Why You Should Always Listen To Your Mom (It Saves Money!)

mothersday

Why You Should Always Listen To Your Mom (It Saves Money!)

Mother’s Day is almost here and it’s a good opportunity to think of your mom and how grateful you are for the many years of love, support and advice that she has given you. If you are a mother, you really can appreciate how hard she worked and how difficult a job being a mom can be!

Plus, once you become an adult, you begin to really appreciate some of your mom’s tips and advice – even those that you found annoying as a kid. You also realize that mom knew what she was talking about and that her tips are actually really helpful especially when it comes to taking care of your house and your HVAC system.

Make Sure There’s No Fire

dontdothatMost moms have a non-negotiable rule about fire. While there are many good uses for fire – we’re sure you argued a few as a kid – when it comes to burning things in or near your house, stick with mom’s rule: no fire.

In addition to some of the obvious risks that come from burning things in your home or yard, doing so can release dangerous fumes into the air. This can make the air in and around your home dangerous to breathe and can put a strain on your HVAC system. Rather than risking it, heed mom’s advice this year and don’t burn anything in or near your home!

Do Some Gardening

gardeningIt seems that most moms love gardening, flowers, and plants. There are many good reasons to like these things, especially when it comes to your home’s air quality. Green plants and gardens help to purify the air in and around your home.

This not only makes it safer and healthier for your family to breathe, but it also takes some of the pressure off of your HVAC system and its filter. So, follow in your mom’s footsteps and do some gardening this spring.

Have You Vacuumed?

vacuumfloorThis is a favorite mom question, especially if you grew up in a home with pets. While it wasn’t a favorite question to hear as a child and it’s not a popular chore as an adult, vacuuming is an important way to improve your indoor air quality.

By vacuuming regularly you can help remove allergens and pollutants from your home. This improves your indoor air quality and can have a significant impact on your family’s health, especially if you have family members that have allergies or respiratory problems.

Plus, it takes some of the strain off of your HVAC system and your home’s air filters. We know you don’t like doing it, but mom knew what she was talking about when she made you vacuum that floor. So this Mother’s Day, go hug your mom and thank her for being right about more things than you knew. And then, make sure that you take her advice to help improve your home’s air quality and to keep your HVAC system running smoothly.

Keep Your Valentine’s Day Hot With Central HVAC Services

hotvalentine

Keep Your Valentine’s Day Hot With Central HVAC Services

We may not have a date this Valentine’s Day, but we do have a beautiful bottle of Chardonnay with our name written all over it. Unfortunately, nobody swiped right on our profile this year, but that’s okay. For those who are planning a romantic night, be sure that the only thing heating up is your date, not your home.

There’s nothing worse than coming home to a sweltering fortress – unless that was your plan – which it most likely isn’t. For many people, the central HVAC system in their home is the last thing on their mind, but when it’s affecting your love life, it may be time to take a second look.

Central HVAC: Now is The Time to Shine

centralhvacSeeing as how this is New Mexico, you’re probably aware that despite it being February, it’s hotter than the surface of Mars. You tried frying an egg on the sidewalk and it literally just evaporated… NOT!

It’s freezing here, but the possibility of your place heating up because of valentine’s is a good one, so you should take the time to have your Central HVAC system fully serviced and inspected. You don’t want to be caught in the heat with a faulty system.

Your heating and cooling system should keep you comfortable all year long, which is why you should always be on the lookout for trouble signs like fluctuating temperatures, higher than usual energy costs, or even foul smells. The earlier you address the central HVAC concerns in your home, the faster you’ll be comfortable.

Heating Services & You

heatingservicesRemember the last time you had to turn the heat on? Whether it was years, months, or yesterday, you never know when the next incredible Arctic Blast may come.

Your heating system should be in tip-top shape, ready for anything. Freak weather? No problem.

If you hire a reputable contractor to do regular, routine maintenance on your HVAC system, you’ll be ready for everything from heat waves to cold fronts and everything in between, no matter when the strange weather hits.

When you need us most, our contractors at Daniels Heating and Air, LLC are available to help you 365 days a year, no questions asked.

Your AC Filter Loves You. Is it Mutual?

acfilterYou love your family, your friends, your pets, your neighbors, your home, your favorite TV shows, and lots of other people, places and things. But what about your AC filter?

Your AC filter needs love too and unlike your favorite TV show, it can have a big impact on your life! A clean AC vent is what determines whether clean, cool air is circulated throughout your home.

A fresh filter is what keeps your air from being contaminated by allergens, dust, dirt and other pollutants. Take the time to schedule regular maintenance. Your AC Filter deserves a lot of love. After all, it keeps your home safe, clean, and full of breathable air.

No matter how you’re spending this Valentine’s Day at home or out on a date, the bottom line is, you deserve to be comfortable when you get home thanks to a working HVAC system. Call Daniels Heating and Air, LLC at (505) 898-8860 to get that last minute help you need keeping your HVAC system in check.

6 Heating Technologies For Every Type of Home

heatingtechnology

6 Heating Technologies For Every Type of Home

From cars to phones to dating, modern technology has had an impact on just about everything in our lives. Today’s heating systems are no exception. You can find a heating system suitable for every type of structure, residential or commercial.

They offer comfort and protection from health risks that are associated with indoor pollution, high humidity, and high energy costs. Many factors determine the heating system you use, such as the climate and area where you live and the size of your home to name a few.

Below are 6 different heating systems available to choose from. Today’s modern heating services like solar heating, geothermal heating, and heat pumps are some of the more dynamic ways to heat a space in the 21st Century.

New Solar Heating Wave

Solar heating systems use solar energy to heat a fluid and then carries the solar heat indoors or to a storage system to be used later. Solar heating uses accumulated heat energy from the sun on your roof.

A fan is installed on your roof is used to pull warm air to the roof and it is then sent through filters before distributing it throughout the house.

Advantages of solar heating are that it is very cost effective because it uses a tiny amount of electricity. If you care about the environment, this is the heating system you want to have.

What is Geothermal Heating?

Geothermal energy draws heat stored at the Earth’s center for both heating and cooling purposes. Geothermal heating systems offer savings on your monthly energy bill because it uses much less electricity than standard systems.

Another advantage to geothermal heating systems is that the parts for these heating and cooling systems are said to last more than fifty years. One drawback of geothermal heating systems is that installation costs can be high.

However, installation cost can be recovered in two to ten years. Geothermal pumps use coal-based electricity which is not ecologically acceptable fuel since it releases carbon dioxide that causes the global warming.

Using Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are an alternative to indoor heating and cooling. Using electricity, they make a cool space cooler and the warm space warmer. They move heat from the outside in, and in summer they move heat outdoors.

Heat pumps can also provide heating and cooling that is more affordable than the traditional heating or cooling devices. If you’re interested in their usability for your home, or heat-pump services, contact us right away.

Oil Heating

Oil heating uses liquid petroleum as a fuel source. It starts in a combustion chamber where the oil kindles and a heat exchanger heats the gases that pass through the components. Heat is then taken from the structure and is carried through the heat exchanger. The warm air then moves through ducts and is dispersed throughout the house.

Interested in Gas Heating?

Gas heating offers a reliable way to heat homes and businesses. Heating efficiency is about half of what electric heating costs. Natural gas is delivered from a forced-air system at high temperatures.

Using gas appliances can reduce energy costs and may utility providers offer rebates for additional savings. From hi-tech heating systems to moderately priced ones, gas heating meets the minimum efficiency criteria.

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Electric Heating

If you live in a milder climate or where there is no gas heating alternative, electric heating your choice. They are long-lasting and require little maintenance. For excellent energy efficiency, consider an electric heat pump.

Electric heat pumps do double duty by cooling as well as heating your home. It provides the ability to install a furnace affordably. There is no need for outdoor venting and can be installed just about anywhere. Installation and maintenance are quick and easy.

Want to know more? Call the experts at Daniels Heating and Air, LLC in Albuquerque, NM to discuss your heating and cooling needs.

Learn to Find a Reputable HVAC Company Near You

hvacnearyou

Learn to Find a Reputable HVAC Company Near You

Searching for a reputable HVAC company near you can be a daunting task. However, if you follow certain criteria, you stand a very good chance of finding the perfect contractor for your home.

Thanks to the internet, finding a good for HVAC contractor is easier than ever. Taking a few preliminary steps before the hiring process will ensure that the HVAC company you choose will be able to provide top quality service.

Do a Lot of Research

“hvacservicearea”Do a Google search for HVAC companies near you and then go to their website. Check the areas they serve. Read their mission statement and check what services they provide.

It’s important to note that a good looking website can be deceiving. So, look for companies that are listed on the Contractors Board in your state. Check that their license is current.

Are they also are bonded and insured? Check their customer reviews, but do so with a grain of salt. Some unscrupulous contractors have been known to pay for Five Stars reviews. Ask your neighbors who they call when they need a reputable HVAC technician in the area.

Ask a Ton of Questions

When you have narrowed it down to at least 3 to 5 possible candidates, call them up and ask a ton of questions. A reputable HVAC contractor will be glad to answer all your questions, such as:

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  • What services do you currently offer?
  • What areas do you work in?
  • Do you offer 24/7 emergency service?
  • What brands do you carry?
  • Do you offer a flat rate?
  • How long does your warranty last?
  • Ask if they are licensed by the state, (even if they are on the Contractors Board). Asking will demonstrate you are a smart consumer.
  • Look for customer complaints on the Better Business Bureau.
  • Be wary if you get a quote over the phone.
  • The lowest bidder is not necessarily the best, and don’t trust a quote that is very low.
  • Ask for references and call them. A reputable HVAC contractor will be able to provide references. Call them up to ask if they are happy with the contractor’s service.
  • Ensure that the work to be done is clearly itemized in writing.

Get everything in writing! Verbal agreements are acceptable, but they will not hold up in court. Ask your friends, neighbors, relatives if they know of a good HVAC company near you.

Preliminary Home Inspection

A reputable HVAC company will go to your home before the job starts to check your HVAC system and to determine the issue. They will take measurements of your space and check your ductwork and insulation in order to offer you the best possible solution.

This initial inspection lets the contractor know what work is necessary and the equipment size needed. A quality HVAC company will always conduct a home inspection before the work begins.

Listen to Your Gut

“hvacchooseus”Research is key when searching for a quality HVAC company near you, but you should also pay attention to your instincts. This is an important part of your selection process.

If you feel that the contractor is not being transparent, say good-bye. A reputable HVAC company will not mind explaining every detail of the work they are about to do.

They want you to understand the scope of the work they are proposing to do. After you’ve done the research, call Daniels Heating and Air, LLC in Albuquerque, NM for a consultation. They will be happy to answer all of your questions. You will be hard pressed to find a better HVAC company near you.

Reasons to Replace Your AC and Heating at the Same Time

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Reasons to Replace Your AC and Heating at the Same Time

Owning a home in Albuquerque, NM is expensive, because of all of the costs associated with maintaining and running your home. If it has come time to replace part of your HVAC system (either your AC or your heater), doesn’t it make sense to replace both at the same time?

What if you still have some lifespan (you think) left in one of the components? There are a number of compelling reasons to do so, but there are also some cons as well. It is a good idea to do some research and think it through, which includes consulting our handy guide below.

Call for a Professional Inspection

“whatpros”Conventional wisdom suggests that it is probably a good idea to consult with professionals to get the best advice on how you should proceed.

If you have a full inspection done by a trained professional, you can gauge how long you might have left with the other system that you are waffling about replacing.

You can also get a good idea about the costs that you might be facing with ongoing repairs. You can also learn about new models and how some of the features in current HVAC systems might suit you better.

The Downside to Consider

“timeismoney”The most significant “con” here is that replacing both systems at once is a major expense.

However, this is a necessary home component, and you need to consider not just the upfront cost, but the other operations costs going forward.

There is always financing available to make the upfront cost more affordable.

There are a Lot of Benefits

“isittime”If cost is your major driver, there are a number of cost benefits to replacing your whole HVAC unit at the same time. Newer models are far more energy efficient, so you will save a lot off of your energy bills right off the bat.

It can actually hamper energy efficiency for both units if you have old technology and new technology working together, so something to think about. Also, if you don’t have a matched system, there are benefits to getting one. Typically, matched systems work better together and even share some components.

It is also far more convenient to get everything done at once. You only need to arrange for one service call, take time off work once for installation, etc. Take the time to learn about your HVAC options before you make a decision. You’ll have peace of mind, and you’ll know that you have a solution that fits.

These Fun Facts About Boilers May Change Your Mind About Them

Boiler Facts

These Fun Facts About Boilers May Change Your Mind About Them

Have you resisted getting a boiler so far, mostly because you don’t know much about them? The installation of a new boiler is the single most “green” thing you can do to save energy resources as well as cut your energy bill.

Here are 6 facts about boilers that can help you better understand how your life can benefit from purchasing a new boiler as your heating system.

1 – A New Boiler Will Save You Thousands In The Long Run

Save MoneyA new boiler costs most people about a thousand dollars to install, but the long-term savings are well worth it.

If you keep the thermostat turned down, you can see a reduction in your heating costs up to 90%.

Keeping the thermostats turned down is easy to accomplish because of the pipes inside a radiant heating system warmth for a long time.

2 – Boiler Heating Systems Don’t Double As Humidifiers

HumidityMany people fear that a boiler heating system will add moisture to the air.

This is a false impression because of the image of steam that the old-school name “boiler.”

No humidity is added to the air unless you program it to be through the thermostat that now comes with most systems.

3 – High Water Pressure Increases a Boiler’s Efficiency

Water PressureIt is not a great idea to get a new boiler if your home does not have sufficient water pressure to keep it running efficiently.

The pipes in the system must be full of water for the water to be constantly and properly circulated throughout your home.

Consult with your plumber in order to see what can be done to increase your water pressure and consider having it fixed at the same time that you are having your boiler fixed.

4 – Some Boilers Can Be Retrofitted With New Parts

Boiler QuestionDon’t think that you have to buy a completely new boiler to help cut your energy costs.

Consult with an HVAC to see if the boiler you have can be retrofitted to natural gas.

Usually, this involves removing the exhaust vents and sealing the flue. However, you might find that this is just as expensive as buying a new boiler in the first place.

If your furnace and boiler are over fifteen years old, it is probably best to just replace it all

5 – Boilers Are the Best Choice for Saving the Environment

Energy Efficient BoilerAs all of the energy in this system is simply recycled, it is the greenest, best choice for homeowners who are concerned about the environment.

Natural gas burns very clean and does not emit particulates or carbon dioxide outdoors or indoor.

Many people, especially those with asthma, find that their breathing improves once they install the greener condenser boiler system that runs on natural gas. In conclusion, Albuquerque, NM residents should look into installing a new boiler, especially if it is older and if they are experiencing high water and fuel bills.

It is also a good idea to convert your fuel system to natural gas and improve your water pressure, as these are essential components that help a condenser system function. Keep in mind that installing everything at the same time can help you save costs on home heating refurbishment.