Ways to Heat Up your Valentine’s Day

Love should be spread to every corner of your world on Valentine’s Day. That includes your house. You should use the holiday to remind you to give your home some TLC. Follow these three tips to give your home some love this Valentine’s Day.

Give Your Furnace a Break

Although spring will soon be upon us and we will get to go outdoors, you can get a jump on the fun by bringing outdoor-style heating to your living space. Get your chimney inspected so that you can enjoy beautiful gatherings around your family hearth. Annual chimney cleanings are essential to prevent the buildup of creosote, which can start a deadly fire in a heartbeat.

You should think about taking the party outside with outdoor heating options. A bonfire is guaranteed to make for a fun-filled night with friends and family. You can always go less primal by using a fire pit or an outdoor heater as well. The point is that you can always take the party to the great outdoors if you are willing to harness the power of outdoor heating.

Show Your Unit Some TLC

Valentine’s Day is a great time to perform some routine maintenance on your furnace. Give your furnace a once over or better yet hire a professional to give it a thorough inspection. At the minimum, you should change the filter and install a high-quality HEPA filter replacement to improve the air quality inside your home. You should also think about getting your ducts cleaned as part of your annual furnace maintenance routine. The air ducts will build up lots of dust over time that negatively impacts your health if it is not removed.

Love Is in the Air

It doesn’t matter how great your heating and cooling system is if your home is not properly insulated. Use this time to take a look at the insulation in your home. Check to see if there are areas where additional insulation would lower your heating and cooling costs.

You also need to use this time to think about everyday ways you can lower your energy use. For example, you need to be careful to keep doors and windows in your home fully closed in order not to waste climate-controlled air. You also need to think about the temperature settings you have set up on your HVAC system. Think about whether you can stand it a few degrees warmer in the summer and cooler in the winter in order to shrink your home’s carbon footprint and lower your energy bills.

If you want professional help getting your home’s heating and cooling needs squared away this Valentine’s Day, turn to Cyprus Air Heating & Cooling city in Alexandria, VA. When you contact Cyprus Air Heating & Cooling at 888-475-0402, we will make sure to take care and give your home the love it deserves. We will work with you to create a mixture of indoor and outdoor heating solutions to make your home a paradise.

4 Tips to Avoid Being Too Cold This Winter

Everybody likes saving money, and nobody likes being cold. Wouldn’t it be great if you could somehow combine those two things into a weekend project? Well, the good news is that you can! If you’re looking for ways to warm your home, keep your family more comfortable, and lower your energy costs, then you’re in the right spot. As promised, here are four ways that you can turn up the heat this winter without actually turning up the heat.

1. Furnace Maintenance

Did you know that the average cost of a furnace repair is about $300, while the average cost of annual maintenance is only around $100?

This comparison matters because many major furnace breakdowns can be prevented with regular maintenance and annual inspections, meaning you can avoid costly repairs just by having your heating system checked once a year. Not only that, but a maintained furnace is an efficient furnace, and that translates to a warmer house and a lower heating bill.

2. Humid Air

Humidifiers are a great way to add more moisture to the air in winter, and this can reduce dry skin, prevent chapped lips, and make your house feel warmer. Yes, that’s right—a humidifier can make your house warmer. Moist air retains heat better than dry air, so running a humidifier will keep you cozy and let you turn down the thermostat.

3. Winterized Home

A winterized home is a warm home because it’s better at keeping warm air in and cold air out. Winterizing involves seasonal measures like installing storm windows and doors, putting up window film, and reversing the direction of ceiling fans (to clockwise). But some winterizing can also be beneficial year-round, such as:-

-Repairing cracks in windows, doors, and ductwork

-Installing weather stripping

-Adding more insulation

-Blocking unused chimneys with balloons

4. Better Thermostat

Imagine you had a thermostat that you could program so that it would increase the temperature of the house before you woke up in the morning and before you got home from work in the evening.

And then imagine that the same thermostat could be programmed to lower the temperature when everybody was sleeping, out for the day, or away on vacation. Sound too good to be true? Well it’s not, and a modern programmable thermostat can do all these things, and save you money on heating bills at the same time.

These simple steps are things you can do on your own around the house in a short amount of time, and the money you’ll spend executing the tasks will be recouped quickly thanks to what you’ll save on your heating bills. Moreover, the money and headaches you’ll save on furnace repairs and breakdowns by having your heating unit maintained properly are priceless.

To book your furnace inspection today, call the heating experts at Cyprus Air Heating and Cooling at 703-765-9400

Home Cleaning Checklist for the New Year

The New Year is an opportunity for a fresh start, and what better way to get a fresh start than to establish a quick but efficient way to clean your house.

Sticking to a schedule for things that you do on a daily, weekly or monthly basis can help motivate you to keep your house looking like you spent hours cleaning it when it really only took a small fraction of your day. Use this basic cleaning schedule as a guideline to get and keep your home in order.

What to Clean Daily

Spend about 30 minutes a day doing the chores that need to be done around your home. These basic tasks might seem simple, but make a world of difference in how your home looks and feels.

-Wash dishes at least once a day. If you can’t find the time to wash them all, at least make an effort to scrape excess food off and rinse them so the food doesn’t stick. Alternatively, throw a load in the dishwasher once a day.

-Tidy up. Tidying up helps control clutter. Walk through your house one room at a time and put things that are out of place back where they belong. Do a room or two and then take a break.

-Wipe off countertops to clean crumbs and spills

What to Clean Weekly

Some tasks do not necessarily need to be done every single day. Instead pick a day of the week where you will tackle these tasks. Which include:

-Empty the trash in bedrooms, bathrooms, and the kitchen

– Dust furniture and wiping down cobwebs

-Clean mirrors and windows

-Wipe down appliances in the kitchen, cleaning out the microwave and empty the crumb tray in your toaster

-Mop the floor

-Spray down and scrub the toilet, sink, and tub in the bathroom

What to Clean the First of Each Month

Monthly tasks are important and easy to forget. Don’t fall behind. Try to do these tasks at least once a month for optimal cleanliness.

-Move furniture and vacuum or sweep under it

-Clean outside windows

-Disinfect and deodorize garbage cans

-Run vinegar through your appliances to clean them

-Dust your blinds, shades and lighting fixtures

Keeping your home clean is a great start to the year. Contact Cyprus Air Heating & Cooling, located in Alexandria, VA  at 888-475-0402 for assistance with getting your home in order.

Military Family Appreciation Month

Veterans Day was originally referred to as Armistice Day. November 11,1918 marked the official end of World War I, and to commemorate the day, legislation was passed in 1938 to dedicate the day to world peace and honor World War I veterans.

Sixteen years and two wars later following the Korean War and World War II, veterans service organizations called on the 83rd U.S. Congress to amend the Act of 1938 to include all veterans. Congress agreed, and on June 1, 1954, Armistice Day officially became Veterans Day. The day is a legal holiday dedicated to honoring all veterans who served honorably during wartime or peacetime in the military.

Save the Date!

Veterans Day is often confused with Memorial Day. Both are legal holidays, and both are meant to honor our men and women in uniform. Memorial Day is specifically meant to honor those who lost their life while serving our country and Veterans Day is meant to honor all servicemen and servicewomen, living and deceased.

Some confusion has also come about over the years in regards to what date Veterans Day lands on. Originally the date was set for November 11th. However, in 1968, the Uniforms Holiday Bill was passed, providing federal employees three-day weekends for certain national holidays including Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Washington’s Birthday and Columbus Day.

Since November 11th does not always fall on a Friday or Monday and allow for this, Veterans Day was deemed to be the fourth Monday of October.

The first Veterans Day under the new bill, in 1971, was observed on October 25th. Not all states agreed with this new policy and chose to observe it on its traditional date of November 11th, creating a lot of confusion nationwide. President Gerald R. Ford officially overturned the date change and returned Veterans Day to its original date in 1975 which we still observe today as being November 11th.

Show Your Appreciation

Perhaps President Dwight Eisenhower said it best in his letter to Harvey V. Higley when he designated him to be the Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee; in the closing of his letter, he said: “I have every confidence that our Nation will respond wholeheartedly in the appropriate observance of Veterans Day, 1954.” President Eisenhower wasn’t just calling on Mr. Higley to honor our veterans on this day. He was calling on the Nation to show their appreciation of the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our freedom.

Veterans Day isn’t about a three-day weekend for Americans. It is important that we pause and think about the sacrifice so many have made and continue to make for us every day.

Our country is laden with veterans who are homeless, unemployed, wounded, and fighting psychological trauma from their experiences on the battlefront. Not only are our veterans impacted, but their families are as well.

The families of these brave souls sacrifice their time with their loved one and the sense of security that we take for granted that our loved ones will be home safely each day.

Ways You Can Get Involved with Veterans Day

This Veterans Day, we challenge you to get out and honor our veterans.

Some ideas to try with your family this year:

• Teach your children about veterans and make cards to deliver to a Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital.
• Donate to organizations working to house veterans or help them find employment.
• Send a letter or care package to our troops overseas.
• Buy a meal for a veteran in your area.

So many veterans feel forgotten by our country, make a difference this Veterans Day in Alexandria, VA and show a military family that you recognize the sacrifices they’ve made. Cyprus Air Heating and Cooling is happy to provide you with the history of Veterans Day. For HVAC assistance, call 703-765-9400.

5 Reasons Fall is the Best Time to Get a Furnace Maintenance Check

With winter just around the corner, now is the time to tend to your heating system. And when it comes to your furnace, a little preventative maintenance can go a long way in identifying and eliminating problems before they even have a chance to develop. Still not convinced? Here are five good reasons to get furnace maintenance before winter kicks in.

1. Temperatures are dropping.

With the temperatures dropping, you’ll be turning that furnace on soon, and you are expecting it to do its job, right?

The only way to know for sure that you’ll be able to stay warm is by getting maintenance done before the temperatures have fallen uncomfortably low. If you do have a furnace problem, you’ll be able to deal with it while it is still relatively warm out.

2. A Professional Can Determine if Any Repairs are Necessary

While you may do a visual inspection of your furnace as part of your ongoing homeowner maintenance, only a trained professional will be able to dig deep into the diagnostics of your system. As part of maintenance, key components are cleaned, taken apart and tested to make sure that they work. It’s often also part of your manufacturer’s warranty that you engage in annual furnace maintenance with an accredited professional.

3. To Save Energy

Want to save money? Who doesn’t? One of the best ways to shave down on your energy bills is to make sure that your furnace is running optimally. When its components are calibrated properly and the filter is clean, the hot air will flow most efficiently, which means lower energy bills for you.

4. Because It Hasn’t Been Used Throughout the Summer Months

Your system has been dormant for months. If you are keen on energy efficiency too, you may have turned your pilot light off over the summer (and if you didn’t this year, you may want to consider doing it for next year). To make sure that the pilot light is re-ignited safely and accurately, it’s worth calling a professional.

5. Keep Your Family Safe

Need a reason to have furnace maintenance? How about your family’s safety? Carbon monoxide is deadly, but challenging to detect because it is tasteless and odorless.

Having a professional trained in carbon monoxide safety means that they can check for carbon monoxide leaks and clean the furnace system properly.

For all of your heating and cooling needs in Alexandria, VA, we are your one-stop shop. Call Cyprus Air Heating and Cooling today at 703-765-9400.

Join Cyprus Air Heating and Cooling to Stop Bullying

Cyprus Air Heating and Cooling believes it’s important that our communities understand how bullying affects all of us. While most of the repercussions of intimidation and violence are associated with children, anyone can experience the negative impact of being bullied.

Victims have been known to suffer from anxiety, depression, sadness and loss of interest in work, studies, and hobbies. Sufferers have seen negative changes in their health. Bullying needs to stop! Bullying has to be a matter we all confront to ensure victims feel protected and safe. During the month of October, we hope everyone who reads these words will join us in the fight against bullying by participating in and promoting the following events.

National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month

October brings together schools and organizations around the country in hopes of educating and encouraging communities to stop bullying and cyberbullying and give victims the courage to step forward.

Run, Walk, or Roll Against Bullying: October 6th

Sponsored by PACER and the National Bullying Prevention Center, Run, Walk, or Roll Against Bullying looks to raise awareness while engaging in fun activities for the whole family.

Freedom from Workplace Bullying: October 14th-20th

Freedom from Workplace Bullying hopes to get adults to get past the potential shame that keeps them silent and seek out help. Let’s inspire witnesses to step forward, take a stand and make the workplace safe from bullying for everyone.

Unity Day: October 10th

CustomInk and PACER are sponsoring this event for the sixth straight year. Wear an orange shirt or get CustomInk’s official “Be United” shirt and show your support for inclusion, kindness, and acceptance.

Stop Bullying Bystanders: October 14th-20th

Bystanders can play key roles in preventing and stopping bullying. This event is to remind witnesses not to ignore bullying or other signs of violence.

National Stop Bullying Day: October 12th

This event encourages everyone to spread the word about the dangers of bullying through #NationalStopBullyingDay. It’s a great way to get the conversation started and maybe help a few victims find the courage to speak up. We need to remove the stigma to hide when we’re being bullied. Bullying can affect people for their entire lives, even long after the victims have left their bullies in the past. We need the generous spirit of people ready to support the cause and make a difference.

We’re asking every parent, student, co-worker, business, school and politician to decide what they can do to help. Attend an event, educate your children, make sure local schools are doing the same, stand up for someone, report the bullying, or donate money or your time to an anti-bullying organization. Cyprus Air Heating and Cooling hopes you join us to stop bullying. Come by our office in Alexandria, VA or give us a call at 703-765-9400 to talk about the HVAC services we offer!

Tips to Help Avoid These 7 Fall HVAC Mistakes

As a homeowner, some of your biggest costs come with heating and cooling your home. With fall upon us, and cooler temperatures approaching, it’s a good idea to take a few minutes to make sure that your HVAC system and the other components that will impact your energy efficiency in your home all look good.

Energy costs are variable, which means that there is something that you can do to keep them under control. Here are some tips to help you avoid mistakes with your HVAC.

1 – Forget to Change the Filter

Your air filter is responsible for removing particles and debris from the air as it flows through the house. Over time the filter will gather residue and begin to be less effective. You need to clean your filter on a regular basis for a few reasons.

One, it cleans the air, which is particularly important if you have pets shedding dander or if you or other family members have a respiratory disease.

Two, it helps the air (and the heat) circulate more efficiently. Make a point to change it when the season changes too.

2 – Not Changing the Thermostat

Many people simply leave their thermostat at the same setting year-round, leaving their HVAC system to do all the heavy work of regulating temperature, against the heat or cold outside.

This fall, adjust your thermostat downwards slightly so that your HVAC unit doesn’t have to work as hard.

3 – Not Checking the Vents

It’s more efficient if you can have air circulating in areas of the house that you need it most. Close some of the vents to push the hot air towards the rooms where you spend most of your time. Don’t close too many or your efforts will be counterproductive.

4 – Leaky Ducts

Your ducts are an important part of your comfort system that you need to deliver the hot air expressly. If there are leaks in or around the ducts, the air will leak out instead of reaching your rooms, making your HVAC system work twice as hard.

5 – Ignoring Warning Signs

If you think trouble is brewing with your system, don’t put it off. Get it checked out. If you see signs of rust, hear unusual noises coming from your unit or can’t get your home to heat properly, get it looked at today.

6 – Clutter Around the Condenser

Whatever you do, make sure that the area around the condenser is free from clutter and plants so that air can circulate freely. Condensers need room to breathe, just like the rest of us!

7 – Badly Placed Carpets and Furniture

Make sure that you don’t have carpets, furniture, toys or anything else covering vents . Having these items there will block the hot air from flowing through.

To make doubly sure that your HVAC system is in great condition this fall, don’t hesitate to call for a second opinion. Our trained staff at Cyprus Air Heating and Cooling in Alexandria, VA is happy to answer any of your questions at 703-765-9400.

National Fruits and Veggies Month

National Fruits and Veggies Month is an excellent time to find ways to incorporate these wonderful foods into your diet. They’re nutritious, filling and full of vitamins and minerals our bodies need to function.

While many people enjoy fruits, it’s sometimes harder to get the right amount of veggies in your meals throughout the day. The following are some excellent tips to recognize these foods during National Fruits and Veggies Month.

Learn to Snack Healthy

Snacking is a good habit to have if you choose the right snacks. The humble apple and banana are both filling, affordable and nutritious snacks that are also portable. Not only will they fulfill a sweet craving, but will also help satiate hunger until your next meal.

Edamame is another healthy snack that is appetizing with a dip like hummus. Add in some carrots and pepper strips and you have a colorful meal that is full of vitamins.

Visit a Local Farmers’ Market

The farmers’ market is one of the best places to find fresh produce that is in season. The produce at the farmers’ market may have even been picked the day before or that same morning. Many farmers’ markets also sell some produce that has been preserved or pickled by the family.

These products offer a fun way to try a new jam or jelly that you may not find in the grocery store. The following are some unique items that you may find at your local farmers market.

• Rhubarb
• Heirloom tomatoes
• Okra
• New apple varieties
• Locally-grown food

Know the Benefits of Eating Fruits and Vegetables

It’s important to understand the reason why the body thrives off eating a variety of fruits and vegetables. There are many benefits from eating fresh produce.

Once you find your favorites, it will become easier to find new ways to prepare them to ensure you get the recommended daily servings.

Here are some of the most exciting benefits of eating fruits and vegetables:

• They’re filling with minimal calories
• Many contain fiber to aid in digestion
• Greens and berries have antioxidants to help counteract the effects of aging

The next time you’re planning a meal or snack, be sure to incorporate at least 2 or 3 fruits or vegetables. When you’re shopping, look for a new variety each time you go to the store. You can always find recipes for nearly anything online, and it’s tons of fun to expand your palate and try new things!

Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of fruits and veggies, our company, Cyprus Air Heating and Cooling would like to offer you a hand with your HVAC needs in Alexandria, VA . Give us a call at 703-765-9400.

5 HVAC Brands to Consider For Total Home Cooling

Has the time come to replace your home’s air conditioning system? If your aging system has stopped delivering the cool comfort you have come to rely on during the dog days of summer, or if repair service calls are becoming more frequent, you’ll probably want to start considering it.

With energy savings of as much as 60% over units that are 10 to 15 years old, you’ll start seeing some significant savings on your utility bills when you have a new system installed. But with so many different brands and models on the market, it’s hard to decide which one to get.

How to Compare Systems

There are a few key criteria to look at when you’re comparing different systems. There’s the reputation for reliability and the warranty offered. In most cases, manufacturers offer a 10-year warranty.

Then there’s the initial cost. However, it’s also important to factor in the model’s energy efficiency, as this will have a significant impact on the cost of operating the system over the span of its life.

Other features, such as how much noise the unit makes, as well as its ability to be accessed via remote devices can also be a factor in the decision-making process.

When it comes to selecting the exact model to suit your home best, it’s a good idea to consult an expert technician that can help identify the right size that will best meet the needs of your home.

Let’s have a look at 5 of this year’s highest rated AC models.

Carrier Infinity 19 VS

Running at a whisper-quiet 56 dBs, this Carrier model has a 19 SEER rating (a higher rating means better energy efficiency). It is a 5-stage AC system that runs quietly and efficiently most of the time, but can cycle into higher stages to provide more cooling when the temperature and humidity rises.

Within the mid-range in price, the model offers very good affordability and efficiency, backed by a 10-year warranty.

Maytag M1200 PSA4BI iQ Drive

At the top end of the price scale, this system offers outstanding energy efficiency with a SEER rating of 25.5. It boasts outstanding features like quiet operation, a modulating compressor, remote access connectivity plus an industry-leading 12-year warranty.

Amana AVXC20

This system delivers excellent efficiency, with a SEER rating of 24.5 plus outstanding warranty coverage. If the compressor unit fails at any time during its lifetime, Amana will replace it at no charge. All other parts are covered by a 10-year warranty.

Dave Lennox Signature XC25

Another of the higher end systems, this unit delivers energy efficiency as high as a 26 SEER rating. It is very quiet, with a modulating compressor for improved performance and humidity control. iComfort technology from Lennox allows for remote Wi-Fi access to the system. The unit is covered by a 10-year warranty.

Armstrong Pro Series 4SCU20LX

Another great option that matches affordability and energy efficiency, this Armstrong unit has a SEER rating of 20 and is backed by a 10-year warranty. Remote connectivity is also possible, using ComfortSync technology.

No matter which make or model you choose for your home, the single most important factor in getting the best possible energy efficiency and dependability for your cooling system is to have it installed by a licensed HVAC expert.

To find out more about which system will best meet your needs, contact Cyprus Air Heating & Cooling in Alexandria, VA at 703-765-9400 for expert advice or to schedule your free estimate.

Not Quite Ready To Go Back To School? Read These Tips!

Preparing to take the kids back to school in the fall is one of the most tiring and troublesome experiences a parent can go through. There are so many little things to accomplish, such as buying new outfits, textbooks, backpacks, general school supplies, and reorganizing schedules around work and everyday life.

Most kids will not be ready and will simply not want to offer a helping hand with all of the tasks that need to be completed by the first day of school.

Savings/Budget

You should begin saving a bit of extra money ahead of time for the purchase of various school supplies.

Most schools don’t send home a list of what is needed, such as the books, notebooks, and pencils, until it is nearly time to return. This can be troublesome and downright headache-inducing for most parents. The best option is to put aside a bit of money each month during the summer so when the time comes you already have the funds required to take the kids shopping.

Buying Supplies

Most local big-name stores will offer the school supplies required for most children in the area. Large shopping chains set aside entire sections of their floor, including multiple aisles, for parents shopping for their children. You can find brand new notebooks, three-ring binders, packs of markers, pencils, pens, and loose-leaf paper so kids can draw or write notes on. The items can be costly, so saving some money beforehand, as mentioned above, will be vital to heading back to school.

Organizing Your Schedules

This is especially important for those parents who have more than one child in their home heading back to school. Some schools, especially middle and high schools, tend to have different starting times. You must balance your time between dropping off your child before the bell rings and making it to work on-time each day. This can be a bit of a hassle at first, but once you really get into the swing of things, it should be much easier.

When possible, speak with your kids and find out who would be willing to ride the bus in the morning. If you have a school bus stop near your home, you can drop your child off on the way to work. Alternatively, you can have a family friend, or perhaps a neighbor, who also has a child heading to school, drop your kids off when they are passing by the area.

Heading back to school does not need to give you the headache that most people associate it with. Take a step back, take a quick breath, and write down exactly what needs to be done. If you are also in need of HVAC tips, call Cyprus Air Heating and Cooling in Alexandria, VA at 703-765-9400.