Think Installing A Furnace Is A Do-It-Yourself Job? You’d Better Think Again

Your Augusta-area home is your pride and joy, and you may take great pleasure in all the do-it-yourself projects that you’ve completed. But even if you’ve become a highly accomplished handyman or handywoman over the years, installing a furnace is a job you should let the pros handle. It’s unlikely that you have the right tools or the plumbing, electrical and sheet-metal skills. Further, you may not have access to the best furnaces on the market, and your unit probably won’t have a warranty. Most important, your installation might be unsafe. If you think installing a furnace is a DIY job, you’d better think again.  Read More »

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Air Conditioning Replacement Due? Start Shopping Before The Warm Season Arrives

It’s getting warmer in Augusta, and you’re probably gearing up for the the inevitable summer heat. If your air conditioner seemed to be petering out last year, and you think it’s smart to replace your unit for this year’s cooling season, now’s the time to start shopping. You’ll be able to do all your homework, ensuring that you have the best energy-efficient system for your home. And you won’t feel pressed into buying just anything because you can’t take the heat longer.   Read More »

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Estimating The Annual Cost Of Using An Appliance

Have you ever wondered how much money your dishwasher is costing you — or your fish aquarium or that portable heater? It’s not difficult to calculate, if you know the watts the appliance uses and the rate your electric company charges per kilowatt hour. (It should be on your utility bill.) Read More »

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Reading Your Heating Bill: Above The Bottom Line, Is It All A Blur?

If you have a natural-gas furnace and/or water heater, it may be that you’ve just paid attention to the bottom line — what you owe every month — and written a check. After all, those charges, acronyms and terms above the bottom line can be confusing. But with a basic understanding of the terminology, you might be able to lower your heating costs. Read More »

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Restored Energy Tax Credits: A Surprise Little Something Tucked Into The Fiscal Cliff Deal

It feels good to get credit for a job well done. If you’re upgrading to a high-efficiency HVAC system, take credit for recognizing that long-term energy savings and a more comfortable home are worthy investments. Well-earned energy tax credits are a nice bonus. Read More »

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Too Much Static Electricity In Your Life? Then Take Charge

Static electricity can be funny if it happens just once or twice. But when there’s too much, it’s an annoyance, causing your hair to fly away and your clothes to cling. It zaps you every time you touch a hard surface, and it can damage your expensive electronic devices, like your computer and tablet. Take charge when there’s too much static in your life. Here’s how: Read More »

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Prepping Your Home For Your Heat Pump

Your new air-source heat pump is a highly efficient system that will provide you with many years of home comfort. As efficient as the system is, you can boost its efficiency by prepping your home. Before your heat pump goes in, make your home ready for it. Your HVAC contractor will likely have several suggestions as he does his load analysis. Meanwhile, here are some prepping basics. Read More »

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The Forced-Air System In Your Augusta Home: How It Does The Job

If your home uses ductwork to deliver heated and cooled air, you have a forced-air system. Here’s a look at the components of a forced-air system, and how the unique heating and cooling process works, which may help you when it comes time to troubleshoot, repair or replace your equipment.   Read More »

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The Condensing Gas Furnace: A Boiled-Down Guide

If greater fuel efficiency, performance-driven components and safer operation have sparked your curiosity about the condensing gas furnace, explore the workings of this system to see how the sum of its parts boils down to lower heating bills. Read More »

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New Regional Efficiency Standards For Heating And Cooling Systems: How They’ll Affect Georgia Homeowners

New regional efficiency standards are set to take effect in Georgia this May and in 2015. The Department of Energy has revamped its efficiency standards, developing separate rules according to region. Here’s a brief look at what the changes entail and how they will affect homeowners in Georgia, who will be in the southern region.  Read More »

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