Archive for the ‘Heating’ Category
11.16.2017
9 Tips for Fall Home Heating Safety & Efficiency
With winter weather closing in, here are 9 simple and highly affordable ways to make sure your family’s comfort and safety is at its peak before the coldest weather arrives. 1. Change your filter. Swapping your filter will help your system “breathe” when in operation. When it’s clogged due to a dirty filter, it’s literally adding dollars to your energy bills. Normally, swapping at 60 days or even up to 90 may be acceptable. If you have a pet that sheds, closer to 30 days is recommended. Bonus filter tip: Choose the cheapest filters from your home improvement store, unless you have sensitive family members with severe allergies. Those affordable filters will catch the bulk of the dust and dander just fine, saving you some serious bucks over the unnecessary high-end filters. 2. Don’t block vents. Make sure that furniture, curtains, coffee tables and other items are not obstructing your floor vents. Your system was designed to have air flow pouring out of those vents, and when blocked, it will not heat your home properly. Bonus vent tip: If dog or pet hair is bunching up around your HVAC returns, be sure to vacuum it up and keep it out of […]
11.14.2017
Providing another Customer with Premier Comfort
After the summer of 2017, local homeowner Stacey experienced a complete failure of her basement heat pump, so she definitely knew that it was time to replace the system! Stacey knows Matthew Holtkamp as an active member of her church, Prince of Peace Church in Flowery Branch. Her parents also had Holtkamp Heating & Air replace their unit last year. Meanwhile, her neighbor had the Holtkamps replace two units earlier this year. Doing Her Research As a responsible homeowner, Stacey felt compelled to get multiple bids and do her due diligence. We actually encourage this, to make sure you see how our detailed approach to your home and comfort challenges stacks up against the competition and how it’s rooted in true building science and careful calculations. Beware of companies that spend a few moments at your home to see what HVAC equipment you had and suggest the same size system. Those are called “rip and replace” estimates and are not maximizing your comfort or energy efficiency. “My experience with Holtkamp Heating & Air was very professional, and their comfort specialist was super knowledgable,” said Stacey. “I actually got a lower price from a large air conditioning company but chose to […]
09.22.2017
The Only Way To Test Gas Furnaces For Safety: Combustion Analysis
Getting a heating system tune-up makes sense for many reasons. For example, you’ll make sure your system is working at peak efficiency, lower your utility bills, help avoid costly repairs and extend the life of your system. However, there is one key element of a heating tune-up that means the most for your family’s safety: Combustion Analysis. What is Combustion Analysis? Combustion Analysis is a careful test of the heat exchanger in your furnace to ensure it’s working properly. In fact, it’s the only test that will truly identify safe operation. While most companies perform a visual inspection, it will not uncover hairline cracks, which can lead to carbon monoxide leaks. Hairline cracks become a problem when the gas is burning, and the crack becomes larger in the heat. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, poisonous gas produced by the incomplete burning of carbon based fuels. All of our technicians are equipped with a combustion analyzer, the tool that’s carefully inserted into the flue pipe of your gas heating appliance. Readings on the device will indicate whether there is proper combustion and that all levels are within safe limits. Here is what a Combustion Analyzer looks like: If another company is performing […]
03.01.2017
Refer Friends, Neighbors Coworkers: Get Rewards!
Did you know that we reward referrals? For every customer you send our way that needs service of *any* kind, you’ll get a $20 Visa gift card! If they need a new system installed, you’ll get a $100 Visa gift card! So if you hear of any friends, neighbors or coworkers with comfort needs, send them our way and Matthew & his crew will be sure to provide them with peak comfort. Be sure to ask tour friends to give us your name so we can process your gift cards after their service. Thanks for the referrals, which are the ultimate compliment!
09.09.2016
Comparing HVAC Companies: 5 Tips on Who to Trust
Your heating system and air conditioning system are some of the most expensive elements of your home. When it’s time to replace these heating & air units, you need to know you can trust your HVAC company with this major purchase. But how can you tell whether you’re getting an estimate from an honest, reputable company that truly cares about your comfort? Here are 5 Tips on How to Trust your HVAC Company 1. Before the HVAC Estimate – Did the company send you an email with a photo and information about the representative coming to your home? At Holtkamp Heating & Air, we email every homeowner with a photo and bio introducing them to their friendly, professional comfort consultant. 2. Arrival of the HVAC Company – Did the company have a clean, clearly marked van that didn’t drip oil on your driveway? And did you see a photo id when you opened the door? Our iconic vans and vehicles are clean and clearly marked with our logo, and we arrive on time as scheduled because we understand your time is important. When you answer the door, you’ll be greeted by our friendly staff and see their ID badge that matches the email you already received. […]
07.12.2016
Holtkamp Celebrates Partnership Between Gwinnett Tech & Local Business
We’re very proud to be connected to our community in Gwinnett in several ways, ranging from supporting the arts as sponsors of Aurora Theatre to helping fill local food banks. Another way we get involved with bettering our community is our long-term relationship with Gwinnett Tech, a leading provider of sound technical education to thousands of students from our region. Matthew is on the Board of Trustees of Gwinnett Technical college and is incredibly proud of their educational mission and their results with students. Gwinnett Tech has been providing career-focused education and training for more than 25 years with programs focused on real-world education for real-world jobs here in Gwinnett County and surrounding areas, including HVAC. Gwinnett Technical College and a diesel engine company in Norcross recently teamed up to develop a program for students to learn more about working on diesel engines. Deutz Corporation donated seven diesel engines to the program, which gives students hands-on experience with modern technology. As a board member, Matthew was proud to be a part of the ceremony honoring this local company’s donation to Gwinnett Tech’s efforts to provide technical education to students that may be interested in an industry with a shortage of well-trained technicians. […]
06.21.2016
Why You Should Avoid HVAC Duct Cleaning Scams
If you think you’re experiencing poor indoor air quality, you might be suffering from leaky ducts. What are the key symptoms? • Your system isn’t performing effectively. Did you know that the average home’s ductwork leaks a whopping 30% of it’s conditioned air into attics, basements and crawlspaces? You could be spending 1/3 of your energy bills cooling air that never makes it into your living spaces! • Irritants or smells are present. If smelly irritants like insulation, wood dust, mold spores and pest droppings from attics and basements are present, your leaky ducts are continually recirculating them throughout your home. Not only are these unpleasant, but they are also unhealthy. • Your family’s allergies are worsening. If members of your family are experiencing worsening symptoms including coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes and more, your HVAC system and its leaky ducts could be contributing to their discomfort. Duct Cleaning vs. Duct Sealing You might see lots of coupons and mailers from companies claiming to “clean” or “vacuum” your ductwork at low prices. However, if dust, allergens and contaminants made it into your ductwork in the first place, won’t they come back if your ducts aren’t properly sealed? If you invest in this temporary fix, the […]
05.17.2016
HVAC Filters 101: All Your Questions Answered
If there’s one thing we get questions about all the time, it’s air filters for air conditioning systems. These questions typically include: How often should I change my filter? Where is my filter located? Which type of filter should I buy? Will an expensive filter improve my indoor air quality? Our answers will save you time and money! How Often Should I Change My HVAC Filter? We recommend you change your HVAC filter every 30-60 days for optimal performance. If you have a pet, especially one that sheds a lot, keep it closer to every 30 days especially during the heavy use months in summer and winter. A visual inspection of your filter after 30 days will help you determine if it’s time for a switch. A filter with thick, clogged dust and debris is a clear indicator that your A/C system needs a fresh replacement! Where is My Filter Located? Your A/C and furnace filters could be in a variety of places, including on walls, ceilings or floors of hallways or rooms, or even within the HVAC system itself. Contact us and we can help determine all of your filter locations on a service visit to make sure you’re changing them in all the right places. […]
04.19.2016
Enjoy HVAC Rebates from Georgia Power, Jackson EMC & the Federal Government
As you reflect on Tax Day are you wishing you had taken advantage of more ways to save? Enjoy these specific savings on qualifying HVAC systems now and you can cash in on some fantastic credits and rebates that will soon put more power in your wallet! Federal Tax Credits A number of tax credits for residential energy efficiency have been renewed. These tax credits are available for purchases made in 2016, as well as retroactive to purchases made in 2015. ENERGY STAR products eligible for tax credits are independently certified to save energy, save money and protect the environment. Use up to 30% less energy in your home by outfitting it with ENERGY STAR products available across more than 70 categories. Get up to a $500 tax credit if your purchase or purchased certain types of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems or make other energy-related improvements to your home between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2016. Expires: December 31, 2016 Georgia Power Rebates Georgia Power’s Home Energy Improvement Program can help their customers with benefits including: Get up to a $550 rebate when switching to an energy efficient heat pump Get up to a $400 rebate when you have a Duct and Envelope […]
04.12.2016
Holtkamp Heating & Air Trains at Mitsubishi Electric in Suwanee
Our President & Founder Matthew Holtkamp recently had the opportunity to enjoy two days of in-depth training at Mitsubishi Electric headquarters in Suwanee, a special class only available to Mitsubishi Diamond Dealers such as Holtkamp Heating & Air. Upon entering the Mitsubishi Electric facility, visitors are immediately presented with high tech displays showcasing the energy efficient options and benefits provided to customers needing heating & air conditioning solutions beyond traditional outdoor A/C units. Across the lobby, the latest cutting-edge HVAC technology from Mitsubishi Electric is displayed prominently for exploration. Matthew loves all things heating & air, and this educational course was like being a kid in a candy store. By exploring Mitsubishi Electric’s latest technology, Matthew learned: How to apply it How to install it How to maintain it How to solve challenging comfort issues for families in new and efficient ways Speaking of energy efficiency, these Mitsubishi Electric HVAC solutions are offered in ratings up to 30 SEER, some of the most efficient options available to consumers! Matthew looks forward to sharing all this valuable information and techniques with his staff. One of the most exciting offerings from Mitsubishi Electric are ductless mini-split systems, which are whisper-quiet units that can […]
