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Posts Tagged ‘energy-efficient’

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.

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.