Sound Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Olympia’

Why You Can’t Go Without an Electronic Air Cleaner

Monday, July 11th, 2016

Living comfortably is something that every homeowner strives for. And decent indoor air quality is about so much more than just reaching the ideal temperature. Of course, most people do think first of their HVAC systems when considering their comfort, however there are other factors to consider when it comes to air quality.

Sure, you have an air filter in your HVAC system. But did you know this is just intended to protect the inside components of your HVAC system, not your indoor air? For that job, you need a quality indoor air quality product, such as the electronic air cleaner.

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Is It Time to Replace Your Air Conditioning System?

Monday, June 6th, 2016

Summer is on its way, and while we don’t necessarily experience the stifling heat that many parts of the country do, it’s still not a season you want to attempt to get through without a properly functioning air conditioning system. Now is the time to decide if your air conditioner is ready for another season or if it might be time to upgrade to a newer model.

By deciding this now, you’ll have time to schedule a replacement before we reach the peak of summer heat and technicians are out on emergency service calls. Do remember that every system is different, and only you can decide if it’s worth it to keep repairing, or if you should invest in a replacement. Here are a few tips to help you make an educated decision.

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Energy Recovery Ventilator: Your Solution to Humidity Control

Monday, May 2nd, 2016

Excess indoor moisture is not a huge problem for most Olympia residents. While we are certainly in a rainy state, humidity levels generally stay under 50%, which is the maximum humidity level for comfort. However, this time of year we do certainly experience our share of high humidity. Those days make your home feel uncomfortable, and can also make your air conditioner work harder to cool down your home, meaning that it’s not working as efficiently as it should.

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Common Air Conditioning Problems to Be Aware Of

Monday, March 28th, 2016

As the weather starts to heat up, you’re going to start relying on your air conditioner more often to keep your home cool. That means more stress on the system, which means a greater chance of problems developing with it. If you want to make sure that your air conditioner gets through the summer intact, you need to keep an eye out for common problems that the system might develop. Let’s take a look at a few of those common problems now.

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Why Your Furnace Isn’t Heating Properly

Monday, February 22nd, 2016

We still have a ways to go before winter is over, and that means that you’re probably still relying on your furnace to keep you warm on a daily basis. So, it’s more than a little inconvenient if your furnace isn’t actually heating as well as it should be. There are a couple of different reasons why this might be happening, most of which are going to require professional repairs. Let’s take a look at some of those reasons now.

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Why Your Heat Pump Won’t Heat

Monday, January 18th, 2016

It’s pretty unpleasant to turn on your heat pump expecting warmth and be instead greeted with a blast of cold air. Heat pumps are highly valued for their ability to switch between heating and cooling modes, but occasionally they can lose this ability. If your heat pump is stuck in cooling mode this winter, there could be a couple of different reasons why. Let’s take a look at those reasons now.

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Keep an Eye Out for Heat Pump Ice This Winter

Monday, December 14th, 2015

If you’re using a heat pump to keep warm this winter, you will probably notice ice forming on the outside unit at some point. Ice on the outside coil isn’t normally a problem, and is actually quite common. However, you should still keep an eye on it in case it starts to get out of control. Read on to find out more about heat pump ice and the effects it has on the system.

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3 Common Solar Repair Issues

Wednesday, February 25th, 2015

Solar technology is being implemented in homes across the country, as more and more homeowners embrace the free and renewable energy it provides. While solar panels are great for cutting down your electric bill, however, they still have their own set of repair issues that occasionally need to be dealt with. Let’s examine some of the repair needs that you need to be aware of when installing solar technology.

Weather Damage

Solar panels are left exposed to the elements by necessity, seeing as how they need to be out in the open to get as much sun as possible. This can become a bit of a problem if you live in areas with common inclement weather, like strong winds or hail. Solar panels are, of course, designed to resist these kinds of eventualities. However, no solar panel is going to fare well if it gets blown off the roof or gets pounded by baseball-sized hailstones throughout the night. Be sure to consult with a professional about the best place to install your solar panels, and what quality glass they’ll need to have to withstand the climate. If your solar panel does become cracked or otherwise damaged by weather, don’t worry. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may just need to have the glass replaced.

Damaged Wiring

Solar panels are pretty sturdy, owing mainly to their design and lack of moving parts. However, they still have vulnerable areas that should be inspected regularly. Wiring is one of those areas. The wires that connect the solar panel to the rest of your system can be exposed to moisture fairly easily, as well as becoming loose due to weather conditions like high winds. While the wires are insulated, any damage to that insulation make it possible for a short to occur in the system. Make a habit of checking your solar wiring regularly to make sure the wiring is in good condition.

Burn Out

Solar systems make use of a number of different parts beyond the panel itself. The solar inverter is responsible for converting solar energy into electricity that the home can use, while batteries store solar energy for use during periods of darkness or cloud cover. These systems are capable of burning out over time. Be sure to inspect them on a regular basis for signs of rust, corrosion, or other damage. If you notice any of these signs, you’ll probably need to have the part replaced.

If your solar module is experiencing problems, call Sound Heating to schedule an appointment. We provide professional solar services throughout Olympia.

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What Are The Benefits Of Installing A Solar Energy System?

Wednesday, January 14th, 2015

Even in cloudy or foggy weather or on a very cold day, the sun gives off enough radiant energy to sufficiently power all of the electronics in your home. If you’ve been thinking about switching to solar energy, why not start by powering some of the appliances that use up the most energy? You can use solar panels to power your heater, air conditioner, and water heater if you don’t want to convert your entire home just yet, and in any case, you’ll be helping out the environment and saving a lot of money over time. Learn more about how people benefit from solar installation in Olympia in today’s guide.

Energy Savings and Peace of Mind

The energy savings from solar alone convince many people to convert. Solar energy systems pay for themselves over time as you’ll notice dramatic cuts to your monthly bills. Although solar-powered appliances are also hooked up to an electrical grid as a backup power source, the meter actually runs backwards as you contribute electricity to the grid due to overproduction. This means money is credited to your bill, for even greater savings. Besides that, there are government incentives in place so that you’ll usually get a tax credit when you go solar.

And you can also have some peace of mind knowing that you’ve done some good for the environment. Generally, electricity is generated from fossil fuels, which emit dangerous toxic gases into the environment, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Solar panels reduce CO2 emissions so that we can all breathe a little easier.

Furthermore, solar panels have no moving parts and require very little maintenance from year to year. Some manufacturers recommend hosing off the unit from time to time, but the rain can also take care of this job for you. Solar panels are built tough so they rarely run into repair needs. And despite some myths to the contrary, panels will not damage the roof, and can actually protect it from harsh weather.

Discover the benefits of solar energy for yourself. Call the experts at Sound Heating for an assessment of your home and budget so that you can decide whether it’s time to upgrade your home with solar installation in Olympia.

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What Are My Home’s Requirements for Installing a Solar System?

Thursday, June 12th, 2014

Solar systems have come a long way in a very short time, and here in Olympia, solar installation services no longer need to worry about the excessive cloud cover of the Pacific Northwest. When properly installed, such a system can save you a great deal of money over the years, as well as increasing your home’s self-sufficiency and reducing your carbon footprint. But before you sign up for an installation session, you need to make sure your home is right for solar installation. “What are my home’s requirements for installing a solar system?” you ask. Read on for the answers.

  • Square footage. Most solar panels are installed on rooftops, though they can also be installed on the ground if you have the space. Regardless, you need a certain amount of square footage so that solar panels will produce enough power. Your installer can perform the calculations, which involve the amount of energy you use at peak periods throughout the year and the amount of power a given solar panel collects. With the square footage in mind, you can then plan for the ideal area, taking into account such aspects as rooftop tiles and chimney position.
  • Shading. Solar panels these days can overcome cloud cover, but they still need an unobstructed view of the sky in order to function as they should. You need to keep the amount of trees and similar types of shading in mind, and then determine how many hours of unobstructed sunlight your panels will receive.
  • Tilting. Here in Washington, solar panels should ideally face due south (receiving the most amount of sunlight) and have a tilt of about 30 degrees. If your roof can’t provide this, your installation technician can discuss other options and ensure that the tilt of the panels remains the best it can be for the circumstances.

For more on your home’s requirements for installing a solar system, or to plan for an Olympia solar installation, the experts at Sound Heating are standing by. We’ll answer all your questions before performing an installation with courtesy and care, so give us a call today!

 

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