Charlotte Heating and Air Conditioning

Things to consider... HVAC Dealer - Expertise

2012-02-24T13:06:00.000-08:00

Ever heard of North American Technician Excellence? A potential HVAC dealer will have. The NATE is the only national testing and certification program accepted by the entire HVAC industry. When considering a dealer for your homes air conditioner, heat pump, furnace or air handler be sure to dig a little deep into the technical expertise of the companies technicians. Will the company on the other end of the line be sending out a qualified and knowledgeable person? Will that person be certified? Expertise is no simple thing. Having the right people working on your equipment saves time and money. Getting things done timely and on budget right from the start.

Things to consider... HVAC Dealer - Solutions

2012-02-17T09:29:00.000-08:00

One size does not fit all. You know this... does your HVAC dealer? The best ones recognize that there is no cookie cutter solution to any situation. Search out a dealer that offers to develop a proposal customized to your specific needs. You are going to want someone that takes a look at your existing system, your duct work and spends a little time with you listening to your needs and any concerns you might have before offering up a quote. How many different types of air conditioners are out there? Surely there are quite a few that would work on your home... but which one is the right one for your home? The right HVAC dealer for you will narrow that field down to one and, perhaps more importantly, they will be able to tell you why that particular one. Look for a dealer that offers solutions and not just a product.

Things to consider... HVAC Dealer - Innovation

2012-02-07T18:13:00.001-08:00

Take a look around you... The innovation in our lives is staggering and ever changing. The technology in todays world changes so rapidly one can barely keep up. The products and services offered today in the HVAC industry are no exception. Home comfort, utility bill savings and air quality are areas of innovation in this industry that should be a focus of any HVAC offering. Any dealer you may visit with should have a good grasp on just what is new on the market. One could imagine installing a new heat pump only to find out later that an updated model had been available that was more energy efficient or quieter than the version installed. Take a moment and ask the dealer in front of you just what is new in the HVAC world. If they are on top of things they will be able to tell you all about the new innovation.

Things to consider... HVAC Dealer - Commitment

2012-01-28T07:01:00.000-08:00

Satisfaction guaranteed? How exactly does that get measured? The fact of the matter is that when you are looking for an air conditioning or furnace dealer your satisfaction will not be realized until the end of the transaction. So the question becomes: What can you do to help insure 100% satisfaction before work begins? It all comes down to how the prospective HVAC dealer responds to you. Are they telling you what you need and controlling the conversation? Or are they LISTENING? Please don't overlook this. A dealer that talks about quality and talks about service and talks about and talks about... Should be LISTENING! The right dealer for your needs will be listening and learning first. They will take everything into consideration and their response should reflect their comprehension of your questions or concerns. By the end of the conversation you should feel confident that you are on the right path to 100% satisfaction.

Things to consider... HVAC Dealer - Professionalism

2012-01-19T18:30:00.000-08:00

When was the last time you had your socks knocked off by exceptional customer service? Take a second and think about that question. Anymore it seems that we are bowled over when we receive service that a generation or two ago would have been seen as unremarkable. The exceptional customer service of today is yesterdays ordinary. So back to the original question... Exceptional customer service? It is not gone, it is just a little harder to find. When it comes to HVAC dealers there are ways to narrow the field a little. Take a look at what they offer. Do they have extended hours? Not all air conditioning trouble occur from 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. Is there an after hours emergency service. Little tough getting some good shut eye when your bedroom is 85 degrees at night. Also look for things like financing packages and year-round maintenance programs. It would stand to reason that the more a dealer has to offer, the more customer focused they are. Look for theses and other “extra measures” of customer service when looking to fill your HVAC needs.

Things to consider... HVAC Dealer - Reputation

2012-01-16T15:51:00.000-08:00

Think about the last time you applied for a job. In fact, every time you have ever applied for a job the common thing about the application process... The references section. When you offer your services to a prospective employer they are going to want to talk with people that have worked with you in the past. Why would you not do the same with a prospective HVAC dealer? After confirming they are licensed and insured, be sure to ask for some references. A reputable dealer should have no issue with providing you with names of satisfied customers. Possibly even that live in your neighborhood. Quality and dependability should be at the top of any referral high marks. The HVAC industry has many dealers... some good and some otherwise. Make sure you take the extra time to search out the best dealer available.

How to Make Your Home More Comfortable TIP # 7

2012-01-07T14:54:00.001-08:00

Your kids are in trouble! Your parents are too! Home Comfort Tip #7 is focused on the safety of your home and it is not just your HVAC system at play. The layout of your homes furnishings, believe it or not, can play a large role in the safety and comfort of small children and elderly parents. This may just seem a little simplistic but take a second and consider the following. Extension cords or even loose rugs can be one source of potential hazards. Also, another common oversight is the water heater itself. Keeping this appliance down at the low setting will prevent burns that might otherwise occur. Keep an open eye for these and other potential pitfalls and try not to overlook the simple stuff. Seems like the simple stuff is always where the problems stem from doesn’t it?

How to Make Your Home More Comfortable TIP # 6

2011-12-30T10:52:00.000-08:00

Toxic: • of or relating to poison.

Now that we have your attention... You can see why reducing toxic chemicals in your home is a pretty important tip to cover. Household products used to clean can also fill the air in your home with toxic chemicals. Many times we use these products without any consideration of that fact. Use these products only when it is totally necessary. If soap and water will do the job... stick with that. Healthy Climate PureAir from Lennox is one great tool in safely removing the odors and vapors from these products. Common sense is going to be your best tool in the effort to keep toxic chemicals out of your Air Conditioner or Furnace thereby keeping these fumes out of your breathable air. Your HVAC system is the backbone of your homes air quality. Keeping the chemicals out of the system keeps the system from distributing the same chemicals throughout your entire home.

How to Make Your Home More Comfortable TIP # 5

2011-12-23T12:20:00.001-08:00

Take steps to control allergy triggers. Cleaning surfaces and getting those linens into the wash more often will go a long way to controlling allergy and asthma irritants. Dust mites are one of the most common triggers to take charge of and staying on top of filters in your HVAC system is action item #1. Changing the duct filter once a month is an essential way to assist in keeping the air in your home allergen free. Don't forget all the filter options out there as well. For families with heavy allergy issues spend a little more for top end filters that are engineered with a focus on pollen, dust, and other airborne particulates. Lennox is focused on indoor air quality. Their Healthy Climate air cleaners are simply amazing. Capturing up to 95% of small particles that irritant standard disposable filters can't.

Please feel free to give us a call with any questions regarding allergy triggers and how to keep them at bay. Nobody knows Air Conditioning and Heating air flow like we do.

How to Make Your Home More Comfortable TIP # 4

2011-12-15T16:22:00.001-08:00

You got a leak... actually, you probably have more than one. Air leaks in your home are no small matter. Even the smallest draft created from insulation gaps will have effects throughout your home. From the loss of heat in the winter to that same heat sneaking in during the summer, your HVAC will have to work harder to compensate for the loss. Although older homes are more susceptible to the issue more modern homes are not exempt. A gap in the insulation can happen during construction and unchecked will act as a small faucet of cash as the leaks continue unchecked. Your attic as well as your basement are going to be the most prone to leaks. The surface area of the insulation alone allows for greater leak opportunities. Smaller opportunities for air leaks such as window seals exist as well. Heavy traffic through doors in and out of your home can have an effect on the weather striping that creates a seal between the door and frame. Replacing this weather stripping is fairly easy and can have immediate results. Your local Lennox dealer will have advice on how to tackle any larger scale leaks as well as tips on keeping costs down in relation to your whole house heating and air conditioning system. Keeping your home comfortable while keeping the expense down is one of a homeowners priorities. Lennox knows this. Lennox can help.

How to Make Your Home More Comfortable TIP # 3

2011-12-09T14:00:00.000-08:00

When was the last time you considered moisture levels in your home? For just about everyone of us the answer is most likely... never. Unless one was talking about flood damage the consideration of moisture in the home would be limited to a hot shower or a child’s humidifier and not much more. However there are reasons this tip comes in at number three. Moisture is your friend! When the weather outside is frightful, a humidifier attached to your furnace or air handler will provide relief from the dry air. Take, for instance, a child with a cough. The humidifier place in the room with the child fills the air with a mist allowing that child to breath more comfortable. The dry cough is allowed some relief providing for a somewhat restful night. This is not all that different from a whole home version. The dry air from the winter months can be much more comfortable. Summer brings a new spin to the same conversation. Moisture is your enemy! Managing the moisture levels in your home in July's heat requires a dehumidifier. This will allow you to keep the air inside your home from becoming damp and sticky. Cooling off inside is much more comfortable when your clothing is not sticking to your body!

Consider contacting your local Lennox dealer and start the conversation about humidity options for your HVAC system. Seasonal comfort is much more manageable with moisture control. A humidifier and/or a dehumidifier will provide this comfort.

How to Make Your Home More Comfortable TIP # 2

2011-12-02T12:00:00.001-08:00

Number two on the list of home comfort... Zoning. Think about how municipalities break up any given area into zones. Well, if you apply a similar strategy to you home you may just find it to be a more comfortable environment. The zones in your home have nothing to do with industrial, retail or similar terms but instead these zones are managed with a different focus. By separating areas of your home into comfort areas you will be able to focus on their independent climates more than on the house as a whole.

It stands to reason that your living room should harbor a much more comfortable temperature then the mud room. Perhaps the guest bedroom that is currently unoccupied need not be as warm/cool as the master bedroom. If that is the case, why not manage them with this reasoning in mind? Close the vents in the mud room and keep that door to the foyer shut. With little to no traffic in that room it makes no sense to maintain a comfy 71 degrees in there when that heat or air conditioning could be better used elsewhere in the home. The same is true with the guest room. Aunt Helga won't be here for several weeks. Close it off and save that energy. A day or two before her arrival open it back up and she will be as comfortable as a kitten in a sock drawer. Unless of course you would rather a quick visit... then you might keep the vents on the shy side of closed.

A proactive approach to your homes HVAC management, including zoning the house, will help you reduce costs, save unnecessary wear and tear on your system and provide you with the best long term living conditions.

How to Make Your Home More Comfortable TIP # 1

2011-11-29T12:21:00.001-08:00

The number one way to make your home more comfortable may very well be the easiest. Maintenance! We are constantly moving at the speed of life and often times that keeps us from staying on top of it all. Your HVAC maintenance is just the sort of thing that can go unnoticed until it is too late.

Monthly filter replacements should be at the top of the list. The air filter catches dust and dander as well as other allergens and pollutants getting more and more obstructed. The harder to get air through this filter, the more toil and strain put on your HVAC system. Keeping this inexpensive filter changed monthly will go a long way in not only extending the life of your system but also keeping the air you breath inside the home … well... breathable!

Annual checkups are another essential maintenance interval that should not slip you by. Your heating and air conditioning system is no small investment. Keeping it running tip top should be elevated on your list concerns. Get ahold of your local Lennox dealer and ask about what they offer for a scheduled maintenance program. Many will offer a biannual program where a HVAC professional will come out to your home as the summer air conditioning season is approaching and again as the winter heating period sets in. They will give your system a through check up and advise you on anything they may find. Nobody knows these systems like they do and you can expect to catch any issue before it becomes a problem.

Set your calendar reminder for “Air Filter Change” on the 15^th of each month and call your local Lennox dealer today to set up a biannual program. Finally, you can cross HVAC maintenance off that list of concerns. Now if only this blog had advice on car batteries...

Are you ready for some football?

2011-11-18T09:28:00.000-08:00

It’s that time of the year again: Across the country, millions of sports enthusiasts will gather ‘round the big screen in an important seasonal bonding ritual—Monday Night Football. Here are play-by-play tips on hosting the big event:

Set the tone

Ask guests to arrive in their favorite team colors. Decorate the viewing area with balloons, crèpe paper and matching server ware and napkins. Wear your favorite jersey, hoodie or hat. If you have competing teams, split the room in half with décor in opposing team colors.

Offer plenty of seating

Four people—okay, five max—can fit on a standard couch. Beyond that, you’ll have to provide additional seating. If you have a large area, consider setting up a “tailgate” section with outdoor folding chairs (bonus: cup holders included), and position coolers as side tables in between. This will also eliminate multiple trips to the kitchen for food and drink. Beanbags and floor pillows work well for alternative seating.

Set up more than one TV

Serious viewers will want to sit in front of the television with the biggest screen, a place where they can keep their focus on the game and watch without distractions. But sideline the shenanigans: Place chatty guests around a second screen to avoid interference and unexpected party fouls.

Serve finger foods

When it’s game time, it’s hard to tear fans away from the screen, even for just a second. Offering a variety of finger foods will keep munchies under control and kitchen prep time to a minimum. Serve food and drink with paper plates and plastic cups (in team colors, of course) and cleanup will be a cinch, too.

Bring on the beverages

Cheering works up a powerful thirst, so it’s important to provide plenty of beverages for your guests to enjoy. Set coolers outside filled with various types of bottled drinks, and invite guests to grab one on their way in. Or, ask guests to bring their own; you’ll provide the snacks. Keep water and juice on hand as healthy alternatives.

Find a suitable comfort zone

Research shows most people are comfortable in a room with the temperature set between 68-72 degrees. Have a few sweaters or sweatshirts on hand to offer guests, and scatter a few extra throws around the room, just in case they want to feel warmer. The bonus of a crowded room? Each guest offers the equivalent warmth of a 175-watt heater, which means you’ll save energy—and money, too—by keeping the thermostat low.

Keep distractions to a minimum

Four quarters (approximately three hours) is a long time for non-game-watching guests (especially kids) to keep themselves entertained. If your get-together involves children, find another room for them to play. Set up a game area, create an art area, let them play video games, or pop a DVD or two into a laptop and let them watch movies. Invite adults to hang out in a separate room—such as the kitchen—where socializing will not interrupt the action on the screen.

Bring plenty of team spirit

Kids on hand? Turn them into fans. Hand out pom poms and let them lead cheers during half time. Energetic adults? Inflatable footballs are fun to toss around—or to throw at the screen when the ref makes a bad call.

Courtesy: http://www.lennox.com/newsletters/2011/cm/fall/football.asp

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2011-09-16T14:52:00.001-07:00

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