Month: March 2018

Winter and spring in Utah can be a real mixed bag as far as the weather goes, with temperatures bouncing around from week to week and even day to day. But you can always count on one thing: summer is coming and when it does things are going to heat up fast. Nothing ruins a beautiful summer day when you really need your AC more than turning it on and having nothing happen.

Where’s the cold air???

Don’t get your summer get off to a miserable start with an AC that is going to let you down when you need it most.

While a lot of simple summer cleaning can be done on your own, much of the AC check up is best left to the professionals. No matter how handy you are around the rest of the home, air conditioning systems are complex pieces of equipment. We don’t recommend trusting something that is this important to your family’s summer comfort to just anyone, including yourself.

Beginning with a visual inspection, your home comfort professional will look for outward signs of system distress such as:

• Rust and/or corrosion
• Water stains and/or moisture damage on equipment
• Standing water in drain pans
• Signs of overheating/scorching
• Coil condition
• Hanging or improperly sealed duct
• Broken or frayed wiring
• and much more…

Along with that, testing the electronics such as capacitors, circuit boards, relays and switches helps ensure the electrical system will do it’s part to keep your summer comfortable.

Your home comfort professional will also inspect the components of your cooling systems such as the evaporator coil and condensate drain line. The coil is a vital component of your air conditioning system. If it is clogged or isn’t working properly, your AC is going to let you down. Either it won’t work at all or if it does work it won’t be working at peak efficiency, which means higher power bills in those summer months when you are using it the most. If your condensate drain line becomes clogged your AC can easily flood causing it to not work and creating a nasty mess for you to clean up. Not how you want to spend your summer!

After making sure all the components are in working order, your home comfort professional will start your AC and make sure it is operating properly. Making sure your system has the proper level of coolant, that the compressor starts properly, that the system is running smoothly, as well as checking the safety and control systems are all part of the AC start up your home comfort professional will do to ensure your AC is ready to beat the heat for you and your family this summer.

Avoid the rush of the hot summer months and call Nebo Comfort Systems today at 801-465-2709 to take advantage of our Early Bird Special: $45 for a Summer AC Start Up.

Getting Service You Trust On The Systems You Rely On The Most: Questions to Ask Your HVAC Contractor

Most of us aren’t lucky enough to have a heating and air conditioning guru in the family and we don’t want to be wandering in the dark when it comes to finding someone we can count on to repair our home comfort systems.

Furnace repair or air conditioning service are areas of expertise that most of us may not feel we even know enough about to know what questions to ask before we let a company into our homes, so here are a few questions you can ask before selecting a contractor to service or replace you home’s HVAC systems.

1. Does the contractor have a state license?

While many states now require HVAC contractors to be licensed, the industry is full of “tailgaters” operating out of their truck with no licensing or industry certifications. Unlicensed contractors are unaccountable to anyone, including regulators and customers. They are often unavailable when problems arise from poor installation, poor service or improper equipment. Start your search off right by automatically rejecting any company that can’t present its license certification.

2. Are their technicians RMGA and EPA certified?

If they aren’t RMGA and EPA certified, they are operating illegally. RMGA is a trade association that works to ensure consumer quality and safety through training, licensing and contractor responsibility. Utah state requires technicians be RMGA certified. For you and the environment’s protection, the federal government requires any contractor that installs, services or repairs refrigeration equipment be EPA certified. Certified technicians give you the peace of mind knowing you are getting the best installation and service from a highly skilled, knowledgeable and qualified technician.

3. Is the contractor insured with general liability and workers compensation insurance?

Your hope is nothing will happen other than a smooth installation when you hire a contractor, but since you will have the HVAC technicians in your home, monkeying with heavy equipment, you want to make sure the company carries the appropriate liability and workers compensation insurances to cover any situations that might arise. Many “tailgate” handymen do not have any or enough insurance to cover damage that might be done to your home or injury that might occur on the job leaving you as a homeowner at risk. Make sure you look for contractors who are thinking ahead by insuring against these two important situations.

4. Does the company offer a guarantee on their service and installations?

Part of being comfortable in your home is knowing that your service company is as committed to your comfort as you are. Look for a company that has a guarantee of their service and installation, is aware of and abides by the terms of manufacturers warranties, and wants to do whatever is reasonable to satisfy you.

5. What tax credits, rebates or incentives might be available for my project and is the contractor certified to take advantage of those?

Depending on the type of home heating or cooling equipment you are considering for installation or upgrade, you may qualify for federal or state tax credits and/or manufacturer and utility company rebates. Make sure you ask what incentives are available in your area and for the various types of equipment that are in consideration for your project. You also want to make sure your contractor properly documents your project to meet federal, state or local incentive program requirements. Several programs require installers to meet specific certification requirements as well. Make sure any contractor you are considering is certified to do so.

6. Do you have any unresolved complaints with the Better Business Bureau?

Anyone who has ever worked with the public knows it’s impossible to please all of the people all of the time, but a good contractor will not let disputes linger. Customer service and satisfaction should be the number one priority for any contractor you work with. A quick phone call to the Better Business Bureau is a good way to add to your level of comfort when choosing a contractor.

7. What manufacturers or equipment brands do you carry?

Your home comfort systems can be one of the largest investments you will make in your home. It can have a lasting impact on how you enjoy your home for years to come. So make sure your contractor is aware of, services and installs the latest in brands, systems and equipment that will best make your home comfort system a system you can trust. Don’t be afraid to do a little research on your own using the resources you have via the internet to look for brands with good reputations and then look for a contractor that has the experience to ensure your home will enjoy that reputation as well.

8. What kind of experience does the technician have on your kind of system?

Taking advantage of cutting edge technology in home comfort systems you can maximize energy efficiency, improve total home comfort, improve health and protect your family from allergens. Make sure any air conditioning contractor you are considering is aware of and experienced in servicing and installing the latest in technology. Many homes are also running strong on older systems that have served them well.  Take a moment to ask a potential heating contractor what kind of experience they have in the system currently running in your home.

9. Do they offer financing?

Even if you don’t need to make payment arrangements in order to pay for the cost of repairs or new equipment, the ability to provide that service is a sign of a more stable, customer-oriented company.  Look for a contractor that accepts all major credit cards, and is able to help you arrange financing for larger repairs or replacements.

10. Does the company give you choices?

There are a wide variety of options for heating and cooling your home. A good contractor will present you with choices in efficiency, controls, financing and more. They should provide these choices to you in an easy to read and professionally delivered format so you can make informed and educated decisions.

11. Are there more energy efficient options? Is the contractor aware of and up to date in understanding and selling energy efficient equipment?

Contractors should be up on the latest in energy-saving equipment, including Energy Star. Sometimes a higher initial cost may seem prohibitive, but the energy savings in the long run can far out way the initial cost. Look for a contractor who will discuss all options with you and not focus solely on initial price.  Look for technicians who are trained in improving equipment efficiency and can instruct you on regular maintenance that will help you extend the life and efficiency of your equipment.

12. Can I get a bid and references?

Getting a bid and references is critical in making the choice of which heating and air conditioning contractor to work on your home comfort system.  A professional, easy to understand bid allows you to make informed and educated decisions.  A contractor should be ready and able to provide a list of recent customers who you can refer to in order to verify that the company in questions performed the work in a timely manner and to the customer’s satisfaction.

Choosing the right heating and air conditioning contractor should not be a random choice or luck of the draw. It is an important decision that can have a lasting impact on your home, your family and your peace of mind. Call Nebo Comfort Systems at 801-465-2709 today. We are committed to giving you service you can always trust on the systems you rely on the most.

One question we frequently get in the HVAC industry is…

 “How can I save energy?” 

Your home comfort system is one of the largest energy users in your home, but it isn’t the only one, so here are some tips to help you save on those wallet busting power bills.

1. Swap out your traditional incandescent lightbulbs with the new compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and light emitting diodes (LEDs). That alone can save 80% of your lighting energy!
2. Replace your older air conditioner to a high-efficiency air conditioner. As one of the largest electrical power consumers in your home, that one investment can easily save you 20-50% on your power bill.
3. Install a cool-roof on your home. Designed to absorb less heat from the sun, they’ll help you run your AC less and save a significant amount on energy bills.
4. Insulate and seal your home to prevent heat loss in the winter and “cooling the great outdoors” in the summer.
5. Use less hot water for small laundry loads. Today’s laundry detergents are actually designed to work at lower temperatures, so doing fewer loads on hot can save on your power bill and make your clothes last longer.
6. Since most dishwashers heat the water within the unit, you can run your dishwasher with cold water saving the energy it takes to heat the water at the water heater, then again in the dishwasher.
7. Resist over drying clothes. Not only will this save energy, but also save wear and tear on your clothes.
8. Install low-flow shower heads and faucets to control hot water consumption and an on-demand water heater to save energy costs. Only heating the water you need, as you need it, saves on the constant energy being used to maintain 20, 30 or 40 gallons of water.

   

9. More isn’t always better. Choose the right sized air conditioner and furnace for your home. Oversized equipment cost you more money to operate and doesn’t make you more comfortable.
10. Turn off your electronics when not being used. Yep, that TV, stereo, computer, even your iPads are producing heat when they are left on, that means your air conditioner is having to work harder to cool your home and that costs you money.
11. Keep your air conditioner out of the sun. Believe it or not, locating it in a shady spot will help it run more efficiently.
12. Winterize your air conditioner at the end of the cooling season. Covering it with a weatherproof cover and filling any cracks around the unit with removable caulk will help keep the cold out during the winter months.
13. Resist “kicking the thermostat WAY down” to quickly cool your house down. It doesn’t work, the rooms will not cool down faster and you will just waste power trying to do so. Set the thermostat to a normal setting and then… be patient.
14. Consider a fireplace insert or cover to reduce heat loss when not being used during the cold months.

Here are a few electricity facts you might find surprising…

• Your home lighting makes up about 10 percent of your overall energy costs.
• Air conditioners use about 5% of all the electricity produced in the U.S..
• Home comfort systems are the largest consumer of energy in your home, typically making up around 54% of your utility bill.
• Each compact fluorescent light bulb can save you $40 to $50 over their lifetime. Not bad for a $5 investment.
• Replacing five frequently used light in your home with energy-efficient bulbs can save you up to $60 a year.
• According to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at energy.gov, the major energy sources in the U.S. are petroleum, natural gas, coal, nuclear, and renewable energy. Electricity is considered a secondary energy that is generated from these energy forms. So saving electricity also saves these energy resources as well.

Learn more about how you can save money on your home comfort system and the energy it uses by calling Nebo Comfort Systems at 801-465-2709.

Emergency Service is usually the most expensive service for a home or business owner. Planning ahead can save you time, inconvenience, and most importantly, money. 

Having an HVAC technician look at your furnace and air conditioner will help prevent minor issues that are easily resolved from turning into major ones with major price tags. Those serious problems that often result from putting off maintenance come at a very high price. 

Consider your family vehicle. You use it everyday, it keeps your family safe and comfortable, and it requires maintenance. You are aware of it and make sure to avoid major issues by keeping the oil changed, the fuel filter and air filter clean and so forth. Your home comfort equipment is much the same. Parts have routine wear on them as they operate to keep your family comfortable. Now take into consideration the average family changes vehicles every five to eight years. The expected life of your home comfort system is usually twice that, if you take care of it and give it the routine attention it needs. Just like your vehicle, without maintenance and tune-ups, your HVAC system won’t run as well or as long.

Those hot summer days when your AC is working at full tilt are when your AC is most likely to break down, leaving you hot and miserable. Avoid the long hot summer days without your “beloved” air conditioner. When everyone else is scrambling to get their AC fixed, yours can be purring like a kitten keeping your family cool and comfortable. 

Likewise, your furnace probably isn’t going to breakdown in July. No… it will be in the middle of January when its below zero and icicles are forming on the inside of your windows in no time. Like your family vehicle, breakdowns always seem to happen right when you need it most. Avoid those inconvenient breakdowns with a planned maintenance agreement that helps you keep your home comfort system working like “Old Reliable”.

You don’t want to have to miss work or wait until tomorrow when your home comfort system isn’t doing its job. Flexible scheduling and extended hours for planned maintenance agreement customers is just another way to maximize your investment.

The biggest reason smart consumers go with a maintenance agreement is simple… it saves you money. Home comfort systems are the largest consumer of energy in your home, typically making up around 54% of your utility bill. Maintaining it in good working condition is the best way to make sure it isn’t gobbling up more than its share of your energy dollars. 

The power in planning is found in keeping your home or office comfort system operating at peak efficiency and top reliability. Give Nebo Comfort Systems a call at 801-465-2709 today and let us help you plan for a comfortable year.