Have a Safe and Happy 4th of July!

July 2nd, 2013

The 4th of July will forever hold a very special place in the history of the United States of America. On this day in 1776, the second Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence.

Not only is Independence Day an important day in our nation’s history, but for many people it is a day that is filled with memories from celebrations of years past. Fireworks, barbeques, baseball games, fairs, carnivals, patriotic music and ceremonies are all scattered through our memories as we’ve participated in annual parties, get-togethers, picnics and family gatherings throughout the years. John Adams, our 2nd president, was right when he said that our Independence Day “…ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

The 4th of July is truly a day to enjoy but also to remember and respect the sacrifice that many brave men and women made over 200 years ago to give us the freedom that we cherish today. However you celebrate Independence Day, make sure that you take a moment to remember what this day is really about.

We wish you a safe and happy 4th of July!

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Southern Vermont Air Conditioning Repair Guide: Signs of a Faulty Capacitor

June 26th, 2013

A reliable air conditioning system is one of the best investments any homeowner can make. During the hottest time of the year it is great to be able to come home to a cool, comfortable environment. Even the best air conditioners on the market, though, are still mechanical systems. Like all other mechanical systems, it is impossible to guarantee that they will never suffer from operational problems. That is why it helps to understand some basic warning signs that trouble is brewing with your AC. Here are some indicators that you may have a faulty capacitor in your system from the pros at HB Energy.

First of all, what is a capacitor? Basically, a capacitor is a device that stores an electrical charge. In an HVAC system they are used in fan motors and compressors. A run capacitor is used in the fan motors of AC systems, heat pumps and furnaces. It is their job to maintain a certain voltage charge which keeps the motors running, and to increase their torque when the motors first start up. A start capacitor is also used in many heat pumps and air conditioners. When the compressor first starts up a start capacitor supplies a torque boost. Once the compressor is up and running the start capacitor switches off automatically.

Many different problems may be the result of a faulty capacitor in your air conditioning system. Depending on whether the capacitor fails completely or if it loses strength you may notice that the motor it works with stops running. If the compressor motor in your air conditioner won’t run your AC will not cool your home. If the outdoor fan does not operate properly then the compressor may short cycle or shut down. Only a professional Southern Vermont air conditioning repair technician can determine for sure what the exact cause of your problem is.

To learn more about the basic components of your air conditioning system, or to schedule service with a Southern Vermont air conditioning repair technician, contact HB Energy today. Our team of skilled professionals has the answers to all your questions.

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How Thermostat Location can Affect Your Air Conditioning Installation

June 18th, 2013

Your thermostat is critical to the smooth operation and energy efficiency of your air conditioning system. There are various makes and models on the market today, from old-fashioned conventional models to the latest in wifi-enabled “smart” units. If you’re having an air conditioning installation service in your New Hampshire home, then you need to find a good location for your thermostat, one that maximizes the potential of your new AC. At HB Energy Solutions, we strive to make the entire process easy on you, from equipment selection to the installation itself. Give us a call today to learn more about thermostats or about a new air conditioner for your home.

The thermostat has a simple, but absolute vital purpose. It provides the homeowners with a relatively simple user interface by which he or she can control the indoor climate, and it also senses the temperature of the space and communicates with the control board on the AC itself. But much of its ability to perform its function successfully depends upon its location in the home. Let’s look at some factors related to thermostat location that can affect your AC:

  • Drafts: Whether from doors, windows, ducts, or fans, drafts can disrupt your thermostat’s ability to sense the temperature accurately. It should be located away from spots in the home that have drafts.
  • Sunlight: You should make sure that your thermostat is not in the direct line of the sun coming through the window or skylight. For obvious reasons, this can substantially affect its ability to sense the temperature accurately, which can then throw off the entire cooling process.

While there are many DIY enthusiasts out there, it’s important that your new air conditioning equipment include professional installation services. There’s simply no other way to ensure that your entire AC—thermostat included—satisfies your expectations. Don’t underestimate the importance of thermostat location. It can make or break the operation of your cooling system’s performance as well as its energy efficiency. Call HB Energy Solutions today for comprehensive air conditioning installation services in New Hampshire. 

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How to Protect Your Air Conditioning System

June 4th, 2013

New and seasoned AC owners alike often assume that once their air conditioner is installed, it should just work until it needs to be replaced. That’s not the case. The best thing you can do for your air conditioner is to ensure that you take care of any homeowner maintenance duties on a regular basis, as well as scheduling professional maintenance. All of this is in the interest of maintaining optimal performance and energy efficiency, as well as protecting the condition of your air conditioning system. Call HB Energy Solutions today for comprehensive AC maintenance and repair services.

Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can protect your AC.

  • Take care of repairs ASAP: This is critical. Don’t let those minor repairs snowball into major, costly repairs. If you have any suspicion that your AC is not operating as well as it should, then make sure you get it checked out as soon as possible. Whether you have a refrigerant leak or frosty coil, or simply think that your AC performance has declined over the years, a professional AC technician will be able to arrive at your home and assess the situation quickly.
  • Enroll in a maintenance program: This is an important step in extending the longevity of your AC, and thus protecting your investment. A preventive maintenance program gives the AC tech an opportunity to examine your AC closely and inspect any problematic areas. It also involves the thorough cleaning of its various components, as well as testing and adjusting the electrical and refrigerant levels. Hands down, this is the best thing you can do for your AC.
  • Do your maintenance duties regularly: Although the majority of air conditioning maintenance should be taken care of by a professional, there are a couple of things that you can do to protect the performance and efficiency of your cooling system. First, keep an eye on your air filter and make sure that you change it regularly. Second, keep the area surrounding your outdoor and indoor units free of any belongings or organic debris.

Call HB Energy Solutions today for comprehensive Southern Vermont air conditioning services. 

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Happy Memorial Day!

May 27th, 2013

Every year on the final Monday of May, citizens of America come together to honor those who have served our country. Formerly known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day came to prominence after the American Civil War to commemorate the fallen soldiers on either side. Although its origins are somewhat ambiguous, it has always been about bringing people together to recognize our country’s military personnel and history. We want to take this opportunity to thank all the men and women who have served our county.

Memorial Day also marks the beginning of summer. We hope that you have a wonderful day off, and that it is a great start to your summer!

If you need air conditioning, plumbing, or electrical service in Southern Vermont this season, we are here to help!

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New Hampshire Plumbing Tips: Some Basic Plumbing Components

May 20th, 2013

In this post, we’d like to give you a rundown of some of the basic plumbing components in your home, so that you can stay a little bit more informed about how your plumbing system works for you. But if something goes wrong, or you’re looking to replace your piping or plumbed appliance, then call the New Hampshire plumbing experts at HB Energy Solutions.

  • Water heater: You need your water heater to wake up in the morning with a hot shower, or to clean your dishes and laundry effectively. While the conventional water heater is made up of a large tank that holds as much as 80 gallons of hot water at a certain temperature, there are other models now available. Tankless water heaters, for example, are highly energy efficient because they don’t have to heat a large tank of water constantly. There are also solar water heaters that use the radiant heat of the sun to supplement your existing hot water system.
  • Water line: Your water line is vital to the operation of your home. Without a good working water supply, you simply would not be able to enjoy many of the conveniences of the modern home. Over time, however, whether because of mineral deposits or tree root penetration, your water line may need to be professionally serviced.

Call HB Energy Solutions today if you need comprehensive New Hampshire plumbing services. 

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Common Causes of Southern Vermont Electrical Problems

May 13th, 2013

Your electrical system allows you to harness the power of appliances and gadgets that require electricity by providing a safe and comprehensive network of circuitry and receptacles. But as with any aspect of our home, our electrical systems may need repair and professional service at some point. It’s critical that you find a good electrician to work on your home. Electricity can be dangerous, so make sure that you call the pros at HB Energy to solve your Southern Vermont electrical problems.

Let’s take a look at some common causes of such problems in your home.

  • Faulty connection: Your home’s electrical wiring works by virtue of a circuit, and this circuit depends on the integrity of its connections. If one of your wires fails, either due to heat or physical damage, then this can cause a faulty connection. For example, if you have any flickering lights in your home, this is often the consequence of a wiring issue.
  • Moisture: Water and electricity don’t mix, as well all know. But less obvious is the impact of moisture and humidity on your home electrical system. While most electrical materials are well-insulated to protect against the risk of invasive moisture, and GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) can detect water and shut themselves off to prevent shorting the entire system, you need to make sure that your home electrical system is safe from any encroaching moisture or water.
  • Improper installation: Unfortunately, one of the common causes of electrical problems in the home is because of improper installation. Remember, only hire a certified and reputable electrician to perform work on your home.

If you’re having an issue with your electrical system in Southern Vermont, then make sure you give HB Energy a call today. 

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New Hampshire Air Conditioning Repair Tip: Signs of Electrical Problems

May 6th, 2013

While professional installation and regular maintenance will often prevent many problems before they start, some repairs are inevitable. As you well know, your AC requires electrical energy to create its cool air, and that can often be the source of various problems. We’ve compiled a list of some signs of electrical problems to look out for as we approach the summer. For more information, or to schedule a air conditioning repair in Southern Vermont or New Hampshire, call HB Energy Solutions today!

  • Buzzing noise: If you hear a buzzing noise in or around one of your AC units, then it could indicate a serious electrical problem. The electrical supply line may have become damaged, or there may be something known as electrical “arcing,” which can be hazardous. While you can expect your AC to make a certain amount of noise during its operation, a distinctive buzzing sound often means something is not right.
  • AC won’t turn on: If your AC won’t turn, make sure you haven’t merely blown a fuse or tripped the circuit breaker. Also, make sure that your thermostat is switched on and calling for cool air. If neither of these steps works, then you may have an electrical connectivity problem with your AC, or possibly a bad capacitor.
  • Short cycling: In order to operate properly, your AC requires a certain amount of voltage constantly running to it. If there are any changes to the line voltage of your outdoor unit, which houses the compressor, this may cause the AC to short cycle (turn on and off). This leads to inadequate cooling and energy inefficiency.

Enrolling in a maintenance plan is a great way to ensure that your AC is always running well throughout the summer. With inspection, cleaning, and tune-ups, many electrical problems can be caught before they interrupt your home cooling. Make sure you hire a professional to perform any repair work on your AC. For more New Hampshire air conditioning repair tips, call HB Energy Solutions today! 

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New Hampshire AC Repair Tip: Signs You Need Air Conditioning Repair Service

April 29th, 2013

We rely on our air conditioners in New Hampshire to provide energy efficient performance, so that we can avoid major energy bills during the summer. Like all mechanical systems, your air conditioner is subject to wear and tear, as well as damage, and needs to be professionally installed, maintained, and repaired in order to work properly. In this post, we’d like to review some signs that you may need air conditioning repair. Call HB Energy Solutions for comprehensive AC services in New Hampshire today!

  • AC won’t turn on: First, check your electrical panel to make sure that you haven’t blown a fuse or tripped a circuit breaker. If your AC still won’t turn on, then there could be several things wrong. It’s possible that your thermostat is faulty, in which case it either requires calibration so that it can accurately sense the temperature, or it needs to be replaced. There can also be connectivity issues. Alternatively, it could be an electrical problem: a damaged wire in the electrical supply, for instance.
  • Inadequate cooling: This is a common complaint. There are numerous reasons why your AC is not cooling as well as you need it to. First, check your air filter to see if it’s dirty or possibly clogged. If that’s the case, make sure you take care of your air filter so that it doesn’t restrict airflow. Check to see if you need to change or clean it once a month during the cooling season. Alternatively, you may have a duct leak somewhere within your home that is reducing airflow, or possibly low refrigerant.
  • Warm air: If your ducts are blowing out warm air, and your thermostat is properly set, then you have a problem. While there are many different possible reasons, your expansion valve may need to be adjusted, or it may be faulty.

We hope this gives you some idea about when to call for air conditioning repair. Call HB Energy Solutions for AC repair today! 

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When to Call a Southern Vermont Plumber for Professional Repair

April 22nd, 2013

Your plumbing is a complicated system, and there are a lot of different parts that need to work together.  From your drain pipes to your water heater, your local plumber has extensive training on how to make sure each component is working as it should.  In this post, we’ve given you a shortlist of when you should call a southern Vermont plumber for professional repair instead of trying to fix the problem on your own. For more information, call the experts at HB Energy Solutions today!

  • Water heaters: Hire a pro to come take a look at your water heater problem. Your home water heater can be difficult to work on, as well as dangerous. It is not only a tank filled with hot water, but it is also a lot of pressure. 
  • Septic line blockage: If your septic line becomes clogged, make sure that you get it professionally inspected and fixed. The problem may be deep down within your septic line or the septic itself, and a professional will have the equipment to fix the problem properly.
  • Low water pressure: This is often the result of an obstruction in your water supply line, or some other issue with the integrity of the piping.  Alternatively, after his professional diagnosis of the situation, he may recommend supply line modifications, which might be inhibiting the flow of water.
  • Sump pump: There are numerous reasons why your sump pump may not be operating properly. The drain line might be clogged, or there may be a mechanical or electrical issue. Whenever you are dealing with electricity and water, you definitely want a trained professional taking care of any repair.

Recognizing a problem is the first step to ensuring that your home plumbing system works well. When you need a Southern Vermont plumber, call HB Energy Solutions!

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