4 Cool Gadgets To Slash Your Energy Bill

Everyone wants to lower there electric bill!  We don't always realize the amount of energy we are wasting. Leaving on lights when they are not in use, leaving small appliances in use make the meter spin all day. Below are several ideas to lower your electric bill:

Vampire Power or Phantom Energy Unplugging unused electrical devices can save you an estimated 15% on your energy bill every month. This means unplugging coffee pots, toasters, cell phone chargers, tablets and computers.

Smart Power Strips  Works to reduce power usage by shutting down power to products that go into standby mode.

Belkin Conservative Socket  Energy saving device that shuts off standby power after your devices are fully charged. It works on a timer 30 min, 3 hrs or 6 hrs. If you forget to unplug something it will automatically shut off at the preset time. Does not use any energy itself  when not in operation.

Wemo App  Allows you to turn off on device from anywhere using your cellphone.

The Top Five Energy Efficiency Smartphone Apps

Today, we can use our cell phones constantly and there are Apps for everything. You can control your thermostat with your smart phone, why not track your energy usage. These days, everyone is energy conscious and looking for ways to reduce their energy bill. Below are a few Apps that you can download to track your energy usage:

Kill Ur Watts:  A free app for iPhone and iPad. Using Green Button Connect to access data provided by your utility company. With the app, you can track energy usage for your residential home. You will recieve energy saving tips, see how your energy usage compares to others, and see how your energy dollars are being spent.  Kill Ur Watts. Free App

Wiser EMS (Wiser Energy Management System) Makes energy use easy to view and understand
with infographics. You can see where you can reduce energy comsumption to save money. Free App

Energy Tracker  Shows you how to avoid unnecessary energy
expenses. You will be able to see how how much energy your  appliance or system has used.  99 cents in the App Store








Green Outlet  Shows you what appliances in your house that use the most
energy. After entering some data, the app will calculate your average monthly cost. .99 on Itunes.









Light Bulb Finder You can find out where to purchase energy efficient light bulbs. The app will gather information about what bulbs you are already using
 at home. You will get a recommendation about the best bulb alternative based on cost savings and environmental impact!

Protecting Your Air Conditioning System From Lightning Surges

If you have been a Florida resident for any length of time, you know in the summer there is a lot of  thunder storms. Frequently, we have power outages or power surges, that can cause everything in your home to shut off.  If you are aware there is a storm coming, the best thing you can do is turn off your air conditioner at the thermostat until the storm passes.

Lightning Facts

Florida is the lightning capital of the world.

Florida averages 1.4 million lightning strikes a year.

In 2015 alone, there were 11,898 related homeowner insurance claims in Florida.

How Lightning or Power Surges Can Hurt Your Air Conditioner

• Damage the capacitor
• Trip the breaker or blow fuses
• Burn electrical wires
• Damage the compressor

With frequent storms and hurricanes in the summer months it is a good idea to have surge protection for your home.

There are a few different ways to go. You can buy a surge protector for your major appliances including your air conditioning system. But FPL has an alternative called Surge Shield. It is whole house protection for your home. It is installed inside your electric meter, and protects all of your major appliances, including your air conditioner, from power surges or outages. Surge Shield comes with a $5000.00 limited manufacturer's warranty per appliance, per occurance.

If you have any questions about surge protection or have problems with your air conditioning give us a call at 321-639-4691.

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What Really Happens On An Air Conditioning Maintenance Visit

You don't usually think about calling an air conditioning company to have them check your air conditioning system if it is working fine, but once you know the benefits of routine maintenance,
you'll understand why it is important. Air Conditioning MaintenanceAir Conditioning Maintenance Contracts.

What Really Happens on an Air Conditioning Maintenance Visit?

Our 21-Point inspection includes the following:

1. Calibrate and level the thermostat
2. Replace or clean the filter
3. Monitor volts/amps on fan motor
4. Inspect bearings for wear and lubricate
5. Clean indoor coil if accessible
6. Flush/treat condensate drain with anti-algae
7. Inspect condenser oil
8. Monitoring operating pressure of refrigerant
9. Inspect safety devices for proper operation
10. Inspect disconnect box for proper rating and installation
11. Tighten all electrical connections
12. Test/inspect contactors for burned, pitted contacts
13. Inspect electrical system for exposed wiring
14. Test and inspect capacitors
15. Inspect fan blade
16. Clean condenser coil and remove any debris
17. Inspect service valves for proper operation
18. Measure temperature difference between supply and return
19. Inspect duct work for energy loss/leaks
20. Monitor compressor for proper amperage, volt draw and wiring connections
21. Clean debris from around the condenser.

When these 21 items are done at least once a year, you will prevent breakdowns in the hottest part of the summer due to neglect. One of the biggest occurrences in the summer is a clogged condensate drain.  Keeping your system running in these hot Florida summers are as vital as changing the oil in your car.
For more information check out our Just Right Club. We have you covered!
Emery Air and Heat
2845 W. King St. #204
Cocoa, FL 32926

321-639-4691
www.emeryairandheat.com

What To Do If Your A/C Condensate Line Is Plugged

 Air Conditioners do two jobs: Cool the air and remove humidity from your home. Here in Florida, where it is very
humid, you want your A/C unit to dehumidify your home. But where does all that moisture go?

In most homes, it goes through a PVC pipe and outdoors. Sometimes there's a pump that pumps it out and sometimes it drains by gravity alone.

Occasionally the condensate line may get plugged. When the condensate line stops draining, your A/C will not be able to cool your home. Gunk builds up in the line (usually from a dirty air filter) and the fluid cannot drain out.

If you have access to a wet/dry vacuum, you can hook the house up to the line and suck it out. Another thing to try is to use positive air pressure to blow it the other direction. This will break it loose. If none of these tasks work, you will need to call your air conditioning company to remove the clog.

Below is a switch we use on our installs. It makes it easy to clean out your condensate line.

This is one of the main reasons why we like our customers to join our Just Right Club. An ounce
of maintenance is worth a pound of cure!

9 ThingsTo Ask For on Your Air Conditioning Estimate

• What size air conditioner do I need? 

Every air conditioning company should do a heat load on your house. This gives us the information we need to ensure you are getting the right size (tonnage) air conditioner.

• Can the current duct work be used?

At the time of your estimate, all air conditioning companies should look at your duct work. If it is in good condition, no problem, it can, and often is reused.

• Are there any new technologies I should consider?

The air conditioning industry has come a long way. There are now "smart" or WiFi thermostats. They can notify you if your system is not working properly and a lot of other cool stuff.

• Will my new air conditioner be energy efficient?

You will want to talk to your HVAC company and ask about SEER.  The higher the SEER. the more energy efficient your air conditioner will be. 

• What brands do you offer?

Most companies will sell you any brand you want. At Emery Air and Heat, we believe your value is derived not from the brand of air conditioner you choose, but the company you choose to do business with. 

• Do you handle all permits?

Yes! We submit all paperwork and pull any permits needed. No worries for you!

• Do you offer financing?

Yes! We have a few different options. We try and meet every customers needs.

• How long does it take to install a new system?

Usually, we can have the system installed in one day. We leave the home the way we found it. We always clean up after our work is completed.

• Are you licensed, bonded and insured?

Yes! Do not let anybody do any work in your home unless they are.

Emery Air and Heat

2845 W. King St. #204
Cocoa, FL 32926
321-639-4691
www.emeryairandheat.com
ctemery@aol.com

How Does Air Conditioning Work?

We know in Florida it's hot. We rely on our air conditoiner to keep us cool. But every once in a while, they do break down. If you have ever wondered how air conditioners work, here is a short version of an amazing process.

The first modern air conditioner was invented by Willis Carrier in 1902. He was an electrical engineer, and the reason for the invention was a humidity problem at a publishing company. Imagine what life would be like, especially here in Florida without this man's great invention!

The diagram below gives us a simple idea of how a very technical system operates.

Air Conditioning Myths Debunked

We've all seen the television show Myth Busters. Two funny guys who spent an hour every week disproving internet rumors and old wives tales. How hard is it to find a needle in a haystack?

Here at Emery Air and Heat, we're myth busting too! Below you will see that in the air conditioning industry there also are some myths that aren't true. 

Myth #1 - Closing off vents in unused rooms will lower your energy bill -

 Not only will this NOT make your energy bill lower, it actually causes your unit to work harder. If you have a number of rooms that are not being used, consider a zoned system.

Myth #2 - The lower you set the thermostat, the faster you will cool your home -

Air conditioning systems deliver air the same rate. All you will do is use more energy and make your system work harder.

Myth #3 - Your air conditioning doesn't need to be checked unless there's a problem. NOT true and here's why:

 All a/c manufacturers are now requiring at least one maintenance a year to keep the warranty intact. You tune up your car, changing the oil, having the brakes checked etc. An Air conditioning system is one of the most expensive items you buy, why would you neglect it? We perform a 21 pt checkup on our customers systems at least once a year. 

Myth #4- Maintenance plans aren't worth the money -

  If you invest 139.00 a year to have someone come to your home and perform a 21 point tune-up this guarantees that if something major goes wrong, you will be covered by your warranty. In this hot Florida weather, air conditioners work hard to keep us cool in our homes.

Myth #5 - Bigger is better - 

If you are getting a new air conditioner, the contractor should always do a heat load to ensure you are getting the right size unit. Too small and it will work too hard to keep your home cool. Too big and it will cost too much to cool your home.

Myth #6 - Ceiling fans will cool the room faster

Ceiling fans will make you feel cooler, but they don't actually lower the temperature of the room. Turn off your ceiling fan if you leave the room. A ceiling fan that runs all the time actually can cost you as much as $7 a month.

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Air Filters 101

What Are The Best Air Filters To Use In My Home?

We don't always concern ourselves with our air conditioning filter. It's not on the top of our priority list. It's one of those sight unseen things. But it is extremely important to change your filter every three months and some companies recommend you change them every month, especially if you have pets or allergies.

How many times have you gone to the hardware store and grabbed a one dollar fiberglass filter?
This may not be the best avenue to take regarding your indoor air quality.

Mechanical air filters are the most common type of home air filters. These types of air filters use synthetic fibers to trap dust and other particulates, preventing them from circulating throughout your home.

The effectiveness of a filter is measured in MERV Ratings ( Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value).
Usuallly the cheaper the filter, the lower the MERV Rating.

Types of mechanical air filters:

• Fiberglass - Removes less than 10% of air pollutants in your home, has a MERV Rating between 1 and 4,  and costs around $2.00. Originally designed to protect your air conditioning equipment, not to improve your Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).
• Pleated - Removes up to 45% of air pollutants in your home, has a MERV Rating between 10 and 13 and costs around $10. This is one of the most common air filters used. 
• High Efficiency - These are the most practical for most HVAC systems. They remove up to 85% of air pollutants in your home, have a MERV Rating between 14 and 16, and cost between $25 and $35 dollars.
• Hepa Filters- Removes up to 98% of air pollutants in your home and have a MERV Rating of 14-16. However, they can only be used in a whole house filtration system or a stand alone air purifier.

**An air filter with too high an efficiency rating can cause your air conditioner to work harder. Only use the filter recommended by the air conditioning manufacturer or what your HVAC company recoommends.

For more information you can visit our website Emery Air and Heat 

or give us a call at 321-639-4691.

Ways To Lower Your Electric Bill

It's the dog days of summer in Florida. It's HOT. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, your air conditioner accounts for almost half of your electric bill.

Here's a few tips on how to lower energy costs this summer:

• Plant trees or shrubs around the exterior of your home to provide shade.
• Use solar or mesh screens on your windows - this will intercept up to 70% of solar energy before it gets into your house.
• Set your thermostat at 78 degrees when you are home and between 80-82 when your away, saving you from 5-15% on your bill.
• Use ceiling fans when you are in the room. Turn them off when you are not. A ceiling fan that is running all of the time, can cost you as much as $7 a month.
• Consider buying a higher SEER air conditioner. See our blog about SEER and what it means here: How to know what size air conditioner to buy.
• Keep the filter clean so the condensation drains properly.
• Install a programmable Thermostat. See our blog about thermostats here:What's So Hot About Smart Thermostats
• Close drapes and blinds in the hot summer afternoon. This will keep your home cooler into the evening.
• Use electricity between off peak hrs- run the dishwasher and do laundry after 8 PM.

Emery Air And Heat                                                       

2845 W. King St. #204

Cocoa, Fl 32926

321-639-4691

Emery Air and Heat