Air Conditioning – 5 Tips On Choosing The Right One For Your Home

Get 5 Tips on choosing the right Air Conditioning System for your home. Find out the best Air conditioner features for your lifestyle and needs.

5 Tips on Choosing an Air Conditioning System

Get the Right One for Your Home

Air conditioning systems have become almost vital in our times with the changing weather conditions. If you do not have one, you are probably looking to get one installed. And, If you have a system already, you may be in the market to replace or maintain your existing unit. Of course, with the wide range options, this could be a challenging decision. Here are a few pointers to help you along the way to the right system for you home.

Air conditioner system

Purchasing an air conditioning system is an investment well-worth the cost. Prices will vary according to the size of your home or office and your specific needs. You will receive a good return with cooling and comfort provided by the AC unit. On hot summer days, the cooling system not only removes the heat, but will add a lovely freshness to your rooms.

Tips on choosing the right system for your needs

Do not allow the varying sizes, models, and features through you for a loop. Check out these tips that will give you an edge in making the right choice in AC systems for your house.

Air conditioner installation

Size

You need to know the size of the space you are looking to cool and purchase an air conditioning unit that can handle the job. If the system is too small for the space, it will never sufficiently cool the space. This will result in the system overworking and lead to damage of the compressor and other parts. Purchasing an over-sized unit will only cost you more money than necessary in the cost of the unit itself. Both scenarios will cost you more money in the long run by increased energy costs and consumption. So, it is important to purchase an appropriately sized air conditioning system that is suitable for your space requirements. Do some research and get help from knowledgeable professionals.

Energy Efficiency

Another primary concern should be the energy efficiency of your air conditioning system. You will want to check out the energy efficiency rating, known as the SEER or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating will give you an idea of how efficient the unit is in terms of energy expenditure. The higher the rating the more efficient and better the equipment, which will save you a lot of money on electric bills.

Air conditioner installed

Features

Get to know what features are available in air conditioning systems. Find out what they do, and what their purpose is. That way, you can make a good decision on the best features for your needs. Manufacturers offer devices with many advanced features such as; easy filter removal, sleep timer, energy efficiency, human activity sensing, anti-bacterial filters, and many more.

Service and Warranty Period

Warranties and service policies are important to consider. Look for reputable brands with long warranties including a replacement guarantee. You will also want to have the option of extending the warranty period. This will save on maintenance costs if any problems arise.

Air conditioner

Budget

Be budget conscious. Looking at air conditioning systems that are out of your price range will not benefit you or your home or office. Buy the best product that fits within your budget. If the unit you truly want is above your financial range, do a little more saving before you purchase. Then, you can get the unit that best fits your requirements.

I hope you have found these tips helpful and informative. Good luck in finding the perfect air conditioning system for your home.

5 Tips on choosing the right Air Conditioner for your home. #AirConditioning #AirConditioner #HVAC

Click To Tweet

...

...

Share using our Hashtag!

Leave me a comment… I’d love to hear from you!

...

~Lorelai

Sign up today, and don't miss anything! Enjoy EXCLUSIVES, FREEBIES, and FUN.

...

Contact Lorelai at Lorelai@LifeWithLorelai.com

Set Up An HVAC Maintenance Plan

Debbie’s back with some great tips on how you can increase the value of your home with a simple maintenance plan for your HVAC system.

HVAC

Set Up a Maintenance Plan

There are millions of things you want to do when you buy a new home. From installing new cabinets, to ripping down the terrible wallpaper put up by the person before you, the list goes on. However, before you can do any of the cosmetic improvements, you should call an HVAC company to check on your heating and cooling systems.

No One Expects the AC to Break

Image via Flickr by jackiebese

For most of the year, your HVAC system works to keep the home comfortable, but these systems always seem to break unexpectedly and at the worst times. Your state or city might experience a heat wave, or a snowstorm might come through, forcing your home to match the outside temperature. But, the comfort of your home could be at risk if your air conditioning and heating system has completely crashed.

Even if your home inspector said your system is performing well, it’s important to build a working relationship with your local HVAC company to check on hardware, and set up a maintenance plan. These technicians will build a deep understanding of your system model and its current state, creating a plan to keep it running longer. Give your system a thorough maintenance in the Fall to avoid freezing through the winter.

Aging Systems Need More Repair

Like people and cars, the older an HVAC system gets, the more things tend to break. The good news is that not all of these problems are expensive. A hose might pop out, or a drain might get clogged, which shuts down the whole system until it can be cleaned.

Routine maintenance can make sure all of these smaller fixes are made so that you only have to call your HVAC company when something major strikes. This will save you money in the long run, as your regular checkups are cheaper than emergency calls at 3 a.m.

Start Building Your HVAC Maintenance History Today

In the long run, maintaining a relationship with an HVAC technician or company can translate into better service when something breaks. When the same technician is used to check on your components multiple times per year, he or she starts to understand what is starting to wear and what problems you tend to have. For example, your technician might notice a worn hose but leave it because it’s still functioning. When your system breaks, that’s the first place the technician will check for problems.

Raise the resale value of your home! Find out how… #Home #ResaleValue #Maintenance #HVAC

Click To Tweet

Building a history of maintenance for your HVAC systems can also help your resale value if you decide to move. Keeping a record of maintenance for all of your major appliances proves to potential homeowners and inspectors that they’re not making a bad choice when they purchase your home. There’s nothing worse than buying a house and having to replace the washer, refrigerator, and plumbing. Highlight the quality of your home with maintenance receipts.

Setting up appointments and meeting with a local HVAC company only takes a few hours each year, but these routine checkups can save you hundreds in repair costs and prevent your system from breaking during the next several years.

...

Share using our Hashtag!

Leave me a comment… I’d love to hear from you!

...

~Lorelai

Sign up today, and don't miss anything! Enjoy EXCLUSIVES, FREEBIES, and FUN.

...

Contact Lorelai at Lorelai@LifeWithLorelai.com

Struggling to Keep Cool?

How is your air conditioner working? Are you struggling to keep cool? Guest poster, Debbie Lewis, has some great tips on how you can help keep your cool this summer.

Struggling To Keep Cool?

Maybe Your Air Conditioner Is On The Fritz…

Here in Sarasota, Florida, our weather is warm throughout the year. With high temperatures between 71 and 90 degrees in winter and summer alike, most homeowners rely on their air conditioners to keep their homes feeling comfortable. If your air conditioner hasn’t been keeping you as cool as it did in the past, you’ll want to find the cause and a solution. Perhaps your refrigerant is undercharged, or there could be a leak in the coil, or maybe a nearby lightning strike caused a short-circuit. If any of these issues are affecting your system, a repair may be a cost-effective option to get the air conditioning up and running again.

If your air conditioner is at least 10 years old and/or the repair will be costly, it may be time to consider a new, more energy efficient system. Minimum SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings have risen from 6 to 13 and higher in the past 10 years. One of the key benefits of a new air conditioning system is the massive cost savings due to improved energy efficiency. Older and outdated models tend to use a lot more energy to run, which costs you more each month in utilities. While you will have an upfront cost to purchase and have the new unit installed, it is well worth the investment to save money in the long run as well as reduce energy usage. This infographic was originally published by Aqua Plumbing & Air, and it discusses the advantages and benefits of having a new air conditioning installed.

Too hot? Air conditioner on the fritz? Get tips here. #Air #HVAC #Cool #Summer #TooHot

Click To Tweet

There’s nothing worse than being too hot, and unable to cool off. I hope you this infographic helps you stay cool this summer!

...

Share using our Hashtag!

Leave me a comment… I’d love to hear from you!

...

~Lorelai

Sign up today, and don't miss anything! Enjoy EXCLUSIVES, FREEBIES, and FUN.

...

Contact Lorelai at Lorelai@LifeWithLorelai.com

Breathe Easy In Summer

Today we’re welcoming Debbie Lewis as a guest poster. She is here to give you some tips and ideas on how you can breathe easier this summer.

Breathe Easy In Summer

Simple Tips to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

Poor air quality in your home can lead to many respiratory issues like indoor allergies and asthma attacks. There are many sources of the allergens and pollutants that enter our homes mostly unnoticed. Additionally, changes in temperature can worsen the air quality in our environment. Heat and humidity in the summer months can combine with gas pollutants and chemicals lingering in the air to create an unhealthy cocktail for us to breathe. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to make sure your air indoors remains clean.

First, you should make sure your home’s HVAC system is in excellent condition. You should change your air filter regularly, and don’t wait too long between maintenance appointments. Your air conditioner commands a lot of the air flow in your home, so a sluggish unit can also affect air quality. If you’ve noticed strange symptoms, like incessant coughing, or allergy symptoms you’ve never had before, you may appreciate an indoor quality assessment, which can give you insight into what is circulating in your home and the changes you can make to improve quality.

Keep surfaces free of dust and clean carpets and other dust-magnets regularly. Try to avoid the use of household cleaners that have a high toxic content. Replace them with safer, natural alternatives. If you have pets, bathe them weekly, to make it easier to control fleas and pet dander. Take a look at the infographic below. It shows more helpful tips you can use to keep your air clean and help you and your family stay healthy.

Breathe Easy In Summer – get the tips and helpful hints! #Breathe #HVAC #Air #Home #Summer

Click To Tweet

I hope this give you some useful ideas to help you through summer!

...

Share using our Hashtag!

Leave me a comment… I’d love to hear from you!

...

~Lorelai

Sign up today, and don't miss anything! Enjoy EXCLUSIVES, FREEBIES, and FUN.

...

Contact Lorelai at Lorelai@LifeWithLorelai.com

DIY Car Care & Basic Road Trip Kit

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser, FRAM. All opinions are mine alone. #SummerCarCare #CollectiveBias

DIY Car Care & Basic Road Trip Kit

Keeping You Rolling Down the Road

Car care is something we should always be mindful of, but with summer on the horizon that means busy schedules and road trips. You don’t want to find yourself stranded on the road waiting for a tow truck. Don’t fret, I have put together a DIY Preventative Maintenance Car Care and Basic Road Trip Kit Checklist that will keep you rolling down the road to your favorite destinations.

Summer fun and Road Trips – get your car ready! #SummerCarCare #Car #Care #RoadTrip AD

Click To Tweet

One of the most important things to know is, where to find information pertaining to your specific car or truck. The Owner’s Manual for your vehicle should be your first resource. If you do not have a manual, download it online from the vehicle manufacturer’s website, or order one on eBay.

Carry your Vehicle Owner’s Manual AND any Maintenance Records or Warranty Paperwork in your vehicle! These do you absolutely no good sitting at home when you are having a problem on the road.

HINT: Keep your records and paperwork in a folder. Cut the important information off filter boxes or other packaging, and tape them to the folder so you always know the Part Numbers for replacement. I keep my folder under the floor mat in the back of my truck.

Check Your Owner’s Manual For:

What Types of Fluids (type, weight, and volume) to use.
Explanation of Filler Cap Symbols.
What Types of Filters (type and size) to use.
The Maintenance Schedule – how often, mileage, or time.

Car Care – Preventative Maintenance:

Cursory Visual Check

Check for Drips or Fluid Leaks on the ground, under the vehicle and the hood.
Check that Windshield Wipers are in good condition – no splits, cracks, or tears.
Check that all Exterior Lights are in working order.
Check that all Interior Lights are in working order.

Fluids

DO NOT open a Hot Radiator!
Wear Gloves – Oils / Fluids can be hot.
Check / Change / Fill
- Brake Fluid
- Coolant
- Engine Oil
- Power Steering Fluid
- Transmission Fluid
- Windshield Wiper Fluid
- Always start a road trip with fresh new fluids.

Filters

Oil Filter
Engine Air Filter
Cabin Air Filter
Replace according to the manual specifications, or more often for dusty or severe usage.

Drive Belt (Fan Belt)

Check for Cracks or Fraying.
If damaged, have the belt replaced.

Tires / Wheels

Check the Air Pressure in each Tire – Don’t forget the AIR in the SPARE!
Check the Tire Tread on ALL tires. (Use a penny, place it in the tread with Lincoln’s head going downward. If the tread doesn’t reach to Lincoln’s head, the tire is worn out).
Check for any Damage (nails, bulges, etc.), in all tires including spare.
Check your Lug Nuts — be sure they are tight, but not overly torqued or rusted / corroded in place to where you cannot get them off.
Check that your Spare Tire Fits your car, especially if you bought the car used, or modified it in any way.
Make sure your Lug Wrench fits the size of your lug nuts (in case you have aftermarket rims on your vehicle).
Check that the jack is complete and in working order.

Lights

If you are hauling a trailer, make sure the trailer lights are hooked-up and working properly.
Be sure to check Headlamp Aim / Angle, especially if you are hauling a trailer. You may need to adjust the aim so you don’t blind other drivers.

Battery

Clean off any corrosion using a little baking soda and water and scrubbing with an old toothbrush. ( Be sure to wear old clothes, gloves, and eye protection. DO NOT get any battery acid or cleaner on you).
Make sure your battery cables are well connected.
If your battery is over 3-years-old, have a Load Test done on the battery to check the condition before heading out on your road trip. A lot of chain auto stores nationwide will do these test for free. No sense getting stranded.

Download this FREE Printable for your DIY Car Care!

CLICK here to Download

Here’s an example of easy Car Care that you can DIY:

Change your own FRAM Engine Air Filter

Changing your air filter is car maintenance so easy you will kick yourself if you’ve ever paid to have it done. It only takes one tool — a screwdriver that fits the screws on your Air Filter Box! Some vehicles may use clips instead of screws, a flat blade screwdriver will help pop these open. Plus, it only takes 5 minutes or less.

Check the Owner’s Manual for the location of your Air Filter Box / Air Filter
Be sure you have the correct size filter.
Unscrew the lid on the air filter box, and remove lid.
Remove old dirty air filter.
Place new FRAM Extra Guard Engine Air Filter in the air filter box.
Replace air filter box lid, and tighten screws.

You’re done! How simple is that? Don’t forget to recycle your old air filter. FRAM recommends changing your engine air filter annually or every 12,000 miles, but be sure to follow recommended change intervals as noted in your vehicle owner’s manual.

Clean engine air filters are important for your car or truck. Think of it as the first line of defense for improving air flow and preventing dust and dirt from entering your engine and causing damage. They can also increase acceleration, horsepower, and improve overall engine performance. An easy win in my book!

DIY car care that anyone can do. #SummerCarCare #Car #Auto #RoadTrip #DIY AD

Click To Tweet

You can find FRAM Air Filters at Walmart (in stores or online). The Walmart website has a search function to find the proper FRAM air filter for your vehicle — just a few simple questions.

I found it super easy to choose my FRAM Extra Guard Air Filter, order it right there online, and then pick it up at my local store, when I went in for a regular shopping trip.

Basic Road Trip Kit:

Now that you have done your car care, there is another important thing to prepare for the road trip — a Basic Road Trip Kit. It’s better to be prepared than to waste your vacation away on the side of the road, or some place waiting for your transportation to be towed or fixed. I’ve created a FREE Printable Checklist for you to download. It will walk you through putting together your handy-dandy Basic Road Trip Kit.

CLICK here to Download

FREE Basic Road Trip Kit don’t leave home without it. #SummerCarCare #RoadTrip #BePrepared #Car AD

Click To Tweet

Check out this short video on How To Properly Use Jumper Cables.

A Few Other Helpful Hints:

Carry a Map in case your GPS goes out.
Have a Cell Phone Charger for your vehicle.
Be sure the Charging Port in your car has Power to it.
Have a Hide-A-Key, or have someone else in the traveling party carry an extra set of keys.
Insist on FRAM Air, Oil, Transmission, and Fuel Filters when servicing your car, truck, or boat. FRAM a name you can trust.

What ideas do you have for easy Car Care or Road Trips?

Have a great Road Trip!

...

Share using our Hashtag!

Leave me a comment… I’d love to hear from you!

...

~Lorelai

Sign up today, and don't miss anything! Enjoy EXCLUSIVES, FREEBIES, and FUN.

...

Contact Lorelai at Lorelai@LifeWithLorelai.com