Save Money on Heating Costs by Sealing Doors

Posted on January 25, 2012 by admin

Las Vegas can get pretty  chilly in the winter months and your heating unit becomes just as critical as your air conditioner in the summer. Everyone is always looking for ways to save on their energy bills or how to make their home more energy efficient with out spending a fortune. One of the best things you can do to your home for the winter and summer months is to seal doors and windows. Weather sealing doors and windows will help keep the heat in your home and the cold outside and will keep your heating unit from working harder than necessary.  You can purchase rubber sealing strips at any hardware or home improvement store and they are easy to install.

When sealing and weather proofing doors grab a screw driver and tighten any loose hinges or door handles or knobs. Loose door knobs can let in quite a bit of cold in the winter. Test the bottom and frame of the door for leaks by grabbing a blow dryer or fan and moving it across the bottom and up the hinges on one side of the door and have someone feel for areas that air is passing thru. Now that you have identified the leaks, take your weather strips and place them in the door jams. Now repeat the test you previously did with a blow dryer or fan.

Weather stripping windows depends on how the window was installed. Is the window a double hung or casement type of window. Once that is determined you can find the appropriate strips at your hardware store. There will be instructions on the package on how to install or visit the website of the brand you purchased for more instructions or tips for installation. Once you install the weather proofing strips in your windows and doors you will eliminate any draft or cold air that seeps into your home keeping your home warmer.

 

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Learning the Plumbing Basics

Posted on January 18, 2012 by admin

There are many things told and taught about plumbing basics. Undoubtedly, plumbing is the most common service performed in homes across america.  There are many people who do not understand the basics of plumbing and don’t mind spending the money for a plumber to come out and fix even the smallest plumbing problem. Most people are far to busy with the day to day of work and family obligations to want to take the time to learn the plumbing basics. However there are those people out there that enjoy learning the basics for any type of handyman work they can perform around their home.

Knowing a few basics about plumbing is a great skill to have especially in a plumbing emergency. Plumbing is composed of 2 main types of pipes, pipes delivering clean water and pipes removing waste and dirty water. It is important to take a look at all of your pipes and determine where the main shut off valve is located. Then identify where the individual stop valves are on your pipes for sinks, bath tubs, toilets etc. When a pipe bursts you will want to use the main shut off valve immediately to prevent as much water damage as possible. It is also a great idea to regularly check your pipes for any leaks.

 

Water from the primary supply is ready for instant use for cold water. However for the storage of hot water, there is a specific pipe that delivers water from the primary supply to the water heater. The water heater than heats the water up to the temperature it is set at and when the hot water valve on a faucet is turned the heated water is delivered to that specific sink, tub, shower or appliance.

 

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Maintaining the Thermostat of an Air Conditioning Unit

Posted on December 6, 2011 by admin

An air conditioning system is one of the most necessary devices to have in your home in Las Vegas due to the extreme heat we experience. Air conditioning units are comprised of many parts that need to function correctly to produce cold air. Maintaining the thermostat on your air-conditioning unit is vital to keep the whole system working properly. It won’t be a difficult or burdensome task if you folllow the guidelines mentioned below. First of all, you will need to locate where the thermostat is located in unit.. It is most commonly located behind the control panel of the air conditioning system.

Next, remove the grille and control panel from unit. The thermostat has s special sensing bulb attached to it; this part extends from thermostat into evaporator coil area. Its role is to sense temperature, which is controlled by the thermostat. Now, you should remove thermostat carefully and note where you removed if from because you must return the sensing bulb to the same spot. To make the replacement easier, mark the location of bulb before you remove thermostat.

Check the thermostat with VOM set to RX1 scale. Clip probes of tester to thermostat terminals, and turn temperature control dial to coldest setting. If meter reads zero, thermostat is functioning properly. If reading is higher than zero, replace thermostat with new one of same type. If thermostat is held to control panel or frame with screws, clips, or metal tabs, connect new thermostat the same way the old one was connected. The point to remember is that if the thermostat has more than two lead wires connected to it do not try to test or replace it. Instead, call a professional repair company, Elite Heating Cooling and Plumbing at (702) 263-2665.

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Tips for Repairing a Refrigerator Door Gasket

Posted on November 7, 2011 by admin

A door gasket is the rubber lining around the refrigerator door. If you notice your refrigerator seems to be running less efficiently the first thing you should check it the door gasket. Door gaskets will form cracks or becomes hard over time. The best way to test the door gasket is to take a piece of paper and place it around the edge of the refrigerator and close the door. If the piece of paper falls out the gasket is loose needs to be replaced. If the paper stays trying pulling on the paper if there is no resistance the gasket should also be replaced. Repeat this test in a few different sections of the refrigerator door.

When replacing the gasket, purchase the specific gasket for the make and model of refrigerator you own.  Soak the gasket in warm water to help make it easier to mold and work with. Now you must take off the old gasket. Depending on the make or model of your refrigerator you may be attached by an adhesive, screws or clips. Remove one side at a time and be careful not to pry to hard on the clips and risk damaging them. Use a putty knife to remove if the gasket is attached with an adhesive. Then clean the entire area thoroughly with soap and water. Now you can install the new gasket. Start at one side of the door and work down and over. Ensure the new one is free of any lumps, bumps, or loose edges. Then all you need to do is fasten the gasket with the clips or adhesive.

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Tips to help you find the best AC Repair Company

Posted on October 14, 2011 by admin

Looking for a great AC repair las vegas company? Though there are a number of quality AC repair companies available, it’s important that you findone that is best suited for your needs. With the demand for AC repair mounting everyday and not to mention so many companies to choose from, it’sdefinitely not an easy task to locate the best service provider. Now it’s obvious that every company will claim to be ‘the best’ but we should know better. Don’t be lured by lucrative discounts and offers. When you find a company that sounds ‘too good to be true’ don’t forget to check and then cross check. Always make your selection wisely, after all air conditioning is an essential part of your home. Remember, what you need is not only an experienced but also an efficient service provider.

Firstly,before you start looking for a repair company check to see if your equipment is still under the warranty period or not. If yes then all you have to do is call the customer care line to get the unit repaired. Unfortunately if your units warranty period has expired then it’s time to look for a repair company.

Next, make a list of all the companies in your area that can service your AC unit. Then begin your research with a quick background check, find out about the kind of services they provide and don’t forget to compare their fees. The objective here is not to just to find a good company but also to ensure that they offer qualified technicians who can efficiently attend to all your requirements.

Also make sure you check out the companies website as well as search the Internet for customer reviews and testimonials. Check out directory sites that are specific for contractors like angieslist.com and judysbook.com. These steps will help you make the best choice when hiring an AC Repair Company.

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Easy tips for hiring an HVAC Contractor

Posted on September 17, 2011 by admin

Are you looking for a HVAC contractor? If yes make sure to choose the best one. Remember there are many companies in the market and when one doesn’t know what to look for that’s when things can get complicated. What you want is an experienced and a trustworthy cooling and heating las vegas contractor.

Here are a few tips to help you choose so that you can hire the best one.

The best way is to seek recommendations from friends and family. Ask friends and family if they have any HVAC contractors they have used recently used and had a great experience with. But it’s always a must for you to do your own research. No two people are the same therefore what they had liked about that company may not be able to impress you as much or be what you are looking for.

Ask for references and don’t forget to make the calls. Talking to past clients will help reveal a lot about the company. Also, don’t hesitate to ask as many questions as possible especially the important questions about their work. What you need to know is whether or not they deliver work on time. You need to know about their quality of service, how reliable they are and what are their negative points. Find out about their charges and compare them with that of other contractors. If it’s a lot less than the competition you need to know why and if it’s too high find out why. Carry out the same research for some other companies as well. Don’t just settle for anyone. There is a reason behind going through all the trouble of finding about the companies.

Make sure you choose licensed and insured contractors. Remember to verify these documents.  Always opt for professional technicians who are well trained and certified. There are number of tasks involved here so find out if the company that you want to hire is well equipped or not.

It’s best to choose a reputed company that which is very well recognized. They are not only experienced but also guarantee high quality services. You can also select from a number of award winning companies.

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Tips to Clean the Evaporator at Home

Posted on August 30, 2011 by admin

Without a doubt, your air conditioner Las vegas is one of the most important appliances that you have at your home. A single glitch in this air conditioning system is enough to help you realize your dependence on this appliance. In fact, every household in the country can’t afford to do without their air conditioning systems in the summer heat. How long do you normally take to call up a technician when they break down?

There are times when your air conditioning system breaks down at odd hours. If you are lucky there is a 24 hour repair service in your area, but many people will not have that luxury. They have to wait until a repair service is open to call. The best option to avoid emergency repairs is to  keep your central air conditioning system maintained and to service it regularly. The more you keep it maintained the more you are going to make most of the appliance. There will not be  a need to call a technician at odd hours. All central air conditioning systems have evaporators which contribute to the proper functioning functioning of the system. Situated above the furnace in the plenum, they are required to be cleaned and serviced regularly. If your evaporator is foil-wrapped insulation then you can clean it. However, if it is a sealed sheet metal box you should not even attempt to open it. Let us examine a couple of tips to clean your accessible evaporator at home.

First of all, you should ensure that you have your foil-wrapped insulation removed at the front of plenum. If it is taped remove it carefully so that you can replace it back later. You will spot an access plate behind the insulation. You are required to take off the plate by removing the screws. Now, clean the entire underside of the evaporator unit. You can even use a hand mirror to carefully see what you are doing. You can even slide the evaporator out but make sure that you don’t bend pipes. The next step is to clean tray below the evaporator unit. You should pour 1 tablespoon of household bleach into the hole in tray to prevent fungus growth. You should also check the condensation drain and pan every other day in humid weather conditions. Now put  the unit back into place, reinstall the plate and the tape insulation back as mentioned earlier. Lastly, turn back on the air conditioner and check for leaks. If you happen to find any leaks then tape it.

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Posted on July 13, 2011 by admin

Heating and cooling appliances have become integral part of our lives. In the last two decades, the sales of both heating and cooling appliances have seen a huge increase. The increase in popularity of these appliances has generated several misconceptions and myths. These myths have blurred the true picture of the significance of the appliances. Hence, it is important to acknowledge the facts of such HVAC appliances and how to use them correctly.

HVAC or Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning industry has worked diligently to debunk the myths associated with their industry. Apparently, the misconceptions continue to undermine the industry. The most common myth is that people believe that new construction warranty will take care of their HVAC equipment. But in fact, new construction warranty covers defects in material and installation only.

Air filter changes, fan belt inspections and changes, and lubrication are the owner’s responsibility. If you do not perform proper maintenance on your unit then you have to realize that it could cause damage to the equipment or lead to expensive emergency repairs. Some people believe that after repair their existing HVAC equipment works fine. However, it is not true. In order to determine the condition and efficiency of the equipment, you are need to get it inspected by a qualified HVAC technician. Scheduled Preventative Maintenance (PM) inspections will insure peak performance of your equipment and the ability of the equipment to last through out the expected life span.

Another myth is that people consider the cost of preventative maintenance to be too expensive. On the contrary PM contractors are less expensive than you think.  Equipment downtime, customer and/or employee discomfort or worse, equipment failure can cost ten times that of a good PM contractor. Finally, some people also believe that their HVAC equipment does not cost that much in energy costs to operate. HVAC equipment is expensive to operate. The average business owner spends 45% to 50% of the yearly utility costs on heating and cooling. Lighting consumes another 30% to 35% while computers, electronics, and data systems consume the remainder. Getting proper preventative maintenance can help your HVAC unit run as energy efficiently as possible.

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AC Installation Tips

Posted on June 21, 2011 by admin

An air conditioner, as the name suggests, not only provides a cooler and a comfortable environment for your home, but also provides “conditioned” air for a healthy living. In some regions, temperatures reach around 120 degrees fahrenheit or more, and in such extreme heat an air conditioning unit is a necessity.

Installing an AC is in itself a laborious job, which requires certain amount of expertise and knowledge. Installing an AC unit should not be left in the hands of an amateur, or it may end up damaging your AC unit and causing it to not function properly. However these tips may be beneficial if you are thinking about installing an AC unit.

First you can avoid any unnecessary waste of time, money and energy by installing the AC unit correctly. The amount of energy that the AC will consume is considerable, and should be installed in an area with sufficient wiring and power supply. Also the main power source should be turned off while installing the unit as to prevent electric shock.

Most ACs on the market comes in various shapes and sizes, be sure to measure the area the unit will be installed at so you purchase a unit that will properly fit. Generally, older units are to be fitted on external brackets. Modern ones are supported on window sill-mounted supports. If the units are not installed properly, the machine may become  loose and fall, which can damage the unit as well as injure a person or object below. If the window sill doesn’t seem strong enough to support the unit you need to look for a better spot.

Then you may need the help of another person to lift the AC Unit inside the bracket once it is in place and screwed in properly to the window sill. Once inside there is a locking mechanism that locks the machine into place, which secures it.

Next you will need to seal the room where the AC will be working as it will increase the effectiveness and the life of your AC unit. If external hot air keeps mixing with the cool air, the AC has to work even harder to keep the room cool and that adds to the pressure on the machine. You will also need to locate and install a drainage hose exit from the AC and place the hose where the water can escape the unit and your home, you definitely want to prevent a pool of water from forming in the house. Most ACs will come with hoses for that purpose, if not you can buy one from a hardware store.

We, at Elite Heating and Cooling, provide AC installation solutions at competitive and affordable prices along with one of the best customer service and customer satisfaction one can provide. Call us today for your Air Conditioner installation or repair needs.

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Save your out goings by knowing tips on Heating

Posted on May 24, 2011 by admin

The television and web are full of suggestions to help you cut down energy costs, but more often than not it requires you to spend money to save money. Hence, for most people spending money on major home improvisation schemes to make their homes better energy conservator doesn’t really figure in their annual plan. With the beginning of winter every year the concern of rising heating cost starts tormenting the common man.

Not to worry you still have options which wouldn’t really eat into your pockets. You wouldn’t have to spend a fortune to cut your heating costs. Here, you will find a few tips on how to curtail your energy bills without breaking the bank. Follow some of these simple tips which we should have thought of much earlier, and bid adieu to the overtly shocking electricity bills.

Turn the heat down at night and when the home is empty. Turning it down to 60 at night or while you’re away would make a huge difference. Keeping it 70 degrees when you’re either sleeping or out of the house for more than 12 hours a day doesn’t really make sense. The thermostat can be manually adjusted for free.

Shut down the vents going to rooms that aren’t regularly used for example the guest room that stays vacant most of the time. By doing so, you can easily save 100-200 square feet off of energy footprint.

Roaming around the house in shorts and a tank top during winter doesn’t make much sense. Winter is supposed to be cold, so act accordingly even at home. Wear a sweater or sweatshirt, socks and fuzzy slippers. Wrap yourself up in a comfortable blanket while watching TV, reading or chit-chatting with friends. Spread rugs on hardwood and tile floors to eliminate the shock of the ice cold surfaces. It doesn’t cost much to wear warm clothes inside and by doing so one can keep the temperature inside the house a few degrees cooler and save a lot.

You don’t use all doors and windows at home so seal the windows and doors that are going to remain unused. The window kits cost around $5 per window. These can help you eliminate drafts to keep the heat inside. If you don’t afford the kits or plastic sheeting then hanging blankets to help insulate isn’t really a bad idea. A bit of creativity would help you prevent it from looking shabby.

All these tips arise out of common sense, and wouldn’t take more than a few minutes and maybe a few dollars to apply. To be very honest these techniques won’t save you thousands, but they would definitely help you save as much as possible.

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