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7 Big Questions to Ask Before Purchasing a Generator

February 15, 2022

High winds, unusual storms, power blackouts: It doesn’t take long to grasp how reliant you are on power. It can be challenging to go without it for some hours. What about some days? Considering your lifestyle, it’s nearly impossible. As a result, the need for house generators is growing. Generators range in price from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. They are available in a variety of sizes and configurations, and they operate on a variety of fuels. So, how would you determine which generator is best for you? As with any purchase,

Common Indicators That Your Ductwork is Damaged

January 12, 2022

If you have a centralized heating and air conditioning system, you have ductwork that runs throughout all the walls of your home. This helps to provide treated air to the rooms in your home as well as circulates the air so that it can be treated by your HVAC system. Unfortunately, your ductwork may get damaged from time to time. By understanding the common indicators below, you can know to get your ductwork repaired before it gets worse. Dirt and Dust at Your Air Vents One of the most obvious indicators of damaged ducting is that

Should I Change My HVAC Filter During a Virginia Winter?

December 16, 2021

A heating and cooling system fulfills several important functions within the home, including filtering and warming the air that your family breathes. As these systems run throughout the winter, they move air through filters that trap fine particles like dust, pet dander, and pollen. Replacing your HVAC filter regularly is a smart idea, and it may need to be done more frequently during a Virginia winter because you’ll likely be spending more time indoors. Use our guide to learn how often to perform this crucial maintenance task. Why Are Regular Filter Changes So Important?

Do I Need to Cover My HVAC Unit During the Winter?

November 20, 2021

During the cold winter months, it’s likely that you’re trying to protect all of your outside possessions. One of these may be your outdoor condenser unit. Your first thought may be to cover your HVAC unit to protect it from snow and ice. Take the following into consideration when deciding to put a cover over your unit. Think About What’s Inside Your Unit Before you cover your outdoor HVAC unit, it’s important to think about what’s inside of it. There are various electrical components like wiring and circuit boards that are very sensitive to moisture. There

4 Steps for Maintaining a Healthy and Efficient Furnace

October 19, 2021

When you’ve decided to invest in a brand-new furnace for your home, you obviously will want to get the most value out of it that you can. Depending on how responsible you are in taking care of it, your heating appliance can either have very positive effects on your household or very negative ones. The good news is that you have a lot of control over which of these outcomes becomes a reality. To be sure you’re getting the best results from your new furnace, there are a handful of steps that you can take. 1. Avoid

4 Common Fall Indoor Air Quality Issues

September 15, 2021

Changes in air quality indoors are inevitable as the seasons keep changing. Indoor environments are full of potential air pollutants, making air quality inside your home a serious concern. Low air quality can cause comfort problems and health complications in any season. However, these issues can affect you and your family more seriously in the fall season. It is, therefore, essential to keep an eye out for indoor air issues to help you address them in an efficient and timely manner. Below are some of the common air quality concerns that occur during the fall season and what you can

Is Your AC Running Efficiently?

August 18, 2021

Having air conditioning when it’s extremely hot outside can be a much-needed pleasure. However, once you start getting the electric bills for running your air conditioning system, you may be wondering if your air conditioner is running at its best. To ensure that your air conditioning system is running efficiently, there are various aspects of it that you’ll want to check. Assess the Air Filter One of the easiest things to check first is your system’s air filter. Locate the filter housing on your air conditioning system; it is usually positioned somewhere within the ductwork

Different Thermostat Modes and Settings Explained

July 27, 2021

Part of running any home air conditioning system is understanding the different modes that it comes with. When you have an in-depth understanding of these modes, you can set them in a correct fashion to optimize your energy savings throughout the year. We’re going to go over some of the most commonly used settings below in this quick but informative guide provided by Simmons Heating & Cooling in Chesapeake. On and Off Modes Two modes that you’re probably familiar with on your home thermostat are the on mode and the off mode. When your system is set to the

How Does Humidity Affect Mold Growth?

June 7, 2021

If mold is growing anywhere on your property, it’s important that you remove it as quickly as possible. It’s also a good idea to determine what caused it to start growing in the first place. As a general rule, mold thrives in damp conditions, which means that it may be a significant problem as humidity levels start to rise. When Is Mold Growth a Concern? Mold growth accelerates when the relative humidity in a given space is higher than 60%. Therefore, it may be a good idea to put a dehumidifier in a basement, attic or

How Many Watts Does an Air Conditioner Use?

May 12, 2021

The summertime heat and humidity in Chesapeake, VA, can only be relieved by an effective air conditioning system. Whether you’re installing an air conditioner for the first time, replacing an old, inefficient unit, or cooling a newly finished portion of your home, it’s important to know how many watts the air conditioner uses. Watt usage directly impacts your electricity bill and your home’s carbon footprint. Read on to learn about the typical watt usage of air conditioners. Portable Air Conditioners Portable air conditioners use between 2,900 and 4,100 watts per hour. They don’t require ducts, but

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