Your Money - Household Ways To Save Thousands

As the average home owner or renter, you have a full time job at home. You just don't realize it. And because you don't keep up on the maintenance, as you should, you're only making yourself and your loved ones suffer as victims. That may sound extreme, but the average home owner usually let's the simplest maintenance slip by unnoticed. You may say, "I'll get to it tomorrow.", but it's always tomorrow. I'm talking about basic monthly maintenance on the little things. When was the last time you cleaned your refrigerator coils? Did you cut those bushes back away from the house yet? What about the two most important and simplest tasks such as draining the sludge from your water heater and changing out your air filter in your air conditioner system? Why haven't done those tasks? They only take about 10 - 15 minutes. You might as well be throwing your wallet down on the sidewalk for someone else to pickup.

What!? That's right. By not changing your air filter once per month, your air conditioner needs to work harder. Your filter is dirty so the air conditioner needs to suck the inside air through all that dirt just so it can blow a lot of that dirt and allergens back in through your air registers. Think of the old vacuums that used bags. Would you take that old vacuum bag out in the house just to have that plume of dust and dirt fly up in your face? Your allergies don't react well to this. How much money do you spend on antihistamines and other allergy medications? This contributes to your allergies acting up even when you are inside your house.

By not following a regular filter change schedule, your air conditioner gets tired and worn out faster. This means that after years of abuse, instead of lasting 12 - 15 years, you'll be calling a service technician several years sooner. You wouldn't think that a little dirt and dust can do that, but a little adds up quickly. That's not a big concern though is it? The average hourly labor charge for a service technician in any trade will run you about $70 and up. In fact, count on at least $60 just for the technician to turn that key in his ignition and say, "Good afternoon." The cost not only can, but will be at least several hundred dollars. I'm not trying to scare you, but the truth is the truth.

What about your water heater? What sludge? Every water source pumps very small particulates of minerals and dirt into your house and goes through your water heater, even if you are on city water. Over time, these particulates can corrode the anode rod inside your water heater (which is a good thing). This "sacrificial rod" is what degrades over time instead of your water heater, and it settles as rusty sediment and dirt at the bottom of your water heater. You need to flush out this sludge from your water heater at least once per year. If you are on a well, then I would recommend flushing your water heater out at least 3 times per year and install a sediment filter on the main pipe that flows into your water heater. You will need to periodically replace the sacrificial anode rod as well; more frequently if you are on a well system, or you will find yourself replacing the water heater itself.

If you fail to perform basic preventive maintenance around the house, you won't be buying just a filter or anode rod for a few dollars. You'll be new equipment years before you need to do so. If you are unsure of how to do the maintenance, schedule a service call from a qualified technician, and observe them as they do the job properly. You will be better prepared to do it yourself the next time, and you can get your questions answered by someone who brings their experience into your home.

For more information and guidance about saving money in home repairs for water heaters, air conditioning, heat pumps, etc, visit Comfort Zone Heating and Cooling of Lewisberry, PA. Article independently authored by Dan Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Comfort Zone Heating & Cooling. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

Overlooked Preventative Maintenance That Will Save Time, Money, and Frustration

Now that spring is here, it's time to clean out the garage, fertilize the lawn, and do all of the other hundreds of chores that have gone forgotten this past winter. Three things that are commonly overlooked are the simplest tasks to get done ... and one of them doesn't even get done by the homeowner themselves.


Water heaters and boilers need to have the build up of sediment flushed out periodically, especially if the home is on a well system for its water supply. Nothing will shorten the life of water heaters faster than sediment build up. It's fairly simple. A simple garden hose is what is needed to hook up to the drain valve to flush the build up away.

The HVAC system isn't quite as simple for the everyday homeowner. The home's air conditioner and heating system should be inspected once per year, especially after a harsh winter in the Northeast. Specialized tools are required to service and test the system. If the home has central air, then the coolant level needs to be checked and possibly recharged.

This is inexpensive preventative maintenance that will save a lot of cost and discomfort in the heat of the summer. Nothing is worse than having to wait for a service technician in the summer when everyone else didn't get their HVAC system tuned up either.

A cursory visual inspection of the water pipes in the basement is a must. Any moisture around the joints should be inspected more closely. Any piping that passes through an exterior wall should be paid close attention to for expansion and contraction. Breaks in the pipe can be a common occurrence at these points.

It's amazing how often the above tasks are overlooked which only take a few minutes and the main focus is always put on the tasks that require the most time, such as window washing, dusting, and the floors. It's always gratifying if the house is presentable and clean, but if the temperature inside is unbearable or the house is flooded, who would want to spend time inside?

For more information on heating and cooling maintenance, visit Comfort Zone Heating and Cooling of Lewisberry, PA.

Article independently authored by Dan Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Comfort Zone Heating & Cooling. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

Ignoring Your Water Heater and Furnace Can Cost You

Whether it's a plumber, carpenter, or HVAC technician, it can be extremely difficult to find a reliable and conscientious service company.  It's even a greater concern when something crucial such as your furnace or heat pump goes down in the winter time and you are at the mercy of whomever shows up.  Word of mouth is still the best form of advertising.  Ask friends and neighbors which companies are good and the first words heard will be, "Well, don't use ..."  By process of elimination the unreliable companies will be weeded out and the ones left standing are a good source from which to start.

Now the focus can turn to the two major systems that homeowners depend upon day in and day out with little thought to them, water heaters and furnaces or heat pumps.  Everyday people turn the handle to the hot water or flick the on switch for the heat and it just works.  Like magic hot water and hot air comes pouring from some unseen source of goodness until it breaks.  Then worry and frustration set in.  The key is to be proactive in your search for a responsible company before you are up against the wall.  If the homeowner already possesses the knowledge and skill to maintain this equipment this is a moot point, however for the large majority of homeowners, servicing these expensive pieces of equipment themselves is not an option.

As much use as compressors and furnaces get throughout the year, it is a wonder that they don't break more often.  Having the home's furnace or HVAC components inspected once per year will always pay off in the end.  Most of the time any potential problems can be determined and prevented by a simple and inexpensive service call.  Every HVAC technician will recommend that furnace and return filters be changed regularly.  Some will even be able to set up an automatic service call schedule so the customer doesn't need to trouble themselves.  Duct work should be checked and cleaned as well.  Duct cleaning is also a regular service that is highly under utilized and dirty duct work contributes to poor air quality in the home.  The average homeowner can change the air filters, but duct cleaning requires specialized equipment that is expensive and therefore more advantageous to let a professional handle the task.

Water heaters are probably the more frequently serviced or damaged appliance in the home. Water heaters are either powered by electric or gas.  Either one can be service by a plumber or HVAC technician.  The hardness of the water will dictate how often the water heater should be flushed out and anode rods replaced.  Only a physical inspection of these components can determine the next course of action.  If a homeowner is unfamiliar with these units, a service call to a professional is best.  The large majority of technician will be more than happy to answer all of the questions and even show the homeowner things that they can do in order to minimize future service calls.

Again the key to a worry free home is to maintain each component within in order to minimize expense and down time later.  It is this rule that most individuals don't heed that causes undue stress and unrealistic expectations of the "hero" technician.  A little time taken now will save a lot of time later and their time is your money.  Save it now.

For more information and guidance about energy efficiency and lower maintenance costs in your home or to request a free estimate, visit Comfort Zone Heating and Cooling of Lewisberry, PA. Article independently authored by Dan Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Comfort Zone Heating & Cooling. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

Gas Vs Electric...

Efficient Natural Gas is More Popular Than Electric Due to Costs and Comfort

Choosing which type of furnace and appliances would best suit a home can be a time consuming and confusing task. In order to choose whether a gas or an electric furnace should be selected, several questions should be answered. First and foremost is the question of whether natural gas is available. If it is not, the alternative of propane may be worth checking.

In most areas, there is no issue with acquiring natural gas. Natural gas furnaces are typically the most affordable choice, however in some regions, cost of gas has been on the rise. By checking with local natural gas distributors for average prices, a cost of use estimate based on family size and anticipated consumption would reveal important information to the decision process.

Even though gas furnaces and appliances are equipped with exhaust stacks or pipes which dispel harmful fumes such as carbon monoxide, natural gas (or propane) still has some aspect of an odor. Another consideration is maintenance. Gas furnaces should be professionally inspected on a yearly basis. An inspection for cracks, tiny holes, or leaks will ensure that carbon monoxide or gas leakage will not be an issue for the family or home.

Electric heating and appliances have pros and cons as well. A major benefit regarding electric is the reduced risk of carbon monoxide. Because there are no flames as with gas, electric is cleaner and typically safer. Costs, however, can be an issue in comparison. Rising electricity bills are prompting many homeowners to consider the switch from electric back to gas.

Square footage of the home, efficiency ratings, and warranty are all considerations when selecting a furnace. The government standard set in 1992 established a minimum efficiency rating for gas furnaces to be 78%. This means that a minimum of 78% of the gas is converted into heat. Many models of gas furnaces are currently running at 96% and higher. Energy star ratings for some makes and models have even been rated near 98%.

After the decision of which to use, natural gas or an electric furnace has been made, there are still many questions left. The price of the unit itself should not be the only major deciding factor for which model furnace to purchase. Consulting a competent installation professional will help to answer some of these important questions. To be sure that the furnace chosen for the home is the best option, consulting a reputable dealer is a must. The Better Business Bureau is a great first step in choosing a professional. Also be sure that the company chosen installs the models of furnaces researched, and that the company is licensed, bonded, and insured. The choice of furnace and often many appliances is an investment that can last over 20 years, so it is important to do your research before making a commitment to either.

For more information and guidance about Heating and Cooling, visit Comfort Zone Heating and Cooling of Lewisberry, PA. Article independently authored by Dan Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Comfort Zone Heating & Cooling. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

Heating and HVAC Failure...

What To Do When the Heat Fails and the Cold Weather Impinges On the Home

With the large number of home owners experiencing a diminished cash flow and financial hardship trying to find ways to save every penny should not come at the expense from the necessary home maintenance. Letting home maintenance tasks slide will actually create a greater expense in the near future. Nowhere is this truer than with heating and air conditioning.

Unless the home is located in a tropical paradise, the home owner will be running the heat starting in November. Should the home be located in a northern state such as Pennsylvania, the heat has probably been set to come on in October as the nightly temperatures can dip down to the 40 degree mark. What happens when the HVAC system is not operating properly?

Some potential problems can easily be checked by the home owner directly. The first step in troubleshooting any mechanical system is to start with the basics. Special skills are not required to check the basics. The only tools which may be necessary are a screwdriver and possibly a flashlight.

A common problem which can easily be overlooked by the home owner is to check the air filter(s). Many times there is a small access panel located on the air handler which will house an air filter in addition to the air filter which is located at the air return vent. If either of these air filters is full of dirt and dust, this can cause the HVAC system to strain unnecessarily and greatly restrict air flow throughout the ducts.

When the heat does not work at all the cause may simply be a tripped breaker if heating system is electric. With gas furnaces a pilot light may have been extinguished. It is extremely important not to attempt to re-light the pilot immediately in case there is a build up of gas.

The first step should always be to turn the shut off gas line valve and open the nearby windows in order to vent the build up of gas to the outside. Only after a suitable amount of time has passed can the gas be turned back on and the pilot light lit. Many tragic accidents and house fires can be easily avoided with just a little caution.

Many heating and air conditioning companies offer annual HVAC inspections for the home owner. It may also be a good idea to take advantage of a service program that may be offered. A routine service at regularly scheduled intervals can be helpful to keep the heating and cooling system working at peak efficiency. Many times a problem can be discovered and fixed for a few dollars before it develops into a major expense.

Receive a free quote from Comfort Zone Heating & Cooling in Lewisberry, PA.

Article independently authored by Dan Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Comfort Zone Heating & Cooling. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

Air Conditioner Maintenance - Spend More on Utilities Without Caring Properly For the HVAC System

Now that summer is almost here, almost every family or home owner will be using the air conditioner quite frequently. Even if the air conditioner is not your responsibility, but that of a landlord, it is still necessary to perform the most basic of maintenance. Basic tasks, which will help keep the outside unit and inside unit functioning normally, are easier than one might think.

There are usually two units to a central air conditioner system, the condenser, which is usually on the exterior of the home and resting on a concrete slab or platform, and the evaporator coil, which can be found in a variety of locations. The evaporator coil can usually be found in the garage, attic or inside a mechanical room or closet. It is always found after the blower motor in the plenum, which is the large metal boxed housing where the air return ductwork enters. The evaporator coil is not directly visible or usually serviceable by the home owner.

One of the most important checks to do is giving the condenser a cursory glance. If the entire unit is not readily seen, then it means it is time to cut back the shrubs and grass. The condenser's immediate surroundings must be kept free of any obstructions and overgrowth that may interfere with any movement of air. Common problems in addition to bushes and grass interfering are trash cans being set immediately next to the condenser or a wooden railing blocking the free movement of air.

It is recommended that there be a minimum of approximately 18 inches. Any less than this and the unit will need to work harder, thereby shortening the lifespan of the condenser. When the condenser works harder it also means that the cooling ability can be compromised and the utility bill will be more expensive. Clearing obstructions is just an easy way to save monthly expense.

The second thing to notice is if the cooling fins have been bent and flattened. Cooling fins, which are made from thin strips of aluminum, are easily damaged or clogged by flying debris and dirt from lawn mowers, weed trimmers and other lawn maintenance equipment. Bent cooling fins are essentially the same thing as blocking the free movement of air. Most hardware stores sell fin combs which only cost a few dollars, but can save much greater expense from service calls and equipment failure.

The last main task a home owner needs to do regularly is replacing the filter at the air intake vent. Air filters can range in cost from $2 or $3 to $30 and up. It all depends upon the type of filter purchased. The more expensive air filters are electrostatic and specialty filters. These expensive filters are often reusable by washing them clean. Usually one filter change every 30 days is adequate for the average home. However, if the family is sensitive to pollen and dust or there are several pets in the household, more frequent filter changes may be necessary. Most plenums can have a narrow removable door where another air filter may be located. This filter should not need replacing as often. Many times the air filter has been removed completely and never replaced.

Regardless of the type of HVAC system present, one thing is recommended. An annual tune up should be performed before the system is placed into heavy service during the late spring and summer months. Calling an HVAC service company can ensure that the system will be functioning properly and greatly decrease the chances of a problem going unchecked causing equipment failure.

For more information on air conditioning and HVAC maintenance please visit www.comfortzonepa.com.

Article independently authored by Daniel P. Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Comfort Zone PA.

Every Home is Contaminated...

The Reality of Poor Air Quality Will Make You Sick

As the outside climate reaches frigid or uncomfortably warm temperatures, many home owners and businesses rely on the heating and air conditioner system to provide a comfortable interior environment. One of the many problems with relying heavily on these HVAC systems has been experienced by allergy sufferers for decades. Even though outside air is introduced into the heating and air conditioning cycle, much of the interior air is being recirculated throughout the building which increase the chances of passing along bacteria and viruses.

A key concern that has received recent heavy attention from the media and medical professionals is that of contracting bacteria and viruses. H1N1, or swine flu, is a good example of a virus for which many medical professionals and politicians have attempted to find a solution in order to prevent it from reaching epidemic proportions.

Air quality tests, provided by many HVAC service companies, are a beneficial service. There are limitations to what these tests will detect. Certain tests are designed to only detect one hazard, such as the home owner radon tests, while air quality testing provided by a service professional tests for a variety of hazards. Most of the air quality testing will check for molds, spores, and fungus, as well as carbon monoxide, radon, and other volatile organic compounds, or V.O.C.s. Special steps are needed, however, to eliminate the threat of radon, carbon monoxide, and other V.O.C.s. Service professionals are almost always required to help handle the deadly effects of these gases and situations in order to return the home or business to a safe status. The presence of these dangerous contaminants should not be dismissed.

One of the few preventative measures the average home owner can perform themselves is to replace the existing air filter with an electrostatic air filter. These filters do cost a little more, but are recognized by professionals to be more effective at filtering the air than just a traditional mesh style filter. Getting in the habit of either regularly replacing the mesh style air filter or cleaning the electrostatic air filter is just one of many steps in the combating harmful impurities. By servicing the air filter, it will help to minimize the amount of pollen, dust, and irritants.

There are other steps, such as duct cleaning, that can be taken to improve indoor air quality. Many professional air conditioning companies offer services of this type and more. It is important to note, however, that there is no method that will 100% completely eradicate every single harmful contaminant and contagion, but with a few more proactive steps, the home owner or business can greatly reduce the effects of these troublesome elements.

For more information and guidance about air conditioning and heating installation and repair service, visit http://www.comfortzonepa.com. Comfort Zone has a great maintenance plan guide when having a professional, qualified technician service your heating and cooling system.

Posted by WebDrafter.com, Inc. with permission.
Article independently authored by Daniel Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Comfort Zone.

Air Filters - The Unsung Heroes of Air Conditioning

In order to keep a home heating and cooling system running smoothly, most professionals recommend changing air filters every months. The air filter prevents dust and particles from making their way into the air ducts and being deposited on the inner workings of the air handler. If there were no filter, then massive amounts of dust, dirt, and other irritants would accumulate causing a decrease in efficiency and greatly shortening the life span of the HVAC equipment.

Not changing the filter periodically results in a slow build up of dust in the ducts. This build up reduces the airflow throughout the home and increases allergens being blown into the interior of the home. Allergens in the air cause respiratory problems and sometimes eye and skin irritation. Some air filters are specifically designed to remove more allergens and provided better air quality for allergy sufferers.

Other considerations for filters are size and type. The size should fit well, and most sizes are commercially available. Types to choose from include pleated, electrostatic, and HEPA. Pleated filters are inexpensive and may be manufactured from charcoal to help with odor control. Pleated types are typically disposable. Electrostatic types usually have a lifetime guarantee, but require the homeowner to periodically clean the filter to provide maximum efficiency. HEPA filters are designed to reduce allergens by up to 97 percent and may be a good choice for allergy prone individuals. Using a combination of pleated and electrostatic filters is quite possible and recommended by many professionals.

Most HVAC systems use multiple user replaceable filters. One filter is always placed at the air return which is located at the air intake or return vent. This filter is almost always easily changed out by the homeowner. The other filter, if present, is usually found behind a panel at or in the air handler itself. This filter can be easily accessed if the air handler is located at ground level inside a garage or utility room. Often times, air handlers are installed in an attic recess above the garage. This last location can prove to be a hassle, but the good news is this particular filter need not be changed every month as the air filter at the return.

To ensure the best air quality possible, hiring a professional HVAC service technician to clean the ducts and remove all of the dust bunnies and fur will not only benefit the health of the family, but allow the air conditioning and heating system to last longer. Clean ducts will also reduce or eliminate the possibility of a fire hazard that dirty ducts can cause.

Consulting a professional to determine the proper type of filter for the home is always a good idea. A qualified heating and air company will guide the homeowner to the proper brand, style and size, as well as inspect the air ducts for cleanliness. By beginning with clean air ducts, the unit will run more efficiently and the filter will be able to work as well as possible.

For more information and guidance about air conditioning and heating installation and repair service, visit http://www.comfortzonepa.com. Comfort Zone has a great maintenance plan guide when having a professional, qualified technician service your heating and cooling system.

Air Ducts of HVAC Systems

The Nightmares of Allergy Sufferers and People With Asthma and COPD

Every year more and more people are trying to improve the quality of life by eating healthier, exercising, and limiting smoking and drinking. The expectation is that this will their health to improve and increase the longevity of their life. While it is true all of these changes can only benefit individuals, there are hidden environmental factors which most people are not even aware. What about breathing better? Poor air quality is probably the number one reason for the increase in allergies and respiratory ailments, such as Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulminary Disease, or COPD, which are on the rise. Not the air quality outside, but the air quality inside.

The average human being spends at least 16 hours per day indoors due to sleeping and working and another 1.5 hours commuting according to a research study conducted by the University of Southern California. This constant confinement breathing the same stagnant air creates a hazardous climate. What is worse is the condition in which most HVAC systems and ducts are kept.

Even after a couple of years in a recent constructed building, the air ducts can be rife with allergens, dirt, dust, and contaminants. The air conditioning and heat cycles just serve to recirculate much of this hazardous material and inject it into the air being inhaled. While it is true that air filters do help in reducing some of these pollutants, most continue to be minimally effective.

Electrostatic air filters are perhaps the most advantageous and expensive to use in the goal of eliminating breathable indoor pollutants and allergens, but the best solution involves a combination of tasks. Duct cleaning is almost unheard of in a large majority of family homes. Most home owners or renters never think about calling an HVAC company to service the duct work throughout the home, just as they forget about cleaning the coils under the fridge or flushing out the water heater periodically.

Regular duct cleaning should not be viewed as an expense, but a required maintenance just as a vehicle needs oil changes. Most home owners would be amazed and disgusted with the amount of crud, lint, and furry dust bunnies which reside in the ducts. Some of this can easily be viewed by taking a solid look into a few of the air registers. Should a family have pets, what they will find is even worse.

When a family rids the ducts of foreign hazardous crud, the family will benefit in ways not before realized. The home will be cleaner. The home will smell cleaner. Every family member will breathe easier and enjoy better health. After all, it is much easier and cheaper to maintain a loved one's health, rather than pay costly medical bills to restore a loved one's health.

For more information and guidance about heating, ventilation, air conditioning and water heaters, visit http://www.comfortzonepa.com.

Save Money on Expensive Repairs

Air Conditioning and Heating Equipment can be Easily Maintained.

Relatively few homeowners understand how a home's HVAC system operates. It's mystical abilities to cool the home or heat the home is always ignored until the worst possible moment when the on switch is flicked and the roaring sound of rushing air is never heard. The next thoughts inevitably come around to "How much is this going to cost to fix?" and "I can't afford to pay a repair bill now!"

Repair bills can be expensive and often are, but there are much less expensive alternatives. Performing routine home maintenance also should include the air conditioner and heating system. Most individuals do not possess anemometers, capacitance meters, vacuum gauges, etc. which are necessary to test and maintain air conditioning and heating systems. Most people don't know how to use these tools, much less ever hearing of them. The maintenance which can save the homeowner money does not require any specialized tools or knowledge.

A few basics which don't require any expensive purchases are monthly replacements of the air filters and a visible inspection of the outside condensing unit. The reason these two maintenance tasks are so crucial is that it prevents the HVAC system from working harder than it needs to and any damage or problem with the outside unit, which is almost always exposed to the harsh elements, is often apparent even to the untrained lay person.

Another common problem with outside units is that the cooling fins which are exposed to debris and rocks thrown from lawn mowers, can become bent and mashed together. A simple inexpensive fix for this is to purchase and use a fin comb. The purpose of the fins are to provide more surface area from which heat will dissipate. Should the fins become bent and crushed together, the free movement of air is substantially restricted which will cause the system to work harder and less efficiently.

Many professional air conditioning companies offer service contracts which provide routine inspections and adjustments of the equipment and recharging of the coolant level. While this next alternative does increase in cost, it will guarantee that the home's HVAC system is always working at maximum potential and efficiency. The huge benefit of this method is that many major problems can be foreseen and corrected before becoming major problems which translate to major cost. Besides preventing costly repairs or replacement of equipment, it also means that any equipment down time will be kept to a minimum which translates to maximum comfort.

Those individuals which would benefit the most from service contracts would be the elderly and the young. These two demographics are at greater risk for being detrimentally affected by the heat and extreme colder temperatures, such as found in Minnesota or other northern states.

For more information and guidance about Heating and Cooling, visit http://www.comfortzonepa.com. Comfort Zone specializes in installation, service, and repair of a wide range of heating and cooling systems and appliance repairs.

A Programmable Thermostat Enables the Homeowner to Save Money Every Month

Why has your electric or fuel been so much more expensive in the past few months than it was this time last year? Last year fuel and energy cost skyrocketed, but since has levelled off and throughout most of the country have lessened somewhat. Shouldn't this year's costs have lessened proportionately?

While the temperature has been a little warmer during the past month, it still doesn't explain the overly large bill. The biggest consumer of electricity or fuel is the heating and air conditioning of a home. Next in line would be the water heater, refrigerator, and clothes dryer.

Perhaps a cause of the increase in the monthly bill is due to friends or family visiting recently. If there has not been any visitors, then look closely as personal and family habits. Has anyone changed how frequently showers are being taken? Are more meals being prepared at home on the stove? Should none of these possibilities hold any insight, the next step is looking at the HVAC equipment.

While the large majority of homeowners do not have the correct tools or knowledge and experience for testing the functionally of circuit boards, refrigerant levels, condensers, and so forth, the homeowner can tell if the compressor, or outside unit is running smoothly or rough, just by listening and looking at the unit. Depending upon the type of heating and cooling system present, a home may also have a separate air handler in the attic or basement.

While most of an HVAC system can be quite expensive to repair or replace, the most inexpensive unit to have tested or replaced is the thermostat or humidistat. Most of the thermostats available on the market are digital in nature. Many of these are programmable which, if programmed properly, can actually allow a homeowner's energy costs to decrease slightly every month.

Many HVAC service companies use the identical models found in the larger brick and mortar hardware store. This doesn't mean that a homeowner is able to run out to the big orange home improvement store and pick out any thermostat. Thermostats need to be paired properly with the type of HVAC system the homeowner uses.

Wiring diagrams are included with each thermostat, however, these diagrams are never all inclusive of all types of wiring schematics. Many times after following the wiring directions, one wire will be left without a connection being made. Many thermostats have more than one of the same colored wire that went to two different connections on the old thermostat, but not the new one. It can be exceptionally frustrating and confusing for a do-it-yourself type person and is just best left up to the professional service technician.

For more information and guidance about heating, ventilation, air conditioning and water heaters, visit http://www.comfortzonepa.com. Comfort Zone specializes in improving home efficiency with HVAC and other home mechanical services.

Save Thousands of Dollars Over Just 2 Years...

with Geothermal Heating and Cooling Systems.

Geothermal heating and cooling has recently been thrust into the forefront of ecologically green and financially efficient methods of residential and commercial heating and cooling. Originally developed for large scale energy production and then utilized by large utility corporations and petroleum companies, the cost was prohibitive for any smaller communities or individual family use. This has now changed in one aspect. It has now become financially feasible for individual families, homeowners, and independent business owners to heat and cool the home or other structure with minimal monthly expense.

While the initial cost of having a geothermal system installed to produce heat in the winter and cold air in summer may seem costly, the monthly savings on every utility bill makes it a pleasure to invest in and operate. Geothermal heat pumps, which may be referred to as GHP or geoexchange systems, will save the homeowner 30-70 percent in heating costs and 20-50 percent in cooling costs according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It is estimated that it will only take 3-10 years to recover the costs of installing a geothermal heat pump system.

The reason for such great interest and development in geothermal energy, heating, and cooling is that it is the most efficient manner to date to produce energy with the least greenhouse emissions. Heating and cooling a home using a system such should not be viewed solely as an expense, but a definite return on an investment regardless of whether the homeowner stays or decides to sell in the future. Coupled with the fact that it is an ecologically responsible method of heating and cooling, tax incentives are available and other government programs actually will subsidize part of the cost to the homeowner to install a geothermal system.

There are different types of geothermal systems, such as closed loop, open loop, and direct exchange setups, but the main operating principals are the same. While closed loop and direct exchange systems are often much less expensive to install, open loop systems can be more efficient, but require a nearby source of water such as a pond or well and more maintenance depending on the quality of water source. Regardless of the type of system being installed, the fact remains that geothermal heating and cooling can easily save multi-thousands of dollars over every two year span for the homeowner.

For more information and guidance about heating, ventilation, air conditioning and water heaters, visit http://www.comfortzonepa.com. Comfort Zone specializes in improving home efficiency with HVAC and other home mechanical services.

Ensure Your Air Conditioner Cools As Summer Turns on the Heat

As the seasons change, the temperature and climate are reaching new record highs. Over the next several years, summers are due to be increasingly hot and humid. What's the best way to stay cool and comfortable while at the same time keeping energy costs down?

Many people try to go out to the malls and sit or walk around for hours. Bookstores and libraries are other options that are popular. While these ideas will provide some respite from both the heat and paying high energy costs to run the home air conditioning, they aren't always practical. And then you have the following summers again and again with which to contend.

Although money is tight for the majority of Americans, it is still a good practice to have preventative maintenance done on your existing HVAC system. If the air conditioning or heat pump system is close to ten years old, the best thing to do is consult with an HVAC specialist. Most of the time, regarding HVAC systems, it is more cost effective to upgrade equipment to the newer current equipment available today. Depending on the age of your existing condenser, compressor, or air handler, upgrading just one component may not be an option.

HVAC components need to be sized and paired together in order to achieve maximum efficiency which translates to maximum savings. Often times, just the condenser can not be replaced without replacing the air handler at the same time. This is one reason that many homeowners are put off by what may seem like exorbitant prices. Sometimes with older HVAC components, the EPA regulations and federal law may limit or prevent replacing a component with the same type due to current environmental standards and concerns regarding the inefficiency of older equipment. Many of the older components are not being manufactured any more for this reason alone. In this case, the homeowner should expect a much higher estimate.

This doesn't mean that the homeowner should settle for the first quote they receive. In fact, it would be foolish not to obtain more than 3 separate quotes. People are always told, "you get what you pay for." Many times this is true, but in today's economic climate, more and more service companies are fiercely competing due to the fact that they too have experienced dwindling profit margins. This gives the consumer a much better chance of receiving the same quality of service as before without as high a cost involved.

A company's track record speaks volumes and should always be considered before selecting their services. Word of mouth is still one of the best forms of advertising. It is also the best form of getting recommendations for a company's services. Ask around. If more than a third of the comments are negative about a particular company, chances are there's something to the claims and probably best to avoid the company.

One thing is certain, however, waiting until the heat of the summer hits is not the best time to finally decide to service or upgrade the current HVAC equipment. Demand for service is always highest in the summer months and that means having to wait as much as 3 days or more for service. Three days or more of 90 degree temperatures with no relief is a miserable thing to experience and can prove dangerous to the young and elderly. Proactive and preventative service now will ensure future summers that are comfortable and care free.

For more information and guidance about heating, ventilation, air conditioning and water heaters, visit http://www.comfortzonepa.com. Comfort Zone specializes in improving home efficiency with HVAC and other home mechanical services.

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Here at Comfort Zone, we are Central Pennsylvania's premier A/C and Heating Specialist. In addition to heating and air conditioning installation and repair, we also provide indoor air quality, duct work, water heaters, humidity control, installation and repair of geothermals, and much more.

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