Published on: 13 September 2020
Last Updated on: 29 October 2024
For most people, summer is the most joyful of all seasons. There’s something precious about those warm evenings, whole days spent swimming, and enjoying the great outdoors. Unfortunately, summer’s not all sunshine and flowers.
As a lot of homeowners know, during the summertime our bill tends to spike as our air conditioning costs keep piling up. But what if you could cut those costs by as much as half. In a lot of cases, high AC costs are the result of improper maintenance and malfunctioning AC systems. The experts at Howell’s were kind enough to share a few useful tips that can help you save this cooling season.
Look For Leaks In The Ducts
If your cooling bills unexpectedly start to spike, there could be a technical issue behind it. Central AC systems use ductwork to deliver any cooled air throughout your home. However, as they age ducts become more susceptible to tears and fissures. This not only makes the AC less efficient but demands more power to keep the required temperature levels in your home. This is usually the main reason behind increased energy bills. If you haven’t inspected your ductwork in a while and are paying more than usual, have a professional determine whether leaks in the ductwork are to blame.
Replace Your Air Filter
One of the things homeowners are most likely to forget about is the air filters in their AC systems. When is the last time you replaced or at least cleaned your filter? If your answer is “I don’t remember” now is the right time to do so. A clogged filter may make your air conditioner less effective as it struggles to push the cooled air through the filter. This will likely result in an increased energy bill, but poor air quality as well.
If you want to keep your energy bill low, make a habit of replacing your air filter at least once every two months. If you are not sure how to do this, you can always hire a professional.
Have A Professional Tune-Up
Another often neglected part of owning an AC system is having regular inspections and tune-ups. With a professional tune-up at least twice a year you can be sure your AC will be up to standards and working properly. This way you won’t spend a cent more than you need to in order to enjoy the comfort in your home.
A tune-up entails a professional testing every component of the system to make sure everything is working in harmony. If any part of the AC system is malfunctioning, professionals can detect this early and prevent expensive repairs down the line. Finally, they will clean the entire system, replace the filters, and offer valuable advice on proper AC maintenance.
Having your AC system running at optimal conditions is perhaps the best way to ensure that you don’t end up spending more money on it than necessary. As the old adage goes, sometimes you gotta spend money to make money; well, in this case, save money.
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Today, the technology has so evolved that we are now talking about mini splits. If you do not know what mini splits are, then you are in luck as we will be discussing this innovation in this article. Our focus shall be on the pros and cons of using it. For those who may wish to know more about the history of ACs, you can read this article.
What Are Mini Splits?
Mini-splits are the ductless evolution of air-conditioners. They are called "splits" because they are designed into two different parts, an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. These two split the traditional cooling process of window units into two.
What the outdoor unit comprises of are condenser coil, compressor and fan and while the indoor unit consists of a fan and an evaporator coil. These two units are linked by electrical wiring and a thin copper tubing to carry the refrigerant.
For the system to work, the compressor located in the outdoor unit pushes the refrigerant through the copper tube to the indoor unit. Here, the cold copper tube exchanges the heat in the indoor space with cooler air which the fan blows into the space. Through this exchange, the refrigerant heats up and changes to a gaseous state and is then cycled back to the outdoor unit where it is cooled back to a liquid form. This cooling process takes place as the coil in the outdoor unit removes the heat absorbed from the indoor unit. Having been cooled, the compressor pushes it back inside and the cycle repeats over and over again.
The Pros And Cons Of Mini-Splits
Having described how these ACs work, we want to look at some pros and cons associated with their use. Like most things in life, regardless of how good they may be, it’s almost impossible not to have a few cons.
Let’s start by looking at some of the Pros
Pros
There are obviously a lot of positives to using mini-splits for cooling your space. Some of the more common ones include the following:
Ease Of Installation
The design of this system makes its installation pretty easy. All you need is a small hole through which to pass the wiring and refrigerant tube. You then need to mount the indoor unit where you need it to be and do same with the outdoor unit. This is something that air conditioning services can send a single technician to install with ease, unlike the central cooling type that will require a lot of work and ducts.
Quiet Operation
Another benefit that you can enjoy with these ACs is their quiet operation. With the compressor and main fan located outdoors, its operational noise is drastically reduced. All you will hear indoors is the soft humming of the indoor fan spinning as it circulates the cooled air.
Effective And Precise Cooling
With the positioning of these mini splits, their cooling function is precise which is why it is usually positioned in strategic positions across the space. This allows different sections of a space to be cooled effectively.
Energy Efficiency
The power consumption of these units is far lower than what traditional HVAC units will consume. The savings you make from this can in the long run offset the initial high installation cost, giving you a great ROI.
Health Benefits
Every indoor unit has a filter installed. This filters the air, making it cleaner than it was. In addition to this, modern units come with ionization function that removes bacteria from the air, making it purer and healthier.
Cons
Now that we’ve looked at the benefits that these ACs offer, let’s also look at some of the cons that may come with their use. These include:
Installation Cost
The first con that you may come across is the initial installation cost. Unlike central systems, you will need to install these mini units in every space where you need the air cooled. The cost can add up, but like we noted above, the savings you will make from energy savings can make up for this initial cost over time.
Aesthetic Value
While these units are not necessarily unsightly, they have to be mounted where they are visible unlike the central variations that can be more discrete. There are however different designs that are marketed to make up for this. In fact, some have a frontal space where artwork can be mounted, making it look like a piece of artwork rather than an indoor cooling unit.
Conclusion
We’ve taken some time to explain what mini splits are and how they operate. We’ve also looked at some of the pros and cons that they offer. With this information, you can now decide if this is something you will love to install in your home or office space.
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Among the defining factors of your kitchen’s overall look are its cabinets. After all, in kitchen design, the cabinetry often serves as an anchor, the thing that ties every other design elements together to create a seamless look. As such, beyond style, what’s more, important is to choose the right materials for your kitchen cabinet.
Reliable flat pack kitchen contractors can offer you a variety of kitchen cabinet material choices. Moreover, they can also recommend suitable materials and even combinations of materials to suit both style and practical function. Here’s a quick look into the most common materials used by cabinet makers.
How to Choose the Right Kitchen Cabinet Materials for Your Project:
Hardwood Cabinets
You could say that hardwood kitchen cabinets are the grandfather of all kitchen cabinets. One of the main draws of using hardwood is that, because it’s a natural material that varies in grain from piece to piece, every kitchen cabinet will be equally unique. There are no two trees that are exactly alike, which means that even cabinets made from the same kind of hardwood will have subtle differences. Another benefit of hardwood is that it’s not only durable. It’s also easy to repair. Even inexperienced carpenters can DIY procedures like sanding, staining, or refinishing. Finally, there’s a wealth of options to choose from. Popular hardwood species include jarrah, marri, birch, cherry, maple, and oak.
When it comes to downsides, however, the most common disadvantage people cite is that hardwoods tend to be heavy. As such, if you want pure hardwood cabinets, you have to make sure that there’s a sturdy enough structure to support them. Another drawback of hardwood kitchen cabinets is that they’re expensive, especially if you want fully customized designs. Some Perth kitchen cabinet makers will suggest combining hardwoods with other materials to help drive down the cost.
Are hardwood cabinets right for your kitchen? If budget isn’t an issue and you want beautiful, long-lasting cabinets, hardwood is the best choice. Hardwood is also great for busy kitchens since it’s a heavy-duty material.
Medium-Density Fibreboard Cabinets
Medium-density fibreboard or MDF has gained popularity in the world of cabinetry, especially since IKEA has long been using it for their own kitchen cabinets and other furniture. The material is a composite of recycled wood fibers and wax, bound together by resin. The boards are made through high-pressure CNC milling, resulting in strong and dense material.
Indeed, MDF is a versatile substrate, able to be painted, veneered, lacquered, laminated, or treated with almost any process or substance. MDF is also proven to be resistant to cracking and is considerably smoother than plywood.
The one downside of MDF is that it needs to be properly sealed. Otherwise, it has a tendency to warp. You can use carpenter’s glue for this purpose, especially if you’re going to paint over the material. For some waterproofing, you can use the wood sealant, varnish, or a coat of moisture-resistant paint.
Are MDF cabinets right for your kitchen? Those looking for more affordable yet high-quality alternatives can turn to MDF. Contemporary kitchens and those who love to DIY and customize will also benefit from MDF cabinets.
Plywood Cabinets
Plywood is made from multiple thin layers or plies of wood that are bound together by a combination of glue, heat, and pressure. The adjacent layers are rotated so that the grains are facing alternate directions. This technique, called cross-graining, enhances the material’s strength in all directions. Moreover, it helps prevent shrinkage and expansion, minimizes splitting of the layers (when nailed at the edges), and reduces warping.
Many cabinet makers consider plywood excellent material. Apart from the benefits mentioned above, plywood is also moisture-resistant, light but sturdy, flexible, and easy to install. In case the cabinets get damaged, plywood is also quite easy to repair through DIY methods. Finally, plywood is also much less expensive compared to even the most affordable hardwood.
Do remember that making plywood cabinets is all about choosing the right thickness. You’d want to use a thicker material on drawer bottoms, for example, or you risk it cracking or splitting if you put heavier items in it. Your kitchen cabinet maker likely already knows this, of course, but just make sure that you tell them what you need so they use the correct types of material. Also, ask where they source their plywood. Note that some lower-quality products may have gaps between the individual plies.
Are our plywood cabinets right for your kitchen? Plywood is ideal if you’re working with a stricter budget but don’t want to compromise on quality. You may also want to consider plywood if you’re making your own cabinets since it’s an easy material to work with.
Particleboard Cabinets
Particleboard is often compared to plywood. Also called low-density fibreboard (LDF) or chipboard, particleboard is engineered from various recycled wood products like wood chips, sawdust, and wood shavings. These materials are glued together, then pressed and extruded to create sheets. As a final touch, particleboard is laminated or given a wood veneer for a better-looking appearance (as plain particleboard can be, well, plain-looking).
The primary advantage of using particleboard for kitchen cabinets is that because it’s made from scrap materials, it’s very cheap. It’s also very lightweight. However, particleboard also tends to be on the lower end of the durability scale, especially when subjected to tension. Moreover, the material is prone to moisture damage and is not built to withstand sagging. Nonetheless, you can still find high-quality particleboards that are quite sturdy. Ask your kitchen cabinet maker to help you find the best ones.
Are particleboard cabinets right for your kitchen? If your kitchen doesn’t see too much action and you don’t have any heavy equipment, particleboard cabinets and shelves will more than suffice.
Stainless Steel Cabinets
Finally, there’s stainless steel. Not many households opt for this material for kitchen cabinets. In fact, these are often seen only in industrial, professional-level kitchens. Nonetheless, stainless steel is an ideal material in the kitchen, both for cabinets and general usages like shelving and racks. It’s durable, doesn’t expand or contract, and resistant to most kinds of damage. Stainless steel can be difficult to clean, however, but it’s very hardy so it can withstand a lot of scrubbing and even harsh chemicals. This makes sterilizing a breeze. Nonetheless, you should also note that stainless steel cabinets tend to be expensive, sometimes costing even more than hardwood.
Are stainless cabinets right for your kitchen? Do you consider yourself a chef in your own right? Do you often cook, not just for yourself but also for your family and friends? If you do, then stainless steel kitchen cabinets are perfect for you.
Many of these materials, except perhaps for stainless steel, can be customized and combined with plenty of other materials, so the style isn’t the biggest issue. Therefore, in the end, choosing the right kitchen cabinet materials all boils down to two primary considerations: your budget and how often you’re going to use your kitchen. When you focus on these two, the decision will become simpler.
Contact kitchens now for quality flat pack kitchens
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There are several reasons why people choose to take the DIY route to install a new water heater; the number one being financial constraints. However, you may want to give it a second thought and consider hiring a professional heaters installation for the same.
Hot water is considered to be one of the basic necessities for any home. And having the water heater installed correctly is a crucial requirement to have peace of mind in the long-run. Installing it yourself may seem like an easy task at first; however, without proper knowledge, experience and/or training, the same can rather be dangerous.
In addition to this, if you are looking to install a gas water heater, even a minor mistake can cause serious damage to your property and may even cost you your own life. Taking other factors into consideration; hiring a professional heaters installation to install your water heater would be a better option any day. You can read more about the importance of hiring a licensed plumber here.
DIY vs Professional Heaters Installation in Fairfax VA:
Let’s take a look at these key factors in detail:
1. Tools, Skills and Product Knowledge
Authorized professionals are prepared with appropriate skills, tools, and training to guarantee proper water heater installation. It does not matter whether the heater is electric, gas, tank-based, tankless, geothermal, or condensing; they have the right expertise and knowledge of these products so as to get the job done appropriately.
Their abilities and know-how incorporate everything from plumbing to electrical, carpentry, construction and installation standards.
In addition to this, some professional heaters installation service providers like DM Select Services - Fairfax Station consign the installation and/or repair jobs only to licensed and insured plumbers, and guarantee perfection in work. So, you can stay assured that the installation will be done correctly.
Furthermore, many manufacturers provide warranty for water heaters only if a licensed plumber would install them. To ensure the same, they demand the hired plumber’s license details to register the warranty of the product. In case, you fail to provide those details or DIY the installation, the warranty will be rendered invalid.
2. Inspection, Permits, and Future Expenses
An opportunity may arrive when you may want to move to a new place or buy another property and want to sell your house. On the off chance that you take the DIY route to install the water heater, you will have to get it examined and apply for a permit by paying the required fee.
In case, your water heater does not pass the review, you will have to get it fixed or re-installed. So, it is quite possible that you will end up spending money twice on a water heater, if not properly installed.
On the other hand, an authorized and professional service provider will guarantee that your water heater stands true to the set standards. And guess what? You won’t have to apply for a permit separately even if you want to re-sell your house.
The only thing you have to keep in mind is to choose a service provider that connects you with licensed professionals and ensures all codes and standards are met. Another thing to check for is guarantee and/or warranty terms offered by the service provider. This way, you can contact the same provider to address your concern on the off chance that an issue comes up. While the unit is still under guarantee or warranty, without having to bear any additional expenses for repair.
3. Safety and Peace of mind
Last but not the least, getting your water installed by a professional provides you with an added layer of security. Since most heaters that cater to an entire house or offices are gas water heaters, it is crucial to have them installed properly. One simple mistake or overlooking minor things like a flawed TPR valve can lead to serious damages. Secondly, gas water heaters are highly combustible, so even the smallest mistake during installation can cause a blast, leading to serious injuries or even death.
So, when you choose a professional heaters installation service provider, you not only ensure that the heater is installed right but also yours and your family’s safety and peace of mind. After all, your safety is worth much more than saving a few bucks off installation fee.
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