Author Archives: matthew.tyner

Even as fall approaches, it’s still warm and humid here in Mobile, Alabama. A high quality, functioning A/C will make this time of year more bearable. The average life expectancy of an air conditioner is between 10 and 12 years, but you can add more years onto your older A/C, by following the right maintenance procedures and changing some of your habits.

• Relieve some pressure. Using floor or ceiling fans in occupied rooms allows you to raise the thermostat by three or four degrees, thanks to the cooling effect produced by the wind-chill factor. This occurs when the air movement produced by the fan speeds up the rate of evaporation of perspiration on the surface of the skin. For every degree you can raise your thermostat, you will save between 3 and 5 percent on cooling costs.
• Keep it clean. Regular filter changes are vital to the function and integrity of your A/C. A dirty filter hampers air flow, causing the system to work harder and placing excessive wear and tear on parts. Dirt and debris that can no longer be trapped by the filter can make their way into your ductwork, effectively reducing the quality of your indoor air.
• Call a professional. The best way to extend the life of your older A/C is through annual preventive maintenance, where your contractor will inspect, clean, lubricate and tune up your cooling system. This helps to increase efficiency and prevent costly mid-season repairs.
• Smarter, not harder. Reduce excessive A/C use with the following tips:
  • Set your programmable thermostat several degrees higher for times you are away from home, and down to your desired set point an hour before you’re due to return.
  • Keep doors and windows closed during A/C operation.
  • Only use the A/C when natural ventilation is inadequate.
  • Use exhaust fans when cooking, doing laundry or showering, to keep humidity levels down.

For more tips on getting the most from your older A/C, call the experts at Keith Air Conditioning, Inc., proudly serving residents of Mobile and the surrounding area.

Using energy-efficient window treatments can enhance the look and feel of any room, and if you select the right kind and size, you’ll also benefit from energy savings. Unless your windows are highly efficient, it’s likely you have significant thermal losses in both summer and winter through the glass.

Heat is constantly seeking out cooler temperatures. In the summer, it’s constantly moving into your home and in the winter, making its way out. Shade screens help your home stay comfortable, but when you’re looking for a design element, these window treatments will help your home stay more comfortable:

• Thermal and/or blackout drapes – When choosing fabric window coverings, look for pleated drapes or full curtains that are either lined or tightly woven. Many colors and designs are available, and they provide the best thermal protection if they reach the floor and have a cornice on top to stop the heated air from passing into or out of your home.
• Thermal shades – These are available as insulated shades, like Roman shades or cellular shades. Like draperies, there’s a wide selection of styles and colors. The air mass in the case of cellular shades traps air between the glass and your interior, and they provide decorative energy-efficient window treatments. Those made from lighter fabrics filter light through them, reducing the need for daytime lighting that creates heat indoors, especially if you still use incandescent lighting.
• Insulating window panels – If you don’t want to cover the windows, opt for insulating window panels. These are inserts installed from inside and made from clear materials. They won’t stop heat from sunshine but will cut back on thermal heat transfer, much the same way exterior storm windows do. These panels also stop many of the drafts coming from the frames of the windows, as well, as long as the panels fit tightly.

While energy-efficient window coverings help cut conditioning costs, you’ll get additional benefits from maintaining your HVAC system, something the pros at Keith Air Conditioning, Inc. can help you do. We’ve provided HVAC services for Mobile and Baldwin County since 1964.

You may not give much thought to your cooling system… until it stops working. While routine annual maintenance can prevent most issues from popping up, you may still experience any of the more common A/C problems from time to time. Here are some A/C troubleshooting tips to keep close at hand, some of which you may be able to address yourself, while others require the services of a professional.

• Inadequate cooling. If your A/C is unable to achieve the desired level of comfort, begin by lowering your thermostat an additional five degrees. If that doesn’t solve the issue, the evaporator may be dirty; clean it carefully and let the A/C run for several hours. If these solutions don’t work, the air conditioning system may be inadequately sized for your home, and may need to be replaced.
• A malfunctioning condenser. Start by checking the power supply, beginning with the plug. From there, check the main breaker and fuse, restoring power if needed. Next check the thermostat, lowering it by a further five degrees to see if the A/C comes to life – if not, the compressor or motor may needprofessional repair.
• The A/C frequently cycles off and on. Dirt may be the culprit, either on the condenser or evaporator coil, and a good cleaning may solve the problem. Check to ensure the outside condensing unit isn’t blocked by tall grass or other foliage, allowing for at least three feet of clearance on all sides and above the unit.
• The A/C runs but doesn’t produce cold air. Start with the thermostat, though it’s unlikely to be the cause. Examine the condensing unit to see if it’s blocked or dirty, cleaning or removing debris if necessary. A lack of refrigerant or a malfunctioning compressor may be at fault, both of which require the services of a skilled HVAC contractor.

For more help with A/C troubleshooting tips, or the service, repair or maintenance of your HVAC system, call the experts at Keith Air Conditioning, Inc. proudly serving homeowners in Baldwin County and Mobile.

Running your cooling or heating equipment with dirty air filters is the ticket to high energy bills, more equipment breakdowns and worsening indoor air quality. Although the air filter may not seem like a major component of your HVAC system, it does a lot to protect parts and maintain original efficiency levels.

1. High energy bills. When the filter is clogged, less air passes through it, which means less air enters the air handler. It takes longer for the system to cool your home, driving up energy consumption. Dust can cover the evaporator coil that contains the refrigerant that removes the heat from your home. The dust acts as insulation, slowing the cooling process even more. Dust inside the air handler can cover the fan and motor with dust. When dust builds on the fan blades, it slows them down, reducing the airflow through the system even more. A motor covered in dust can build heat, which can shorten its life.
2. Equipment breakdowns. Running an A/C or heat pump over a prolonged period with a dirty air filter can cause the evaporator coil to freeze over. If it continues to run, the frost will build to the point where no air passes over the coil and cooling stops. The refrigerant in the system will return to the compressor as a liquid, which can seriously harm this essential component of your A/C or heat pump. When the frost melts, it may overwhelm the drain pan for the cooling system and cause water damage to the air handler, and on floors and walls.
3. Compromised air quality. The dirty filter eventually pulls particles into the ductwork that can degrade indoor air quality. Indoor air particulates include dust, pollen, pet dander and dust mite waste. When these enter the system, they’ll circulate throughout your home’s air, irritating anyone with respiratory issues.

If you’d like more information about dirty air filters, please contact the pros at Keith Air Conditioning. We’ve provided outstanding HVAC services for Mobile and Baldwin County homeowners since 1964.

If you’re comparing different programmable thermostats, you have the right idea that these devices save energy and money year round. The upgrade is most beneficial if you’re away from home for extended, predictable periods of time every day. Here’s what you need to know about choosing and using a programmable thermostat correctly.

Comparing Programmable Thermostats

Think about your schedule when choosing the right programmable thermostat for you. The basic three models include:

• 7-day: This is best if your family’s schedule varies every day of the week, such as if children come home from school at different times depending on the day. If flexible programming seven days a week is important to you, choose this type of programmable thermostat.
• 5+2-day: With this option, you can only program two different settings; one for weekdays and one for the weekend.
• 5-1-1: If your schedule is the same Monday through Friday but varies on Saturday and Sunday, this is the type of programmable thermostat you want.

Establishing the Settings

You don’t automatically save money just by upgrading to a programmable thermostat. You must also set it properly. Most programmable thermostats let you create four settings per day. Set a “wake” temperature for the morning, a “day” temperature when the house is empty, an “evening” temperature when relaxing before bed, and a “sleep” temperature for nighttime.

Benefit from Programmable Thermostats

Help your investment be as successful as possible with these tips:

• Install the new thermostat on an interior wall away from areas that receive direct sunlight, drafts or sharp temperature changes.
• Set energy-saving setbacks that last at least eight hours at a time.
• Use the “permanent” or “vacation hold” setting when you’re out of town to avoid heating or cooling a vacant home.
• Don’t override the pre-programmed settings unless absolutely necessary. Each time you do, you increase what you pay to keep your home comfortable.
• Change the batteries annually in units that run on batteries (some are connected to your HVAC system’s electrical supply). Some units alert you when the batteries are losing power.

For more tips on using programmable thermostats to the fullest, please contact us at Keith Air Conditioning, Inc., proudly serving Mobile and Baldwin County since 1964.

When you start saving energy dollars, you’ll cut your monthly expenses and in some cases, lengthen the life of the appliances in your home. Here are some simple ways to cut energy consumption with little investment.

• Lower the water heater’s temperature from 140 degrees F to 120 degrees. After to cooling and heating your home, your water heater is next in line for consuming energy. Reducing the water’s temperature prolongs the life of the water heater, as does draining a few quarts from the bottom a few times a year. A lower temperature is also safer since it lowers scalding risks. If you want hotter water for the dishwasher, enable the heating coil inside it.
• Replace old incandescent lights with CFLs or LEDs that use a fraction of the electricity and don’t create as much heat.
• Change and keep the air filter for the cooling system clean. When it gets dirty, the airflow slows and it takes longer for your cooling system to reach the thermostat’s settings. If dust accumulates on the A/C evaporator coil, the refrigerant may not pick up as much heat, causing the water vapor in the air to freeze on the coil. If your system continues to run, not only will the A/C not cool your home, it can cause compressor failure.
• Unplug chargers that aren’t in use to start saving energy dollars. Many of these chargers continue to draw power by just being plugged into an outlet or a power strip. If you organize all the chargers your family uses, label then and place them into one power strip, you’ll be able to turn the power strip off when no one is using it.
• Unless your entertainment equipment carries the Energy Star label, unplug them or turn off the power strip when not using them. Any of these appliances that starts immediately the moment it’s turned on draws standby power.

The pros at Keith Air Conditioning, Inc. can help you start saving energy dollars with your HVAC equipment. We’ve provided HVAC services for Mobile and Baldwin County homeowners since 1964.

It requires quite an investment to stay cool all summer long in Baldwin County, but there are a few things you can do to reduce the need for air conditioning, and as a result, give your household budget a break. You can do this by lowering your home’s daily cooling load. This term refers to the amount of cooling your home needs based on its overall energy efficiency and the amount of heat you generate indoors daily.

Proven Ways to Lower Your Costs

• Seal air leaks in your home’s envelope. Look for cracks around window frames and seal with exterior caulk. If you can see daylight coming through an exterior door, apply fresh weatherstripping. Not only will it stop air infiltration, it will keep bugs from entering your home seeking a cool refuge.
• Add more insulation to the attic. The U.S. Department of Energy suggests that attics should have between 10 and 20 inches for the best energy savings. Insulation is the least expensive way to lower cooling costs, and it will last a long time if kept dry. Reflective insulation works well in our warm Southern climate, reflecting much of the heat back through your roof.
• Shade the windows. Since the cooling season is so long here, consider investing in solar shade screens that you can place on exterior windows. They can block up to 90 percent of the heat-producing UV rays entering through the glass. Placed on the south and west windows, these shades offer a view outdoors and provide privacy inside during the day. Solar reflective film also works in our climate and, like thermal drapes can stop heat transfer in both summer and winter.
• Ceiling fans are an effective way to reduce the need for air conditioning and decorate a room, as well. They circulate the air, ceasing a wind-chill effect that makes it seem cooler. The cooling effect allows you to turn up the thermostat a few degrees.
• Use appliances wisely in the summer. Avoid using your stove, oven and clothes dryer during the hottest parts of the day. When you need to replace them, look for those that carry the Energy Star label.

Keeping your cooling system running efficiently also will reduce the need for air conditioning because a tuned-up system doesn’t have to run as long to reach your set temperature. To learn more, please contact us at Keith Air Conditioning, Inc., providing exceptional HVAC services to Baldwin County and Mobile homeowners since 1964.

As a homeowner, one of the biggest challenges is learning how to control energy costs. The secret to lowering your energy usage is to focus on the things that negatively affect your home the most. You can start by following these six easy-to-follow tips:

• Install equipment certified by Energy Star– Your heating and cooling equipment can’t last forever. When a unit begins showing its age, its efficiency will suffer. Once replacement is inevitable, look for new equipment that has been certified by Energy Star. This will ensure the utmost energy efficiency, which will save you money for years to come.
• Ensure proper installation – The most advanced HVAC equipment on the market won’t be very effective if it isn’t properly installed. Instead of doing it yourself, hire a reputable technician whose work will be guaranteed.
• Replace your air filter on a regular basis – When the air filter has been gummed up by dust and debris, the compromised airflow will force the HVAC system to work harder, and to lesser effect. Left unchecked, this can damage your system. Prevent this by switching out the filter when it gets dirty, but don’t wait longer than three months.
• Get a tuneup – If your equipment isn’t old enough for replacement, a yearly service call by a licensed contractor will keep it running efficiently. This will also prolong the life of your system.
• Invest in a programmable thermostat – Problems turning heating and cooling equipment on and off are a thing of the past with the use of a programmable thermostat. You can set the time at which your system operates each day, saving you money in the short-term and long-term.
• Seal home ductwork – Air leakage contributes to a huge waste of energy on a daily basis. A big problem area is your home’s ductwork. To fix the issue, seal any leaks that you find and wrap the ducts in insulation to keep the temperature more consistent.

For more professional advice on how to control energy costs or any other home comfort questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the friendly technicians at Keith Air Conditioning.