When most think of humidity, they think of muggy air and hot temperatures. Humidity levels in Chesapeake can be uncomfortable due to being located on the Atlantic coastline. However, humidity is not always a bad thing. Dry, winter air can heighten health symptoms and potentially damage components of your home. In this blog, we will explain why some humidity is important and how a humidifier can help your home in Chesapeake.

Humidity Isn’t Always A Bad Thing!

Humidity is necessary for your home, but too much or too little can pose threats to your health, home, and comfort. In the winter, humidity levels drop due to cold air holding less moisture than warm air. Dry, winter air can worsen respiratory issues and cause more discomfort such as dry eyes and skin, sore throats, and nose bleeds. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 17.2 million households in the United States utilize humidifiers to maximize indoor comfort.

What Is A Humidifier?

Humidifiers come in different types and sizes depending on the need for humidity in your home. Some devices can be plugged into any wall plug around your home, while others can be connected directly to your heating system. Simply put – humidifying systems add moisture back into the air by releasing water vapor or steam. Humidity levels in your home should remain between 30-50% for ideal health and comfort. One of Quality Contracting’s trained technicians can help identify if your home in Chesapeake and surrounding areas could benefit from a home humidifier!

Benefits Of A Humidifier

Trust us – we aren’t fans of the sticky way humidity tends to feel. However, humidity isn’t always something that makes you sweat and your hair frizz. Humidity in the winter is crucial to your home and health. Below are 5 benefits of installing a humidifier in Chesapeake this winter.

• Prevents Dry Skin
• Increases Home Comfort
• Relieves Allergy Symptoms
• Protects From Home Damage
• Prevents Static

Prevents Dry Skin

Low levels of humidity draw moisture from the outside layers of your skin, which causes it to dry out. As your skin loses moisture, it can feel tighter and appears dull due to flakiness. Dry skin can look like rough patches or cracked lips. Installing a humidifier in your home adds moisture back into the air and prevents dry skin discomfort.

Increases Home Comfort

As we all know, humidity can make the summer temperatures feel much hotter. Installing a humidifier in the winter months can be beneficial by making rooms feel warmer. Humid air holds more heat and reduces the workload on your heating system. Adding a humidifier to your home allows homeowners to adjust their thermostat setting without feeling a temperature difference, which saves money on energy bills. Additionally, humidifiers help prevent illnesses and dry skin which can improve your comfort at home.

Relieves Allergy & Health Symptoms

Illnesses such as the flu are more common in winter months, because of the dry air. Humidifiers help add moisture to the air and make residents in your home less susceptible to illnesses and allergy symptoms. If you struggle with previous respiratory illnesses such as asthma, dry air can heighten symptoms and decrease comfort. Humidifiers can help soothe virus symptoms in the nasal and throat passages by the moisture added to the room.

Protects From Home Damage

Dry air can cause damage to many aspects of your home. If you have wood furniture or flooring, low humidity levels can result in wood cracking or loosening. While your home should remain between 30-50% humidity levels, wood requires similar levels of moisture to keep from cracking or warping. Other items in your home affected by low moisture are books, wallpaper, photos, and musical instruments.

Prevents Static

As the weather gets colder, the air becomes drier and contains less water vapor. Water vapor works to conduct static charges away, which means static electricity increases in low humidity areas. Not only is static electricity a burden when it comes to laundry or frizzy hair, but it can damage electronics in your home. The charge can cause electronics to fail and damage internal components. Humidifiers can help protect your home and electronics by adding water vapor into the air to continue fighting static charges.

The right amount of humidity in your home can benefit your health, home, comfort, and air quality. We recommend installing a humidifier for many reasons, but one being to help the workload of your heating system. Overworked heating units can result in uncomfortable and costly breakdowns. For heating unit repair in Chesapeake and surrounding areas, give us a call!

The holiday season is finally here, which means many decorate their homes and put up their Christmas trees. When filling your tree with ornaments and lights, it is important to be aware of the fire hazard it may impose. According to the National Fire Prevention Association, research suggests approximately 160 fires a year are due to Christmas trees. In this blog, we will provide Christmas tree fire safety tips so your home can be protected this holiday season!

Picking Out A Christmas Tree

While it is important to pick the most picture perfect tree for your home, you should also choose a tree with fire safety tips in mind.

Live Trees: Select a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched. To test this, bounce the tree trunk on the ground and watch if needles fall off. If many do, the tree has dried out and could be a bigger fire hazard. Before cutting down your tree, it should be cut 2 inches from the base of the trunk.

Artificial Tree: If you use an artificial tree each season, ensure it is labeled and certified by the manufacturer as a fire retardant.

Placing A Christmas Tree

Once you have chosen the perfect tree, it is important to place it correctly in your home. Both live and artificial trees should be at least 3 feet away from any heat source, such as a fireplace or heat vents. Your tree should never be blocking an exit incase of a fire!

Lighting A Christmas Tree

Lights are one of the main causes of Christmas tree fires, which is why you should be aware of the lights your home uses. Ensure to use proper lights, because some are only meant for inside and outside use. When placing lights on your tree, replace strings with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Additionally, your home should only use lights tested by an independent testing laboratory.

Protect Your Home With These Tips!

Whether you cut down your tree from Greenbrier Farms or pull your tree from the attic, both can cause a fire. Christmas tree fires can occur due to many reasons, such as lights, candles, fireplaces, and other heat sources. Below are 4 tips to protect your home from a Christmas tree fire.

• Remember To Turn Off Your Tree
• Keep The Tree Watered
• Avoid Overloaded Electrical Circuits
• Properly Dispose Of Your Tree

Remember To Turn Off Your Tree

There are only 25 days of Christmas, which means many try to soak in the holiday magic every second. However, your Christmas tree should only be lit when you are there to enjoy it. Leaving on your Christmas tree lights at night or when you leave the house can be a fire hazard and threaten your safety. Also, turning off your Christmas tree every once and a while will save on electric bills!

Keep The Tree Watered

Dry Christmas trees are more of a fire hazard when compared to fresh ones. If you use a live Christmas tree, ensure it is constantly in water. A general rule of thumb is a 6-foot Christmas tree requires at least one gallon of water each day. To maintain a pretty, live tree and maintain your safety, water your tree daily!

Avoid Overloaded Electrical Circuits

Christmas lights are an important part of your tree, but make sure your electrical circuit is not overloaded. We recommend attaching three maximum strings of lights to one extension cord. To further protect you and your home, plug your Christmas lights into surge-protected power strips rather than outlets. Our expert technicians can help ensure your electrical outlets are prepared for your beautifully lit home and Christmas tree!

Properly Dispose Of Your Tree

When your tree dries out, it is time to get rid of it. Dried out trees are a fire hazard and should not be left in your home, garage, or placed outside. Additionally, burning your Christmas tree yourself can be unsafe. If you use waste management in Chesapeake, simply set your tree on your curb for trash day and they will dispose of it for you.

The holiday season is a time to spend with family, friends, and loved ones and the last thing on your mind should be if your tree will cause a fire. Consider these Christmas tree fire safety tips to ensure your holiday season runs smoothly and safely!

While an air conditioner’s main purpose is to cool your home, there are many additional benefits they can provide. New air conditioners are equipped with the latest technology and settings to better serve you and your home. If you are considering replacing your air conditioner, we will detail the many advantages of a new AC unit in this article.

Upgrade Your Cooling System!

A new air conditioner can help battle the Virginia heat and effectively cool your home. Below are 6 ways a new AC unit can benefit your home.

• Improve Comfort
• Increase Energy Efficiency
• Lower Utility Bills
• Benefit The Environment
• Better Air Quality
• Reduce Stress and Repairs

Improve Comfort

Older air conditioning units can struggle to cool every area of your home. Over the years, parts and components can be less reliable like many appliances and electronics. Additionally, older AC units may struggle to remove humidity in your home. High humidity can cause discomfort from the muggy feeling. When it is time to replace your cooling system, a new air conditioner will operate efficiently and effectively to make sure your home is the perfect oasis from the summer heat.

Increase Energy Efficiency

Newer models of air conditioners have higher efficiency ratings than aged units. AC units are rated by Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratios (SEER), which measures cooling capacity to power input. The higher the rating, the less energy your unit uses to cool your home. If your current AC system has a SEER rating of 10 or lower, you could save money in the future by purchasing a new air conditioner.

Lower Utility Bills

If you notice high utility costs, your air conditioner may be to blame. Older systems usually consume more energy to cool your home, which raises energy bills. New air conditioning units are more energy efficient and can help save you a few piggy bank pennies. Investing in a new air conditioning system can reduce your carbon footprint while saving you money as well!

Benefit The Environment

If your air conditioner is using less energy, it is producing less gaseous emissions. Older air conditioners typically use R-22 refrigerant (freon), which has been proven to be harmful to the ozone layer and the environment. Most air conditioners now utilize R-401A, which has a less dramatic impact on the environment. A new AC unit can help contribute to your community by taking an environmental step in the right direction!

Better Air Quality

Air conditioners work to filter out allergens, pollutants, and humidity from your indoor air. As AC units age, they tend to let more pollutants slip by and affect your indoor air quality. Dust and debris can settle in ductwork over time, which can be picked up each time your unit pushes air through. New air conditioning systems have efficient parts to effectively produce clean air into your home. However, the best thing a homeowner can do for their air quality is to ensure their home has a clean air filter every 3 months.

Reduce Stress and Repairs

An AC breakdown in the middle of Chesapeake summer temperatures can be miserable. Older air conditioning units often require frequent repairs and have unpredictable breakdowns. Repair and technician calls can become costly, and replacement could be the best solution. New units are reliable and operate more efficiently, which can reduce stress and give peace of mind during a heat wave.

New air conditioning systems can benefit you and your home’s health in more ways than one. If you are considering replacing your system, give us a call! We specialize in AC replacement and installation in Chesapeake and surrounding areas. Our expert technicians can provide a speedy installation process to get your home comfortable in no time!

In the summertime, we handle many different types of air conditioning repairs. Air conditioners work overtime in the summers to keep up with the Virginia heat, which can result in breakdowns and repairs. If your air conditioner is overworked or under-serviced, you may experience one of the common AC repairs we detail in this blog.

Air Conditioning Repairs In Chesapeake

At Quality Contracting, our expert technicians can guarantee a solution before they leave your home. Below we have listed 5 of the most common AC repairs we handle in Chesapeake and surrounding areas and probable causes for each.

• AC Blowing Warm Air
• AC Running Constantly
• Unit Not Working At All
• Strange Noises
• Water Leaking From Unit

AC Blowing Warm Air

There could be many reasons your air conditioner is blowing warm air, such as low refrigerant. If your refrigerant is low, there is likely a leak and not enough refrigerant leak to produce cool air. Your air conditioner will continue to run and blow warm air, because it is trying to reach the thermostat setting. A refrigerant leak is an important repair and should not be ignored. Not only will your energy bills rise until the problem is fixed, but it can lead to further AC damages. Refrigerant is a toxic substance that can pose a threat to your health, so it is best to be handled by a professional.

AC Running Constantly

It is normal for your air conditioner to run more often in the summer due to the high temperatures. Although, if your air conditioner is running constantly you have an air conditioning problem on your hands. There could be many sources of why your air conditioner will not shut off, and we recommend starting with your air filter. Ensure your air filter is clear and free of debris. A clogged air filter can result in your air conditioner running longer to successfully deliver cool air, but the air can not pass through. Let us help identify the cause of your air conditioner running constantly

Unit Not Working At All

Like other air conditioning repairs, there can be multiple causes. As simple as it sounds, your thermostat connection is a common reason your AC unit is not working and we recommend starting there. Ensure your thermostat is on and does not need new batteries. The settings should be flipped to cool and read your desired temperature. Try adjusting the temperature a few degrees lower and evaluate if your unit turns on. We promise, we have seen it happen!

Strange Noises

The air conditioner repair needed for strange noises depends on the type of noise. Below are common noises we have heard and the repair to each.

• Banging Noise: A banging noise is likely a loose or broken part inside your compressor and should not be ignored. Loose parts can cause more damage and repairs, so call your technician as soon as you notice the noise.
• Squealing Noise: Squealing noises could mean a mechanical or air pressure issue with the blower or fan. In previous repairs, it indicated the blower motors needed to be replaced soon. Give your Quality Contracting technician a call before you experience a breakdown.
• Buzzing Noise: A buzzing noise can mean many things, such as a dirty filter, dirty coils, loose fan blades, or debris in/on the unit. Check your air filter and the cleanliness of your outdoor unit before calling your technician.

Water Leaking From Unit

If your air conditioner is leaking water, your drain line is probably clogged. Your air conditioner removes humidity from your home and the moisture exits through a drain line. Excess moisture can cause mold and mildew to grow and result in a clog. For best results, let our expert technicians help locate and unclog your drain line!

Related Article: 8 Ways To Ensure Your AC Unit Is Ready For Summer

Your air conditioner is made up of multiple parts that all work together to cool your home. If one part is broken, your air conditioner can malfunction. To quickly identify the problem, give your technician a call to quickly restore your comfort. No air conditioning repair is too complex for the experts at Quality Contracting!

It feels like someone cranked the heat all the way up in Virginia Beach this summer, which has caused us to turn our air conditioners way down. Heating and cooling is about 48% of the average American household’s energy consumption according to the Energy Information Administration. A common thought to lower energy consumption and monthly cooling costs is to turn off your air conditioner when it’s not needed. In this blog, we will explain and answer if turning off your AC is a good practice and what to consider before doing so.

So – is it better to turn off the AC system when no one is home? The answer to this question is a preference, because it comes with a few factors.

Things To Consider

Turning off your air conditioner during the day can save you money and energy because your unit is not running all day long. However, summer days in Virginia beach have been over 80 degrees. If your home exceeds 80 degrees, it could cause potential problems for things inside your home. Below we have listed factors to consider before turning off your AC unit during the day.

Furniture

Your air conditioning unit removes humidity while cooling your home. If your air conditioner is off, humidity levels will rise in your home. This can increase mold growth and warp wood.

Electronics

Certain electronics should not reach a high internal temperature. High heat can cause damage to delicate devices, so be sure to research if your home TV’s, computers, and other devices can be exposed to high temperatures.

Indoor Animals & Plants

If you have any indoor animals, high temperatures can be dangerous for their health. Similar to animals, certain plants should not be exposed to the heat and could put their health at risk.

Sacrificing Initial Comfort

Your home will heat up throughout the day if your air conditioner is turned off. When you come home from work, the indoor temperature to your home will be similar to the outdoor temperature – HOT! It will take a few hours to turn your home from 80+ degrees to your desired temperature of 68 degrees or so. While you will save money by having it off, you will sacrifice your comfort for a couple hours while your system works to cool your home.

Turn the AC Up, Not Off

To avoid potential damage to your home and other indoor things, it is best to not turn your air conditioner off during the day. To save money, we recommend turning your thermostat up a few degrees. Depending on things like indoor pets and plants, turn your thermostat up as high at 78-80 degrees. This will result in energy savings, while not sacrificing the health of your home.

Invest in a Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats are designed to adjust temperature settings throughout the day based on previously programmed settings. These energy saving settings have shown to save about $180 a year on heating and cooling costs. Programmable thermostats allow homeowners to adjust their thermostat from a mobile device. If you were to turn your thermostat on during the day, you can adjust it with enough time for it to be comfortable when you return home.

We want you to remain cool and comfortable this summer, while saving as much money on cooling costs as possible. By adjusting your thermostat setting during the day and investing in a programmable thermostat, you will likely see a difference in your monthly bills! Give us a call with any questions or air conditioning services this summer in Virginia beach!

Buying a new home is an exciting, yet stressful process for homeowners. Whether you are building a home or purchasing an existing home, your air conditioning system is an important part. Along with many other home appliances, being knowledgeable and familiar with your whole house HVAC system is helpful for the future. In this blog, we have created an AC checklist for new homeowners to refer to regarding their air conditioning unit.

Learn Your HVAC System.

As we have stated, it is important to be familiar with your HVAC system. There are a few questions to ask before sealing the deal. If you have already purchased a home without asking these questions and are unable to find out this information, your Quality Contracting technician can evaluate and help answer some of the questions below.

1. What type of system does the home have? Understanding the type of HVAC system your home has will help determine the type of maintenance needed.
2. What is the power source? Depending on the power source, there may be additional costs and maintenance upkeep. Knowing the power source is also beneficial to estimate and monitor utility costs.
3. How old is the system? This is a very important question regarding the efficiency of your unit. Units 10 years or older are more likely to experience breakdowns and frequent repairs. Knowing the age of the unit can help you prepare for when the unit will need to be replaced entirely.
4. What is the maintenance history of the system? Regular maintenance helps preserve the life of your HVAC system. The history can help determine when to service your system next and if it has an updated service history.
5. What are the average heating and cooling costs each month? Not only does knowing the average heating and cooling costs help plan for expenses each month, but also beneficial to monitor if costs remain the same. A rise in utility costs can indicate a broken part or less efficiency, which is an important detail to pay attention to.
6. Is there a warranty still in place? Determine if there is a warranty for your HVAC system and what the warranty covers.
7. How efficient is the system? Asking this question will help determine how well the system actually works.

Related Article: Ways To Improve The Energy Efficiency Of Your HVAC System

Check Your Air Filters.

Maintaining clean air filters is imperative for efficiency, air quality, comfort, and overall health of your unit. Your air filter may be a different size than your previous home, so be sure to check the sizing before purchasing new filters.

Clean Up The Outdoor Unit.

Start fresh with a clean air conditioner by cleaning up the surrounding area. Debris may be stuck from the previous owners and interfering with the system’s efficiency. Make sure the unit is free of leaves, grass clippings, branches, and other debris as you move into your new home.

Inspect Duct Work.

If you move into a home with ducts, examine them for air leaks and cleanliness. Air leaks can raise your utility bill and settled dust and allergens can harm your air quality. We recommend calling a professional to inspect your duct work.

Open The Air Vents.

Make sure all the air vents in your new home are open and clear. Contrary to popular belief, closing air vents does not save on energy costs and can actually harm your system. Closed air vents can increase the workload of your system and cause air leaks to form.

Seal Air Leaks.

Air can escape through your windows and doors and cause your system to work harder and your energy bills to rise. As you move into your new home, add caulking and weather stripping to your home improvement list. This will benefit your system and savings in the long run for both summer and winter months.

Check The Drain Line.

Your drain line removes excess moisture from your home and can sometimes get clogged. Clogged drain lines can result in mold, mildew, and flooding. You can locate your drain line outside near your outdoor unit, and it is likely a white PVC or copper pipe. You will be able to see visible debris, but for deeper clogs call your Quality Contracting technician.

Choose A Trusted HVAC Company.

It is important to choose an honest and professional HVAC contractor who will get the job done quickly and efficiently. Many companies have Google reviews homeowners can refer to for real customer opinions and experiences. Here at Quality Contracting, we have been providing quality service to homeowners since 2011. Our website details everything you need to know about the timely, accurate repairs we provide. Visit our website to meet our team, view our services, and read our reviews.

The HVAC system is an important component of purchasing a home. Be sure to mark off items on this checklist to ensure your HVAC unit is the last of your new homeowner worries. If you remain or are new in the Chesapeake area, we hope you choose Quality Contracting for air conditioning repairs, maintenance and installation in the future.

How many people does it take to keep changing a burning bulb?

Even though there’s not an everlasting bulb that shines bright until the end of time, you’re likely not interested in adding “buy bulbs” to your Prime list every couple of weeks. When your bulbs are burning more quickly than anticipated, it’s worthwhile to understand why and put a stop to the Burnt Bulb Syndrome.

Bulb Lifespan: How Long Should It Be?

There are multiple types of light bulbs, and each of them have different spans of life:

• LED (light-emitting diode) light bulbs last on average 25,000 hours
• CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs last about 10,000 hours
• Incandescent light bulbs burn out after about 1,000 hours

Now, if you’re not a mathematician with cool glasses and a shirt pocket for writing utensils, you might not be figuring out exactly how many hours that translates to in terms of days, so we went ahead and put our thinking cap on and pulled our #2 pencil and fresh graph paper out:

If you were to keep an LED bulb on for 8 hours a day, you’d be able to keep it on for 3,125 days — That’s over 8 years!

Read on to find out the most common reasons your bulbs might be burning out too soon.

1. On/Off Switch Usage

While flipping the switch when you exit a room might save some change in the bank, sometimes little ones might enjoy their own disco party to the beat of their favorite jam. Maybe you find yourself going in and out of a room often, switching the light every entrance and exit. This frequency can shorten your bulb lifespan, leaving your bulb budget dim.

Every flip of the switch sends a surge to the filaments of the bulb and this surge tolls the filament, wearing it out than if you just kept the switch on.

If you’re looking to avoid unnecessary shortening of your bulb lifespan, cut down on the disco switch, and maybe consider alternative light sources like windows, skylights, solar powered nightlights, or even motion-sensor switches.

2. Frequent Shaking or Vibration

While light bulbs are built to exist in the normal, minimal shaking that happens when you move about the house, some fixture vibration can damage filaments within the bulb to burn more quickly.

Common types of fixtures where the shaking causes shortening of lifespan are often ceiling fans and garage bulbs. When fan blades become off-balance, shaking the fixture comes with each rotation. In the garage, the garage door movement and use of tools that cause shaking can vibrate the bulb even from afar.

If you notice these two places cause your bulbs to burn more than your passion for being a Hampton Roads resident, you know it’s time to find a solution. So what’s that? You can find rough-service bulbs that have sturdier filaments. You can also replace your ceiling fan to not shake so much.

3. A Goldilocks of Bulbs: Loose or Tight, It’s Not Right

Lefty-loosy, righty-tighty: Which way is too much? If you’re thinking politics, you’re on the wrong page but if you’re concerned about the light bulbs of your home, you’re certainly right to assume that too loose or too tight can be a problem. Bulbs that are loose in their sockets create a bad connection of electricity, which results in flickering and wearing of the oh-so precious filament.

On the other hand, making sure that bulb goes nowhere can also be a problem, melting the solder is a common issue. It’s a small but super import part of the base of the bulb. If the solder melts, the connection will cause the bulb to malfunction, and nobody likes a dimwit… or a dimly lit bulb.

The right tight, but not excessively bonded connection, screw the bulb in until it’s naturally finished durning but also doesn’t wiggle like a child that doesn’t want to go to bed.

4. Outdated Recessed Lighting Fixtures

Can soup? Nah. Can lights? Yeah, that’s the other name for recessed light fixtures. These fixtures can often get a little too friendly with insulation and overheat. A few can lights may turn off when they overheat, but many do not. While bulb burn is a problem, overheating can also be a major fire hazard.

The best way to take care of this is to simply replace your light fixture with newer, safer lighting. This means less fire-risk, and more bulb brightness for a longer time.

Whether you’re close to the Virginia Beach oceanfront, near the Chesapeake bay, or somewhere around and in between, you know the tropical weather for summer in the area is no joke. Jokes are for stages. But heat waves? They’re for everyone!

That’s why it’s critical to ensure your HVAC unit is running properly before the temp starts to rise. The last thing you want is to be without air conditioning when it feels like the sun is trying to bake you alive. Here are 8 tips to get your HVAC unit ready for summer:

1. Focus on the Filter

The first thing to look for in your HVAC unit is the air filter. You may need to use a disposable or more permanent type of filter depending on your system. It’s critical to change your air filter at least once a month with a disposable one. Other kinds of filters should be cleaned or replaced on a monthly basis if you have dogs or are a smoker.

Your HVAC won’t have any dust or dirt blocking or restricting the cool air from circulating freely throughout your house after you’ve replaced your old or dirty air filter.

2. Keep Outdoor Areas Clear

The next step is to go out and check your HVAC unit. You must ensure that the region is clean and debris-free. If there are any plants, branches, or other objects obstructing the area or contacting your air conditioner, you should remove them. Make sure no bushes grow too near to the equipment.

The reason why you must cut back the leaves on your air conditioning equipment is because they can block important lines such as return air ducts, reducing airflow and causing a host of other problems. This also implies that you need to be sure that all leaves are completely removed from the equipment, especially during the fall season. While we’re talking about how to prepare your HVAC for summer, this is something that requires year-round diligent maintenance.

If you wait until spring to clear everything away, any material that has been accumulating in the system all year may be trapped between various sections of the HVAC interior, making it difficult to thoroughly and completely clean. To avoid debris getting into your system in the first place, surround your HVAC with an area of around two feet open all around it.

3. Use a Programmable Thermostat

Installing a programmable thermostat is one of the most effective things you can do to lower your energy expenses. Even with new technologies, it’s now feasible to personalize your air conditioning schedule while you’re not at home.

The temperature inside your home may be adjusted depending on the weather and your personal schedule. If you know you won’t be in, you can set your unit to turn off or allow the inside temperature to rise a bit so that it doesn’t overwork your air conditioner during the summer months. This not only helps you save money, but running a controlled climate can help prevent your air conditioner from working too hard throughout the hottest months.

4. Maximize Air Flow With Fans

Depending on the needs of your homeowner, you can place various types of fans in different parts of the house to improve air circulation and comfort. Ceiling fans, tabletop fans, and floor fans are three alternatives.

Ceiling fans are some of the most useful things you can have in your house. During the summer, make sure your ceiling fans are turned on so that they rotate clockwise. This way, the air may flow down and keep heat from building up in the higher levels of your home, necessitating that your air conditioner work overtime. You may reverse your ceiling fan back to spin counterclockwise when the weather warms up again.

Smaller fans ensure that the air in your home is cooled, and you should have a variety of them throughout the house to get the most out of your system. In order to maximize the cool air that runs through your home, you should also have other types of smaller fans in different rooms. Smaller tabletop and floor fans are readily transported from room to room and provide great cooling.

There are a variety of different techniques to keep your house cool without having to use your air conditioner too often. Keep a couple of windows open or try out a portable air conditioner for added ventilation.

5. Utilize Window Treatments

You may have noticed that the temperature in your house can rise dramatically owing to the sun’s rays penetrating through the glass. In order to fight against the quick heat up in the afternoon, your air conditioner must switch into overdrive.

Window coverings, such as blinds or drapes, can be useful in preventing heat from accumulating in the afternoon. Covering bigger, more exposed surfaces with window coverings might assist reduce the summer heat buildup that occurs typically.

6. Clear Out Your Vents

Your HVAC unit will only function at peak efficiency if there are no obstructions to the flow of air within your home’s walls. Beyond having a professional check the entire duct system, there is one simple method to ensure that there are no obvious blockages.

You can check your home for any vents, including ones you may not be aware of. Make sure all of the air vents in the rooms you want to use your air conditioning are open. This might assist your HVAC unit distribute heat evenly throughout the space. Maintaining basic upkeep like this might help your HVAC function more effectively. If you discover issues, though, you’ll probably need to seek the advice of a professional to find the deeper problem.

7. Reduce Heat From Other Appliances

Next, it’s a good idea to avoid using large appliances that produce heat over the course of the day. Instead of putting your oven to work for a big supper, consider utilizing an outside cooking source like your grill instead (who doesn’t love corn on the grill?). Turning on the oven may cause additional heat in your house and push your air conditioning unit to its limits.

If you don’t want your clothes to wear out too quickly, try hanging them outside to dry. Let the sun assist you rather than working against you, and your clothes will have a pleasant scent of sunlight.

You can expect to save a significant amount of money in energy costs by following these methods. These techniques are not only beneficial for the health of your HVAC system, but they also result in large energy savings.

8. Consider Updating Your Unit

If you’ve tried all of these suggestions, but your HVAC unit isn’t sufficiently cooling your property, it’s time to upgrade. Because of cooling loss and waste, an older system may be costing you money each year. Air conditioners with new features are being created even more energy efficient and can sometimes help customers save money on their power bills.

A skilled expert can help you decide on a new HVAC system. As always, double-check that you’re buying from a firm with which you’ve done your homework to avoid getting a dud device or paying too much.

Summer-Proofing Your HVAC

Summer is fast approaching, and you want to be prepared to enjoy the warmer temperatures and longer days. You can keep your HVAC unit operating more efficiently if you take the time to do your own checkup and make simple home improvements to help it run more efficiently. These easy methods may ensure that cool air continues to flow while also making your family feel comfortable, no matter how hot it gets outside on the hot summer days. These suggestions might also save you money throughout the rest of the year—who doesn’t love that?

We are officially in the stage of needing air conditioning during the day and heat at night. Many ask the question, “Is it bad for my system to switch between heat and AC?” If done properly, your system and energy bill will not suffer. But for things such as seasonal weather changes, a portable air conditioner or ductless mini split may be something to consider. 

What exactly is the difference between a portable air conditioner and a ductless mini split?

If you are in the market for a new air conditioning unit, there are a few options to consider. A portable air conditioner provides one room cooling. This unit requires a hose to feed out of a window to vent out hot air. Much like a portable air conditioner, a ductless mini split cools individual rooms or spaces. This unit is typically installed on the wall in a room you would like cooled. Both improve energy efficiency due to the option of cooling a designated space rather than an entire house. 

Advantages/Disadvantages of a Portable Air Conditioner

• Lower Cost: A portable air conditioner is an inexpensive air conditioning option. There is little labor involved, therefore, a large portion is the expense of the unit itself. 
• Easy Installation: As a result of the low cost, the installation process is relatively easy. The only things required are a window and an electrical outlet. 

• More Maintenance: A portable air conditioner resembles an AC unit, just smaller.This means you must clean the hose and air filter much more often for it to continue working properly. Keeping the unit clean will also increase energy efficiency by not overworking the unit. 

Advantages/Disadvantages of a Ductless Mini Split

• Versatile: A ductless mini split can double as both a heating and cooling unit. Depending on the model, there can be other features such as timers and wireless remotes for your convenience.
• Appearance: Depending on your preference, a ductless mini split can be more visually appealing than a portable air conditioner. The mini split can sit up high on a wall where you choose, while the portable must sit in front of a window and require a visible hose. Mini splits also do not block your window view. 

• Higher Cost: Ductless mini splits are more of an investment than a portable air conditioner. They are pricier, but also have more features. 

We recommend considering these options when deciding if a portable air conditioner or ductless mini split is the best option for you. Give Quality Contracting a call at (757) 752-7077 to evaluate your space and get you cooled before the heat wave!

Live in comfort, and lower your HVAC bills!

A residential heating and air conditioning system plays an important role in your comfort. When you improve the energy efficiency of your system, not only does your comfort improve, but you’ll notice lower utility bills, and a reduced carbon footprint. In this article, we are going to share a few ways to make your HVAC system run more efficiently.

Our top tips include:

• Increase your home insulation
• Get your ducts sealed
• Perform routine maintenance
• Change air filters regularly

Improve Your Home Insulation

When air escapes from your home, your HVAC system is required to work harder to get your indoor climate to the ideal temperature. So to avoid this from happening, make sure you have your home properly insulated!

It is also important to make sure your ducts are insulated as well.

Get Your Ducts Sealed

It is common for flex ductwork to rip and tear with time for multiple reasons. The most common culprit are rodents tearing them up. However, they can also rip and tear naturally with age as they expand.

If you are noticing air leaking into the attic or crawl space, contact a professional such as Quality Contracting to have your ducts sealed and repaired.

Perform Routine Maintenance

To ensure optimal operation and to extend the lifespan of your HVAC system, have a professional Chesapeake HVAC company perform routine maintenance at least twice a year. At Quality Contracting Electrical & HVAC, we have comprehensive maintenance plans that provide everything you need for your routine maintenance needs!

To get started with our maintenance plan, call our office today at (757) 752-7077

Change Your Air Filter Regularly

It is important to change your air filter once every 30-60 days. Your filter is what returns clean air to your system, when your filter is dirty or clogged, it not only allows dirty air into your system, lowering your indoor air quality, but it can force the system to work harder, causing costly repairs.

If you have dog or cats in your home, you’ll need to change it once every 30 days as their fur and dander can easily cause the filter to get clogged up.