Energy Archives - Bob Heinmiller AC

How to Cool Your Home More Efficiently

September 25, 2019 by Bob Heinmiller

In Central Florida, we’re lucky to have warm weather most days of the year. However, this does mean that cooling your home can get costly fairly quickly. At Bob Heinmiller AC, we’re experts in every aspect of air conditioning. While many of our clients are worried about the expense of keeping their home cool, there are many ways to improve the efficiency of your air conditioning system. In short, we want to help you save money with these tips and tricks!

Keep your blinds closed: did you know that most of the unwanted heat in your home comes through the window? On particularly hot days, simply pull the blinds and close the curtains to block out the rays of the sun. This can lower temperatures inside the house by up to 20 degrees or more. Even better, you can invest in blackout curtains, which naturally insulate the rooms in your home. These are especially helpful in windows that face the sun during the hottest hours of the day.
Insulate your home: speaking of insulation, closing off certain rooms will prevent cool air from leaking into those areas on sunny days. You can talk to a local air conditioning expert in Central Florida about which rooms, doors, and windows can be better insulated to save money.
Change your sheets and bedding. If you run hot at night, swapping the sheets for a lighter, cooler set will keep you from turning the thermostat down. We personally like cotton since it stays cool and breathes easier. You can also heat-proof your bed by purchasing a cool pillow.
Let in some of the night air: In the summer, temperatures tend to drop down at night. Make the most of the chilly night air by opening the windows a little. Remember to close the windows and curtains before it gets hot again in the morning.
Cook outside! Using the stove or oven inside increases the temperature in your home, causing your air conditioning system to work harder to cool down. This can make your electricity bill more expensive. Grilling outside is not only an enjoyable activity with friends and family, but it also means you will be using indoor cooking appliances less.

Schedule Routine Maintenance

This last point is essential in keeping your system in good shape so it can perform well. An AC inspection or maintenance should be scheduled at least once per year at your home in Central Florida. This allows a professional to make any adjustments as necessary, catch any potential issues before they occur, and make sure it’s cleaned to prevent future problems down the line.

If you are in need of an upgrade, the professionals at Bob Heinmiller AC can offer helpful suggestions about which is best for your situation. Most homes are equipped with a central air system, and upgrading can mean saving money on a long-term basis. With our years of experience as a licensed and insured air conditioning contractor, we guarantee you will be satisfied with our work.

Filed Under: AC Repair, Air Quality, Energy

Saving Money With Proper Attic Insulation

April 12, 2019 by Bob Heinmiller

An attic does more than just provide extra storage space for you and your family. It’s designed to keep your house protected from extreme cold and hot weather conditions. However, for an attic to provide this kind of comfort, it needs to be properly insulated first.

If not insulated correctly, your attic could be a liability, not an asset. This is because poorly ventilated attics make it difficult to control your home’s temperature. More than that, you’d be surprised to find that you could lose quite a lot in energy savings. Below, Bob Heinmiller Air Conditioning shows you how to save money by making some small changes to your attic in Central Florida.

Types of Attic Insulation

Energy efficiency is important to the overall health of your home. You don’t want your HVAC system to work harder or longer than it needs to. So what type of insulation is the right one for your attic?

Roll-on insulation: this can be an inexpensive option because it is fairly easy to install. Roll-on insulation is also flexible and fits between tight crevices.
Blown-in insulation: this is an efficient option because it fills smaller spaces where common air leaks might occur. Blown-in insulation is also resistant to moisture.
Spray foam insulation: this creates an air-tight seal around your attic. Spray foam insulation generally lasts longer than other types.

If you’re unsure which is best for your situation, contact Bob Heinmiller Air Conditioning. Our experts will be able to assess how to best take care of the space in your attic.

Replacing or Updating Your Current Insulation

Does your insulation need to be replaced? Over the years, insulation can become cracked or worn. If you’re feeling “drafty” in your own house, even with the doors closed, it’s probably because of uneven air pressure. So why is it so important to keep your attic’s insulation up to date?

A damp attic causes issues with mildew and mold, which also attracts health problems for your family. So, if you see signs of leaks in your walls or ceilings, you should contact a local professional right away. Bob Heinmiller Air Conditioning is here to help in Orlando, Florida.
Pests are attracted to the warm, comfortable spaces. This includes rats, insects, and even the possibility of birds. Keep an eye out for nests in your attic to ensure this doesn’t happen to you.
Have your energy bills been higher than usual? This is another sign that your HVAC system and insulation needs to be checked out. It’s better to do this right away, otherwise this could be costing you hundreds of dollars every month.

Bob Heinmiller Air Conditioning in Central Florida

It is recommended that you get your insulation inspected once a year to make sure you’re getting the most out of your setup. If you would like to have your system updated to meet your needs, contact the professionals at Bob Heinmiller Air Conditioning today at (407) 374-0779. We are here to help. Our team provides free energy checkups as well as fast and free AC replacement estimates.

Filed Under: Energy

How to Prepare Your AC for Winter and Fall

October 16, 2018 by Bob Heinmiller

Fall has arrived! And although it might not feel like Fall in Florida just yet, now is the best time to be proactive about preparing your Orlando air conditioner for the change in weather. Your air conditioner will get a lot less use in the upcoming winter season, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore it. The Orlando air conditioning experts at Bob Heinmiller Air Conditioning have just the tips you need to avoid damage and keep your AC ready for the next cooling season.

Change the Air Filter

The start of a new season is always an ideal time to change out your current air filter with a new one. Your filter is likely dirty after heavy use during the hot summer months. A dirty filter can cause your system to lose energy efficiency. Changing the air filter regularly helps to protect system components and improve the air quality circulating in your home. And who doesn’t want clean air where they live?

Clean the Condenser Unit

The condenser unit, the part of tour HVAC system that sits outside, can often collect leaves, sticks, dirt and other bits of natural debris which can affect your AC’s performance and make it more likely to break down. Clean your condenser unit thoroughly by hosing it down with an outdoor hose in late fall or early winter. Placing foam pipe covers around any exterior exposed pipes to better insulate them from lower temperatures is also a smart idea. A waterproof vinyl or plastic cover over the outdoor unit will insulate it and protect your HVAC system from the elements. Be sure to check the cover frequently to ensure the cover is secure and that natural debris isn’t piling on top.

Check Your Thermostat

With the temperature lowering, you will want to make sure you are keeping the indoor temperature comfortable for your family. Try keeping temperatures as low as comfortable during the fall and winter months to save on your electric bill. It is also recommended that you set your thermostat down 10 to 15 degrees when you’re asleep or not home. If adjustments need to be made to your home’s indoor temperature, be careful that changing your thermostat setting will not cause your air conditioner to turn on unnecessarily or unexpectedly.

Schedule Maintenance Checkup

To keep your air conditioner up and running, it’s important to have it serviced at least once a year by a certified Orlando HVAC technician. Right before the winter months arrive is the perfect to schedule this appointment. Your AC has just gone through months of heavy use and will need a tune-up. “Fall is the perfect time to schedule a seasonal maintenance checkup with an Orlando AC service expert. At Bob Heinmiller Air Conditioning, our Central Florida Air Conditioning experts can ensure your unit is working at peak performance and doesn’t have any issues that would get worse during the winter months when it lies dormant,” stated Mark Derringer, President of Bob Heinmiller Air Conditioning.

Filed Under: Air Quality, Energy, General

Air Conditioner EER and SEER Ratings Explained

January 19, 2017 by Bob Heinmiller

Advancements in air conditioning tech have ushered in a new era of energy efficiency that’s designed to lower energy costs while still allowing your AC units function optimally. With these new technologies, air conditioning consumers can now stay cool without having to fork over huge amounts of money on utility bills every month.

More consumers are opting for units that produce more power per unit of energy consumed because that translates into cheaper bills, particularly during the “high run” seasons. There’s also the added perk of power companies paying people to these use higher energy efficient units. Some companies pay hundreds of dollars to consumers in the form of energy credits, tax rebates, or even cash.

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Filed Under: Energy, General, News

What To Look For When Replacing An AC Unit

October 26, 2016 by Bob Heinmiller

You have finally made the decision to replace your burdensome outdated and inefficient air conditioner with a newer and better model. Replacing an older AC unit can improve air quality in your home, reduce expensive energy costs, and eliminate the need for frequent maintenance. However, with so many options available to families and business owners throughout the country, how do you make the decision for precisely which type of unit to purchase and what company to rely on for air conditioning in Orlando? Here are a few factors to consider for this important upgrade.

Search Smart and Ask Around

As with Orlando AC repairs or any home maintenance expense, you should always compare bids and ask around with multiple contractors for the best deal. Remember that the cheapest option is not always the best. A major portion of failed air conditioning units are not properly installed, to begin with, and your warranty can become quickly voided if work is performed by someone not authorized to perform maintenance. Take the time to perform background checks and search the Better Business Bureau for a reliable rating.

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Filed Under: AC Repair, Energy, General

Home Renovations To Save Energy Costs

October 19, 2016 by Bob Heinmiller

The older your home is the more likely you are to struggle mounting energy bills. Stop punishing yourself with shoddy insulation and relentless drafts that cause as much stress to your air conditioning unit as they do to your wallet. A few simple, surprisingly affordable home renovations can quickly save you the extra costs of air conditioning in Orlando Homes.

Simple Seals Stay Surprisingly Solid

Easily overlooked details like quality insulation in the attic can reduce energy costs as much as 20 percent and quickly pays for itself. Good insulation serves the dual purpose of keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Taking that first step in protecting the air in your home from the elements of the outdoors will prevent you from throwing money away on fruitless Orlando AC repair.

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Filed Under: Energy

Reducing Commercial Energy Costs

September 20, 2016 by Bob Heinmiller

Infrared and real image showing lack of thermal insulation on Residential building

The old saying goes something like “take care of the nickels and dimes, and the dollars will take care of themselves.” It’s a sage piece of advice that can apply just as readily to your building portfolio as it does to a cash drawer. While a sudden hole in the roof is a huge problem, there’s also no way it’ll be let go for even a second. That’s the sort of thing that gets handled same-day, before it can do any further damage. But what about the little stuff? Is your building losing money it shouldn’t?

Chances are that the answer is yes, and you probably already know where: heating and cooling; insulation and electricity — the constant, ubiquitous expenses that we’ve become used to. But these kinds of expenses tend to be the ones that can benefit the most from a little extra scrutiny, and even seemingly minor influences can add up to big savings in the long run.

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Filed Under: AC Repair, Energy, General