Author Archives: matthew.tyner

How Insulating Your Attic Lowers Your Energy Bill

If your home is drafty, has uneven temperatures or costs a fortune to heat and cool, a trip to the attic will likely reveal inadequate levels of insulation. A Harvard study designed to analyze the environmental impact of poor insulation found that 63 percent of U.S. homes would benefit from additional attic insulation. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cites adding attic insulation as one of the most cost-effective ways to lower your household energy bills.

Heat Flow Management

Keeping your energy bill manageable is all about controlling the flow of heat in your home. Whether from radiation, conduction or convection, heat flows from warm areas to cool areas. In every season, attic insulation provides you with an affordable way to save money on heating and cooling costs by providing effective resistance to the flow of heat:

In warm weather, heat flows from the outdoors into your home. Without proper insulation, the temperature in your attic can reach more than 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
In cold weather, heat flows from warmed living spaces to unheated spaces like attics, forcing your heater to work overtime to keep you comfortable.

Optimize Savings with Proper Sealing

In cold weather, temperature differentials between the exterior and interior of your home cause a phenomenon known as the stack effect. As warm air rises towards the attic, the air pressure increases. The lower air pressure in your living areas then acts like a chimney stack, sucking in cold outside air and drawing it upwards. If the attic floor and access door are not properly sealed, heat will escape through leaks and gaps. The EPA urges homeowners to air seal attics when adding insulation to effectively reduce heating and cooling costs.

In warm weather or cold, it makes sense to focus on improvements like insulating your attic, for a greater return on your heating and cooling investments. For more information about money-saving products and services that can substantially lower your monthly energy bill, call 251-476-3610 to speak with the knowledgeable experts at Keith Air Conditioning, Inc.

3 Options to Consider When Cooling Your Home Addition

An addition to your home comes with its own set of challenges, including how to keep it cool and comfortable throughout the summer months. Fortunately, there are plenty of options at your disposal when it comes to cooling your home addition.

Upgrade the Cooling System

If your current air conditioner is more than 10 years old, upgrading to a newer, more energy-efficient option might be necessary. An upgrade will have the muscle needed to cool your entire home, as well as your new addition, and will help you to save on your energy bill.

Extend the Existing System

If your current air conditioning system is less than 10 years old, you may want to extend your system’s reach by adding new ductwork to the spaces you want cooled. You can even make your addition into its own zone, complete with its own thermostat and a set of dampers to help control airflow. If you decide to go this route, remember to have both your old and new ductwork properly insulated and sealed against energy loss.

Add an Independent Cooling System

Instead of an upgrade of your existing HVAC system or adding a duct extension, you can opt for an independent A/C or heat pump for your addition. A ductless mini split offers the cooling capacity of a traditional air conditioning system and the versatility to serve as an effective independent cooling solution without the hassle of additional ductwork.

High-velocity mini duct systems are also a viable alternative. Unlike their full-sized counterparts, mini ducts can be easily threaded through stud walls and other tight areas, making them perfect for ductwork retrofitting in older homes.

For more information on cooling your home addition in Mobile and Baldwin Counties, check out Keith Air Conditioning, Inc.’s cooling solutions, or give us a call at 251-476-3610.

Boost Indoor Air Quality by Conquering Household Dust

If you’re one of the 50 million Americans suffering from allergies, chances are you’re looking for ways to improve your home’s indoor air quality. Even if you don’t suffer from allergies, boosting the overall quality of your indoor air can significantly increase your daily comfort.

But conquering household dust, fibers and other common indoor air pollutants means more than just changing your air filter regularly. There are many other things you can do to improve indoor air quality and increase your HVAC system’s energy efficiency.

- Organize your closet space to make cleaning easier – You would be amazed at how many fibers your clothing can shed, especially heavy winter furs and coats. Keeping your clothes covered with garment bags, and your closet floor clear of clutter can go a long way toward improving indoor air quality.
- Vacuum cleaner performance – Suction power shouldn’t be the only thing to look for in a vacuum cleaner. You should also consider how well it agitates carpet flooring, its performance on hard surfaces, and if it has a HEPA filter.
- Use the HVAC system to help tackle dust – Vacuuming stirs up a lot of dust, which then settles in other places. You can use your HVAC system’s blower fan and air filter to weed out airborne dust and fibers. While vacuuming, set the thermostat to “fan only” and let it run for 15 minutes after you have finished vacuuming.
- Upgrade the air filter – Consider switching to an air filter that offers better filtration and a higher Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV), if you haven’t done so already.
- Give those rugs and cushions a good beating – If you want to dislodge dust that vacuuming often misses, then beating your rugs and cushions outdoors is the way to go.

Learn more about how to improve indoor air quality from the pros at Keith Air Conditioning, Inc., or give us a call at 251-476-3610 to schedule an appointment.

Compare Lifetime Versus Upfront Costs of a New AC

If you’re in the market for a new air conditioner, you probably have two questions on your mind: “How much will it cost me upfront?” and “How much will it cost in the long run?” To answer those two questions, it’s important to look at both the lifetime costs of an air conditioner replacement, as well as how much it will initially cost.

What Are Initial Costs?

The first time you set eyes on a new AC the first cost you’ll notice is the price tag. This is what buyers typically focus on most when it comes to buying a new cooling system. Installation costs might also be thrown into the initial cost equation.

As a given, air conditioners that offer greater energy efficiency often sport higher price tags than those that offer a lower price and lower overall efficiency. For instance, a system with a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) of 18 might cost more than one rated at SEER 13.

Looking at just the initial cost of an air conditioner isn’t enough when it comes to purchasing one. To get a bigger picture of how much an air conditioner might cost you throughout its life, it’s important to consider the lifetime costs of an A/C replacement as well as its initial costs.

What About Lifetime Costs?

Picking the cheapest ACsystem available might seem like a money-saving move on the outset, but it could easily cost you money over time. For this reason, you should always consider the lifetime costs of an A/C replacement as you pick out your next cooling system.

These costs often include:

Overall system maintenance and upkeep, including regularly scheduled service visits and emergency calls
Energy consumption and cost throughout the system’s projected life span

System quality and energy efficiency play vital roles in determining an air conditioner’s lifetime costs. For instance, a cooling system that cuts corners when it comes to its internal components might be cheaper than a higher quality system. However, those low-quality components won’t operate with the same energy efficiency that a high-quality unit is capable of. As a result, the cheaper A/C system will actually cost you more money long-term than an initially expensive, yet more energy-efficient system.

Systems with high SEER ratings and the latest in energy-saving technology may cost more, but they’re also capable of saving you money over the long run. Energy-efficient compressors, variable-speed blowers and refined evaporator and condenser coil designs can help reduce energy consumption, thus reducing the overall energy cost associated with running air conditioners over the course of its life.

Maintenance also plays a key role in lifetime costs. The more maintenance an air conditioner needs, the higher its lifetime costs will eventually be. Systems built with high-quality components don’t need as much maintenance as cheaper, lower-quality options. High-quality components aren’t as likely to break down suddenly, either. Emergency repairs are perhaps one of the biggest cost sinks when it comes to air conditioner ownership.

Which Is More Important?

If you have a tight budget and need an air conditioner replacement right away, initial costs may be far more important to you than the lifetime costs of an A/C replacement. Nevertheless, you should try to purchase as energy-efficient a system as your budget can stand.

If immediate cost isn’t much of an object, then purchasing a new air conditioner with a higher initial cost but greater energy efficiency is a better long-term investment. In most cases, a highly efficient A/C system will pay for itself in energy savings over its life span.

You might also want to factor in your home’s overall energy consumption when figuring out an air conditioner’s lifetime costs. There are plenty of ways you can lower energy consumption throughout your home.

Learn more about the lifetime costs of an air conditioner replacement from the experts at Keith Air Conditioning, Inc., or give us a call at 251-476-3610 to schedule an appointment!

Professional AC Installation: How 4 Factors Impact Long-Term Efficiency

In this region, it’s imperative that you have a professional AC installation when replacing an existing cooling system. Given the heat and humidity, cooling systems experience a heavy workload for months at a time. When you’re selecting a contractor initially, look for an NATE-certified contractor whose knowledge and competence about installations is the highest in the HVAC field.

Sizing

Before you select any system, make sure your contractor goes through the sizing process using Manual J software. This software requires detailed information about your home’s energy efficiency, layout, cubic footage and aspects about your lifestyle that impact the cooling load indoors.

Without this analysis, you could install a system that’s too large or small. Of the two, it’s better to install one that’s slightly smaller. An AC that’s too large will run for shorter periods, leaving behind humidity, driving up energy consumption and wearing the parts faster.

Ductwork

The HVAC contractor needs to use Manual D software along with the results of Manual J to determine if your existing ductwork will be compatible with the new system. If the ducts are too small, they’ll be noisy, and if they’re too large, the velocity of the conditioned air blowing through them will be too low, making it harder for your home to cool.

The overall integrity of the ducts needs to be considered as part of a professional AC installation. Uninsulated or leaking ducts need to be fixed in order to get the highest efficiency from your system.

Airflow

Once the air handler is in place, the team will measure the airflow blowing through it. It needs to closely match what the manufacturer requires to avoid problems with the evaporator coil inside the air handler.

Refrigerant

Double-checking the refrigerant level before finalizing the installation is the last step in a top-quality installation for maximum performance and efficiency from your new system.

Learn more about the professional AC installation provided by the pros at Keith Air Conditioning, or contact us today at 251-476-3610 to discuss air conditioner replacement for your home.

5 Energy Saving Rules of Ductwork Design

The New Buzz in Energy Efficient Homes

Are you considering a home renovation or even building an addition? One of the keys to your whole home energy use is your HVAC ductwork design. It is essential to make sure your ducts are installed in the walls, ceilings and floors correctly. Here are 5 basic principles of home ductwork design to keep in mind when installing new ducts.

Identifying a Quality Design

Sizing – What kind of heating or cooling load is required to make your house comfortable, and what size ducts will you need to accommodate it? This varies from house to house, depending on square footage, how much sunlight it gets, and a variety of other factors. The wrong size ducts will put extra strain on the HVAC system, wasting energy. Your contractor will use Manual J, the HVAC load calculation manual, to find the ideal size ductwork for your home.
Building – Ducts should be made of strong, lasting materials, such as metal or fiberglass. Additionally, all ductwork should be properly insulated to maintain the temperature of the air as it passes through the ducts.
Adjusting – Each room’s duct branch should have a damper to adjust the flow of air for that particular room and make sure it gets the amount it needs. Once that level has been found, the damper should be permanently secured in that position to prevent gradual air loss or gain over time.
Balancing – To keep airflow balanced, home ductwork design should have a return duct in every room, in addition to a supply duct, but this isn’t always practical. A single, central return duct may be installed instead, with additional ducts and vents added to ensure air is able to reach the duct effectively.
Testing – Once the ductwork is installed, it needs to be tested to make sure it’s functioning properly. Your HVAC technician should conduct a blower door test, to make sure your ducts were installed securely and that there are no leaks.

Learn more about home ductwork design from the home comfort pros at Keith Air Conditioning, Inc. or contact us today at 251-476-3610.

Greener, Smarter HVAC Systems Are Hotter Than Ever

The world of home comfort is changing and greener, smarter HVAC systems are taking over the market. Check out these big changes.

Greenspeed Intelligence for HVAC Systems

Greenspeed Intelligence is achieved by pairing a compatible Infinity gas furnace or heat pump with the Infinity control system. Together, these features provide adaptable-speed control. This allows your furnace or heat pump to operate anywhere between 40 and 100 percent capacity to suit your home’s needs. The system automatically selects the capacity that’s most energy efficient while still meeting your comfort needs.

These systems operate longer but use lower and steadier capacities to maximize energy efficiency. Using this technology, the Infinity 20 heat pump is as much as 69 percent more efficient than other 3-ton ducted air source heat pumps.

Infinity Thermostat Controls Provide In-Depth Control

Infinity thermostats take smart home climate control to a new level. These sleek thermostats control up to eight different zones in your home, so you don’t waste energy heating and cooling unused spaces. Maintain the ideal comfort levels in every area, and change those temperatures as needed throughout the day. These thermostats offer 7-day programming so you can set your home to automatically adjust with your schedule.

This smart system offers a wealth of information, including:

5-day weather forecast
Energy use in real time
Indoor air quality monitors
Airflow percentages for each zone
Four adjustable programming periods throughout the day
Filter replacement reminders
Maintenance reminders

WiFi capability allows you to control the system from the Internet. Control your HVAC settings from the comfort of your bed or the convenience of your office. These greener, smarter HVAC systems give you supreme control.

Geothermal Systems Are Harnessing New Energy Sources

Geothermal energy is a clean and renewable energy source that comes from heat stored beneath the earth’s surface. Geothermal energy can be sourced from water and ground. Geothermal heat pumps channel the earth’s consistent warmth as an energy source. Even when temperatures are cold above ground, geothermal energy remains fairly consistent.

Geothermal heat pumps use a ground heat exchanger to supply homes with warm air and even hot water in winter. In summer, the system works in reverse, removing heat from indoor air and sending it through the heat exchanger. This heat can even be used to provide hot water to the home in warm weather months.

Environmentally Friendly Refrigerants Rule

The industry standard in refrigerants was once R-22. Unfortunately, R-22 is hazardous to the environment. The Clean Air Act prohibited the manufacture of new systems that use R-22 in 2010, so today’s new installations are all greener, smarter HVAC systems. By 2020, the production of R-22 will cease so dated systems that still rely this particular refrigerant will have to be upgraded.

Products receive two important ratings that will help you understand their environmental impact. The Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) explains a product’s impact on the ozone layer. The lower this number, the better. Look for refrigerants with an ODP of less than 1.

The Global Warming Potential (GWP) measures the impact the refrigerant has on global warming. This is usually calculated over a 100-year period. The lower the GWP, the better.

Maintenance for Energy Efficiency

Maintenance is essential to maximize energy efficiency with any system. Smart systems can assist by reminding you when it’s time for routine maintenance, but every product needs a little help from an HVAC professional.

Changing the air filter in your HVAC system is one of the easiest and most important things you can do to improve efficiency. No matter what type of filter you have, clean or change it at least every three months and usually once a month for best results.

A smart thermostat will help you minimize energy usage, but this system only works when you take the time to program it correctly. Set your thermostat to coincide with your schedule so your home uses less heating and cooling while you’re away. Remember to update your setting seasonally, keeping the home slightly warmer in summer and cooler in winter.

Learn more about greener, smart HVAC systems available at Keith Air Conditioning, Inc. or contact us today at 251-476-3610 to schedule an appointment for your Mobile home!

Choose a Quality HVAC Contractor with NATE Certification

What is NATE Certification?

If you’ve been browsing through our website, you’ve probably noticed the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) badge that is located on the bottom right of each page. This small logo means a lot to our family and to our customers. The NATE program was created in 1997 and is the only national certification that’s supported by the entire HVAC industry, including manufacturers, contractors, utility companies and educators.

Finding a Qualified HVAC Contractor

Our family takes pride in offering quality products and services to customers in Mobile, Alabama, and the surrounding area. Maintaining our NATE certification is just one way that we provide extra comfort and assurance to our customers. This rigorous testing process assesses our knowledge of HVAC installation, air conditioning maintenance, specialty equipment and all aspects of the trade.

The certification is also essential for maintaining our status as a Carrier factory-authorized dealer, which allows us to supply genuine replacement parts and the brand’s top-rated heating and cooling systems. Here are a few reasons why customers and industry leaders prefer NATE-certified technicians.

They have 13 percent fewer callbacks.
They have fewer warranty-related repairs.
They are up-to-date on the latest standards and codes.
They are knowledgeable in installation and service practices.
They receive ongoing training to retain the certification.

Industry Certifications

The NATE certification that every HVAC contractor at Keith Air Conditioning, Inc. has earned is important for showing customers that we take the extra time to provide the highest level of service. This voluntary accreditation complements our mandatory state license, liability insurance and EPA certifications for handling refrigerant in an environmentally sound manner.

Whether you’re hiring us for HVAC installation or to perform air conditioning maintenance, you know that the job will be done right the first time. It means that we follow the latest guidelines and recommendations for achieving optimal performance. To learn more about our HVAC contractors and professional qualifications, visit our about us page, or call our Mobile office at 251-476-3610.

Spring Cleaning Includes Professional Air Duct Cleaning

Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) is a growing national problem caused primarily by negative pressure leaks and tight building envelopes. Without proper ventilation, a variety of harmful pollutants accumulate inside the ductwork attached to your HVAC equipment. If not adequately addressed, these contaminants continually recirculate through the system and can aggravate respiratory conditions such as asthma, allergies and COPD.

Our Air Duct Cleaning Services

A professional duct cleaning service will eliminate the dirt, dust, grime, pollen and mold that build up on the interior surface of your duct network over time. The duct cleaning process also removes contaminants from critical internal equipment components including:

The plenum
Heat exchanger
Condensate drain lines and pan
The interior of the air handler
Supply and return registers
Blower, housings and motors
The evaporator coil
VAV boxes

For every air duct cleaning remediation project, we send trained technicians equipped with cameras and mirrors to accurately assess the condition of your ductwork and HVAC equipment. If the system requires cleaning, the registers are sealed with a pressure sensitive tape, and access holes are cut into the supply and return duct lines.

When the ductwork is prepped, a powerful vacuum that meets NADCA standards is attached to the installed collar. Flexible forced air whips and mechanical brushes are used to agitate and dislodge any material that is stuck to the duct wall. The system is turned on, and the ductwork is placed into a substantial negative pressure. Dander, hair, debris and other impurities are pulled out of the ductwork and deposited into a sealed container.

The Benefits of Clean Ductwork

Periodic duct cleaning provides an excellent return on investment. Some of the more important benefits include:

Improved indoor air quality
Lower HVAC maintenance costs
reduced utility bills
Fewer furnace and AC repairs
Extended equipment life

Complete IAQ Services

To learn more about duct cleaning, HVAC maintenance agreements and our complete indoor air quality services, call Keith Air Conditioning, Inc. at 251-476-3610. We can schedule a free performance evaluation for your ductwork and HVAC equipment.

New Thermostats Can Improve HVAC Energy Efficiency

Did you know that the new indoor comfort control systems can save you money on residential energy costs? Adding a state-of-the-art thermostat to your Mobile, AL, heating and cooling system is almost like getting a total HVAC upgrade.

Programmable thermostats can help your HVAC to operate more effectively, thereby increasing indoor comfort. These thermostats can also ensure a consistent indoor temperature throughout your home. Last but not least, high-tech thermostats can reduce the load on your HVAC equipment, giving it a longer life.

Programmable Thermostats

High-tech thermostats can be set to deliver warm and cool air to precisely match your schedule. When temperatures are matched to schedules, the result is decreased energy usage. Proper thermostat selection and correct use will save even more on energy costs. There are three basic types of thermostat control systems:

- Seven-day thermostats for schedules that change daily
- Five-plus-two-day thermostats for those with different weekday and weekend schedules
- Five-one-one thermostats for those with set weekday schedules and two different weekend schedules

Smart Functions

One of the many benefits of modern thermostats is set-it-and-forget-it convenience. After adjusting the thermostat to match your schedule, you are basically good to go. When your schedule changes, say for a vacation, you can use a hold/vacation setting to override your usual settings.

Some thermostats will remind you when it’s time to change the air filters and alert you to system dysfunctions. Other models can multitask by controlling not only temperature but also ventilation, air flow, humidity and indoor air quality. If you opt for a control system with mobile connectivity, you can control your Mobile, AL, indoor comfort system on your mobile or laptop from anywhere.

Maximize Energy Savings

According to Energy Star, for every degree you raise your indoor air temperature in summer and lower it in winter, you’ll save two percent on energy costs. Other money-saving practices include:

- - Set it and forget it; overriding your settings costs you money
  - Use the hold feature to deliver a constant indoor air temperature while on vacation
  - When you program the thermostat, maintain constant temperatures as long as possible
  - Install a thermostat in each zone of a zoned heating and cooling system

To learn more about HVAC upgrades with a programmable thermostat, check out Keith Air Conditioning’s lineup of state-of-the-art control systems and thermostats or call 251-476-3610.