Geothermal Heating: More Efficient for You & Better for the Environment Considered a clean and sustainable source of power, geothermal energy refers to the internal heat that is contained in the rock and fluids beneath the earth’s crust. Humans have been using geothermal energy to their advantage since ancient times, and today a geothermal system can heat and cool your home in place of a natural gas system. Geothermal systems are among the most efficient and environmentally conscious heat pumps you can purchase. Here’s everything you need to know about geothermal home systems: How They Work No matter what climate you live in, the temperature throughout the year varies. However, the temperature below ground (regardless of climate or season) stays fairly consistent all year. The ground is able to maintain a higher rate of temperature consistency because it absorbs 47% of the sun’s energy (heat) as it hits the Earth’s surface. Geothermal systems are able to tap into this free energy with an earth loop. This technology is then used to provide your home with central heating and cooling. Geothermal Heating During the heating cycle, a geothermal heat pump uses the earth loop to extract heat from the ground. As […]

Jane Austen once said, “there is nothing like staying home for real comfort.” We couldn’t agree more. Home is our place of respite after long days, the place where food is cooked and family and friends gather, and a safe haven. While we love our homes, there are certain things we must do throughout the year in terms of maintenance. The heating and cooling system in your home is one of the most critical components to keep maintained and in great working condition, no matter what season we’re in. It helps keep you cool and comfortable in the summer and warm and cozy in the winter. Besides purchases such as a car or your home itself, your HVAC system is one of the largest investments in your home so it’s wise to protect it with a regular maintenance schedule. Here are just some of the many benefits to routine checks and keeping your home comfort system in optimal condition. Lower Energy Bills If you haven’t looked at your energy bill lately, you may want to take a peek at it. Looking at your energy bill can give you a hint as to how your HVAC is running efficiently, and if […]

It’s July and blistering summer heat is here.  We’re certain you don’t want to get caught with a broken AC unit just as the temperatures rise. Two-thirds of homes in the United States have air conditioning systems, many of which haven’t been paid mind to since the end of last summer. When running your air conditioning system to fight away the summer heat, there’s some preventative maintenance that’ll have you in tip-top shape and not calling for AC repair services. What are those tips? Let’s find out. Things you can do yourself Check and replace filters, clean the outdoor unit, install programmable thermostats, all of these things are easy to do yourself. Many people either neglect the DIY things wholly or wait too long to address them. Minor details should be checked when running your AC unit this season. Ducting Many times, an air conditioning system isn’t to blame. Ever had a room that just doesn’t seem to get cool during the summer? It’s likely the same room that doesn’t get warm in the winter. This has a great deal to do with faulty ducting. If your ducts have even the most minor leaks, the efficiency of your AC unit […]

With winter officially behind us, many homeowners across the U.S. are beginning to open their windows to breathe in the mild springtime air. But if you’re one of those unfortunate folks who suffer from allergies, spring may not be so welcoming. April showers bring May flowers and a whole slew of allergens. Fortunately, there are ways you can improve the air quality in your home to let you breathe easily despite budding flowers and shedding pets. Schedule a duct cleaning It’s recommended that homeowners have their air ducts cleaned every three to five years. This is because dust and allergens accumulate the most in your air ducts where you can’t reach. Schedule a cleaning with your local air conditioning service to keep your HVAC system clean and allergen-free. Replace your HVAC filters It’s a regular job to replace your filters during HVAC system maintenance. Pet hair, dander, and dust can build up in your filters and make your indoor air quality a little worse for wear. This is especially true during allergy season because your pets are shedding their winter coats and pollen from the great outdoors is coming in through your windows. Install an air filtration system If you […]

As human beings, we cannot withstand living outside in the harsh, ever-changing conditions of planet Earth. This is exactly why humans started building shelters — to protect themselves from the outside world. Since then, we have come a long way. Our homes are much more advanced than the original caves and stick shelters of old. We have electricity, furniture, and heating systems to give us comfort while we’re inside. Along with our residential heating systems, air conditioning is also in the homes of many people today. In fact, in the United States, two-thirds of all homes have air conditioners. An air conditioner can often be installed right into the existing infrastructure of the home, so your air conditioning needs can be met with ease. Air conditioning installation comes with many benefits. Sure, ACs keep you cool in the summertime, but they offer more than just that. Here are some health benefits of air conditioners. Air Quality Having an air conditioner at home can actually help increase the quality of the air. Invisible airborne particles are present in every building and in every home. Fumes, stale air, insecticides, and other problems can come from airborne particles. However, modern air conditioners can […]

Did you know that standby generators produce between 5,000 and 15,000 watts of power? This is enough to power everything in your house. Seeing as the repercussions of a power outage can be quite severe, from flooding to fires, having a backup generator to keep the lights on is important. The following are ways your natural gas or propane powered standby generator can come in handy. Gas Furnace If you are in an area that has suffered a spontaneous blizzard or ice storm, it’s a good chance your power has gone out due to downed power lines or a break in the gas line. Cold weather is an especially dangerous time to have no power. Having a generator to keep the natural gas flowing into your heating system could quite literally save your family’s lives. Refrigerator When the power goes out, in the summer especially, you must be mindful of the contents of your fridge. Spoiled food can waste a lot of money, and if you aren’t careful you could get food poisoning. A generator keeps the fridge running and the food cold. Sump Pump A sump pump, for those of you with basements, is what pumps groundwater out of your basement, […]

HVAC system maintenance is essential not only for optimal efficiency but for optimal comfort during both heating and cooling seasons. It’s for this reason that preventative maintenance is recommended twice a year, once in spring and once in fall. However, it can be a struggle to remember to call your local HVAC service twice a year when you usually only think of your HVAC services when there’s a problem. For this reason, it can be incredibly beneficial to sign up for a preventative maintenance program. But what does a preventative maintenance program entail and what are the benefits of signing up for one? Preventative Maintenance Programs A preventative maintenance agreement ensures your home’s HVAC system receives a twice-a-year inspection to keep it running smoothly and efficiently as possible. A twice-a-year inspection can also reduce the likelihood of soot buildup in your system burners, which are typically caused by poorly-adjusted gas valves. Those who sign such an agreement can benefit from the following:   Savings. A maintenance agreement is comparable to a twice-a-year tune-up. What’s more, on top of this discount, your HVAC system’s efficiency will be improved more frequently which reduces your monthly utility bills.   Priority service. A maintenance […]

Winter is here, so that furnace is running and keeping us toasty. Throughout the rest of the year, the furnace isn’t used very much, which can lead to accidental maintenance neglect. This can lead to heating problems, which will leave your house chilly and your energy bill high! It can also lead to problems much more sinister. During the winter, carbon monoxide poisoning is at its highest. While the natural gas smell may be unmistakable, the gas is also colorless, odorless, tasteless, and potentially fatal. Fighting an invisible poison might seem fruitless, but there are some commonsensical ways to combat carbon monoxide. Maintain Your Detector The easiest way to combat carbon monoxide is to keep a detector (or two) in your house. What most people forget is that battery powered things–such as these detectors–aren’t everlasting. Too many carbon monoxide poisoning cases point directly at a detector’s batteries not being changed. Carbon monoxide detectors should be tested monthly and replaced according to the instructions of the manufacturer. While we’re on the topic, change your smoke detector batteries, too. Some carbon monoxide detectors plug into the wall. Be sure they run on battery backup. You’ll want to be protected if the power […]

The fall and winter months might be some of the best times to get together with friends and family. But for those with allergies, it’s often the worst time of the year. When your nose isn’t stuffed up from dander, pollen, or your aunt’s shedding cats, it’s most likely stuffed up from the common cold. Fortunately, you don’t have to suffer during what’s supposed to be the best time of the year. Here are few helpful tips to keep your winter allergies at bay during the colder months and through the holiday season. Regularly change your HVAC filters During the winter months, the filters of your home heating system can really take a beating. This is especially true if you have pets. Fur, dander, and dust can build up in the fans and cause the air quality to diminish. And, because your windows are closed more during this time of the year, it can keep clean fresh air from filtering in. Consider changing the filters of your home heating system at least once a month if you have pets. If you don’t have pets, it may still do you some good to swap out your filters more frequently than usual […]

Despite proper maintenance and care, your heating system won’t last forever. The average furnace only lasts for up to 15 to 20 years and the older they get, the less efficient furnaces become. You’ll be spending more calling your furnace repair service than relaxing and enjoying the cozy warmth of your home. Before the colder weather becomes downright chilly, it may be in your best interest to consider installing a new furnace. Here are some key determining factors to help you make a well-informed decision whether to upgrade your heating system. Your heating system is getting older As mentioned above, the average furnace typically lasts between 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance and routine repairs by your furnace repair business. While some furnaces continue to work efficiently enough past 20 years, the odds are slim. The older your system gets, the less likely it’ll be able to keep your home adequately warm during the winter months. Your furnace doesn’t produce heat like it used to If routine maintenance and changes in the HVAC filter don’t seem to make a difference in the efficiency of your furnace, it may be a sign to get a new one. Poor heating efficiency […]

Having a working furnace is essential what with the weather brewing colder temperatures outdoors. However, sometimes furnaces can falter when they’ve been inactive during the summer. This is especially true if they haven’t been tuned up efficiently for the colder weather. One of the most common problems homeowners often face with their furnace is called short cycling. Short cycling is when the furnace turns on for a short period of time but then turns off. This start-and-stop cycle can keep your home from properly warming up and may also damage your furnace itself. But what causes your furnace to short cycle? The following are some of the key problems behind the short cycling of furnaces and how you can fix them. Your furnace is too big Short cycling that happens as soon as the furnace is installed may be caused by the furnace itself rather than a problem with the furnace. That is, the furnace may be too big or too strong for the space in which you’ve installed it. An oversized heater will use a lot of energy to heat your space, which can cause the distribution of warm air in your home to be uneven. Uneven heat distribution causes the furnace to […]

With cold weather fast approaching, your furnace should be tuned up and ready to go. However, even after your heating contractor tunes up the furnace and installs clean filters, you can experience issues. This is especially true if your furnace is heating your home but you’re not feeling the heat. Improper equipment installation can cause your home’s heating to decline in efficiency by up to 30%. But another cause for a decline in heating efficiency could very well be your own house. Common in multi-story homes, this heat-stealing problem is known as the “stack effect.” What is stack effect? The stack effect is most common in commercial buildings and large, multi-story warehouses. However, it can also affect two-story houses. The stack effect is, essentially, when the home acts as a chimney would by grabbing the warm air and hoisting it upward toward the highest ceiling until it leaves the home. This effect typically happens when the outside temperature is significantly lower than the temperature inside the building because the cold air is more dense. Therefore, the air attempts to balance the density between the two areas. This can cause airflow in your home with an especially intense draft. The stack […]

THERMOSTATS 101 Imagine living in the early 19th century. Fall is here and you’ve turned on your furnace. There’s only one problem: your house keeps swinging from cold to hot. And every time it goes too far in one direction, you have to walk down to the basement to adjust valves, dampers or the furnace itself. Not an ideal situation! Fortunately, this changed with the invention of the thermostat. This is where we can help! How Thermostats Control Temperature The basic way that thermostats control temperature is by sensing to make changes until the temperature matches the set point. How the thermostat does this depends on what it’s connected to. For furnaces, the thermostat might turn the fan and burner on to increase the temperature and turn it off when the temperature is just right. Some thermostats are connected to valves that open and close to allow hot water into a radiator when the temperature drops. Air conditioning control works by turning on the fan and unit when the temperature gets too high. Types of Thermostats Thermostats come in three types: programmable, non-programmable and smart. Programmable thermostats allow you to save multiple set points for daytime, nighttime and weekends (depending […]

As summer hits the road and autumn hangs its coat on the door, it’s about that time of the year to begin looking at your furnace. Your furnace may not have been at the forefront of your mind during the sweltering heat, but with winter quickly approaching you’ll want to ensure that your heating system is up to par. It’s essential to perform an initial maintenance check on your furnace before turning it on the season; nearly 50% of all residential heating fires occur between December and February. Think your furnace will be okay without a checkup? Here’s why you may be wrong. Catching malfunctions before they happen One of the best things about performing a maintenance inspection on your heating system before winter rolls in is that you’ll be able to catch the smaller malfunctions before they become big problems. A small furnace repair is far cheaper and far easier to take care of than an entire furnace overhaul. By providing your furnace with a maintenance checkup throughout the year, but especially as autumn trickles in, you can keep your furnace going strong for years. In addition to saving money, making a small furnace repair here and there because […]

Heating and cooling drains power at a ridiculous level and can drive up your energy bill quickly. According to statistics, HVAC systems account for about 48% of the energy use in a typical U.S. home, making it the largest energy expense for most homes. But, as the summer draws on, and the days get hotter, having air conditioning becomes imperative. But getting a unit installed can be a little difficult, especially if you make poor decisions for financial reasons. You want your installation to be smooth, easy, and worry-free to avoid feeling like you’ve made a poor investment. Here are some ways to ease your worries, and what to consider when getting the installation done. Use a Reputable HVAC Company This is important, you don’t want to have poor work done on your home or business, and have to deal with getting the system looked over, or repaired, after just having it installed. You should take the time to find a contractor with a good reputation and one who stands by their work. It’s not worth saving money to go with the first pick or the one that is cheapest. It can lead to you spending twice as much money […]

No matter the season, it’s important to make sure you’re receiving quality HVAC services. But spring is here, which means if you’re getting a new AC unit you need to pay extra mind to the installation techniques your HVAC company is using. It might not seem important to ask about and monitor your HVAC installation techniques, but improper equipment installation can actually decrease heating and cooling efficiency by up to 30%. Here are some other reasons why you need to pay attention to proper AC installation techniques. What does proper installation mean? Unfortunately, proper installation isn’t necessarily something that you can spot right off the bat. An AC unit that’s not installed properly might seem to work just as well as any other unit, but you might be in for a nasty surprise when your next energy bill comes. Proper installation means taking the time to ensure that every component of an AC unit is secure and functioning before leaving the premises. In addition, in-depth inspections of the AC unit’s location should be performed before it’s placed there. This can go a long way in preventing future issues with your HVAC systems. How does proper installation benefit me? Well, that’s […]

Did you know that approximately 50% of home heating fires occur from December to February? Heating issues might not seem all that common, but the truth is that overlooking some small problem could lead to a much bigger one. If you want to prevent major heating issues in your home this winter, you need to know how to spot common furnace issues. Here’s a short list of some of the most common furnace problems and what you can do about them to prevent a larger issue from surfacing. Dirty Filters If you notice poor air flow coming from your vents, it could be an issue of dirty or clogged filters. Newsflash: filters need to be changed at least once every few months to ensure they’re clean and allowing air to flow through unobstructed. Not only will this inhibit your furnace from functioning properly, it could damage the air quality in your home. Wear and Tear Furnaces get old, and just like any other piece of equipment used daily in your home, they can break down from age alone. Taking great care of your furnace doesn’t necessarily mean that it will go unaffected by age. If your furnace is getting up […]

If you’re someone who doesn’t enjoy the chilly days of winter, then a proper vacation is probably at the top of your to-do list this season. But be careful! Catching vacation fever might be great for you, but it’s definitely not great for your wallet. And, unfortunately, too many homeowners are wasting money on energy bills while they’re off on vacation. Here are a few things you absolutely need to remember before you leave for someplace sunny and warm this winter. Turn Your HVAC System Down Unless you have pets in your home, it’s a smart idea to limit the amount of heating and cooling services you use while on vacation. Properly storing your AC unit and preparing your furnace are crucial to saving on energy costs while you’re away. The thermostat in your home should be set to at least 50 degrees to keep pipes and other important appliances from freezing, but other than that, there’s no need to keep the heat at 70 degrees while you’re gone. Take Care of Your Pets You might be uncomfortable with the idea of placing your pet in a boarding facility during your vacation, but even having them stay with a relative […]

In the chilly winter months, you’ll likely choose to crank up the heat higher than usual. While this is common and encouraged to ensure that your pipes don’t freeze, hiking up the heat is one of the largest risks for house fires. Some of the best ways to prevent fires are to conserve your energy as much as possible. Here are some ways how: Use plastic to line any drafty windows. Not only do drafts cause 25% of all heat loss, they are also expensive to keep. It is useless to heat your home if your heat is escaping constantly anyway. Heating and cooling make up 48% of all home energy costs, so be sure to conserve energy as much as possible. Be careful when putting up the plastic, though. In the case of a house fire, your windows may be your best bet for an escape route. Make sure that you’re still able to open your windows after lining them with plastic. Did you know that portable space heaters cause around 70 deaths every year because of accidental fires? Never leave a portable space heater of any type unattended or running for longer than the recommended timeframe. Most space […]

Many people only associate HVAC systems with heating and air conditioning needs. But did you know that Pioneer Heating and Air also offers products and service for standby generators at home? A generator can provide you with electricity in the event of a power outage, often in the range of 8,000 to 22,000 watts. That’s enough to power an entire house, including the central heat and air conditioning units. Don’t get left out in the cold this winter — or any winter! Here are some of the top reasons why investing in a generator is a good idea, any time of year. Protect Perishable Items: What happens to the groceries in your refrigerator if the power goes out? They could go bad within hours. With a generator to kick in the energy needed to power your fridge, however, you can rest assured that they’ll be perfectly fine tomorrow. Avoid Flood Damage: Bad storms can bring more than just downed power lines. Make sure that your sump pump continues to run, even when the power is out, with a home generator for backup safety in the event of a potential flood. Stay Comfortable: If your heat turns off during a bad […]

Winter is here, which means your highest heating bills of the year are on their way, too. While it can be nice to have a toasty house, it’s not always nice to see the heating bill afterwards. Fortunately, there are ways to keep your house warm this winter without breaking the bank. Here are a few helpful tricks to keep the heating bills down this winter. Use the Sun The single biggest source of heat in the world is the sun. Why not use it to your advantage? If you keep your curtains open during the day, your house will naturally warm right up with the sun’s rays. Just don’t forget to close them again at night to keep that heat inside where it belongs. Bundle Up If you’re not wearing a sweater and socks, you need to put them on before you crank the heat. One of the easiest ways to save on that HVAC bill is to bundle up with scarves, hats, and sweaters! Cover Windows With Plastic Film If you can, buy plastic sheets to put over your windows. Most hardware stores sell special plastic film that can be applied with a common blow dryer. Not only […]

After one of the hottest summers of all time, it’s nice that we’re finally enjoying some fall weather. Football is on, baseball playoffs are heating up, we can wear jeans again, and a warm cup of coffee is so much better during the fall. This time of year, however, goes by seemingly in the blink of an eye, and we’ll soon be in the middle of winter, reminiscing those hot summer days. It’s important that homeowners maintain their HVAC systems in the fall before those chilling winter months make their way to us. You should have regular contact with a professional heating and air conditioning company throughout the year, but fall is one of the most important times to do so. Your AC unit made it through the summer, but now you have to make sure your heating HVAC system is working properly. If you’re just moving into a new home, contact installation experts who offer HVAC services so you can have a working system for the winter. If you’ve already been living there, though, you should know that fall is a great time to have your HVAC systems inspected. HVAC systems account for about half of the energy use […]

Even though summer is at its end, the heat will likely continue into October, at least for a little while. And while the summer heat is still here, chances are you might need to do a few repairs before you close up shop for the next season. Although two-thirds of all homes in the U.S. have AC units, not every repair is one that you can or should do yourself. For most end-of-season maintenance, you should find a licensed AC technician. Here’s how to find a great technician near you. Do Your Research Any important decision regarding your home requires a fair bit of research beforehand. Especially in technical areas, expertise is essential to ensure success. Familiarize yourself not only with information about your particular air conditioning system, but also with air conditioning companies in your area. Once you know what kind of system you’re working with, you can better determine what company to hire for their services. Ask Around Odds are that you know someone who has the same air conditioning unit as you do. If they have a company they trust with all of their maintenance needs, then there’s a good chance you’ll be able to use that […]

Although the summer heat is persistent, autumn is just around the corner. With the advent of autumn upon us, it’s time to start thinking about transitioning your HVAC system from summer functions to fall and winter. However, it’s not as simple as just turning the AC off. You should ease both your home and your air conditioning system into the next season. Here are four tips to help you make the switch as smooth as possible. Use Fans and Open Windows Now that the weather is starting to mellow out, you can at least turn the air conditioning unit to a lower setting. Once you do that, start using your ceiling fans a little bit more and opening windows. Not only does it take some of the burden off of your air conditioner, it allows your house to air out and stay fresh. Close the Blinds Although this is a great summer tactic to take strain off of your air conditioner, it works for just about any season. Approximately 25% of your home’s hot and cold air is lost through small cracks and holes, which means curtains and blinds are great energy savers. They not only keep the sun and […]

Two-thirds of all homes in the U.S. are equipped with air conditioners, but that doesn’t mean all of those homeowners know how to properly care for their air conditioners properly. Keeping your air conditioning unit in tip-top shape can feel like a big responsibility, but the reality is there are simple ways you can keep AC repair out of your future. Change Air Filters Monthly This simple piece of air conditioner maintenance is one of the most important because old, dirty air filters aren’t able to adequately filter your air. As a result, the air you breathe in your home won’t be quite as clean as it should, which can lead to everything from excess dust to serious respiratory problems. Continuing to use soiled air filters can also cause dirt and grime to build up in your ducts, which can lower the overall efficiency of your system and harbor microbes and mites that can multiply and get into the air in your home. It’s best to perform this task once every month. Keep Your Drain Line Clean As your air conditioning system pumps cold air through the house, condensation builds up in the system and drains through a series of […]

Although it’s only August, and you should be enjoying every second of the summer weather, it’s getting to that time where you should start thinking about preparing your home for the colder months. The summer is easy to prepare for; you just have to make sure your air conditioning is working properly. Preparing for the fall and winter, however, requires a little more work.

Two-thirds of all homes in the United States use air conditioners to stay cool in the summer. But like televisions, these appliances are so common that too many Americans simply take this luxury for granted. That is, until it stops working. So, what do you do when something goes wrong with your air conditioning unit? For instance, what happens when it starts blowing warm air instead of cold? You’re not trained in AC repair, so any mechanical problem might leave you feeling frustrated and helpless. Don’t sweat it. There might be an easy fix, so take a deep breath and look over the following helpful hints. If you still can’t figure it out, reach out to a reliable air conditioning company to give you a hand. Three Possible Reasons Your Air Conditioning Unit is Blowing Warm Air Your thermostat isn’t set correctly. Now, before you roll your eyes, read on. It’s a simple mistake and is actually more common than you might think. You probably already checked, but take another look. Is the fan set to “On” or “Auto”? If it is set to “On,” you may have discovered the problem. “On” means that the fan will continue to run […]

Homeowners have a lot to worry about every day of the year. There are always little things that go wrong inside the home or outside on the property. It can become overwhelming when some of the major issues arise throughout the year. Changing of the seasons is something that homeowners certainly have to prepare for. Homes that do nothing as the months go by will see an increase in damage, stress, and expenses. Even if you think you’re saving money on maintenance and installation costs, if you don’t do anything to prepare your home for the summer or winter months ahead, you’re going to be in trouble. The summer months are now here and homeowners — hopefully — are looking to prepare their homes for the hot heat of the summer. Installing an air conditioner can be done by the homeowner, but it is not recommended. A heating and air conditioning company should be consulted for the best installation. Pioneer Heating and Air can provide proper HVAC installation and maintenance in any home. Installing an air conditioner unit in one individual room is relatively easy, but installing an entire cooling system throughout a home is a little more complicated. Leave […]

While two-thirds of all homes in the U.S. have an air conditioner or HVAC system, a vast majority of Americans are spending way more money on cooling costs than they should. As it is, Americans spend around $11 billion on air conditioners per year. And during their use, they emit a ton of unwanted carbon dioxide into the air — 100 million tons and two tons for each home annually. That being said, no one wants their air conditioner to cost them money and cost the environment its beauty and safety. Luckily, Pioneer has some excellent tips that will help you to stay cool and save money, all while protecting the environment. Weatherize Your Home Older homes often have poor insulation, making it more difficult to keep them cool during the summer. In fact, 25% of your home’s heating and cooling is lost through holes and cracks in your home. That being said, make sure to bulk up your home’s insulation as part of total home weatherization. Additionally, seal your ducts, as leaking ducts can account for 25% of a cooling bill. Finally, make sure all windows and doors are properly sealed and have ample shading to keep the heat […]

When the heat of the summer kicks in, one thing is for certain: you need your air conditioner to work. Unfortunately, the idle time air conditioners spend not in use over the long fall, winter, and spring causes it to collect leaves and debris, among a slew of other issues. That’s why as soon as spring rolls around, it’s time to start thinking about maintaining your air conditioning system. If you don’t take care of the necessary repairs and maintenance checks, you might have to end up calling in an emergency air conditioning service. And while this is indeed a viable option, you don’t want to leave this maintenance to the last minute. That being said, check out these four tips that will help your air conditioning unit stay in tip top shape come summertime: Clean or Replace Your Filters While two-thirds of all homes have air conditioners, people often forget how important it is to change your filter once per month. If not, air flow becomes restricted, effectively reducing efficiency and increasing the risk of airborne allergies. Clean the Condenser Coil Air conditioning system’s condenser units are typically located outdoors and look like a large fan in a metal […]

With the warmer months approaching, it is easy to be reminded of the comforts an air conditioning unit can bring. Over two-thirds of American homes that have air conditioner with heating and cooling account for 48% of the energy used in a typical U.S home, making it the largest energy expense for homeowners. With air conditioning being so popular in American culture, it makes you think about how people coped with the sweltering weather before air conditioning units were invented. Here are some ways our ancestors dealt with the hot weather in the olden days. The oldest method of home climate control is living underground. Cave dwellers would benefit from a cool 50 degrees Fahrenheit temperature year round. This approach included split-level dwellings with spacious basements built into a hillside. Air conditioning was invented in 1902 as a way to control the air quality in large buildings. The positive effects on the workers were incidental and didn’t become prevalent in American homes until after World War II with the age of suburban tract housing. More recently, architects have been using thick stone, adobe, or brick when creating homes and buildings. Rooms were also designed to have higher ceilings as the […]

Whether you’ve just bought a new home or have lived there for decades, one of your top priorities throughout the year should be keeping up with your heating and air conditioning. HVAC is truly the backbone of your home, and your family will be quite uncomfortable if the furnace or AC fails at the wrong time. With the help of an experienced air conditioning contractor, you can get the inspections, repairs, tips, and tricks you need to get the most out of your HVAC system. Unfortunately, repairing an air conditioning is not exactly a “DIY” job, which is why it’s so important to find an experienced company to perform maintenance and other services. Before you get in touch with a trusted heating and air conditioning company, you should prepare a list of questions to make sure you’re doing all the right things as a homeowner. Here are just a few examples of the key questions that you should be asking an experienced air conditioning contractor: How often should I be getting an inspection? Efficient HVAC systems require maintenance inspections twice a year. Generally speaking, you should get your HVAC systems inspected once in the spring (before the hot season) and […]

A reliable air conditioning company has the tools and expertise you need to stay cool when the weather gets hot. From round the clock air conditioning repair to lowering your monthly energy bills, a professional air conditioner contractor can drastically enhance your entire HVAC system just in time for summer. Unfortunately, not all air conditioning services are made alike, so you need to be on the lookout for a reliable air conditioning company. Here are just three of the many ways that an experienced AC company can help your family stay nice and cozy during a heat wave: Inspections Before you can even turn your AC on for the summer, you absolutely need to bring in a reliable air conditioning company to inspect your HVAC systems. Efficient HVAC systems require maintenance inspections twice a year — once in the spring (before the hot season) and again in the fall (before the cooler weather rolls in.) Aside from efficiency, it can also be a safety hazard if your HVAC system is not properly inspected by a professional. Cleaning/repairs After your inspection is complete, your AC expert may see a few parts that are getting old or have begun to deteriorate since […]

Did you know that according to the National Institutes of Health, over 50% of Americans have at least one allergy? Most often, people are allergic to airborne particles, such as pollen or dust, which can make avoidance difficult. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s 2016 spring allergy report, Knoxville ranks as the United States’ No. 9 “most challenging place to live with spring allergies.” What else should you know, considering that “allergy season” is quickly approaching? Here are a few interesting facts. 1. It’s Not Cat Hair You Hate If you’re allergic to an animal, fur isn’t the actual issue — it’s the dander from the pet’s skin and their saliva. If you live with pets, groom them frequently to prevent yourself from coming in contact with these allergens. You should also clean furniture surfaces frequently, as this is often where animal allergens will settle. A good air conditioning system, especially one combined with a HEPA filter, will also help to keep various allergens out of the air, allowing you to breathe easy. If you get a high efficiency HVAC system, you can reduce your energy use by 50%! 2. Opening the Window in Spring Don’t leave your […]

In the frigid winter months, it’s important to realize that the heating system in your home can go out when you least expect it, either from inclement weather conditions or from a technical glitch in the system. Your heating system is never more important than during the coldest months of winter, and this is — unfortunately — also when most homeowners experience problems with their HVAC systems. Many of these issues are simply due to a lack of maintenance, but others can be easily avoided with some simple preventative measures and with regular HVAC repairs. Here are just a few of the most common heating system problems homeowners experience during the winter — plus some tips on how to avoid these problems! A dirty filter. If you use your heating and air conditioning system a lot during the winter and summer months, you’ll likely find that the filter gets dirtier than when you aren’t relying on your HVAC system so much. Dirty filters can cause a reduction in air flow, which means that your furnace has to work twice as hard to keep your home at the right temperature. It’s recommended that you check these filters at least once a […]

Now that winter is finally starting to settle in, you’ve probably already heard that it’s time to have your heating system inspected twice a year for air quality and system efficiency… But another important tip to keep in mind is the importance of having a backup generator! Having a generator in the summertime is probably more a matter of convenience so that your air conditioning unit can continue running, but in the wintertime when it’s freezing outside, having heat is of the utmost importance. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider buying a generator — before it gets too cold out! For a backup heating source This is probably the most obvious point, and it’s also the most important one. You’ll want to know the phone number of a reliable heating repair service in case your home heating system breaks down, but no heating repair services or emergency air repair technician can get your heating and air conditioning system running if the power goes out! A backup generator can actually be a lifesaving piece of equipment. To continue running your business Maybe you operate a small store in town, or maybe you work as a freelancer from […]

Is it Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner? Air conditioning units are a necessity for many homeowners, as it helps them feel comfortable in their own homes during the warmer months. However, there are a variety of things that can happen to your unit that causes it to work improperly. While air conditioning repair is possible, repair costs start to add up. Eventually, the unit will just need to be replaced. But how do you know when to replace? Here are a few signs that your unit may be seeing its final days. Age While air conditioning units have a typical lifespan between 10 and 15 years old, an older air conditioner is much more prone to inefficiency or malfunction. If your air conditioning unit has been running for longer than 10 years, it may be time to start looking for replacement. Newer, more efficient models will be able to take care of all your air conditioning needs while saving you money on your energy bills. Fluctuating Temperatures If your air conditioning unit seems to fluctuate between temperatures, rather than just keeping a consistent cool, it may by a sign that your unit is working improperly. Inconsistencies in temperature can […]

As the weather this week reminds us, we need to be ready for severe weather. There are many measures you can take to prepare for severe weather and power outages. These include stocking up on non-perishable food items, keeping plenty of flashlights and fresh batteries, having plenty of blankets and warm clothes, and keeping an emergency kit with clothes and supplies ready to grab if you must leave your house. The federal government has even developed a Website to assist families in planning for emergencies (http://www.ready.gov/). Yet, the best emergency preparation may be having an automatic standby generator installed. One of the best things about having a standby generator is peace of mind. Record lows are being set this week, high winds are developing, and another round of snow and ice is set to move in tonight through tomorrow morning. Any of these weather elements may cause additional power outages over a broad swath of East Tennessee, which is a major concern for us all. However, families whose homes have an automatic standby generator can be secure in the knowledge that if electrical lines are downed, they will still have power. Automatic standby generators are self-activating, coming on seconds after […]

Pioneer Heating and Air President Gordy Noe, who is also president of the Knoxville Chapter of the Plumbing – Heating – Cooling Contractors Association, gets excited every time he talks about a new pilot program that Pioneer, PHCC and other organizations are sponsoring. And these days, that new Ride and Decide Pilot Program for high schoolers is something Gordy is talking about everywhere he goes. “I can’t go anywhere where someone doesn’t ask me about it, and once I start talking about it, I can’t shut up,” he says with a laugh. That’s because it’s a promising concept, offering high school students the opportunity to try working in different skilled trade industries over summer break. Since he became president of the PHCC a year and a half ago, Gordy and other members have been looking for ways to revive flagging interest in vocational training programs. Last summer, as Gordy welcomed in a high school student to work at Pioneer Heating and Air – something he has done periodically over the years – it occurred to him that this was the program model they wanted. I said to myself, ‘This is what high school kids are missing,’” Gordy explains. “Bring them […]

During summertime in the South, especially in East Tennessee, the atmosphere can grow steamy. Even indoors with the air conditioner running, the air can sometimes become sticky. But the relative humidity is important for personal comfort –high heat combined with high humidity hampers your skin’s evaporation rate and makes you feel sweaty. That’s one reason why it’s important to keep the humidity in your home lower than 60% – preferably 30-50% – in the summer. So if the air in your house is feeling a bit muggy, here are four ways to lower the humidity. Check for leaks. A simple way to decrease humidity in your home is to seal any leaks in exterior walls and surfaces. Visually inspect windowsills and doorframes and hold your hand near them to detect any air currents. Replace worn weather-stripping and caulk or otherwise fill any cracks to keep your air-conditioned, dehumidified air inside. Also, check how well-sealed your clothes dryer’s exhaust pipe and vent are. This is one humidity source that homeowners often forget to periodically review. But if your dryer vent is leaking inside the house, it’s adding a lot of heat and humidity to the atmosphere. So make sure its exhaust […]

Has this ever happened to you? After a hard day’s work, you drive home through the steamy summer evening haze and walk into the house – expecting to feel the refreshing flow of cool air from your vents – only to find that your AC unit has broken down, and it’s 90 degrees inside. Is there anything more maddening? Although East Tennessee is experiencing a cool snap right now, long-range forecasts project us to have another hotter than usual summer. That means high demand on your air conditioning unit is rapidly approaching. Given that this winter was one of the coldest (and longest!) in recent memory, your HVAC unit has already endured a long period of heavy use. And with the long interval since your air conditioning has run, electrical connections could have loosened, condensate lines could have become blocked, coils could have gathered dirt and other maintenance concerns may have arisen. These kinds of issues can inhibit your air conditioner’s operation. And if your AC unit isn’t working at peak efficiency, your utility bill will swell when the summer heat arrives. So it’s important that you have your unit checked before the really severe heat sets in. At Pioneer […]

Some engineered systems are designed to “run to failure,” meaning they are allowed to operate until they fail, and then they undergo maintenance. But for most engineered systems we deal with in everyday life, “run to failure” is an expensive option. Instead, we perform preventive maintenance on them, checking their operating efficiency, correcting any problems and replacing parts, as needed. For example, cars require periodic upkeep, including oil changes, filter replacements, and other, standard preventive maintenance. If you skip these tune-ups, you’ll soon find yourself in the market for a new car. If you have preventive maintenance done on your car regularly, why wouldn’t you do the same for your home’s air conditioner, which, according to www.energystar.gov, accounts for half of the average house’s energy costs? But if you are still skeptical, just ask yourself these questions: Do I want to save money on my utility bills? Do I want my air conditioner to operate at peak efficiency? Do I want to avoid costly air conditioning breakdowns at the height of summer? Do I want my current air conditioner to last as long as possible? Do I want my home’s air quality to be at its best?  Assuming you answered […]

The most important part of HVAC upkeep is maintaining unrestricted air flows. Dust, dirt and debris are an HVAC system’s worst enemies. Whether it’s an indoor or outdoor unit, you must keep all filters clean and heat exchangers and coils free of restrictions.   We recommend that your heating and cooling system be checked and serviced twice a year (ideally, a tune-up in spring and autumn). Such regular maintenance will ensure that your system is operating efficiently, with problems like leaks in the heat exchanger, dust and debris in the blower compartment or bent coils addressed, and that it is functioning safely, free of natural gas or carbon monoxide leaks.   Also, we recommend that you change or clean your filters once a month. However, your frequency may vary depending on a number of factors, such as air quality in your area, your sensitivity to air quality (e.g., allergies), whether you keep indoor pets, the age your home, the type of HVAC system you own and the type of filter you use.   If you are sensitive to dust, mold and other potential airborne pollutants, you may want to change your filters more frequently. Likewise, homes with indoor pets or […]