Author Archives: matthew.tyner

3 Green Innovations Changing the HVAC Industry

Incorporating daily changes makes a difference when it comes to the health of our planet. Recycling and repurposing have grown in importance, along with using eco-friendly products and technologies. Perhaps you’re thinking about which changes you can make in your Loxley, Alabama, home to make it greener. Check out these green innovations in the HVAC industry that will change the face of home heating and cooling.

Green Innovations in Air Conditioning

It’s not currently available for homes, but a company based in California created an ice-powered air conditioner. Water is frozen in a huge tank overnight, cooling air that circulates over the ice during the day. When the ice melts, the traditional air conditioning system kicks in. This system can cool a large building for six hours from the ice alone.

Chromasun, an Australian company, recently invented thermally driven air conditioning. Rather than solely using electric fuel, thermally driven systems generate power from solar panels and gas. When the solar energy gets depleted, these units use natural gas to create energy.

Ductless air conditioning is one of the greenest cooling systems on the market today. Instead of guzzling electricity through a large outdoor unit, compact units cool the air using a reverse heat pump method. A small outdoor unit pumps a more eco-friendly refrigerant through your home. This liquid picks up heat and releases it outside. Then, the cooler liquid comes in and cools the air through individual indoor units.

Ductless systems also allow you to control your home’s temperature in zones. As a result, you save more energy because you avoid cooling unoccupied or unused areas in your home.

Green Innovations in Heating

Hybrid heating provides warmth through one of the most energy-efficient heating options today. Hybrid heat pumps use electricity and gas heat. These units generate warmth with electricity on days when the outdoor air is chilly.

When temperatures drop to frigid levels, the system switches over to gas heat. Gas heat creates warmth faster without burning as much fuel. Hybrid systems automatically change fuel types based on which fuel is more efficient to create the heat you need.

Geothermal heating has been around for a while. It’s gaining popularity because it’s quite eco-friendly and has a long lifespan.

A pump inside your home moves water through pipes underground and warms it. When the warm water comes inside, the heat exchanger pulls the heat from the water into the air inside. Then, it moves the cooled water back through the pipes.

These units only use electricity to run the pump, exchanger and fan, which is a fraction of what a traditional heating system uses. Geothermal systems last up to 30 years with regular maintenance.

Radiant floor heat works similar to geothermal heat. Instead of warm air blowing through vents, the system pumps hot water beneath the floor. Heat radiates upward from the floor and subsequently warms the entire room.

Green Innovations in Other Areas of HVAC

You waste a lot of cold water while you wait for it to become hot. With an on-demand hot water recirculator, you won’t have to worry about this wastage. With this invention, cold water goes back to the water heater through a designated water line, and it’s heated for later use.

Energy analysis software helps service technicians recommend the most energy-efficient systems for new homes and during replacement. This software projects your home’s energy consumption while accounting for any energy saving measures you’ve taken, helping you make the most eco-friendly choice.

At Keith Air Conditioning, Inc., we offer several green products to help decrease your home’s energy consumption. From ductless air conditioners to programmable, wireless thermostats, we’ve got you covered. Contact us at 251-476-3610 if you have concerns about your home’s heating system.

3 Ways to Improve Indoor Air This Winter

It’s winter in Mobile, Alabama, and you’ve got your home tightly sealed to keep the chill at bay. As the winter months progress, your tightly sealed home lowers indoor air quality as the lack of fresh air causes the level of allergens and irritants to increase. Fortunately, there are several simple tasks you can complete to drastically improve your indoor air quality this winter.

Change the Filters

Dirty air filters don’t pick up particles well, and they cause your heating system to work overtime. You should change filters at least once a month.

Choose a filter that catches pollutants that are 0.3 microns or larger to catch most irritants. Check filters weekly and change when needed to keep indoor air quality higher.

Install Indoor Air Quality Products

There are several types of whole-home purifiers on the market. Some purifiers catch particles with electrostatic mechanisms, and others add another level of filtration. A UV light will kill bacteria, mold and viruses that circulate in your home, helping reduce illnesses.

It’s no secret that your home gets dry because of drier winter air and heating. Dry air causes coughs, creates sinus issues and can exacerbate breathing problems. Having a whole-home humidifier reduces issues from dry air, cutting down the amount of bacteria and viruses floating in your home.

Consider a home ventilation system that helps keep the air inside your home fresh by bringing in outside air. Energy-recovery ventilators pump out stale air from inside while bringing in outdoor air without using much electricity.

Schedule a Tune-up

Don’t forget to have your HVAC system tuned up regularly. During a tuneup, a skilled service technician will clean parts inside your system that might contain mold and dirt. Not only does regular service improve indoor air quality but it also boosts your system’s efficiency.

At Keith Air Conditioning, we offer several indoor air quality products. Our service technicians will help you choose the best solutions for your family. From purifiers and humidifiers to regular maintenance, we’re here to help. Call 251-476-3610 today to schedule a consultation or maintenance appointment today.

4 Ways to Cut Heating Costs

The chilly weather is coming to Daphne, Alabama. But you may not want to use your furnace just yet, because you’re dreading the higher utility bill that follows. There are several easy steps you can take to cut heating costs this winter.

Dress Warmly

Learn to love socks. When your feet get cold, the rest of your body will feel the same. Wear warm socks or slippers to keep your toes feeling toasty. Wear layers and long sleeves in the house. You’ll be warmer without needing to bump up the thermostat.

Invest in insulated drapes for your windows to keep the warm air in, especially at night. If you have wood or tile floors, buy some rugs to keep the floors from getting cold.

Keep the Heat Inside

Lock all windows and patio doors to get a better seal. Cover them with plastic to prevent drafts. Open window coverings during the day to take advantage of the sun’s warmth, and close them at night to keep the warmth inside.

Look for light between doors and their frames. Replace worn weatherstripping where light leaks in. If you have a fireplace, close the flue when you aren’t using it.

Watch the Thermostat

Lowering your thermostat by a few degrees can result in huge savings. Consider installing a programmable thermostat to save even more. These units adjust the temperature automatically when you’re away and asleep.

Smart thermostats allow you to make changes remotely, no matter how far away you are from your home. They also provide recommendations to help lower energy use.

Service the Heater

One of the easiest ways to cut heating costs is by maintaining your heating system. Think about enrolling in a preventative maintenance plan for regular maintenance and service that will keep your system running in tip-top shape all year.

At Keith Air Conditioning, Inc., we offer preventative maintenance agreements and are glad to repair or replace your aging system. Call us at 251-476-3610 for expert service with a smile.

How to Prevent Mold

Getting rid of mold once you’ve found it isn’t hard. But, of course, it’s always better to prevent it from growing to begin with. Although winters in Mobile, Alabama, are drier, the risk of mold is constant. Prevent mold growth with these simple strategies to enjoy greater health and comfort in your home.

Stop Condensation

While relative humidity levels are lower during the winter in Mobile, you can still create moisture in your home. Since the outdoor air is often significantly cooler than the air inside, condensation can form on your windows. That condensation can stimulate mold growth. Prevent condensation by ventilating your home and keeping your home from getting too warm.

Ventilate

Without proper ventilation, moisture is trapped in the corners of your living space and can lead to mold taking root. To prevent moisture from being trapped, ventilate areas of your home with excessive moisture, such as your bathroom or kitchen. You should also ensure that your HVAC system is properly ventilated, or mold spores can grow in the evaporator coil.

Watch for Pipe Leaks

Pipe leaks can be hard to catch. But if you don’t notice them quickly, they’ll often cause mold wherever they leak.

Listen for leaks and watch for decreased pressure from any of your faucets. Sudden increases in water bills can also account for a leak. Fix leaks as quickly as possible to prevent mold from growing.

Don’t let mold growth ruin your fall and winter seasons. Prevent mold growth before it leads to illness and reduced HVAC efficiency. For a professional hand improving your indoor air quality by fighting mold growth, call Keith Air Conditioning at 251-476-3610. We’re here to help you breathe easier, sleep better and enjoy a high quality of life.

Predict the Future: 3 Factors Affecting HVAC Lifespan

You’ve heard the question too many times: If you could have a superpower, what would it be? We have some outliers at times, but you know the big three: to fly, to read minds and to see the future. As we get older, most residents of Mobile, Alabama, would probably lean more toward being able to predict the future. You can’t predict the future, though, but you can anticipate your HVAC system’s demise by watching for factors that reduce its lifespan.

Indoor Air Quality

You should keep your home clean for more than just entertaining guests. The dirtier your home is, the more strain your HVAC system experiences while attempting to maintain comfort. And the more dust in your home, the more that can actually coat the system and reduce its efficiency.

System Size

Just like a good pair of pants, a service technician installs an efficient HVAC system according to the home’s load requirement. If you have a heating or cooling system that’s either too large or small for the needs of your living space, the system will experience short cycling or strain to keep up with the load. Both of these can reduce efficiency and lifespan.

Maintenance

All technology falters with time. With regular maintenance, an HVAC system has a better chance of living out its lifespan of 10 to 15 years.

Without proper maintenance, components of the system fall into disrepair and don’t operate as efficiently. Over time and without care, you’ll only exacerbate those problems.

In the end, any factor that impacts the efficiency of your HVAC system will inevitably affect its lifespan. To prevent reducing your HVAC system’s lifespan, schedule preventive heating maintenance by calling Keith Air Conditioning at 251-476-3610.

What Are the Cost Savings of a Maintenance Agreement?

A maintenance agreement is a smart purchase, and your upfront investment can pay you back in long-term savings. There are several perks to signing up for a maintenance agreement for your Fairhope, Alabama, home. From priority service to discounted repairs, there’s plenty to love about our maintenance plan. Check out all the ways your tuneups will help you save.

Fewer Repair Needs

You can trace an estimated 75 percent of winter repair calls for a broken furnace back to a lack of maintenance. If you invest in maintenance early with our ongoing preventive agreement, you can avoid many common issues with your system. You also won’t have to deal with extra repair expenses later.

Lower Costs on Necessary Repairs

Though system maintenance will reduce your repair needs, you may still face an unavoidable issue from time to time. With our preventive maintenance agreement, you’ll still enjoy cost savings on these visits.

We offer a 15-percent repair discount for all parts as well as a 12-month guarantee. When you sign up for a preventive maintenance plan, you’ll also receive priority service, so you can restore your comfort quickly.

A Longer System Lifespan

A well-maintained system will last longer than one that’s struggling without maintenance. A new furnace or air conditioner installation can cost thousands of dollars. The longer your system lasts, the more utility you can squeeze out of the installation, lowering your long-term expense.

Improved Energy Efficiency

A well-maintained system operates more efficiently. Without regular maintenance, your HVAC system may suffer from loose electrical connections, poorly lubricated parts, and an accumulation of dust and dirt in the system. Invest in maintenance now, and you’ll have lower utility costs over the long-term.

If you’re interested in cashing in on the benefits of our maintenance agreement, contact Keith Air Conditioning, Inc. at 251-476-3610. Our maintenance plan is a great way to make sure your system is always in great shape. Reach out today to find out more about becoming one of our valued maintenance plan participants.

Choose the Right-Sized Generator for Your Home in Mobile, AL

A generator is a smart installation for any home. If you suffer from power loss, you’ll enjoy comfort and peace of mind knowing that your essential home systems will still function. If you’re considering a new generator for your Mobile, Alabama, home, it’s important to make sure it’s properly sized. Learn the critical factors of system sizing so you can purchase the right generator for your home.

Consider Square Footage

Your home’s square footage is an important consideration when you’re sizing a generator that will power whole-home systems like your air conditioner and furnace. A larger home will naturally need a larger generator to support it. The size of your home will also determine how many lights and electrical outlets you have throughout the space.

Keep in mind that you shouldn’t need to power everything in your home with a generator. When you’re operating off generator power, you’ll likely downsize to a few rooms, keeping most of your lights off and turning off unnecessary appliances. Think through every room of the house and consider which areas you’ll use on generator power so you can provide this information to your service technician when sizing your home for a new system.

Pick Your Appliances

If you’re running on generator power, which appliances will you plan to use? It’s best to avoid powering all your standard appliances if you can. Instead, opt for just the basics. You’ll want to keep your fridge running, but you shouldn’t need your oven, range, microwave and toaster oven all at once.

You can easily switch from using the dishwasher to hand-washing your dishes. Don’t power every television, computer and gaming system in the house when you can pare down to your most essential entertainment products. Your HVAC system is critical for comfort in inclement weather and should always be included when you’re determining the necessary generator power.

Understand Running and Startup Volt-Amps

For every item that you want to run on generator power, you’ll need to determine the running and startup volt-amps. Many appliances use more voltage when they first start up than they do when they’re running.

You can find the voltage for most appliances in the owner’s manual. If you can’t find the specs for a particular appliance, general estimates are available online for most common products. Add up the necessary volt-amps for everything you want to run to determine how much power your generator will need.

Consult a Professional

While you can come up with a good estimate of how much generator power you’ll need from your new installation, it’s best to consult a professional before making your final purchase. You can use the information you’ve gathered on your own to help guide your decision, but an experienced service technician is the best resource for an installation.

You’ll want to keep your service technician’s number on hand after your purchase and installation, too. You should schedule regular maintenance visits to keep your system functioning as efficiently as possible. Our service technicians offer annual maintenance agreements for regular tuneups, so you can rest easy knowing that your system is always primed and ready for any emergency.

Opt for the Larger Option

If you’re on the fence between generator sizes, you should always opt for the larger option. An undersized generator is a serious hazard. If your generator is too small you can suffer from:

System failures
Shutdown from capacity overload
Longer system lifespan
Tripped circuit breakers
Unstable output
Damage to equipment powered by the generator

Remember that sizing a generator is not like sizing and selecting an HVAC system. A furnace or air conditioner that’s too large will cycle on and off too frequently, suffering from excess wear. A generator that’s larger rather than smaller offers a little extra power and protection in an emergency.

If you’re in the market for a new home generator, give Keith Air Conditioning, Inc. a call at 251-476-3610. We’ll help you choose the best product to power your home effectively no matter what comes your way.

How to Stop Dust From Getting in the Way of Energy Efficiency

You may think of dust as an unsightly hazard that adds to your weekly chores, but it’s a culprit in more than just your cleaning routine. Dust can have a major impact on energy efficiency in your Mobile, Alabama, home. Those tiny specks may seem harmless on their own, but gather enough and they can take a serious toll on your utility bill. Stop the dust in its tracks with these tricks.

Change Your Filter

How often do you come face-to-face with your HVAC filter? You should be checking it at least once a month and changing it at intervals no longer than three months. Unfortunately, this quick and simple task is often overlooked. If your filter isn’t getting regular changes, it can become clogged. This forces your system to work harder pulling air through, which ultimately diminishes your energy efficiency.

Schedule Regular Maintenance

Your HVAC system needs annual maintenance to stay in prime condition. You should schedule one visit in the spring for your air conditioner and another in early fall for the heating system.

During this visit, our service technicians will thoroughly clean the unit from dust that can accumulate in those hard-to-see interior parts. If you let the dust build up here for too long, your system’s efficiency will plummet as your energy bills rise. A dirty system has to work harder to keep up with demands, while a clean one can operate easily.

Install an Air Cleaner

If you have a lot of dust in your home, an air cleaner can help. A product like the Performance Air Purifier PGAP stops up to 75 percent of irritants .30 microns in size or larger. An Infinity Air Purifier GAPA will trap as much as 95 percent of these airborne pathogens. This will keep the dust out of your HVAC system for better performance.

If you’re battling uncontrolled dust in your home, we can help. Give Keith Air Conditioning, Inc. a call at 251-476-3610 for an efficient indoor air quality solution.

A Quick Primer on Finding the Right Air Filter

To keep the air in your Mobile, Alabama, home healthy, you’ve adopted many habits in an attempt to increase indoor air quality. Anything to keep you and your kids from falling victim to allergic reactions and asthma attacks. However, your HVAC system already has a built-in way to keep your air clean. Filters catch harmful particles before they can pollute your airflow and reduce HVAC efficiency. But not all filters are equal. For fresher air that helps you breathe easier inside your home, find the right air filter with the best MERV rating.

What Are MERV Ratings?

Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value ratings are a range of levels that indicate the overall efficiency of an air filter. The ratings range from one to 20. The higher the MERV rating, the more particles the filter will catch. Most residential air filters have a low MERV rating, sometimes four or less.

A filter with a MERV rating of four or less will remove less than 20 percent of the hazardous particles in your home. Move up to a rating between nine and 16, and the filter will remove more than 85 percent of pollutants. Filters with MERV ratings between 17 and 20 are known as High Efficiency Particulate Arresting filters. They can catch 99.97 percent of the particles.

Which Filter Is Best for You?

You may be tempted to simply find the filter with the highest MERV rating. However, the higher the MERV rating, the more the filter restricts airflow and limits efficiency and comfort.

If you can maintain your own IAQ, you probably don’t want a filter with a high MERV rating. However, if someone in your home suffers from extreme asthma, allergies or a weak immune system, it’s worth considering a HEPA filter.

To ensure your filter fits your home’s needs, you should consult an HVAC service technician for lower energy costs and improved indoor air quality. Call Keith Air Conditioning at 251-476-3610 to speak with an experienced professional.

Cut Cooling Costs With Ductless AC

When you live in Mobile, Alabama, you spend your summers searching for ways to cut your utility costs every month. You try not to run the air conditioner at full blast all day; you know how to use your thermostat to your advantage; and you keep up on your maintenance. Still, your utility costs aren’t as low as you’d prefer. Consider cutting your cooling costs with ductless AC by eliminating the issues caused by ducts and taking more control of your comfort.

What is Ductless Cooling?

Whether you have a standard central heating and cooling system or a heat pump, your unit likely uses ductwork to move air throughout your home. While ducts certainly have their advantages, they can leak, letting your cool air out and warm air into the flow.

Ductless air handlers, on the other hand, sit on your wall and contain fans that blow cooled refrigerant directly into your living space. No ducts required.

Cost-Cutting Benefits of Ductless Cooling

Since ductless systems directly supply your rooms with air and eliminate the need for ducts, there isn’t a chance of the air loss that’s possible with ducts. That way, you only pay for the air you use. Leaky ducts can also spread hazardous particles and contribute to poor indoor air quality, while ductless systems don’t.

Another cost-cutting benefit of ductless air conditioning is the option to zone your home. Since air handlers operate in certain rooms, you get to decide which areas of the home need maximized comfort control. Plus, you can control each zone and its air handler independently. With greater control in your hands comes greater efficiency.

Switching HVAC systems is no small decision, but you’ll quickly see the results of ductless air conditioning. To start cutting costs with ductless AC, call Keith Air Conditioning at 251-476-3610.