Author: Florence Cobb

Choosing an Air Conditioning Replacement

Florence Cobb

If your air conditioning unit is over ten years old and you’re constantly having to pay for AC repairs, a replacement may be in order.

Air Conditioning

Newer units use new types of refrigerants that don’t contain ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or hydrofluorocarbons (HCFCs). Newer models also tend to be more energy efficient, so they can help you save on your utility bills.

Depending on the type and size of air conditioning unit and the SEER rating, the cost to replace an air conditioner can range from around $3,800 to $8,000. The HVAC company that you choose can help you evaluate your options and make recommendations.

A new AC system is much more energy efficient than those produced even 10 years ago. This is due to a combination of factors, including advances in technology and a move away from the old ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbon refrigerant. In addition, many manufacturers now offer ENERGY STAR® systems, which are designed to meet or exceed the federal energy efficiency standards. The result is lower energy bills and a better environment.

Another factor that should be considered is the age of your current system. Air conditioners have a lifespan of around 15 to 20 years, and it’s important to consider how long you plan on staying in your home when making a replacement decision. If you plan to move out in a few years, it may be more cost effective to repair your current system and save the replacement for when you sell the house.

If you decide to replace your existing air conditioner, the installation costs will include removing and disposing of the old unit. In some cases, this can be included in the purchase price or at an additional cost. It is also essential that your new equipment is matched with the proper ductwork to ensure it will operate properly.

In addition, you should check with your local building department to see what is required for permits and fees for HVAC replacement. Generally, these will be included in your total project cost and are usually transferable to the next homeowner if you decide to sell. Another consideration is if you will qualify for any rebates or tax credits to offset the cost of your new air conditioning system. These are a great way to bring the overall cost down significantly. A knowledgeable professional can provide all the information you need on rebates and incentives for replacing your air conditioning system.

Energy Efficiency

A new air conditioner that is more energy efficient than your older unit will help to lower cooling costs. A new AC system that is ENERGY STAR certified will have an efficiency rating of at least 14.5 SEER or higher. In addition to saving money on monthly electricity bills, a more efficient air conditioning unit will also reduce the need for frequent repairs, prolonging its lifespan.

An air conditioning replacement can help to save money on energy costs, a benefit that may offset the cost of a new unit. If your home’s electric bill has been steadily rising over the past few years, it is a good idea to check on the energy efficiency of your AC system.

In recent years, there has been a great deal of advancement in air conditioner technology, making these systems more energy efficient than ever before. It is a good idea to purchase a new air conditioner with a high SEER rating, especially if your current unit has been in service for more than a decade.

Many utility companies offer energy rebates for upgrading to an energy-efficient AC unit. These can significantly lower the upfront cost of a new system and make it easier to afford.

A new air conditioning unit that is more efficient will use less energy, reducing carbon emissions and the environmental impact of your home. It is important to consider the effect your AC system has on the environment when deciding whether to repair or replace it.

Energy-efficient systems are designed to operate as a set, with an indoor and outdoor unit working together to cool your home. A mismatched system will be inefficient, wasting energy and possibly damaging both units. It’s a good idea to consult a professional contractor about the best options for your home.

Replacing your old air conditioning system can provide numerous benefits, including reduced energy costs, a healthier environment, and increased comfort. A professional can help you select a new air conditioner with the right size and features for your home and budget. They will also show you how to operate and maintain the system for maximum efficiency and performance.

Efficiency Rating

When shopping for a new air conditioning system, you’ll want to consider its efficiency rating. This number indicates how efficient it is at cooling your home, and it will be an important factor in determining how much it will cost to maintain your system over the years. Having an air conditioner with a high efficiency rating can help you save on energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.

Air conditioning efficiency ratings are determined using a number of factors. The most common is SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This rating measures how much cooling it is able to provide for a given amount of energy consumed by the system over an entire season. It is comparable to a car’s gas mileage rating. SEER ratings begin at around 8 and go up from there, with the most efficient whole-home systems having SEER ratings in the 20-25 range.

There is a new standard called SEER2 that has recently replaced the older SEER rating. While SEER and SEER2 have the same minimum rating, SEER2 uses a different testing process to more accurately reflect real-world performance.

Another efficiency measure is EER, or Energy Efficiency Ratio. This rating is similar to SEER, but it looks at how well an AC performs in non-steady conditions rather than a single test with set temperatures and humidity levels. EER is more useful for Sacramento and Folsom residents, as it gives a better sense of how an AC will work at peak temperatures.

There’s also the Coefficient of Performance (COP), which is a measurement of how much heat an air conditioner can remove for every unit of energy it consumes. Unlike SEER and EER, which are based on a single unit of time, COP is more relevant to how long an air conditioner will be running in a specific climate.

As you shop for an air conditioning replacement, remember that these efficiency ratings are only a snapshot of how well the system will operate. Things like dust and lack of routine maintenance will affect its performance over the years, and will cause it to use more energy than needed. A qualified HVAC technician can advise you about ways to optimize your home for maximum efficiency, and can make sure the new system you choose is matched to your indoor and outdoor units so they can work as a team.

Warranty

When choosing a replacement air conditioner, be sure to understand the warranty terms. Comprehensive warranties typically cover critical AC components such as compressors and coils. However, they usually exclude labor costs for part replacement and routine wear and tear. For additional peace of mind, consider an extended parts and labor warranty option.

A good warranty from a manufacturer may last for up to 10 years on a new air conditioning system. However, it’s important to register your system in a timely manner. Manufacturers often check maintenance history during any repair or replacement claim, and a lack of proper registration can void the warranty. This is why it’s important to choose a company that files warranties online and in-house. Terry’s A/C and Heating does this on-site as a part of every service call.

Depending on the equipment manufacturer, warranties can also be transferable between homeowners. This requires the prior owner to have registered the equipment and paid a transfer fee within a specific timeframe. If you plan to sell your home in the future, this option can add value to your house and save you money on repair costs in the interim.

When considering the cost of a replacement air conditioning system, it’s worth investigating any potential rebates or tax credits that could help offset the initial investment. This will give you a sense of the initial return on your investment and will provide further motivation to move forward with the project.

Finally, consider your home ownership goals when making an AC replacement decision. If you’re planning to sell your home in the near future, an older AC unit with a poor track record can have a negative impact on your home’s resale value. A new AC installation can improve your home’s resale appeal and potentially reduce the time you spend looking for a buyer.

Be sure to research the various manufacturers of air conditioning units and compare their warranties. Then, find an HVAC company with a good reputation that offers competitive pricing and a solid warranty. This will ensure you’re getting the best possible quality and performance from your new air conditioning system.

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Proper Lawn Maintenance Ideas

Florence Cobb

Lawn care companies have the skills and knowledge to spot problems and implement solutions far faster than homeowners could. For example, weeds like crabgrass are a sign of soil compaction and can be corrected with aeration.

Overseeding with fresh, resilient grass seed revives bare spots and prevents lawn erosion. Aerating with spiked tools or plug or core aerators introduces air into the soil and improves drainage, making grass healthier.

Mowing

The way you mow your lawn has a huge impact on the health and beauty of your grass. Avoid scalping (cutting more than one-third of the blade) and mowing the lawn too often. This can stress your turf and leave bare spots for weeds and moss to take over. In summer, regularly cut the lawn on a higher setting; however, don’t mow so often that you damage the grass.

A thick green lawn requires more than just mowing, watering, and fertilizing, though. Regular aeration and overseeding—scattering fresh grass seed over bare areas of your yard to revitalize it—are also critical for healthy, beautiful lawns.

In addition to fertilizing and aerating, you need to remove leaves from the yard frequently and clear debris like sticks and furniture so your grass can thrive. A heavy layer of dead leaves can smother your grass, preventing it from receiving the necessary sunlight and air for growth.

Lastly, keep your pet’s bathroom habits in mind: Dogs often relieve themselves on the grass, and this can cause yellow or brown patches in your lawn. Train your dogs to go to the bathroom in a designated area of your backyard, preferably shady and hidden from view.

A quality lawn care company is going to use all of these tips—and more—to ensure their customers’ yards are healthy and vibrant. If you’re not seeing the results you want, it may be time to hire a professional. The good news is that most pest and disease issues can be prevented with proper maintenance. For instance, fungus grows in moist environments and on thin thatch; so aerating your lawn and dethatching in the fall is critical to combat these problems.

Watering

A lush green lawn requires proper maintenance, including regular mowing, watering and fertilization. In addition, a good lawn should be free of weeds. Weeds compete with grass for soil moisture and nutrients and can choke out healthy growth. A frequent mowing schedule, combined with an herbicide application for weeds as needed, will help keep them under control.

It is important to note that the amount of water a lawn needs depends on the grass type, the climate, and soil conditions. Over-watering a lawn can cause damage, so the key is to water deeply and infrequently. Deep watering promotes a healthier, stronger root system that improves drought tolerance and makes your lawn more resistant to weeds.

The best time to water is in the early morning, when evaporation from the sun’s heat is less likely to occur. Watering at this time also allows the water to soak into the ground before the evening, reducing the likelihood of disease. Sprinklers can waste a lot of water due to wind and evaporation, so consider using soak irrigation lines or a rain barrel for your lawn.

When you water, try using a screwdriver to see how far down the soil has been soaked; this will give you a better idea of how long it takes for the soil to absorb moisture and help prevent overwatering. In addition, the watering method you choose (soak irrigation lines, sprinklers, hose) should be determined by the prevailing weather conditions in your area.

A quality lawn care company will monitor the lawns they maintain for signs of insect infestation, and offer regular grub control services as needed. These are services that the average homeowner may not be able to provide on their own, and are one of the most important reasons why a professional lawn care company is so valuable.

Fertilizing

A lawn requires a regular dose of nutrients. Fertilizers enhance soil fertility by adding chemical elements to promote growth when other conditions, such as light, moisture, and temperature, are favorable. There are a number of different types of fertilizers, including organic and synthetic products. The best way to determine what your lawn needs is to have a soil test performed.

The test will show you what your specific soil composition is and will provide recommendations for making improvements to its nutrient potential. For example, if your soil is too acidic (low pH), lime helps balance it so grasses can grow well. A soil sample can be taken with a garden rake and sent to a lab for testing.

Once your results are available, apply a fertilizer according to the lab’s recommendation. However, be sure not to overdo it. Too much fertilizer can result in excessive leaf growth at the expense of healthy roots and weaken the turf’s overall health. A fertilizer application schedule will help you avoid overdoing it and ensure that your yard gets only what it needs.

If you notice bald spots in your yard, repair them with grass seed before they become too large. First, use a steel rake to scuff up the area and loosen the soil. Then, sprinkle the seed over the area and cover it with straw matting or a layer of grass clippings. Keep the area moist, and you should see shoots appear in a few weeks.

If your neighbor has a dense green lawn while yours is patchy and thin, it may be because they are watering their turf less or mowing it more often. It’s also possible that they are using a different type of grass.

Weeding

Keeping weeds at bay is one of the most important lawn maintenance tips. Not only do they steal valuable nutrients and sunlight from the grass, but if left unchecked, they can choke out and eventually replace the healthy turf. Weeds are also known to attract pests and disease, making them even harder to get rid of.

Ideally, you should aim for healthy lawns that are thick enough to naturally crowd out any pesky weeds. However, if you aren’t quite there yet, you can take preventative measures to fight back. Use a pre-emergent herbicide to stop weed seeds from sprouting, and use a post-emergent herbicide to kill any that do. You can also try using natural weed killers, such as cornmeal or boiling water.

Another way to keep weeds at bay is by regularly aerating and dethatching your lawn. This process helps to improve soil structure and reduces thatch, both of which hinder weed growth. In addition, regular mowing (never cut more than one-third of the height of the grass blade) will help to control weeds.

In addition to these preventative measures, you can also add a layer of mulch to your landscape, which will not only suppress weeds, but it will also enrich the soil and provide more organic matter, which is a great source of nutrients.

In the end, a quality lawn care company will employ all of these tips and more to create a lush, green yard that will make your neighbors jealous. Remember to be consistent with your lawn care routine, and it will soon become a beautiful, lush oasis that you can be proud of. Happy gardening!

Pruning

Proper lawn maintenance includes regular pruning to promote plant health and maintain aesthetics. It helps keep trees and shrubs healthy by removing dead branches, which can otherwise become diseased or a host for insects. It also allows sunlight and air to reach the lower parts of the tree or shrub, improving overall health. A quality lawn care company will prune to shape the plants and keep them looking good, as well as thinning out heavy canopies.

Another reason to regularly prune is to help the plants produce more fruit and flowers. Pruning encourages a plant to produce larger, even if fewer, fruits and flowers because it means the plant has to put more effort into growing its wood. This is especially important for evergreens like pine and spruce, but it can be helpful with other types as well.

The final pruning tip is to remove anything that could hinder grass growth, such as clippings or leaves that block light from reaching the ground. It is best to rake up these materials in the fall, when it can have the entire winter to break down and add nutrients to the soil.

While many of these tips may seem basic, a lawn care company that truly cares about quality will employ all 10 of them, and more. They will also ensure the property has proper edging to keep mulch and gravel out of the grass, water at the right time of day, and spread appropriate fertilizer and weed killer to get the most out of their services. They will also keep an eye out for pests and diseases, like chinch bugs and sod webworms, that can cause major damage if left unchecked.