Author Archives: matthew.tyner

3 Ways to Manage Your Home’s Humidity in Cool Weather

It isn’t uncommon for Mobile, AL homeowners to struggle with managing indoor humidity levels, even during cooler weather. As we approach the winter season, the concern is usually about dry indoor air, but regions such as ours with mild winters, can still see problems with indoor high moisture levels at this time of the year.

Manage Everyday Activities

Regular tasks like cooking, cleaning, showering, and washing clothes are some of the biggest contributors to indoor moisture. By keeping an eye on how and when your family performs these activities, you can get a better handle on indoor moisture. The goal is to keep indoor humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent.

Be sure to use kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room vents that transfer exhaust outdoors instead of allowing that moisture to remain in your home. Having an exhaust system that vents hot, moist air properly can do wonders for your home’s humidity and improve indoor air quality.

Encourage Ventilation

Fortunately at this time of the year, we can take advantage of the pleasant temperatures outdoors. Stale, humid air can become a breeding ground for dust mites, mold, and other allergens that thrive in moist conditions. Open windows and doors to help bring fresh air into your home. Keep your home’s indoor air moving with a combination of the HVAC system, ceiling fans, exhaust fans, and natural airflow. Make sure the HVAC air filters you use are advanced enough to capture allergens.

Use a Dehumidifier

During the spring and summer, most Mobile homeowners run their air conditioners to lower indoor temperatures as well as humidity levels. When the temperatures drop in fall and winter, however, using the air conditioner in this way is not always an option. A dehumidifier provides efficient filtration, reduces humidity, controls mold, and improves the indoor air quality. This unit works with the HVAC system to pull excess moisture from the air. You can use it to manage humidity levels in any climate and to tackle humidity issues throughout your entire home.

Do you constantly struggle to maintain a healthy humidity level in your home? Call the indoor air quality experts at Keith Air Conditioning, Inc. at 251-476-3610 to learn about the best solutions for your home.

Fire Safety and Home Heating: Topics That Go Hand in Hand

As you get your Mobile, Alabama home ready for the heating season, it’s not a bad idea to review some fire safety and home heating tips. A significant percentage of residential fires each year are related to home heating systems. According to the U.S. Fire Safety Administration, from 2008 to 2010, and an average of 50,000 fires related to home heating resulted in about 150 deaths, 575 injuries, and $326 million in lost property. Heating-related fires were said to be the second most common cause of residential fires, following fires related to cooking.

Fire Safety and Home Heating Tips

Heating systems such as gas furnaces and boilers are often the culprit in residential fires. A carbon monoxide leaks is another serious problem. That’s why it is essential to schedule annual maintenance for your home’s heating system. A trusted HVAC technician will inspect every part of your furnace, boiler, or heat pump system to make sure it’s installed and connected safely. He or she will clean parts, check vents, and if necessary, recommend an upgrade if your system is old and unsafe.
If you use space heaters in your home, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for safe operation. Don’t continue to use space heaters with damaged cords, damaged connections, or other issues. Don’t leave them in places where they can be knocked over accidentally by you, children, or pets, or where they can ignite a curtain or other flammable object. Even then, the space heater should have an automatic shut-off mechanism if tipped over.
If you have a fireplace or wood stove, annual inspection and cleaning, preferably before the heating season, is just as important. A common problem with older homes is cracked fireplace liners or liners with mortar chipped away between sections. If this is the case with your fireplace, dangerous fumes or flames can escape the fireplace and endanger your home and family. Never throw away warm fireplace ashes near your home.

For more information about fire safety and home heating, please contact Keith Air Conditioning, Inc. today at 251-476-3610. Our skilled technicians can provide advice and services to keep you safe and comfortable this winter.

3 Ways to Extend the Life of Your Air Conditioner

Replacing an old air conditioner is a great way to boost energy efficiency and maintain optimal levels of comfort in your Alabama home. However, to ensure your air conditioner continues to provide efficient performance, there are important steps you should take, which can also help to extend its service life.

Change the Filters Regularly

Since most Alabama homeowners find themselves using their air conditioners the majority of the year, it is recommended that the filters be changed regularly. A clogged filter forces the air conditioner to work harder to move conditioned air to every room, which puts a strain on the system. Clean filters make it easier for the air conditioner to do its job, plus the indoor air quality will be much better.

Use a Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats prolong the life of your AC by allowing you to use your system more efficiently. You can program the thermostat in advance based on your activities. This will allow you to adjust temperatures so more energy efficient setting results in energy savings and reduce strain on the air conditioner. During the winter months, set the thermostat lower and reduce the number of times the heating system cycles on. By doing so, the system doesn’t waste energy trying to maintain ideal temperatures when no one is around.

Schedule Professional Service

Regular air conditioning maintenance is a must-have for any system. At least once a year, have a skilled technician come to your home and perform a thorough inspection of your unit and ductwork. Professional AC technicians can spot issues with airflow, repair leaks, and ensure the unit is working properly. Although a once-a-year inspection is adequate, you can boost your system’s lifespan even further by having it serviced twice — once before winter and another time before summer.

Call Keith Air Conditioning, Inc. at 251-476-3610 to schedule your next AC maintenance or repair service.

Follow These Principles for Good Ductwork Design

Central or forced air HVAC systems rely on a system of ducts to get conditioned air to every vented area of your home. How well your central heating and cooling works depends a lot on good ductwork design.

Ductwork carries conditioned air from the utility area where your furnace or air conditioner is installed into the living areas of your home. When it is working as it should, each room in your house gets an appropriate volume of air delivery, and the air reaches the vents as warm or as cool as it’s meant to be. When ductwork is improperly designed, however, leaks, heat loss or heat gain, and excessive or insufficient airflow can plague your home. In fact, these flaws can drop an HVAC installation’s efficiency down to 60 percent of its ideal operating conditions. That’s not just bad for the energy bills, it’s bad for home comfort.

Principles of Good Ductwork Design

In new homes, ductwork should be designed at the same time the house plans are being drafted. The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) offers updated guidelines on how best to approach residential duct system design.
Good ductwork design takes into account the heating and cooling loads of each room, not just the entire house. Inner rooms may require less conditioning than rooms that are more affected by outdoor temperatures through conduction and radiation, for example, through walls, ceilings, windows or doors. And smaller rooms, such as bathrooms, require less airflow than larger living spaces.
When the heating and cooling loads are calculated, the specific models of furnace and air conditioner should be determined. This is because the rate of air supply provided by the blower fan can impact the size of duct necessary.
The location of the central HVAC system should be considered as part of good ductwork design. Symmetrical or nearly-symmetrical ductwork often performs best when it comes to delivering the correct amount of air to every room, which means that tucking the HVAC appliances into an out-of-the-way location can have undesirable consequences for airflow.
The duct layout should also take the location of other appliances into account. For example, a duct should not be installed next to a water heater, as the heater may transfer heat into the duct during the cooling season, reducing the efficiency of the home’s air conditioner.
When the equipment is selected, contractors should draw up a sketch of your home’s entire air distribution systems in order to calculate the duct size requirements. This step can also help the contractors decide what method of distribution is best: a trunk-and-branch system, where one main trunk duct supplies a number of smaller branch ducts which carry air to each room, for example. Good ductwork design will be fine-tuned to the architecture of the building, as well as the climate.
Ideally, ductwork should be kept in conditioned or insulated areas of the home. Insulating the ducts helps to prevent heat loss and heat gain. Keeping the ductwork securely within the home’s thermal envelope also helps to retain energy.
When the size and layout of ducts has been selected and the ducts are being installed, the contractor should pay special attention to sealing duct connections with mastic to ensure that no air leaks are present in the system.

Good ductwork design governs year-round home comfort when it comes to heating and cooling your home. In addition, improved airflow throughout your home optimizes the performance of your HVAC system.

To learn more about ductwork design, how to get the most out of your ductwork, and proper ductwork maintenance, contact the experts at Keith Air Conditioning, Inc. at 251-476-3610. Our technicians can provide a variety of energy-efficient solutions and systems to improve indoor air quality, energy savings, and comfort in your Mobile-area home or office.

3 Reasons High Humidity Is Bad for Your Health

A major contributor to poor indoor air quality, high humidity is bad for your health in more ways than you might expect. Here are three reasons you should keep humidity levels in check in your Mobile, Alabama home.

Dust Mites Thrive

Dust mites can’t live in just any environment. To thrive, these pests require high humidity levels and plenty of dust. Excess moisture in the air, dusty conditions, and carpet that isn’t vacuumed regularly provide the perfect setting for dust mites.

The best way to keep sneeze-inducing dust mites out is to keep the house clean and the humidity level low. Dust surfaces in your home with a damp cloth at least once a week, and follow up with a thorough mopping or vacuuming session. Be sure to vacuum upholstery, textiles, and other fabrics where dust mites often live.

Airborne Chemicals Flourish

A number of household items, from paint to carpet to furniture, produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Breathing in large amounts of these dangerous airborne chemicals is never a good idea, but high humidity can actually cause VOCs to off-gas and become airborne more quickly.

Keeping VOCs in check is a two-step process. Maintain a reasonable level of humidity in your home, and increase ventilation with stand-alone fans or a ventilator that works with your HVAC system.

Mold Grows

You should try to keep indoor humidity under 60 percent — between 30 and 50 percent if possible. If the humidity is consistently higher than recommended levels, excess moisture can foster mold growth, which leads to variety of problems from health issues to structural damage in your home. For many people, inhaling mold can trigger allergic reactions like sneezing, rashes, and runny noses.

Though mold remediation will remove this allergen from your home, it’s much easier to prevent mold growth from the start. Investing in a whole-home dehumidifier is an effective option. These devices pull excess moisture from the air and reduce humidity before it becomes a big problem.

Is your home’s humidity out of control? Call Keith Air Conditioning, Inc. today at 251-476-3610 to speak with our indoor air quality experts.

Looking for HVAC Systems? These Carrier Products Fit the Bill

Installing a new or upgraded HVAC system in your home is a decision that requires careful thought and planning. New air conditioners, furnaces, heat pumps, and other equipment can be a significant financial investment. It is necessary to install a system that works best for your specific needs and with the individual characteristics of your home. You also want to balance energy efficiency with cost and make sure you get a system that will provide reliable function over a reasonable service lifetime. When you are seeking the best HVAC systems, Carrier products stand out for efficiency, dependability, and performance relative to cost.

As some of the industry’s best HVAC systems, Carrier products can keep your home comfortable in any season. These systems are backed by a manufacturer dedicated to customer service and satisfaction for more than 100 years. You will find that Carrier not only provides top-quality HVAC equipment, but that the company also works to be a good neighbor by supporting the communities nationwide.

Carrier Quality and Choice

For consumers who want the best HVAC systems, Carrier products reflect the care and concern of a proven market leader. New Carrier systems are also engineered to use newer, more environmentally friendly refrigerants. The company offers durable and highly-efficient choices that are designed to fit many budgets and home comfort requirements. Carrier products marketed in communities throughout the United States include central air conditioning units, split-system air conditioners, furnaces, heat pumps and package units.

HVAC System Efficiency

When purchasing a new air conditioner, furnace, or heat pump, system efficiency is usually a top priority. These systems have a seasonal efficiency ratio (SEER) as high as 21. SEER is a measure of system efficiency. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the system.

Because of their performance standards, high-efficiency units can produce outstanding levels of heating or cooling at a much lower cost. Purchase and installation costs of high-efficiency systems are generally more than traditional and lower-rated systems. However, such systems will save you money on repairs and energy consumption because of better performance. This, therefore, makes the units a worthwhile investment. You will find a full line of highly-rated, high-efficiency HVAC systems among Carrier’s product selection including:

Ductless systems: Ductless or mini split air conditioners consist of two main units: an outdoor unit that contains the condenser and compressor connected via a narrow conduit to an indoor unit that handles the distribution of conditioned air, and control of indoor temperatures. Carrier’s split system air conditioners are available in multiple levels of efficiency, ranging from SEER 13 to SEER 21. More advanced models, such as those in the Infinity Series, include features and components that boost system efficiency even further, including variable-speed compressors.
Packaged units: Packaged air conditioning systems include all functional components in a single cabinet. You will find packaged systems installed on rooftops or in areas where ground space is limited. Carrier-brand packaged units include both gas/electric furnaces, air conditioners and heat pumps. SEER ratings range from 13 to 15.5 while Annual Fuel Utilization Rating (AFUE) numbers for heating systems stand at 80.1. AFUE indicates the percentage of energy in the furnace fuel that gets turned into usable heat; an AFUE of 80, for example, means 80 percent of the fuel becomes heat that can be used in your home.
Furnaces: Carrier furnaces provide AFUE ratings between 80 to 98.5 for gas-burning models and 80 to 86 for oil-burning models. More advanced systems offer features that boost performance and efficiency, such as a modulating gas valve and variable-speed blowers.
Heat pumps: Heat pumps work on the principle of capturing heat and moving it from place to place using very little energy. Heat pumps can actually be reversed to provide cooling as well. This allows a single heat pump to provide both heating and cooling for convenience and space considerations. Carrier heat pumps are available in SEER ratings from 13 to 20.5, and in HSPF ratings (an efficiency measure for air-source heat pumps) from 9 to 13.

The fact that Willis Carrier, the man after whom this brand is named, was the architect behind the first modern air conditioning system, inherently signifies a commitment to excellence in product standards. Carrier’s history as an innovator in air conditioning means knowledge and expertise you can trust.

For almost 50 years, Keith Air Conditioning, Inc. has been a top choice for heating and air conditioning services in Baldwin County and the Mobile area. We recognize our responsibility as a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer, and make it a goal to always demonstrate that in our services and in our approach to customer satisfaction. Contact us today at 251-476-3610 for more information about our line of high-performance Carrier HVAC systems.

How a Côr Thermostat Can Lower Your Utility Bills

If you still use a manual thermostat to control the temperature in your Mobile, Alabama home, it is time to consider making a change to something smarter. With a smart thermostat, you can automate your heating and cooling, saving you time, energy, and money.

Program According to Need

Manual thermostats require you to go to the thermostat to adjust settings each time you want to change the temperature in your home. With a programmable thermostat such as Carrier’s Côr™ Wi-Fi Thermostat, you can set a temperature schedule in advance, so that you never have to worry about remembering to adjust the thermostat several times each day. Programmable thermostats allow you to use your HVAC system more efficiently so you can avoid wasting energy and increasing utility costs. Smart thermostats also allow for manual overrides in case of any changes in your schedule, so that you won’t need to sacrifice comfort at any time.

Adjust Your Côr Thermostat on the Go

Changing circumstances mean you might need to make adjustments to your thermostat’s preprogrammed settings. If you find you will be returning home much later than planned, for example, with a Côr thermostat you don’t need to be home to make the adjustment. Instead, you can log into the system with your smartphone, laptop or tablet, and change the settings no matter where you are located. Because Côr thermostats connect via Wi-Fi, you can manage different thermostat settings even when you are away from home. This allows you therefore, to save valuable energy.

Save With Energy Reports

Another way the Côr thermostat helps you to lower your energy consumption is by tracking energy usage. In this way, you can compare how you use energy over time in order to make energy-saving adjustments where necessary.

Are you ready to take advantage of a Côr thermostat’s energy-saving features? Call the experts at Keith Air Conditioning, Inc. at 251-476-3610. We can help you to select the right smart thermostat for your needs and budget.

4 Chores That Will Improve Your IAQ

If you are looking for an easy way to improve the indoor air quality (IAQ) in your Mobile, Alabama home, you can find many opportunities in your daily routines. Changing the way you approach your chores can have a big impact on the air quality in your home.

Change Your Air Filters

The air filters in your HVAC system keep dust, dirt, and other pollutants out of your indoor air, but they can get clogged over time. You should change or clean your HVAC filter as needed. Depending on the type of filter, and level of system use, monthly cleaning or replacement might be necessary. Keep a supply of replacement filters on hand so that switching them out will be fast and easy. Mark this chore on your calendar or get in the habit of doing it at specific times to keep your heating and air conditioning systems in top shape.

Mop and Vacuum Frequently

Hardwood floors get dusty quickly. You will need to mop regularly to keep your rooms free of dust mites. You do not need harsh chemicals to get the job done. A microfiber mop and a bit of water will do the trick. Mop as often as necessary, as some homes accumulate more dust than others. In homes with pets and/or children this chore might need to occur more frequently as children and pets tend to bring in more dust, dirt, and dander from outside.

Vacuuming isn’t just for your floors. Vacuum cleaners are equipped with various attachments for a reason. These attachments are ideal for use on upholstered furniture, along baseboards, and anywhere dust accumulates. For the best IAQ, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. HEPA filters are very effective in removing a variety of harmful particles including cigarette smoke, pollen and pet dander. As with mopping, you should do this task as often as necessary.

Cleaning Green

If you are not careful, the products you use to clean your home can harm indoor air quality. Clean with products that are free of hazardous chemicals and compounds. Many persons make their own cleaning solutions using a mix of items including baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice. If DIY solutions are not your style, there are many non-toxic, environmentally friendly cleaning products on the market. Just look for those with the Green Seal, Greenguard, or Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) stamp of approval.

Making just a few small changes to your laundry routine can improve your IAQ. Switch to fragrance-free detergents to eliminate the synthetic aromas found in scented products. Keep clothes that you don’t wear often sealed in a drawer where they won’t attract dust or dust mites.

Houseplants Help

Houseplants are a smart way to help with purifying the air in your home because they also add aesthetic appeal. The right houseplants can help with improving indoor air quality. They can remove harmful chemicals from the air such as ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene. If you are looking for a hardy indoor option, consider these powerful air purifying plants:

Aloe Vera
Bamboo Palm
Boston Fern
Dracaena
Ficus
Peace Lily
Snake Plant
Spider Plant

To keep these natural air purifiers in peak condition, it is important to follow instructions for care. Be wary of overwatering, however, as this can lead to mold growth, which will negatively impact your indoor air quality.

Chores to improve indoor air quality should be a part of everyone’s habits. Ensure that everyone in your household is knowledgeable about factors that harm indoor air quality. Share information not just about those things that result in poor indoor air, but also those that improve it. It is also important to explain how poor indoor air can be harmful. For example, it can result in unpleasant odors, and lead to, or worsen respiratory problems.

If you are concerned about the quality of the air in your home, or would just like more information, turn to the indoor air quality experts at Keith Air Conditioning, Inc. We also stock a variety of state-of-the-art systems that will effectively keep the air in your home fresh and clean all year long. Call us at 251-476-3610 for more information. We have been providing service to Baldwin County and Mobile AL since 1964. Contact us today for experience and solutions you can trust.

3 Essential Things to Look for in a New AC System

If you are ready to upgrade the air conditioner in your Mobile home, there are important factors you will need to consider. There are many options available today with a variety of features, which can make it quite a challenge to find the right unit. Regardless of how overwhelming it can be to look for a new AC system, there are three important factors you should consider in your search, each of which effectively improves energy efficiency.

The Proper Size

An air conditioner’s cooling ability is measured in BTUs. There are a few rules of thumb that you can use to determine how many BTUs you need to cool your home, but this isn’t the most efficient way to size your unit. A far better method is the Air Conditioning Contractors of America’s Manual J load calculation. This will give you a more accurate estimate of how large your air conditioner should be based on factors specific to your home. A system that is too large will cycle on and off frequently, decreasing your energy efficiency, while one that is too small will not cool your home properly. Consult a professional to find the AC system that is the right size for your home.

Energy Efficiency

Air conditioners are assigned an Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) in which high EERs reflect high efficiency in cooling. This ratio measures the ACs cooling capacity per hour relative to the amount of power used for cooling. That is, how much electrical power is needed to power the unit. The average EER for a 115V unit is about 9 or 10. A unit with an EER above 10 is very energy-efficient. Though a higher EER will come with a higher price tag, it will lower your utility costs over the life of the unit.

Added Features

Look for special features that will make your air conditioner more efficient and convenient. If you are constantly forgetting to change the filter, an AC system with a filter indicator light will help you stay on top of this important maintenance task. With a fan-only switch, you can keep the fan running to circulate air without wasting additional energy cooling the home if it is not needed.

Make your Alabama summers more comfortable with a new efficient air conditioner. For more help selecting and installing your new unit contact Keith Air Conditioning, Inc. at 251-476-3610. Our qualified team has the solutions for your home or office needs.

Avoid These Mistakes When Setting Your Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is a great energy-saving installation that will streamline the way you manage comfort levels in your Alabama home. For this smart solution to be effective, you must program it correctly. Get the most from your thermostat this summer by avoiding common programming mistakes.

Extreme Thermostat Settings

Setting a dramatically temperature low will not help it cool the house faster. Your home cools at a gradual rate until it reaches the desired temperature. One of the advantages of this programmable device is that it allows you to set temperatures based on your activities. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends optimal temperatures for air conditioner efficiency for when you wake up, when you are away from home, and when you are sleeping.

Using the Temperature Override

A temporary override by simply pressing the arrows on the thermostat will let you adjust your temperature settings to briefly depart from the programmed setting. When you choose to override the settings, you will not alter the programmed settings on the unit, and it will eventually return to its previously programmed setting. Using the override on a regular basis will affect the system’s efficiency and nullify the programmable thermostat’s energy-saving advantage. It is better to leave your thermostat at the optimal set points for at least eight hours at a time.

Timely Settings

When you program temperatures based on your daily and weekly schedules, give it enough time to adjust. For example, set the thermostat to begin adjusting so your home will be comfortable when you arrive. If you go to bed at 8 p.m. and want the home cooled to a specific temperature by then, set temperatures to begin adjusting approximately one hour before. The only exception to this rule is an adaptive thermostat which has sensors, and adapts to start changing the temperature if you return home early, for example. Another option is a WiFi model, which allows you to make adjustments remotely.

Interested in programmable thermostats? Contact Keith Air Conditioning, Inc. at 251-476-3610 for more information. The right team and the right solutions will make the difference in your home comfort this summer.