Common Heating and Cooling Myths

Posted on: October 26th, 2016 by tcg_admin No Comments

If you are like us, you have probably heard plenty of do it yourself advice when it comes to effectively heating or cooling your space. While some tips are spot on, others are very misleading and can actually end up costing you money in the long term.

Check out these common heating and cooling myths, debunked!

Name: ACTION AIR
Address: 868 Kraft Street, Clarksville, TN, 37040
Telephone: (931) 647-8525

Myth 1: Closing off your vents will save you money on your heating bill.

We really aren’t sure where this folk tale came from, but no, blocking your vents will certainly not save you money. In fact, doing this can throw your system’s natural rhythm out of balance, which could even lead to damaging your heating equipment. The most energy efficient practice is to achieve even heat distribution throughout your home. This requires leaving all vents unobscured.

Myth 2: Leaving a ceiling fan on all the time will cool the room, even when you are not in it.

While the use of ceiling fans can have several benefits, lowering the temperature of a room no one is in is not one of them. Ceiling fans work to circulate the air in the room, which causes your skin to feel cool. While this does make you feel cooler, it does not actually lower the temperature of the room itself. Tricky!

Myth 3: The higher I set my thermostat, the more quickly my room will heat.

Even though it may ease your mind to crank the heat up when you come in from the cold, your furnace will deliver heat at the same rate consistently. The best thing to do is to set your thermostat to the desired temperature and be patient. Setting your thermostat higher than needed actually wastes more energy, because you will likely have to turn the heat down later once your body temperature comes up.

At Action Air, we pride ourselves on offering our customers honest, high quality service. Give us a call at 931-647-8525 today or visit us online to learn more about scheduling a service or routine maintenance appointment. One of our qualified technicians will be glad to address any of your heating & cooling needs!

Source:
Horizon Services Inc.

My cooling bill is out of control!

Posted on: July 12th, 2016 by tcg_admin No Comments

Cooling costs can really burn you in the summer.

Here are some tips to help keep your bill as low as the temperature inside!

As the summer wears on, temperatures continue to rise, especially in the south! Many people are left with the tough choice of picking which one is more comfortable: the state of your bank account, or the temperature inside your home/business. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to reduce cooling costs in the summer. Check out this list of helpful tips!

1. Leave the sun outside

Everyone enjoys the extra hours of sunlight in the summer, but not when the sun’s rays are raising your cooling bill. Keep the sun outside where it belongs by covering your windows with blinds or curtains. This simple trick can help you save big time when cooling your home!

2. Cool down your cooking

Your oven puts off lots of heat! This can really heat up the place, especially in a small space. Opt for meals prepared in a crockpot or microwave in the summer. Try grilling out or even better, try some refreshingly cool and healthy summer salad options!

3. Switch on a fan

Air circulation is key to maintaining low temperatures inside your home or business. Using a ceiling fan in conjunction with your air conditioner can help accomplish this, while also lowering your cooling costs! Using a ceiling fan can even allow you to raise the temperature on your thermostat a couple of degrees without leaving you uncomfortably warm.

4. Make sure your AC Unit is well maintained

You know what they say, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Stop AC problems before they start by making sure your hvac unit is properly maintained. Give us a call at Action Air and one of our experienced technicians would be glad to pay you a service visit!

Contact us at our office in Clarksville, TN for help keeping your home or office cool this summer. Schedule an appointment to have an Action Air professional visit you for maintenance and repairs alike. At Action Air we have certified service technicians, qualified installers, and a knowledgeable sales staff. When You Need Action, Call Action Air!

Sources:

US News & World Report

NEA Member Benefits

My AC isn’t cooling like it used to – help!

Posted on: June 15th, 2016 by tcg_admin 1 Comment

When your air conditioning isn’t cooling at its usual rate, it can be frustrating.

As temperatures continue to rise, it is important that your AC do its job by adequately keeping you cool. We all know how hot Tennessee summers can get! If your air conditioning isn’t keeping your home or office as cool as it used to, there are a couple of things that might be going wrong. Below you will find a list of common AC issues and what you can do to check them.

A) Check For Airflow Problems Inside

AC that isn’t running as it should is likely the result of a simple disruption to airflow. The best place to check for this issue is the return. Can you remember the last time you changed your air filters? A clogged filter could be the culprit.

B) Check for Airflow Problems Outside

If all is well inside your home, turn your attention outdoors. Your unit should ideally have about two feet of space around it. Do your best to clear any debris (including tall grass and weeds) that may have accumulated around your HVAC system that may be keeping your unit from functioning properly.

C) Check Your Thermostat Settings

Many thermostats offer both an “auto” and an “on” setting. Depending on which you are used to, accidentally switching the thermostat to a different setting can make it seem as though your AC is not working correctly. The “auto” setting typically turns your blower off and on automatically based on the observed temperature of the room. “On” will allow your fan to run constantly. An “on” setting is typically reserved for spaces with special filtration systems installed as part of their HVAC system.

D) Consider Ductwork Issues

Airflow can also be disrupted by an issue with your ductwork. If your ductwork is bent, cracked, etc. it cannot properly deliver and distribute air into your home, thus keeping it cool. An inspection may be needed to determine any ductwork issues and resolve the problem you are experiencing with your HVAC.

These are just a few of the common reasons that your AC might not be working the way you are accustomed to. If you can’t find the issue, or think something more serious may be going on, contact us at our office in Clarksville, TN. We can set up an appointment to have an Action Air professional visit your home. They will be able to perform routine maintenance in order to keep your system running efficiently and also advise on other areas where your HVAC system may be having an issue. At Action Air we have certified service technicians, qualified installers, and a knowledgeable sales staff. When You Need Action, Call Action Air!

Sources:

Enlighten Me

Cool Today

How can my business become more energy efficient?

Posted on: May 26th, 2016 by tcg_admin No Comments

With hot weather coming, saving on energy costs can be a challenge.

Making a business energy efficient can present challenges that you wouldn’t experience in your home. Most businesses are located in much larger spaces than a typical home. Businesses also have to think about the comfort of a wide range of employees and clients or customers. Not to worry, Action Air has some great advice on keeping everyone comfortable, while reducing your energy use over the summer!

Routine Maintenance

Tune up your HVAC system on a regular basis. This will ensure maximum performance and add years to the life of your equipment.
Change Filters

Change your filters regularly as recommended by the manufacturer.
Treat your Windows

Consider using blinds, awnings, solar film on windows, and natural vegetation to manage heat and light. Let light and heat in during the winter and keep it out during the summer.
Keep Air Moving

Use fans to keep air moving and maintain a comfortable level of humidity.
Plug Leaks

Use weather stripping and caulking to seal any areas where air may be escaping. You will then be able to better manage your ventilation and keep the air that has been cooled (or heated) inside.
Temperature Control

During summer months, adjusting your thermostat up one degree typically can save 2-3% on cooling costs. Adjust thermostats higher when cooling and lower when heating unoccupied areas within a building (e.g. during weekends and non-working hours).
Prevent Thermostat Changes

Consider installing locking devices on thermostats to maintain ideal temperature settings.

If you would like more information, contact us at our office in Clarksville, TN. We can set up an appointment to have an Action Air professional visit your business. They will be able to perform routine maintenance in order to keep your system running efficiently and also advise on more areas for you to save energy. At Action Air we have certified service technicians, qualified installers, and a knowledgeable sales staff. When You Need Action, Call Action Air!

Sources:
SBA
Ambit Energy
SRP

How can I reduce pollen in my home?

Posted on: April 27th, 2016 by tcg_admin No Comments

Improving your home’s air quality can improve your health.

Spring is in full bloom and avoiding allergies will be a persistent problem. With new plants blooming through the warm months of summer and into the fall, you never know when your allergies will hit. With that in mind we want to help you keep your indoor allergies to a minimum. With just a few easy tips, you can keep your family breathing free.

Regularly change the filters in your HVAC system
Maintain the humidity level in the house at around 50%. Dust and pollen are easily stirred in dry air.
Service your Air Conditioner on a regular basis
Keep your windows closed when pollen counts are highest: in the early morning hours, between 10 am and 3 pm, and in windy conditions.
Keep your lawn mowed to prevent grasses from blooming and spreading pollen.
Use a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. They are very effective in removing pollen from the air indoors without contaminating the environment with mold.
Dry all your laundry indoors during the pollen season, it will accumulate on clothing that is outdoors
Avoid travel in the country; especially on dry, windy days or while crops are being harvested.
Pets bring in pollen on their fur. Brushing them thoroughly before they come in will keep them from bringing pollen inside.
Remove shoes before going inside.
Change clothes after being outside and wash or rinse your hair
Wet dust and vacuum every day using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to reduce the amount of pollen residue on surfaces.

The more of these simple steps you take, the less pollen you will have to deal with. Once you have reduced the amount of pollen inside your house you will be able to live more comfortably. This healthier environment will allow you to breath easy and sleep better.

To schedule your regular HVAC maintenance appointment, contact the team at Action Air. We have friendly, trustworthy, HVAC technicians who are ready to help you keep a low pollen household. They will be able to advise you on air filters and help you identify areas where pollen can enter your home! Remember, when you need action, call Action Air!

Sources:
Aaaai.org
DIY Network
NC State University

What’s the Point of Regular HVAC Maintenance?

Posted on: March 21st, 2016 by tcg_admin 4 Comments

My system is running well, can I skip maintenance?

Although you can technically skip maintenance, it is not advisable! Imagine doing the same with your car. If you never have the oil changed or a tune-up until the check-engine light comes on, you can’t expect it to last more than a few of years. With that in mind, there is one very practical reason to schedule maintenance and that is saving money! There are two ways scheduling yearly maintenance will save you money: prevention and energy efficiency.

Prevention:

Regular check ups give your technician more chances to detect small problems and correct them, before they become major issues. Repairing a small refrigerant leak may not be a huge charge, but buying a new compressor when low refrigerant levels burn your current one out can cost a significant amount of money.
Energy Efficiency:

Maintenance service will ensure that your HVAC system is running at maximum efficiency by cleaning out your system and making sure that everything is in optimal condition. When your HVAC is running well, it uses less energy to cool and heat your house. Lower energy usage means lower bills and less environmental impact.

So what are some of the things we will do in a routine maintenance visit?

Check thermostat settings. – This should be operating at optimum efficiency.
Tighten all electrical connections. – Bad connections can reduce the life of major components.
Lubricate all moving parts. – Friction can slow motors and increase the amount of electricity used.
Inspect the condensate drain. – A clogged drain can cause water damage and affect indoor humidity.
Check system controls. – We check the starting cycle of the equipment to assure the system starts, operates, and shuts off properly.
Clean air conditioning coils. – Dirty coils reduce the system’s cooling ability. This in turn makes the system run longer and wear down more quickly.
Check refrigerant level. – Improper refrigerant levels will make your system less efficient.
Inspect blower components. – Airflow problems can reduce efficiency by up to 15% in the winter.
Check all connections, gas pressure, burner combustion and heat exchanger. – Any problems here can cause the equipment to operate less safely and less efficiently.

At Action Air we’ve been providing the Clarksville area with heating, cooling, sales, and service since 1979. We have certified service technicians, ready to provide you with high quality and knowledgeable maintenance on your unit. Visit our website or give us a call at (931) 647-8525 to set up your maintenance appointment today!

Sources:

Trane
Home Advisor
Energy Star

Cabin Fever Can Save You Energy

Posted on: February 29th, 2016 by tcg_admin No Comments

As winter weather drags on, people tend to develop cabin fever.

Knowing that spring is approaching can get you down when you are stuck inside on a dreary winter day. Don’t let the crummy weather get you down! Action Air has some great ideas for projects to keep you busy until warmer days arrive!

1) Keep the heat inside your home:

There are some easy diy projects that you can do to help you keep the heat inside your house. Just a few simple but effective projects are…

Seal Air Leaks With Caulk – Air leaks can waste a lot of your energy dollars. One of the quickest energy and money-saving tasks you can do is caulk, seal and weatherstrip all cracks and large openings to the outside.
Optimize Vents – Close off vents in rooms that are unused or that you don’t go into often. Unblock any vents that are obstructed by furniture. Close the door to rooms you won’t be using.
Switch the Direction of Your Fans – Instead of leaving your ceiling fan dormant during the winter months, you can switch the direction. When you switch from counterclockwise to clockwise, you start moving the hot air that rises back down into your room.

2) Plant an indoor garden:

It may be a while before your garden outside is thriving, but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying fresh flowers and beautiful plants. There are indoor-friendly plants for all levels of gardeners, and even if you don’t have a green thumb, you can find a plant that will work for you. We especially love to pick plants that help purify the air inside your home and make your house a greener, happier place!

3) Build a fort:

Let’s be honest, a day at home is not the worst thing that could happen. We suggest gathering all of your pillows and blankets and getting to work. Once you build an epic fort, snuggle up, get a fire going and start a movie to have fun and stay warm! We can’t think of a better way to save energy than that!

If you want to learn more about keeping your house energy efficient you can visit our website, or call us for more information. We’ve been providing the Clarksville area with heating, cooling, sales, and service since 1979. When it comes to any of your air conditioning or heating needs the choice is simple. When you need action, call Action Air.

What Type of Furnace is Right for You?

Posted on: September 30th, 2015 by tcg_admin 1 Comment

Your furnace keeps you warm at night and helps you out of bed in the morning.

While being comfortable is important, you should also consider energy efficiency and cost when you are thinking about a new furnace.

So, what are your options when you need a new furnace? At Action Air we have several types of furnaces available. There are many price and efficiency ranges available for you to consider. We are going to compare a few different furnace options that Action Air offers to the Clarksville area, and share a little about how each kind works.

Today’s furnaces pollute less and boost comfort by producing heat more steadily than older furnaces. Although electric and oil furnaces are still available, gas is the most common fuel used in furnaces today and the type of furnace we want to discuss. A forced air furnace utilizes propane or natural gas, and is generally the most efficient and economical method of heating. There are several types of forced air furnaces available and they have various energy ratings.

Single Stage Furnace – This type of furnace is the most common furnace, utilizing a simple operation. There is only one fan speed and the gas flame is either on or off. These furnaces will wait for the temperature in a building to get to the coldest possible setting before firing on. Once the furnace starts, it will fill the house full of heat until the thermostat registers the temperature being the same as its setting. The temperature within a house will vary greatly, which makes this type of furnace the most wasteful in terms of energy. A single stage furnace will also be the loudest during operation. They are, however, the most affordable during the initial investment.
Dual Stage Furnace – The dual stage furnace is more sophisticated than the single stage furnace. Rather than simply being on or off, its flame can be firing at a high setting, low setting, or off. The additional flame setting makes a dramatic difference in energy costs. In addition, a dual stage furnace is much quieter than single stage furnaces. The initial cost will be higher, but the difference will be made up over time because of the increase in energy efficiency.
Modulating Furnace – A modulating furnace will adjust its flame in increments. This helps to ensure that the true temperature of a building will never vary more than 1 or 2 degrees from the thermostat’s target temperature. This type of furnace regulates the temperature more thoroughly and will eliminate the long, cold periods that occur while a room cools to the temperature where the furnace restarts (a common occurrence in single and two stage furnaces). It also eliminates the buildup of heat that happens when a single stage furnace is on in full force. In addition to having variable flame settings, the blower settings on a modulation furnace are also variable. These will adjust according to the demand on the furnace. Modulating gas furnaces are among the most energy efficient furnaces and are rated at 98% efficiency. The initial cost will be the highest with modulating furnaces; however, this price will quickly be recouped because of the energy efficiency created.

Although this is good general guide, there are an even greater number of choices and variables available within these types of furnaces. To learn more about which furnace will be the best furnace for you, consult with one of the experts at Action Air today. You can call us at (931) 647-8525 or contact us online. Located in Clarksville, we have certified service technicians, qualified installers, and a knowledgeable sales staff serving Montgomery County and all of the surrounding areas. When You Need Action, Call Action Air!

Why is my air conditioner blowing hot air?

Posted on: July 30th, 2015 by tcg_admin No Comments

Air conditioning can be essential on a hot summer day.

Nothing is worse than hot air blowing from your AC.

We all expect that sound of an air conditioner working to mean a nice cool breeze and a comfortable indoor temperature. So why would an Air conditioner blow hot air? Well there are several reasons, some almost silly and some serious. Here are a few of the most common reasons that you aren’t feeling that refreshing chilly air.

Thermostat Setting: Did your thermostat somehow get reset? Make sure you check that your thermostat is set to cool! If the settings were changed, your air conditioner could be working perfectly, it may just not be on! HVAC systems will usually have several settings and although the sounds they make may be the same when they are working they all have very different functions. Make sure you don’t have yours set to a heat or fan mode.
Restricted Airflow: If there is something restricting the Airflow in your HVAC system there the cool air being produced by your air conditioner may not be making it through your ducts into your house. The main culprit for this is an Air Filter that needs to be changed. If a filter hasn’t been changed in a long time it can get very dirty and clogged which will stop the airflow from your AC. It is relatively easy to change a filter yourself, and could easily fix the problem. A dirty air filter can also make the coils in your AC dirty and that will require professional maintenance.
Electric Issues: Most air conditioners have two parts, and indoor and an outdoor unit. If the electricity is cut off to the outdoor unit you may be getting warm air blown into the house. An indoor unit will often be on a separate breaker from the outdoor, so the fan will keep blowing air even if the AC isn’t actually functioning. Check your outdoor unit to see if it is actually on and functioning. If it doesn’t seem to be you can also check the breaker and see if it has been tripped. If the breaker has been tripped there is probably a bigger issue involved and you should seek help from a professional.
Low Refrigerant: From the cheapest air conditioner to the most elaborate, they all use some kind of refrigerant (usually Freon). A Freon leak can leave you feeling the heat since you will have a complete loss of cold air. A Freon leak will be obvious if you see ice formed on the inside and outside of your unit. There are also a few other reasons your AC could be low on refrigerant. If that is your issue, a recharge and maintenance will be necessary and you will definitely need to seek the help of a professional.

Hopefully we have given you a bit more of an idea what is going on. If you decide you need professional help fixing your Air Conditioner in Clarksville, Tennessee or the surrounding area, contact Action Air. Our experienced technicians are on call Monday – Sunday 8am to 8pm and we have emergency service 24/7! Book an appointment online today at www.actionairclarksville.com, or give us a call at (931)-647-8525.

Action Air Carries HVAC Brands You Can Trust

Posted on: June 30th, 2015 by tcg_admin No Comments

At Action Air, we stand strongly behind the products we believe in.

With the crazy weather of middle Tennessee, the citizens of Clarksville and the surrounding areas need Air Conditioners and Heaters they can count on.

That is why the experts at Action Air have put in the time and research to be able to supply you with the very best HVAC brands available. Here is a quick overview of some of the brands we install.

Rheem – Respected for reliability, Rheem is an industry leader for total heating, cooling and water heating solutions. All Rheem products meet or exceed rigorous industry and regulatory standards for quality, reliability, efficiency, and air & water quality. Rheem products are frequently tested and certified by various government and third-party testing labs to ensure quality standards.
Trane – Every Trane product is designed down to every detail and rigorously tested for reliability and durability. Trane has to design, build, test, and rebuild some of their own parts. Trane pushes beyond the industry standards, making sure they match the reliability people expect when they own a Trane. When you own a Trane, you’re getting more than reliable comfort, you’re getting it year after year.
Carrier – Carrier is a world leader in high-technology heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions. Carrier heating and air-conditioning systems are trusted to bring energy-efficient, quiet, consistent comfort to millions of people. Carrier home comfort solutions can provide consistent temperature, humidity and air quality from room to room, hour to hour and minute to minute. Their systems are quiet which means no loud noises when the furnace or air conditioning turns on and no worries about performance – just ideal comfort.
Goodman – Goodman provides a refreshingly affordable product that’s covered by what many consider to be the best product warranties in the heating and cooling industry. The vision of Goodman’s founder is to provide high-quality heating and air conditioning to consumers that is easy to install at a refreshingly affordable price.
Mitsubishi Electric – Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating has innovated technologies designed to enhance your home and your life. Traditional cooling and heating options drive homeowners to choose between comfort and cost. Mitsubishi’s advanced, ductless climate control systems empower you to create your own personalized room-by-room comfort – without compromise.

Action Air stands by these brands and companies. Take some time and visit each company’s website for more information on the products available to you. Contact us at Action Air for a consultation and estimate. You are always welcome to stop by to speak with one of our HVAC Experts too!

(931) 647-8525 – 868 Kraft Street, Clarksville, TN 37040.

Source Links:

http://www.rheem.com/

http://www.trane.com/residential

http://www.carrier.com/carrier/en/us/

http://www.goodmanmfg.com/

http://www.mitsubishicomfort.com/

Posts Tagged ‘Annual Maintenance’

Check out these common heating and cooling myths, debunked!

Myth 1: Closing off your vents will save you money on your heating bill.

Myth 2: Leaving a ceiling fan on all the time will cool the room, even when you are not in it.

Myth 3: The higher I set my thermostat, the more quickly my room will heat.

Cooling costs can really burn you in the summer.

Here are some tips to help keep your bill as low as the temperature inside!

When your air conditioning isn’t cooling at its usual rate, it can be frustrating.

Sources:

With hot weather coming, saving on energy costs can be a challenge.

Treat your Windows

Keep Air Moving

Plug Leaks

Temperature Control

Prevent Thermostat Changes

Improving your home’s air quality can improve your health.

My system is running well, can I skip maintenance?

Prevention:

Energy Efficiency:

As winter weather drags on, people tend to develop cabin fever.

1) Keep the heat inside your home:

2) Plant an indoor garden:

3) Build a fort:

Your furnace keeps you warm at night and helps you out of bed in the morning.

While being comfortable is important, you should also consider energy efficiency and cost when you are thinking about a new furnace.

Air conditioning can be essential on a hot summer day.

Nothing is worse than hot air blowing from your AC.

At Action Air, we stand strongly behind the products we believe in.

With the crazy weather of middle Tennessee, the citizens of Clarksville and the surrounding areas need Air Conditioners and Heaters they can count on.