Reduce Your Energy Bills With A Programmable Thermostat

A-1 Ductworks is a Fort McMurray Furnace and Duct Cleaning company. Here is a great energy saving tip that the home owner can implement on their own.

While we want our homes to be warm and comfortable it’s surprising how many of us overlook the question of energy efficiency. But doing so costs us money. And as the prices of gas, electricity and heating oils rise, it’s more important than ever to look at simple but effective ways to trim expenses.

Making our homes energy efficient is a necessity. Let’s assume we already have attic space with premium insulation and good windows to prevent heat escaping. How else can we make heating our homes more cost effective? One very simple step that anyone can take is to install a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats are low cost, but they provide the means to save a considerable amount of money when it comes to reducing energy bills.

The latest Programmable Thermostats make their traditional counterparts look positively prehistoric. Who wants to have to set temperatures manually these days? Programmable thermostats allow you to set a custom-made heating agenda for your home. You can stipulate how warm you want your house to be at different times throughout the day. Once you’ve done so you simply sit back and let the programmable thermostat work it out. Most people opt to have the heat at a slightly lower level overnight, say around 17 or 18 degrees. Having the heat on a lower setting overnight is an effective way to save money while you sleep. Although natural temperatures drop during the dark hours there is no need to burn energy to keep warm. The cooler temperatures are compensated for by warm bed clovers and, for some, having someone to cuddle up to! With a programmable thermostat the heating temperature can be set to automatically go up a few notches in the mornings, making it easier for even the most reluctant of us to get out of bed in the winter! Waking to a warm home makes it easier to face the day. Yes, even Mondays!

Research carried out by Energystar.gov revealed that using a programmable thermostat can cut up to $180 from a householder’s heating bill every year. That’s a significant amount of money and such savings are easily achieved once a programmable thermostat has been fitted.

So, how complicated is installation? It’s not complicated at all. The fitting of a programmable thermostat is a very straightforward procedure. In fact it’s so simple many people opt to carry out the task themselves. Programmable thermostats come complete with helpful installation instructions. If you are fitting your own programmable thermostat the first thing to remember is that the power needs to be switched off from the mains, that means the power to the furnace should be set to off on the breaker panel or fuse box. When removing an existing single setting manual thermostat be sure to keep all the wires accessible. Take the base plate of the new programmable thermostat and run the wires through it prior to attaching it to the wall. The installation instructions will feature a guide about which color wires connect where on the new programmable thermostat. Oh, and don’t forget to fit back-up batteries. That way, even in the event of power failure, your individual heating settings won’t be lost. Once the batteries are fitted and the wires are correctly connected the front plate of the programmable thermostat can be secured to the wall and you’re ready to tailor your home’s heating schedule to suit your needs and your budget.

So how do programmable thermostats work?

Most programmable thermostats work on a cyclic basis. The user can choose appropriate settings for the working week, and separate settings for the weekends. On a daily basis a programmable thermostat allows up to four different temperature settings to be scheduled. Most commonly people like to tie these in with key points of the day. For example most of us like it to be nice and warm when we get up in the morning, but when we’re at work and the house is empty it would be a waste of money to have the heating on. But, we do want to come home to a comfortable warm house when our working day is done, don’t we. With a programmable thermostat the user can make this a reality without having to pay the cost of leaving a heating system running unnecessarily.

What is the best type of programmable thermostat to buy?

While the automatic programming features are the main appeal of programmable thermostats it’s wise to purchase one that includes a manual override and a hold temperature facility. A thermostat with these features will allow you to manually adapt your pre-set program if ever you need to. This is particularly useful if you need to put extra heat on or turn the heat down due to unexpected temperature changes. It’s useful too if your timetable changes and you are going to be home when the automatic schedule was set to be off. A simple click of a button and the programmable thermostat will revert to the agenda you set it.

Is a programmable thermostat compatible with any heating system?

Yes, the latest programmable thermostats are compatible with the majority of heating and air conditioning systems, provided that the existing thermostat has a 2, 3, 4 or 5 wire connection. One of the few exceptions is electric baseboard heating. This form of heating uses very high voltages that render programmable thermostats incompatible. In most cases though, a programmable thermostat is ideal, being inexpensive, easy to install and simple to use. More importantly using one will quickly begin saving users money while keeping their homes luxuriously warm and welcoming.

Try this energy saving tip and call today to book our excellent Duct Cleaning service by A-1 Ductworks, serving the Fort McMurray, Wood Buffalo area since 1965.

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It is the middle of winter and the thought of an air con unit in your home isn’t on your mind but you might feel differently when the summer is here. In recent years the United Kingdom has had some very hot temperatures during the summer and this shows no sign of stopping soon. There are many ways of lowering the temperature in your house but sometimes opening windows and plugging in a fan just doesn’t do the job. The best way to chill your home is with an air conditioning installation that will allow you to maintain a consistent temperature throughout your home.

Home air con units provide a household environment that is constant and this can be beneficial in a number of ways. Research has shown that domestic air conditioning can have positive benefits for people who have asthma. The constant environment means that windows can be kept shut; this means that any potential allergens can be kept out while those indoors can be cleaned up.

Air conditioning maintenance is vital with any unit installation. It is very important to keep an air conditioning unit maintained as one that hasn’t been can promote the growth of micro organisms that can cause Legionnaires disease and other illnesses. However a unit that undergoes regular cleaning and air conditioning maintenance can provide a pleasant, hypoallergenic environment. This is why they are used in hospital operation rooms and in the production of computer microchips.

Air conditioning maintenance also helps the unit to work more effectively thus saving on the amount of energy used as well as reducing the amount of noise produced. A poorly operating unit can make the same level of noise as you would get from living near an airport and this can cause hearing loss.

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If your ducts are not cleaned regularly, you may be increasing your risk of suffering from the many symptoms and illnesses associated with indoor air pollution. Many types of pollutants and small particles can collect within the ducts that include mold, fungus, dust, bacteria and viruses as well as other outdoor pollutants, such as exhaust fumes, pollen and animal hair. The more these particles collect within the ducts, the higher chance you have of developing illnesses and symptoms associated with poor indoor air quality. If you have allergies, you are even more susceptible to the high concentration of contaminants that may be circulating within your home.

Poor indoor air quality can cause a variety of symptoms that include nausea, headaches, respiratory illness, congestion, eye and nose irritation, runny nose, trouble concentrating, malaise (generally not feeling well) and lethargy. It also increases the risk of contracting illnesses such as colds, flu and fungal or other infections. Indoor air pollution greatly contributes to the amount of severity of symptoms suffered by those with allergies and can even contribute to the development of new allergies.

Many times we do not think about the quality of air we air we breathe while inside our homes. However, the American Lung Association estimates that we spend anywhere from 60-90% of our time indoors. Usually, the pollutants and fine particles found within the air we breathe indoors are at substantially higher levels of concentration compared to the air outdoors. This makes those with allergies at especially high risk for the health problems associated with poor indoor air quality that may in part be attributed to the debris collected within our ducts.

Dust buildup is the most common cause of asthma and is also the biggest allergen within the home. The more dust buildup there is, the more dust mites there will be, which are true causes of dust allergies. The large quantities of dust mites that are found with collections of dust within your ducts and airborne dust particles are a major contributor to the allergy symptoms experienced by the vast majority people. It is hard to rid your house of dust and avoid the health risks of the allergic reactions attributed to dust mites if there is a large amount of dust buildup within your ducts. This dust is then circulated in high concentrations within your home and is breathed in causing a much higher risk of allergy symptoms and allergic reactions within the body.

Regular duct cleaning is essential for clean indoor air quality and the reduction of the potential health hazards associated with indoor air pollution. It is even more essential for those that suffer from allergies to avoid the severe symptoms associated with them. Dust is the most common allergy, but many other allergens can be found in high concentrations within the ducts and in the indoor air you breathe including pollen, animal hair and fungus. If you do your duct cleaning regularly, you will find this will greatly reduce and even relieve the many allergy symptoms you are experiencing and will also reduce your chance for other indoor air pollution health risks.

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While many homeowners are beginning to realize the importance of routine duct cleaning, you may still have questions about the process. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about who should clean your ducts, why it’s necessary, and how it’s done.

“Why do my air ducts need to be cleaned?”

Over the years, debris, allergens, dirt, and other debris can accumulate in your ducts. In fact, it can build up in layers as much as three inches deep! This filth can trap bacteria and foster mold growth, creating potential health threats for your family. And, to make matters worse, every time your HVAC system turns on, some of these contaminants are circulated throughout your house. Having your air ducts cleaned removes this accumulation of pollutants and greatly improves the air quality of your home. For safe, breathable air, you should have your ducts cleaned at least every four years.

“How exactly is my ductwork cleaned?”

Using specialized tools and a negative airflow system (essentially a huge vacuum), air duct cleaners scrape the dust, dirt, and debris from your ducts. The tools agitate the particles away from the sides of the ducts and the vacuum keeps them from escaping into your house. The cleaning should also include air washing furnace and air conditioner components, vacuuming registers, and applying mold inhibiting agents if necessary.

“Who should clean my ducts?”

Only trust a professional duct cleaning service. These experts have the knowledge and specialized equipment to effectively remove all of the dust and debris from your ductwork without damaging it or dispersing the pollutants throughout your house. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends using only National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA) certified specialists. NACDA certified professionals are trained, skilled experts with a thorough knowledge of industry standards, proper ductwork cleaning procedures, and environmental concerns.

“Will duct cleaning damage my furnace or air conditioner?”

No: duct cleaners use specialized tools and techniques to remove accumulated dust without harming any component of your HVAC system. In fact, your furnace and air conditioner will actually work better after a cleaning: airflow will be improved, so your heating and cooling system can run more efficiently.

“My home is new, so I don’t need a duct cleaning, right?”

Wrong! Construction is a messy process, and frequently debris and drywall dust get into your ductwork. This blocks airflow, traps even more dust, and can contribute to mold growth. A thorough cleaning will remove any obstructions, as well as the accumulated dust, to get your ducts into great shape!

“Will my house be less dusty after my ductwork cleaning?”

You bet! Because your heating and cooling system circulates dust from your ductwork throughout your home, eliminating that dust means your whole house will be cleaner.

“Since my new furnace clean, I don’t need a duct cleaning, right?”

Wrong. Even though your new furnace is clean, there is still dust in your ducts. And, because the fan on your new furnace is probably more powerful than the old one, all that dust and dirt is going to be blown straight into your rooms! Most HVAC cleaning specialists recommend a complete ductwork cleaning in tandem with any new furnace or air conditioner installation.

“Will duct cleaning help my allergies?”

Most likely. The accumulation inside your ducts includes pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and other allergens as well as dirt. Removing this debris should greatly decrease the concentration of allergens in the air and reduce your allergy symptoms.

If you have any additional questions about ductwork cleaning or need to schedule a cleaning for your ductwork, contact your local air duct cleaning service. They’ll be able to provide additional information and superior cleaning!

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Why should I have my furnaces cleaning?

According to the NADCA standards the removal of contaminants such as the collection of fungi, bacteria, and other small dust particles created inside your HVAC system is one step in improving your overall indoor air quality.

The gradual buildup of dust, dirt, hair or worse can’t be prevented or cleaned on a weekly basis as if it were furniture. In addition to your day to day creation of dust particles, your ductwork can be a breeding ground for various mildew and bacteria that can lead to problems for those with asthma or severe allergies.

Does air duct cleaning services affect the energy efficiency of my HVAC equipment?

Research by the U.S. EPA has demonstrated that HVAC system cleaning may allow systems to run more efficiently by removing debris from sensitive mechanical components. Clean, efficient systems are less likely to break down, have a longer life span, and generally operate more effectively than dirty systems.

Why should Airflow Advantage’s NADCA certification be important to you?

NADCA - Nation Air Duct Cleaners Association - members have signed a Code of Ethics stating they will do everything possible to protect the consumer, and follow NADCA Standards for cleaning to the best of their ability, for a list of NADCA members near you, click here. Air duct cleaning companies must meet stringent requirements to become a NADCA Member. Among those requirements, all NADCA Members must have certified Air System Cleaning Specialists (ASCS) on staff, who have taken and passed the NADCA Certification Examination. Passing the exam demonstrates extensive knowledge in HVAC design and cleaning methodologies. ASCS’s are also required to further their industry education by attending seminars in order to maintain their NADCA certification status.

How does the air duct cleaning company process work?

The key components of our system are the Giant Power Vacuum truck, a truck-mounted compressor, and our custom-made air-driven and mechanical cleaning tools. This system enables our lead technicians, each of whom is certified as an Air System Cleaning Specialist by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), to reach and thoroughly clean the entire duct system.

First, we cover all registers and cut an eight-inch diameter hole where the furnace meets the supply-side ductwork. Then we connect the truck’s eight-inch vacuum hose to the supply ductwork to put the system under suction. We then go to each register and blow in compressed air at 200 psi to push dust and debris into a main duct so the vacuum hose can remove it. Next, we drill one-inch access holes at strategic points in the air ducts. Long lengths of air hose with special 360° high-velocity cleaning heads are connected to the compressor and snaked through the entire duct system using the drilled access holes. This helps dislodge foreign material so it can be pulled out to the power vacuum truck. We then brush and whip the main ducts to dislodge and vacuum out the last remnants of dust and other material. Then, we repeat the entire process on the return-side ductwork. Lastly, we air-wash and vacuum clean the blower, blower compartment, and air conditioning coil of the HVAC system.

As a last step, we remove all hoses and equipment from the work site, thoroughly clean up any dust or debris that the cleaning may have caused, and invite the customer to do a final inspection before we depart.

How often should I have my air ducts cleaned?

We suggest that our customers clean their air ducts every 3-5 years. Factors such as pets, construction, young children and the elderly are reasons why you should consider having them cleaned closer to the 3 or 4 year time period.

How can I be sure the job was complete correctly?

Our technicians adhere to strict NADCA guidelines. We use a NADCA created checklist to insure we have provided our customers with the best possible in the business.

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Air pollution control is quickly taking the front seat in the world of greenhouse issues, with both the United States and China as ringleaders as the two major global producers of greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. An interesting fact is that Americans are producing five times the amount of the toxin as the average Chinese, with China estimated to quickly catch up in the year 2050 with a population peak of 1.5 billion people unless something is immediately done.

Both countries are making serious commitments regarding pollution control strategies, with the latest medical research and studies adding an immediate emphasis for its immediate control, in order to improve the lives and health of their own citizens. A recent article by HealthDay reporter, Steven Reinberg, states that “free radicals attached to small particles of air pollution are found to be the cause of lung damage and possibly lung cancer.” H. Barry Dellinger is considered the study’s leading researcher, and also the chair of Patrick F. Taylor’s environmental chemistry at the Louisiana State University, with these latest finds explaining why many nonsmokers are developing “tobacco-related” diseases, such as lung cancer.

The disturbing issue is that absolutely none of this was ever necessary. We would have no real need for air pollution control, except for the Industrial Revolution and our dependency on the rapid growth of industrialization results of that era. On its own, every twenty-days our planet receives enough sunlight energy that matches in quantity and surpasses in quality the entire planetary reserves—coal, oil, and natural gas. But the problem is here from our own doing, and we need to deal with it through the best forms of air pollution control we can. The latest developing control strategies are being developed and applied through mandatory air pollution control agendas, utilizing single or a combination of individual measures.

Different forms of air pollution control can either focus on one pollutant, several pollutants, sources of air pollution, or can be implemented within a wide range of scales—global, international, local, national, or regional. And truth be known—all of them are extremely necessary to achieve the world’s goal of clean air for our own safety. Some different forms of strategies to prevent air pollution are energy efficiency, changes in technological processes, coatings without solvents, and reducing manufacturing and mobile source sector emissions to counteract continuous population growth and economic development on a worldwide level.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Air and Radiation (OAR) sets the regulations for controlling air pollution and radiation exposure, in addition to developing national programs and technical policies. Their primary concerns deal with preventing pollution and energy efficiency. They also are concerned with many other issues:

• Indoor and outdoor air quality
• Industrial air pollution
• Pollution from vehicles and engines
• Radon
• Acid rain
Stratospheric ozone depletion
Climate change
Radiation protection.

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Primarily, various gardeners seek to stay away from fall gardening as much as they can because of the winter frosts which normally occur quite early and have the ability to make things alittle tough. Discovering all you can that’s related to fall gardening plus other gardening info will distinctly prove effective to you in handling any problems that may possibly come up.

If you want to develop a garden like that of professional , you better learn some gardening ideas like “flower garden pictures ”, “gardening flowers plants ” or “ gardening flowers plants ”. With that, you will surely gain additional techniques and skills and these are essential catalysts in developing your own garden.

Here are more topic which may be beneficial to you. Try to Check these links;

flower garden plan
gardening flowers plants trees
gardening advice

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If you are looking for a quality air conditioner, then Trane air conditioning units are one of the leaders in their field. They manufacture units for residential and commercial use. James Trane is the founder of the company. He came to the United States from Norway in 1864. A plumber by trade, he opened his own store in 1885 in Wisconsin. From the very beginning, he was known for providing good service and quality.

Quality Air Conditioning
At the beginning, the company was not involved in Trane air conditioning units. They kept the plumbing aspect of the business open until around 1915 when they concentrated on heating products such as low-pressure steam heating units. James’ son Reuben who was a mechanical engineer was heavily involved in the progress of the company. During World War II, the company was involved with the US Navy in providing the technology to keep pace with the German war ships. The main component they assisted with was providing the navy ships with a heat exchanger, which proved to be a very important advancement in naval engineering.

During the late fifty’s, Trane air conditioning units hit the residential market. This was a major addition to their product line. During the sixties, the company expanded their operation around the world. The majority of their business focused on the large commercial and industrial units.

Air Conditioning
Every Trane air conditioner is manufactured with high quality parts just as its founder James Trane would have expected. Window air conditioners are almost a necessity in some parts of the world now. Many people could not live without them. This increased usage and dependence on these machines is very taxing to the electrical grid. Many of the larger cities have rolling blackouts during the hot summer months to conserve power. Air conditioners have a huge impact on the system.

Most major department stores and big box home centers sell Trane air conditioning units along with many other brands. When searching for a good unit, make sure you gather as much information as possible on the machines within your budget. A good warranty is a necessity.

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House Cleaning Tips
Vacuum cleaners operate by using a pump system.
The pumping system will suck up the air from a
hose, which will in turn suck up the dirt and
dust from anything that stands in front of the
house opening. On the inside, the vacuum cleaner
is a filtering system that will collect the dust
and dirt that can later be placed outside in the
garbage.

Right now, there are seven main types of vacuum
cleaners - the upright, canister, back pack style,
built in, robotic, hand held, and the wet/dry
vacuum cleaners. These different types of vacuum
cleaners are available in a variety of different
styles, sizes, and offer various voltage and
power sizes as well.

One of the most significant developments in
vacuums has been the invention of the very popular
cyclone carpet cleaner. Unlike the previous
vacuum cleaners, the cyclone collects dirt and
dust in a large cylinder. The cyclone operates
using a central air force and number of filters.
The filter will filter the dust and dirt into
stages, so that the air being sucked up into the
cylinder can be cleaned then released back into
the air through a central outlet.

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Benefits of carpet and Carpet Cleaning

One of the most common things which can be found in all the houses of US is the carpet. Even today it is preferred to be one of the most versatile choices for flooring which is not only fashionable but also cheap and practical. The various benefits of carpet account to almost half of all the flooring purchase made in the US. If the manufacturers have to be believed carpets have outsold almost every kind of flooring material for more than 50 years now. One of the greatest reasons for the popularity of carpets goes to the several benefits of carpet which can’t be competed with any of the other flooring options out there in the market.

Some of the most important benefits of carpet can be stated as below:

Insulation

This is one of the most important benefits of carpet and provides the most needed insulation in between the floors. The insulation provided mainly depends upon the weight and the density of the carpet which on the other hand contributes to the R-value of the house. The insulation also helps in energy conservation.

Flexibility

Carpet can be easily used as a foundation in all the rooms of the house. The various kinds of textures and colours of the carpet provide the people with flexibility in decorating and managing the house in a better way. Available from rich textures to neutral tones carpets can be used to make the house look like never before.

Warmth

This adds to one of the benefits of carpet providing the house with adequate warmth. Some of the most important places like family room, bedroom along with other key areas can be kept warm; especially underfoot.

Reduction in sound

Carpet also acts as one of the best materials for reduction in the sound level. Benefits of carpet helps in sound reduction in three major ways: It helps in reduction of foot traffic noise, stops transmission of noise and absorbs all kinds of airborne noise. All the above benefits of carpet are very important keeping in mind semi detached homes and apartments.

Safety

Carpet not only acts like a slip resistant surface but also provides cushion to people in case of accidents like falling down. This is especially very important for elderly people and children of the house.

Clean air

According to experiment, carpets effectively help in improving the quality of air circulation by trapping all kinds of allergens and dust. This also reduces the chances of all kinds of allergy and illness from spreading in the house. To ensure the circulation of clean air the people should ensure proper maintenance of the carpet and always get a professional Carpet Cleaners when necessary.

Easy to clean

Most of the carpets manufactured today come along a stain resistant free surface. This benefit of carpet makes it easy to clean and take care of. Removing the toughest strains is now very easy. Also getting a professional Carpet Cleaners will also be able to bring your old carpet back to new.

Variety of uses

This is one of the biggest benefits of carpet. They can not only be used for flooring but also for several other purposes. Carpets can be easily brought into usage for decorating the walls, covering the stairs, posts.

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