Donald P. Dick Air Conditioning Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Fresno’

Before Replacing That Old Water Heater, Consider Going Tankless

Tuesday, January 14th, 2014

Before Replacing That Old Water Heater, Consider Going TanklessIf the storage-tank water heater in your Fresno area home is 10 years or older, it’s probably getting near the end of its useful service life. This is especially true if your conventional storage-tank heater has received minimal preventative maintenance, or if your water supply is full of minerals. While looking at suitable replacement units, or as a first-time installation in a new house, you may want to consider a tankless water heater. Although upfront cost for a tankless water heater is greater than for a conventional storage-tank type, the benefits, including reduced energy use, will last the lifetime of the unit. This should more than make up for the initial price difference.

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Sufficient Insulation Works As A Virtual Coat for Your Area Home

Thursday, January 9th, 2014

The best heating and cooling system your hard-earned money can buy for your Fresno area home will be of little use if your home is poorly insulated. Insulation is a one-time investment that pays great dividends year after year in fuel savings, conserved resources, and increased comfort for you and your family. Let’s review the basics, from top to bottom, starting with vocabulary:

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Load Calculations: The First Step in an HVAC Upgrade for Area Homes

Tuesday, January 7th, 2014

If your Fresno area home is ready for an HVAC upgrade, hire a contractor who uses proper, industry-standard load calculations. An improperly sized furnace will cost you thousands more over the course of its lifetime in terms of elevated utility and repair bills. The wrong furnace can also cost you in terms of whole-home comfort and compromised indoor air quality.

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With the Energy Star Logo Comes Peace of Mind in Terms of Energy Efficiency

Thursday, January 2nd, 2014

With the Energy Star Logo Comes Peace of Mind in Terms of Energy EfficiencyWhenever you spot an Energy Star label on a product, you can be confident of its quality and energy efficiency. And you likely see the label in a lot of places, from the computer you’re working on right now, to the TV across the room, to the water heater in the basement, and including the furnace, A/C, windows and even insulation.

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Common Ductwork Obstructions That May Be Impeding Your Home’s Airflow

Tuesday, December 31st, 2013

Common Ductwork Obstructions That May Be Impeding Your Home's AirflowDuctwork obstructions can be costly. When airflow is impeded, it requires extra work and energy by your heating and cooling equipment to meet your desired thermostat settings, which elevates your utility bills. It also causes more wear and tear on these systems, which increases your repair bills. Airflow obstructions have a negative impact on your whole-home comfort and indoor air quality. The sooner you have them addressed and repaired, the sooner these issues will be resolved.

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Service Agreements for Your HVAC System Gives You Year-Round Peace of Mind

Thursday, December 26th, 2013

Service Agreements for Your HVAC System Gives You Year-Round Peace of MindYour home’s heating and cooling is just like any other mechanical system – it needs regular maintenance to perform well. Here in the San Joaquin Valley, HVAC equipment get a workout year round, which makes reliability even more essential. An annual service agreement can give you peace of mind that your HVAC system is ready and able to meet your home-comfort needs. You’ll enjoy numerous other benefits, too:

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Finding Air Leaks and Sealing Them Properly Can Cut Energy Costs

Tuesday, December 24th, 2013

Finding Air Leaks and Sealing Them Properly Can Cut Energy CostsLocating and effectively sealing air leaks in your Fresno area home is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to improve your home’s indoor comfort level and, at the same time, conserve the energy used for heating and cooling the home. There are dozens of products available for efficiently sealing air leaks, and it’s important to buy and properly apply the ones that best suit your needs. Generally speaking, weatherstripping will be used for sealing leaks around moveable objects such as doors and window sashes, while caulking is best for sealing the gaps and cracks found in stationary areas such as window frames, walls, floors and foundations. For larger cracks and openings, use spray foam.

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Replacing Air Filters in Your Home — 6 Reasons to Make It a Priority

Thursday, December 19th, 2013

California has plenty of initiatives to better its outdoor air quality, but it’s up to homeowners to manage their indoor air quality. Incorporated directly into your forced-air heating and cooling system, an air filter is your first line of defense against airborne particulates. However, it’s important to inspect the air filter once every month, and replace as necessary. Here are six important reasons to keep up on your air filter replacement:

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Getting Away Over the Holidays? Keep Your Home Safe While on Vacation

Tuesday, December 17th, 2013

Getting Away Over the Holidays? Keep Your Home Safe While on VacationHome safety while on vacation is essential to avoid coming back to a ransacked home, fire or water damage, and other problems. Check out a few tips to ensure your Fresno area home remains safe and secure while you enjoy your vacation:

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Renewable Energy Credits: Could They Be for You?

Thursday, December 12th, 2013

Renewable Energy Credits: Could They Be for You?Many homeowners are interested in installing a solar energy system, but are discouraged by the price. Fortunately, incentive programs are available that can make solar energy more affordable. If you are a Fresno area homeowner and are considering installing a solar energy system, you’ll want to check out Renewable Energy Credits (REC).

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