You may not be able to cut your energy bills completely, but you can reduce your energy bill each month. If you would like to know more, or if you are ready to reduce your monthly energy spending, check out these three tips to help you save money on energy.

1. Consider a Ductless HVAC System

Your HVAC system uses a lot of energy, so when it is poorly maintained and becomes inefficient, it can increase your energy bills. One way to reduce energy spending is to boost your HVAC system's efficiency. Many HVAC systems are forced-air systems, which rely on ducts. However, those ducts become a huge energy drain if they aren't properly maintained, installed, and cleaned.

Holes and gaps can allow heated or cooled air to escape before it reaches your living area, which makes your system less effective at heating the house. If dust and debris build up in the ductwork, it can spread it to the rest of your home. In addition, however, the clogged ducts force the system to work harder to pump air.

A ductless system, however, is a great alternative to forced-air HVAC systems. Since there is no ductwork to transport the heated and cooled air, these systems can have a higher SEER rating. Plus, since they don’t have ducts, you don't need to worry about clogs.

Another benefit of a ductless system is flexibility. If you live with other people, you've probably run into the issue of someone being hot while you were cold. With a ductless system, you can heat each room or zone differently, so you can stay nice and toasty while someone else’s room is cool and comfy for them.

2. Maintain Your Existing HVAC System

While HVAC systems are designed to last for many years, they can last for longer with regular maintenance. Maintenance ensures that your HVAC system has no major issues that can interfere with efficiency and that your system works at its best. With a well-performing HVAC system, you can enjoy optimal energy costs, as your HVAC system doesn’t have to overwork to keep your home comfortable.

Some things that maintenance consists of filter replacement, inspection, and tune-ups.

Depending on the unit you have and the type of filter you want to use, you might need to replace your filter anywhere from every month to every six months. The filter is an important part of the system, as it captures all contaminants and purifies incoming air. However, the filter can clog with captured debris, which necessitates its replacement. Otherwise, you might end up paying more in energy bills and eventually HVAC replacement.

Inspections and tune-ups allow professional technicians to look over your HVAC system, clean up coils, lubricate parts, ensure all components work well, and replace any worn-out pieces. By doing these things, HVAC experts can help your energy costs stay low for longer.

3. Repair Major Appliances

Major appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, and dryers use a lot of energy to work. Refrigerators run nearly constantly to keep food cold. When these machines wear out, they can become energy-inefficient.

Regular repairs keep these systems efficient and prevent the early replacement of these expensive appliances. Many repair technicians will also provide a warranty for the repairs so you may not have to pay for a future issue if it's covered under the warranty.

You may not be able to reduce your energy bills to zero, but you can drop them significantly. One way to do this is to switch to a ductless HVAC system, but you may also want to upgrade your water tank or repair your other appliances.

If you would like to know more about how to save money on energy or if you want to schedule services for your HVAC system or major appliances, contact us at Dick Kearsley Service Center today. We can help you with any of your appliance needs in Northern Utah.

Just like temperature, humidity also plays a massive role in your home comfort. Whether low or high, extreme humidity has multiple effects on your house, health, and comfort. Thus, you shouldn't leave humidity control to nature — take measures into your hands and maintain proper humidity.

Below is an overview of the significance of humidity control — and how to achieve it.

Right Humidity Levels
The right humidity level is a range and not a single percentage. The ideal humidity level depends on various factors, such as:

• The season (that determines both temperature and outside humidity)
• Your personal preferences
• Your clothing

However, many people agree that good humidity levels range should be 40% to 60%.

Dangers of Improper Humidity
Either extremely low or high humidity levels are dangerous. Below are some of the dangers of improper humidity.

Discomfort
Many people feel uncomfortable if the humidity is either too low or high. Extremely low humidity induces dry skin and itchiness. Extremely high humidity causes your skin clammy and hot.

Health Problems
Extreme humidity levels affect your immune system and the level of pathogens in your home. For example:

• High humidity encourages mold growth
• Both high and low humidity encourages the growth of different microorganisms
• Low humidity increases your susceptibility to colds

The health problems might be worse if you have a preexisting medical condition.

Structural Damage
Extreme humidity can damage your house plus its contents. For example, low humidity dries wood and increases its risk of cracking and breaking. High humidity leads to peeling paint, corrosion, and swelling of wood, among other issues.

Pest Infestation
Many pests thrive in moist areas, so the risk of pest infection increases with humidity. The pests can spread germs in your house or damage your belongings.

Sleep Problems
Extreme humidity affects sleep both directly and indirectly. For example, the discomfort of extreme humidity can affect your natural sleep rhythm. Dampness, dry skin, and even humidity-induced allergy can also interfere with your sleep quality.

Management Techniques
Humidity control requires a multi-pronged approach. Below are some tips that can help.

Proper AC Sizing
The AC contributes to humidity control by removing some moisture from the air when it's running. An oversized AC runs short cycles and doesn't remove adequate moisture from the air. Let an AC technician design and install your system; avoid DIY modifications. Consult a contractor if you modify your house and need to modify the AC too.

HVAC Maintenance
Maintain your HVAC system for proper humidity control. For example, ensure nothing blocks the AC drainage channel. Such blockages can lead to condensation spillage and high humidity. You should also change the air filter, ensure the registers are clear, and avoid duct damage since they can all interfere with the AC's operations; and humidity control, by extension.

Humidifier or Dehumidifier Use
The humidifier increases humidity while a dehumidifier decreases humidity. Use the right one, depending on your humidity levels. For example, you can use a dehumidifier to lower humidity during the hot, humid summers. Don't forget to switch off the humidifier once the humidity begins to fall.

Proper Ventilation
Proper ventilation encourages air circulation, which aids in humidity control. For example, ventilating the bathroom prevents water accumulation that can lead to high humidity. Consult a contractor on active ventilation if your house is unusually stuffy.

Hopefully, you have not been suffering from extreme humidity issues. Contact Dick Kearsley Service Center if you suspect humidity control problems. We will diagnose the cause of the issues and help you find a long-lasting solution. We have been in the HVAC industry for over 50 years and have the relevant skills and experience.

Commercial refrigerators are essential for food service businesses, such as restaurants, grocery stores, bars, and ice cream parlors. However, after years of use, your refrigerator wears out and may not function effectively and efficiently. As a result, it may compromise your business' food safety, tarnish your reputation, and affect the bottom line. Learn six signs your commercial refrigerator is dying and requires replacement.

Frequent Food Spoilage

If you notice that food in your refrigerant goes bad quickly way before the expiration date, something is likely wrong. At times, you might note foul smells from your refrigerator. This could signal that your fridge is malfunctioning and unable to cool your food items effectively. Food spoilage hurts your business significantly by increasing inventory costs and decreasing profitability.

Before replacing your commercial refrigerator, call in a professional to rule out other issues that can quickly lead to food going bad, such as incorrect temperature settings and leaky door seals. If everything else is in top-notch condition, your fridge may be worn out and ready for replacement.

Skyrocketing Energy Bills

Although commercial refrigerators consume a significant amount of energy, a drastic increase in your energy bills is suspicious. Faulty refrigerator components can strain your refrigerator, causing it to work hard and use more energy to maintain optimal temperatures.

As commercial refrigerators age, their efficiency decreases considerably, resulting in higher utility bills. Also, older refrigerator models are less energy-efficient than modern ones and consume more energy.

Loud Noises

Commercial refrigerators tend to be noisier than home ones. However, loud noises are not usually normal. Unusual clicking sounds, for instance, often point to an issue with the condenser fan or motor. Perhaps debris has blocked the fan and compromised it working. A replacement may be due if the noises persist after addressing fan issues and any possible causes of loud noises.

Recurring Repair Costs

If you constantly repair your refrigerator and incur huge costs, consider replacing it. Although purchasing a new refrigerator can be expensive, the overall costs of recurrent repairs can be costlier.

Older refrigerator models are likely to use outdated technologies and thus require more repairs. A new refrigerator saves you money in the long run through a longer lifespan, fewer repairs, and energy savings.

Excess Heat at the Back

Typically, your commercial refrigerator may feel a bit warm at the back since it discharges hot air to keep temperatures cool inside. However, excessive heat is often abnormal and could signal an issue with the coils or overheating.

Contact a professional to inspect the coils and advise accordingly. While replacing the coils is a good option, replacing the fridge is best in severe cases and accompanied by other problems like inefficiency.

Excess Condensation

A surefire sign of a problematic refrigerator is sweating or excessive condensation. This could indicate your refrigerator does not cool correctly and attain the desired temperature to maintain food safety. As a result, the refrigerator is putting your food at risk of spoiling.

If the condensation appears on the refrigerator's exterior, check whether you have a faulty door seal and repair as needed. As moisture accumulates, bacteria buildup and vast amounts of frost are probable. A new refrigerator can solve the issue of excessive condensation.

The best way to keep your commercial refrigerator functioning effectively and increase its lifespan is to schedule regular maintenance. It identifies any problems before they damage components, require costly repairs, and cause premature replacement.

Get in touch with Dick Kearsley Service Center for commercial refrigerator maintenance and replacement in the Ogden, UT, area. We have four decades of experience servicing commercial refrigerators and offering exceptional services. We stock the best refrigerator brands to meet your needs and budget.

If you've ever spoken to your HVAC contractor about indoor air quality, you probably learned a lot about air purifiers, filters, humidifiers, and other ways your HVAC system can keep your home's air fresh. However, there's a lot more to indoor air quality than you may initially expect. This guide will familiarize you with four lesser-known tips to improve indoor air quality.

1. Keep Up Your Home Cleaning Routine

Dust, dirt, and pet dander often make their way into your home's air when dusty surfaces are disturbed. This is especially true of carpet and upholstered materials, which are excellent at trapping particles. Keeping your home clean helps to improve indoor air quality by reducing the number of pollutants that reach the air.

To clean with a focus on improving indoor air quality, dust all surfaces in your home thoroughly and vacuum at least once per week. Make sure your vacuum has a tight seal around the bag or dirt canister so that it doesn't release particles into the air.

Mold spores are an airborne pollutant that can cause sinus and respiratory irritation. While you clean, check dark, damp areas carefully so you can detect any hidden mold colonies. Common hiding spots for mold include vent registers and ducts, bathroom exhaust fans, and underneath your kitchen and bathroom sinks.

2. Avoid Scented Products

You can spray air freshener and assume that the fresh scent means your air is clean. Unfortunately, many popular air fresheners will actually reduce indoor air quality. Scented air fresheners contain carcinogenic chemicals known as volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. Formaldehyde and acetaldehyde are examples of VOCs that may be in air freshener fragrance mixes.

Scented products other than air fresheners often contain VOCs as well. Hazardous chemicals may be in the fragrances of household cleaners, laundry and dish detergents, and even soaps and shampoos. Manufacturers are not required to list the ingredients of their fragrance mixes on the label, so your best option is to use unscented products for cleaning.

3. Install a Thermostat With Circulate Mode

Air purifiers, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers are great HVAC add-ons for indoor air quality, but they are only effective while your blower fan circulates air. Most thermostats only have two fan settings: Auto which runs the fan only when your furnace or AC is in use, and On, which runs the fan constantly. Using the On setting can certainly help to filter your air and control humidity, but this can also increase your energy costs.

Some thermostats have a circulate mode or CIRC setting that provides a good solution for both air quality and energy efficiency without the need to upgrade to a more expensive smart thermostat. Thermostats with a circulate mode will run the blower fan twenty to thirty minutes out of every hour, even when you don’t use heat or air conditioning.

4. Test for Radon Regularly

Radon is an invisible, odorless gas that forms everywhere near the earth's crust as uranium in the crust breaks down. Radon can build up in homes and other buildings over time and create a serious indoor air quality issue. Prolonged exposure to radon increases the risk of lung cancer while presenting no other symptoms.

Since radon pollution can occur anywhere, every home should be tested for safe levels of radon. Your state radon office provides resources to purchase radon test kits or obtain them free of charge. They can also connect you with a licensed radon contractor.

No single fix is available for indoor air quality issues, but various small improvements will add up and help you and your family breathe easier. For more useful air quality tips and all your other HVAC needs, contact the pros at Dick Kearsley Service Center.

Air conditioning is a critical part of your home, but it becomes the star of the show once summer arrives. Unfortunately, it's sometimes a poor financial decision to continue to put money into aging and failing air conditioning systems.

If your home's air conditioning equipment is more than a few years old, you might be wondering the best course of action when AC issues occur. This guide will present you with three common problems faced by air conditioning systems and whether it makes sense to repair the issue or replace your entire system.

1. Failing Start Capacitor

Your air conditioner uses a start capacitor in the same way that your car uses its battery. Engaging the compressor requires a significant jolt of power, which can place a strain on your home's electrical system. If you've ever noticed your lights dimming when your compressor turns on, this initial current draw is the culprit.

The start capacitor stores the energy needed to jump-start your air conditioner's compressor unit. Once engaged, a run capacitor takes over and provides a smooth and steady flow of power to the compressor and condenser blower. When the start capacitor fails, it produces similar symptoms to a failing car battery. Your compressor may struggle to start, or it can fail to engage altogether.

Since your compressor is the pump that keeps refrigerant flowing through the system, you won't be able to enjoy cool and comfortable air without it. Fortunately, start capacitors aren't costly parts, and the labor to replace them is usually minimal. Start capacitors sometimes fail due to extreme heat waves, so they don't necessarily indicate any systemic problem with your home's air conditioner.

A repair is usually the best choice for this issue.

2. Leaky Refrigerant Line Set

Your air conditioner's line set carries refrigerant between the evaporator and condenser, the two core components that work together to keep your home cool. Every part of your air conditioner relies on a specific level of pressure in the system. If your refrigerant pressure is too high or too low, it can reduce your system's cooling efficiency and damage expensive components such as your compressor.

Refrigerant lines can leak for various reasons, including improper installation or corrosion. Unfortunately, detecting a leak can be challenging, and you might not notice a problem until you begin to experience symptoms. These symptoms can include a high level of humidity, insufficient cooling, or short cycling.

Once you suspect a leak, always turn your system off and have an HVAC contractor inspect it as soon as possible. Although refrigerant leaks are rarely dangerous, they can cause premature wear on more expensive components. An experienced HVAC contractor should be able to locate the source of the leak, repair the affected section of plumbing, and recharge your refrigerant levels.

3. Compressor Failure

Your air conditioner's compressor is its most sophisticated, essential, and costly component. Compressors typically fail with age and use, but they should last for the lifetime of the air conditioning system. However, premature failure sometimes occurs due to poor maintenance habits, such as running the system with low refrigerant levels or a severely clogged air filter.

If your system isn't under warranty, the cost to replace a compressor will usually be prohibitive. In some cases, the component and labor costs may exceed the value of your whole condenser unit. Unless the rest of your air conditioner is in excellent shape, a failed compressor usually means that it's time to consider replacing your entire system.

Whether you're facing a minor repair or a whole-system replacement, Dick Kearsley Service Center can get the job done for you reliably and affordably. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for an evaluation or repair.

Buying and maintaining your HVAC system can be tricky, especially with myths and misconceptions that many people believe. That doesn't have to be the case anymore. Keep reading to debunk common myths about HVAC systems.

1. The Square Footage of Your Home Is All You Need

Your home's square footage is only one of the factors that contribute to the final decision of your AC’s size. To select and install a new heating and cooling system, your technician needs to inspect your windows, check for air leakage, measure ceiling height, and confirm your insulation and ventilation levels.

By only using square footage, you risk selecting an ill-fitting system with high installation costs and energy bills. Moreover, doing so wouldn't be compliant with nationally approved standards from the Air Conditioning Contractors of America.

2. The Bigger Your HVAC System, the Better for Your Home

Wrong! An oversized system often has a shorter lifespan and will cost you more. Moreover, larger HVAC systems tend to frequently cycle on and off, which increases humidity in your home and causes discomfort. Other issues also include leaking ductwork and poor air distribution.

An undersized unit isn't any better as it will drive up your energy bills. Therefore, with the help of a technician, choose the right HVAC system for your home that's appropriately sized and fits your home heating and cooling needs satisfactorily.

3. The Location of Your Thermostat Doesn't Matter

The thermostat is the most crucial component of your HVAC system. It's like the brain that regulates the system. For your system to work to its optimum and obtain accurate temperature readings, it needs to be in the correct location.

Where should you place the thermostat? Guidelines include the following:

• Keep a thermostat away from direct sunlight as the system can heat up and read high temperatures.
• Place a thermostat away from a vent.
• Place the thermostat away from heated areas such as the kitchen or bathroom.
• Keep a thermostat away from drafty windows and doors or hallways with different airflow.

4. The Air Filter Only Needs Changing Once a Year

Your filter needs regular cleaning, unlike the belief that it needs changing once a year. The air filter accumulates dirt quickly, especially if your home has more pollutants such as shedding pets or many home occupants.

Leaving it dirty will cause mechanical problems, hefty repair costs, efficiency loss, and eventually, a total system failure. Aim to check and change your HVAC system air filter at least monthly or every other month.

5. The Closing of Vents Will Help Reduce Your Costs and Save on Energy

When helping to select and install HVAC systems, technicians will also look at airflow in your home, including air vents and registers. The pro will then install a system that works appropriately alongside the vents.

If you close one or more of your vents, you can cause an imbalance of pressure load in the system. Such an upset of balance will cause airflow and pressure problems, leaks in the ducts, and more work for your system, resulting in increased costs and energy bills.

Consequently, your system will fail as it works more to achieve balance and to distribute the air. Therefore, leave the system to work as-is without closing vents.

6. The Turning of Systems On and Off Will Help Reduce Energy Consumption

Constantly switching the system on and off can cause your system to work harder. Start-and-stop operations on your heater will stress your compressor to activate and deactivate, which uses more energy and causes increased humidity and discomfort. So instead of reducing consumption, your bills will shoot up.

If you want to reduce your energy consumption, select a system with a programmable thermostat, so it's set on low when you don’t use it.

If you want to get value for your money through buying or maintaining your HVAC system, only follow the facts. And when you're unsure, always consult an expert. Contact us today for repair, installation, and maintenance services.

An HVAC system requires proper maintenance to increase the system's efficiency and prolong its lifespan. Any mistake in the installation or the maintenance of the HVAC system may affect its operation and possibly cause additional costs for repairs. If you plan to buy an HVAC unit or replace your old one, here are five HVAC mistakes that you should avoid with your new unit.

1. Restricted Air Distribution

Your air conditioner and heater require a proper air distribution system. The heater, for instance, takes in cold air, warms the air, and then distributes the heated air into your house. The vents must be fully open for proper distribution of the heated air. The same applies to the air conditioner.

Some homeowners close the air vents to save on energy costs, which is not a good idea. You should also always check your HVAC unit's duct system to ensure that the unit does not have any leaks. Restricting the air vents can increase your energy bills, damage the unit, and provide unsatisfactory heating and cooling.

2. Poor Drain System or Exhaust

Modern HVAC units come with well-designed drainage systems to get rid of the units' wastes. For instance, air conditioners have a drain system that removes the excess condensed water. Excess moisture from the condensation process can affect the air conditioners' efficiency, and that's why the drain system is important.

On the other hand, the heating system needs an exhaust to remove the harmful gases. One of those gases is carbon monoxide, which the HVAC unit produces during the conversion of cold air to warm air. You should always ensure that your HVAC unit has an operational drain system and exhaust to increase efficiency and safety.

3. Extremely High Temperature Settings

You may be tempted to set the heater's temperature setting higher than normal when it gets cold. However, excessively high temperatures can only increase your energy bills.

You should be patient when you turn on the heater, no matter how cold the house is. Within a short while, your home should be warm. Similarly, you should not make extreme adjustments to your air conditioner when the house is too warm. If you have a smart thermostat, it should regulate air temperatures in the house automatically.

4. Lack of Regular Inspection and Maintenance

As one of the most valuable assets in your home, the HVAC unit requires regular inspection and maintenance. During these regular checkups, the HVAC professional should check if the unit parts are intact, including the filters, the vents, and the drains.

If there is an issue with the unit, the expert should repair them or recommend a replacement if the damage is extensive. Regular HVAC inspection can also prevent an excessive rise in your energy bills.

5. Incorrect HVAC Size

The size of your HVAC unit should match the size of your house. You should not get a smaller HVAC unit if your house is big. The small unit may struggle to cool or warm your large house, and the excessive running may damage some parts or shorten the HVAC's lifespan.

Similarly, if you buy a big HVAC unit for a small house, you may cause a surge in your energy bills. If you plan to get a new HVAC unit, compare the available options in the market first to get the best fit for your home. You can seek expert help in the HVAC selection process for the best results.

You can avoid most of the above HVAC mistakes by working with an experienced HVAC contractor. Dick Kearsley Service Center offers HVAC installation, repair, and maintenance services at affordable prices. Contact our team for any issues regarding your HVAC unit

Research reveals that air conditioning systems account for 12% of a home's energy consumption, and for hotter areas in the summer, that percentage is even higher. While AC consumes quite a significant amount of energy, you can take various steps to improve its efficiency, reduce costs, and save money.

1. Close Windows and Doors
One way to increase your AC's efficiency is to close windows and doors when not in use. When you leave them open, conditioned air escapes. In case you want to air your house, turn off the air conditioning first. Also, cover your windows to limit the amount of heat getting inside

2. Clean or Replace AC Filter
Routinely cleaning or replacing air filters increases the efficiency of your AC. A dirty or clogged filter reduces air quality, making the AC work harder. Replacing an air filter can lower energy consumption by 5 to 15%. As such, check your air filters regularly to determine if they need to be cleaned or replaced.

3. Fix Any Air Leaks
Air leaks in your attic, under doors, and around windows contribute significantly to an AC's inefficiency as they allow cooled air to escape. Consequently, your AC runs longer than necessary, resulting in high utility bills. To increase your AC's efficiency and reduce costs, fix any air leaks around your home. Other notorious areas for air leaks are the attic, especially the access hatch, and electrical outlets.

4. Keep Vents Clean and Clear
Keep your vents clean and clear to ensure your system is working optimally. Check your vents to see if there's any dust, pet hair, or other debris blocking them. Take time to get rid of this debris to ensure steady airflow through the vents.

5. Keep the Thermostat Away from Heat Producing Appliances
Where you install your thermostat affects the efficiency of your AC. Installing your thermostat in an area exposed to heat — next to a sunny window or a heat-producing appliance, say a cooker or a coffee maker, leads to an inaccurate reading of your house's temperature.
The thermostat will cool the space more than required due to the high temperature of its surrounding. As a result, the AC works more than it should, leading to more wear and tear and higher energy bills. It is best to move your thermostat to a central location away from heating appliances.

6. Install a Zoning System
Improve the efficiency of your AC by installing a zoning system in your home. With this system, you customize the cooling levels of different rooms. The level of cooling required depends on the specifics of the room, which reduces energy consumption.

7. Schedule Regular Maintenance
Scheduling regular maintenance can help increase your AC's efficiency and reduce costs. An HVAC professional ensures that your AC works optimally and efficiently, and they can identify any problems before they become costly repairs.

Some of the most common warning signs that your AC system needs a checkup include higher energy bills than normal, your unit cycling on and off too frequently, ice on or around the compressor, or unusual noises. Make sure to hire a professional if you notice any of these signs so that you can quickly save money with an efficient AC system.

Increasing the efficiency of your AC system has numerous benefits. It lessens energy consumption, reduces utility bills, increases the system's lifespan, and saves you a lot of money in the long-term. Use the tips explained above to improve your AC's efficiency and say hello to more money in your pocket. Contact Dick Kearsley Service Center for all-things AC, including maintenance, repair, and installation.