The Benefits of Going Solar in Bellevue

May 9th, 2014

Solar power used to run a home once existed only in science fiction. But the technology is here, today, and more accessible than you may believe. More homes have joined in the solar energy revolution and reaped the enormous benefits this power source provides.

To schedule solar installation in Bellevue, WA you only have to reach as far as the phone: call Sound Heating, where we take pride in the variety of solar power services we provide—from installation to maintenance to repair. We are committed to helping the environment and helping you reduce the amount you pay to power your home.

The Advantages of Using Solar Power In Your Home

  • Rock-bottom energy bills: Solar power systems change the radiant energy of the sun into electricity to power a home; the systems themselves use only a small amount of external electricity from the power company (and some use none at all). The energy of the sun itself is free, so aside from the minimal amount of electricity from the power grid, you won’t pay anything to run your home. Even though a solar energy set-up costs more to install for a home than standard electrical one, it soon pays for itself. Nothing beats free when it comes to energy.
  • Increase your home’s value: The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory conducted a study of homes using solar power and found that when a home adds a solar power system, it increases the home’s resale value by $5.50 per watt on average, and sometimes going as high as $6.40 per watt. This means that a home’s solar power system of 3.1kW can add $17,000 to the value of the house. Other studies have found that homes with solar energy induce buyers: homes sell 15% faster on average than homes with standard power systems.
  • Clean, renewable energy: Not only is the power from the sun free, you can never use it up. As long as the sun burns at the center of our solar system, we will have its power available to us. Solar power reduces our dependency on limited energy resources like fossil fuels. Solar power also reduces greenhouse gases. The average U.S. home generates 7.4 tons of carbon dioxide each year; solar power generates almost none.

If you don’t think you are ready for a major solar installation, you can start small with a less expensive and space-consuming appliance like a solar water heater. But we think that once you discover the benefits of a single solar power system, you will want to expand your use of the sun’s free energy.

Talk to our Bellevue, WA solar installation professionals at Sound Heating today. They will find the best way to hook up your home to harness the clean and efficient energy of the sun.

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The Importance of Air Conditioning Maintenance?

April 28th, 2014

Spring has arrived, and here in Olympia, air conditioning systems are being dusted off in preparation for another warm summer. Before temperatures get too warm, you might consider scheduling maintenance for your cooling system, designed to clean off the dust, recharge refrigerant levels and spot potential trouble issues for later repair. Some people consider such a service a waste of money, but nothing could be further from the truth. What’s the importance of air conditioning maintenance? We have drawn up a list of some of the bigger benefits.

Improved efficiency. Dust and dirt can increase friction on moving parts. Loose components rattle in their housings and waste energy in the process. Low refrigerant levels rob the system of its ability to do its job. A maintenance session addresses all of these things, helping your air conditioner perform more efficiently and lowering your monthly cooling bills in the process.

Longevity and reduced risk of repairs. In addition to helping your system perform more efficiently, a maintenance session lowers the overall strain on your system. That means that internal components will last longer and the chances of a breakdown will be reduced as well.

Flexibility. Maintenance sessions anticipate potential repairs before they become a big issue. Not only does that let you stop a big problem while it’s still a small one, but it gives you the luxury to set repair sessions when you want rather than when circumstances dictate. If you wait for a bigger breakdown, it might take place during a heat wave or similarly inconvenient time: forcing you to scramble rather than setting the schedule at a point that’s convenient to your life.

The importance of air conditioning maintenance cannot be underestimated, and in Olympia, air conditioning systems invariably benefit from timely service. The Olympia air conditioning specialists at Sound Hetaing provide quality air conditioning maintenance, as well as repair and installation sessions for more serious undertakings. If you want your system to perform at its peak this summer, then pick up the phone and give us a call today. You’ll be glad you did!

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Benefits of Installing a High Efficiency Heater

April 16th, 2014

Heaters wear out, just like any other appliance, and lack of efficiency is often a determining factor in deciding to replace an older heater. High efficiency heaters are a sound investment, but they often cost more than lower efficiency heater, which means you need to think about the advantages carefully before you pull the trigger. When you do, our heating service technicians in Olympia ready to do the job, but you need to understand the benefits of installing a high efficiency heater first.

The biggest advantages lies in cost: high efficiency heaters will to the job quicker and more readily than other types, which means they won’t run as long and will save you considerable amounts of money in monthly heating costs as a result. Over time, it may even cover the cost of installation, and because the heater can do the job more efficiently, you can probably use a less powerful (and less expensive) unit to do a perfect job. On top of all of that, high efficiency units put less strain on their components, helping the heater as a whole to last longer and reducing the risk of serious repairs during its lifetime.

Efficiency can be measured with the heater’s AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating. It’s a simple measurement, listing the percentage of the total consumed energy that actually goes into heating your home. The higher the rating, the more efficient the unit, and a trained heating technician can help size the new heater to properly fit your home.

For more on the benefits of installing a high efficiency heater, or for general heating services in Olympia, then call upon the heating system experts at Sound Heating to help. We’ll discuss all your options with you and size your home properly, then find the right heater for your needs and budget. High efficiency heating systems will save you money and make an environmentally friendly choice as well. Our trained professionals know all the ins and outs, and we won’t rest until you are completely satisfied with our work. Contact us today to make an appointment!

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How to Prevent Solar Repair Sessions

April 9th, 2014

Continual advances in solar technology have made the free power of the sun available to more and more homeowners. Solar power isn’t perfect, however. For all their major benefits, the photovalic cells of solar energy systems can sustain damage and require repairs or replacements. They need less repair work than systems with extensive mechanical parts, such as furnaces, but any problems they encounter need to be taken seriously with professional repair work.

We’ll show you some ways you can prevent needing to call for repairs for your solar energy system. But in the event that you do need solar repair service in Puyallup, WA, you can count on Sound Heating to come to your rescue. We have 24-hour emergency service available for your peace of mind.

How to keep your solar panels from needing repairs

The major concern with solar energy systems are the solar panels on the roof. Although built for durability (the cells contain no moving parts and most have an expected lifespan of more than 20 years according the U.S. Department of Energy), these panels can still suffer damage from weather conditions an aging. Heavy rain is a particular concern in the Puget Sound Area. The best way to make sure that the cells will not sustain water damage is with regular maintenance from solar energy professionals. It’s important to have a yearly inspection to discover places where cracking is occurring in the glass covering the cells (which can sometimes suffer damage due to hail or debris blown from high winds) that will allow rain water inside.

Maintenance will also look for dust and dirt that might interfere with the electrical relays from the panels. The Department of Energy estimates that solar energy systems for homes require about 16 hours per year of maintenance to keep them from breaking down. Although you could try some of the maintenance on your own, most of this will consist of basic cleaning of the glass surfaces. Have professionals take care of a good chunk of the time needed each year to keep the cells in their best shape and out of danger of needing serious repairs.

Maintenance is the key

You can’t do more to protect your solar cells that wouldn’t involve covering them up, which would destroy their effectiveness. To keep away repair needs, you should instead rely on regular professional maintenance. An annual maintenance job is not expensive, and it costs much less than the price of replacing damaged solar cells. You should still do some basic cleaning as well, but leave the rest to the experts.

Contact Sound Heating to schedule your annual visit for maintenance so you won’t need to later make an emergency call for solar repair in Puyallup, WA.

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Reasons to go Solar in Puyallup

April 9th, 2014

We don’t usually think of solar technology as a viable option here in Washington. Cloud cover is a way of life, and in the past, that often meant that solar panels just weren’t viable as an energy source. But that’s not the case today. Technological advancements mean that local homeowners can take full advantage of the benefits offered by solar technology, and here in Puyallup, solar installation companies are standing by to help you. Here are a few great reasons to go solar in Puyallup.

Solar installation is one of the staples of our business, and we have the knowledge and experience to do the job right. Give us a call today to discuss your options and we’ll show you what we can do!

Why Go Solar?

  • Inexpensive electricity. Once installed, solar panels can generate power much more cheaply and efficiently than getting electricity off the grid. In fact, you may even be able to sell electricity back to the grid when you have a surplus, putting money back in your pocket. All of that can seriously help offset the cost of installation.
  • Fewer repairs. Because there are very few moving parts, solar panels rarely need repairs or upgrades. That helps set your mind at ease, as well as ensuring that your inexpensive electrical costs don’t take a sudden and unexpected hit.
  • Home resale value. Solar panels can significantly improve the resale value of your home. Should you ever decide to sell, it will help bump the price up a good deal.
  • Environmental impact. Solar panels require very few fossil fuels or other environmentally unfriendly sources of power: generating clean and reliable energy from a perpetually renewable source. They create no pollution and can reduce your carbon footprint to almost nothing depending on your usage.
  • Remote usage. Rural households may not be able to get connected to the electrical grid, requiring alternate means of power such as generator. Solar power is a safer and easier alternative to such options.

For more reasons to go solar in Puyallup, or to schedule an installation, the professionals at Sound Heating are standing by.

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Maintenance Steps for Your Solar Panels

April 2nd, 2014

Solar panel installation could be one of the smartest things you ever do, decreasing your dependence on costly heating systems and helping create a greener environment in the process. But like anything else, solar panels require maintenance to function as they should. Before contacting a qualified service representative to install your new panel, you should talk about maintenance steps for your solar panels with them. Here in Olympia, solar repair services are available from the same company that installs your panels, but the more maintenance you can do for yourself, the better your system will function over time.

When the time comes to conduct repairs on your solar panels, we’ll be there with an eye on your complete satisfaction every step of the way. Give us a call today and let us show you what we can do. You’ll be glad you did!

Here’s a quick rundown of maintenance steps

Most maintenance sessions should involve cleaning the panels off. You can buy a solar panel cleaning kit, though a car cleaning kit will do in a pinch if you need it to. Mix the soap in a bucket of warm water according to instructions and apply it gently to the solar panels using a hand-held brush, then “squeegee” the excess liquid off. You should do this every six months or so, ideally at the beginning and end of the summer. If you just need a touch-up or want to wash off a recent bit of dirt, you can use a simple garden hose, though be careful not to apply cold water to the panels on a hot day.

That, in essence, is the only maintenance step for your solar panels, since they have no moving parts and don’t require much attention. If you detect something wrong with your system, then you should call a repair service, of course, and you may wish to schedule professional maintenance if you don’t wish to scramble around on the roof yourself. In Olympia, solar repair services are provided by Sound Heating & Air Conditioning Inc., and we pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time, every time. We can explain any further maintenance steps for your solar panels, or perform them ourselves if you’d rather leave it to the experts.

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3 Things to Think About with Solar Installation

April 1st, 2014

Solar panels make a lot of sense from a number of different perspectives. Even in cloudy towns like Olympia, solar installation has proven an effective and environmentally friendly way to provide electricity to your home. It can help you stay self-sufficient during a disaster and help helps pay for itself by letting you sell energy back to the grid. But like anything else, solar installation requires proper preparation and planning. Here are 3 things to think about with solar installation.

  • Think about sunlight exposure. Solar panels are strong enough to pick up plenty of sunlight even on cloudy days. (And we certainly have our share of hose.) But they don’t work as well when there’s a lot of tree cover, building cover and similar shadows falling over your home. In order for the panels to work as well as they should, you need them to be exposed to the open sky as much as possible during the day. This may require adjusting your home’s layout, trimming trees and taking a careful approach to where you place the panels.
  • Consider your rooftop. Solar panels are usually installed on the roof, though you can use yard space if your property is large enough. Rooftops come in all shapes and sizes, and some of them prove more difficult for solar panels than others. A good installation company should be able to install panels on most every roof, but you should expect some planning to go into it, especially if you have a sloping roof, Spanish tile or something similar.
  • Expect an up-front cost. Solar installation is not inexpensive and making the leap to solar energy will require an initial investment. You will start seeing returns on that investment over time as you reap considerable energy savings (and increase the resale value of your house to boot), but you need to expect a little patience and look for savings to accrue over time instead of arriving right away.

If you’re thinking about solar installation, call upon the experts at Sound Heating to help. We work in Olympia, solar installation is a specialty of ours, and we can prepare for the things to think about with solar installation before setting up your new system with courtesy and care. Call us today and let us show you what we can do!

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Use Solar Heating to Warm Your Home

March 19th, 2014

Here is what’s great about solar energy: the power of the sun is free. Instead of paying for natural gas, electricity, oil, propane, etc., you won’t have to shell out a single cent for the energy that radiates from the star at the center of our solar system. Once you’ve paid for the installation of a solar-powered heating and cooling system, the only money you will need to pay to keep your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter is for regular maintenance and occasional repairs. (And solar powered systems have few moving parts, so they rarely require extensive repairs.) And if you go solar, you’ll help the planet because you’ll be using a renewable energy source.

Solar power is still underutilized, but at Sound Heating we hope to change that. We want to help you benefit from solar in Puyallup, WA. Contact us today to talk about installation of a solar heating and cooling system for your home, as well as other solar-powered systems.

A few things to consider with solar heating

Solar power does tend to be more expensive to install than systems that use electricity or natural gas. However, the long-term benefits outweigh the initial costs. It only requires a few years for solar energy to pay back its installation price, and after that point you’ll save money every month that you have your system working.

Homeowners are often worried about the space requirements for solar panels. You should have a technician experienced with solar power take a look at your property so you know about the potential for your home to harness the sun’s energy. You don’t necessarily need an enormous amount of roof space, since panels can now be installed on posts in the yard.

Something else to keep in mind: If you feel a bit hesitant about hooking up a full solar-powered heat pump, you can start smaller with a solar-powered water heater, one of the easiest units to install. It’s not difficult from there to start to add on more solar panels as you expand your home’s use of the energy of the sun.

Find out more about solar power and your home

Contact Sound Heating and set up an appointment with our Puyallup, WA solar specialists. We can tell you about the options available for using solar power to heat and cool your home, and then arrange to look over your house and property and see where you can start saving money with sun power. We are happy to answer any questions you might have, and we hope that’ll you decide to invest in solar heating for your future and for the planet’s.

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Signs Your Solar Panels Need Repair

March 5th, 2014

Our customers at Sound Heating are often looking for ways to reduce their energy bills as well their impact on the environment. The best way to do both is the choose to have a photovalic (PV) solar panel system installed on their roof or other part of their property to harness the free energy of the sun. Solar panels will soon pay back their installation cost through their highly energy-efficient performance.

A solar panel operating with repair needs, however, won’t give you the savings you want—or the power. But it can be difficult to tell when PV panels need repairs because they do not use mechanical parts and show no display outwardly that they are working at all. Here are some things to look for to tell that you may need solar repair service in Olympia, WA for your PV panels.

Watch for these signs that your solar panels need repairs

  • Broken glass casing: Solar panels are built to withstand most weather conditions, but can still sustain damage from debris, such as falling trees, stones hurled in the wind, and hail. If you notice any cracks in your solar panels, from small factures to a web of shattered glass, don’t ignore it or hesitate with calling for repairs. Water getting inside the panels can cause fogging and eventually other serious damage to the panels.
  • Power from the cells cuts in and out: An issue that can afflict solar panels is loose solder connections or other problems with the wiring such as corrosion and oxidation, which can lead to the panels cutting in and out when they are heating and cooling. If you rap your hand against the panels and their power cuts in or out, then you should call for repairs to fix the connections and locate any other panels that may have similar problems.
  • Drop in power production: You should keep close track on the power meter for your solar system to see how it performs on average (measured in killowatts per day) as compared to the manufacturer’s expected average. If drops occur that you cannot account for because of weather conditions such as clouds or rain, then the panels may be losing their capacity for some reason and will need repairs.  
  • Error message on the inverter: Check the inverter once a week to see that it is operating correctly or displaying an error message. The problem may actually be with the inverter itself, but it could also be a problem with the panels. Record the error code on the inverter and then call professionals to see what can be done.

Solar panels need precision repairs, and you can only get this through experts in solar power technology. Trust to the solar repair experts in Olympia, WA at Sound Heating to take care of your sun-powered needs.

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3 Common Types of Hydronic Heating Repair

February 27th, 2014

Hydronic heating consists of a series of metal tubes planted beneath the floorboards of your home along with reflective tiling. Hot water is pumped through the tubes, which warm your home directly through the floors instead of relying on forced air like traditional systems do. Installation can be very involved, but once the system is set up, it’s very efficient and cost-friendly. There are no drafts or cold spots, and the system won’t spread dust or germs the way forced-air furnaces do. But like any other appliance, they suffer their share of problems and damage. Here in Tacoma, heating repair services are on call to handle any issues with your hydronic heating system. Here are 3 common types of hydronic heating repair:

  • Faulty pump. The pump is necessary to circulate the water through the system. Without it, the water won’t stay warm and the system won’t be able to effectively heat your home. The pump can become jammed or clogged, or the motor running it may suffer from some kind of short. Electrical problems can shut off power to the pump as well.
  • Air venting valves. Hydronic heating systems require air venting valves to release excess air from the system. When the valves malfunction, they either seal shut or stay wedged open, both of which will seriously compromise your system’s ability to function.
  • Leaks. Hydronic heating systems are designed to be water-tight, but over lengthy periods of time, leaks can develop in weak fittings or connections. A leak is a serious issue because it can damage the surrounding floor and other furnishings in your home. If you detect one, shut off the system and contact a repair technician immediately.

Heating repair services in Tacoma, WA can be performed by the experts at Sound Heating. We handle common types of hydronic heating repair as well as more unusual problems, and our trained staff has years of experience in dealing with hydronic systems. If you own a hydronic heating system and need it examined by the best, pick up the phone and give us a call today. You’ll be glad you did!

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