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

Insulation Basics: Fiberglass vs. Cellulose

Thursday, April 18th, 2013

Insulation Basics: Fiberglass vs. CelluloseFiberglass and cellulose are popular among contractors and homeowners as inexpensive yet effective insulation material. Both offer excellent performance and relatively easy installation despite their differences in appearance and composition. Properly installed insulation not only helps reduce heat flow into the home during summer and out of the home during winter, but it also helps reduce high energy bills.

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Ensure Your Family’s Home Safety With this DIY Checklist

Tuesday, April 16th, 2013

Ensure Your Family's Home Safety With this DIY ChecklistAlong with promoting peak energy efficiency in the home and the safe operation of heating and cooling systems, it’s imperative that homeowners give home safety the attention it deserves. The risk of electrical, chemical and fire hazards exists in every home. Here’s a home safety inspection checklist you can use to eliminate possible safety hazards, so your family can rest assured home is as safe as possible.

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If You’re Looking for a Furnace Upgrade, Go With High Efficiency

Thursday, April 11th, 2013

If You're Looking for a Furnace Upgrade, Go With High EfficiencyIt may not be immediately apparent to homeowners living in mild climates why it’s important to consider a high-efficiency furnace upgrade. In our region, homeowners tend to place a priority on purchasing high-efficiency cooling systems, and rightly so. However, going with a high-efficiency furnace upgrade offers more than just improved efficiency and energy savings. Learn the value you’ll gain from choosing a furnace upgrade that performs.

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Condensing Furnaces: How They Differ From Conventional Units

Tuesday, April 9th, 2013

Condensing Furnaces: How They Differ From Conventional UnitsYou’ve probably heard of condensing furnaces, but aren’t entirely sure how they work. First, though, here’s a refresher on how a conventional old-style gas furnace works: airflow is drawn in through the cold air return and air filter, and then into the circulating fan. Heat from the gas burner flows into the heat exchanger, heating the surrounding air before it’s circulated throughout the house via the ductwork. Combustion gases generated by the burner are vented out of the home through the flue.

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Do You See Ice On Your Heat Pump’s Coils? Here’s What To Do

Thursday, April 4th, 2013

If you notice ice on your heat pump’s coils, it’s cause for concern. In most cases, homeowners require expert help when coils develop an unusual amount of frost or ice. However, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem before you call in the pros.

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Planning On Retrofitting Your Home For Solar? Here’s How To Start

Tuesday, April 2nd, 2013

You’ve done the research. You know that solar energy is a smart energy alternative, especially in the semi-arid area of greater Fresno. It’s clean, green and highly effective when it comes to fighting high heating and cooling costs. If you’re considering retrofitting your home for solar, work with a professional to find answers to the following questions and more.

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Improving Water Heater Efficiency: Troubleshooting Tips That Help

Thursday, March 28th, 2013

Considering that water heating accounts for a hefty slice of the energy bills in the average home, improving water heater efficiency should be underlined twice on any homeowner’s efficiency-upgrade checklist. With a little TLC and these troubleshooting tips, your water heater will respond with hotter water at lower water-heating costs.

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How To Handle A Red-Tagged Furnace

Tuesday, March 26th, 2013

Homeowners who hear that they have a red-tagged furnace may not like the news, but at least they can avoid the serious consequences that the condition may create if left untended. A furnace that receives the red tag, or a document meaning the same thing, usually has a cracked heat exchanger that may emit carbon monoxide (CO) into the home, an odorless and colorless gas that is deadly in sufficient quantities.

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Averting Potential Furnace Problems

Thursday, March 21st, 2013

Averting Potential Furnace ProblemsWhile the Fresno area is not known for particularly rough winters, furnace problems can make cool winter nights uncomfortable for your family. Learning how to spot problems early can help you fix them before they become a huge issue and in so doing, allow you to avoid expensive repairs. Here are some signs to look for when troubleshooting furnace problems:

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Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Ensure Proper Selection And Installation

Tuesday, March 19th, 2013

Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Ensure Proper Selection And InstallationThe State of California has a law that requires carbon monoxide detectors in all residential dwellings that use any kind of combustible fuel or that have attached garages. The law requires a carbon monoxide (CO) detector on all floors of the home. If you haven’t installed yours yet, use this as a guide to choosing and installing CO detectors so they give you the protection you need against carbon monoxide poisoning.

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