Thursday, December 18, 2014

The Answers Are in the Questions

Sometimes, when facing decisions, the answers we seek are in the questions we ask. Well, not always directly. If you ask, “What’s for lunch?” hamburger and fries show up nowhere in those words. But it does start the thinking process about the “problem” of lunch that eventually leads to a solution (hamburger and fries).

In homeownership, you see this happening with questions that begin with, “Are these energy bills ever going to stop going up?” Or maybe you’re asking, “Does it feel too cold in here to you? Can you do something with that thermostat? How old is this thing anyway? Didn’t we have a breakdown last year too?”

When questions like these keep popping up, you know you’re heading into a decision-making mode in your home comfort. Are you there yet? Getting closer? Take a look at this info, which asks important questions about your home heating.

Monday, December 8, 2014

Why Your Heater Could Give You the Cold Shoulder

Does your home heating really have to be so sensitive? You ignore it – intentionally neglect it, even – for six months. Then when you have a real need, you ask, “How about a little heating help?” Then your system practically coughs in your face. If that.

Sounds like the two of you could use a little professional help. I’m actually not kidding about that part. Before you ask your heater or furnace to keep you toasty warm for winter, you should give it the resources it needs to do the job right. That means getting your system professionally serviced so you won’t have to worry about it breaking down during freezing temps – and you can rest easy knowing it’s operating safely for your family.

To learn more about a terrific offer on system service, take a look at this info, Prevent Costly Winter Heating System Repairs.

Friday, November 21, 2014

Ready for the Winter?

Let’s face it: It seems like it’s getting colder every year. As the temperatures go down, we depend more and more on our home comfort systems. If you’ve got a well-maintained, fairly new, energy-efficient home comfort system, you’re probably thinking “No problem. I’ve got this.” But if your heating and air conditioning system has struggled to make it through the last few winters, then you may be thinking something quite a bit different.

Your system may be trying to warn you of a bigger problem. You may have noticed inconsistent comfort, or even more repairs than usual. Your energy bills could even be higher due to your home comfort system under-performing. These colder temperatures are going to put more strain on your system and consume even more energy.

And as if that is not enough, we are also going to see an increase in natural gas prices to go along with these lower temperatures. If your system is not working to its full capacity, it can end up costing you a lot come this winter.

If you want some help beating these high natural gas prices, then we have some good information that’ll get you through this price surge. Read “Beat Natural Gas Prices” to learn more.

Thursday, October 16, 2014

The Wear and Tear of Heating and Air

As your heating and air conditioning system gets older, general wear and tear can lead it to stop working as efficiently. Your system works very hard to keep your home comfortable and that can take its toll. Your system has so many intricate parts that a number of things can affect it over time.

The number one cause of system failure is the buildup of dust. Changing your air filters indoors monthly, and having your system cleaned once a year can prevent this. Your system may also find itself having to work harder and longer season after season to maintain the level of comfort that you would like. But that’s to be expected, right?

Learn more about “The Purpose of Your Heating and Cooling System” in this free report and find out how can help you cut down on your energy costs and get your system back into working order.

Friday, October 3, 2014

Did You Know...

About half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling. That means your home comfort system can have a big effect on your utility bills. So taking care of it can save you a lot of money on your energy bills and also improve your home comfort.

A good way to keep your system running smoothly and efficiently through each season is to get a tune-up. I know what you’re thinking; that’s what you do for a car. But your home cooling system, like a car, requires maintenance to run well. Just like a tune-up for your car can increase your gas mileage, a tune-up for your cooling system can increase efficiency and comfort.

If you are interested in learning more about how to get your system tuned up and ready for the weather change, read “Smart Home Value.” You can get your home comfort system where it needs to be and start seeing instant savings.

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

The Down and Dirty of Your Home Comfort System

As with most things, the better care you take of your heating and air conditioning unit, the better it will perform and the longer it will last. If you neglect your system, then it could be underperforming, and this can really show on your energy bill.

There are simple things you can do to help take care of your system like changing your air filters. This keeps dust and dirt from getting into the system and clogging it up. However, through your system’s months and years of service, it still can collect dust. This dirt buildup reduces airflow through your system which makes it have to run longer to heat or cool your house. If your system is outside, it can also pick up debris from items like your dryer vents, leaves and lawn mower dust.

It’s important to get your system cleaned and tuned up at least once a year to keep it running safely and efficiently. Read this report about "The Cost of Neglecting Your Home Comfort System" to see more about the hidden costs of putting off maintenance for your home comfort system.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Why We're Here

Most of you don’t call us just because you feel like chatting (unless our moms are reading this blog). Most of you get in touch with us because you have something on your mind. We’re glad that you do.

We want to know whatever problem you’re experiencing with your home comfort, because we want to help solve it. That’s why we’re here. It’s to serve customers who want to be comfortable indoors, who want to breathe clean indoor air and who want to save on their energy bills.

We’re part of the air conditioning and heating industry for a reason. And it’s not because we’re afraid of hard work. This kind of residential contracting work that takes us into attics, basements and all other parts of the home on really hot days can get quite messy. But that is not a problem for us.

In fact, we like knowing that we’re going to make your life better and a lot more comfortable by the time we’re done with our service or installation. After all, it sure does feel great to restore someone’s air conditioning system on a very hot day – and see the relief on their face when they feel the relief in their cool home.

So, if we can ever be of service to you, be sure to let us know. We’re happy to help.

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Discovering Cracks in Your Energy Efficiency

The common expression “One thing leads to another” certainly holds true in your household energy use. A cracked door here, an open window there – while your air conditioning system is churning out cool air – will lead you from energy efficiency to extra energy usage. And that leads to higher energy bills.

Any number of vulnerabilities in the airtightness of your home can cause your home comfort system to work overtime – needlessly sending your energy bills upward. In your mind’s eye, you can almost picture your nicely cooled air escaping through these various openings.

But now with a special test, you don’t have to settle for your imagination or guesswork. You can get a very clear picture of what’s happening with your energy use throughout your whole house.

We’ve got some information about how trained technicians employ high-tech equipment to pinpoint trouble spots, and you can find out more in this report, How to Look at Your Energy Use from All Angles. Please check it out.

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Being Uncomfortable Is a Matter of Degrees

Thermostat settings on your air conditioning system are most times directed by personal preference as well as energy savings preference.

For example, the Energy Star program recommends a setting of 78 degrees for conserving energy and staying comfortable while you’re in the home – plus, programming your thermostat for higher temperatures when you’re away during the day.

Others might be more comfortable at 75 degrees, or lower. Again, it’s a balance between your personal comfort and your desire to save on energy usage.

Then there are those other very unfortunate times when the temperatures in your house are not at all what you want them to be. And with growing discomfort, you watch those temperatures inside your house rise to 80, 85, 88… Not good. Not good at all.

However, there’s one solution we recommend as your best option to avoid this scenario. Please take a moment and look at this report, Why Your Air Conditioning System Needs Prep Work for Summer’s Long, Hot Run.

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

If AC Repairmen Made Predictions

We’re used to the weather folks giving us a heads-up about what’s going to happen during the day – you know, something along the lines of, “Most parts of Northwest Indiana will see a few showers this morning, but sunshine returns in the afternoon as highs head toward the 90s.”

But if you’re holding your breath that your air conditioning system will hold out for another summer, you’d probably do well with a report along these lines: “The morning will start off calm but strange noises coming from your air conditioning system will indicate that you’re going to have some real problems staying cool in the afternoon as highs head toward the 90s.”

Obviously, our service technicians don’t make predictions like that, but even so, we do know a lot about how air conditioning systems work and how the effects of time impact their performance and leave them vulnerable to poorly timed repairs.

If you’d like to know how well your air conditioning system is going to perform this summer, we’ve got some guidance that could be very helpful. Take a look at this report, How to Predict Your Next Air Conditioning Breakdown.

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Extreme Weather Patterns and Your Home Comfort

Have you ever noticed that sometimes life feels like you’re going from one extreme to another? Like, low, high. Cold, hot. We’ve certainly seen those extremes in weather this year – and will be seeing even more.

You’d think that serious cold would be followed by a milder summertime. But that’s not what the weather people see happening. Instead, after a really cold winter pretty much across the country, we’re moving right into another extreme: a really hot summer.

So those really low temperatures are headed really high, and those uncomfortably cold days are about to become uncomfortably hot.

But here’s the good news. This fact of weather life does not mean that you have to be uncomfortable, especially in your own home. In fact, there’s an important step you can take right now to ensure that your home comfort stays steady whatever ups and downs the thermometer shows.

This info tells you lots more. Please take a look.

Friday, June 6, 2014

What’s Your Comfort System Telling You?

Do you sense that your heating and air conditioning system is holding a piece of information you really need to know? Well, it won’t take much detective work to figure that out – because what your system is telling you about the summer heat isn’t a secret.
You can pretty much guarantee that if you’ve got a well-maintained, fairly new energy-efficient home comfort system, it’s saying, “No problem. I’ve got this.” But if your heating and air conditioning system has been chugging through summer heats for a while, the message could be a bit different.
For example, if you can tell that your home comfort system is undergoing strain trying to keep up with rising temperatures, it could be giving clear signs that you need to make another plan for your home comfort this summer. Some of the signs you’ll see will be inconsistent comfort, more repairs than ordinary, higher energy bills – and just an overall sense of uncertainty about whether it’s time to make a change.
Well, we’ve got some news that can help you through that uncertainty – and be very comfortable with whatever decision you make. This info explains what I’m talking about. Please take a look.

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

The Shady Side of Energy Savings

There’s a simple principle at work here. If you want less heat in your house, don’t let in so much sunshine. Blocking the sun’s entry points – through your windows, in particular – is one way to keep cooler while saving energy. And the statistics back up the logic.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, window awnings can reduce solar heat gain in the summer by up to 65% on south-facing windows and by 77% on west-facing windows. South or west, that’s a pretty sizeable reduction. Interior blinds on sunny windows help too. As a matter of fact, highly reflective blinds reduce heat gain by around 45% when completely closed and lowered.
Then there are draperies. Their ability to prevent heat gain depends on fabric, color, etc., but as a general rule, you can know that studies show medium-colored draperies with white-plastic backings can reduce heat gains by 33%.
Now, we’re obviously not interior decorators at Kent Heating and Air Conditioning, so you may be wondering what all of this has to do with our area of specialty, your heating and air conditioning system. It’s a simple connection: a number of areas in your home affect your energy use, and we can show you some easy ways to save.
If you’d like to learn about some simple steps to improve your cooling comfort while holding down energy costs, take a look at our report, Common Sense Ways to Stay Cooler This Summer.

Friday, May 23, 2014

Are You in This Camp?

"Tough it out." "Grin and bear it." "Get over it."

If that sounds like a few choice phrases you tend to tell yourself, that might mean you’re a long-term allergy sufferer. After all, there’s not much you can do about the air, the pollen, the seasons of the year. So you just push on through.

In Valparaiso, we do have our share of allergens in the outdoor air. Unfortunately, coming inside does not always provide the protection allergy sufferers seek. For one thing, your indoor air quality can be compromised by the outdoor allergens you carry into your home on your clothes, your shoes or your body. Plus, if your pets are entering and exiting, they’re picking up allergens too. Then you mix that with their pet dander for a little sneeze-fest.

And that’s only the beginning. Your home’s indoor air can also hold within it pollutants from cooking, cleaning and bathing; furnishing or carpeting your home; tending to your hobbies; and basically living life. What’s more, in an airtight home, allergens tend to stay inside and keep recycling themselves with the “help” of your air conditioning and heating system.

So we’d like to suggest an alternative. If “toughing it out” is your normal response, there’s a better way. Click here for more information!

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Is Dust Causing a Problem?

It’s funny how a simple little thing like dust can cause so much trouble – especially for those prone to allergies and respiratory ailments. It can affect the quality of your indoor air as it collects, and even as it gets cleared away.
Backing up a minute, dust isn’t actually one single thing. It’s a combination of substances, including human skin cells, pet dander, fabric fibers and your basic dirt and debris. All these substances gather together to form dust which gathers on lamp shades, end tables, tops of refrigerators and pretty much everywhere else.
Your electronics like to collect dust. So does your furniture, your door frames, baseboards, even ceilings. Keeping these spots dust-free helps reduce allergies that flare up indoors. We’ve got some more information on that topic in a free report, Is There a Dust Storm in Your Home? Please check it out.

Friday, May 2, 2014

Timing is Everything

The simple idea of “it’s all in the timing” can apply to so many areas of our lives – whether you’re talking about finding the right job, the right vehicle, the right home or the right mate. When you time the need with the opportunity and make the right match, it works out great. “Poor timing” is another matter entirely. That’s when you find out that if you’d called earlier, you would have gotten a big benefit or avoided some significant trouble. But it didn’t work out that way. Almost anyone who has called us on a very hot day for an emergency repair on an air conditioning system can tell you about poor timing. Breakdowns are never convenient and rarely comfortable. What’s better is when you find out how to avoid them. Want to learn the best time for tending to air conditioning concerns before they occur? Take a look at this report, Why a Cool Day Is the Best Time for Your AC Tune-Up.

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Filtering Out the Clutter



Our homes really know how to collect stuff, don’t they? The amount of stuff may be in proportion to the size of the family. But most of us, in one way or another, keep bringing more stuff into a home that can only hold so much.
That’s probably a reason “spring cleaning” never goes out of style. Everyone needs a time to clear away the clutter and give our home some breathing space. So we start tending to the areas that need attention in order to get our homes back in good working order.
If you’ll allow me to switch to a home comfort analogy here, I would say that what is true for your home is true for your air conditioning system. It collects clutter in the form of dust, dirt and airborne particles.
Fortunately, your AC has a filter that captures a lot of this kind of airborne clutter. But, please be aware, your filter can only hold so much. Changing it regularly is important for the efficiency of your system and for the quality of your indoor air.
To learn more, take a look at this report, The Easiest Maintenance Step You Can Take.

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Connecting the Dots to Your Call

When we get a call or email from someone in Valparaiso asking for service or repair on an air conditioning system, that means we’ve done something right. And we’ve got an opportunity to do something even better.

Here’s what I mean. When we get a call from someone who invites us into their home, there are several reasons why we just got that opportunity. One, we advertised in a way that increased your trust in us. Two, we performed a past service for you that made your home more comfortable. Or three, someone you know told you to give us a call.

Now, when we get that call, we get to come to your home – an honor indeed. Whether we provide service on your air conditioning and heating, or install a new system, this is our chance to exceed your expectations so that you’ll want to call us the next time you need us.

Frankly, we don’t know a better business strategy than developing strong relationships with our customers. So we’re sticking with that one.

Of course, others choose a different strategy. And you’ll hear from them too. This is why we hope you’ll take a look at this free report, Who Should You Trust to Check Your Home Systems?

Monday, March 3, 2014

The Dirt on Cleaning Your House

Harmful if swallowed or inhaled. Do not use or store near open flame. Vapors may irritate. Use only in well-ventilated areas. Those are just some of the warnings you might see on your common household cleaning products. And while they certainly can do a great job getting things sparkly clean, you’ll also want to be aware of an important point. Cleaning your home can have the unwelcome side effect of making your indoor air dirty. Many of your cleaning products contain chemicals that don’t interact well with your skin, your respiratory system and certainly your eyes. So always use them with care and store them according to directions. The same is true for pesticides, hobby and crafts materials and whatever else emits gases and fumes into your breathing space. It’s an important topic to consider, and we’ve got more to tell you in our free report, How Cleaning Your House Could Be Bad for Your Indoor Air. Please take a look.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

The To Do List

At my house, the to-do list seems never-ending. No sooner do I complete one task than another one appears. I know this is just life and it will always be this way, but there are days when I sure wish there was someone else to handle all the things that need to be taken care of, maybe something like a “House Manager.” I am sure there are people in this world that have them, but I am not one of them.

Fortunately, we do live in a country where just one phone call will generally have someone on their way to fix whatever problems you are having. Thank goodness for that. I cannot imagine having to be an expert in all fields and manage my to-do list on a daily basis. It would just be too much.

If your home comfort system is giving you trouble, let us help you mark one thing off your to-do list. Just call or email and let us hear from you.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

The One Call We Really Want to Receive

We’re pretty lucky around here. Every day, we hear from people who we can help. And every day, we try to make a difference in the lives of our customers.

A lot of times our work in the air conditioning and heating business goes like this. Someone is uncomfortable and concerned when they call our company. But then they’re comfortable and relieved when we leave the home.

It’s really a great feeling to make a difference. For us, that difference is seen on the thermostat, in the lowered energy bills and in the happy faces of satisfied customers.

So we wanted to take these few moments to remind you that we’re here for you – and are always happy to hear from you. The customer who gives us the opportunity to serve is always the call we want to receive.

If we can ever be of service, please let us know. We’re happy to help.