Author Archives: Libby Christiansen

Groundhog Day is an annual tradition celebrated in the U.S. and Canada every February 2nd. In Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, people gather every year for this superstition. If the groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, sees his shadow, it means we will have six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t see his shadow, then spring will come early. Phil has predicted an extended winter more than 100 times since 1887 and an early spring just 17 times.

No offense to Phil, but we wouldn’t recommend waiting to hear his prediction for what the weather will be! Plan your spring HVAC maintenance now, so you’re not caught off guard with an HVAC system not ready for spring. Here is what you need to do:

Schedule a maintenance appointment
It is important to take care of your air conditioner because it works hard to keep you cool when temperatures are blazing outside. Regular maintenance appointments help ensure your air conditioning unit is in good shape. When an air conditioner has been well taken care of, it can last approximately 14 years. With regular maintenance, you give your system the best chance it has of working properly and efficiently for years to come.

During your appointment, the HVAC technician will clean and inspect the unit to make sure it is not in need of a repair. Air conditioning unit inspections include an examination of the fan, compressor, refrigerant lines, indoor coils and outdoor coils. The technician can also change your air filter if it is overdue.

Sign up for an HVAC maintenance plan
If you ever forget to schedule your HVAC maintenance appointments, consider investing in an HVAC maintenance plan to make annual maintenance simple. With a Keith Air Conditioning maintenance agreement, you will get two complete inspections every year for one low price. A NATE-certified professional (North American Technician Excellence) will work on your HVAC system. The NATE certification means the HVAC technician has surpassed rigorous requirements for excellence in HVAC maintenance, repairs and installation of all types of HVAC systems.

You will be at the top of our priority list if you need a repair, and for no additional charge, you receive 24/7/365 emergency air conditioner and heating repair services when needed. As a plan participant, you receive 15 percent repair discount on all parts and a one-year guarantee, plus priority service on the installation of a new system if ever needed.

Preventative HVAC maintenance gives you peace of mind your system has been taken care of and is good to go, so your family isn’t at risk for an emergency situation. You can also lower your energy bill by making sure your air conditioner is running as efficiently as possible.

Regardless of what Punxsutawney Phil “sees,” spring and summer will be here before we know it. It is never too early to plan ahead and get ready for warmer temperatures by making sure your air conditioner is ready to go.

Contact Keith Air Conditioning at 251-517-4437 to schedule an appointment or to sign up for an HVAC maintenance plan.

Is it colder than normal in your home? If so, consider a trending option in the HVAC industry, Ductless mini-split technology Why? Most homes have ductwork for their HVAC systems; which can consistently lose energy because of how heat circulates throughout the home. A ductless heating system (or mini-split) can help reduce that loss of heat and energy. Here are the pros and cons of ductless mini-split technology, so you can decide if it is right for your home and family.

Mini-splits are a good retrofit add-on for houses with “non-ducted” heating systems as well as for room additions where you can’t extend or install ductwork, says the U.S. Department of Energy. “Like standard air-source heat pumps, mini-splits have two main components – an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling unit. A conduit, which houses the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing and a condensate drain, links the outdoor and indoor units.”

Pros of ductless mini-split technology:

1. Mini-splits are small in size.
2. Mini-splits can heat and cool individual rooms (zoning), saving energy and money.
3. They are easier to install than other space conditioning systems.
4. Mini-splits help reduce the loss of heat and energy that comes with ductwork because they do not use ducts.
5. They are more versatile than other add-on systems when it comes to indoor placement. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “the indoor air handlers can be suspended from a ceiling, mounted flush into a drop ceiling or hung on a wall. Floor-standing models are also available…many offer a remote control to turn the system on and off when it’s positioned high on a wall or suspended from a ceiling.”
6. Intruders can’t access your home through the small hole in the wall for mini-splits, unlike air conditioners that are wall or window-mounted.

Cons of ductless mini-split technology:

1. Although the cost to operate is lower and rebates/incentives may be available, mini-splits may have a higher installation cost than some systems.
2. Size and location matter when it comes to the size of each unit and the best location to install it to prevent wasting energy, having a lack of temperature or humidity control and spending more money on a system that is too big.
3. Some homeowners may prefer the aesthetics of a built-in central system versus the indoor unit.
4. A place to drain water near the outside unit is necessary.
5. Installation requires a qualified HVAC professional.

Based on the pros and cons of ductless mini-split technology, is it the right choice for your home? Keith Air Conditioning’s qualified HVAC team can help you make this important decision and professionally install the system. Contact us at 251-517-4437 to discuss your options today.

Instead of generating heat, heat pumps move heat, so they can heat and cool for less money than a furnace or air conditioner. There are three main types of heat pumps: air-source heat pumps, split-ductless heat pumps and geothermal heat pumps (ground-source or water-source). Check this out to determine which one is right for your home.

An HVAC professional should install your heat pump, so they can determine the right size and the type of heat pump for your home. They will assess the correct size with an industry protocol called a Manual J calculation, that considers many factors, such as your home’s foundation, thickness of walls, windows, insulation and air filtration.

But what if your heat pump is not working properly? Here are five ways to troubleshoot, so you can get your heat pump working again for your home and family.

1. Check the thermostat.
   Make sure the thermostat is turned on and set to heat. Then try adjusting the temperature, so it is two to four degrees above room temperature. If in cooling mode, adjust the temperature two to four degrees below room temperature.

2. Turn the fan on.

   If the fan doesn’t turn on, check your fuses and breakers. You may need to replace the fuse or close the circuit breaker. 

3. Check the wiring.
   If a fuse didn’t blow and the circuit breaker wasn’t tripped, then you may have old or worn-out heat pump wiring. The wiring will need to be repaired or the loose terminals tightened. You might also have a faulty thermostat or a stuck fan relay.
   
4. Check the vents.
   If you feel cold air when the fan is running at the normal setting, set the thermostat at least five degrees above room temperature and then check the vents for warm air. The issue is the outdoor unit if you feel warm air, and if you don’t feel warm air, it could be a faulty thermostat or air handler.
5. Check the outdoor unit.
   Make sure the thermostat is set to normal and wait a few minutes before examining the outdoor unit. Check the outdoor coil for ice or frost, which could mean you have a defective defrost timer or control module, or your unit needs more refrigerant. Also, be sure the unit’s airflow is clear of any debris, such as leaves, grass, sticks and weeds, which can restrict air flow. Finally, is the outdoor fan running? If not, it could be an issue with wiring, the fan motor or the compressor run capacitor.

For professional assistance, contact Keith Air Conditioning at 251-517-4437. We’re happy to address any of these issues for you, so your heat pump is good to go, and comfort is quickly restored in your home.

For more information on innovations that are improving heat pump performance, check out this article from the U.S. Department of Energy.

With a new year comes new commitments to improve things in your life. Maybe your New Year’s resolution was to improve your eating habits or to get more daily exercise. Perhaps you want to spend more time reading and reduce your use of electronic devices. What about taking better care of your home’s heating and cooling system? Now that is a resolution we can definitely accomplish this year!

A few ways to take good care of your HVAC system and prolong its life as long as possible include:

1. Changing the air filter regularly – We recommend changing your air filter at least once a month for optimal efficiency and filtration. Dirty air filters impede the HVAC system from working efficiently and properly, which only strains the equipment. This is especially important if you live in an area with high pollen counts or have family members with allergies.
2. Scheduling regular maintenance appointments – We recommend two maintenance appointments each year, one in the spring for your air conditioner and one in the fall for your furnace. Our HVAC contractor cleans and inspects the unit to ensure it is working properly and to assess the need for any repairs.
3. Investing in an HVAC maintenance plan – With our HVAC maintenance plans, you receive two inspections per year at a fixed price. You are given priority service in the event of a repair and you have access to emergency air conditioner and heating repair services at no additional charge. Additional features include a 15 percent repair discount on all parts and a one-year guarantee, plus priority service on new system installation if ever needed. This is a great investment for your budget, the integrity of your home and your peace of mind!

With regular maintenance and care, most HVAC systems can last 10-20 years. On average, furnaces tend to last longer (between 15-20 years) than air conditioners (10-15 years).

Even with proper maintenance and care, all HVAC systems are in need of repairs at some point. That is when you have to weigh the cost of the repair versus the cost of replacement and consider what is best for your family and budget. Sometimes pouring money into an old system just isn’t worth it, and the benefits of a new technologically advanced HVAC system, such as efficiency, lower bills and safety, far outweigh the cost of replacement in the long run.

So how do you know when it is time to replace? ENERGY STAR has a helpful list. A few of the telltale signs include:

• Your HVAC system’s age – Again, most HVAC systems last 10-20 years if properly maintained. If your heat pump or air conditioner is more than 10 years old and/or your furnace or boiler is more than 15 years old, it is time to consider replacing them. The good news is you will gain more efficiency with new units.
• Your equipment needs to be repaired often – As the HVAC system gets older, the more repairs it will need. When faced with a repair, make sure you understand how long the repair will last, if you will likely need to have it repaired again for this issue and what it will do to your monthly energy bills. At some point, you will determine that the cost of repairs is not worth it compared to upgrading to a new system. When considering replacement, find out how much you will save on your monthly energy bills and have a clear understanding of what the warranty covers and for how long.
• Higher energy bills – Older HVAC systems are less efficient, so they end up costing you more in your monthly energy bills.

These are just a few of the telltale signs that it is time to replace your HVAC system. Check out the rest on ENERGY STAR’s list.

Whether you are in need of regular maintenance for your HVAC system, a repair or a replacement, Keith Air Conditioning is your go-to resource for all things HVAC. Contact us at 251-517-4437 to discuss your needs today.

Did you know your home’s HVAC system could be more efficient with the right heat pump? Here’s what you need to know about heat pumps, including the three main types available, and how to choose the right one for your home.

First of all, what is a heat pump? The easiest way to think about a heat pump is it moves heat; it doesn’t generate heat. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “During the heating season, heat pumps move heat from the cool outdoors into your warm house, and during the cooling season, heat pumps move heat from your cool house into the warm outdoors.” Because heat pumps move heat instead of generate it, they can heat and cool for less money than a furnace or air conditioner.

There are three main types of heat pumps:

Air-source heat pump

• This is the most common type of heat pump installed in homes

• The U.S. Department of Energy says it can reduce your heating costs by approximately 50 percent, compared to electric furnace and baseboard heaters

• It dehumidifies better than standard central air conditioners

• Advances in technology mean air-source heat pumps can now be used in colder regions as well as those with warmer climates

Split-ductless heat pump

• features two main components, an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling unit, and refrigerant circulates through tubing between the indoor and outdoor components

• It is good for one-room additions to homes or homes without ducts

• Advantages include their small size and flexibility for heating and cooling individual rooms

• Installation can cost more than other systems

Geothermal heat pump (ground-source or water-source)

• Heat is moved through pipes buried outside, transferring heat between your house and the relatively constant temperatures of the ground or nearby water

• Installation can cost more than other systems, but they have lower operating costs

• It can reduce your home’s energy usage by 25-60 percent

• It lasts a long time, runs quietly, requires little maintenance and is good in extreme climates

Heat pumps have evolved and are performing even better, thanks to many innovations. For example, many high-efficiency heat pumps feature a desuperheater to recover waste heat and use it to heat water two to three times more efficiently than a regular water heater. Some heat pump models have variable-speed or dual-speed motors to keep air moving, minimizing cool drafts and maximizing electrical savings. You can read more from the U.S. Department of Energy about the number of innovations that are improving how heat pumps perform.

Heat pumps should be installed by an HVAC professional who will determine the right size and the best type of heat pump for your home and your family’s needs. This is important because a heat pump that is too big or too small will actually raise your energy bills because it won’t heat or cool effectively. The HVAC professional will calculate the right size for your home using a Manual J calculation, which considers many factors including your home’s foundation, insulation, thickness of walls, windows, air filtration and more.

If you already have a heat pump but have run into an issue, check out these three ways to troubleshoot common heat pump problems, so you can quickly restore comfort in your home.

Contact Keith Air Conditioning at 251-517-4437 to speak to our heat pump experts today. We can help you decide if a heat pump is the right choice for your home, select the best one and then install it properly.

For many people, older homes are quaint and charming. What’s not charming is higher energy bills from heating an older home. It’s true, there are unique challenges to keeping an older home heated, and here are nine steps to take with your older home in order to keep it warm inside.

• Use a programmable thermostat
  Save money on your energy bill by using a programmable thermostat. You can conveniently schedule temperature adjustments while you are out of the house during the day and when you return home as well as when you sleep at night and wake up in the morning. Your HVAC system will run as efficiently as possible, and your overall energy use in your older home will be lower. Read more about the benefits of using a programmable thermostat and what models are available here.
  

• Seal off air leaks
  Walk around your house and see if you notice a draft coming from any windows or doors. If so, seal those off to avoid cold air from coming into your house and warm air from going out. Your furnace will run better, and the heating bill for your older home will be lower. You can seal off air leaks yourself pretty easily using caulk and weatherstripping. Or for doors, you can install a door sweep or door snake to block drafts. Check out more tips for sealing air leaks.
  

• Close your fireplace flue
  Just like air leaks from your windows or doors, an open fireplace flue can bring in cold air and let warm air escape your older home. If you’re not using the fireplace, make sure to close the flue. And if your fireplace doesn’t have glass doors, consider adding those as well.
  

• Rotate ceiling fans properly
  In the winter, check your ceiling fans to be sure they are running in the right direction. Heat rises, so ceiling fans should run clockwise to bring down the warm air that has risen. It also keeps air circulating in your older home, helping your HVAC system to not work as hard.
  

• Check your air vents and doors
  Make sure furniture isn’t blocking any vents, preventing rooms from being heated properly. Also, it is a myth to close air vents and doors in your house in order to lower your energy bill. In actuality, it causes your HVAC system to work harder when trying to circulate air throughout your house, which means a higher energy bill and strained equipment.
  

• Inspect your windows
  Your older home may have older windows. Maybe they’re drafty or not energy-efficient. Perhaps they’re leaky or you’d like to update their look aesthetically. Or maybe you’re concerned about lead paint. Whatever the reason, consider having your windows inspected to see if they need to be repaired or replaced. Also, on sunny days, take advantage of opening your blinds and curtains to let the sun warm up your rooms naturally. Then, when the sun goes down, close your blinds and curtains to help prevent the outdoor cold temperatures from cooling down your rooms.
  

• Lower the temperature two places
  By lowering the temperature on your thermostat, even one or two degrees, you will save money. Plus, you can always use blankets or an extra layer of clothing if needed. You can also reduce your energy bill by lowering your water heater’s temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
  

• Clean or replace your air filter
  Our recommendation is to replace your air filter at least once a month, although some filters can last two to three months. What’s important is to remember to check it regularly and replace it when needed. For washable air filters, we recommend cleaning them once a month, especially during periods of heavy use. This simple step helps your furnace function properly and improves the indoor air quality in your older home.
  

• Inspect your insulation
  To save money and energy, make sure your older home’s walls, attic and basement are well-insulated and consider adding more if needed.

An older home doesn’t have to mean a higher heating bill. These nine steps will go a long way to keeping your home warmer in the wintertime. Contact Keith Air Conditioning at 251-517-4437 for more HVAC tips for older homes or to schedule an HVAC maintenance appointment.

Are you away from your home every day at specific times? If so, a programmable thermostat is a great way for you to start saving money on your energy bill and enjoy the convenience of scheduling what you want your HVAC system to do and when. Here are five reasons why programmable thermostats are a great solution for your home.

• Save money
  You can save money on your energy bill by programming your thermostat to adjust its temperature settings while you are asleep and then automatically adjust again when you wake up. Think about the typical times you go to bed at night and get up each morning. Schedule the temperature adjustments to start just before you go to bed and just before you wake up.
  
  You can also do this for the times of the day when you and your family are away from home (for instance, at work or at school). If your house is empty for eight hours of the day, why not adjust the temperature during this time?
  

• Convenience
  You can save and repeat these temperature settings each day in a pre-set schedule for your convenience, so you don’t have to remember to change the temperature before leaving the house. Some units allow you to have different settings each day or during the weekend.
  
  With a smart thermostat, you can even make changes remotely from anywhere using Wi-Fi on your smartphone, tablet or computer.
  
• Consistent comfort
  Programmable thermostats help maintain a consistent comfort level and temperature throughout your house, so you aren’t constantly adjusting the temperature in response to hot or cold temperatures outside.

• Energy efficiency
  Make your home more energy efficient by ensuring your HVAC system runs as efficiently as possible and at a lower level when you’re not home, reducing your overall energy usage.
• Individual temperature settings
  If you have a zoned HVAC system (where your home is divided into multiple zones), you can use your programmable thermostat to customize the temperature in each zone, truly maximizing this setup in your home for those zones that have similar heating and cooling needs.

There are several models of programmable thermostats to choose from:

• 7-day models give you the flexibility to have different settings for each day of the week.
• 5+2-day models are good if you have the same schedule during weekdays and another schedule during weekends.
• 5-1-1 models are good if you have the same schedule Monday through Friday, a different schedule Saturdays and a different schedule Sundays.

For more information on how to use a programmable thermostat properly, check out “A Guide to Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling” from ENERGY STAR. In addition to checking your programmable thermostat’s owner’s manual, ask your HVAC contractor how the thermostat works and for recommendations for the best settings.

Keith Air Conditioning is a Factory Authorized Carrier dealer with a range of programmable thermostats for you to choose from. Learn more or set up an appointment by calling 251-517-4437.

As schools closed for winter break, your home filled with your kids, their friends, your relatives, your friends, pets and more, celebrating the holidays and time away from school and work. There’s no better time than now to make sure your furnace stays in good shape! Here are three steps to take to prepare your furnace for this busy time of year.

• Change your air filter
  Maintaining your furnace is critical to keep it functioning properly and safely, and changing your air filter is one of the easiest things you can do to take good care of your furnace. Air filters help keep your system and ductwork clean, and they can improve indoor air quality by trapping airborne particles like dust. For optimal efficiency and filtration, we recommend replacing your air filter at least once a month. (If you use a washable air filter, clean it once a month during periods of heavy use.) You can change your air filter yourself very easily, or you can ask our HVAC contractor at your next furnace maintenance appointment to change it for you and show you how to change the air filter the next time you need to.
  

• Schedule a furnace maintenance appointment
  Your furnace works very hard to keep you and your family warm during the colder months. By scheduling regular maintenance, you can help keep your furnace in prime condition, maximizing the life of the unit and minimizing repair needs. Preventive maintenance inspections in the spring for your air conditioner and the fall for your furnace can uncover leaks, rust, rot, soot, frayed wires and corroded electrical contacts. During your furnace maintenance appointment, our HVAC contractor will clean and inspect the unit thoroughly. Inspections on boilers and furnaces include ductwork, pipes, dampers, valves, the chimney, registers, radiators, pumps, blowers, fuel lines and the oil tank. Heat pump and air conditioning unit inspections include an examination of the fan, compressor, indoor coils, outdoor coils and refrigerant lines as well.
  

• Sign up for an HVAC maintenance plan
  Consider investing in an HVAC maintenance plan to avoid missing your maintenance appointments ever again and make your annual maintenance as easy as can be. Our plan includes two complete inspections each year for one low price. With a Keith Air Conditioning maintenance agreement, your HVAC system will receive the best service from a NATE-certified professional (North American Technician Excellence). This certification means the HVAC professional has surpassed rigorous requirements for excellence in HVAC maintenance, repairs and installation of all types of heating and cooling systems. Should you need a repair, you will be at the top of our priority list, and you can receive 24/7/365 emergency air conditioner and heating repair services at no additional charge. You receive a 15 percent repair discount on all parts and a one year guarantee as a maintenance plan participant, and you will receive priority service on the installation of a new system if ever needed.

Don’t be stuck with a cold home when winter break starts! Follow these steps to make sure your furnace is good to go. Contact Keith Air Conditioning at 251-517-4437 to schedule a furnace maintenance appointment or to sign up for an HVAC maintenance plan.