call us today at 704-323-8004 for quality repairs, maintenance services, and installations.

Categories: Heating, Heating Maintenance Tags:

What Does a Heat Pump Do?

September 28th, 2012

As a home or business owner in Charlotte, you need an HVAC system that provides warmth in the winter and relief from the heat and humidity in the summer months. Your heat pump and central air conditioning unit work as a single system to perform both of these functions, depending on what function the system is set to do. As your heating company in Charlotte, we offer the latest and greatest models of heat pumps for residential and commercial use. Our air conditioning and heating technicians at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning of Charlotte explain what these pumps do and what to do when you need a replacement system, maintenance, or a repair service.

What Heating Units Do
This type of HVAC unit transfers the energy contained within heat to the opposite direction in which heat would normally flow. Thus, in the winter months, the pump transfers heat from the outdoors into your home or business, while in the summer months, the cycle is reversed and heat is transferred from within your home or building to the outdoors, where it dissipates into the environment. In order to do this, the pump uses a compressor to cycle a refrigerant through the system, which functions to absorb heat in the desired direction. An indoor portion of the unit, called an air handler, has its own motor and blows the air throughout the indoor structure by way of air ducts and vents.

Heating Unit Repairs and Maintenance
Before the upcoming months of cold weather, it’s a good idea to schedule a maintenance visit for the heating unit. This tune up includes an air filter replacement, a refrigerant level check, and a thorough cleaning of the compressor motor and coils. By scheduling your service visit now, you can beat the rush and ensure that your heating system is ready for whenever the cold weather strikes. We also offer emergency heating unit repairs throughout the Charlotte area for your convenience.

At One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning of Charlotte , we offer heating system repairs, maintenance, and new unit installation to keep your home or business at a constant and consistent level of comfort throughout the year. We have built a solid reputation for excellence in customer service and HVAC products throughout the Charlotte area. Call us today at 704-323-8004 to schedule your heating system repair, fall tune up, or new installation.

Categories: Heat Pumps, Heating Tags:

Rest Assured with One Hour’s Comfort Club Maintenance Plan

August 29th, 2012

Just like anything else in your home or office, your air conditioning and heating systems require routine maintenance in order to continue to work properly. Without regularly-scheduled maintenance, potentially serious problems with your system can develop, leading to costly emergency break downs in the future. Our team of professional heating and air experts at One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning Charlotte are specially trained to inspect, diagnose, and fix any problems your heating and air conditioning system may be facing. We even have a special maintenance plan to save you time, money, and the hassle of scheduling maintenance.

The Comfort Club Maintenance Program is a bi-annual check-up service for customers of One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning Charlotte. Our service technicians conduct both safety and tune-up checks for both your air conditioning and heating system twice a year. This maintenance ensures that your system will be further protected from future breakdowns and will continue to work throughout the year. In fact, becoming a Comfort Club member helps increase your system’s lifespan by up to twice as long.

As a Comfort Club member, you can also enjoy several other benefits. The Comfort Club membership comes with a Breakdown-Free Guarantee, meaning that we are so confident in the quality of our services, if your system does need repairs after your scheduled maintenance, the next six months of your membership are on us. Also included with your membership is priority service. In addition to an additional six months of free membership, your name immediately jumps to the front of the line if your system ever needs extra services.

Becoming a Comfort Club member is one of the easiest things you can do to ensure the life and health of your heating and air conditioning system. Any time you need heating or air conditioning repair in Charlotte, call on the experts at One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning Charlotte to fix your problems. To schedule your system’s maintenance, call us today at 704-323-8004. You can also schedule service with our convenient online form.

The Importance of Changing Your Air Filters

July 25th, 2012

Having us at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning of Charlotte clean your air ducts to improve your indoor air quality is one thing, but you need to maintain the air by regularly replacing the air filters for your home heating and cooling system. This is perhaps one of the simplest projects you can do that saves you money and makes your home more comfortable.

If you are like many, you may neglect the simple task of changing your air filters. In most cases, people simply forget about it, but old, clogged air filters can cause problems for your indoor air and for your HVAC system. If you air filters go too long before they are changed, your HVAC system has to work harder to pull air through the filter, making the entire unit run less efficiently. The less efficient your heating and cooling system is, the more it costs to operate it.

How often should you replace your air filters depends on several factors. The amount of pollution or particles in the air in your home make a difference, and the amount of time you run the heater or air conditioner will also be a factor. If you live in an old, dusty house or around a lot of trees when they are producing heavy amounts of pollen, your filter may need more frequent changes than someone in a place with naturally cleaner air. If you run your heater or air conditioner almost all year long, you will also need to change the filter for your system more often.

During the summer and winter months when your HVAC system is being heavily used, it is a good idea to check and change the filter every 30 days. Doing so keeps you air cleaner and your system running more efficiently.

If you are tired of suffering from indoor allergies or breathing problems, let us give you a jump start on cleaner air by providing you with a duct cleaning service in Charlotte. After that repeat duct cleaning visits and having your air filters replaced can give you the cleanest air possible inside your home. For more information or to schedule an appointment for duct cleaning, please call us at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning of Charlotte at 704-323-8004.