Posts Tagged ‘Southern Vermont’

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Advantages and Drawbacks of Ductless Air Conditioning

Monday, July 14th, 2014

No ducts? No problem! Ductless air conditioning systems offer a great alternative to central air conditioning, which uses the ductwork of a home in order to distribute cool air. If you need an air conditioning system, but your home or room addition makes ductwork installation difficult, the advantages of ductless air conditioning installation may outweigh the drawbacks.

The main advantage of ductless air conditioning systems is that they do not require any ducts to cool your home. Sometimes your home or room addition does not have ductwork installed, and ductwork installation may be a hassle because of the layout of your home. Also, central air conditioning systems often use more energy than is necessary because cool air can easily escape through the ducts before it reaches the rooms that need cooling. Ductless air conditioners eliminate this potential energy loss.

Ductless air conditioning systems are made up of an outdoor unit and several indoor air handlers which provide both heating and cooling. These indoor air handlers are installed in different rooms in your home, and these individual zones can be controlled via separate thermostats or with a master thermostat that controls them all. This is a great advantage for family members who have different temperature specifications. Furthermore, central air conditioners often use energy to cool unoccupied rooms. With a ductless system, you can turn off the AC in a room if nobody is using it, ultimately reducing energy costs.

One drawback of ductless air conditioning, however, is that the system itself may be more costly upfront. However, the long-term energy savings that come with owning a ductless system may offset this cost. Another drawback may be the appearance of large indoor air handlers in your home. However, these can be mounted high on the wall or suspended from the ceiling, so they may not interfere with the décor of a room at all. They also generally have a more pleasant appearance than window air conditioners.

When ducted system installation is not practical for your home, call HB Energy Solutions for ductless air conditioning installation in Southern Vermont today!

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The Advantages of Whole-House Surge Protection

Friday, June 27th, 2014

Power surges are sometimes an everyday occurrence in homes, a fact that people can find hard to believe. Because the term “power surge” comes pre-packaged with images of downed power lines, lightning strikes, and massive storms, people usually make the connection between a power surge in a home with catastrophic events.

But a power surge is any increase in voltage in an electrical system above normal that lasts for more than 3 nanoseconds. (Less than 3 nanoseconds and it’s known as a power “spike.”) This jump in power can happen because a large appliance in a home makes a sudden larger demand on the power supply, causing an imbalance that raises voltage. This may not trip circuit breakers, but it can cause damage to a home and its appliances.

When it comes to guarding your house from surges both large and small, you should invest in a whole-house surge protector installed with the help of electrical professionals. Contact HB Energy Solutions to speak to one of our staff members regarding surge protection in Southern Vermont.

Why whole-house surge protection?

We recommend that homeowners use power strips (point-of-use surge protectors) for computers, entertainment systems and other precision equipment, but not to rely on them entirely. These strips provide a level of defense against surges that shuts off the power flow to the device when an increase in voltage occurs. However, they do not provide the protection from both extreme and small surges that you will receive from a whole-house protector.

A whole-house surge protector is hard-wired into your electrical panel, where it re-routes increases in power into a home’s grounding. This makes them more effective at protecting a home than power strips that simply cut off current when surges occur. The smaller surges will make it through power strips, causing damage to computers and other appliances in amounts that will cumulatively become ruinous. Larger surges, such as those from a lightning strike, will overcome these defense and cause serious damage. A whole-house surge protector can handle both: regulating small surges and capable of handling enormous ones (except perhaps a lightning bolt striking right next to your home) without permitting damage to your property or equipment.

When it comes to shielding your home from electrical damage and defended your high-precision equipment and computer hard drives and SSDs, you can never have too much surge protection. Along with your power strips (which are also a safe way of increasing the number of outlets in your home) call an electrical contractor to wire a whole-house surge protector.

We will keep your home safe all year long, and we’re always a call away any time of the day or night.

HB Energy Solutions has 33 years of experience providing Southern Vermont with surge protection and other electrical services. Call us today to find out what we can do for your home.

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What Does the Bend in the Pipe Below My Sink Do?

Friday, June 13th, 2014

Most of the plumbing in your home remains hidden from view. The pipes snake between the walls, under the floors, and through closed-off utility rooms. But there is one section of plumbing that you probably know well, and that’s the drainpipes located directly below your sinks. You see these any time you open up the cabinet doors to retrieve something. Every time you do this, you’ll see an oddity about this piece of piping: the odd U-shaped bend it makes before it enters the wall.

That bend in the pipe serves an important purpose, but it can also lead to plumbing troubles as well.

We have 33 years of experience serving Vermont and New Hampshire. Should you encounter trouble and need plumbing repair in Southern Vermont, call HB Energy Solutions.

The p-trap

The bend in the drainpipe that you see is called the “p-trap.” The reason for the name is that the bend makes the pipe resemble a “P” with an open back when looked at from the side. (And you thought it was going to be called a “u-pipe” or something like that.) What it traps is water: after water pours down the drain, gravity traps an amount down within the bend. As long as water runs down the drain regularly, the p-trap will remain filled.

This water plug does the important job of stopping sewer gases from decaying material further down the pipe from coming back up and escaping through the drain. Without the p-trap, sewer odors would invade your home constantly.

Should your p-trap dry up—something that happens in sinks that aren’t used for a long stretch, like one in a guest room—the empty trap will allow the sewer odors to come up. If you encounter foul smells in areas with an unused sink, run some water down the drain for a few minutes, and that should take care of the problem.

P-traps can become sources of clogs. When debris that shouldn’t go down a drain does, it will often catch in the p-trap. Over time, the p-trap will develop a congestion of soap scum, hair, and food (depending on where the sink is located) that will lead to a slow drain or clog. Too much contamination can also lead to corrosion and leaks.

For serious clogs (anything a plunger cannot handle) you must have the assistance of professional plumbers armed with motorized drain snakes and hydro-jetters. Do not attempt to take out a set of wrenches and unscrew the p-trap yourself: this risks disaster. Instead, reach for the phone and call for plumbing repair in Southern Vermont from HB Energy Solutions. We offer full plumbing services to take care of all your needs, from blocked pipes to water heater installation.

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What Is Involved with Photovoltaic Installation?

Friday, June 6th, 2014

People today, especially in Vermont, are looking for paths toward clean, renewable energy that will both reduce the negative impact on the environment and also offer large savings on utility bills. Although harnessing renewable energy from sources such as the Sun and geothermal heat can cost money upfront, the work will pay back its initial costs many times over.

Solar power is one of the best known of all renewable energy sources: since the dawn of history, humans have watched the Sun in the sky, felt its heat, and sought a way to use it. Thanks to efficient photovoltaic panels, the dream of having the Sun working to power your own home is now a reality.

HB Energy Solutions is proud of the services we provide for green technology to our customers. For photovoltaic installation in Southern Vermont, call up our solar team today.

The PV installation job

Installing photovoltaic panels isn’t as difficult as you might imagine, although you will still need professionals to handle the task so that it works ideally. (Also, you don’t want to spend too much time climbing around your roof if it’s not necessary.)

Photovoltaic (PV) panels are mounted on the roof, where they change radiant heat from the sun into electrical energy. The number of panels necessary depends on how much power you require and how many systems you intend to run.

The installers plan out a configuration based on your needs. A team then lays down a support framework on the roof of the house. One by one, the PV panels are securely attached to the frame. Once the entire panel set is completed, the installers must connect the panels to the power grid and test the system to verify that it is correctly hooked up. They will check polarity, grounding, and wiring: the job isn’t over until they are certain that the system works as efficiently as it can.

Remember: the energy of the Sun is free. You will have some power requirements to run the indoor parts of the solar power system, but otherwise the electricity you receive through the PV cells costs you nothing: it should only take a few years for the solar power cells on the roof of your house to pay back their installation costs.

Talk to solar experts today

When you consult with a specialist in photovoltaic installation in Southern Vermont, you’ll find out how your home can best be set up for harnessing the free power of the sun.

At HB Energy Solutions, we not only offer solar solutions for homes, but for businesses as well—and that includes repairs and maintenance. Call us today to go green with the power of the Sun.

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3 Factors to Consider with Air Conditioning Installation

Friday, May 16th, 2014

Most people think Vermont homes don’t need air conditioning, but the truth is we can get quite hot and humid during the summer months. For over 20 years, HB Energy Solutions has been providing customers in southern Vermont with air conditioning installation for their properties to help them get through those hot days. When looking at air conditioners, there are a few factors to consider before choosing one. To help you narrow down those factors, our HB Energy Solutions experts have put together a list of 3 factors to consider for your southern Vermont air conditioning installation.

Does your property have ductwork?

Not too long ago, properties that didn’t have ductwork had only 2 choices for air conditioning: purchase a window unit or put in ducts, which can be a costly endeavor. But with the advent of ductless air conditioning, also known as ductless mini-split air conditioners, homes without ducts and/or those that need a home addition cooled now have access to quality air conditioning without needing to put in expensive ductwork.

How much cooling do you really need?

Bigger isn’t necessarily better when it comes to air conditioning. In fact, purchasing an air conditioning system that is too large for your home can lead to discomfort and premature wear-and-tear. This is why it’s important to do a calculation that determines exactly how much cooling your home really needs. When doing a calculation like this, several factors are considered, such as your property’s orientation to the sun, daytime heat gain and square footage. Your AC technician can do this calculation to help ensure you purchase the right-sized air conditioner for your home.

Are you concerned about energy efficiency?

All newly-installed air conditioners need to have a SEER number (seasonal energy efficiency rating) of at least 13; the scale for SEER is 0 to over 20. The higher your SEER number, the more energy efficient your air conditioner. If energy efficiency is high on your list of priorities, speak with your specialist about finding an energy efficient air conditioner that also fits your other needs.

Installing an air conditioning system is a big job that starts with assessing the kind and size of air conditioner you need. Working with your HB Energy Solutions expert can you help you answer these questions and more when it comes to your southern Vermont air conditioning installation.

Summer is almost here, so if you’ve been thinking of installing or replacing your air conditioner or air conditioning system, call HB Energy Solutions today!

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3 Reasons to Upgrade Your Circuit Breaker

Friday, May 9th, 2014

The circuit breaker panel has replaced the fuse box as a way to protect homes from the dangers of electrical fires. Whenever a circuit breaker detects an increase in voltage from an overload, the breaker trips and cuts off the circuit’s electrical flow to prevent damage. The homeowner can then easily reset the breaker to re-connect the circuit.

Although circuit breakers improve over the performance of fuses, circuit breaker panels will become outdated and require upgrades. If you have encountered recent trouble from frequently tripped breakers, or if you have a panel that is more than a decade old, you should consider scheduling a professional to investigate it and suggest upgrade options.

For Southern Vermont electrical services to help you with your circuit breaker panel, contact a trusted name: HB Energy Solutions. We have served Vermont and Southern New Hampshire with superb electrical work for twenty-one years.

3 excellent reasons to upgrade your circuit breaker panel

  1. To better handle modern electrical needs: The amount of energy the appliances in modern homes need to operate is far greater than it was even ten years ago. A circuit breaker panel older than this will not have the appropriate capacity to handle the amount of amperage that advanced devices in your home require to run, and this will lead to frequently tripped breakers. Upgrades or even a full replacement of the panel will elevate its capacity to fit your home.
  2. Increase fire safety: The main reason for circuit breakers in the first place is to prevent electrical fires due to short circuits and sparking. An aging panel that no longer fits with the outlets and the energy demands of a home can begin to turn dangerous.
  3. Convenience: Do you want to get up every other day, fumble with the circuit breaker panel, find the tripped switch, and reset it just because you turned on the TV and opened the refrigerator at the same time? Or worse, do you want to stumble in the dark looking for the panel because tripped breakers have shut off the lights during the night? Of course you don’t, and if you start experiencing this you have no excuse to keep going through these motions: just call a skilled electrician to upgrade your circuit breaker.

And, if you still have a fuse box instead of a circuit breaker panel, you should have already replaced it. Fuse boxes are rarely up to the challenge of modern electrical systems, and enlarging the fuses to handle more power is a serious fire hazard.

HB Energy Solutions has the skill in Southern Vermont for electrical upgrades and repairs of all types. We will examine your circuit breaker panel and find the best way to improve it and improve your life.

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How Often Should I Schedule Air Conditioning Maintenance?

Tuesday, April 29th, 2014

In the entry for maintenance found in the 2014 Random House Dictionary, this sentence appears as an example of correct usage: With proper maintenance the car will last for many years. That succinctly sums up why appliances require maintenance: longevity. It applies as much to an air conditioner as to a car. Regular maintenance catches troubles early, helps prevent repairs, and eases stress that can occur from poor operation. Although each of these is a good end in itself, they all contribute to the goal of increasing the service life of the system. In addition to regular maintenance, proper hvac installation is essential for ensuring your heating and cooling system operates safely, efficiently, and reliably for years to come. Proper installation by professionals is crucial for maximizing the lifespan and performance of heating and cooling systems.

Recommended HVAC Maintenance Schedule for Heating and Cooling Installations

  • Schedule professional HVAC maintenance at least once a year
  • Ideally, service your system twice yearly: spring for cooling, fall for heating
  • Prevents costly breakdowns by catching issues early
  • Improves energy efficiency and indoor comfort
  • Protects the longevity of your heating and air conditioning installation
  • Ensures your system is ready for peak seasonal use

Modern HVAC systems are designed to provide both heating and cooling, making them versatile solutions for year-round comfort. Many homeowners choose split systems, which feature separate indoor and outdoor units connected by refrigerant piping. Split systems are especially popular where existing ductwork is impractical, and they offer efficient climate control for both heating and cooling needs.

When considering heating and air conditioning installation, it is important to use professional installation services and hire qualified air conditioning contractors. These professionals ensure proper sizing, safe installation, and compliance with local building codes. Before installing a new system, a thorough evaluation of existing ductwork is necessary, as ductwork is essential for distributing air in central HVAC systems and impacts overall system performance and energy efficiency. The installation process typically takes 1–2 days, during which homeowners should prepare their home by clearing access paths and managing pets. Removing old equipment is a critical step for safety, code compliance, and warranty protection. Obtaining the necessary permits and scheduling inspections are mandatory in Massachusetts, and working without a permit can result in fines of up to $500. Licensed HVAC companies and contractors are required to secure mechanical, electrical, and gas permits, and homeowners should always check credentials, read reviews, and request detailed estimates before hiring. It is also important to confirm warranty and ongoing maintenance plans with your HVAC contractor for long-term system performance. Make sure your technician is EPA-certified for refrigerant handling.

Mechanical engineering principles are foundational to HVAC system design, integrating thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer. The control system within your HVAC setup manages and optimizes the operation of components, improving energy efficiency and ensuring proper environmental conditions. Proper sizing of the HVAC unit is crucial—undersized units struggle to maintain comfort, while oversized units can be inefficient and costly. A local dealer can help calculate the appropriate size for your home. High-efficiency systems may qualify for rebates and incentives, and scheduling a Mass Save Energy Assessment can help homeowners access these benefits. For typical central air installations in Massachusetts, costs range from $6,000 to $12,000, with ductwork installation for a 2,000-square-foot home costing $2,000 to $5,000, depending on complexity. Proper placement and connection of indoor and outdoor units are essential for system efficiency and performance.

But how often should you schedule air conditioning maintenance in Southern Vermont? Twice a year? Every three years? We’ll take a closer look at scheduling AC maintenance to help you make certain the air conditioner in your home receives the best care.

For a maintenance plan that will ensure you receive maintenance at the right time, call HB Energy Solutions to create a plan that works for you today.

Maintenance frequency

Almost all experienced HVAC technician agree on this point: air conditioners need maintenance service annually, even if nothing seems wrong with them. A year is enough time for an AC to gather dust and dirt and show significant wear on its components. Studies have shown that an air conditioning system that goes for a year without maintenance will work 20% less efficiently, and lose an additional 5% each year thereafter. The system is also at greater risk of repair needs or even suffering a breakdown.

Regular maintenance is equally important for central heating systems and forced air systems to ensure year-round comfort and reliable performance. Proper thermostat installation and calibration are also essential for maintaining system efficiency and consistent comfort throughout your home.

The best time to schedule maintenance service is during spring, a less busy time for HVAC contractors and also right in time for the summer weather. Most maintenance plans and programs arrange for the session in spring (with an additional session for the heating system in fall).

Maintenance is not an expensive task, and most services that offer programs will provide you with a discount for signing up for a yearly maintenance plan. At each maintenance visit, the technician will provide thorough inspections, adjustments, and cleaning to keep the system operating at high efficiency. Ensuring proper air flow during maintenance is crucial, as it directly impacts energy efficiency and system performance. This increase in efficiency will more than pay for the small cost of maintenance. The best way that maintenance pays back its cost: preventing you from needing an expensive new installation because your air conditioner broke down years before it should.

Modern HVAC designs focus on energy efficiency and sustainability, using advanced technologies to regulate temperature, humidity, and indoor air quality. High SEER ratings for air conditioners and heat pumps indicate better energy efficiency and can lead to lower energy bills over time.

The installation cost for a new HVAC system can be significant. The average HVAC installation cost ranges from $10,000 to $15,000 for standard-efficiency systems, but can exceed $20,000 for larger homes with premium-efficiency equipment.

Maintenance tasks and checks

Keeping your HVAC system in top shape requires more than just scheduling annual maintenance—it’s about staying proactive with regular tasks and checks that ensure your heating and cooling equipment and all associated mechanical equipment operate at peak efficiency. Here’s a breakdown of essential maintenance steps to help you get the most out of your HVAC unit, reduce energy costs, and maintain healthy air quality in your home:

  1. Filter replacement: One of the simplest yet most effective ways to boost system efficiency and air quality is to replace your air filters every 1-3 months. Clogged filters force your HVAC system to work harder, driving up energy bills and putting unnecessary strain on your equipment.
  2. Coil cleaning: Both the indoor evaporator coil in your indoor unit and the condenser coil in your outdoor unit can collect dust and debris over time. Regular cleaning of these coils is crucial for efficient operation, as dirty coils can restrict airflow, reduce system performance, and increase your energy costs.
  3. Refrigerant checks: Low refrigerant levels or refrigerant leaks can seriously impact your HVAC system’s ability to cool your home. Checking for leaks and ensuring the system is properly charged helps maintain system efficiency and prevents costly damage to components like the compressor.
  4. Thermostat calibration: An accurately calibrated thermostat is key to consistent comfort and energy savings. If your thermostat isn’t reading temperatures correctly, your HVAC unit may run longer than necessary, leading to uneven heating and cooling and higher energy bills.
  5. Ductwork inspection: Leaky or poorly insulated ductwork can waste a significant amount of cooled or heated air, making your system less efficient and increasing energy costs. Inspect your ducts for leaks or damage, and make sure they’re properly sealed and insulated, especially in unconditioned spaces. Proper ductwork also ensures optimal performance by distributing cooled air evenly throughout your home for maximum comfort.
  6. Outdoor unit maintenance: The area around your outdoor unit should be kept clear of leaves, grass, and other debris to ensure proper airflow. Restricted airflow can cause your system to overheat and operate inefficiently, so regular checks are essential for optimal performance. Outdoor air should be able to circulate freely around the unit to help maintain system efficiency.
  7. Indoor unit maintenance: In addition to changing filters, keep the indoor unit’s drain pan and condensate line clean to prevent water damage and maintain system efficiency. Proper drainage is vital for both system performance and indoor air quality.
  8. Electrical connections: Regularly check and maintain all electrical connections, including wiring and disconnect boxes, to ensure safe and efficient operation. Faulty or loose electrical connections can lead to system failures or safety hazards.
  9. System performance checks: Monitor your HVAC system’s temperature, humidity, and airflow regularly. If you notice any irregularities—such as uneven cooling, weak airflow, or unusual noises—address them promptly to avoid further damage and unnecessary energy costs. Be alert for signs of malfunctioning systems, such as gas leaks, smoke, or exposed wires, and seek professional help immediately to prevent hazards.
  10. Fresh air and outdoor air intake: Ensure your ventilation system brings in adequate fresh air and outdoor air to maintain indoor air quality and meet health standards. Proper regulation of fresh air intake is important for occupant comfort, safety, and energy efficiency.
  11. Ensuring optimal performance: Schedule regular maintenance and professional inspections to ensure optimal performance of your HVAC system. This includes checking all mechanical equipment, system components, and controls.
  12. Professional maintenance: While many tasks can be handled by homeowners, scheduling annual maintenance with a licensed HVAC professional is essential. A professional technician will perform a comprehensive inspection, cleaning, and tuning of your system, catching potential issues early and ensuring your HVAC unit operates efficiently and safely.
  13. Testing and commissioning: After maintenance or installation, professionals will test and commission your system to confirm it operates correctly and efficiently. This includes checking for leaks, verifying airflow, and ensuring all components function as intended.
  14. Record keeping: Keep detailed records of all maintenance, repairs, and replacements. This helps you stay on top of scheduled tasks, track your system’s performance, and make informed decisions about future upgrades or replacements.

By staying on top of these maintenance tasks and checks, you’ll help your HVAC system deliver reliable, efficient operation year-round. Not only will this keep your energy bills in check, but it will also extend the lifespan of your equipment and ensure a comfortable, healthy home environment. For complex maintenance or repairs, always rely on a qualified HVAC professional to ensure your system operates correctly and safely.

Energy efficiency and savings

Energy efficiency is at the heart of any well-designed HVAC system, directly impacting your energy bills, comfort, and environmental footprint. Whether you’re considering a new HVAC system or looking to get the most out of your current air conditioner or heat pump, focusing on energy efficiency can lead to significant energy savings and a healthier home.

One of the most effective ways to boost energy efficiency is by choosing high-efficiency HVAC equipment. Modern air conditioners and heat pumps with elevated Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings are engineered to deliver powerful cooling and heating while using less energy. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the system—translating to lower energy costs and a reduced impact on the environment. Investing in an energy-efficient HVAC unit may come with a higher initial installation cost, but the long-term savings on your energy bills often outweigh the upfront expense.

Proper HVAC installation is just as important as the equipment itself. A professional HVAC technician will ensure your new system is correctly sized for your home, with well-sealed ductwork and properly installed refrigerant lines. This attention to detail prevents common issues like refrigerant leaks and airflow problems, both of which can undermine system performance and drive up energy costs. Professional installation also ensures your system complies with local building codes and operates at peak efficiency from day one.

Ongoing maintenance is essential for preserving the energy efficiency of your HVAC system. Even the most advanced air conditioning equipment can lose efficiency if not properly maintained. Tasks like keeping refrigerant lines in good condition, ensuring the evaporator and condenser coils are clean, and checking for any signs of wear help your system operate efficiently and avoid unnecessary energy waste.

When you invest in a new HVAC system, the potential for energy savings is substantial. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to a high-efficiency air conditioner can cut your cooling energy costs by up to 20%, while a high-efficiency heat pump can reduce heating costs by as much as 30%. These savings can help offset the average HVAC installation cost, and many utility companies offer rebates or incentives for installing energy-efficient systems, making the investment even more attractive.

In summary, prioritizing energy efficiency when selecting, installing, and maintaining your HVAC system is key to reducing energy bills, improving comfort, and minimizing your environmental impact. By working with experienced HVAC professionals and choosing high-efficiency equipment, you can ensure optimal system performance, long-term energy savings, and a more comfortable home for years to come.

Sign up for maintenance today

You can contact HB Energy Solutions or download our maintenance plan to see how you can protect your Southern Vermont air conditioner with maintenance. Get started before spring ends and the summer heat arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How often should I schedule air conditioning maintenance?
Answer: Most experienced HVAC technicians agree that you should have your air conditioner professionally serviced at least once a year. Annual maintenance helps catch problems early, prevents costly repairs, improves efficiency, and prolongs the life of your system.

Question: Why is spring a good time for AC maintenance?
Answer: Spring is ideal because it’s just before the heavy cooling season. A spring check‑up ensures your system is clean, well‑tuned, and ready to handle high temperatures without unexpected breakdowns or reduced efficiency.

Question: What does a professional AC maintenance visit include?
Answer: During a maintenance visit, a technician performs a thorough inspection, makes needed adjustments, and cleans key components. This helps your system operate efficiently and reliably and often pays back its cost through energy savings and fewer repairs.

Question: What are the benefits of scheduling AC maintenance regularly?
Answer: Regular maintenance improves energy efficiency, prevents unexpected breakdowns, reduces repair costs, and extends the useful life of your air conditioner. It also contributes to consistent cooling performance and can save money over time.

Question: Is it okay to skip maintenance if my AC seems to work fine?
Answer: No. Even if your air conditioner appears to be working well, skipping maintenance can let dirt and wear accumulate. Without regular servicing, efficiency drops and the risk of failures increases, potentially leading to more expensive repairs later.

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Is a Standard Storage Tank Water Heater Sometimes a Better Choice?

Friday, April 18th, 2014

If you know about tankless water heaters, then you’ve probably learned about their numerous virtues and why many so many homeowners prefer them. Tankless water heaters never run out of hot water, take up less space in a home, and run much more energy-efficiently than standard storage water heaters because they lose less heat and do not require steady energy to keep water in a tank warm.

However, not everyone has called up their local plumbing company to install a tankless heater. Traditional storage tanks still sit in many homes, and new ones are installed every day. The reason for this is that some homes won’t receive the full benefits of a tankless water heater, and a storage water heater makes better economic sense for them.

Whether a traditional or tankless system will work for your house is something that requires a Southern Vermont plumbing professional to help answer. HB Energy Solutions has kept homeowners in Vermont warm and comfortable for more than 20 years; you can place your trust in us to guide you to your home’s best option for hot water.

Why a storage water heater is sometimes better

Tankless water heaters are more expensive systems to install: anyone considering one for a home needs to balance the upfront costs with the long-term savings. Sometimes, a storage water heater will save more money than a tankless one.

Here’s something to consider: tankless system do not tend to endure as long as storage systems. This means that the amount of money you’ll save from a tankless system depends more on how much hot water your household uses on average rather than how long the system stays around. If you do not use a large amount of hot water, you may not receive significant savings from a tankless system before it needs replacement. Consult with an installer, who can check on your household hot water use to see if a storage water heater may be a superior choice.

Another factor to consider: although tankless water heaters don’t “run out” of hot water, they have trouble keeping up with high volume hot water demands. Proper sizing can help minimize this problem, but larger households might be better served by a high capacity tank water heater.

Professional installation

When factoring the pros and cons of the two systems, they come up about equal: tankless water heaters have high efficiency and unlimited hot water; storage water heaters have convenience and lower installation costs. Your own water use and your budget plans will be the deciding factors, but professional installers will help you feel certain of your choice. And, of course, they’ll install it as well.

Call HB Energy Solutions, your Southern Vermont plumbing experts, to talk about water heater installation today.

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It’s Not Just Lightning! Causes of Power Surges

Wednesday, March 12th, 2014

Power surges are both inconvenient and potentially damaging to your house and possessions. They can cause a loss of power in your home, and will inflict injury on appliances—particularly complex devices like computers and home entertainment systems. You want to do as much as you can to protect your home and possession from surges along the power lines.

It’s a popular misconception that power surges are only catastrophic events that occur because of storms and downed power lines. These will indeed cause surges—but there are other, more common causes. And power surges don’t have to be major events; they can occur numerous times during a day without you noticing them. To help guard against these surges, contact our technicians in all things electrical in Southern Vermont at HB Energy Solutions.

What causes power surges?

  • Catastrophic events: We’ll start with the most obvious ones. Lightning storms can cause massive overloads when a bolt strikes near a power line. A lightning bolt can boost electrical pressure by millions of volts, and that’s enough to overpower almost any system—as well as local plug-in surge protectors.
  • Electrical demand from high-powered appliances: Lightning is one of the less common causes of power surges. The most common is from sudden demands on your power from a large system like an air conditioner or a refrigerator. When one of these appliances makes a large power demand, it upsets the steady voltage flow of the system. You may barely notice this (a slight dimming of lights), but it will cause cumulative damage to other appliances throughout your home.
  • Faulty wiring: When you experience a more severe power surge (one not due to a storm) leading to an outage, the cause could be trouble with the wiring somewhere in your home. This is a serious problem because of the potential for fire damage, so contact an electrician to see where the faults are and have the necessary re-wiring done.

Whole-house Surge Protection

You should definitely have power strips for your important devices, such as your computer. However, you need to have extra protection from surges, and only whole-house surge protectors in your breaker boxes and circuit panels can do the full job. You will need electricians to install this for you. For electrical services in Southern Vermont, trust to the over two decades of experience at HB Energy Solutions.

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Why Pinhole Leaks Are Such a Serious Problem

Monday, February 17th, 2014

The term “pinhole leaks” is a bit misleading. Although it does accurately describe the size of these leaks that can appear in your pipes, it tends to minimize them so they sound like minor problems. But nothing could be further from the truth: pinhole leaks are one of the most problematic repair needs that can crop up in plumbing. The U.S. EPA has identified pinhole leaks as a significant danger not only to plumbing systems, but also to homes in general.

Fortunately, pinhole leaks are not a difficult problem for professional plumbers to fix once they know of their existence. If you have leaks of any kind—or suspect that you do—call for assistance from experts in plumbing in Southern Vermont. HB Energy Solutions is ready around the clock and the calendar to help you!

What exactly are pinhole leaks?

Pinhole leaks are tiny holes along pipes. They usually appear close together across a single patch of pipe, and they can occur to modern copper piping. The EPA has studied the causes of pinhole leaks and determined that they are likely the result of a “localized copper corrosion called pitting corrosion.” The EPA isn’t certain, however, what causes pitting corrosion, since copper pipes are highly corrosion-resistant and have become popular as a replacement for galvanized steel pipes.

Why are pinhole leaks something to worry about?

Pinhole leaks only allow a small amount of water to drip out, but because they are tiny enough to at first escape detection, their leaks will soon build up to the point where they will cause damage to building material and promote mold and mildew growth. Water will destroy drywall and warp wood floors, and mold will increase the speed of destruction.

How can I detect pinhole leaks?

This is big obstacle with pinhole leaks: they are difficult for homeowners to detect until they start to cause extensive damage. The best way to find them is to have regular inspections done on your plumbing from a professional. Schedule an inspection once a year; your plumber will use leak detection equipment to locate problems. Keep watch for smaller indications of leaking: a drop in water pressure, an unexplained increased in water bills, or discoloration appearing on the wallpaper.

Call for repairs as soon as you can

Protect your valuable home plumbing in Southern Vermont: turn to expert plumbers for fast repairs the moment you sense anything is wrong. HB Energy Solutions can handle all your plumbing needs, and we have excellent leak detection services to find those troublesome pinhole leaks.

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