Rentmeister Total Home Service Blog: Archive for July, 2013

Air Conditioning FAQ: What Type of Thermostat is Best for my Cooling System

Tuesday, July 30th, 2013

Part of that is getting the right thermostat for your system and knowing how to properly use it. When you keep your thermostat at reasonable settings, it ensures that you will save as much energy as possible and that your AC system isn’t working harder than it needs to. Not only does this cause higher electricity bills, but it also can put undue stress on the entire system. There are a wide variety of thermostats on the market, some of which allow you to set your cooling system back when you aren’t home.

You can also find thermostats with humidity settings and some that tell you when it’s time to change your air filters. Some models only work with certain cooling systems and heat pumps, and we can help you find the right one for your system. Overall, new digital thermostats are far more accurate than the old dial models that use mercury. If you do have one of these older thermostats, it will need to be disposed of according to local codes. The mercury can be harmful to the environment if you simply throw it away. Always hire a professional Salt Lake City air conditioning technician to help you choose and install a new thermostat, as well as removing any old equipment for you.

Here are some more thermostat FAQs:

Question:

What is the best setting for my thermostat for total savings?

Answer:

We recommend 68 degrees for heating and 78 degrees for cooling.

Question:

Can I operate a clock thermostat without the clock?

Answer:

Yes, on most models. Select the temperature you want to maintain and press “HOLD.”

Question:

Will a programmable thermostat let me set temperature at set point at the time I designate?

Answer:

Most programmable thermostats are set to be at the temperature you set if for at the time you set. There are different models that feature different settings and flexibility. Some allow you to set the weekend temperatures differently than the weekday temperatures, but these will cost a little more.

For quality air conditioning services in Salt Lake City, UT, call Rentmeister Total Home Service. We’ll make sure you have everything you need to keep your air conditioning system running efficiently all summer long.

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Air Conditioning FAQ: What Type of Air Filter Should I Get for My AC System?

Monday, July 22nd, 2013

If you want air conditioning services that improve indoor air quality, give the experts at Rentmeister Total Home Service a call any time. We are happy to answer questions about effective ways to increase your air conditioners performance, as well as improve indoor air quality. Both of these will involve getting the right type of air filter or air cleaner for your home. This week we’ve put together a list of the basic types of filters with a description of each. Call our Salt Lake City air conditioning technicians if you have further questions about air filters.

Washable Filters

Washable filters are heavy-duty, washable, and should last 5 – 7 years if kept clean.  These filters clean the air and stop dust collection on the blower motor, wheel and AC coil. Dust on these parts creates damage and premature failure. We recommend that you clean your washable filter twice a year. These filters are rated at about 15% efficient.

Pleated High Efficiency Filters

For an even more efficient filter (around 20% efficient), pleated high-efficiency filters are highly restrictive and can hinder the operation of the furnace and A/C. If you are currently having problems with your furnace or air conditioning this could be the problem. These filters should be replaced once a month.

Media Filters

These filters last about 1 year and help with allergies and respiratory irritations. They are 70% efficient.

Electrostatic Filters

This type of filter was very popular 10 years ago, but we do not recommended them now.

EAC Filters

The EAC filter is one of the most efficient filters on the market. They are part of a whole-house air cleaner, and they are washable so they do not need to be replaced. When dirty, you will hear a popping sound. They are 95-99% efficient.

HEPA Filters

The most efficient air filter, the HEPA Filter is used in hospitals and doctors’ offices. They are 99.97% efficient, but they are not for standard heating and AC systems.

Visit the showroom at Rentmeister Total Home Service in Salt Lake City, UT, and we’ll go over the different types of filters we install and match one for your needs.

 

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Air Conditioning FAQ: What to Consider When Buying or Replacing an Air Conditioner

Thursday, July 18th, 2013

At Rentmeister Total Home Service, we understand that you rely on your air conditioning system in the Salt Lake City, UT area throughout the warmer months to keep your home feeling cool and comfortable. That’s why you should hire a professional you can trust to install all air conditioning equipment in your home, including the ductwork and vents. A qualified Salt Lake City air conditioning contractor will also make sure that your new AC system is sized appropriately for your home.

Here are some things to consider when buying or replacing an air conditioner. Make sure you discuss these factors with one of our certified installers so that you get the right type of system for your home.

Sizing Air Conditioners

Air conditioners in the past have usually been oversized rather than undersized. Each air conditioner has different components, and each unit is different depending on which coil you use. Homeowners often think that they are not getting maximum AC output because the air conditioner is undersized. This is not always the problem, and we find that it is usually because the air conditioner needs maintenance.

A dirty filter, or wrong filter, blower wheel or dirty evaporator coil are often the reason for low output. These issues can be prevented with regular maintenance. When these parts of the system are dirty, it affects the airflow, lowers the blower capacity and circulation, and increasing the power necessary to operate your AC system.

Getting the Right Floor and Wall Registers

Many homeowners ask about wooden floor and wall registers. Wood registers are too restrictive for running a good heating and air conditioning system. They do look nice in your home but are not functional. There is a difference in metal registers.

Make sure that fins are turned up and not at a 45° angle. This forces your air toward the ceiling and gives you better indoor air quality. Many home improvement stores sell register deflectors for AC registers. Most of the time, deflectors prove to be a hindrance rather than a help to your air conditioning system.

Call the Salt Lake City air conditioning experts at Rentmeister Total Home Service if you have any questions about replacing your air conditioner.

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Air Conditioning FAQ: How Does Geothermal Cooling Work?

Wednesday, July 10th, 2013

Are you considering a geothermal cooling system for your home in the Salt Lake City area? Geothermal cooling systems are relatively simple in terms of how they work; they harness the consistent year-round temperatures under the surface of the earth. By using this “green” technology, geothermal systems use very little energy, reducing your impact on the environment.

Many homeowners in our area have replaced their traditional AC systems that run on electricity for geothermal cooling systems in order to save energy and reduce their utility bills. A geothermal system will have a heat pump, but it uses very little energy, which saves you money in the long run. In this week’s post, we’ve included a basic description of how geothermal AC systems work so that you can get a better idea about how they can benefit you and whether or not you’d like to install one in your home.

The installation of a geothermal system starts will drilling holes for piping that is installed vertically into the ground. If your home is on a larger property, you may be able to skip the drilling and install horizontal piping in trenches dug by a backhoe. This piping is referred to as “loop fields” because they look like a series of coils or loops. Whether you install vertical or horizontal loop field really depends on the size of your property and the layout of your home.

Within the underground piping, there’s a mixture of water and refrigerant which absorbs the constant 55° from the ground and transfers it a compressor in the heat pump installed inside your home. This can be cooled to a lower temperature if needed, and in the winter, it can be slightly warmed up to offer heating as well. Then the cooled air is then circulated throughout your home by an air handler and ductwork, just like central air conditioning but a lot more efficient.

Geothermal cooling systems are between 30% and 60% more efficient than conventional air conditioning systems. In addition to reducing your carbon footprint, this saves you money on utility bills. Call the Salt Lake City air conditioning specialists at Rentmeister Total Home Service if you are interested in learning more about how geothermal systems work or would like to know more about installing one at your home.

 

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Happy 4th of July!

Tuesday, July 2nd, 2013

There are few things more “American” than baseball, apple pie and Independence Day. On this day over 200 years ago the second Continental Congress voted to approve the Declaration of Independence. The document, which was primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson, was a written explanation of why America wanted to be free from Great Britain. This bold move by the American colonies would start the Revolutionary War where many brave women and men would give their lives for the freedom that we now hold dear.

Over the years, our celebration of Independence Day has remained largely unchanged. John Adams, the 2nd president of the United States, said this about celebrating Independence Day: “It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.” We all remember going to family barbecues, watching fireworks, attending parades, picnics and fairs, building bonfires, and playing baseball.

However you celebrate this 4th of July, make sure that you take a moment to remember why we’re celebrating.

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