Archive for the ‘Ask Matthew’ Category
11.15.2022
How Can I Prepare My Home for the Holidays?
If you’ve got family headed your way for the holidays, here are some of my best tips to make sure your house is safe and sound. Clear Away Clutter Fall is a great time to declutter your home and make space for guests. While rearranging furniture or switching rugs, it’s important to make sure nothing is blocking your air vents. Curtains, couches, side tables or anything blocking your air vents will reduce air flow and create hot/cold spots. Clean Dust & Debris As temperatures cool down, people and pets spend more time inside, creating more dust, dirt, and allergens in your home. Clean out all your A/C registers and vents, overhead fan blades, and install fresh HVAC filters. Fresh filters allow maximum air flow and more comfort while reducing stress on your system. Need a more heavy-duty duct service? We offer duct sealing services that will have your whole system in tip-top shape. Assess Important Safety Items Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they’re functional and have fresh batteries. If you have a fire extinguisher, know where it’s located and how to use it. If you don’t have a fire extinguisher, please be sure to get one. […]
08.08.2022
Four Myths About Crazy High Power Bills
This time of year I typically see friends complaining on Facebook about their electric bills. No doubt about it, this has been one long, hot summer, and everyone is about to get their highest bills in memory. Folks are often searching for comparisons to someone else’s bill, but no two homes are alike. So, with solid Building Science in mind, I’m about to bust 4 common myths related to your electricity bills. Myth: I should be able to compare my electric bill with a friend who has a home with similar square footage. Truth: False. In order of importance, after the size of your home here are other major things to consider. Orientation to north Tree/shading coverage Age and condition of HVAC system Thermostat set point Ductwork condition and location (in attic, crawlspace, or inside) Size, type and condition of windows Roof overhang of windows Insulation in walls and ceilings Number of people occupying Number of appliances Air leakage of home Myth: 70 degrees F is the perfect temperature. Truth: Comfort is all about the humidity. 80 degrees and 40% humidity will feel the same as 70 and 60%. If you set your thermostat at 70 or below to be […]
07.26.2022
5 Common Air Conditioning Issues You Should Know About
Summer is here, and the hot temperatures will be sticking around for a while. While an ice cold beverage is comforting, it’s the AC system that can keep our homes and businesses cool during the hot summer season. If your system malfunctions, it may interfere with home or business operations. It may be a good idea to fix your AC system for this hot season. Here are some of the common issues you may experience with your AC system and how you can fix these problems. 1. Less Cold Air from the Vents The AC system may be working correctly, but there may be a problem with the ducts and the airflow they produce. If the airflow is restricted, it can become hot and stuffy. You may notice that one room seems warmer than another, or that there is a difference in the temperature between the two rooms. The problem could be that the ducts need cleaning or a blockage that needs to be removed. The cause of the blockage may be insulation or the use of airtight ducts, which are designed to reduce air leakage. Solution: Check the ducts to see if they are blocked by dust or any […]
07.02.2022
When Should Homeowners Replace Their Air Conditioner at Home?
Installing an air conditioning unit helps in maintaining better air quality at home. As a result, people experience fewer health conditions connected to breathing, like asthma and colds. However, a study suggests that an air conditioner’s life expectancy is only 10 to 20 years from installation, and it’s best to have them replaced starting on the 10th. But which common signs indicate an air conditioning unit is ready for replacement? Here are some ideas. 1. Rising Electricity Bills If you’re noticing a higher number of monthly electricity bills, it’s a sign that your air conditioner is reaching the end of its lifespan. Resetting your air conditioner’s thermostat can help reduce electricity usage costs. But if it’s a matter of replacing your air conditioner, it’s best to have it done as soon as possible. 2. Producing Unusual Sounds A good air conditioner makes very little noise. But if you notice that it’s producing unusual sounds that can last for a few hours, it’s best to have it checked immediately. But if the sound continues even after the needed repairs, then replacing the unit itself might be the only solution. A noisy air conditioner means that it needs repair or replacement. Unusual […]
06.30.2022
Comfort Tip: How Does Humidity Impact Your Home?
When people tell me they are uncomfortable in their home during the summer, the number one reason is usually humidity. Summer is when we see the highest humidity in our area, because warm air holds more moisture. This is what makes the air feel “thicker” and heavy. It can impact your physical activity and cause increased sweating, respiratory issues or general discomfort. Excess moisture inside your home can also cause damage, including warped wood and mold. So, what’s the best way to control humidity? Some people crank down the thermostat thinking it needs to be cooler in their home, but they aren’t addressing the humidity issue. Others might purchase spot dehumidifiers, which drive up your energy bills and require dumping buckets of water 1-2 times per day. Instead, we offer convenient central dehumidifiers which attach to your heating & air system and create the perfect level of humidity for your entire home. Watch this video for a snapshot of how you can get greater comfort with a central dehumidifier for your home. Want a free estimate on a central dehumidifier for greater indoor comfort this summer and beyond? Contact us today!
06.29.2022
When Should Homeowners Replace Their Air Conditioner at Home?
Installing an air conditioning unit helps in maintaining better air quality at home. As a result, people experience fewer health conditions connected to breathing, like asthma and colds. However, a study suggests that an air conditioner’s life expectancy is only 10 to 20 years from installation, and it’s best to have them replaced starting on the 10th. But which common signs indicate an air conditioning unit is ready for replacement? Here are some ideas. 1. Rising Electricity Bills If you’re noticing a higher number of monthly electricity bills, it’s a sign that your air conditioner is reaching the end of its lifespan. Resetting your air conditioner’s thermostat can help reduce electricity usage costs. But if it’s a matter of replacing your air conditioner, it’s best to have it done as soon as possible. 2. Producing Unusual Sounds A good air conditioner makes very little noise. But if you notice that it’s producing unusual sounds that can last for a few hours, it’s best to have it checked immediately. But if the sound continues even after the needed repairs, then replacing the unit itself might be the only solution. A noisy air conditioner means that it needs repair or replacement. Unusual […]
05.17.2022
Why Program Your Thermostat?
Your thermostat is the central hub for your indoor comfort, telling your heating & air conditioning system what to do and when to do it. If you’re leaving your thermostat on one temperature 24/7 during the summer or winter months, you’re also leaving a lot of energy savings on the table and missing out on many benefits. Here are two key benefits of programming your thermostat. Save Money Only pay for complete comfort when you need it. Don’t leave your system at one temperature all day on weekdays if nobody is home. Instead, while you’re away at work or other extended periods, program your thermostat to be three degrees warmer (in summer) or three degrees cooler (in winter) than you normally have it set. Don’t be tempted to turn the thermostat up to 80+ degrees during the day in the summer months. Any more than three degrees from the desired temperature makes your system work too hard to get back to a comfortable temperature and is inefficient. Programming your thermostat to maintain a more consistent range of temperature will ensure that your HVAC system will work at peak efficiency, driving down your energy bills. Plus, the less your system has […]
11.19.2021
What Thermostat Should I Buy?
If you’re trying to think of a great gift idea for your family or the “Techie” in your life, a new smart thermostat has many more useful features than traditional thermostats. Plus, they can save you significant money on your energy bills when programmed properly, which is easier than ever to do. However, before you head to the big box home store and purchase any willy nilly digital thermostat that’s all marketing and no substance, be sure to watch this video with Matthew’s tips on buying thermostats. If you have questions about thermostats or any other comfort needs, we’re always here to help. Please contact us to discuss thermostat options ideal for your HVAC system.
08.23.2021
Which HVAC Filter Should You Buy?
Ever find yourself in a home improvement store facing rows of HVAC filters and confused by all the options? Are you tempted to splurge on some of the fancy, thick, pleated filters that cost a pretty penny and make all sorts of health-related promises? It can be overwhelming when trying to make the best decision for your HVAC system and your indoor comfort. In this helpful video, Matthew Holtkamp will tell you exactly which filters to buy and which ones to avoid. Members of our Comfort Club enjoy fresh filters at every visit. If you’d like to get the twice annual maintenance your system needs, along with great discounts and VIP scheduling, please call 770-271-7511 to explore the benefits of Comfort Club membership.
02.12.2021
How Can I Solve My Home’s Comfort Mysteries?
Every house has its unique quirks, and sometimes you need the help of an expert to solve those lingering issues. Are you tired of experiencing problems like these? Cold drafts coming into your home Dry air Rooms that are too hot or too cold Excessive moisture or condensation Static electricity Nosebleeds Expensive energy bills If you’ve always wanted the answers to these common mysteries, we have just the solution. Book a Whole House Checkup and we’ll have one of our Comfort Consultants examine every room in your house plus your attic to precisely detect air leaks and identify other common issues that could be costing you money. Your Whole House Checkup includes careful examination of: All Windows and Doors Your Duct System Your Insulation Fireplace Flues We’ll perform a blower door test as part of our checkup to pinpoint exactly where your house is losing energy and costing you money. A blower door is a powerful fan that mounts into the frame of your exterior door. The fan pulls air out of the house, lowering the air pressure inside. The higher outside air pressure then flows in through all unsealed cracks and openings, helping us identify all the problem spots. Your duct work needs to be […]
