ACI Northwest Blog : Archive for November, 2015

A Common Heating System Misconception: Standing Pilots No Longer the Norm

Monday, November 30th, 2015

Lighting the gas furnace pilot light before the winter began used to be an annual ritual for most homeowners. But today, fewer and fewer people have to deal with this task. In fact, for the most part, heating systems are no longer manufactured with standing gas pilots, and it would be tough to find one even if you really wanted it. Learn why the standing gas pilot has been largely phased out in this guide, and find out how replacing a furnace with this feature is a good choice for your home.

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The Pros and Cons of Installing a Gas Furnace

Monday, November 23rd, 2015

It’s the most common type of whole-home heating system found in homes in this country today. The gas furnace uses an ignition system to ignite natural gas, and this combustion process sends heat to a heat exchanger within the system. A blower fan moves air over the heat exchanger, and heat transfers to the air, which then moves through the ducts to the rooms of the home. This type of system is right for many homeowners, but today’s homeowners also have the option of choosing an electric furnace, boiler, radiant system, heat pump, or geothermal unit. Is a gas furnace right for you?

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How UV Light Can Clean Your Air

Monday, November 16th, 2015

You may hear about ultraviolet (UV) light more often in reference to tanning—or getting a sunburn. But UV light can do a lot of good when it’s not touching your skin. A small amount of UV light can actually kill tiny organisms that float around in your air. Airborne contaminants like bacteria, viruses, and mold spores are no longer harmful with the help of a UV light air purifying system.

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Don’t Skip This Step When Selecting a New Heater

Monday, November 9th, 2015

When you are shopping around for a new appliance, like a dishwasher or a clothes dryer, you have some criteria in mind for the system you want. You need something within your price range. But you also need the system to perform well. It is also a good idea to look for a system with a high efficiency rating or the ENERGY STAR seal. But when it comes to selecting a new heating system, there’s one thing you must know before you select a new unit.

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5 Easy Ways to Save Electricity Around the Home

Monday, November 2nd, 2015

Looking for ways to save money on your energy bills without sacrificing your home comfort? Follow these 5 simply tips that can help you to cut down your bills. Contact our friendly helpful technicians for more information!

  • Replace your lightbulbs with energy efficient compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs. Check the labels at the store and make sure you’ve chosen efficient CFL bulbs that are the right size for the fixture you are using. They may be more costly than other bulbs at first, but they can last decades and will use much less electricity over the years.
  • Wash with cold water. Cold water can get your laundry and dishes clean just as well as hot water, and you can save money on your water heating bills—up to 40 cents per load of laundry.
  • Use a power strip. Plug in your electronics to a power strip, and shut off the power button on the power strip when you are done using them.
  • Learn to use your programmable thermostat. Many homeowners are unsure of how to use their homes’ programmable thermostats for maximum energy savings. Locate the manual for your thermostat (try searching online!), or call a technician for help understanding the settings. In the summer, find the warmest temperature that is the most comfortable for everyone in your family—experts recommend 78° F—and keep it at this setting most of the time. Program the thermostat 10° higher for when you are away or asleep. Keep it at 68° F in the winter.
  • Change or clean your air filter. The air filter in your heating and air conditioning system helps to keep your air clean and stops debris from interfering with system operation. When it’s too dirty, air may be unable to flow into the system, which means it will have to use a lot of energy in an attempt to cool or heat your home. Change or clean the filter (if it is reusable) once a month for better efficiency.

ACI Northwest is here to help with your home comfort needs or concerns. Please do not hesitate to contact us for helpful advice or service in Coeur d’Alene and the surrounding areas.

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