Summer

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Central Air Conditioning Timmins Purchasing Tips

Central Air Conditioning Timmins Purchasing Tips

Everyone loves the idea of a hot summer. The winter can be gruelling but we always forget how intense the summer can be as well. This is especially true if you can’t even seek comfort inside, because you don’t have air conditioning. If you’re ready to love summer again, and invest in air conditioning, then here are three tips to guide your purchasing decision. 

Know Your Options 

There are three types of air conditioning you need to be aware of: Central, Ductless and the use of a window unit. The latter is easy to recognize because it literally sits in your window. It’s the old fashioned way of cooling down your space, but it comes with a lot of cons. The first being that it’s not suitable for large spaces. An apartment is fine, but even then expect some ‘hot spots’ due to the unit’s limited reach.

Your real decision will be between central or ductless air conditioning. They are very similar, but there are a few key differences you’ll need to be aware of. They both consist of two units, but with a central air system the cool air is sent through the air handler on your furnace into the ductwork and throughout the house while ductless AC travels through a slim cable into a box on your wall (no ductwork involved). 

The main deciding factor will be whether or not you already have ductwork in your home. If this is the case, then the more cost-effective option would be central air conditioning. Central air conditioning is also ideal for larger homes. If you have no ductwork, it will be cheaper to install a ductless system. This system is not totally invisible, but a small vent or slim wall unit is hardly an eyesore. 

Call us for a free quote at +1-844-386-2025

Choose a Reliable Contractor 

Man Wearing Black Denim Pants With Carrying Hammer on Holster

When it comes to work on your home you can never be too safe. That’s why it’s best to hire a HVAC contractor that you trust and you know values your business. It’s easy to go with a big company who has lots of advertising dollars to spend, but smaller, locally owned and operated usually value their reputation more, and will go the extra mile to make a customer happy.

Consider Financing 

Air conditioning can seem like a large investment, but it’s an investment that is built to last. You can enjoy summer the way you’ve always wanted to for years and years to come, and you don’t have to pay for it all at once!

Many companies offer financing that you can pay off monthly until you’ve covered the total costs. Summer is the time for vacations and indulgences, so look for a company that offers financing so you can sit back and enjoy your new AC without worry. 

RHMH, central air conditioning Timmins, offers air conditioning financing for as low as $59/month. Check out our Beat The Heat promotion for more information.

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What does the Energy Star Logo Mean?

You’ve seen this logo everywhere!  On washers and dryer; on dishwashers and refrigerators; on TV’s and computers; on air conditioners and furnaces.  But, what does it mean? Energy efficiency is something that every homeowner or building manager cares about. Whether you’re just paying your utility bills at home or you’re running a business, no one wants to pay more on bills than they actually need to. That’s why energy-efficient appliances and practices can yield some pretty sizable savings.

One phrase you might have read about or heard of is “Energy Star” or even “Energy Star rated.” But do you know what that means? What does the Energy Star logo signify when its placed on a product? 

Energy Efficiency Matters

Energy Star and the associated logo is an international standard for energy usage. An Energy Star rating means that an electronic product, industrial practice, or even residence or commercial building has been evaluated according to rigorous energy usage and waste standards, and it was found to meet the high criteria for being energy efficient. 

So what does this mean to you? It means that if you buy a home or start a business in a new building that has been Energy Star rated, you will be keeping your energy waste to an absolute minimum. Subsequently, it also means that you will not be paying more than you have to on bills, such as on heating. 

Energy Star rated products are designed to be efficient about using electricity. Energy Star industries follow specific practices to ensure that their total energy usage does not exceed certain quotients that would be deemed wasteful for the activities required. Reduced waste means reduced costs, and it’s also better for the environment! 

Energy Savings in Your Home or Business

For people who want to reduce energy costs, Energy Star rated devices and structures should be the ones you consider. In some cases, a home or business owner may even get a rebate from the government once they confirm that they have purchased and installed an Energy Star appliance, such as a new furnace, in their building. 

The Energy Star program is strictly voluntary. It has the participation of the Canadian government as well as different manufacturers, organizations, and for-profit and non-profit groups. When you notice the Energy Star logo on a product or a building, you already know that it’s going to be energy efficient and reduce energy costs for you. 

Trust Our Energy Star Products to Reduce Energy Costs

We supply Energy Star rated products to our customers! So you’ll never have to worry about a new HVAC system costing you more than it should when it comes to your heating or cooling bills. 

In fact, a new furnace or air conditioner will quickly pay for itself in reduced utility bills!

If you’re thinking of upgrading your home for more comfort and greater energy efficiency, then contact us. With our expertise at installation and our range of Energy Star rated products, you’re guaranteed reliable energy savings no matter what appliance you choose. Contact us today for more information and begin reducing energy costs! 

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Energy Saving Tips for Pet Owners

 

If you own your own home, then you’re free to have any type of animal companion you like, including furry, four-legged friends like dogs and cats. But even when you’re ready to go to work, and the kids go off to school, your pets stay at home. Have you ever considered what that could mean for your energy bills? Having comfortable pets may be important to you, but there are things you need to keep in mind about how your home runs while you’re away. Look at these tips on how to save energy and have a pet-efficient home.

Use a Fountain Bowl, Not a Running Faucet

While it’s true that both dogs and cats generally prefer to drink running water, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a lower water bill in order to have comfortable pets. You can rack up some dramatically high bills if you just can’t stand the thought of your pet not drinking running water and use the faucet to address this need.

Instead, you should try a fountain bowl. These setups use electricity and circulate water in a bowl to simulate the running water effect. Much easier on your utility bills than leaving the tap on all day!

Make Animal Doors Efficient

You may have a doggy door, or something similar for your cat so that they can exit and re-enter your home without assistance. But these are essentially holes in your home and can be a huge source of heat leakage.

Look into making your animal door as energy efficient as possible. Check the integrity, improve the seal, and, if it’s an older, more basic door, upgrade it to a modern, energy-efficient model. That can have a significant impact on your heating or cooling bills.

Turn Off All Devices

Both cats and dogs are pretty self-sufficient. You don’t need to worry about keeping lights, televisions, or even fans on as ways to keep them company or comfortable. A pet-efficient home doesn’t need to cater to every amusement of a pet, especially since one of the greatest joys for a pet is simply sleeping!

So don’t worry about keeping fans on throughout the summer, and when it comes to lights and televisions, pets don’t really need these on to avoid loneliness or boredom either.

Mind Your Temperature Settings

Keep in mind that when it comes to temperatures, your pets can actually withstand fluctuations. You can afford to keep the thermostat in the home set to 25°C or even higher in the summer, and your pets will be fine. Further, the rich fur coats of most dogs and cats mean they stand up to colder temperatures as well, so keeping a thermostat at or just under 20°C when you’re not at home in the winter can save you on energy bills while also having comfortable pets.

Try out these pet efficient home tips and notice a difference on your next energy bill!

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Why Are Some Rooms Hot & Others Cold?

Did you spend this past winter continuously turning up the heat? Winter in Canada is guaranteed to do one thing: force you to start turning up the heat so you can stay comfortable in your home. Now that the temperatures are finally starting to warm, will you be playing to the air conditioner too? You may find that your home experiences uneven temperatures from room to room and wonder, “Why is one room colder than another?”

There are a few possible causes for some rooms feeling colder than others. We’re going to look at the more common reasons for this difference and how you can achieve an acceptable temperature in every room.

Make Sure You Have Good & Even Insulation

Issues with insulation are a lot more prevalent in much older homes, especially if they’re still largely original, without any major renovations. For example, an older home maybe didn’t get the benefit of modern insulation like fibreglass, polystyrene, or cellulose. Uninsulated homes have a tougher time retaining heat and will more easily admit cold (or hot) air, which makes reaching an acceptable temperature in every room difficult.

The solution here, of course, is to get insulation! That might seem costly for your whole house, but in the end, you’ll experience a significant and immediately noticeable increase in warmth during the winter (and cooler temperatures in the heat of summer) on top of lower heating bills.

Differing Temperatures Are the Result of Heat Escape

Similar to an insulation problem, sometimes one room is colder than another because heat is leaking outdoors before it reaches those rooms. You will experience this type of heat loss with structural flaws in window frames, in the foundation, around entryways, and in other vulnerable areas. Older, wooden window frames will erode from exposure to heat and moisture, and they eventually create drafty areas that allow heat to leak out rapidly.

The best way to combat this leakage is to find the holes and seal them up. In some cases, you may need to either seal window frames or even think about getting new ones, complete with energy-efficient glass as well.

Faulty Ductwork

Sometimes the issue isn’t with your heat getting out, so much as the appropriate amount of heat (or cool air) not getting where it’s supposed to in the first place. If a home has old, leaky ducts, roughly 30% of heated air from a furnace isn’t even getting to the vents and into the rooms.

Have an expert come in and evaluate your ducts for efficiency and leaks. If any holes are found, it’s relatively simple to seal them up.

Improper Furnace or Air Conditioner Size

Sometimes, the problem is found right at the source of heating or cooling production. You may have a unit that just isn’t suitable for the size of your home. When a furnace or air conditioning unit is initially installed, professionals will go over the total area of the house and recommend a model that can accommodate your load. If the house is remodelled, especially with an extension or even a whole new floor, you need to reevaluate your furnace so that it aligns with your heating demands.

 

You’ll need to consider a new furnace or other measures such as adding a second thermostat or even zoning control with “smart vents” to get around an issue like this.

 

For a FREE assessment of your home’s HOT and COLD spots, please give us a call.

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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.