Energy vampires in your home are plug-in electronics and devices that recharge with those box-style charging cords or have small lights that remain on even when the device is turned off. They are considered vampires because they continue to use energy whether charging or operating. The U.S. Department of Energy has estimated that American consumers …
You do not have to be an air conditioning expert to own one, or to enjoy the cool air it provides. However, understanding the inner workings of your A/C can come in handy at times. So, the air conditioning experts at Ernst Heating & Cooling have put together this little A/C 101 for our Metro-East customers. …
A/C 101: It Keeps You Cool, But Can You Explain How It Works?Edit Read More »
If you have made the decision to upgrade your heating or cooling equipment, you have likely been focusing on high-efficiency models. Though it may not have occurred to you, size actually does matter when it comes to your climate control systems. As you work with your HVAC contractor, make sure that he’s familiar with air …
Manual J: The Key To Sizing Your New HVAC SystemEdit Read More »
The Metro-East area is known for its hot, humid summers, where an air conditioner is a welcome, if not mandatory, feature of any home. While annual maintenance can help keep your cooling equipment in top form, you may still encounter problems from time to time. Here are some of the more common A/C problems to …
If high summer temperatures have been giving your air conditioner a workout, but it seems your home has become difficult to cool and your energy bills are rising, you might be a victim of refrigerant huffing. Drug abusers, mainly teens, have started inhaling air conditioner refrigerant to get high. Not only is it hard on …
Prevent Refrigerant Huffing With A Cap On Your A/C Service ValveEdit Read More »
Out of sight, out of mind. The insulation in your attic works all year round, saving you money and increasing your family’s comfort, without requiring maintenance or repair. But could it be doing even more? Here in the Metro East area, with our cold winters and hot summers, insulation serves double duty: In the winter, …
Attic Insulation: For More Of What You Want Downstairs, Boost What You Have UpstairsEdit Read More »
You may have heard about the tax credits that were available for upgrading your home with energy-efficient improvements, such as new HVAC systems or insulation. You may have also heard that those energy tax credits expired at the end of 2011. Well, that’s only partly correct. Some of the energy tax credits have expired, such …
Those Hefty Energy Tax Credits: You Can Still Get Them For GeothermalEdit Read More »
As the summer heats up, take a load off your energy bill by lowering your home’s cooling load. Keeping heat and sunlight out of your home as much as possible is one of the simplest ways to reduce the load on your cooling system. Cut heat gain by a third through strategic planting of trees, …
Lowering Your Home’s Cooling Load To Lighten Your Energy CostsEdit Read More »
Heat pumps are excellent heating and cooling choices for a number of reasons, including heating efficiency rates of about 300 percent, and cooling efficiency comparable to high-efficiency air conditioners. In addition, if you’re in the market for a new heat pump, you’ll want to consider available advanced features for extended lifespan of the system, improved …
Buying A Heat Pump? Advanced Features To ConsiderEdit Read More »
It’s enough of a hassle to deal with the summer heat when you’re outside or getting into your car after it’s been in the sun. You shouldn’t also have to feel the wrath of the high temperatures when you open your energy bills every month. But how do you keep those bills under control without …
No-Sweat Ways To Lower Your Summertime Energy CostsEdit Read More »
