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 […]
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 […]
How Thermostats Work
Thermostats are a small yet essential part of every modern air conditioner. It’s the “face” of your HVAC system, and with the right kind of thermostat, it can help improve the A/C’s overall efficiency. Amber Air Conditioning shares a closer look at how it works. How Do Thermostats Work? Most homeowners might be surprised to know that thermostats do not have anything that resembles a thermometer, despite being used to regulate your home’s indoor temperature. Instead, it relies on a much simpler mechanism: thermal expansion. Materials expand when exposed to heat, but at different rates. This principle is the backbone of the traditional thermostat: two strips of different metals, usually steel and copper, are fused together. The difference in expansion rates bends the strip as the temperature increases. This triggers a switch that turns on the air conditioner (or dampers, if you have a ducted system), which then begins pumping out cool air. As the […]
How to Find the Right Size of Air Conditioner for a Room
Finding the right size air conditioner for your home’s heating and cooling needs is all about finding a system that is not too big, but also not too small. Let our experts at Amber Air Conditioning Inc. walk you through the process of sizing your air conditioner that makes your home feel just right.
The Main Types of Air Conditioning Units
When it comes to residential air conditioning options, there are so many different types that it can be a little intimidating to start shopping around. This is even worse when you don’t know the first thing about HVAC systems.