Summer

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How a New HVAC System Can Both Save You Money & Increase The Value of Your Home

Most homeowners thinking about home improvement will go for the most visible, big-ticket items. Renovating kitchens and bathrooms, for example, is a pretty noticeable way to show that a home has had some major improvements.

But there are many other critical ways in which a home improvement project can involve a significant investment that will certainly pay out in the long term. Waterproofing a basement, insulating a home, or even putting in new, modern electrical wiring are all less “sexy” ways to upgrade your space. But one area that can yield a high impact is improving your HVAC system by installing a modern unit. How does this help? We’ll explain.

You Will Lower Your Bills

The first and most obvious way that getting a new HVAC system can save you money is by lowering just how much you pay every month in your heating and cooling bills. Gas burning furnaces and centralized air conditioning are built to run for decades when properly installed and maintained. This regular service can mean that some older homes may still have heating and cooling systems that date back to the 1980s or even the 1950s!

But while this equipment may operate reliably, it works far less efficiently than modern hardware. The contemporary gas-burning furnace, for example, can achieve over 90% efficiency. This figure means that nearly all of the heat it creates is dispersed throughout the home and not lost to the exterior or in other ways. A furnace from the 1950s, on the other hand, is lucky to achieve 65% efficiency, even with excellent care. That means 35% of your bill is heat that was lost, but you’re paying for anyway.

You May Get Rebates That Lower the Cost

It’s always a matter of watching for particular government or even company offers, but rebates can make a big difference! Paying attention to special offers means getting money back after a proper evaluation and installation, assuming you qualify.

Through this process, you will be saving even more money as your investment in new equipment gets paid back thanks to programs that offer rebates for people upgrading to new, energy efficient systems. Everybody wins when you take advantage of this discount.

You’ll find more information on rebates here.

You Increase Home’s Appeal and Value

Finally, if you decide to put a new HVAC system in your home, the unit can increase your home’s property value as well as make it a more enticing buy! People looking for new homes are always trying to cut down on the amount of extra work they need to perform in a house.

If you have a new HVAC system, this means potential buyers now know they don’t have to worry about the HVAC system in the home for years. They also know they will enjoy the same lower energy bills that you are currently experiencing! This update adds a lot of value and peace of mind for people on the market for a new home.

Upgrade your HVAC system for not only the environmental impact but also for increased comfort in your home and the benefits to your bank account! That’s what we call a “win, Win, WIN!”

For a free HVAC quote and home energy audit please contact RHMH Heating and Air Conditioning.

 

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What to Do During a Summer Power Outage

Summer is a great season for going outdoors and enjoying the weather, but it can also be a time when the environment and the weather, in particular, can turn against us. Storms, for example, can create winds strong enough to gust, or even become full-blown tornados. This extreme weather can result in falling trees and other incidents that may knock out electricity for entire neighbourhoods.

If you experience a power blackout during the hottest part of the year, you don’t have to worry about staying warm. But you may have some other concerns that you need to address, and we’re going to cover the most important ones here.

Check the Breakers

The first thing you need to do during a power outage is check if it’s actually a problem with the electrical supply, or merely an overload in your own home. If it’s night, for example, then looking out the window will show you whether streetlights and lights in other houses are still on.

If you live in a home and not an apartment, go to the basement, or whichever part of the residence contains the fuse box, and check it to make sure the breaker hasn’t tripped. If it has, this means that your home has somehow overloaded its electrical usage. If you have a modern box, resetting the breaker is all it will take to restore power. If not, you may need to replace fuses.

Turn Off Appliances

If you were using any electrical appliances during the power outage, such as TVs, computers or other hardware, turn them off. When the power resumes, there may be a spike in electrical energy, which can damage these appliances if they’re still on. Machines or devices left on may even lead to a surge that will cause your breaker to trip and require another visit to the electrical box to restore power.

Hydrate Yourself

The air conditioner will not operate without electricity, so if it’s a sweltering day or night, hydration is essential. Not only must you care for yourself, but also keep an eye on your children or elderly relatives because they are more vulnerable to heat than other adults in a home.

Use The Basement

If you have a basement, it always the coldest room in the house, especially if it’s entirely underground. Use this to your advantage during hotter days or nights, if the air conditioner is still not working due to a power outage. This can often be the only room in a home where a cool, comfortable sleep is still possible with no air conditioning.

Use Blinds or Curtains

If a power outage happens during the day, then use blinds, curtains, or other coverings on any windows and doors with southern exposure. Sunlight coming in through these windows will heat up a home, making it intolerable during a heat wave if there’s no air conditioning due to a power outage.

By taking these precautions, you can maintain comfort, health, and safety if a power outage should occur for an extended period of time during the summer.

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Cheap Tricks to Keep Your House Cool in The Summer

Summer is here, and even in Timmins, it’s been a hot one, with heat waves and higher than average temperatures. That can get expensive if you’re trying to find ways to cool your home, but we’ve got some tips that can help you to keep those energy bills down!

Use Ceiling Fans

If you have ceiling fans, you should make sure that they’re running counter-clockwise or “forward.” This movement has the effect of circulating air downwards, which creates a breeze that encourages the wind chill effect that can be so uncomfortable during the winter but is a great relief during these hot times of the year.

Use Coverings for Your Windows

If you have curtains, shades, blinds, or other means of covering your windows, use them during the daytime! Sunlight is not just light, it is also heat, so any sunlight that shines through your windows is heating up your home. By keeping your windows covered during the hottest parts of the day, you’ll experience a noticeable drop in your energy bills.

Close Your Doors

Both heat and cold circulate, so if you want to keep the room you’re in cool, don’t let that cold air escape to other rooms or outside. Conversely, if other rooms are hot, don’t let that heat flow back into your cooler rooms. By closing doors to unused rooms, you can better maintain the temperature you want in the areas that you frequently use.

Program Your Thermostat

If you have a modern, digital thermostat, you have the ability to program it. Try setting the thermostat to higher temperatures during the times of day when no one is home, such as when school is still in session, and you or your children are working. Then, anywhere from 10-20 minutes before people return home, have the thermostat turn on the air conditioning. By not doing anything to counteract natural, higher temperatures when no one is around, you are limiting your use of the air conditioning unit, and therefore reducing the amount on your bills.

Use Lighter, Smarter Bed Sheets

In the same way that you change clothing for the summer season from winter, you should be doing the same thing with bed materials and linens. Get rid of the thick, heavy comforters designed to keep you warm, and use lighter sheets and fibres that enable heat to pass through quickly and allow you and your skin to “breathe.”

Keep Your Body Cool

Stay hydrated when it gets hot at home, and this will help to keep you cool. Also, make sure to wear appropriate clothing. Stick to lighter, looser fitting clothing that doesn’t act as an insulator, helping your body build up and retain heat. Modern, “smart fibres” maintain tensile strength and durability without being thick and heavy. If they allow for breathability as well, this is a great way to radiate heat and remain more cool and comfortable.

After following these simple tips, you will have kept both the heat under control in your home and your bills lower at the end of the summer months!

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Rent vs. Finance Purchase of HVAC Equipment (AC, Furnace, Hot Water Tank)

Has your AC, furnace, or hot water tank seen better days? If so, it may be time to consider investing in a new piece of high-quality HVAC equipment. Whether it’s a decision you must make on short notice or one that you can prepare for, many HVAC companies will offer you the option to rent or finance your new system.

 

When it’s time to find the best HVAC system for your residential or commercial property, you deserve to be well-informed throughout the entire purchasing process. Use the following tips to help you decide whether financing or renting your HVAC equipment is the right solution for your unique needs.

 

Renting HVAC Equipment

 

Many HVAC companies offer you the option to rent your AC, furnace, or hot water tank units. Rental plans and contracts are often long-term and include higher interest rates, depending how long your contract runs for. Although it may seem like a better option initially, interest rates do add up over time, and you may not fully own your HVAC equipment when the contract is up.

However, there are benefits to renting your HVAC system, including the most competitive costs in Ontario, local technical service, and advice you can trust from a local professional.

For More info on RHMH’s rental program, click here.

Financing HVAC Equipment

 

Fully investing in the purchase of HVAC equipment can initially be a major undertaking, but there are many benefits to financing your new HVAC system, including:

 

Lower overall cost of ownership: When you choose to finance your new HVAC equipment, you will have to pay less on your monthly payments. Often, local HVAC service providers will install the new furnace, air conditioner, or hot water tank without the upfront costs when a financing plan is put in place.

 

More options: Financing your new HVAC equipment provides you with more options than renting the same equipment. You can choose your length of term, and work exclusively with our financing partner to customize a payment plan tailored to your unique situation.

With financing, you’ll eventually own your HVAC equipment so that you can enjoy whole-home comfort while creating an energy efficient interior environment.

Many property owners choose to finance their HVAC equipment rather than renting it as it adds value to the property, even after you leave. With finance plans, you can choose the payment plan that is right for you and save money in the long run.

For more information on RHMH’s financing options, click here.

At RHMH, we offer both financing and rental options. We’re proud to be an authorized partner of Enercare, Canada’s largest supplier of cooling, heating, and hot water tank rental units. Whether you choose to rent or finance your new AC, furnace, or hot water tank, you should be well-informed before making any purchase decision.

For a free home AC evaluation and quote, contact the HVAC experts at RHMH Heating & Air Conditioning today.

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Tips to Keep Your House Cool and Comfortable This Summer

Wow, what a May Run we just had! With the warm weather, many were already firing up their AC.  With that in mind, keeping your home cool and comfortable throughout the heat of the summer can be a challenge, even for high-efficiency central air conditioning units. Luckily, with professional service and maintenance, you can reduce the chances of your AC system failing unexpectedly.

Along with ensuring that your AC unit is in top-notch condition, there are other ways to keep your home safe, cool, and comfy all summer long, including:

Change Your Air Filter Regularly

The air filter in your central HVAC unit is responsible for trapping dust, dirt, and other airborne debris when clean. However, when the air filter becomes clogged with debris, the HVAC system must work overtime to force air through the filter, letting debris escape through while decreasing the efficiency of your HVAC unit.

The air filter in your HVAC system should ideally be changed at least twice per year at regular intervals. There are a variety of air filters available on the market, but discuss the ideal type of filter for your unique HVAC system and needs with a professional HVAC expert.

Invest in a Smart Thermostat

Smart thermostats allow you to customize when your HVAC unit is in operation, meaning that you can create a system that is turned on during key times of the day, like when your family is home from work or school.

A smart thermostat can be programmed to turn on in the mornings, evenings, or during the night to cool and heat your home optimally. Additionally, some smart thermostats are equipped with motion sensors to tell when someone is home to optimize energy usage further. Not only will a smart thermostat keep your home cool and comfortable, but it will help you use your energy more efficiently as well, saving you money on your energy bills.

Keep Air Moving Freely Through Your Home

A well-rounded HVAC system sends cool or warm air through your home through a carefully planned ventilation system. To keep the air flowing freely through your home, make sure that all vents and doors are open. This practice allows airflow to balance itself out, making the HVAC system more efficient and keeping your whole home at your ideal temperature.

Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance

With the help of an expert HVAC technician, you can avoid potential breakdowns and costly emergency repairs. When you schedule a regular HVAC maintenance service with a local HVAC professional, they will take time to make necessary tune-up’s, perform a full system inspection, and clean delicate components that require an expert touch.

If you’re looking for a Timmins HVAC expert, the professionals at RHMH Heating & Air Conditioning are ready to help you keep your house comfortable and cool all summer long. Call us today at (705) 531-3311 for a free home evaluation and quote.

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Do I Really Need to Have My Central Air-Conditioning Unit Serviced?

As the weather starts to warm up, many homeowners begin sprucing up their property in preparation for the fast-approaching summer heat. It’s your air conditioner’s job to provide a cool and comfortable interior space, but all central air conditioning units require regular tune-ups and maintenance service to blast the cold air you need.

Scheduling a professional maintenance service for your central air conditioning unit helps keep it running as efficiently as possible. According to information from Sustainable Sources, an air conditioner that is well-maintained can keep up to 95% of its original efficiency. Whether you’ve had your current air conditioning unit for one year or ten, it’s vital that you schedule an annual air conditioning tune-up. When you do, you’ll reap the following benefits:

Regular Maintenance Extends the Life of Your Central Air-Conditioning Unit

Just like a vehicle, an air conditioner can only run for so long without a tune-up. During a professional service, a certified technician will check and clean your air conditioner’s condensing coils, oil all moving parts, inspect the belts, and ensure that the system is operating optimally.

When your central air conditioning unit undergoes regular maintenance, the lifespan will, in turn, be extended. This is because a professional technician will ensure that all moving parts are in working order and make note of parts that may need replacement in coming years.

 

Professional Service Will Save You Money In The Long Term

A professional air conditioning maintenance or tune-up service is an investment that will save you money down the road. During a service appointment, a certified technician will be able to identify any parts that may require replacement before they become a major issue.

Emergency central air conditioning unit repairs can be costly, so being aware of any parts that are showing signs of wear and tear ahead of time can save you money on emergency service and avoid large repairs.

Additionally, a professional air conditioning unit service can help you reduce your hydro bill. When all parts of the AC unit are in good working condition, the entire system will work more cohesively and efficiently, reducing energy emissions and saving you money on your energy bill.

Find Safety Issues Before They Become an Emergency

Not only can a regular service on your central air conditioning unit save you money on repairs, but also it can help professionals identify potential safety issues before they become an emergency. Whether it’s a lack of coolant or faulty connections, it’s vital that safety issues are found to minimize safety risks and keep your air conditioner delivering the cool air you crave.

To schedule your next central air conditioning unit service, contact the experts at RHMH Heating & Air Conditioning today.