Protect Your A/C Unit from Yard Work Mishaps

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Spring is in full swing. Everything is blossoming, and the grass is growing like crazy! How does your air conditioning unit look? Is it able to “breathe”? If your AC unit is covered in dust, pollen, leaves or grass clippings, it might be struggling for air. If air can’t easily be drawn into your AC unit, then it will not function as efficiently as it should. Make sure debris or plants aren’t blocking the air flow around or on the exterior of your air conditioner, and take some precaution to protect your AC unit while mowing or weed-whacking nearby. Using a temporary tarp to cover the AC unit while doing yard work is an easy solution. Just don’t forget to remove the tarp as soon as you’re finished so the unit can “breathe” easily again!

Spring Cleanup: Protect Your A/C Unit from Damage

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Protect your A/C unit from damage

Spring is in full swing. Everything is blossoming, and the grass is growing like crazy! How does your air conditioning unit look? Is it able to “breathe”? If your AC unit is covered in dust, pollen, leaves or grass clippings, it might be struggling for air. If air can’t easily be drawn into your AC unit, then it will not function as efficiently as it should. Here are some common issues that interfere with your AC unit’s ability to work properly:

  • Dirt, seeds or pollen clogging the exterior or coils
  • Grass clippings blown into the AC unit, clogging coils and preventing proper air flow
  • Overgrown shrubs or plants touching the AC unit and blocking air flow
  • Rocks or sticks jamming the fan
  • AC electrical line clipped by a weed eater, cutting power to the HVAC system

You can take some minor precaution to prevent major damage or disruption to your air conditioner. Trim shrubs and plants away from the AC unit using some gardening shears or a pruning tool. Remove and/or transplant plantings that have outgrown the space near your AC unit.

When mowing or using a weed eater to trim grass or weeds within a few feet of your AC unit, temporarily cover the unit and its electrical line with a tarp. Remove the tarp as soon as you’re finished so that the unit can “breathe” again.

If dirt or pollen is visible on the AC unit’s exterior and just inside it on the coils, you can clean some of this off yourself. First, shut off the power to the AC unit. Gently remove pollen or dust with a dry, soft-bristled paintbrush so as not to crush the delicate coils. Hose off the exterior of the unit using a gentle spray of water to remove dirt from the exterior metal casing. If any large pieces of debris are lodged in the coils, give us a call to remove them and to check the coils for damage.

Next winter, cover the top of your AC unit with a loose piece of plywood or a breathable material to keep icicles and piles of snow out of your AC unit. No need to tarp it. Don’t forget to remove the plywood in the spring, before you begin using your air conditioner again.

Give Hillside HVAC a call today so you can be prepared this summer! DE: 302-738-4144. In MD: 410-398-2146

Why do A/C’s need refrigerant refills?

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If you notice warm air blowing or frost and ice on your central air conditioner lines, those may be symptoms of low refrigerant. Sometimes a central air conditioner needs a charge of refrigerant, most commonly called Freon. Even though units sometimes require a refrigerant refill, this does not mean that your central air conditioner “uses” refrigerant. The refrigerant is the primary product that a system uses to transfer heat from inside to outside your home. When the refrigerant is low that means there is a leak somewhere in your system. The outdoor portion of your A/C system is susceptible to wear and tear from outdoor elements and critters. Most times these leaks are minuscule and not visible to the naked eye.

If your unit does not seem to be performing optimally consider an air conditioner tune-up. Part of a tune-up from Hillside is checking the current level of refrigerant. If you find yourself recharging your system annually you may want to consider replacement, Hillside can help with that too!

Download Hillside’s Air Conditioner and Heat Pump Maintenance Plan

Spotlight on: 2 years for 1 – A/C Plan

The response has been fantastic, we thought it was a great offer and so did our customers. Reminder, you can get 2 seasons for the price of 1 on an A/C maintenance plan. the earlier in the season you take advantage of this offer, the longer your coverage will be in effect.

Considering a maintenance plan for your central air conditioning unit? Now is a great time, Hillside is offering 2 seasons for the price of 1. Sign up now for a central air conditioner maintenance plan and get coverage through the end of summer 2015, for the price of 1 year. $179 will get your coverage for 18 months, long enough to remain covered for the next 2 air conditioning seasons!

See all the details about our central air conditioner maintenance plan.

Hillside’s maintenance plan has several great features including 50% off all parts and labor INCLUDING refrigerant. Our maintenance plan has a “can’t lose” feeling, we offer a complete refund toward the price of a new installation by Hillside if you are unable to utilize the plan while covered.

Give Hillside HVAC a call today so you can be prepared this summer! DE: 302-738-4144. In MD: 410-398-2146

Change your air filter regularly

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The Importance of changing your air filter regularly

Depending on what type of air filter you have, it should be checked or changed every 1-3 months. Even if you have the expensive cleanable air filters that last an entire year, it is still worth a minutes time to give it a check for dirt or anything that might block airflow. The air filter in your home keeps pollution and debris out of your HVAC system. A dirty air filter will hinder airflow, making your furnace work harder, and losing efficiency. This is a waste to the system and can result in higher energy bills for the homeowner.

Don’t let this happen to you:

Thermostats can save you money and headaches

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Your Heater Should Work Smarter, Not Harder

Programmable thermostats don’t just look fancy, they have tons of features for energy and cost savings. They can control the temperature of your house 24/7 so you don’t have to worry. Save money in the summer and winter, and have your home at the desired temperature when you get home from work. Even better, have full control of your home climate and thermostat from anywhere! Hillside installs remotely accessible thermostats that you can access anywhere with an Internet connection or a smartphone app. Unlike other services, this thermostat is a ONE TIME FEE! No monthly or maintenance fees other than the initial cost of installation.

A U.S. Energy Administration study* shows that more than half of home energy consumption in our area is for heating our homes. With some diligence, we can use energy wisely while maintaining comfort. Turn your thermostat down a few degrees while away from home and at bedtime to save energy. Make sure your home heating system is working efficiently by having it serviced regularly (once or twice a year, depending on the type of system) to ensure the equipment is free of dirt or buildup. Replace your system’s air filters as recommended for your system so air can actually get through. A dirty heating unit will work harder, may work intermittently or not at all.

*www.eia.gov/consumption/residential/

What is the Energy Star rating?

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Tips, Offer, and Energy Star

What is the Energy Star rating?

Two decades ago the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency created the Energy Star program, originally under the Clean Air Act and later under the Energy Policy Act, to identify and promote energy-efficient products and building to reduce energy consumption, improve energy security and reduce pollution. Energy Star identifies and labels products with a yellow Energy Guide label when they meet certain requirements that qualify them as energy efficient, making it easier for consumers to select products in the marketplace that will conserve energy and lower their energy costs. As consumers, like you and me, have realized there is a cost saving associated with Energy Star labeled appliances, lighting products and heating and cooling equipment, we’ve made smarter choices for ourselves as well as the environment.

Products are not the only things earning the Energy Star rating. Homes, buildings and industrial plants can also earn the rating by completing an inspection by an EPA-approved third-party organization and fulfilling certain requirements.

According to the EPA: “As of December 2012, families and businesses have realized estimated savings of over $230 billion on utility bills and prevented more than 1.8 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions over the past two decades. The interplay of government, business, and market forces brought together through ENERGY STAR has changed the energy efficiency landscape.” (Ref. www.energystar.gov)

Spotlight on: Killing the Energy Vampire
Energy Vampire Energy “vampires” in your home are devices that suck energy while providing little to no use. Do you leave your cell phone power adapter plugged in, even when not charging your phone? Simply unplugging the adapter from the outlet will kill this common energy vampire and save you some money. Unplug other electronic devices around your home when not in use—TVs, DVRs, game consoles—and you could save your family about $100 annually in electricity. (Ref. www.energystar.gov)

Special Offer from Charlie the Dog: Service your Heating System, Save $50!
RobotInefficiency caused by dirty filters, dirty parts or worn components will make your home heating system work harder than it should, costing you money. Make sure your home is heated efficiently this winter. Call Hillside for a maintenance appointment today, and we’ll give you $50 OFF your bill for this service call! We service all types of heating systems (oil, gas, hot air, boiler, etc…) in Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania. Call (302) 738-4144 (DE) or (410) 398-2146 (MD).

programmable thermostat for DE, MD, and PAConsider a programmable thermostat

For a limited time, we are giving away a remotely accessible thermostat with a combination heat/air conditioner installation! Up to $800 value! These programmable thermostats are ideal for people who have a set schedule, leaving and returning home at the same time each day. A programmable thermostat will turn your equipment on and off to meet your schedule, so it is warm when you get home, but saving you money while you are away. If your schedule is a bit unpredictable, consider a programmable thermostat that you can access from anywhere you have your smartphone or Internet access. Turn your equipment on or off from anywhere, adjust the temperature, check outside temperature, and even change your program schedule whenever you need! Hillside is proud to offer a fantastic, remotely accessible programmable thermostat. Give us a call if you are interested or would like more info.

Your support of Hillside is support for local, family-owned businesses.

Phone:
Delaware: 302.738.4144
Maryland: 410.398.2146

Clocks, Batteries, Air Filters, and a few other tips from Hillside

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Time to Fall Backwards
This upcoming weekend is a busy weekend for house chores. For those of us that still have manual clocks or VCR’s, it is the weekend to Fall backward in time. Historically this is always a great time to check smoke detector batteries and change your heating/air conditioning system air filters. It used to be easy to knock out these few house chores while wandering around spinning hands of clocks backward. Don’t let technological advancement and smartphones lull you into forgetting to change those batteries and air filters…unless, of course, you have in-house robots to do these menial tasks.

Change your air filter regularly
Depending on what type of air filter you have, it should be checked or changed every 1-3 months. Even if you have the expensive cleanable air filters that last an entire year, it is still worth a minutes time to give it a check for dirt or anything that might block airflow.

Is it time to consider replacement of your equipment?
Nobody likes to think about such a major expense, but if you have to, the payback time for newer more efficient equipment is getting shorter and shorter. An investment today can show payback in savings of utility costs in just a few years, not to mention much more efficiency, and not worrying about how much more life is left if your equipment. Hillside ALWAYS does free estimates on new and replacement equipment and we have financing available for those that qualify.

Consider a programmable thermostat

For a limited time, we are giving away a remotely accessible thermostat with a combination heat/air conditioner installation! Up to $800 value! These programmable thermostats are ideal for people who have a set schedule, leaving and returning home at the same time each day. A programmable thermostat will turn your equipment on and off to meet your schedule, so it is warm when you get home, but saving you money while you are away. If your schedule is a bit unpredictable, consider a programmable thermostat that you can access from anywhere you have your smartphone or Internet access. Turn your equipment on or off from anywhere, adjust the temperature, check outside temperature, and even change your program schedule whenever you need! Hillside is proud to offer a fantastic remotely accessible programmable thermostat, give us a call if you are interested or would like more info.

Your support of Hillside is support for local, family-owned businesses.

Phone:
Delaware: 302.738.4144
Maryland: 410.398.2146

Why air conditioners need refrigerant charges

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If you notice warm air blowing or frost and ice on your central air conditioner lines, those may be symptoms of low refrigerant. Sometimes a central air conditioner needs a recharge of refrigerant, most commonly called Freon®. Even though units sometimes require a refrigerant refill, this does not mean that your central air conditioner “uses” refrigerant. The refrigerant is the primary product that a system uses to transfer heat from inside to outside your home. When the refrigerant is low that means there is a leak somewhere in your system. That leak is most likely in the tubing of your system. That tubing is most likely made of copper or aluminum and susceptible to wear and tear from outdoor elements and critters.  Most times these leaks are minuscule and not visible to the naked eye. Depending on the size, the leak may take an entire year to have an effect, or the effect may be as quick as overnight.

The first option for low refrigerant is to re-charge the unit and hope it lasts another 10 years. This is the most cost-effective option and the one most of us would choose. Finding and repairing a leak can be very time-intensive, thus costly. Depending on the location of your unit, ease of access, and age of your unit, identifying a leak and repairing could range anywhere from simple to impossible.

Low refrigerant can cause several problems, most notably warm air blowing from your vents. One of the more extreme symptoms is a complete freeze up of your outdoor unit. A freeze up will leave your system completely unusable, and usually 24-hours before any service can be performed. If your unit does not seem to be performing optimally, consider an air conditioner tune-up. Part of the tune-up is to check for optimal performance and check the current level of refrigerant. If you find yourself recharging your system annually, you may want to consider replacement. Consider Hillside for any cooling or heating services you may need!

Thank you for your business with Hillside. Your support of Hillside is 100% support for local, family-owned businesses.

Is you air conditioner performing optimally?

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The hot weather appears to be here to stay for a while. All the wet weather has given us something else to concentrate other than high, uncomfortable temperatures. Hopefully, everyone had a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend weather indoors or out. If indoors, there is no doubt your central air conditioner would have been running at full capacity. In the muggiest, hottest time of the day, there was little chance of the best central air conditioner pulling inside temperatures below the mid-to-low 70’s. Performing optimally air conditioners can make a world of difference, but they are not miracle workers.

Did you feel that your air conditioner was performing optimally? If you did not and think you might need a tune-up, some service, or even a replacement, keep Hillside in mind. If you were visiting family or friends for the holiday and thought their home might need a boost, referrals to Hillside can earn you CASH!

Thank you for your business with Hillside. Your support of Hillside is 100% support for local, family-owned businesses.

The heat and humidity are here, don’t be left without air conditioning.

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This quick onset of high temperatures and humidity may be forcing central air conditioners to work overtime. Drawing temperatures in your home down to a comfortable level after a long day can be taxing on your unit. If you find yourself with a central air unit that is not running please keep Hillside in mind for repairs. If you feel that you may need a replacement unit to help increase efficiency, Hillside always gives free estimates on new or replacement equipment.

If your home sits empty during the day and the air conditioner turned off, dropping the temperature to be comfortable may take some time. Consider a programmable thermostat to control your temperature where and when you need. Click HERE for more info.

It is never too late in the summer to consider an air conditioner tune-up. The benefits of a tune-up are limitless. Keep Hillside in mind if you want to make sure you are getting the most out of your money and your central air conditioning unit!