Monthly Archives: June 2016

What Makes Smart Thermostats So Smart?

Smart cars, smart phones, and smart homes — we live in an era where technology sometimes seems to be smarter than us. Smart technology has made its way even into the HVAC industry. By keeping you connected to your home, smart thermostats have revolutionized how homes are managed and how homeowners experience comfort. But what makes a smart thermostat so smart, and how could it benefit homeowners in Mobile, Alabama?

What Is a Smart Thermostat?

The smart thermostat is an evolution of the programmable thermostat, so to completely understand the smart thermostat, we should first understand its predecessor. Programmable thermostats are just what they say they are. A regular, standard thermostat must be set manually, and if you want to save energy while you’re asleep or going out for the day, you have to change it manually every time. A programmable thermostat, however, allows you to program certain temperatures for certain hours of the day, according to your schedule. In the long run, this can save you up to around $180 a year.

Many programmable thermostats can be used with zoned air conditioning. Zones refer to different areas in your home in which one or more air handlers have been installed based on temperature needs or preferences in those areas. Zoning allows you to avoid energy waste cooling down rooms that are not often used.

Smart thermostats have all the features of a programmable thermostat, plus a few added goodies. First, smart thermostats come equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity. Thanks to this feature, you can manage temperature and humidity from your smartphone, as long as you have access to the Internet.

For example, let’s say that you’ve decided to stay an extra week on your vacation, but you already programmed your thermostat to begin cooling your home tomorrow morning when you expected to return home. You can access the smart thermostat’s app on your smartphone and adjust the programming from there.

In addition to Wi-Fi connectivity, smart thermostats also provide energy usage and send you reports. You will be able to generate reports for specified periods so that you can analyze energy usage over time and determine ways to save energy. With these functions, smart thermostats can make your home a more efficient living space.

Smart Thermostat Options

Have you ever browsed through the features on your phone and simply been overwhelmed by all the options? We understand the feeling. You could experience a similar feeling with the many different types of smart thermostats out there, so we’ve compiled a brief list of some of the most reliable smart thermostats in the industry.

Infinity Remote Access Touch Control SYSTXCCITC01-A

This smart thermostat comes with all of the bells and whistles. With it, you can manage everything from the temperature to the humidity, to indoor air quality in up to eight zones in your home. The Infinity thermostat will also provide filter replacement reminders to help you keep your HVAC system running in peak condition.

Côr Wi-Fi Thermostat TP-WEM01

The Côr Wi-Fi Thermostat features a technology called “smart setback.” With this feature, the thermostat will automatically adjust your temperature for greater efficiency and comfort. This thermostat also comes equipped with a constant four-day forecast, so at the swipe of a finger, you can always be ready for whatever weather comes your way.

Carrier Wi-Fi Thermostat TC-WHS01

The Carrier Wi-Fi Thermostat may be last on our list, but it’s certainly not least. In addition to the standard features, this thermostat has customized how you can adjust your energy usage with its Quick Save feature. This option shows you precisely when in the day you are losing energy and allows you to make quick adjustments. Maintenance reminders also help you to avoid missing HVAC care.

With the help of a smart thermostat, your home can be easily transformed into a more efficient and comfortable living space. For more questions regarding smart thermostats, or to have one installed in your home, give Keith Air Conditioning, Inc. a call today at 251-476-3610.

3 Reasons HVAC Maintenance is So Important

Ideally, you should have your HVAC system inspected by a professional technician before summer starts, to avoid an inconvenient breakdown. The hot, humid Mobile, Alabama, weather will make you feel miserable without air conditioning. A hot house is also dangerous for everyone, but particularly for children, seniors, and chronically ill people. Too much heat causes heat exhaustion, a high body temperature, and even death. Regular maintenance makes your system more efficient, helps prevent more expensive problems, and improves your indoor air quality.

Higher Efficiency

Maintaining your air conditioner will help you take care of any problems that could affect cooling efficiency and raise your utility bills. Low efficiency also forces your system to work harder, eventually shortening its life. Have your ductwork checked for leaks, and check your air filter at least once per month for the best airflow. You should also keep leaves, grass clippings, and other debris away from your outdoor HVAC unit.

Fewer Problems

Moving parts break eventually, and belts can crack. Other parts could need extra lubrication to keep them working. Low refrigerant levels or dirty coils could cause ice or frost on your air conditioner, which keeps it from cooling properly and could lead to major damage. An experienced professional can find and repair these problems before they get so severe that you need to replace your HVAC unit.

Better Indoor Air Quality

High humidity in summer encourages mold growth in your coils, ductwork, and condensate pan. Mold often has a musty smell, and it aggravates allergies and asthma. It can even cause flu-like symptoms. Dust, dirt, pollen, and other contaminants can also build up in your system and spread through your home. An HVAC technician will tell you if you need your ductwork or any other parts of your system cleaned as part of routine maintenance.

Keith Air Conditioning, Inc. is family owned and operated, with over 50 years of experience. Our preventive maintenance plan includes two HVAC inspections per year and discounts on air conditioning or heating repairs. Call us anytime at 251-476-3610 for expert service.

3 Tips for Keeping Guests Comfortable During a Summer Party

As summer kicks into high gear, you’re itching to throw the first summer bash of the season. A summer party is a chance to reconnect with friends, let your hair down, and celebrate the season — but summer can make your home warmer and less comfortable for entertaining. Fortunately, keeping guests comfortable during a summer party in Daphne, Alabama, is simple with these helpful strategies.

Schedule HVAC Maintenance

A well-tuned air conditioner functions more efficiently and more powerfully. Before you start whittling down the guest list, make an appointment with our HVAC contractors for a maintenance check. We’ll evaluate your air conditioner or heat pump and advise you of any issues. It’s better to get small issues repaired now than after your summer party. Plus, our knowledgeable techs can give you personalized advice for improved efficiency.

Serve Chilled Beverages and Snacks

When you drink cold beverages, you feel cooler. Consider serving frozen or iced treats, such as refreshing fruit smoothies so that your guests cool off even with the summer sun streaming through the windows. You can also help your guests stay comfortable with cold snacks. Fruit cups, summer salads, and cheese platters can contribute to greater comfort in the summer months than barbecue or chili con queso.

Set Up Fans

Ceiling and table fans don’t make the inside of your home cooler because they don’t affect the room temperature. They work by cooling body temperature. They can therefore go a long way toward making guests feel more comfortable. Set up fans in key areas of your home so guests can catch a breeze while they chat, dance, or watch sports. Set your ceiling fans to run counter-clockwise for that cooling effect in the hot months. You can also take fans outdoors if the party moves onto the patio. They’ll cool your outdoor space and help chase away pesky mosquitoes.

Many of us look forward to those great summer parties, but keeping guests comfortable is important if you want to make your party a hit. If you’re not sure your HVAC system is up to the task, give Keith Air Conditioning, Inc. a call today at 251-476-3610 to schedule an appointment.