Posts Tagged :

annual air conditioning service

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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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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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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.