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Read our weekly articles on how to care for your home's HVAC system and keep your family in the comfortable lifestyle they're accustomed to

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The #1 Way to Avoid Costly Air Conditioning Repair

6/19/2015

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When it comes to summer heat and humidity, the last thing you want to worry about is an emergency air conditioning repair.  Unfortunately, it happens to the best of us – and usually when it’s 90 degrees outside.  Oh – and by the way, you might want to make note that while heating repairs are considered emergencies in the winter, it’s not always the same for AC repairs in the summer.  Some companies still provide them, but you can bet your bottom dollar they’re going to be expensive. 

So how do you avoid last-minute air conditioning repairs altogether?  The solution is pretty easy although you might not have heard of it before.  It’s a little thing called the AC tune-up.  We’re not even halfway through summer folks so you really need to schedule it – soon.  An air conditioning tune-up is basically on the same level as getting your car tuned up.  It’s a set of checks and balances to make sure everything is working perfectly like the well-oiled machine it’s supposed to be. 

Just like your car engine occasionally needs new plugs, oil, etc., so does your air conditioning.  And most of the time a trustworthy air conditioning repair man will make you aware of problems that you might be facing in the future.  This can save you a lot of grief, not to mention money.  It gives you time to actually plan for the repair, save money and get it done before an emergency air conditioning repair doubles the cost.  Trust us when we say, a few dollars now for a tune-up is a lot less than you’re going to spend on fixing a problem that could have been prevented
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Does Humidity Affect Your Air Conditioner?

5/20/2015

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What is humidity?  Simply put, it is the amount of water vapor in the air.  The higher the humidity level, the “stuffier” it feels.  You know how the mirror fogs up when you take a hot shower?  That’s a great example of high humidity.  What most people don’t realize is that the level of humidity in your home can greatly affect the efficiency of your air conditioner. 
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Copyright: <a href='http://www.123rf.com/profile_sergpet'>sergpet / 123RF Stock Photo</a>
Aside from your monthly mortgage payment, your energy bill is probably your next biggest home expense.  If you’re trying to save money, reducing how much energy you use is a great idea.  However, turning off the air conditioner this summer may not be reasonable – especially if you live in a warm environment.  The good news is, there are many things you can do to how much your air conditioner has to work to cool your home.  One of them is to reduce the humidity in your house. 

Because humidity is water vapor – it is literally water in the air.  The amount of humidity determines how much heat the air will hold.  Therefore, the higher the humidity, the harder your air conditioner will have to work to cool the air down.  This is one of the first things you should check if you feel that your air conditioner is running too long or your energy bill drastically increases once you turn your air conditioner on for the summer.

What Can You Do?

During the summer months, to help your air conditioner run more efficiently, keep the humidity lower.  This recommended level is between 30-45%.  You can easily measure your home’s humidity by using a hygrometer or installing a small home weather station that monitors the temperature and humidity.  Some advanced home automation systems may also be able to tell you what the humidity level of your home is.  However, if this is too complicated, you can also take visual cues from your home for signs that your humidity level is high and your air conditioner may be working too hard.  Here are some visual cues for high humidity levels in our home:

1.       Mold growing in rooms that regularly use water like your kitchen, bathroom and laundry room. 

2.       Increased allergy symptoms or family members or visitors due to increased mold levels. 

3.       Window condensation on the inside.

Likewise, if the humidity level is too low, you will see evidence of dry skin, chapped lips and static electricity. 

If the humidity is too high, use a dehumidifier to reduce the levels.  Also use fans and keep the air currents moving to help stabilize the levels and reduce the amount of work your air conditioner needs to do. 

Additionally, if your humidity levels are too low, you can use a humidifier to increase them.  However, this is not a problem that usually interferes with your air conditioner as it’s much more common in the winter months when you are using your furnace. 

An efficient air conditioner will result in lower energy bills.  Pay close attention to your home’s humidity levels to reduce the amount of work your air conditioner is required to do.  



Tri-Star Heating & Cooling has earned its reputation as a leading NKY HVAC Contractor by providing the best heating and air conditioning products and services to the entire Greater Cincinnati area for over 30 years.  We are dedicated to the principles of quality services at affordable pricing while delivering the latest in products and technology. 

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Will Having A New Air Conditioner Installed Save Me Money and Future AC Repairs?

5/14/2015

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If you live in Burlington, KY or the Greater Cincinnati, NKY area, you may receive a Home Energy Report from your provider.  One of our customers shared their report with us after Tri Star Heating and Cooling installed a new air conditioner and new furnace in their home.  The difference in their home’s energy efficiency was astronomical.  In fact, having a new furnace and new air conditioner installed made their home so efficient that their provider sent them a “Way to go” on their Home Energy Report.  Impressive! 

WHY DOES IT WORK?

So why does having a new air conditioner or new furnace installed save us so much money?  Simply put – technology.  Just like all of the other electronics in your house, science has advanced and air conditioners and furnaces have both benefited over the years.  In the 1950’s companies advertising new air conditioners would show images of housewives and families enjoying relaxing activities by their sleek looking window units.  Then suddenly you could even buy cars with air conditioners in them.  Look how far we’ve come!  In fact, now you don’t even have to be home to turn your air conditioner or furnace on and off.  Check out this programmable, touch-screen thermostat from Carrier.  You can program it from anywhere you access the internet - even from your smartphone!

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SHOULD I REPLACE MY AIR CONDITIONER?

With the warm weather approaching (yes it’s eventually coming folks), some of you may have read information about getting an air conditioner tune up.  How do you know if it’s time to consider installing a new air conditioner?  Here are a few tips that may help with your decision:

1.       My air conditioner is 12 years old (or older). 

  • If this is the case – a new energy efficient air condition could lower the cost of cooling your home by approximately 30%!  In most cases, your new system would pay for itself in 5-6 years.  After that, you’ll be making money by saving all of those costs.  

2.       I do not have a programmable thermostat.


  • This is a simple air conditioner upgrade that can save you a lot of money!  By programming your thermostat you’re not using your air conditioner unnecessarily.  If you leave for work and forget to turn it down, this cost can add up quickly.  Investing in a new thermostat is a great alternative if you do not need a complete new air conditioner but are still looking for ways to save money.  

3.       My upstairs is always hotter than my downstairs so I have to constantly adjust my settings.


  • If you find that the different floors of your house have different room temperatures, this could be a sign that your air conditioner is not running efficiently.  If the system is young, it might just need a simple tune-up.  In addition, you can follow some additional tips by “clicking here.”  However, when the temperature difference is consistently noticeable, and your air conditioner is aging, this could be a red flag that it’s time for an update.  

4.       My bills are increasing every year.

  • Older air conditioners that do not qualify as “energy-efficient” will continue to increase your bill 1-2% per year.  This is a lot of money over time.  Instead of spending more, a new air conditioner can save you a significant amount of money and keep your family more comfortable at the same amount of time.  If you are seeing a consistent increase in your energy bill, you definitely should be considering a new air conditioner and/or new furnace.  



Tri-Star Heating & Cooling has earned its reputation as a leading NKY HVAC Contractor by providing the best heating and air conditioning products and services to the entire Greater Cincinnati area for over 30 years.  We are dedicated to the principles of quality services at affordable pricing while delivering the latest in products and technology. 


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