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Archive for the ‘Energy Efficiency’ Category

Rely on Us for Your Air Conditioning Repairs

July 22nd, 2011 Comments off

Charlotte NC Air ConditioningOf all the inconveniences a homeowner can face, an unreliable air conditioning system is one of the most problematic. Finding yourself in the middle of a heatwave with no means of escape is a place no one wants to find themselves. Thankfully, our Charlotte NC air conditioning technicians at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning can perform air conditioner repair work for you, meaning you’ll never be without a way to keep cool this summer.

No matter the problem, or trained team of technicians can diagnose and determine the best means to fix it. We only use the highest quality parts in our air conditioning systems, so you never have to worry about a sudden breakdown caused by faulty manufacturing or an unimpressive installation. Whether the problem lie with your thermostat, air handler, air quality in your home, or the air conditioning unit itself, our experts can assist you in remedying it, ensuring you’ll be back to cool and comfortable in no time.

While there are many things that may go wrong with your air conditioning system, there is only one company to call when they do. Our Charlotte NC heating and cooling experts put the customer first, and our 24 hour emergency HVAC service ensures that you’ll never waste a day waiting around for a technician again. We also offer free pricing estimates on HVAC replacement equipment. With any comments, questions, or to schedule an air conditioning repair today, give us a call at 704-323-8004 or contact us online.

Charlotte NC Commercial Ventilation Service

June 24th, 2011 Comments off

One Hour Air Conditioning, your local Charlotte NC air conditioning service, knows how important it is to have the proper air conditioning and ventilation systems in your small or large office building. The work environment can be stressful and uncomfortable enough without a proper ventilation system. Distractions of unpleasant odors or a muggy environments is should be the least of your worries at work. One Hour Air Conditioning can help with all your Charlotte NC commercial heating and air conditioning needs.

Proper ventilation not only ensures the indoor air quality is up to stringent standards, but also removes smells, excess moisture, introduces outside air, removes bacteria, keeps air circulating throughout a building, and prevents stagnation. There are two types of ventilation: mechanical and natural.

Mechanical ventilation uses an air handler. A good example of and air handler would be a fan. Often these are used as vents in bathrooms to remove odors and humidity. Forced ventilation often takes quite a bit of energy especially when used in climates such as locally in Charlotte NC. These air handlers also tend to cause some noise, so it is often only used in places such as break areas and restrooms.

Natural ventilation uses outside air without using any kind of mechanical device. Sometimes this is done by opening windows to allow air to circulate in and out. There is also something called a trickle vent for smaller offices and spaces. The office may also be set up where warm air can rise and flow out of an upper opening forcing cool air to be drawn into the building. Unfortunately in a places with warmer climates, such ventilation systems are not efficient enough for the summer months. There are also air side economizers which allow for natural ventilation using mechanical fans and the like without using as much energy as mechanical installation.

For all your Charlotte NC HVAC needs contact your local Charlotte NC air conditioning service, One Hour Air Conditioning.

Save On Air Conditioning Costs This Summer

June 2nd, 2011 Comments off

With the rising temperatures of summer hitting the Charlotte area already, our air conditioning units are starting to work overtime to keep homes and offices cool. In order to beat the heat, many people assume the best option is to adjust the thermostat to below-freezing temperatures and just let the air conditioner run. However, if you want to save money on your energy costs during the brutal triple-digit heat that is sure to hit any day now, it’s important to remember some conservation tips when operating your air condition.

First, try not to set the threshold too low on your thermostat. For every degree you drop the temperature in your home below 78⁰, you increase your cooling costs exponentially. By keeping your house cooled to no less than 72⁰, you can save a great deal of money while maintaining a comfortable home environment.

To ensure the greatest efficiency from your air conditioning unit, inspect both the indoor and outdoor units. It is important that the indoor coil is cleaned because it is a magnet for dust, which, when left unchecked, can lead to poor operation. Our Charlotte HVAC technicians can inspect and clean both indoor air conditioner coils and check for dirt build-up on outdoor coils to assure you save on energy costs by having the most efficient A/C service possible.

One way to keep cooling costs at a minimum is to sufficiently shade east and west facing windows in your home. This will keep too much sun (and therefore, radiant heat) from seeping into your home and forcing the air conditioner to work harder to cool the space. Also, try not to run bathroom or kitchen fans or a dehumidifier at the same time you have the A/C blowing. Each of these activities adds to the cooling load.

If you think your air conditioning system could be running more efficiently or you aren’t satisfied with the cost of your energy bills, call your local Charlotte area air conditioning technicians for a service call, and start saving money while also assuring a longer lifespan for your A/C unit.

 

Energy Saving Tips While On Summer Vacation

May 26th, 2011 Comments off

Saving money and energy on your unoccupied home while you’re gone on summer vacation can alleviate some vacation expenses that add up quickly. Use these energy saving tips from your local Charlotte NC air conditioning service experts.

Unplug electronic appliances that do not need to be on. Small amounts of electricity called phantom loads will be used while you are not using the appliances. Turn off all lights except for maybe a lamp or two to make it look like someone is home at night.

Double check your doors and windows are closed tight before you leave for vacation. Letting outside air in, even the smallest amount for a prolonged time can make the AC unit work more than it needs.

Pull curtains and shades on east and west windows in your home to help keep heat out. The morning and afternoon sun can add unnecessary heat to your home and cause your air conditioner to turn on when you may not want it to.

Program your thermostat to hold at a higher temperature than when you occupy your home. Do not turn off your ac unit altogether because you want minimal airflow. Set it at something that will turn on for a while at least once a day.

The most effective way to save money and energy while on vacation is to turn your water heater thermostat down to the lowest setting. Energy efficient water heater choices like this can help reduce wasted money and energy.

The professionals at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, your Charlotte air conditioning company, are here to help you with all your energy saving needs. Give us a call or contact us online to schedule an air conditioning inspection today.

Save Money With Weatherization

May 20th, 2011 Comments off

WeatherizationThe temperatures are starting to rise, but it’s never too early or too late to start planning for the rising spring and summer temperatures by weatherizing your North Carolina home.

Weatherization includes home upgrades such as insulation, air-sealing, and efficient heating or cooling systems. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, weatherization reduces energy bills for the long haul. Some improvements provide savings over the lifetime of your house.

Once you decide to weatherize your home, you will first need to assess current usage. Check out the online tools from Energy Star, a joint program of the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. You may prefer to evaluate yourself or hire a professional energy auditor, who will determines how much energy your home consumes, as well as find problem areas where you lose energy and suggest how to make it more energy efficient.

Upon completion of the audit, let the weatherization process begin. Our Charlotte NC HVAC experts are insured bonded, and licensed to work on either residential or commercial projects and will make your home as comfortable as possible. Give our Charlotte cooling company a call today, or visit us online for more information.

Company to Appear on Television May 6

April 29th, 2011 Comments off

Brand AwarenessOur Charlotte NC HVAC company is a part of a growing family that is receiving all kinds of positive recognition. One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, which has built a reputation for its on-time promise, will be showcased on ‘Designing Spaces,’ a television show on the Lifetime network, on Friday, May 6.

The company appearance on the show is part of a North American marketing and public relations campaign designed to build brand awareness and communicate its quality customer service and unique proposition. In addition to having an on-time promise, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, uses only drug-free and alcohol-free contractors.

Lenny Siers, the brand president of One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, joined the award-winning show to provide straight-forward advice on air conditioner maintenance, repair and installation.

“From our over 200 locations across North America,” Siers said, “our technicians and Comfort Advisors provide homeowners with ways to reduce their energy bills and improve the comfort of their home. Appearing on national television enabled me to demonstrate One Hour’s professional approach to heating and air conditioning service as well as communicate our 100-percent customer satisfaction guarantee.”

Check out the show Friday, May 6, at 7:30 p.m. For more information about our brand awareness or our Charlotte heating and cooling experts, call us today, or visit us online.

Good Time To Purchase a Furnace

April 12th, 2011 Comments off

Gas or Electric FurnaceWith the spring season here, now might be the best time to shop for a new furnace. Your air conditioner is the most popular HVAC device in the home right now because of the warmer temperatures, and furnaces currently can be purchased at excellent prices.

If you do decide to shop for a new furnace, one of the main questions might involve the furnace type. Do you want a gas furnace or an electric furnace?

Both devices have their advantages, and your decision will come down to personal preference, as well as how your home is modeled. Our Charlotte AL HVAC experts at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning are more than willing to offer their advice in an effort to narrow your decision.

In regards to energy efficiency, gas furnaces are the best choice. In regards to life expectancy, electric furnaces are your best bet. Electric furnaces can last up to twice as long as gas furnaces. From a maintenance perspective, electric furnaces require less professional service than gas furnaces, which should be inspected annually.

Both gas and electric furnaces are relatively safe to operate. With electric furnaces, they’re about as safe as the average appliance. Gas furnaces have a low risk of the spread of carbon monoxide poisoning, but it shouldn’t be anything to scare you away from purchasing. If money is your ultimate factor, you want to choose gas furnaces, as electric furnaces are more expensive.

It’s wise that do your research with both furnaces. Both have their advantages, and you really can’t go wrong with either one. If you need further assistance, feel free to call our Charlotte heating company, or visit us online today.

Spring HVAC Cleaning Tips

April 1st, 2011 Comments off

Spring Cleaning, Air FilterAs we continue to see warmer and warmer temperatures, we must remember that “spring cleaning” isn’t just a term defined as tidying up around the home. The spring season is a perfect time for you to spruce up your HVAC system.

Your furnace put in lots of hours over the winter, and now may be the best time for you to change your air filters. A clean filter will help keep your HVAC system running efficiently, which is imperative as we prepare for the scorching temperatures of the spring and summer.

Air duct cleaning is just as important as air filter cleaning – if not more important. If you are one who suffers from asthma or other respiratory conditions, airborne allergens such as pollen, dust mites can be a menace. Professionally cleaned air ducts will help to reduce pesky allergy symptoms and help keep your indoor air quality in excellent shape.

Your outdoor air conditioner, if you own one, definitely will need maintenance. Check your outdoor condenser, as it was once upon a time buried in everything from dirt to mud to snow. It will need a thorough cleaning.

There are other spring cleaning tips that may help you have a comfortable spring, and our Charlotte NC HVAC representatives are here to assist you with any further inquiries. Call our Charlotte heating and cooling company today, or contact us online for more information.

Keeping the Air Ducts Clean

March 18th, 2011 Comments off

Air Duct CleaningThere are many homeowners who will not have their air ducts cleaned until a major problem occurs. Part of the reason is simply forgetting about the importance of having clear air ducts. The air you breathe inside your home, if it isn’t the cleanest, can lead to all sorts of health problems and can aggravate respiratory problems such as asthma.

How often air ducts should be cleaned basically depends on the environment you live in. Some experts say ducts should be cleaned regularly once every 2-5 years. A home with pets or a home with smokers should be cleaned more frequently than homes without pets or smokers. If you suspect insects and wildlife (mice, squirrels, etc.) living in your roofs and attics, it’s best to have your air ducts cleaned after calling an exterminator.

Dirty air ducts could lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which also can cause minor health hazards. Our Charlotte NC HVAC experts at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning offer a professional duct cleaning, which will result in a cleaner, dust-free living environment for you and your family. We will clean your ducts’ darkest areas, and we guarantee to improve your indoor air quality.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air pollution is ranked among the top five health risks in the nation. Let our Charlotte air duct specialists clean your ducts to where you are not a statistic. Give us a call today, or contact us online for more information.

Join the Comfort Club

February 28th, 2011 Comments off

Comfort ClubIf you think about it, your heating and cooling system , your car and your body all have something in common. They all require episodic maintenance checkups.

Your car will need its tires, engine, brakes and other important parts checked periodically. The same relatively can be said for your body, as annual physicals are scheduled to make sure everything is functioning properly. Your HVAC system deserves the same treatment and the same care, particularly now that the spring and summer months are rapidly approaching.

Our Charlotte NC HVAC experts at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning offer the Comfort Club, a maintenance service plan that provides regular system checks for your heating and air conditioning system.  This biannual checkup is designed to meet or exceed all manufacturer and extended warranty requirements for system maintenance.

All Comfort Club members will receive one AC maintenance service during the warmer months and one furnace maintenance service during the cooler months. Each service includes a precision tune-up, a professional cleaning and rejuvenation of your system, in addition to one safety check. These services will give your HVAC system a longer life span and save you money on your utility bill.

Without regular maintenance, your HVAC system runs the risk of suffering major damage, and that could mean a large repair bill down the road. Our service guarantees a major reduction in system breakdown to where if your furnace or air conditioner needs repair, your next six months of Comfort Club membership is free.

Take advantage of the risk-free Comfort Club membership. For more information, contact our Charlotte heating and cooling company, or visit us online.