Month: May 2018

No matter what type of residence you have in Longview, Texas, it’s important to operate the most efficient HVAC unit. Due to the sweltering summer heat and cooler winter months, you need a unit that remains cost-effective. When you move into a new building, make sure your HVAC unit has the superior quality needed to run properly and keep everyone comfortable. Consider these models and tips to keep your building at a consistent temperature year-round:

Find the Best System

Before you select your new HVAC unit, it’s important to keep some considerations in mind. Perhaps the most important decision is to determine what size unit to install. If you opt for one that is too large for your space, you’ll overpay on installation and operation. You should also make sure the unit is energy efficient and meets government standards.

In addition, you should check the HVAC system’s life cycle costs. Just because a unit is cheaper doesn’t mean it’ll save you money.

Performance 16 Central Air Conditioner 24ACC6

This air conditioner provides you with long-term energy savings. It operates at 72 decibels and has a compression sound blanket.

When it comes to its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER), this unit has a ratio of 16. The SEER rating tells you how efficiently a unit operates. The higher the SEER, the more energy efficient the unit. New units boast a minimum SEER of 14, while the high-efficiency units can reach 26. This unit offers long-term energy savings, thanks to its non-ozone depleting refrigerant and R cooling efficiency.

Performance 17 Central Air Conditioner 24ACB7

Offering up to 17 SEER cooling efficiency, this air conditioning system offers two-stage compression that provides ultimate comfort. With enhanced humidity and temperature control, it also includes a dehumidification feature. It also includes a filter drier system that protects it from moisture and contaminants.

Performance Boost 90 Gas Furnace 59SP5

Although you may worry about staying cool more than staying warm in Longview, you still need an energy-efficient heating system for your space. This energy-efficient furnace offers comfort through its Ideal Humidity System technology as well as its multi-speed blower. It improves the summer dehumidification that an air conditioner or a heat pump offers. The unit can enhance SEER levels if you pair it with the right cooling system. It periodically stops when hooked up to the ‘Constant ON’ mode to allow cooling condensation to drain away.

The unit also offers 96.5 annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). Similar to the SEER rating in air conditioners or heat pumps, the AFUE determines a unit’s efficiency. This means that it converts 96.5 percent of its fuel to heat with the remaining 3.5 percent to waste.

Older, low-efficiency heating systems can have an AFUE as low as 56 percent. The newer, more energy-efficient models can have an AFEU of up to 98.5 percent.

Tips for Your New HVAC Unit

Once you determine which type of HVAC unit works best in your space, consider adding automatic controls. A programmable thermostat can reduce heating and cooling costs by operating only when you’re in the building. You can also set it a few degrees cooler in the winter and warmer in the summer to maximize savings.

Smart thermostats are another option that allows you to program the HVAC system through your smartphone. You can program the thermostat much like a programmable mode. But, in addition, you can set up specific routines and download data to make sure you achieve the results you’re looking for.

No matter the size of your building is in the Longview area, you should have the most efficient HVAC system in order to keep your space cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Adding programmable or wireless thermostats can also help you achieve cost-effective and comfortable results. For more information or to schedule an HVAC installation, reach out to JD’s AirNow by calling (903) 759-7483.

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Landscaping can play a major role in your Longview, Texas, home’s efficiency. Learning how landscaping affects your home’s efficiency can help you plan new projects or complete minor revisions to reduce energy use. Here are three of the most common ways landscaping can impact your home’s efficiency:

Shade

Shade can play a surprisingly large factor in your home’s efficiency levels, especially since Longview regularly experiences dramatic seasonal differences. During the summer, shade can help your climate control system keep up with the demand placed on it. It helps keep the air around the outdoor unit cooler and reduces the amount of heat that’s lost through the walls and roof.

Even if you don’t have complete cover, shade of any kind can be useful. Your home’s energy efficiency will significantly increase if you include plants in your landscape design that provide shade.

Sunlight

Sunlight is also an important consideration for homeowners looking to re-landscape their yards. During the winter months, sunlight can help keep your house warm by providing extra heat through your walls, windows and roof. Figuring out a way to get both decent sunlight and shade can be tricky. Choose trees and other shade-providing plants that drop their foliage during the winter months will help facilitate both factors.

Debris

Landscaping typically includes plant debris. This debris can include everything from leaves and mulch to branches and bark. Debris can cause issues with your climate control system by blocking off the vents or jamming your exterior unit.

Make sure you keep the area around your unit clear of any sort of clutter. Also, keep pollen-producing plants away from the intake vents. While landscaping can be useful in improving your home’s efficiency, you need to carefully plan to avoid creating larger problems.

If you’ve noticed that your home’s efficiency is lower than you’d like, give JD’s AirNow a call at (903) 759-7483 to set up a consultation today.

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Plants are one of the best natural ways to improve indoor air quality. Acting as intrinsic filters, they can help keep your home’s air clean, which can reduce pollens and other irritants. Here are three of the best plants to keep in your Longview, Texas, home to improve IAQ:

Aloes

Aloe is an incredible multi-purpose plant that works to remove irritants from the air, especially benzene and formaldehyde. Both are common ingredients in household items like spray paint and chemical-based cleaners.

Aloes are technically succulents that thrive in sunny conditions while contributing no pollutants to the air. You can find these plants at any home improvement store. Plus, you can use the gel inside their leaves to soothe skin conditions like sunburns.

Spider Plants

With beautiful striped foliage and unique offshoots, spider plants are a popular choice to improve indoor air quality. They work by removing all sorts of toxins and pollutants from the air, including carbon monoxide.

They’re also really easy to regrow: Just snip off one of the little offshoots, place it in soil and it should regrow fairly quickly. Thanks to these unique offshoots, spider plants are best shown off by hanging. They’re easy to keep alive, great for beginner gardeners and non-toxic to pets.

Boston Ferns

Boston ferns are unique in that they add to the humidity of your home while also removing a lot of surrounding allergens and pollutants. They’re some of the largest and most beautiful indoor ferns that require minimal upkeep.

These ferns thrive in medium sunlight. Owners should avoid direct sun as this can cause the fern’s delicate leaves to shrivel. They’re pet-friendly; although, being chewed on can hurt the fronds.

These three plants help improve IAQ the natural way. If you’re concerned about the quality of your home’s air, let the experts at JD’s AirNow help you select the best tools for the job. Give us a call at (903) 759-7483 today to set up a consultation!

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