June 10, 2020 | Articles
Some of the things you can experience today with homes in terms of home automation were only a dream years ago. Who could imagine having the conveniences Rosie the Robot provided like in the 1960s TV show, the Jetsons? However, today many of those robot-like conveniences have become a reality due to home automation in Rockledge, FL.
Home automation lets you control almost every aspect of your home that is electrically powered. You can manage your appliances and your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system from wherever you are and whenever you need to. Not only do you have control, but you also have the added benefits of peace of mind, comfort, convenience, and savings.
The primary attraction to using various types of home automation is their energy efficiency, which leads to a cost-saving benefit. Let’s look at some examples of home automation and their cost-savings that we offer here at Ellington Air Conditioning & Heat.
Home Automation Lighting
Smart interior and exterior lighting allow you to save money on the cost of providing light to your home. With smart lighting and your remote communication device, you can give the appearance of being at home when you may actually be on vacation. Controlling your lights can deter would-be criminals and save you the cost of having to replace stolen property or repair damage to your home.
Having lights that automatically come on inside the home or ones that adjust to the desired brightness when you enter an area will keep you from spending money on lighting areas when they are not in use. It’s both convenient and safe to have lights automatically come on when you get up to go into the kitchen or the bathroom in the middle of the night.
When installing smart lighting, there will be an initial expense with the purchase of the smart technology control device, lightbulbs, and switches. However, in the end, the cost-savings benefits are well worth it.
Automated Thermostats
The cost-saving benefit that stands out the most is the amount of money you can save on heating and cooling your home. You waste money by cooling a home or keeping it warm when no one is at home. Then, when you return home, you may have to use more energy adjusting the temperature to get the house comfortable.
By using a programmable thermostat, you can set the temperature in the home to pre-set levels. Some programmable thermostats store up to six temperature settings a day. That way, you can be confident of not utilizing unnecessary energy while you are away from home and be able to return to a house set at a comfortable temperature.
You will save money for each degree you adjust the temperature in your home. For the average homeowner, that could be a substantial saving.
Zoned Heating and Cooling
In addition to controlling the temperature, you can also control where the air flows in your home. For some rooms, adjusting the thermostat is not enough. Some rooms may have a lot of windows, which could cause uneven heating, while other rooms may need very little air or heat because you don’t use them.
Using a zoning system can help keep the rooms in your home at a consistently comfortable temperature. With zoning, you can send more heated or cooled air to the places where you want it and less where it’s not needed. Also, your HVAC system will not run as often, which will increase its life cycle.
Other Types of Home Automation
Some of the other types of home automation control options include automatic door locks, curtains and blinds, and video surveillance systems. Different benefits are associated with each type of home automation. Ultimately, they all lead to cost savings.
To save money with automated lighting, HVAC, or other systems, contact Ellington Air Conditioning & Heat.
Image provided by iStock
March 10, 2020 | Articles
Originally published in March 2017, updated in March 2020.
The air inside your home can harbor a variety of pollutants that compromise its breathability, causing discomfort and often compounding asthma and allergy symptoms. And the more well-sealed your home, the higher the level of airborne pollutants can be since these particles — which include dust, dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and smoke from cooking or cigarettes — are trapped inside your home, building up over time. Add to these particulates various microorganisms such as biologic particulates, bacteria and viruses, and you have a veritable petri dish of unhealthy substances that can invade your home.
Thanks to modern air purification technology, indoor air quality issues such as these can be easily corrected. The current crop of air quality solutions includes space age products that bring the technology of the future to your home today. By combining the right HVAC system components, you can create a multiple-step system that helps ensure that every type of indoor pollutant is addressed and handled in the appropriate manner: either by removal or destruction.
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November 29, 2019 | Articles
Heat pumps are ideal for heating and cooling in Florida. Instead of having to maintain both an air conditioner and furnace, heat pumps provide both heating and cooling in one unit. They are extremely energy-efficient, reducing heating and cooling bills by up to 75% depending on the type of system you choose. Proper installation is crucial to getting the best performance from any new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. Here are important facts about new heat pump installations.
Heat Pump Technology
There are several types of heat pump systems, including air-source, geothermal or ground-source and water-source. They operate on the same principles of refrigeration that air conditioners and refrigerators do. Refrigerant circulating through coils is compressed to create a high-temperature gas. It is routed through a condenser coil, causing it to lose heat and liquefy. It then passes through an expansion valve. Here, both temperature and pressure drop. As it flows through the evaporator coil, it picks up heat and boils. The hot liquid is passed to the compressor, and the cycle repeats.
Unlike standard HVAC units that require fuel to generate heat, these devices use energy to move heat from one place to another. Simply flipping a switch reverses the flow of refrigerant. Warm air is extracted from your home during the summer and transferred outdoors. During the winter, heat is extracted from either the outside air, earth or a water source and routed indoors.
A variable-speed inverter compressor increases efficiency. Unlike standard units that operate at 100% capacity, variable speed motors operate according to heating and cooling needs. During cooler times of day, they may operate at less than 50% capacity, which saves energy. When summer temperatures rise, the unit powers up to keep interiors cool. They are also better at controlling humidity, an important factor in the humid environment of Florida. The result is that you stay more comfortable using less energy.
Energy Efficiency
For every kilowatt of energy consumed, air-source systems generate approximately 3 KW of thermal energy. Energy efficiency for the heating cycle is described as the coefficient of performance. For cooling, units are rated by the Energy Efficiency Ratio, the ratio of heat removed compared to the amount of energy used to operate the system. These systems use energy to operate the compressor and motors. However, the energy used to condition the air comes from an existing heat source, such as the air, earth or water.
Proper Heat Pump Installation
Experts in the HVAC industry agree that proper installation is of utmost importance. A unit that is too small will not be able to heat and cool effectively. The system may run for longer periods of time, break down more often and have a shorter service life. An over sized unit may cycle off before it has removed humidity. Both undersized and over sized units use more fuel to operate. In both cases, indoor comfort is affected.
According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology, improper installation can increase energy consumption by as much as 30%. Improper sizing, inadequate ductwork, improper refrigerant charge and poor airflow are significant factors that affect performance.
The Air Conditioning Contractors of America’s standards for sizing and installation of residential and commercial HVAC systems are used by reliable contractors. Quality installation includes selection of proper equipment, correct system design, completion of a building load calculation for sizing and owner education about proper operation of the unit.
Sizing is not based only on square footage. It also examines other factors, including:
- Building orientation.
- Local climate.
- Number of doors and windows.
- Amount of insulation.
- Number of occupants per room.
- Landscaping.
- Building construction materials.
- Ventilation.
The Ellington Air Conditioning & Heat Advantage
At Ellington Air Conditioning & Heat, we pay close attention to customer satisfaction and comfort. Our NATE-certified technicians are factory-trained to bring you the most technologically advanced installations, repairs and maintenance. We use industry standards for new installations. Our years of serving customers in Brevard and Monroe counties means that we will be there for you if you need follow-up services. We offer annual maintenance plans and scheduled repairs to keep your equipment running at peak efficiency.
For more information about a new heat pump installation, call (321) 248-4838 in Brevard County and (305) 824-2265 for service in the Middle and Lower Keys.
June 25, 2019 | Articles
The technology that goes into a new heat pump keeps getting better and better. These all-in-one heating and cooling systems are leading the way in energy-efficient climate control and now work effectively even when outside temperatures dip below freezing. Whether you’re researching your first heat pump installation project or looking to replace an existing unit, Trane has some impressive new features to consider.
Heat Pump Basics
A heat pump operates similar to an air conditioner. It uses a refrigerant to transfer heat out of the air indoors during summer and captures heat energy from the air in winter to warm the home even on chilly days. Heat pumps can be used year-round in mild climates and do not require natural gas for efficient heating.
Comfort Without Sacrificing Energy Efficiency
Top-of-the-line heat pumps bring a number of benefits to make your home more comfortable while conserving energy. For example, a variable-speed compressor allows the unit to run at a lower speed to better maintain a consistent temperature in your home. The system runs longer on the hottest days but uses less energy since it isn’t cycling on and off frequently. A variable-speed compressor can hold the temperature within half a degree of your desired setting. The extended running time with this technology also gives you superior control over humidity.
For mid-range budgets, a two-stage compressor is a great option. The heat pump can run on a low setting or on high. Compared to a typical single-stage compressor, this technology offers better comfort and temperature control in the home, reduces humidity and boosts energy efficiency.
Durable Heat Pump Components to Weather the Test of Time
Heat, humidity and salty air take a toll on heating and cooling equipment in Florida. Trane’s engineers put every component through extensive testing to find the best materials to hold up through heat, cold and everything else Mother Nature comes up with. On the outdoor unit, the fasteners are coated with zinc, the base pan won’t rust or corrode, and the louvers are made of galvanized steel to protect the internal components. Trane units also include a number of features that act together to reduce the noise level when the compressor is running. The quietest units run at a level comparable to the sounds in a library or during a conversation at home.
Convenient, High-Tech Controls
With the right thermostat, you can control your Trane heat pump from a smartphone or tablet in the next room or across the country. WiFi-enabled thermostats offer insight into energy usage, simplified programming and remote access. Trane’s innovative thermostats also integrate with the Nexia Bridge for even greater convenience as you connect your home’s systems and devices together.
‘No Worries’ Coverage
Ellington Air Conditioning & Heat is a Trane Comfort Specialist. We stand behind all of our work with our own guarantee, and we’re authorized to perform warranty work for Trane and other manufacturers. For greater protection, Ellington now offers three money-saving AC and heat pump maintenance plans for residential customers in Brevard County, FL, and the Middle and Lower Keys. There’s an option for every budget and every heating and cooling system. Our lifetime “No Worries” membership plan includes:
- Annual maintenance checks with a reminder service.
- Corrosion coverage to guard against the salt air.
- Temporary cooling measures if needed during a repair.
- Full “bumper to bumper” repair coverage for up to 12 years.
- Bulb replacement for UV air cleaners.
- And much more.
Quality HVAC Services in Brevard, FL and the Middle and Lower Keys
To learn more about heat pumps or for a free in-home estimate for heat pump installation, contact Ellington Air Conditioning & Heat. Call (321) 248-4838 in Brevard County or (305) 824-2265 in the Middle and Lower Keys. It’s time you experienced the Ellington Difference.
May 8, 2019 | Articles
In the world of business, it does little good to have a quality product if you cannot attract customers and establish a relationship with them. Conversely, your customer service skills can be extremely sharp, but if the work you complete is shoddy or a half-hearted attempt, your reputation will suffer along with your business. To be successful, you need both craftsmanship and customer service.
Book Smarts: Skill and Competency
NATE certification is the most rigorous test in the HVAC industry. Becoming NATE certified means that a technician has demonstrated technical mastery in the HVAC field. From air conditioning repair to a home automation system, NATE-certified technicians have the training necessary to do the job right.
Merely performing a repair or installation, however, is different from understanding the big picture. Workers simply do the job. Craftsmen take pride in doing a professional job. Rather than just fixing your problem, craftsmen consider what factors caused the problem, possible other related issues that can occur as a result, and what can be done to prevent further issues.
Company Culture Enables Learning Through Experience
Experience teaches what works and what doesn’t. What works is a positive company culture that emphasizes customer service.
A customer-oriented philosophy provides the quality assurance that backs up technical expertise. A worker’s approach is to schedule a service call. A craftsman arrives on time, listens to your concerns, and makes sure you’re happy before leaving. Company culture encourages and requires this level of expectation from their employees. It doesn’t happen automatically. It is a focused endeavor identified and promoted company-wide through a consistent level of expectations and collaboration.
Ellington AC: An HVAC Craftsman
Ellington Air Conditioning & Heat combines the technical competency of NATE certification with a customer focus from our company culture. Our technicians have the skills to do a job right as well as provide comfort solutions to your HVAC challenges. As we provide those solutions, we pay attention to details, including standing behind our products and service with a 100-percent satisfaction guarantee. The result? An HVAC company that enables workers to become craftsmen who deliver outstanding service every time.
To learn more about why we’re the most referred HVAC contractor in Brevard County and the Middle and Lower Keys, check out The Ellington Difference or call (321) 248-4838. For our neighbors in the Middle and Lower Keys, call (305) 824-2265.
March 26, 2019 | Articles
Looking for ways to improve your home’s air quality? If so, an air purification system may be the solution you’re looking for. Many homeowners steer clear of installing an air filtration system because they fear it will increase their energy bills. Keep reading to learn about the benefits of an air filtration system and tips for choosing whether to install one in your Rockledge, Florida, home.
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