Summer 2012
Repair or Replace: When Do You Need a New Air Conditioner?
There are a lot of things to consider when deciding to repair or replace your air conditioner. The first is the age of your system. Air conditioners can last a long time with regular maintenance and repair. If your system is only a year or two old you’ll certainly opt for repair. If you’re having trouble with an AC that is 8 or 10 years old, however, it may be worth replacing. Even if the necessary repairs are not that expensive, many of the advancements in the industry over the past decade may make it worth investing in a new system.
Before deciding to repair a damaged air conditioner, consider its efficiency. Look back at its performance and costs of operation last summer. If it wasn’t efficient at the beginning of last season, you might want to look at newer options. Look for information about the system, including its SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). If your system is outdated and has a low SEER, then even with repairs it will not be capable of running as efficiently as newer models. You may be able to fix your current air conditioner for less money than you’d spend on a new system, but over time the financial benefits of a new, high efficiency machine can easily outweigh the one–time–savings of repairing an older AC.
If you do decide that your old system is ready for replacement, the next step is to talk to a qualified HVAC technician. They will be able to help you through all the steps involved in deciding on, purchasing and installing a new air conditioning system. Remember, you don’t have to stick with what you’ve had. If your old ductwork is leaky or compromised, you may want to consider a ductless system. Maybe a heat pump is right for your heating and cooling needs. With so much to consider, the best thing to do is ask the pros. Call us any time.
Great Ideas for Summer Family Fun
If you have children, you know how important it is to find time for quality family activities. You also know how difficult it can be to find that time. Here are some suggestions for family fun this summer.
- Go to the Beach
It can be hard to convince your kids to get outdoors when the temperature soars. A trip to the beach is a great way for them to cool off while still getting in some time outside.
- Have a Water Fight
You’re not always going to have time for trips to the beach. The kids are on vacation after all, not you. Luckily, fun awaits you in your own backyard. Travel isn’t necessary for quality time with your family.
- Grab a Field Guide
Before you take your next family hike, pick up a field guide. This is a great way to get your kids interested in the outdoors, as well to sneak some education into their vacation. How many species of plants and animals can your family identify?
- Have a Picnic
You don’t need to live in the country to appreciate the outdoors this summer. Grab a Frisbee or the baseball gloves and head off on a picnic. Even most cities have public parks and greens suitable for this. You have to have lunch anyway, so you may as well turn it into an activity for the family.
- Go Fishing
Look up some local fishing holes and get an early start. This will provide you with a quiet, peaceful time to appreciate your family, hopefully with some moments of excitement sprinkled in.
- Start a Garden
Get your hands dirty with your kids. Projects like gardening are a great responsibility for them to take part in. Watching their hard work grow and bloom is an exciting lesson for your children.
- Take a Bike Ride
Family bike rides are a great activity for when the days start to cool off. Grab your helmet and explore your neighborhood with your children. It’s a great way to get a little exercise while spending time with your family.
- Set Up Camp
You don’t necessarily need to head to the woods for this one. A simple night under the stars in your own back yard can provide a memorable night for your family. For a real camping experience, no electronics allowed!
Hopefully these tips help you get your family’s summer off on the right foot. Don’t worry if you go through these suggestions quickly. Make your own summer activity out of seeing how many more you can come up with.