HVAC Technologies You Need in Your Home

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

 


The Different Heat Pumps to Consider

Geothermal & Air-Source Heat Pumps

Technology has changed the way many people live in the world today. In addition, technology has impacted almost every area of modern life.

Alexandria, VA Heat-Pump-ServicesOne of the areas where technology has made a tremendous difference is the housing market.

From real estate sales to house construction in your Alexandria area, technology has encouraged professionals in many fields related to housing development to improve traditional operational methods.

The Heat Pump

One area that has seen an emergence of new technology is heating and cooling equipment for residential and commercial buildings. One of the most popular heating and cooling systems currently utilized is the heat pump.

In its basic form a heating pump is typically used in climates with average cooling and heating needs.

The heat pump is an effective energy efficient alternative to furnaces and air conditioners. Moreover, a heat pump works with electricity by moving heat from a cool space to a warm space thereby making the cool space cooler and the warm space warmer.

The difference between heat pumps is generally based on the method used to move the heat from a cool space to a warm space.

Main Differences Between Geothermal And Air Source Heat Pumps

Two popular types of heat pumps on the market today are geothermal and air source heat pumps. There are several differences between these two heat pumps. The main differences include:

1. Geothermal heat pumps extract heat from the ground, and air source heat pumps work by an air-to-air exchange.

2. When outdoor temperatures fall very low such as below zero, air source heat pumps tend to need some type of backup heat while geothermal units are still able to meet heating demands without backup assistance.

3. Geothermal heat pumps require more technical expertise and top quality equipment for the pumps to work at high standards.

4. Air source heat pumps are typically less expensive to install than geothermal heat pumps.

What To Consider When Making A Decision On Which Heat Pump To Utilize

Modern technology has provided the opportunity for numerous innovations regarding heating and cooling systems. The heat pump has become one of the most popular innovations in recent years concerning heating and cooling equipment for residential and commercial operations.

Both geothermal and air source heat pumps provide quality performance for users in their Alexandria homes. However, there are differences between the two heat pumps that should be considered before making a final decision.

The ultimate decision between the two pumps should be based on the specific situation because every situation is different.

Find out more info about the differences of geothermal and air source heat pumps in your Alexandria, VA home. Call Cyprus Heating and Cooling at (888) 775-5640 today, to get more insight on this topic.


Don’t Get Sick This Winter

Keep Airborne Viruses Under Control In Your Home

Don’t Get Sick This Winter

Many feel that if they get a flu shot this winter, then they are not going to catch any illnesses, but this is far from the truth. The flu shot only prevents the flu, and this means that any other airborne illnesses that are floating around can be caught by this person.

Alexandria, VA Flu Season TipsMany don’t realize that their own Alexandria home is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to catching airborne illnesses because they feel that these illnesses are caught outside of the home.

If a family has people over for get-togethers, which is very common during the holidays, then any one of the persons coming into the home can bring in illnesses.

If a person has a cold or the flu, then if they sneeze or cough, they are exposing others in the room to the illness. These germs go into the air, and they can be sucked up into the HVAC system and passed throughout the house.

Keeping an HVAC unit working properly may be the best and first defense against getting airborne illnesses in your Alexandria home, especially during the wintertime.

Is Your HVAC Unit Ready For The Cold Weather?

You have to check your HVAC unit before you turn it on for the winter, especially if it’s been off since the summer. In some regions of the USA, those with an HVAC unit that is both an air conditioner and a heater may have the unit turned off for a couple months after the hot weather disappears.

During the months of September and October, it’s possible to have mild weather that doesn’t require the use of the HVAC unit, but then when late October and early November roll around, the weather may start getting cold.

Before you turn on the HVAC unit again, make sure it’s ready to deal with the cold weather by doing what’s necessary to keep the unit running properly.

Make Sure Maintenance Is Performed

If you want to prevent any airborne illnesses from roaming from room to room through your HVAC system, make sure that the filter in the unit is changed.

It’s a good idea to change the filter before turning on the heat, even if the filter is still usable. Call out a professional HVAC maintenance person to check out your unit, and you’ll also want to make sure to clean the unit as well as the air ducts and vents in the home.

Keep your Alexandria, VA home free from germs of the flu season. Call Cyprus Heating and Cooling today at (888) 775-5640, to get tips on how to keep your home flu free.