Author Archives: Libby Christiansen

Couple looking at a lower energy bill | Air conditioner efficiency | Keith Air Conditioning

Improve Air Conditioner Efficiency This Summer

High energy bills have you down? Unfortunately, those bills may get higher before they get lower again. The coming summer months are often some of the most costly periods of the year for energy bills, making us begin to turn our attention toward our air conditioner efficiency.

The good news is, there are ways to reduce your expenses by increasing your air conditioner efficiency!

4 Steps to Lower Energy Bills with Air Conditioner Efficiency

STEP ONE: Invest in a programmable thermostat.

A small investment in a programmable thermostat allows you to preset your desired AC temps for different times of the day. Some thermostats are Wi-Fi-enabled, allowing you to adjust your settings remotely, whether it’s from the soccer field or the upstairs bedroom.

Raising the temps when you are away at work or, especially when you’re away on vacations can definitely increase your air conditioner efficiency and reduce your energy bills. Just be mindful of pet’s needs. Consult your veterinarian for specifics.

Be sure to consult a local quality HVAC provider, like Keith Air. A professional HVAC contractor is best qualified to help you choose the most appropriate thermostat to pair with your air conditioner or heat pump.

STEP TWO: Schedule your AC tune-up.

Your air conditioner efficiency can be dramatically improved with a routine AC tune-up. The AC tune-up, ideally, happens right before summer heats up and again after the majority of summer weather has passed.

An experienced HVAC technician will do a check of your unit to ensure everything is working properly from cleaning the condenser coils to checking electrical connections and reviewing for signs of unnecessary wear and tear.

STEP THREE: Don’t forget the obvious DIY efforts.

Of course, an experienced HVAC specialist can help you with the heavy lifting when it comes to air conditioner tune-ups, repairs or even replacement if needed. In the interim, there are a few things you can easily do on your own to keep your air conditioner efficiency at peak levels.

During especially hot days, putting on your ceiling fans can take some of the load off your AC unit. Also, routine changes of the filters can help prevent clogging and reduce inefficiency. Regularly changing the filter also improves indoor air quality.

STEP FOUR: Upgrade to a newer model.

Sometimes, the writing is on the wall. Your air conditioner efficiency, in some cases, may only be improved by saying goodbye. If it’s time to upgrade to a more efficient model, the good news is typically you will earn back a significant proportion of the cost of the new unit in no time in the form of energy savings.

Also, check with your energy provider. Some utilities offer rebates when you upgrade to a more efficient model. Finally, quality HVAC service providers will offer financing plans to help you offset the cost.

Help is Here for You in Mobile, Alabama

Keith Air is the go-to HVAC service provider in the Mobile area, and we’re here to help you with every aspect of your heating and cooling needs. We’re locals, so we understand how hot this summer is going to be (and how important your air conditioner efficiency is to you).

From choosing and installing the right thermostat to routine AC tune-ups to indoor air quality audits, we have a team of licensed and experienced technicians ready to get to work for you today.

If a new air conditioner is required, we offer excellent financing options to help you get a cooler home without a huge cash outlay.

Contact Keith Air to schedule an appointment today.

Ductless Air Conditioning in Alabama Sunroom | Keith Air

Coolest Solution to Your Hot Spots in Baldwin County? Ductless Air Conditioning!

If you have a room struggling to stay cool during the hot summer months of Mobile or if you are just plain tired of dealing with uneven temperatures throughout your home, ductless air conditioning may be the perfect solution to your problem. If your HVAC systems simply can’t keep temperatures even throughout your home, there are a few solutions Keith Air can suggest. One of the “coolest,” however is ductless air conditioning, also known as mini-split air conditioners.

Read on to learn more about the benefits of ductless air conditioning technology:

What is ductless air conditioning? Simply put, ductless air conditioning is an air conditioning system without ductwork. A ductless air conditioner typically includes a wall-mounted unit inside the home connected to an outside compressor. Unlike window units, ductless units require only a very small 3-inch hole to be drilled into the wall, making them less vulnerable to air leakage and security concerns.

Ductless cooling systems are excellent options when you have certain areas or zones of your home without enough air from your main HVAC system. Many times, basements, sunrooms, attics or room extensions will experience a lack climate control because the current ductwork just doesn’t reach the particular area effectively.

The many pros of ductless air conditioning: Ductless cooling is extremely customizable, making it right for nearly any space configuration. It is also energy efficient, typically unnoticeable, easy to install as well as quiet. For this reason, ductless air conditioning is often the perfect solution for homeowners who experience discomfort due to hot spots or uneven temperatures inside their living spaces. In many instances, these systems also help control humidity and reduce recirculation of pollutants improving indoor air quality. Finally, ductless units are also a heating unit, allowing you to “knock the chill” off a space on the occasional winter morning.

A few cons to note about ductless air conditioning: Although ductless air conditioning is a very popular option, a few notable cons exist to using this technology. It can be expensive compared to old-fashioned noisy wall units), although savings are gained through energy efficiency, in fact, many units boast the Energy Star label. They are, of course, less expensive than running new ductwork to a central air unit.

Also, some homeowners prefer not to have any visibility of their air conditioning system, even though the units are typically flush to the wall and unobtrusive. In fact, many homeowners who were unsure, later report they totally forget about its visual presence once it’s installed.

Ductless cooling may be a consideration for you if your home is not staying uniformly cool due to ductwork limitations. Ductless cooling works for new homes as well as older homes for complete year-round climate control, even in the tightest of spaces. Keith Air, with 50+ years of experience in the HVAC industry, specializes in assisting our customers with ductless air conditioning solutions. We understand the technology and are well-versed in configuring ductless systems to fit your unique space and address your specific climate-control challenges.

Our Mobile-based business is a third generation, family-owned operation which takes its reputation for customer service and quality seriously. We hope you’ll reach out to us to address the “hot spot” in your home; we’re sure we can come up with an affordable solution you’ll be thrilled with all year long.

Contact Keith Air to schedule an appointment today.

Alabama Air Conditioner Summer Challenge | Keith Air

Is Your Alabama Air Conditioner Up to the Heat Challenge?

Have lots of plans to entertain at home this summer? Alabama summers are the best when spent in the pool with friends and family, because they can get extremely hot! From Father’s Day to Juneteenth to Independence Day, summer in Mobile brings so many reasons to invite your loved ones over for a BBQ or picnic.

As the temps begin to skyrocket in communities like Daphne, make sure your air conditioner is ready to receive guests when they need a break from the heat. It’s time to make sure your Alabama air conditioner can stand up to the southern heat challenge!

 

3 Ways to Prepare Your Alabama Air Conditioner to Keep You Cool All Summer Long

 

  1. Schedule your service before it’s too late! Service your Alabama air conditioner or heat pump today for the best reliability. You would never want to have an air conditioner outage when you have a house full of people, would you? Of course not. It’s not always easy to predict a problem before it happens; the best way to avoid it is to schedule your Alabama air conditioner service today.

    Do this before the heat outside really kicks up and your system is put to the test. Your knowledgeable HVAC technician will take a look and ensure your system is ready to take on the Alabama heat (or recommend options to get it there) before the first guest arrives.
  2. Don’t procrastinate, replace your tired unit now! Need to replace your system? Don’t put your Alabama air conditioner off for another summer. This could be the season it finally lets you down at a most inconvenient time. Newer models are much more energy efficient and often negate the expense in the form of energy bills savings.

    If the initial financial outlay has your concerned be sure to ask about financing. Keith Air offers many great options for you to explore. Our financing options will help you upgrade your Alabama air conditioner now and reap the benefits of greater efficiency and lower energy bills during the hottest months of the year.
  3. Start a routine maintenance schedule for year-round comfort! While you are getting your HVAC system ready for the summer festivities, it’s a great idea to explore a routine, preventive maintenance schedule for your HVAC system. Of course, there are some DIY activities you should be doing on your own (like replacing filters and keeping your unit free from debris), and an experienced HVAC technician will check on possible issues potentially leading to breakdown or shortening the life of your system as well as cost you money in energy inefficiency.

Keith Air has 50+ years of experience in the HVAC industry. Our third generation, family-owned and operated facility is proud to have served Mobile since 1964. When it’s time to gear up for the Alabama summer holidays like Juneteeth and July 4th, you can count on our professional team of NATE-certified technicians for all of your HVAC needs.

Contact Keith Air to schedule an appointment today.

Landscaping Tips for an AC Compressor | Keith Air

Uh Oh! Did My Lawnmower Throw a Rock at My AC Compressor?

Outdoor HVAC units containing AC Compressors can be easily damaged by storms, debris or the occasional rock thrown by landscaping equipment. Learn more about how to best landscape around and maximize airflow around this vital component on your Foley property.

4 Frequently asked questions about protecting your AC compressor in the Mobile area:

  1. Should I cover my ac unit this summer? Although many advantages come with covering your AC unit during summer, most manufacturers don’t recommend it. While the cover can protect the AC compressor from damage, it can also create an environment for humidity to accumulate. Your knowledgeable HVAC service provider, such as Keith Air Conditioning, Inc., will be able to help you make a final decision on what’s best for your unit.
  2. Is my HVAC unit storm-safe? Thunderstorms, lightning, hail and even the outskirts of a hurricane can be summer threats to your AC compressor. The first thing you can do to protect your AC unit when a severe storm is approaching is shut everything down, if possible. This will help reduce the risk of a blown-out circuit or fried compressor when the power returns. Also, be sure to check on your unit after the storm, when it’s safe to go outside, to ensure no debris has landed on it or is obstructing its airflow.
  3. What kind of landscaping can I do to help protect my unit? There are a few general rules of thumb you can use to protect your AC unit. Be sure not stack anything (i.e., a garden hose) on your unit and keep the unit unrestricted so as not limit airflow.  Perform a routine check to make sure your outdoor condenser coils are clean. Finally, when you are mowing or weed whacking be extra careful as you move by your HVAC system. Flying grass clippings can easily get sucked into a unit while it’s running and clog it. When planting your shrubs, be careful not to block the access panels or the coil – a good rule of thumb is to keep 24 to 36 inches around the unit.
  4. Should I protect my AC unit from my pets? Yes. Your AC compressor could be damaged by your pets, your neighbors’ pets as well as wild animals and even insects. In fact, animals can cause significant damage to outdoor air conditioning system components. Especially when temperatures are extreme, very hot or very cold, the enclosed space inside the cabinet of an outdoor unit can be a tempting shelter from the harsh environment. Be sure your AC unit is sealed to prevent the havoc these critters can wreak on your HVAC system from chewing on wiring, urinating on electronic components, as well as creating fire hazards by filling spaces with straw and bedding materials.

Keith Air is the go-to HVAC service provider in Mobile since 1964, and you can count on us to help you with tips to keep your AC compressor protected during the summer months. Our professional team of technicians will be happy to drop by when it’s convenient for you to help with any and all of your HVAC needs.

Contact Keith Air to schedule an appointment today.

Gift Smart Thermostat for Father's Day | Keith Air

The Perfect Father’s Day Gift for Gadget-Loving Dads – Smart Thermostat!

Every year Father’s Day rolls around and, many of us, start to scratch our heads and ask, “What gift can we find for the guy who has everything?” While we want to honor the dads in our lives with a nice present, it gets harder and harder to find the perfect gift or, really, anything he doesn’t have already. Stop racking your brain and skip the tie or soap on a rope this year and get the gadget-loving dad a gift to last for years. Surprise the techy dad in Baldwin County with a smart thermostat from Keith Air this Father’s Day.

Everything You Need to Know to Surprise Dad with a Smart Thermostat This Father’s Day:

What is a smart thermostat? Before you grab this gift for your dad for Father’s Day, it’s a good idea to understand what it actually is (and your techy-dad will be so impressed with your working knowledge of his new gadget). A Wi-Fi or smart thermostat will connect to your dad’s wireless Internet service and allow him to remotely check and change the temperature in his home from an app on his smartphone, laptop or tablet. There are various models available – be sure to consult with Keith Air to determine the one most appropriate for your dad’s HVAC system.

Why your dad is going to love this Father’s Day present:

He can control things back home if he travels.  If your dad travels a lot, this handy Wi-Fi smart thermostat will allow him to adjust temps before he arrives home, increasing his comfort levels, saving on energy bills and even adapting to sudden temperature changes when bad weather occurs.  

Dad will find programming is new smart thermostat is a breeze. Your tech-savvy dad will love how easy it is to program this new gadget. He’ll have it optimized and master all the bells and whistles in no time flat.

Dad won’t need to reprogram when his schedule changes. Dad will love how his new smart thermometer detects changes to his schedule and calculates new algorithms based on his behaviors.

Change the temp from anywhere. When dad is busy watching the game or wants to impress his friends, he’ll love to point out he can adjust the temps from anywhere in his house or even from the office or a Fairhope restaurant!  

If you have the kind of dad who gets giddy over gadgets or just likes showing off what he can do with his smartphone, a Smart Wi-Fi thermostat is a Father’s Day home run. Keith Air can help you choose and install the best smart thermostat for you or your dad’s home. We were founded in 1964 and remain on the cutting-edge of the latest technologies to keep your HVAC system running at its optimum. You can count on our family-owned and -operated HVAC expertise to impress your dad this Father’s Day and all year long.

Contact Keith Air for more about smart thermostats today.

Mother with her sick child | Keith Air Conditioning

Improve Your Air Conditioner, Home’s Indoor Air Quality

Avoid Summer Colds

Summer colds are the worst! There’s actual medical science behind this saying. Over 200 viruses can cause common colds. Most of these, like the rhinovirus – tend to peak in the fall. Most summer colds, however, are what’s known as enteroviruses, which bring with them more severe symptoms, and even on occasion, unusual symptoms such as rashes. There is something you can do in an effort to avoid the dreaded summer cold…improve your indoor air quality!

Missing out on the summer festivities that are taking place make summer colds truly the worst. Of course, this summer, you can do your part to wash your hands frequently, get good sleep, minimize stress, and exercise regularly to fend off the common cold in addition to taking the right steps to clean up your home’s air.

3 Ways to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality This Summer:

  1. Preventive Maintenance – Preventive maintenance of your HVAC system can significantly increase your indoor air quality (and reduce your chances of suffering with a summer cold). This routine, regularly-performed maintenance includes some do-it-yourself actions as well as more complex maintenance tasks your experienced HVAC service provider can assist with. For the best indoor air quality, make sure you keep up with the following maintenance schedule:
    1. DIY preventive maintenance – clean or replace your air filters and ensure your HVAC system is free from debris.
    2. Count on your HVAC service provider for checks of your operating system, electrical checks for connection and voltage, motor lubrication, checks for proper air flow and cleanliness among many other checks and maintenance activities that directly impact your indoor air quality.
  2. Repairs – If you have an air purifier in need of repairs or you fear you have poor indoor air quality in your home, don’t wait until a summer cold outbreak hits your household. An HVAC technician can test your indoor air quality and provide an accurate and cost-effective plan to get your air quality at its best.
  3. New Unit Installation – If you don’t currently have an air purifier installed or if the state of your current air conditioner is needed to improve your home’s indoor air quality, now is the time to get started – before the summer festivities get underway.

Don’t wait until the summer cold spreads like wildfire throughout your entire family, wreaking havoc on your summer fun. Improve your indoor air quality with the help of the HVAC professionals at Keith Air.

The pools and other recreational activities are beckoning, don’t miss a minute of the fun. From routine servicing of your HVAC system to DIY actions like changing the air filter as well as upgrading to an air purifier, Keith Air will assist in improving the air quality in your home and reducing your risk of airborne infections which can ruin your summer.

Keith Air was founded in 1964 by the late Stan Keith and since then has remained a family-owned and operated HVAC service provider, proudly serving homeowners in Mobile and the surrounding communities. We are NATE-Certified and experienced with all the popular makes and models of both residential and commercial air conditioning or heating systems.

Contact Keith Air for a consultation for your home or business today.

Women who is very warm in her home with bottle of water | Keith Air Conditioning

Jumanji, Is it Humid in Here!

It’s not the heat; it’s the humidity. Anyone who lives in a humid climate during summer understands the effect humidity can have on your overall comfort. While there’s not much you can do to control the humidity outside; there are a few things you can do to ensure that the humidity inside your home does not creep too high.

Of course, high humidity makes us feel uncomfortable. This is something we shouldn’t have to feel inside our lovely homes, but it can also have some more serious side effects. Humidity creates an environment or breeding ground for all sorts of microscopic organisms such as mold spores, mildew and dust mites. Mold and mildew can still spread throughout the vents, or behind walls. Dust mites also love humidity, and they’re one of the biggest enemies for people who suffer from asthma and allergies.

Will A Whole House Dehumidifier Make My Home Feel Less Like a Rainforest?

  • How does a whole house dehumidifier work? A whole house dehumidifier is typically installed in your ductwork of your HVAC system. Your whole house dehumidifier should be sized to your house and specific situation. Whole house dehumidifiers can remove, on average, 90 to 150 pints of moisture from the air in your home. This water is then drainer through your home’s plumbing system.
  • The advantage of using a whole house dehumidifier –
    • You can control the desired humidity levels of your home using a dial. The moisture content of the whole house can be set to a fixed percentage, making measuring and controlling your home’s humidity much easier.
    • You can prevent many health risks – High humidity means a more suitable environment for mold, mildew and bacteria which can cause allergies, bronchitis, asthma and infections.
    • You can avoid home damage – Mold, mildew and bacteria can also cause damage to the walls, fabric and furniture of a home as well as causing wallpaper to curl and paint to peel from the walls.

Of course, your lack of comfort inside your home is of the utmost importance. No one should have to feel clammy and uncomfortable inside their home due to excessive humidity. Even more critical, however, may be the health issues caused by too much humidity. If you have noticed a feeling of too much moisture inside your home or, even possibly smells of mold or peeling paint, creaky as well as warped floors, these are all signs you may have a humidity issue that needs to be addressed.

Keith Air offers multiple solutions, including whole house dehumidifiers to help combat the humid climate we experience in Mobile and the surrounding communities.

Keith Air has two decades of experience helping homeowners in Mobile and the surrounding communities address issues that are specific to this unique region. We specialize in helping homeowners deal with the issues too much humidity can cause.

A whole house dehumidifier may be the perfect option for your home, and our technicians can help you weigh out your options. We are here for you 24/7 if an emergency repair is ever needed, as well as for routine maintenance of your HVAC system.

Contact Keith Air to explore lowering the humidity in your home today.

Man trying to sleep with loud noises | Keith Air Conditioning

What is That Weird Noise Coming From My Air Conditioner?

Don’t ignore the strange sounds coming from your air conditioning unit! Summer is on our doorstep, and the mercury is going to start climbing. Of course, we love summer and can’t wait to get outside, but on the first 90-degree day or your first family pool party of the season, it’s Murphy’s Law that your faulty AC is going to finally give out. You are not, however, at the mercy of Murphy’s Law, there is something you can do. Get your air conditioner serviced to address the noises it’s making before summer gets into full effect!

4 Common Air Conditioner Noises And What Might Be Causing Them:

  1. Screaming – If your air conditioner noise sounds like a high-pitched scream that seems to be coming from the outside of your air conditioning unit when the AC first turns on, you may have an issue with your air conditioner’s compressor. This could be an extremely serious condition, and you should contact your HVAC service provider ASAP to prevent things from getting worse.
  2. Clanging/banging/knocking – When your air conditioner noise is a clanging or banging sound, it is most likely caused from the unit’s fan hitting an obstruction (i.e., a stick or branch which has fallen on it). In this case, you may be able to remove the obstruction yourself, but if left unattended, it will likely cause serious damage to your HVAC unit.
  3. Bubbling/gurgling – If you’re hearing an air conditioner noise that resembles bubbling or gurgling, it could be your condensation drain line, or there could be a refrigerant leak. Check with your HVAC professional to determine what kind of service your unit may require.
  4. Screeching – Screeching, not to be confused with screaming, is an air conditioner noise which may sound like metal scraping on metal. This is usually caused when the fan motor bearings have gone bad and the solution is most likely a fan motor replacement.

While these air conditioner noises could mean a multitude of things, these are some common issues homeowners experience. Routine, preventive maintenance from an experienced HVAC provider like Keith Air can help you stay on top of small issues before they lead to a complete breakdown, at the worst possible time!

Keith Air has 50+ years of experience in providing the very best in HVAC services to Baldwin County. Whatever the strange air conditioner noise means, our NATE-certified technicians will be able to quickly determine the source and get things repaired as affordably and quickly as possible.

We’re here for you 24/7 when an emergency repair is needed, but we recommend an air conditioner service appointment to ensure your system is working at its best as we get closer to the hot days of the Alabama summer.  

Keep in mind if you are in need of a new, more energy efficient air conditioner, Keith Air offers convenient and affordable financing options to help offset the initial outlay to keep your home cool this summer.

Contact Keith Air to schedule your air conditioner service today.

Thermostat outside in heat | Keith Air Conditioning

How Much Could Upgrading Your HVAC Save You?

If you could be saving money on your monthly energy bills, wouldn’t you? Of course, you would! At this time of year as the temps begin to climb, homeowners everywhere begin to think about their energy bill and how it climbs during the hottest months of the year. The truth is an HVAC upgrade can save you big time on your energy costs this summer.

It’s time to learn more about how an investment in a new heating, ventilation and cooling unit can improve your energy efficiency and, in turn, reduce your costs.

Understanding the SEER: SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and is used as a metric to determine the ratio of cooling capacity to power input. Your AC unit’s efficiency is positively correlated to a higher SEER rating.

Why it matters: With technological advances, air conditioner manufacturers have been able to optimize the SEER rating, resulting in increases even in the last one to three years. As a result, homeowners with an HVAC system that is 10 to 15 years old, it can be much less energy efficient than a newer model.  An HVAC upgrade into the newest model allows you to tap into units miles above older models in terms of efficiency.

How the EPA weighs in: The rules for air conditioning units manufactured after January 1, 2015, as set by the EPA, require a minimum rating of 14 SEER. Prior to this regulation, systems manufactured after Jan. 23, 2006, were required to have a minimal 13 SEER rating. 

Do the math: A point often missed by homeowners is an HVAC upgrade from a 10 SEER unit to newer AC unit boasting 13 SEER can save up to 30 percent off your monthly energy costs. Over time, this savings will add up and cover the cost of your investment in an HVAC upgrade.

As the temps climb up this summer, we all look forward to arriving home to cool off inside with our AC’s cranking! The downside of all this coolness is, of course, the skyrocketing energy bill we get each month. Fortunately, with a new more energy efficient system, an HVAC upgrade can allow us to enjoy a comfortable and cool living space without the sticker shock of an energy bill set to break the bank.  

Keith Air has more than 50 years of experience in providing the very best in HVAC services to Baldwin County. We partner with homeowners to help them get the most out of their HVAC systems and even make recommendations for small improvements, whenever possible, to help you save on your energy expenses. If an HVAC upgrade is the best course of action, our skilled, NATE-certified technicians specialize in installing the most cutting-edge systems available. Keep in mind that Keith Air is a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer.

Contact Keith Air to explore an HVAC upgrade for your home today.

Trees in the park with a path | Keith Air Conditioning | Arbor Day

4 Ways to Celebrate Arbor Day

In the U.S., Arbor Day is celebrated every year on the last Friday in April. In 2018, it falls on April 27. It is customary to plant a tree in honor of Arbor Day, and every year, people in countries all around the world participate. Planting and caring for trees is important because trees offer so much to us. Trees clean our air, supply oxygen, offer shade to keep us and our homes cooler, conserve energy, yield food, provide homes for wildlife and so much more. In addition to planting a tree in honor of Arbor Day, here are three more ways to celebrate the holiday around your home.

  • Consider your home’s indoor greenery
    Houseplants offer more than just pretty decoration in our homes. They’ve been shown to reduce stress and create tranquil environments for us. Plants help improve indoor air quality by reducing carbon dioxide, pollutants and dust. In a workplace setting with plants, employees are more productive, feel happier and get sick less often. Hospital patients can benefit from having a plant too – they recover faster, experience less fatigue and anxiety and have lower blood pressure, among other benefits. Walk around your home and consider where you could add greenery. (For more information on indoor air quality, see this “Care for Your Air” guide from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).)
  • Assess your home’s landscaping
    There are many benefits to landscaping around your home. For one, a beautifully landscaped home will increase your home’s curb appeal and market value. In addition, grass and trees yield cooler temperatures around your home, providing shade from the heat, lowering your air conditioning needs and reducing glare through your windows. Grass and trees remove carbon dioxide from the air, and trees supply oxygen for us every day. Outdoor living areas and landscaping have been shown to improve our quality of life, reduce blood pressure, improve our attention spans and memories, lower stress and lower healthcare costs. All in all, landscaping is a vital component of a healthy mind and body, so walk around the exterior of your home and consider where you can add perennial landscaping or improve existing landscaping.
  • Evaluate your home’s energy efficiency
    One downside to having an older HVAC system is it is less efficient, so it ends up costing you more in your monthly energy bills. The best way to ascertain the energy efficiency of your HVAC system is to schedule a maintenance appointment. After our HVAC professional cleans and inspects your system, they can provide a professional assessment of its current condition and its energy efficiency as well as recommendations for repairing or replacing your unit if needed.

For example, do you know the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating of your furnace? ( It measures how efficiently a gas furnace converts fuel into energy. The higher the AFUE rating, the more energy efficient a furnace is, and the more you will save on your energy bill. Since 1992, the minimum AFUE rating of furnaces has been 78 percent. For furnaces sold after September 2015, the new minimum AFUE rating is between 80-83 percent, depending on the furnace type. The most efficient models rate between 95-98 percent.  If your furnace has an AFUE rating of 80 percent or below, you should consider a replacement to save money on your energy bill.

You can also talk to your Keith Air Conditioning professional about your Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating , which rates the efficiency of central air conditioners. Many older systems have SEER ratings of 6 or less. However, today’s air conditioners can have SEER ratings ranging from 13 to 25. And some states have minimum SEER rating requirements; for example, Alabama’s minimum SEER requirement is 14.

Several factors go into your home’s potential energy consumption and savings, including the type of HVAC system you have, the age of your system, what state you live in and the weather there during the year, the size of your home, your ductwork, how much shade your home gets, if you have a basement or slab, the color of your roof and more. The HVAC professionals at Keith Air Conditioning can help you assess the energy efficiency of your current system and the potential for improvement. (For more tips on how to save money and energy in your home, check out this “Energy Savers” guide from the U.S. Department of Energy).

Contact Keith Air Conditioning at 251-517-4437 to schedule an HVAC maintenance appointment. We can help determine your system’s efficiency and ways you can improve it.