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Having a heater for your place is essential. Whether you buy or rent a heater depends on a variety of circumstances. Some heaters can be quite expensive, so it’s vital to think about your options before you make a final decision.

Here are a few tips to help you decide or you should buy or rent a heater for your place.

Is the heater for a permanent or temporary residence? 

Do you rent an apartment, or do you pay a mortgage on a home or condo that you have purchased? Whether you own or rent your place will help you decide on renting or buying a heater. If the place you’re living in right now is only temporary, then renting a heater is your best bet. You will save money, and when you move, you don’t have to worry about lugging the heater with you. You can simply return the heater to the heater rental company.

If you live in a more permanent location, buying a heater will be better for you. If you intend on living in your home or condo for many years to come, you should invest in a heater that will make your living space more comfortable and livable.

How large is the space you need the heater for? 

Do you need a heater for your entire house or just for a small room? In the long run, it is better to invest your money and purchase a large heater for your home. Renting a heater for your home will cost you a lot of money in the long term and just isn’t sustainable – your electricity bill will be through the roof!

If you only need a heater for a small room, renting may be the better option because it will most likely save you some money. A small heater for a small room isn’t something that is going to cost you lots of money.

Do you need the heater because of an emergency? 

In an emergency, a heater rental is your best bet. A local rental company will be able to bring you the heater right away, which will make the situation less dire. For example, if you have your family over for a visit and your heater has stopped working, you should go ahead and rent a heater right away. You will save time and money, and your family will be very happy. In any emergency, renting a heater will be quick, simple, and of course cheaper than buying a brand-new one.

Renting a heater will always be quicker than buying one, because you may have to wait for a brand-new one to be delivered to you. While this convenience factor is important, make sure you have the budget to rent a heater. Because most of these rental heaters must be plugged into an outlet, they use a lot of electricity and may make your bills a little higher than usual.

Is your current heater broken, or just needs repairs? 

If your current heater has broken suddenly, you shouldn’t immediately go buy a brand-new one. You should find out if your heater can be repaired and decide if fixing the heater is worth it. While you’re figuring that out, it’s a good idea to rent a heater in the meantime. Your house, apartment or whatever location that is currently without a heater will need an immediate solution.

If you decide that it’s not worth it to repair your current heater, you’ll eventually need to purchase a new one. Until then, you can continue to rent a heater at your convenience. The new heater you decide to purchase may be coming in the mail via delivery or may take a few days for the heater company to come to install it. Heater rentals are great for times like those.

Does your landlord allow heaters? 

If you live in an apartment building, there is a chance that your landlord may prohibit some types of heaters. Some space heaters can be dangerous and your landlord may be concerned about a potential fire. Before you rent or buy a heater, you should speak to your landlord first to make sure they are allowed in your apartment building. This is especially important if you are buying a heater because you don’t want to waste a lot of money on something you won’t even be able to use.

Does the Current Weather Affect Your Decision? 

If it is currently summertime, you may not need to worry about buying or renting a heater right now. If your heater is broken and you know you will need a new one for the upcoming cold weather, you can use this interim of time to save some money. Buying a heater can be pretty expensive and renting one can be expensive if you rent for a long period of time. Whether you decide to buy or rent, you can use the summertime to save money so you can get the perfect heater for your home or apartment.

Overall Safety 

If you decide to rent a heater, you will need to think about the overall safety of the people you live with. Do you have young children? If so, you will need to be extra careful with a space heater. While some space heaters are battery-powered, there are some that you need to plug into an outlet to use. These can be hazardous for young children, so choose which space heater you rent wisely.

Do You Have Other Questions About Buying or Renting a Heater? Contact Preferred Climate Solutions Today!

Our team of heating and cooling experts is ready to help you buy or rent a heater. We can help you with any heat or air conditioning problems you have, and we are available 24/7 for HVAC issues. Our staff is well-trained and very experienced, and we are looking forward to working with you. Click here or give us a call at 888-466-7180.

Maintaining the air filter on your heater will make the heater last for a long time and it will keep it working properly. Here are some easy steps for how you can maintain your heater’s air filter.

Clean Them Regularly 

Air filters need to be cleaned in order to continue to work properly. Of course, you should check to see if there are directions with your particular air filter regarding its cleaning. Some air filters have specific cleaning instructions. Otherwise, you can vacuum air filters and use a damp cloth to clean them. If you notice that your air filters are particularly dusty or dirty, it would be best to replace them instead of continuing to clean them. Sometimes air filters are too dirty to use again.

Replace Them Regularly 

Heater air filters need to be replaced regularly. All different types of heaters have different filters, so make sure you purchase the right one. As a general rule, you should change one and two-inch filters every three months, four-inch filters every six months, and five-inch filters once a year. In some cases, you may need to change filters more frequently. If the filter is visibly dirty, the heater is running very frequently, or you notice a strange smell coming from the heater, you should change the air filter right away.

Do Not Smoke in Your Home 

Smoking in your home on a consistent basis will create a residue that will stick to your air filter. If you have multiple people smoking in your home, it will be even worse. If you want your air filter to last for a decent amount of time, avoid smoking indoors. People who smoke indoors usually need to change their air filters three times as often as people who do not smoke.

Do Not Frequently Leave Windows and Doors Open 

Leaving windows and doors open all the time will allow dirt and debris into your home, which will stick to your air filter and prevent it from working properly. This will shorten the life of your air filter very quickly. If you want your air filter to last, try to remember to close your doors and windows after coming inside for the day. Leaving doors and windows open for a short time is okay but doing so for a long period of time will have a negative effect on your air filter.

Do Not Leave Your Heater Fan Running

The longer you leave your heater fan running, the more often you will have to change your air filter. Try to remember to turn off the heater fan unless you absolutely need to have it on. By doing this, you will preserve the life of the air filter and your overall heater.

Clean Your Home Regularly

Excessive dirt and dust can clog your air filter very quickly. Cleaning your home regularly will prevent the air filter from getting dirty and needing to be replaced. Air filters should last for at least a month at minimum, and ideally, they should last for three months. Cleaning your home will lengthen the lifespan of your air filter and will help you avoid changing it too often.

Avoid Lots of Pet Fur 

If you have dogs and cats that shed their fur, then you should vacuum at least once or twice a week. Excessive fur can get into an air filter and clog it, which will stop it from working. While you can vacuum your air filter and get most of the fur off, it’s not good to vacuum the air filter every single day. It’s a better idea to vacuum your floors and furniture to prevent the fur from getting into the air filter in the first place.

Check on Your Air Filter 

Every so often, take a look at your air filter and make sure it looks okay. This small, but vital detail of your home can be easy to forget about, so maybe write this task down on a to-do list or put an alarm for it in your phone. Check on your air filter to make sure that it’s not dirty, ripped, or damaged in any way. Doing this can prevent accidents from happening and will ensure that you and your family are safe.

Maintain Overall Ductwork in Your Home 

The ductwork in your home is the pipe system that runs both hot and cold air through your home. They run from your heater or your air conditioning unit to all of the vents in your house so that way you can adjust the overall temperature in your home.

Maintaining the ductwork in your house is an essential aspect of keeping your air filter working properly. If dirt and debris remain in the ducts, then it will be in the air that goes through the filter and flows through the rest of your home. To ensure that your ductwork is clean and working properly, you should schedule an annual appointment with a duct service company. These companies specialize in ductwork and will be able to clean them and take care of any repairs. If you take care of this annually, you can be confident that you air filter won’t get clogged.

Don’t Forget About Overall Heater Maintenance 

The air filter on your heater is a small, but essential part of your heater. The heater is a vital part of your home and well-being, and its annual maintenance will ensure that it continues to work properly. You should have a heater specialist take a look at your heater once a year or even every six months just to be safe. If there is a problem with any part of the heater, including the air filter, the heater specialist will be able to repair it or suggest that you purchase a new heater.

Contact Preferred Climate Solutions today!

Do you have any other air filter questions? Contact Preferred Climate Solutions today. Our team of heating and cooling experts is ready to work with you. Click here or give us a call at 888-466-7180.

 

When it comes to portable heating, the heater you choose can make a world of difference. Whether you’re on a construction site, your building’s heat system went down, or you just want a quick and easy way to warm up, you need to know what will work best.

At Preferred Climate Solutions, two of our top options are salamander and infrared heaters. Today we want to illustrate the difference between the two so that you can understand which one is ideal for your particular situation.

Salamander Heater – How it Works

First of all, don’t let the name fool you – this kind of heater is standard. The name comes from the Spanish word for a wood-fired stove, which is Salamandra. According to legend, salamanders were thought of as fireproof, since they would often emerge from logs that were tossed onto a fresh fire. While that claim may be a bit dubious, the name stuck.

So, how does this model work? Well, you can either have a fuel-operated or electric model. At Preferred Climate Solutions, we offer electric salamander heaters because they are safer and easier to manage. However, either option works similarly.

Salamander heaters use a heating element, such as an electric coil or an open flame. A fan blows cold air over the component, heating it. Another name for this model is a “torpedo furnace,” since it shoots hot air out like a torpedo.

Advantages of a Salamander Heater

Since we only rent electric versions of this heater, we won’t discuss the pros and cons of using a fuel-operated model. Here are the top reasons why you would want a salamander heater at your worksite or building.

• Fast and Efficient Heating – you don’t need to wait around to feel the heat from this machine. Once the coil is hot, you can get warm air immediately. Also, because it blows that hot air throughout the area, the ambient temperature will rise quickly as well.

• Easy Setup and Maintenance – our heaters are just “plug and play.” As long as you have a reliable power source, you don’t have to worry about any kind of complicated setup. Also, the elements included in a salamander heater are less likely to malfunction or break down.

• Wide Variety of Sizes – whether you need to heat a small space or a warehouse, our heaters are up to the challenge. We can either place multiple units strategically to maximize warmth, or we can bring a larger model to suit your needs.

Drawbacks of a Salamander Heater

Although this heater is ideal for many situations, it isn’t right for all purposes. Here are some considerations you need to make before ordering one from us.

• Ventilation – The air can get hot really fast. If you don’t have a way of ventilating your space, it can get uncomfortable quickly. Fortunately, since our models are electric, you don’t have to worry about carbon monoxide or other fumes making the air toxic.

• Fire Hazard – another downside of having such a hot surface is that it can burn things easily. You need to keep people and animals away from the heater at all times, as well as any flammable materials. Also, you have to wait for the heater to cool down before moving it or touching it.

When to Use a Salamander Heater

Fortunately, these heaters can work in virtually any situation. Some examples may include:

• Office Space – if your building doesn’t have central heating, a salamander heater can work wonders, provided that it’s in a safe place.

• Outdoor Events – putting a larger heater in a tent can keep it toasty, even if the weather is chilly.

• Drying – flooding and other water damage can be minimized with a salamander heater.

Infrared Heater – How it Works

Salamander heaters use something called convection heating to bring up the ambient temperature of a room. An element gets hot, and a fan blows that heat around the space. Infrared heaters, however, work similarly to the sun. This means that they are much more precise and don’t have the same problems as a salamander heater.

Instead of a hot coil or open flame, infrared models use ceramic plates that focus on infrared waves. Usually, they use natural gas or propane to heat the plates, although electric models are available.

Because the heat is much more targeted, you don’t get the same ambient effect as a salamander heater. You have to be standing in front of the machine to feel warm. Other objects in front of the heater can also absorb the heat, so you have to be careful about what you place in its path.

Advantages of Infrared Heaters

Realistically, you don’t want to use one of these units to heat a large area since they don’t work that way. However, there are some tangible benefits to having an infrared heater in your office or worksite.

• Energy Efficient Output – compared to other heaters, you can save a lot of money with an infrared model. They are 99-percent efficient, mainly because they don’t use a fan to blow the air around.

• Precise Heating Control – if you want a particular space to stay warm without heating the rest of the area, this is the best option. For example, by an entryway so that people coming in and out of the cold can warm-up before moving on.

• Quiet Operation – since there is no fan running, you can operate an infrared heater without disrupting your work.

Drawbacks of Infrared Heaters

Yes, there are benefits, but you want to consider these possible downsides before renting a heater from us. 

• Not Suitable for Large Spaces – although they are energy efficient, the heat is too targeted to work for any big areas.

• Ventilation Required – since these heaters use natural gas or propane, you need to run a vent outside. Not all spaces are capable of this, so be sure to check beforehand.

• Fast Cool Down – this feature can be a benefit and a drawback. The advantage is that the plates aren’t a fire hazard when the heater shuts off. The disadvantage is that the heat will dissipate almost immediately.

Call Preferred Climate Solutions Today

No matter what your particular needs are, we have the heater for you. Contact us to see size and price options. We also provide emergency delivery if you need heat immediately.

Having an appropriately sized heat pump is more important than you may realize. Having the right size heat pump in your home or office is essential for making sure the indoor air temperatures is comfortable regardless of the outdoor temperature. However, determining the size that is needed goes beyond considering the square footage of the area that needs to be heated, the area the old pump took up or taking note of the size of an old heat pump. The average person likely does not have the knowledge base to accurately assess the proper size that is needed for a given area. Here is a basic overview that explains why having a properly-sized heat pump is crucial.

Air-to-Air Pumps

An air-to-air heat pump is capable of both heating and cooling. Generally, this type of heat pump is sized to provide the most heat that is required by a house or other building because a heat load is larger than a cooling load. However, that can result in a heating pump is too large to adequately cool a house, particularly in the areas of the country where it gets cold.

Humidity

Humidity is a huge factor in sizing heat pumps. The humidity level varies greatly from one region of the country to another. So, having the right heat pump will be different depending on where you live. If you do not have the proper size pump for the humidity level where you live, your system will short-cycle, which leads to poor humidity control. There is a good chance that the unit will not control the humidity level well. Further, they will likely have a shorter lifespan due to its frequent stopping and starting.

Oversized Systems 

A system that is too big for the area in which it is controlling the climate can be problematic. First it costs more than a smaller system, but that is not the only issue. Systems that are too large also do not work efficiently, the energy cost is higher and it does not produce the same comfort level as a system that is optimally sized would. When an oversized pump is used, the system will reach its optimum heat too fast and shut off often. This situation results in greater temperature fluctuation and poor humidity control. Plus, the system will have to work harder to distribute air.

Undersized Systems 

A system that is too small for the area in which it is controlling the climate can also be problematic. A system that is too small will work at its maximum capacity until it reaches the designated temperature. It can go non-stop if it cannot keep up with the demands of the thermostat. When the system works this hard, the quality of the air temperature suffers and you risk having the compressor fail from working too hard. Ideally, you want a heating system to work quickly and with less stress. That way less energy is used and a comfortable temperature can be better maintained.

The Manual J Method 

Throughout the HVAC industry, professionals use the Manual J method to determine the optimal heat pump size for a house. This method takes into account a comprehensive list of energy-related aspects of your home. A professional can come to your home and assess your needs and the requirements that are needed to fulfill them. Once all the data is taken and considered, a technician can set you up with the perfect heat pump for your house.

Sizing a Heat Pump Yourself 

Since having the right sized heat pump for your home is so important, it is important for you to know exactly what size you need. Although your best bet is to call an HVAC professional so you can be confident that someone with knowledge and experience is assessing the situation. you can do it yourself if you have confidence in your abilities. Here are some helpful tips on what to consider  when determining the best size heating pump for your house:

• How many windows you have. 
• The insulation you have. 
• The amount of air that gets into your home. 
• Your local climate and how many days a year you need heating and cooling. 
• The size and shape of your home. 
• The number of people living in the home and the temperature and humidity preferences of those people. 
• Any appliances in the home that generate heat. 
• Landscaping can affect the house’s temperature. 

Having the Right Heat Pump Size 

When you have a heat pump that is the ideal size for your home, you will experience many benefits from it. Heat pumps that are the proper size use less electricity and allow your heating system to work more efficiently. So, they offer an inexpensive way to heat and cool your home. Further, when you have a heat pump that fits the size of your home, you allow it to work cleanly and quietly, which is beneficial to anyone inside the home.

Having the right size heat pump for your home is incredibly important for a variety of reasons. Not only can it save you money, but it also runs cleaner, so it is better for the environment. Using a heat pump that is either too big or too small can cause your system to work too hard and you put it in danger of failing, especially when you need it the most. The best way to determine the ideal heat pump size for your house is to consult with an HVAC professional. Contact Preferred Climate Solutions today to see how we can help you.

Have you been thinking about what type of air conditioner and heating unit that you want to be installed at your home or office? Beyond recognizing that we are going to need heating and air in our new home or office space, many of us don’t typically think of what type of unit we are going to need to keep our home or work areas at a comfortable temperature.

If you aren’t familiar with the different kinds of air conditioning and heating units that are available to you, there are four primary types.

•  Split systems
•  Hybrid systems
•  Duct-free systems
•  Packaged heating and air systems

Here is an overview of each type of system so that you can decide which heating and air unit work best for your needs, climate, and budget.

Heating and Cooling Split System

Split systems are the most commonly used HVAC system in the industry. The name “split system” describes a dual function system (for both heating and air, respectively) that are split between two different units. One that is an air conditioning unit that will cool your area during the warmer months, and the other unit for heating which will keep your area nice and toasty during the fall, winter, and early spring.

If you were to walk around most of the homes in a given neighborhood, you will see the cooling unit positioned somewhere outside of the home. The cooling unit on a split system will have.

 The refrigerant inside of the AC unit

•  Air compressors
•  Coils
•  and a fan

The refrigerant, air compressors, and coils within the unit are used to cool the hot air that the air conditioning unit sucks in from the outside. The fan within the AC system is used to extract the hot air from inside of your house, and blow it outside.

The heating unit on a split cooling system is normally placed in a basement or a covered storage area outside of the home or office building. Heating units in a split unit system normally use gas for energy to heat the inside of a structure. The heater uses either a fan or some type of evaporator to circulate the warm air within your space. A thermostat is used to control the temperature of both the air conditioner and the heating unit.

Why are split systems the most widely used?

Split heating and cooling systems are the most popularly used types of HVAC solutions because they don’t have a lot of climate or environmental factors that would either inhibit or enhance their use.

Hybrid Split System

What are the key differences between a hybrid split system and your standard split system? 

Hybrid split systems are unique in that they give you, the owner, the ability to choose what type of heat you want to run your heater off of. It gives you the option to toggle between gas or electric power. The advantage of tapping into gas is that gas energy gives you the ability to sustainably heat your area in the quickest way possible. Though, depending on what your gas utility costs are, this can be more expensive than running your heat off of electric power. The advantage of using electrical heating is that it is more energy-efficient. Running on electric heat can save you on energy costs while serving as a significantly quieter means of heating your space.

Why would I choose a hybrid split over a traditional split system

Though a hybrid system may seem like a more sensible choice for giving you the option of either electric or gas heat, these hybrid systems function better and are more effective in mild or moderate climates. They can be an excellent way to save money on your energy bill during the winter.

Duct Free (Mini-Split) System

The duct-free system is commonly known as a mini-split system. These are the systems that you think of when you see individual air conditioning or heating units mounted in windows, walls, or above doors around a house or office area. They considered duct-free because they don’t require a duct system that runs throughout the interior of your area like central HVAC units use.

The downside of duct-free systems is that they can have the most expensive upfront cost. You are footing the bill for multiple heating and cooling units to cool designated areas within your home or office, as opposed to one or two central units that will heat and cool the entire indoor area.

The upside to a duct-free system is that your individual climate control of each individual’s room that you have a system mounted in. If you want to run your AC or heater in one room but not another, a duct-free heating and cooling system make it easy to do that. As such, this type of system can be a great way to conserve energy and save money in the long term, as you won’t be wasting energy on rooms or areas of your space that aren’t used as regularly as others. Be aware that this type of system does require vigilant cleaning and maintenance.

Packaged Heating and Air

This is perhaps the least seen and most unique type of heating and air unit on the market. This is a single unit that contains both heating and air conditioning capabilities. These are difficult to spot because they are commonly installed either in an above-home storage area or the attic.

These are compact units that don’t take up a lot of space, which makes them ideal for smaller houses and homes. Another huge plus to a packaged heating and air system is that they are easier to maintain than other types of units. You ordinarily find these types of units in climates that have mild winters, because the electrical heating units on these aren’t as efficient as the larger heating units that we have covered thus far.

What type of system should I get?

All of these heating and cooling systems come with their unique advantages and disadvantages. If you aren’t sure which type of HVAC unit would be best for you, contact our experts at Preferred Climate Solutions today.

Your HVAC system may be one of the most valuable parts of your house. It’s the very thing that keeps your house comfortable year-round, through any season. Whether you have sweltering summers or blisteringly cold winters, you can always rely on your air conditioner or heating unit to keep your space at the perfect, most comfortable temperature.

For something that you use almost every day, year-round, how much do you know about your air conditioner and heating unit? Do you know how it works to keep your house cold or warm?

Don’t feel bad if you don’t know how to answer that question. Like many pieces of technology in our lives, most people don’t consider the inner workings of these devices and how they do what they do best.

“A question that we get quite often is “what are the differences between an air conditioner and a heat pump?”

“Are they, in fact, the same thing?”

“What kind of unit do I have at my space and how do I tell?”

Let’s take a look at some of the key differences between heat pumps and air conditioners.

Air Conditioners

Let’s first take a look at how your conventional air conditioner works. As simple as the idea of an air conditioner might sound, there are some common misconceptions about how an air conditioning unit works to keep your house cool.

Your standard air conditioner is designed to take in warm air from the outside of your house or the building that it is attached to. It pulls that air into its condensing unit, where the refrigerant in your air conditioning unit cools it down. After cooling the air, it pumps that cool air back through the ventilation system in your area. You could think of this as a two-stage process of cooling your space by pulling the warm air out, cooling that air, and recirculating that cooler air in your area. In terms of structure, your AC unit’s air condenser is located inside of your area, and the compressor can be found on the outside of your room.

Since the air conditioning unit itself can only blow cold air into your area, homes with their own AC systems need to have a separate furnace or heating unit that will heat your house, keeping it warm and comfortable during the cold days of fall and the frigid winter months of the year.

Heat Pumps

Think of the heat pump as a type of combination unit. It uses something that we refer to as reversible technology to circulate heat or air, depending on the season that you are using it in.

When it is hot outside during the late spring and summer, heat pumps can work just like your standard air conditioning unit. They pull hot air from inside of your space, cool it down, and then circulate it back through your house to make it cool and comfortable. With a name like “heat pump” most wouldn’t expect that it could also cool your house down.

What about heating your house during the cooler months of the year?

Heat pumps work well in the winter by drawing in the outside air and the ambient heat energy available in it to heat up your area.

Are There Advantages to One Over the Other?

Now that you have a better idea of how heat pumps and standard air conditioning units work, let’s take a look at some of the details. Does one of them offer distinct advantages that the other doesn’t?

Advantages and Disadvantages of Air Conditioning Units

Largely, we tend to see that air conditioning units have a longer viable working life than heat pumps. The main reason is that you only run your air conditioning unit for about half of the year, depending on where you live, which almost doubles the viable amount of use that you can get out of your air conditioning unit before it needs to be repaired or replaced.

Because they are simpler in design than heat pumps, AC units are also more affordable and cheaper to install than their heat pump counterparts.

If you do just have an AC unit, you will need a separate heating unit or furnace to heat your area during the winter months. A drawback of AC units is that they can be expensive, depending on the area that you live in and the cost of electricity. AC units need a lot of power to be able to cool and circulate air.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Heat Pumps

One of the best aspects of heat pumps is that they are incredibly energy efficient. Since they work to transfer ambient heat from the outside of your house to the inside of your house, the heat pump doesn’t have to work as hard as other heating units to heat the air.

As you may have gathered, another great aspect of using a heat pump is that it is an all-in-one solution. This saves some space and keeps all of your heating and cooling needs into one compact device. This also makes it easier when or if you need maintenance done on your unit.

However, there are some clear disadvantages to having a heat pump. Since they do pull ambient heat from the cold outside air to heat your area, heat pumps aren’t nearly as effective in brutally cold climates. They are far better in parts of the country that have moderate or light winters. Since the technology on them is more compact and advanced, the units themselves, as well as the installation, can be substantially more expensive than AC units. Heat pumps also wear out and burn out faster than AC units. Since you are using the same unit, year-round, their components can suffer wear and tear much more quickly.

Maintaining your AC Unit or Heat Pump

If you have more questions about maintaining your AC unit or heat pump or installing a new unit in your area, contact our experts at Preferred Climate Solutions today.

With the winter months just around the corner, you are getting ready to break out all of the mittens, scarves, and winter clothes. That also means that you are going to be getting a lot more use out of your portable heaters.

When you are breaking your portable heaters out of storage, the first thing that you think of probably isn’t “what’s the best way that I can take care of my portable heater this season?” On cold days, you are probably thinking “is this thing going to heat up any faster?”

Whether you use your portable space heater regularly or infrequently throughout the fall and winter months, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind so that you can maintain your heater while using it as safely as possible.

Check Your Heater Right out of Storage

If the weather is already cold where you are, you are probably anxious to plug in your heater and get it working as soon as possible. Before you set your heater down, plug it in, and turn it on, you need to be careful. Your heater might not be in the same shape that it was when you put it away for storage last year.

Where and how you stored your heater last year can greatly affect the condition that your heater is this season. If you store your heater in a garage, attic, or basement that isn’t temperature controlled, there is a chance that your heater could have incurred some damage while in storage. If your heater may have been shuffled or knocked around with other things that you have put into storage, there’s an even greater chance that you could have caused damage to some essential components and elements on your heater.

How do you stay safe in this situation and make sure that your heater is in good enough shape to use?

Take a quick look over your heater to make sure that it

•  Doesn’t have any major dents or dings
•  The power cord isn’t damaged or frayed (see more below)
•  That the switch seems to be working properly

When you have given your space heater a once-over to check for any damage or issues, you are one step closer to plugging it in and getting warm.

Be Aware of Your Power Cord

The power cord is one of the most important components of any space heater. To create the kind of radiant heat that space heaters do, they need to have a power supply to do that.

As we mentioned earlier, there is always a chance that your space heater could have incurred some damage while in storage, especially if it was being shuffled around with a lot of other objects while it was in storage. After you pull your heater out of storage, you want to make sure that your cord isn’t damaged or frayed. Using a damaged cord can lead to serious issues and malfunctions that could put you, your family, and your furniture at risk. If you have any visible damage done to your power cord, make sure that you talk to an expert and get it serviced as soon as possible.

It isn’t uncommon for power cords to have issues, even if they don’t have any visible damage. The first time you plug in your space heater out of storage, make sure that you keep an eye out on the cable and the power outlet that your space heater is plugged into. If you notice that the cable or the power outlet that the heater is plugged into starts to get hot, shut off your space heater immediately.

Be sure that you don’t run your space heaters power cord under any rugs, carpeting, or mats. This can not only quickly become a fire hazard, but the insulation from household floor-coverings like these can cause damage to the cord in a fairly brief period of time.

Check the Space Around Your Heater

For the purpose of maintenance and safety, you always want to make sure that you are aware of the space around your heater. Every year, there are thousands of households that experience preventable house fires that are caused by heaters that weren’t placed in a safe area of the house.

Space heaters put out a lot of heat and use a lot of power. That can make them and other objects around them highly flammable. As a good rule of thumb, be sure that your space heater is away from

•  Any type of blankets
•  Couches and sofas
•  Chairs that are made out of fabric
•  Clothing
•  Fabric throw pillows
•  Flammable liquids
•  Thin fabric rugs, mats, or floor coverings

Anything that may catch fire easily. We also recommend keeping them away from the walls of your house. Place your heater near the middle of a walkway or open room to minimize your risk of a fire.

Don’t Leave Your Heater on and Unattended

Have you ever left your space for an extended period of time while your space heater is running?

How about letting your heater run overnight while you were sleeping?

If so, you were running a pretty sizable risk. Space heaters can make your life nice, warm, and comfortable, but leaving them attended always means that you are running a risk of something bad happening. To minimize the chances of your space heater causing a fire, you should never leave your space heater unattended for long periods of time. One little spark or a small malfunction of your heater could easily lead to a fire.

Have more questions about heating your space this winter? Contact our experts at Preferred Climate Solutions today.

When it comes to climate control and comfort, one element that many people tend to overlook is humidity. Yes, the overall temperature of your interior spaces means a lot, but when your home or business is too humid, it can throw everything out of whack.

Fortunately, you don’t have to suffer from high humidity in your home or office. There are many different ways to reduce the moisture in the air to make it more comfortable. In this article, we’ll outline the various tactics you can use, as well as discuss why lower humidity levels are so beneficial.

Why Humidity Matters

If you’re curious as to why you should be focused on improving your home or business’ humidity levels, here are a few reasons.

Mold Growth

All buildings have some level of mold, but those that have higher than average humidity levels are much worse. Mold and mildew can grow unchecked when the air moisture is above 55%, which can pose a variety of health problems. Not only that, but mold can weaken certain parts of the building (i.e., drywall), which can lead to expensive repairs later on.

Lingering Smells

Bad odors can occur anywhere at any time, but they are so much worse in humid environments. The air moisture traps the smells on various surfaces, which can lead to a lingering odor. Not only that but as mold grows, it will emit its own scents as well, which are usually off-putting.

HVAC System

One of the primary problems with overly humid environments is that they are harder to control. It takes a lot longer for moist air to warm or cool, which means that your HVAC system or air conditioner will have to work a lot harder throughout the day. Reducing your humidity by just 10 percent can have a significant impact on your utility bill.

How to Reduce Humidity

Now that you understand the value of keeping your interior spaces cool and dry, let’s look at the various ways to reduce air moisture as much as possible.

Fix Any Leaks

Your primary concern should be to eliminate any water that shouldn’t be there. Leaky pipes, faucets, or drains can be a substantial source of moisture, which is why you need to fix them as soon as possible.

Another point of entry for leaks can be your roof or gutters. Make sure that you inspect these areas regularly, particularly after storms or high winds. The less water that can come in from the outside, the better off you’ll be inside.

Use Exhaust Fans

Most homes and businesses are equipped with various exhaust ports to remove hot and humid air already. An example would be a vent hood over your stove in the kitchen. It may seem unnecessary at times to run these fans, but you should always use them whenever appropriate. Steam can collect in the air and raise the humidity fast, so you want to remove it as quickly as possible.

Inspect Your Air Conditioner

One of the great things about A/C units is that they already dehumidify your home or business as part of their operation. However, that’s only the case when your air conditioner is working correctly.

If it’s been months since your last inspection or service, now is the perfect time to get it checked. Typically, dirty air filters can cause your A/C to work less efficiently, which can lead to higher humidity.

Another problem is when your air conditioner is too large for space. While it may seem desirable to have a high-powered A/C, the fact is that it can work too well, creating condensation in the process. Instead, opt for a slightly smaller model so that you don’t generate higher humidity by accident.

Buy Moisture-Absorbing Plants

For the most part, indoor plants will contribute to humidity. After watering them, they will “breathe” the excess moisture into the air. This is why jungles are so humid. However, certain species (i.e., ferns) can absorb more water than they expel, making them ideal for humidity control.

Be sure to do your research beforehand so that you know how to take care of the plant and that it will get the job done.

Cover Dirt-Floor Crawl Spaces

Dirt is notorious for absorbing moisture, which can contribute to humidity over time. Rather than cleaning the dirt, replace it with something less absorbent, like polyethylene. Depending on the size of your crawlspace, this fix can be relatively expensive, so see if you can correct your humidity problems with other methods first.

Use Charcoal

Interestingly enough, charcoal is one of the best materials to suck moisture from the air. If you already have some briquettes for your grill, you don’t have to buy anything for this quick fix.

Best of all, charcoal can work well for months at a time. Simply place a few pieces in an open container and let it sit. Ideally, you’ll place the charcoal in high-humidity places, like the kitchen, laundry room, or bathroom.

Use a Dehumidifier

In some cases, too much humidity can cause health problems for you or your family (or co-workers). In those situations, a high-quality dehumidifier is probably the best option. These machines are highly efficient and can dry the ambient air much faster than other methods. That being said, we recommend them only when your humidity levels are over 60 percent, or if it’s medically necessary.

Take Cooler Showers

A primary source of steam is most likely your shower. Every time you bathe, you are pumping gallons of water into the air. To help alleviate this load, you should start taking colder showers to produce less steam. Otherwise, install an exhaust fan and use it every time you clean up.

Contact Preferred Climate Solutions Today

When it comes to managing humidity, we can help. The right system can make a world of difference. See how we can make your home or business more comfortable immediately.

When talking about air conditioning, there are two primary options: fixed and portable. As you can imagine, fixed units remain stationary since they are built into your building’s facade. Even window-mounted air conditioners are considered fixed since they don’t move once they are installed.

Portable A/C, however, sometimes gets a bad reputation, despite its versatility and reliability. So, to help dispel some of those misconceptions, we’re going to bust five myths surrounding portable A/C units. After reading this article, you’ll probably want to buy one to help keep you cool during the hottest parts of the year.

#1 Portable Air Conditioning is Unnecessary With a Central HVAC System

At first glance, this myth makes a lot of sense. After all, if you have a central heating and cooling system for your home or business, why waste money on a portable air conditioner?

Well, if you’ve ever been in a room that seems to defy your HVAC system in all conditions, then you know that that’s a lie. Unfortunately, central A/C doesn’t work uniformly throughout the building, which can lead to hot or cold zones.

In these spaces, a portable unit will help alleviate any climate control issues, making it much more pleasurable for everyone inside.

Not only that, but portable air conditioners help your central system run more efficiently. Now that certain spots are already climate controlled, your central A/C doesn’t have to work as hard, particularly during the hotter parts of the year.

#2 You Need to Turn Off Portable A/C When You Leave

Again, the thinking behind this myth makes a lot of sense at first. Realistically, you don’t want to be spending money by running an air conditioner when no one is around to benefit from it.

However, there is a better alternative. The reason for this mistake is that everyone tends to set these machines to a specific temperature and keep it there all day and night. A better option is to increase that temperature by about 10 degrees when you leave instead. Then, when you come back, return it to the original setting.

The reason that this tactic works better is that your portable A/C (and/or your central HVAC) doesn’t have to work as hard when you return the next day. Also, it can be much more comfortable when coming back into the building since it won’t be sweltering hot or frigidly cold.

#3 Portable A/C is a Luxury, Not a Necessity

Unfortunately, many people (especially higher-ups) believe that air conditioning is more or less a luxury item. Yes, it’s nice to have, particularly when the weather gets hot, but it’s not necessary all the time.

However, there are several tangible benefits to maintaining a comfortable interior temperature all year round. When you compare the dangers of improper climate to the cost of running a portable A/C unit, it starts to look a lot more appealing. Here are the reasons why A/C should be a priority.

Mold Growth 

Hot and humid environments can spawn mold much faster, which will only become more and more of an issue over time. Also, some strains can pose significant health hazards, which is why you need to stifle their growth as quickly as possible.

Heat Exhaustion/Stroke 

The human brain is a fascinating organ, but it doesn’t take much for it to become sluggish. An increase of just a few degrees can be more than enough to cause mental strain and fatigue. Simply put, an air-conditioned workforce is a more productive one.

Higher Productivity

While mental fatigue can cause people to slow down, overheating can impact a person physically as well. If you run a warehouse or business with a lot of manual labor, portable air conditioners can allow workers to stay busy for longer, with fewer breaks.

#4 Portable A/C is Too Expensive

Typically speaking, you will spend more by deploying a variety of portable air conditioners than you would with a central HVAC system. However, the versatility of these units makes them a viable option, both regarding climate control and cost-efficiency.

For example, rather than running a central system all night, you can utilize portable A/C units to keep various spots within the building cool (i.e., server rooms). Also, as we mentioned above, portable air conditioners can allow your central HVAC to work more efficiently, which can cancel out the additional costs of operation.

Finally if you don’t currently have central heating and air, portable machines are going to be much better cost-wise than trying to install a brand-new system. This way, you can focus on certain hotspots within the building, rather than trying to keep everything climate-controlled. For example, if there are areas that stay shaded or stay empty throughout the day, why is waste money cooling those spots with central A/C?

#5 It’s Too Difficult to Exhaust the Hot Air

One of the challenges you face with portable air conditioners is that they still generate heat. The compressor and other internal mechanics work hard, which means that you need to find a way to exhaust that heat, so it doesn’t counteract the cooling effect.

However, there are options available. First, most of these units come with a flexible exhaust hose that simply needs to be placed at a window or vent. If your machine won’t be moving very much, this is a viable solution. Second, you can buy water-cooled A/Cs, which don’t require an exhaust port. Instead, you just have to connect them to an external water source.

Bottom Line: Portable A/C is Viable and Economical

No matter how you look at it, chances are that your home or business can benefit from deploying one or more portable air conditioning units. These devices can make climate control much more accessible, and they can provide a much better living environment. Don’t underestimate the power of comfort, particularly when productivity is on the line.

For most people, HVAC systems are mostly a mystery. They understand their purpose and what they do, but when it comes to the finer details and inner workings, it might as well be rocket science.

However because your HVAC system is so crucial for climate control in your office or warehouse, you can’t afford to remain ignorant about it. You should know what your HVAC technician is talking about when giving you a rundown of various service or repair options. Otherwise, how can you be better prepared for next time?

So, with that in mind, we want to share the most common HVAC terms and what they mean. This way, you can follow along when your technician or repairman is outlining what’s going on within your system.

HVAC

Let’s start with the most obvious one – do you know what HVAC stands for? As an acronym, HVAC means Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. Essentially, this one term refers to any air movement or flow within your building.

ASHRAE

You may have seen this acronym pasted on the side of your air conditioning unit. While it’s not present on all machines, it can be a sign of quality and reliability. ASHRAE stands for the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers. This coalition is designed to help improve HVAC systems, specifically focusing on the quality of each build and providing sustainable performances.

Compressor

Chances are you’ve heard this term before in a few different situations. Compressors are not exclusive to HVAC systems – they are in refrigerators and cars as well. A compressor is a device that pumps refrigerant through an air conditioner to maintain comfortable temperatures. Essentially, it’s the part that allows you to control your indoor climate by blowing cold air.

Coils

There are two types of coils present in HVAC systems – condensers and evaporators. Condenser coils are outside, and they remove heat from the refrigerant moving through the system so that it can cool back down. Evaporator coils are on the inside of the building, and they remove heat from the air and pass it to the condenser.

Both coils work in tandem to help you control the temperature inside your building, and they are crucial for a functioning HVAC system.

CFM

As you’ve probably noticed, there are a few acronyms that get tossed around in the world of HVAC service and repair. CFM stands for cubic feet per minute, which relates to the flow of air through your system. The higher the CFM, the better the airflow, which can improve your climate control. Also, if your CFM is lower than usual, it means that there is either a blockage (i.e., dust and debris) or something within the system is broken.

Heat Pump

If you want your HVAC system to work well all year round, then you need to make sure that you can create cooler temperatures in the summer and warmer temperatures in the winter. A heat pump enables you to do this by circulating hot air in either direction. Heat pumps are usually more cost-efficient than standard air conditioners because you can use them during any season.

BTU

You’ll see BTUs come up a lot when looking at HVAC systems. This acronym stands for British Thermal Unit, and it’s the standard measurement used for both air conditioners and heating systems. One BTU describes the amount of heat necessary to raise the temperature of one pound of water by a single degree (in Fahrenheit). It can also refer to lowering the temperature as well, which is why it’s on A/C units as well.

Damper

When your HVAC technician starts talking about dampers, it can suddenly be hard to follow along. However, a damper is simply a piece of sheet metal that can control the flow of air from one duct to the next. Dampers are placed at junctions where two ducts meet.

EER

This acronym stands for Energy Efficient Ratio. The way that your system’s EER is calculated is to measure the cooling capacity in relation to your power output. The cooling capacity is reflected in BTUs per hour, while the power output is typically listed in watts. As you can imagine, the higher your EER number, the more energy-efficient your system is.

Filter

Your HVAC will use multiple filters to trap various particles from the air. Over time, these filters can get dusty and dirty, which means that they either have to be cleaned or replaced. Most air filters are disposable, but you can’t just toss them into the trash. They contain various contaminants, so you have to throw them away responsibly.

Your refrigeration system also comes with a filter, which acts as a drier, straining dirt and other debris from getting into the refrigerant.

Static Pressure

This term refers to any resistance within your HVAC system that can impact the flow of air. Obviously, the higher the static pressure, the harder that your HVAC has to work to get air to flow freely. If there is high static pressure, it typically refers to a blockage within the ducts.

Refrigerant Charge

As you should know, the refrigerant is the liquid that flows through your A/C unit to keep your interior spaces cool. The charge refers to how much of that liquid is present. If the charge is low, it’s time to refill it.

Split System

In some cases, your HVAC may be split into an outdoor and indoor unit. Typically, split systems operate more efficiently than central systems because they can adapt to both conditions much more rapidly.

Contact Preferred Climate Solutions Today

Now that you know a bit more about how your HVAC system works, give us a call or contact now and see how we can improve the quality of your climate today.