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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

Should I Turn Off My Gas Furnace in the Summer?

April 12, 2021

You might not be needing your gas furnace during the summer, but does that mean you can switch if off it for the season? Are there any advantages of turning it off or should you just leave it on, in case you need to use it? Are there any disadvantages of turning off the gas furnace? Read on to find out. Energy Savings It a common misconception that if you are not using the gas furnace, you will not be consuming any gas or electricity. If you have a gas furnace with a pilot light,

How Efficient is Geothermal Heating?

March 16, 2021

When you’re deciding how to heat your Chesapeake home, efficiency is an important consideration. If you can find an efficient heating option, you’ll be able to save a lot of money on your utility bill while still keeping your home comfortable. One option that’s generally considered the most efficient is geothermal heating. Is geothermal heating from Simmons Heating & Cooling really that much of an improvement, though? To learn whether a geothermal system is worth the investment, check out this introductory guide. How Does a Geothermal System Work? A geothermal system taps into the significant thermal energy that’s present

What Type Of Water Heater Is Most Energy Efficient?

February 18, 2021

There are lots of opportunities to switch out a water heater, including when moving to a new house, when the old water heater system in your house is leaking or when it stops working. Chances are, if you’re a homeowner, you will get a chance to decide on the type of water heater to install in your house. When such a time comes, you should select the most energy-efficient water heating system to save on monthly energy bills. For homeowners, water heaters are an essential investment, and Simmons Heating & Cooling in Chesapeake, VA, will always offer you installation, repair, and maintenance services

How Does Geothermal Heating Work in the Winter?

January 21, 2021

While a furnace can do a great job of keeping your home warm in the winter, it does come with a few drawbacks. One of the biggest of those is the cost of energy. A furnace can use significant amounts of natural gas or electricity over the course of a heating season. To help drastically reduce your energy usage this winter and throughout the year, a geothermal heating and cooling system makes a lot of sense for your Chesapeake home. To understand how a geothermal system works to keep you warm in the winter, check out this basic information from

10 Must-Know Heating Tips to Keep Your Home Cozy This Holiday Season

December 18, 2020

The holidays are the best part of the year, but the temperature can get cold. You need to do what you can to keep the house warm for you and the people you love. However, you also want to heat smartly. Here are 10 heating tips for the holidays. 1. Use Rugs The floor can be quite cold, especially in the early morning on the way to the kitchen or the washroom. It can be helpful to get warm, plush rugs to keep the feet warm. There are even heated floor options for bathrooms.

Understanding the Marvel of Two-Stage Heating

November 21, 2020

In some cases, major innovations can come from upgrades to common products. This is certainly true of the two-stage furnace, an energy-saving new take on an old concept. At Simmons Heating & Cooling, we recommend two-stage heating for many homes. Here is some information about how it can help you in your Chesapeake area home. Variable Power Settings The key to two-stage heating is variable power settings. These variable power settings allow a furnace or a heat pump to produce different volumes of heated air to distribute throughout your home. For example, many two-stage furnaces from Simmons Heating & Cooling run at

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