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It’s getting hot again; an air conditioner is something most of us take for granted, but most people don’t really know how it works.  Believe it or not, an air conditioner doesn’t actually cool the air.  Instead, it uses a process called heat transfer to remove the heat from the air; it’s an important distinction.

When you pay for a new heating and cooling system, the last thing you want to happen is to find out that it’s not covered under the warranty due to something that you did, or did not, do.  Many of us don’t take the time to read the owner’s manuals or warranty cards, even though we know we should.  While you’re trying to remember where you put your manual, here are some quick tips to help you stay within your manufacturer’s warranty.

April 30 through May 4 is the Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Quality Awareness Week; it’s a great time to take a moment to think about the air you’re breathing 95% of the time: indoor air. The average American spends virtually all of his or her time inside, breathing six to ten liters of air a minute. However, the EPA has listed indoor air pollution as one of its top five growing concerns.  So, what’s the scoop in indoor air pollution?

Weatherizing your house doesn’t only mean getting it ready for the cold winter months, it’s for all year long; luckily one of the easiest things you can do to weatherize is also one that makes the biggest impact.  Your first step is to go to your attic.

Earth Day is April 22; it’s a great day to make small changes that help keep our planet green and clean.  What can you do to help?  The list includes things as small as turning off the water when you brush your teeth and as large as buying energy-efficient appliances. The best thing about going green?  Using energy-efficient products can save about 30% on energy costs ($400 per year for the average family), while also helping the environment.

Everyday tasks, such as cooking and cleaning, along with pets, cigarette smoke, and stale indoor air, can all contribute to unpleasant odors throughout your home.  What steps can you take to ensure your home smells clean and fresh? The answer is not found in a spray can with flowers printed on it. For fresh, clean air, the odors in your home need to be neutralized and cleaned instead of covered up by potentially toxic scented deodorizers and air fresheners.

Every spring we all try and tackle a spring cleaning list; those hardworking machines that make our lives so much easier deserve a top spot. One or two afternoons are all you should need to check everything off your list and relax knowing you’ve made your home more energy efficient, with the added bonus of extending the lifespan of your appliances.

“The air within homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities,”  according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); installing a whole-house air purification system can help keep your indoor air cleaner.

The air ducts in your home should bring warm air in the winter and cool air in the summer; but if your ducts aren’t sealed correctly about 20% of the air that leaves your furnace and air conditioner never makes it to its destination due to leaks, holes, and bad connections. This keeps utility bills high and comfort low. A well-sealed duct system can keep your home comfortable, safe, and more energy efficient.

Spring is right around the corner; you were good all winter and followed all the energy-efficiency tips you could find, but a change in weather means you’ll need new ideas for top efficiency. The warmer weather means you’ll be concentrating more on keeping cool than keeping warm.