The key to storm preparedness is understanding what problems may occur and then planning ahead to address them. The more knowledgeable you are about storm preparedness, the better for you and your family.

The first thing you need to do is assemble an emergency kit containing:

• A first aid kit that includes a basic handbook on how to treat injuries
• At least one fire extinguisher
• Enough water for everyone in the household. The Red Cross advises three gallons per person. Don’t forget water for pets, if you have any.
• Regularly-taken medication , if needed
• Non-perishable food that does not have to be heated, plus pet food and a can opener
• Flashlights, a radio and extra batteries
• Blankets, pillows, towels and extra clothes and socks stored in a waterproof container
• Books, coloring books, crayons, board games and toys for children

The second step in storm preparedness is to prepare your home — long before the first storm warning appears. Make sure that all electronic devices such as computers and televisions are plugged into surge protectors to keep a lightning strike from damaging them. Know where your main electrical shut-off is located, and make sure that you can get there safely in the dark.

The most crucial part of storm preparedness is to be smart about heating and lighting your home if you’re without power. Using candles or any other open flame is dangerous. Propane grills can also cause fires. A wood-burning stove is an excellent heat source, and you can also cook over the flames. Keep the room well-ventilated to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, and extinguish the fire before going to sleep.

Food safety should also be a priority. Keep your refrigerator and freezer closed if the power goes off to keep food from spoiling. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that all food is below 40 degrees before you eat anything, and once your power comes back on.

A storm preparedness plan can help you avoid damage from powerful spring storms. For more expert advice, please contact SameDay Heating & Air. We proudly serve homeowners in Northern Utah.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Availability of R-22 has recently plummeted due to Environmental Protection Agency proposals to accelerate this timetable. The rising price of Freon has caused spot shortages and sparked concerns about potential unavailability during the summer. No air conditioners utilizing R-22 have been manufactured since 2009, as manufacturers made the transition to more environmentally-friendly R-410A refrigerant. However, many of the aging units installed during R-22’s 40-year predominance are still in use.

What should you do if you own one?  Here are a few considerations:

• Maintain your unit carefully to minimize potential problems that require Freon. Consult your owner’s manual or contact your HVAC contractor for service information. If your R-22 A/C unit presently requires service, schedule it now before the price of Freon goes higher.
• Expect to pay almost triple for R-22 over last year’s prices. Even if you’re only nursing a marginal system through one more summer, topping off the Freon to compensate for leaks in the unit will set you back a considerable sum. Should your A/C require major repair, the price of Freon will likely exceed all other expenses, such as labor and parts.
• Ask your HVAC contractor about upgrading to an R-410A air conditioner now. Instead of paying a larger amount for the price of Freon or making major repairs on a system that uses obsolete R-22, invest in an upgrade with a system that uses a refrigerant in ample supply. Air conditioners that utilize R-410A incorporate more advanced technology than outmoded R-22 units. Energy savings from efficiency gains and longer manufacturer’s warranties on R-410A units may help offset many of the costs of upgrading.

SameDay Heating & Air is northern Utah’s 24/7 source for HVAC sales and service. Contact us for information on dealing with the Freon phaseout and to navigate the price of Freon.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about air conditioners and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Air conditioner image via Shutterstock

What is NATE?

North American Technician Excellence – better known as NATE —  is a non-profit organization that is supported across the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) industry nationwide. It was founded in 1997, and it’s the gold standard in HVAC system certification that all career-oriented technicians pursue.

The purpose of NATE is to test the level of competency of HVAC technicians seeking certification. NATE does not train technicians, and it’s not a school. NATE sets the bar — and sets it high — for knowledge and field experience in a very large, rapidly-evolving industry.

It’s not a “minimum” requirement skill-set certification test at all. NATE-certified technicians have passed rigorous tests in two or more fields encompassing general HVAC system knowledge, and one or more  specialized fields, such as dual-fuel heat pump systems.

NATE certification is not required of technicians to work in the HVAC industry. Hence, you should be particularly choosy when making your decision of who to hire. When you hire a NATE-certified technician, feel confident that you’re going to receive the following service and qualities:

• Your HVAC system will be serviced and/or installed by a knowledgable, service-minded professional held to the highest standards.
• To maintain NATE-certification, technicians must retest every five years, ensuring continued education across the ever-changing industry.
• Your HVAC system will be serviced right the first time, achieving maximum efficiency for your comfort and energy savings.
• NATE-certified technicians are unmatched in HVAC system service, repair and installation, topping non-certified technicians by 32 percent in customer satisfaction in industry-wide polling.

When you see the NATE patch on your technician’s uniform, rest assured you’ve made a good decision. Contact SameDay Heating & Air for the highest quality service and installation from our NATE-certified technicians. We provide service and installation for Northern Utah area homeowners.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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But one thing is for certain: Before your duct cleaning, eww! After your duct cleaning, phew!

Many homeowners report that the air in their home feels cleaner and that they breathe easier after their ducts have been cleaned. And they ought to know, because many people go 10 years or more without having their ducts cleaned, so the difference can be noticeable.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is careful to point out that no direct cause-effect relationship exists between duct cleaning and better health. But it makes good sense that you may want to have your ducts cleaned because they accumulate dust, just like all other hidden regions of your home. Plus, many physicians endorse duct cleaning, viewing it as a proactive health measure.

In case your home’s ducts have never been cleaned, the procedure requires a certified technician with specialized tools to carefully dislodge dirt and other debris. A pro will also use a high-powered vacuum cleaner to clean up the mess, permanently capturing dust and debris.

Naturally, it’s difficult to tell just how dusty and dirty your ducts really are. But there are some telltale signs that may give you a pretty good idea that it’s time to make a duct cleaning appointment, such as:

• If you have recently finished a remodeling or building project
• If the airflow in your home is no longer as efficient as it once was
• If you have found substantial mold growth inside the ducts or on other components of the heating and cooling system
• If you find a pile of dust when you lift the return-air registers
• If insects or rodents have taken up residence in your ductwork

In addition to helping you breathe easier, duct cleaning will help the air in your home to flow freely and unencumbered through your home’s ducts. And a clean, more energy-efficient system will save you money on your energy bills year-round. To realize all of these benefits, call SameDay Heating & Air today. Serving the Salt Lake City area, we’re always happy to help.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Duct image via Shutterstock

While SEER ratings are the most important factors when choosing an air conditioner, looking at other factors associated with A/Cs is also helpful. Your new system might last as long as a decade or more, so exploring options that will drive efficiency helps you make a good decision — one that will affect your comfort for years to come.

Here’s what you’ll want to look for:

• Variable-speed air handlers – This component can increase the SEER rating for an air conditioner, because the motor that drives the fan uses far less electricity than a single-speed model. It will run slower, quieter and remove more humidity since it will blow air longer.
• Fan only – Most of the time the fan shuts off when the compressor does, leaving conditioned air behind in the ducts. When you choose a system that runs the fan independently of the compressor, you’ll increase your indoor comfort because the air will circulate continually. A running fan also removes more airborne particulates.
• Fan delay — This feature runs the fan for a few minutes after the compressor turns off. It’s a good choice for people who want to circulate all the conditioned air without having to run the fan constantly.
• Sound levels — Besides SEER ratings, air conditioners also have noise ratings. If backyard noise bothers you or you like a quiet home, pay special attention to the decibel levels the system creates for the compressor and the air handler.
• Filter reminder — Although this component won’t increase efficiency, it will help you achieve greater efficiency with your cooling system. A filter reminder alerts you to a clogged filter, which makes your air conditioner work harder and longer, raising your electric bill and lowering the life of your system.

If you’d like to learn more about SEER ratings and good options for replacing your A/C system, contact SameDay Heating & Air, serving Northern Utah residents.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about air conditioners and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Air conditioner image via Shutterstock

Namely, the development of ductless mini split air conditioning, which connects one outdoor compressor/condenser to up to four indoor units, operates efficiently–without the losses associated with equipment that utilizes ductwork.

The benefits of ductless mini split air conditioning include:

• Reducing energy loss – Because cool air is delivered directly into a room via an indoor air handler, you skip the energy losses common to duct-dependent cooling equipment. Leaky ducts can account for more than 30 percent of the average homeowner’s total energy costs, with ducts in uninsulated places like attics losing the most energy.
• Improving comfort — With the indoor air-handling units installed in individual rooms, you can expect better comfort. You can independently control each unit’s delivery of cooled air, which allows you to better manage comfort in hard-to-cool spaces, like an enclosed porch.
• Better energy savings – Ductless mini split air conditioning saves you energy, because you can utilize the indoor units to supplement your existing HVAC system, placing them in your most heavily used rooms, rather than paying to cool the whole house. And you can increase energy savings by cooling the room you’re in, and turning off the unit when you leave.
• A two-in-one unit – A mini split operates as a cooling and a heating system, giving you two systems in one.

Ductless mini split air conditioning is easy to install and more flexible than central systems. The conduit that connects the indoor units to the outdoor one allows you to install them as far as 50 feet from each other, without compromising efficiency.

In the Greater Salt Lake City area, if you’d like to learn more about whether ductless mini split air conditioning can work for you, contact SameDay Heating & Air. We’ve been serving Northern Utah since 1955 with knowledgeable and, yes, same-day service of your home heating and cooling needs.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about air conditioners and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Two techniques – electronic air cleaning and ultraviolet (UV) lights – could be your ticket to breathing easier this spring and summer, because both types of systems eliminate pollution, instead of letting it circulate over and over throughout your home.

Electronic air cleaning

An electronic air cleaner utilizes electrostatic precipitators, or electronic filters, to clean the air as it passes through the system. At one end of the unit, a high-voltage current places a charge on airborne pollutants. At the other end, a collector with the opposite charge attracts the pollutants, pulling them out of the air like a magnet.

Electronic air cleaning is particularly effective against smoke particles that are too minuscule to be trapped in traditional air filters. Also, unlike typical air filters, electronic filters never need to be replaced. The only maintenance required is an occasional cleaning of the collector plate with soapy water every few months.

For many people, cleaning the plate of an electronic air cleaning unit is satisfying because they can see all the airborne particles that were prevented from circulating through their air.

In this way, homeowners can rest assured that using an electronic air cleaner will reduce allergy symptoms and make it easier to breathe all spring and summer long.

UV lights

Ultraviolet filters are useful if you’re more concerned about removing germs, bacteria or mold. UV lights, generally installed to work in combination with your heating and cooling equipment, destroy airborne bacteria and viruses on contact. Commonly used in hospital settings, UV lights are just as effective in residential applications.

Electronic air cleaning and UV lights are just two of your options for reducing spring and summer allergy symptoms. To learn more about this topic, or for additional information about other heating and cooling topics, please contact SameDay Heating & Air. We proudly serve Salt Lake City and the surrounding areas.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Although you’ll need a professional to do seasonal maintenance for your heat pump, such as inspecting the fan and motor and cleaning the system, there are quite a few things that you can do to help ensure your heat pump stays functional throughout the year:

1. Replace the filter – If your heat-pump model requires an air filter, this should be replaced at least twice a year, and more frequently if you live in a dusty climate. Do not attempt to clean and replace an old filter, which can damage not only the filter, but it can also wreak havoc on the equipment itself. It’s a good idea to keep a few extra filters on hand for this purpose.
2. Tidy up the area around the heat pump – Tall grass, weeds and dried vegetation can spell trouble for heat pumps. The outdoor unit relies on proper airflow to function well. Remove any weeds around the unit and clear away dried brush or old leaves. Every time you mow your yard, take a few extra minutes to go around your heat pump to minimize vegetation growth.
3. Make the exterior of the unit shine – Heat pumps can start to look a little worn over the years. Turn off the power to the unit and wash the casing to remove any old dirt or debris, checking for leaks or dents in the casing that can potentially impact the equipment’s efficiency.

Along with homeowner maintenance tasks, be sure to schedule regular maintenance twice a year. Heat pumps need to be inspected and cleaned regularly to perform at peak capacity. And while you can do some of this maintenance yourself, it is best to have a professional come in and take a look at the unit. This will help keep it functioning at the highest efficiency possible, and help you spot any troubles that may spell disaster if left unattended.

Got a question about heat pumps? Give the pros at SameDay Heating & Air a call today. Serving the South Salt Lake area, we’re always happy to help.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about heat pumps and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Heat pump image via Shutterstock

For starters, here are five things you can do to hold down your warm weather energy bills this summer. Most of these tips will also help you manage your energy costs in the fall and winter.

1. Install a programmable thermostat: This very easy upgrade can have a significant effect on your utility bill. A programmable thermostat allows you to set the temperature so that it automatically goes up a few degrees when you are away from home during the day and goes down again shortly before you get home in the evening. This means that you’re not wasting energy cooling your home when you’re not there. You might even want to consider a smart thermostat, which can be monitored remotely from your phone or laptop.
2. Install energy-efficient doors and windows: Energy Star-labeled windows and doors can lower your cooling costs by more than 7 percent by keeping your conditioned air where you want it — in your living space. In addition, many doors and windows with the Energy Star label have coated glass, which serves as a type of sunscreen.
3. Seal all of the nooks and crannies: Sealing additional sources of air leaks can save you even more money. Air can escape from your home from such insignificant places as electrical outlets. Also inspect your ductwork, and seal any loose connections or cracks, using mastic, not duct tape. To make your home additionally energy efficient, boost the insulation in your attic.
4. Reduce your hot water use: Install low-flow shower heads, and repair any leaks in your fixtures and pipes.
5. Turn off lights and unplug electronics when you’re not using them: Devices such as the television, stereo and computer draw power all of the time, even when you’re not using them. Over time, this standby power can add up. Unplug these devices when they’re not in use, or invest in a power strip.

For more expert advice on any issues related to your home, contact SameDay Heating & Air. Serving Northern Utah, we’re here to help make your home more comfortable and energy efficient.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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When you sign a maintenance agreement, you consent to regular service for your HVAC system, usually in the spring and the fall. Such an agreement ensures that your HVAC system stays in top condition and brings small problems to light before they develop into bigger and costlier ones.

After all, just like your car, your HVAC system is very unlikely to just “up and quit” one day — unless it’s neglected. Regular maintenance on your HVAC system is like pouring two fresh quarts of oil in your car’s engine; it’s a preventive measure that keeps all the moving parts functioning as they should.

When you hold an HVAC maintenance agreement with SameDay Heating & Air, one of our expert technicians will thoroughly inspect your system twice a year, generally in the spring and in the fall. At those times, we will:

• Check your HVAC system’s controls to ensure they are working properly
• Check the thermostat for proper calibration
• Tighten all the electrical connections
• Lubricate all moving parts
• Clean dirt and grimy buildup from the system–one of the most common causes of HVAC system problems
• Check the air filters and replace them, if necessary

Spring maintenance will include checking the A/C to:

• Clean the evaporator and condenser coil
• Check the refrigerant and recharge it if necessary
• Clean and adjust the blower components

Fall maintenance will include inspecting the furnace to:

• Set the service burners for proper combustion and ignition
• Test the condition and tension of the fan belt
• Check the chimney and flue
• Conduct a carbon-monoxide safety test and check your home’s CO detectors

Our task list might expand because every system is different. But the benefits will remain the same: A cared-for system works better and lasts longer. And with a maintenance agreement from SameDay Heating & Air, you’ll receive top-notch, consistent service, every time. You’ll quickly find out that once you become a customer of SameDay, you’ll want to remain one for life. We have served Northern Utah homeowners since 1955. Contact us today.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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