Common Causes of Inefficient Air Conditioning in New Hampshire

July 29th, 2013

As a homeowner, you deserve to get efficient and consistent air conditioning in your home. But if notice that your energy bills keep going up, it can mean that you have a problem with your air conditioning system. So what could be causing your air conditioning system to operate inefficiently? Here are a few common causes.

  • Clogged air filter – By far the most common cause air conditioning problems is a clogged air filter. Your AC uses an air filter in order to protect the insides from dust, dirt and other debris that might get in from the outside air. If the air filter doesn’t get regularly replaced, it can restrict the flow of air through the system which will greatly reduce its efficiency.
  • Over-sized system – Another common cause of inefficient air conditioning operation is an air conditioning system that is too large for the home. This will cause it to short-cycle, which means that it will turn on and off again very quickly. This starting up and shutting down uses a lot of energy and will reduce your AC’s efficiency.
  • Clogged coils – Your air conditioning system uses two different sets of coils in order to cool your home. On the inside are evaporator coils over which a fan blows the warm air from your home in order to cool it. In the outside unit are the condensing coils that exhaust the heat from your home. If these coils get clogged, it will restrict the flow of air and cause you to lose efficiency.
  • Low refrigerant – Your air conditioning system uses a compressed refrigerant in order to carry the heat out of your house. If you don’t have enough refrigerant in your air conditioner, then it will have to work extra hard in order to cool your home which reduces its efficiency.

If you need repair, installation or maintenance services for your air conditioning in New Hampshire, just contact us here at HB Energy.

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Simple Ways to Protect Your Plumbing in New Hampshire

July 22nd, 2013

It can be incredibly frustrating if your home’s plumbing system stops working. You use your drains and your water pipes every single day to carry out essential tasks like showering, washing dishes and doing laundry. Because of how important your plumbing system is, most homeowners are interested in things that they can do to keep their plumbing system working well. Here at HB Energy, we offer complete plumbing services and we wanted to share some of the tips that you can use to keep your plumbing system working consistently. Give us a call if you need any services for your plumbing in New Hampshire.

Here are a few tips from our professional plumbers here at HB Energy. Contact us if you need any repair, installation or maintenance for your plumbing in New Hampshire.

  • Regular maintenance – Probably one of the best things that you can do to keep your plumbing system working well is to get it regularly maintained. As your plumbing system operates, it will develop small clogs and leaks that can eventually turn into major issues. By dealing with those problems when they’re small, you might be able to prevent major repairs later on.
  • Protect your drains – Your drains get a lot of use every single day, especially your kitchen sink drain. Not every piece of food waste from your kitchen can go down your drains. Make sure that any animals bones, fruit pits or melted grease and fat don’t go down your drains as these can cause terrible clogs in your home’s drain system.
  • Regular cleaning – Another great thing to do is to get regular drain cleaning. During drain cleaning services, your plumber will thoroughly clean out all of the components of your system. This will allow them to remove any small clogs that might be developing.

If you need any kind of services for your plumbing in New Hampshire, make sure that you call the experts at HB Energy.

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Save Energy with a Quality Air Conditioning Installation

July 15th, 2013

Are you in the market for a new AC? Tired of paying for frequent repairs on your old unit? Whatever your reason for needing a new AC system for your home, there’s nothing more important to the future of your comfort than a quality installation. Air conditioners are complex machines with various components that must cooperate to remove heat energy from the home and cool your air. Your indoor and outdoor units need to be installed by a professional and properly charged with the right amount of refrigerant. Call HB Energy today for all of your air conditioning installation needs in Southern Vermont and New Hampshire.

Let’s take a look at how you can save energy by hiring a quality air conditioning professional for your next installation project:

  • Sizing: Before you even reach the actual installation phase, you need to make sure that your AC is appropriately sized for your home. Only a professional will be able to provide an adequate load calculation of your home and match that to an AC that fits your home’s needs.
  • Options: When you deal with a professional, you have options. Not only do you have central air systems to select from, but you can also take advantage of ductless split heat pumps that provide cooling in the summer and warmth in the winter. A professional can help you differentiate between the various types of system to find one that’s right for your home.
  • SEER: Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is the rating used in the US for air conditioning units. Every AC has a numeric SEER rating, and the higher the number, the greater its estimated energy efficiency. While energy efficiency depends on numerous factors beyond your AC’s SEER, it’s generally a good guide for purchasing a new system.
  • Refrigerant: During installation, your AC will need to be properly charged with refrigerant. This level is incredibly important to both the energy efficiency and effectiveness of your new system. If it is not completed properly, it can result in inadequate cooling and high energy bills. Your AC technician will make sure your system is charged with the manufacturer’s recommended amount of refrigerant.

Call HB Energy Solutions if you need air conditioning installation in New Hampshire.

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Causes of Uneven Air Conditioning in New Hampshire

July 8th, 2013

Your air conditioning system is a critical component of your home’s comfort. But what if it is only cooling certain sections of your home? This can be incredibly frustrating and is often a sign that you need repairs for your air conditioning in New Hampshire. Read below for a brief explanation of what could be causing this issue.

Air Conditioner is Too Big or Too Small

If your air conditioning system is too large for your home, it will turn on and quickly cool the areas closest to it and then shut off when the thermostat senses that the area is cool. Conversely, if your air conditioning system is too small, it won’t be able to cool enough air. In order to fully cool your entire home, your air conditioner will needs to be properly sized.

Ductwork

Another common cause of hot and cold spots throughout your home could be with your ductwork. It might be the case that the ducts in a certain area of your home are leaking. Any cool air that tries to get through could be leaking outside. It may also be that your ducts are poorly insulated so the heat in your attic warms the air as it passes through the ducts. Uneven cooling can also happen if ductwork in your home is too small for your air conditioning system. In this case, your AC system is trying to pull in more air through the ducts but there simply isn’t the space for it.

If you are having any of these problems or if you need service for your air conditioning in New Hampshire, make sure that you call the experts at HB Energy.  

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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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