Spring is Almost Here! Beware a Frozen A/C Unit

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Spring Into Home Maintenance: Why do A/C Units Freeze?

Dirty evaporator coils and restricted airflow are just two of the many reasons why an Alexandria AC unit might freeze up. Keeping your HVAC equipment in good working order may allow you to reduce utility costs and extend the service life of your appliances and equipment.

Spring cleaning is a great time to perform seasonal maintenance and ensure that your AC unit is ready for warmer weather. Replacing filters and cleaning leaves and other debris from around the unit may not always be enough to keep a unit from freezing up or suffering from other mechanical problems.

Alexandria, VA ac_maintenance_480Airflow Obstructions

AC units cool interior environments by transferring thermal energy through their evaporator coils. Obstructions that may impede airflow can have a significant impact on the operational efficiency of a unit.

Dirty coils, clogged drains and other obstructions are some of the most common reasons for units to freeze up. Arranging for an AC unit to be inspected by a trained professional is often the best way to find and address any airflow obstructions that may be creating problems.

Low Coolant Levels

Lack of coolant is another issue that may create problems. While AC units are designed to last their entire operational life without a refill, cracked or damaged units can often develop a leak. Replenishing AC coolant and repairing a leak is a job best left to the professionals. Having your unit assessed and tested can ensure that coolant levels can be more easily maintained.

Equipment Failure

Broken or missing fan blades, a worn belt or failing compressor all have the potential to cause an AC unit to freeze up or stop working. Replacing parts and components that have worn out or begun to show signs of aging will ensure that a unit is able to last as long as possible. Seasonal inspections and routine maintenance may allow equipment owners to enjoy years of dependable performance.

Professional Maintenance and Inspection Services

Arranging for a complete inspection of your entire HVAC system can have many benefits. Warmer spring temperatures can create a great deal of strain on equipment and components that may be overdue for maintenance. Professional inspection services and maintenance solutions will help to ensure that you are able to maintain a more comfortable Alexandria household throughout the year.

For the best AC repair and inspection services in Alexandria, VA, call Cyprus Air Heating and Cooling at (844) 546-7219.

Save More Energy, Time, and Money With These Savvy Strategies!

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Top Energy Saving Strategies for Your Home HVAC Unit

We all want to save money. However, there are so many areas of our lives where dollars slip away seemingly unnoticed, especially when it comes to maintaining our Alexandria homes. From the cup of coffee you buy before work to the quick fast food trip you make on the way home, we spend unnecessary money everyday. One area you likely have overlooked is your HVAC system.

There are a few energy saving strategies for your home HVAC unit that, when employed, can make an immediate difference on your monthly bills and save you hundreds every year.

Alexandria, VA Energy Saving TipsProgrammable Thermostat

It’s likely there are periods of the day when nobody is at home. While there’s nobody there to benefit from temperature control, turning your system down significantly guarantees you’ll come home to discomfort. With a programmable thermostat, you can save significantly.

These devices can be programmed to start heating or cooling the home at a designated time to ensure your comfort after a long day. Best of all, you can make changes remotely anywhere you have Internet access. Total average savings with the correct use of programmable thermostats are around $180 per year.

Seals and Insulation

Your HVAC unit works by forcing air to and from the furnace. During the process, there are many opportunities for inefficiencies if your ducts aren’t sealed and properly insulated. A professional HVAC technician can thoroughly inspect your home, and just some common trouble areas they can focus on include:

-Attic

-Crawlspace

-Unheated basement

-Garage

Replacing Equipment

Whether your current HVAC unit isn’t properly heating or cooling your home or it’s over 10 years old, you should consider the installation of new, ENERGY STAR qualified equipment. A professional HVAC technician can help you inspect your current situation as well as make reliable recommendations. Depending on where you live, you could save around $120 annually by making the switch.

Investment That Pay

You rely on your HVAC unit, but, just as with any mechanical device, it requires regular maintenance to ensure it’s running efficiently. Whether it’s been some time since you gave yours the attention it needs or you’re ready to implement upgrades, it’s an investment that pays over time. By following these tips, you can be on your way to an HVAC unit that controls your Alexandria home’s temperature without breaking the bank.

To start saving in your Alexandria, VA home, call Cyprus Air Heating and Cooling at (844) 546-7219 today.

 

HVAC Technologies You Need in Your Home

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New HVAC Technologies 

During the previous decades, there have been a number of important improvements in HVAC systems. The goal is always to develop a system that is more efficient as well as decreases energy use. HVAC systems don’t last forever. Many of the latest technologies make replacing or upgrading a current HVAC system something to consider in your Alexandria home!

Alexandria, VA HVAC TrendsVent Sensors

There are now vents available that have sensors. They are designed to measure a structure’s air pressure, temperature as well as other aspects of a comfortable living space. These sensors make it possible to monitor and adjust the temperature in each room. This means if a room contains anything temperature sensitive, it can be accommodated. Doing this will not impact the comfort in other parts of a house. This makes the use of energy within a dwelling much more efficient.

Solar Air-Conditioning Alternative

A company in Australia designed thermally driven chillers. They provide users with a cost-effective alternative to conventional air conditioning. This technology uses specially designed solar panels able to obtain a temperature high enough to drive its chillers. This technology is able to provide a higher level of cooling even when compared to other photovoltaic systems. It is able to do away with using electricity for air conditioning.

ARS Rescur Rooter

This is technology that combines a gas furnace with an electric heat pump. It is able to provide comfortable temperatures in a very efficient way. If the temperature goes over 35 degrees, the dual pump will operate using a home’s electric to heat. This provides warm temperatures that are not excessively dry. When the temperatures are lower, it will operate with gas heat. This makes it more efficient. It may cost more in the initial installation, but it’s an investment that will pay for itself with years of decreased energy costs.

Geothermal HVAC

These type of systems have been available to consumers since the 1940s. The use of geothermal heat pumps has been increasing in recent years. One of the main reasons is the desire to utilize green technology. A geothermal heat pump works by using heat from the earth. This is done with looped piping designed to be placed in the ground.

When it’s winter, and the temperatures drop, the liquid in the piping loops underground is able to absorb heat. This is then taken back inside a structure to warm the rooms inside. According to experts, a Geothermal heating system is as much as four times more efficient that other HVAC systems. Geothermal heat pumps can also be used to provide cooling in your Alexandria home.

Plumbing Professionals Are Here to Help!

To learn more about the latest innovations in HVAC Technology call Cyprus Air Heating and Cooling at (844) 546-7219. Located in Alexandria, VA!

Make Your Home A Greener Place With These Tips

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Energy Saving Strategies for your HVAC System

Whether you’re running a business or focusing on your Alexandria home, heating and cooling can account for up to half of your monthly costs. Let’s face it: maintaining a comfortable temperature comes with a pretty hefty price tag. Unfortunately, heating and cooling costs aren’t going away anytime soon. However, there are several approaches you can take to help significantly cut down on your costs.

Alexandria, VA Heating1. Invest in a programmable thermostat:

These systems are available at a wide range of price points, depending on your specific needs. Many commercial businesses use motion detecting thermostats. The programming is simple: if a person is detected, the room will maintain a temperature between the set “occupied” parameters. If no movement is detected in the room for a set period of time (ex: 30 minutes,) the HVAC system uses the “unoccupied” parameters, which are much wider.

For example, the programming may keep the room’s temperature between 68 and 74 degrees while the room is occupied, but the allowable temperature range may drop to between 62 and 78 degrees when no one is in the room. This is a small tweak, requiring little compromise, but you will be surprised at the difference reflected in your utility bill.

Another type of programmable thermostat, typically cheaper than the system discussed above, is a time-based system. If your house stays empty Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 AM and 4 PM, you can program the thermostat to automatically widen its allowable temperature range during this time period. Again, this approach requires little to no lifestyle change, but the savings will be immediate.

2.Seal your ducts:

If you use a forced air furnace, heat pump, or central air, you are likely throwing away money in your ducts. Unless your ducts are sealed and insulated, heated and cooled air leaks through the seams and connections of your ducts. This may seem like a minor leak, but it can account for up to one fifth of your heating and cooling bill. To make these changes, start with the most accessible ducts. These are typically in attics and basements.

3. Proper and timely maintenance:

How long has it been since you changed your air filters? What about checking your system’s controls for safe operation or inspecting all electrical connections? If you can’t remember off the top of your head, it’s probably time for a tune-up. Did you know that your air filters should be replaced monthly? Putting off a filter change not only decreases your system’s efficiency, but it also can cause health issues.

With a little bit of research, or a short lesson from your local Alexandria HVAC expert, this is an easy DIY maintenance task. For other maintenance items, including inspecting the condensate drain, lubricating any moving parts, cleaning the blower components, and checking the refrigerant level, it’s best to trust the experts. Your savings in utilities will pay for the maintenance bill time and time again!

For quality services in your Alexandria, VA  home, call Cyprus Air Heating and Cooling at (888) 775-5640.

A Slice of HVAC History: Who Invented the A/C

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HVAC History: Who Invented the Air Conditioner?

Origin of the A/C Unit

You use the air conditioner in your Alexandria home every summer, but can you imagine a time before this modern marvel? Today we’ll be exploring the history of the air conditioning unit, starting with the source– our food.

The need to preserve food led to the invention of the air conditioner. Food preserved at room temperature posed a serious problem as it was infected by bacteria. It was observed that growth of bacteria was inhibited at temperature lower than 4 degrees Celsius. This led to exploration of ways of lowering temperature with the basic purpose of preserving and refrigerating food items. Other related applications, such as air conditioning also followed suit.

Alexandria, VA HVAC HistoryPrinciples of Refrigeration

The modern-day principles of absorption type of refrigeration were first discovered in 1824 when liquefied ammonia was used to chill air through evaporation. John Gorrie created ice using compressor technology in 1842.

Father of Modern Air Conditioning

Willis Haviland Carrier invented the first electrical air conditioning in 1902. He is known as the father of modern air conditioning.

He originally built his prototype with the intent of improving the manufacturing process of commercially available air conditioning applications.

Willis later established the Carrier Air Conditioning Company of America to meet the demand for productivity in the workplace. Tody, Carrier Corporation is the world’s leading air conditioning manufacturing company dealing in central air conditioning.

Discovery of Freon

In 1928, Thomas Midgley discovered Freon gas, which was safer for human use compared to flammable gases, such as ammonia, methyl chloride and propane that were formerly being used in air conditioning systems for domestic and commercial applications alike.

The only downside is that the use of CFC and HCFC refrigerants is rapidly depleting the ozone layer, causing a serious threat to the environment. Of late, a number of ozone-friendly refrigerants have been developed that are quickly replacing their old counterparts.

Interestig Facts from the History of Air Conditioner

1930: The White House is air conditioned.

1953: More than 1 million units of room air conditioners are sold for the first time ever, making it an important milestone in the history of the air conditioner.

1990: Microprocessor control systems are installed to control all areas of air conditioning and refrigeration.

1994: Carrier and other air conditioning manufacturers develop environment-friendly coolants.

1995: Manufacturing of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) coolants ceases in the United States.

Next time you turn on your Alexandria air conditioning unit, remember all the discoveries that made it possible!

For all types of air conditioning services in Alexandria, feel free to get in touch with a Cyprus Air Heating and Cooling representative at (844) 713-2085 .

Better Temperature Regulation in Your Alexandria Home

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How to Keep the Temperature Consistent from Room to Room

When you think about relaxing in your Alexandria home, you may think about the temperature being just right. However, the unfortunate reality is that many homes do not have a uniform temperature from room to room. There are many reasons why some rooms may be warmer while others are chilly, and this can be an uncomfortable situation to deal with.

Because there are several causes of temperature change in homes, you may need to try a few different remedies to find the one that works best for you. These are a few of the steps that you can take to improve the temperature issue that you are dealing with.

Alexandria, VA ventilation_servicesOpen Your Doors

Some homeowners may attempt to regulate the air temperature in their home by closing doors and sealing off the areas that are most problematic. While this may seem like a smart idea, it can backfire on you. This can decrease air circulation and cause a warm area to be warmer and a cool area to be cooler. Therefore, open all of the doors to promote great air circulation throughout the space.

Turn the Fans On

Air circulation is also enhanced when you turn on ceiling fans. If you do not currently have ceiling fans, think about making this helpful investment. Then, turn on the ceiling fans in bedrooms, your living room and other areas. With the doors to these areas open, the ceiling fans can encourage air circulation throughout the different rooms in your home.

Review the Air Ducts

Your air ducts serve the function of delivering heated or cooled air from the HVAC unit throughout the home. Ideally, the air will be delivered in a uniform manner, but this is not always the case. One cause for uneven distribution of climate-controlled air is faulty or damaged air ducts.

For example, there may be a small tear or a kink in the air ducts that is reducing the amount of air that one or more rooms receives. Repairing or replacing the damaged or kinked air duct can resolve the situation that you are dealing with.

These are only a few of the possible solutions available for improving the temperature experience in your home. Your heating and cooling system technician can help you to learn more about the possible causes of air circulation issues in your home, including inspecting air ducts and insulation. Reach out to your Alexandria heating and cooling specialist today to schedule an appointment.

With the help of Cyprus Air Heating, Cooling, and Fireplaces, you can keep the ideal temperature in your Alexandria, VA home. Just call (844) 869-8864!

Find Out What is Polluting the Inside of Your Home

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5 Sources Of Major Pollutants 

Pollutants That Are In Your Indoor Air

Alexandria, VA Air-Quality-ServicesCigarette Smoke- Many people smoke cigarettes, but not everyone smokes inside their home. Those that smoke outside must keep the doors and windows closed to avoid having the cigarette smoke go indoors. Those who smoke inside their Alexanadria home may have a heavily polluted home when it comes to air quality.

Mold- Although mold is preventable, sometimes, you cannot see that you have mold, especially if it’s behind a damp wall.

Check for mold in the home, but be aware that if you find mold, then it may also be lingering around in your air.

Paint- Some people choose to repaint rooms in their Alexandria home, and paint has fumes that can be extremely overpowering, especially for those who stay in the room too long. If the home isn’t ventilated well, then the paint smell can easily stay in the air for weeks.

Pesticides- Many Alexandria homes have pests like roaches, rats, mice, ants and more. Many choose to use pesticides that are sprayable, which can easily affect indoor air quality.

Even though there are pesticides that don’t need to be sprayed, some feel that aerosol pesticides are more effective, but these pesticides are detrimental to your indoor air quality.

Pollen- Springtime brings pollen, which reeks havoc on those with allergies, but it’s even worse when pollen is constantly in the air inside a home. Many like having fresh air coming in from outside, so they’ll keep their windows and doors open, which inevitably allows pollen to come indoors.

Is Your Air Dirty?

You can have your indoor air tested by a professional to see how bad the air quality really is, but if you’re getting sick a lot of the times and have a hard time breathing, then you can bet that your air quality is probably not very good.

Opening up the house once in a while to let air circulate through will help, but you should also depend on your HVAC unit as well.

Get Your HVAC Unit On The Job

Allow your HVAC unit to do its job by ventilating the home and cleaning the air. You can have much cleaner air that is a lot easier to breathe in if you turn on your HVAC unit, even if it’s just once in a while. Also, make sure your HVAC unit is always well-maintained by getting an Alexandria professional to look at it.

Stop ruining the air quality in your Alexandria, VA home. Call Cyprus Heating and Cooling today at (844) 535-5091 to get further insight and assistance on this issue.

Look For These Signs to See if Your Water Heater Needs Servicing

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3 Signs My Water Heater Needs To Be Serviced

You cannot take a relaxing bath, enjoy a hot shower or clean your clothes without warm water in your Alexandria home. Regardless of whether you have a traditional or tankless water heater, it needs to be serviced regularly in order to prevent problems.

Alexandria, VA Water-Heater-ServicesThere are several signs you may notice if your Alexandria homes water heater is in need of professional service. Below are three signs your water heater needs to be serviced:

Excessive Noise

If your water heater is making a lot of noise, then this is not a good sign. Loud noise is usually a sign that sediment has started to build up inside of your water heater.

A professional can flush sediment out of your water heater. You should also call a professional if your water heater is making a sound you never heard before.

Your Water Heater Is Not Producing Warm Water

If you notice that your water heater is not as hot as it was before, then the first thing you will want to do is check the thermostat. Make sure that the thermostat is on the appropriate temperature.

If the thermostat is on the right temperature, then there may be a problem with the water heater’s heating element. A professional can identify the cause and correct it.

Leaks Within Your Water Heater

It is important to check your Alexandria homes water heater periodically for leaks. You should look for puddles around the water heater. You should also look for condensation on the water heater. A small leak can easily be repaired. That is why you should get it repaired as soon as possible.

Keep in mind that water heater leaks can lead to other problems. A leak can cause a drastic increase in your water bill. Additionally, a leak will continue to get bigger if it is not fixed.

A small water heater problem can quickly turn into a major one. That is why you will need to get your water heater looked at immediately if you suspect something is wrong with it. Leaks and strange noises are signs that something is wrong with your water heater. You should also have your water heater serviced if you notice it is leaking.

Any hold ups regarding your Alexandria, VA water heater? Call Cyprus Heating and Cooling at (844) 535-5091 today for any of your repair or maintenance requests.

Tips to Help You Save this Month

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5 Ways To Save On Your Utility Bill

Keeping the utility bill as low as possible is something that all homeowners care about. Energy savings can greatly accumulate over time, resulting in not only a lot of money being saved, but also a reduced strain on the environment. Below are five easy things that any homeowner can do to save money on their next utility bill.

Alexandria, VA Utility-Savings-TipsServicing The Refrigerator

The refrigerator is oftentimes the leading energy user in a household, as it is a large appliance that requires power twenty-four hours a day.

A refrigerator should usually be serviced once or twice each year, something which will entail the cleaning of the refrigerator coils, refrigerant replacement, repair to faulty door seals and more.

Turn Off The Power

A large portion of the electricity bill for an average household is actually taken up by wasted energy. The reason for this is that a lot of appliances draw power even when they are turned off.

An easy way to prevent this from happening is to use power strips, which contain multiple outlets. All a person needs to do is turn the strip off when nothing plugged into it is in use, and the energy savings will stack up.

Upgrade The Light Bulbs

Any household that is still using incandescent light bulbs is spending money on their energy costs that they do not need to. By simply replacing all incandescent bulbs with CFL bulbs, a Alexandria homeowner can reduce their electricity needs by up to 75 percent. CFL light bulbs are also capable of lasting for up to 10 times longer than incandescent ones.

Do Laundry With Cold Water

Using hot water to clean clothing wastes a lot of energy. Cold water washing is not only more energy efficient, it also makes doing laundry easier, as colored garments do not need to separated from white ones when cold water is used.

Service AC And Heating Systems

The air conditioning and heating systems in a home use huge amounts of energy each day, which is why keeping them in the best possible condition is important.

The more efficiently these systems are running, the more energy costs are saved over time. The process of servicing AC or heating systems could include basic cleaning tasks, the replacement of filters, routine maintenance on the engines and inner workings of a system and the cleaning of dirty vents.

As long as a Alexandria homeowner takes the time to implement these tips, great energy savings are on the way. Saving money on the utility bill is not only beneficial to homeowners, as it also reduces the impact that a household is having on the environment.

Try to save during this holiday season on your Alexandria, VA home utility bill. Call Cyprus Heating and Cooling at (844) 535-5091, for any questions or further assistance.

Find Out Why Your Furnace is Smelling Up Your Home

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Burning Furnace Smell

Why Do I Smell Something Burning?

Alexandria, VA Furnace-Repair-ServicesIf people smell something burning in a home, the first thing they might do is go into the kitchen to see what’s cooking. If there is nothing cooking, it can be very puzzling to figure out where the burning smell is coming from, and this is when panic starts to set in.

If there’s something burning in the kitchen, many will know just to turn off the stove and to remove the pot or pan from the stove.

If there’s a burning smell coming from anywhere else in the house, especially the furnace, then it may be troubling. If a furnace has a burning smell coming from it, there could be several reasons why.

Here Are The Possibilities

1. Not everyone runs their furnace throughout the year, especially since there are several months in the year that are too warm to allow a furnace to be turned on.

Once the furnace is turned on again, it’s possible that the burning smell will be caused by the dust that has accumulated inside of the furnace. The dust should easily burn off, and the smell should go away after a while, but if the smell sticks, then there is a much bigger problem.

2. It’s also a good idea to consider that there is some type of malfunction going on with the blower, which has the purpose of blowing warm air around the home.

If this blower has stopped working properly or is not working at all, then it’s very likely that you’ll have an overheated furnace that can create a burning type of smell. This can be very problematic, and this means that you no longer have a properly functioning furnace, so professional help is needed.

3. Don’t forget about the air filter in your Alexandria furnace because it’s very important, not just for clean air but also to help prevent a possible fire.

An extremely dirty filter can be so filled with dust that it causes the filter to catch fire and become an even bigger hazard. Change filters regularly to prevent this type of hazard.

Call A Professional

When you still can’t determine why your Alexandria furnace is letting off a burning smell, then you’ll need to make a call to a professional. Do not run the furnace again until the professional can come out and check the unit to determine the cause of the problem.

Is your furnace in smelling up your Alexandria, VA home? Call Cyprus Heating and Cooling today at (888) 775-5640, and get that foul odor out of your home.