There are many home improvements that can increase your home’s energy efficiency. Prioritizing which to do first should never be left to chance, which is why you should have an energy audit performed by a professional auditor before doing any home remodeling. Heating and air conditioning expert Amber Air Conditioning, Inc., shares why an energy audit may just be the most important thing you can do for your home. What Is an Energy Audit? During an energy audit, an auditor takes a look at everything that has to do with how your home consumes energy. This includes inspecting every appliance, every lighting fixture, and even small things such as power strips and smartphone chargers. The auditor also assesses components that might affect energy consumption, such as wall insulation, fenestrations and the integrity of your home’s ductwork. Problems such as leaks, insufficient insulation and inefficient appliances are noted and included in a detailed report. Remember to […]
Archives for 2019
The Environmental Benefits of Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems
The advent of energy-efficient HVAC systems has dramatically improved the way homeowners utilize their heating and cooling systems. In addition to providing savings on utility costs and improved performance, energy-efficient HVAC systems also have environmental benefits: Fewer Carbon Emissions Grid-based electricity is produced mostly from fossil fuels such as crude oil. More electricity consumed means higher direct carbon emissions, which, in turn, can be harmful to the environment. Therefore, households that use inefficient HVAC systems have a negative impact on the environment, and will continue to do so as long as they keep using the same. According to the Energy Information Administration, an average home spends almost half of its annual energy costs on heating and cooling alone. Making the switch to energy-efficient HVAC systems can have a long-term positive effect on your annual energy consumption. More importantly, your home’s carbon emissions and its environmental impact can be dramatically reduced. Ozone-Friendly Refrigerants You may have […]
5 Common Heating System Noises and What They Mean
Under normal operation, heating systems emit a steady and continuous hum. Sometimes, however, it may make noises that could indicate problems which shouldn’t be ignored. Amber Air Conditioning shares a list of common heating system noises and what they mean. Creaking and Popping – This usually happens when you’re starting up your heating system for the first time of the year. The temperature differences as the heating system starts up cause expansion and contraction in the pipes, resulting in creaking and popping sounds. As the temperatures normalize, these sounds should stop. On the other hand, persistent creaking and popping should be inspected by a heating and air conditioning professional. Buzzing – This is common with fuel-based heating systems. There are many reasons your heating system would start buzzing, and depending on the source, some of them can indicate a problem. For instance, if the control unit is buzzing, it could mean that the voltage transformer […]