http://www.starqualityair.com/ac-blog Just another WordPress weblog Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:17:26 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Temperatures in Vero Beach, Florida will begin to rise as spring/summer approaches. Many homeowners will respond to the heat by cranking up the air conditioner. Even while you try to keep cool, you know large utility bills are sure to follow. Consider this advice from a local air ... http://www.starqualityair.com/ac-blog/air-conditioning/florida-homeowners-can-reduce-energy-bills/ We have recently received many questions regarding the new HVAC Tax Credits in the Stimulus Package. To best explain the credits, we have pulled information from a variety of resources including EnergyStar.gov and the ACCA.  Below is a generalized summary of the tax credits.  Please keep in mind that the ... http://www.starqualityair.com/ac-blog/air-conditioning/hvac-tax-credits-in-2009-stimulus/ As promised, here are some before and after pictures of the new system installation at my home that I spoke about in an earlier post.  To recap, we chose to replace our 10 year old Rheem system with a new High Efficiency Comfortmaker 15 SEER heat pump.  For more about ... http://www.starqualityair.com/ac-blog/air-conditioning/new-air-conditioning-installation-pictures/ I thought I would share our experience with installing a new air conditioning system in our home in Vero Beach, Florida.  In December 2008, my wife and I decided to upgrade our system before facing the high energy bills of yet another hot Florida summer.  We chose to replace our ... http://www.starqualityair.com/ac-blog/air-conditioning/saving-money-with-new-ac-system/ If The Better Business Bureau Doesn't Have Any Complaints Against The Contractor, He Must Be Qualified. This is a common and often costly misconception. In fact, just because a contractor doesn't have any complaints with the BBB, does not mean you're working with someone who is a reputable professional. ... http://www.starqualityair.com/ac-blog/air-conditioning/4-common-home-improvement-misconceptions/ Hiring an air conditioning or heating contractor can be intimidating.  After all, replacing your central air conditioning system can be one of the most expensive home improvement projects.  Below are 10 common and necessary questions to ask your potential air conditioning contractor: Are you licensed? Make sure your HVAC contractor is ... http://www.starqualityair.com/ac-blog/hvac/finding-the-right-hvac-contractor-10-questions-to-ask/ A common term used in the heating and air conditioning world is SEER rating.  SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and is defined by the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute.  For a homeowner looking to invest in a new system, the SEER rating of an air conditioning system ... http://www.starqualityair.com/ac-blog/air-conditioning/what-is-a-seer-rating/ According to Energy Star, the average household spends about $2,000 annually on utility bills.  Almost half of this amount comes from heating and cooling your home.  Installing a programmable thermostat is an inexpensive and simple way to save money on your heating and cooling expense.  On average a properly installed ... http://www.starqualityair.com/ac-blog/controls-and-accessories/programmable-thermostats-save-money/ Most people do not think much about their home's heating and cooling system, especially when it's working.  I guess it is because it is not as pretty as a new big screen plasma TV or the new stainless steel refrigerator with the built in grocery list maker.  However, your home's ... http://www.starqualityair.com/ac-blog/air-conditioning/why-maintain-your-air-conditioning-system/ How do you know when you should repair or replace your central air conditioning system? It is a common question in any home when household appliances begin to show their age.  Should you repair or replace them?  The average life expectancy of a central heating and air conditioning system depends ... http://www.starqualityair.com/ac-blog/air-conditioning/repair-or-replace-your-air-conditioning-system/