If you want to be happy, healthy, and productive, ensuring you get a good night’s rest is one of the best steps you can take. We spend about a third of our lives sleeping, and there’s a good reason. Sleep provides us with the chance to process the lessons of the day, to relax our muscles, and to recharge. Unfortunately, the lack of comfort can affect how well we sleep.

The more comfortable your bedroom is, the better the rest you can get. When it comes to comfort, your HVAC system plays a big role. Therefore, it is important to know your options so you can get the best sleep possible. To help you do so, B&L Ott near Reading, Pennsylvania is here to help you learn your options and provide tips for maximizing your comfort.

Temperature

If your bedroom is not a comfortable temperature, you may end up tossing and turning all night. Whether you are shivering or kicking the blankets out, trying to cope with the temperature can leave you sleepless. Then the next day you can’t’ focus and barely feel like moving. If this situation sounds familiar, check out the helpful systems B&L Ott can help you install below.

Programmable Thermostat

Heat rises. This means that if your bedroom is on the second floor, it is likely hotter than the rest of your Berks County home. Some people get around this issue by turning their thermostat down before bed. If you use this method and want to make doing so more convenient, consider having B&L Ott install a programmable thermostat.

With a programmable thermostat, all you have to do is set a schedule once and your system will continue to follow your instructions until you decide to change it again. You can tell your thermostat to automatically make your home cooler before you go to bed and have it warm up again right before you wake up. You can wake up comfortable and rested without having to fiddle with your thermostat.

Home Zoning

If you want to make controlling the temperature of your home even more convenient and save money at the same time, you will also want to consider asking B&L Ott to install a home zoning system. If you have a large home, you are likely paying to cool rooms that you may not even use that often. With a home zoning system, you can send the cool air directly where you want it to go.

A home zoning system uses dampers in your air ducts to divide your home into sections. You can section off your home almost any way you want. You can section it off by floors, by rooms, or by areas. This means if you want to cool off your second-floor bedroom without making the first floor colder and wasting energy, then you can do so. One of B&L Ott’s technicians can even help you determine the best way to section off your Berks County home.

Humidity

Humidity can also affect how comfortable you feel. For instance, if the air is too humid, your skin will likely feel sticky and gross. On the other hand, when the humidity levels in your home are low, your skin will feel dry and itchy. Lack of humidity can also leave your family more susceptible to colds and the flu. The ideal humidity levels for your home is between 40-45%. If you feel that your home’s humidity levels are too low or too high, talk to B&L Ott about installing a humidifier or a dehumidifier.

Air Flow

Finally, the easier you can breathe, the better sleep you will get. Having good air flow can help you sleep better. To improve the air flow open your windows if it is nice out. If it is too hot or cold, use some fans to move the air around. Fans can also create white noise which many people find can help them fall asleep faster.

Contact B&L Ott for Help

If you have any questions or need more help making your home comfortable, contact the professionals at B&L Ott. You can do so on our website here: https://otthvac.com/contact-us/. You can also call B&L Ott at 610-927-5133. By utilizing these simple tips, you can sleep better, feel more energetic, and be more productive.

When you remodel your home, there are countless aspects to think about. You need to plan the layout of the rooms, figure out how much material you need, figure out who will build everything and more. One very important facet to pay attention to is your HVAC system.

Your HVAC system can and should affect the remodel and the remodel can and likely will affect your HVAC system. Before you begin building, you want to make sure everything is in order so that you have little chance of running into issues. To help you plan, B&L Ott near Reading, Pennsylvania has compiled this list of tips to help you through the process.

Protect Your System From Dust

The first aspect you will want to consider is protecting your HVAC system from dust and other debris. If this dirt gets inside your system, it can cause wear-and-tear, clogs, or other problems. Turn your system off before you start your remodel. You will also want to close your registers and air vents. After that, try to avoid working near your system and use tarps to contain the dust in your construction area. You will also want to clean your workspace at the end of the day.

Cooling the Extra Space

If you are adding on a large room or multiple rooms, you should consider installing either a larger system or a mini-split system to cool the extra space. If your system is fairly new or if you need a lot of duct modifications, consider contacting B&L Ott to install a mini-split system. On the other hand, if your system is nearing the end of its life, completely replacing your system would likely be a better option.

If you need more help deciding if you should replace your system, check out this B&L Ott blog here: https://otthvac.com/replace-hvac-system/. You can also contact B&L Ott to schedule a consultation. One of our technicians can help you analyze the situation and recommend the best solutions.

Air Duct Modification

If you don’t go with a mini-split system, you will likely need to modify your air ducts to ensure that your new space can be cool and comfortable. This is definitely something you will want to contemplate before remodeling as the need for more air ducts can greatly affect how you layout your new space. Contact a professional HVAC contractor like B&L Ott to help you figure out if and how your air ducts can be modified to fit your new space.

Cleaning

With any HVAC system, the goal is to maximize efficiency. This way you can save energy and money. To maximize your efficiency, you will want to make sure your system is as clean as possible. Change your filter often during the remodel. The excess dust and debris can quickly clog your system.

You may also want to consider B&L Ott’s duct cleaning service. The dust that builds up within your ducts can block the air flow and make your system work harder to cool your Berks County home. Duct cleaning is not something you should try to do on your own as it is difficult to see and reach the dust. B&L Ott uses the Air Scrubber Plus® which is the latest in duct-cleaning technology. It cleans up to 99.9% of the harmful contaminants in your home and had been awarded the Space Foundation’s Certified Space Technology seal of approval. Getting your ducts cleaned by B&L Ott can also help your family breathe easier.

Contact B&L Ott for Help

Still unsure about certain aspects of your remodel? Contact the professionals at B&L Ott for help. We will help you go over your plans and help you determine what type of heating and cooling solutions you need. You can contact B&L Ott through our website here: https://otthvac.com/contact-us/. You can also call B&L Ott at 610-927-5133.

When it comes to your HVAC system, ensuring that your system is properly installed is the key to getting the best efficiency possible. There are many reasons why you should try to maximize the efficiency of your HVAC system. For instance, the more energy you save, the lower your utility bills will be. You also help ensure that your Berks County home is comfortable year-round and has good air flow.

Why It Matters

If you want all of the benefits that come with good efficiency, B&L Ott near Reading, Pennsylvania is here to help. We can help you ensure that your system is installed and connected properly so that you can get the most from your HVAC system. Below are some reasons why it is important to find the right HVAC contractor and ensure your system is properly installed.

Don’t Go With The Cheapest Option

HVAC systems can get expensive. With this in mind, it can be very tempting to try and save money by choosing the cheapest offer you can find. However, using this strategy often backfires. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. The HVAC technician may cut corners and just cover the bare minimum. When this happens, you will likely end up with poor efficiency or other problems that end up costing you more anyway. This is why it is better to just ensure you choose the right contractor to install your HVAC system in the first place.

Choosing the Right Size

The size of your HVAC system can greatly affect the efficiency of your system. If your system is too small, it will have to run constantly to keep your home warm or cool. On the other hand, if your system is too large, it will short-cycle. Both of these issues waste energy and cause extra wear-and-tear on your system. Getting the right size is the first step to maximizing efficiency. Contact the professionals at B&L Ott to help you choose the right model for your home and family.

Air Ducts

Your air ducts, along with the fan, are responsible for transporting the warm or cool air that your HVAC system creates throughout your Berks County home. If they aren’t installed properly, the conditioned air could leak out of them or get stuck within them. Then your system has to run longer and use more energy to warm or cool your home. This is yet another reason why it is important to have a professional HVAC contractor like B&L Ott install your system.

Refrigerant

Similar to getting the right size HVAC system, it is also important to have the right amount of refrigerant. The refrigerant is the medium that transport the heat carried out of your home. If your refrigerant levels are low, your system may have to work longer to cool your home. Like the other issues on this list, this also causes faster wear-and-tear to occur.

Watching Out for Poor Installation

Once your new HVAC system is installed and running, you can watch out for signs that may signify that your system wasn’t installed properly. For instance, if you notice a spike in your utility bills, your HVAC system may be using extra energy. You can also look for any visual issues that don’t seem right.

If you think your system wasn’t installed properly, contact the professionals at B&L Ott. You can do so through our website here: https://otthvac.com/contact-us/. You can also call B&L Ott at 610-927-5133. One of our knowledgeable technicians will inspect your system for issues. If they find any problems they will repair them with your permission. Then your family can live comfortably in your Berks County home.

Almost every HVAC contractor has some sort of maintenance program. It generally involves that contractor visiting your home one or two times per year. During this visit, they will clean your system, inspect it, and ensure that it is running at maximum efficiency. B&L Ott in Montgomery County offers a Routine Maintenance service like this.

When it comes to these types of programs, many homeowners ask the same question: Is it worth it? They want to know if it truly has a significant impact on their HVAC system and home environment. With this in mind, B&L Ott is here with five reasons why our Routine Maintenance Program is indeed worth it.

Maximum Comfort

The main reason you have your HVAC system is so you can keep you and your family comfortable no matter what the Pennsylvania weather may bring. Your HVAC system keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. However, if there is an issue with your system, it will not be able to provide the comfort you desire. Some common issues are uneven heating, lack of humidity control, and poor air quality.

B&L Ott’s Routine Maintenance Service helps you avoid these issues. If you notice any issues with the air quality or comfort of your home, let one of our knowledgeable technicians know. Then we can make adjustments or recommend an alternative solution for you.

Savings

One great benefit of B&L Ott’s Routine Maintenance Service is savings. One of the main reasons why most homeowners wonder if maintenance programs are worth it is because they don’t want to spend money on a service they don’t need. While you may not need the service to keep your system running, using the service can help you save you more over time.

After some time, your HVAC system gets dirty. This dirt can block the airflow, cause wear-and-tear on the parts, or clog your filter. When these issues occur, your HVAC system will have to work harder to warm or cool your Berks County home. This also means that your system will use more energy and your utility bills rise. B&L Ott’s service helps prevent these issues by ensuring that your system is clean. When your system is clean, it will run efficiently, conserve energy, and keep your utility bills low.  Before you know it, your savings will surpass the cost of B&L Ott’s Routine Maintenance Service.

Peace of Mind

Everyone wants safety and peace of mind. B&L Ott can help provide this when it comes to your HVAC system. If your system doesn’t get inspected every once in a while, there could be small issues that are quickly turning into larger issues. B&L Ott’s Routine Maintenance can help you catch these problems so that you can have peace of mind. We will check for leaks, clogs, broken parts and other issues that can pose a threat to your system or family.

Air Quality

While cleaning helps prevent mechanical issues, it also helps improve air quality. By getting the dust and other debris out of your system, the air circulating through your Berks County home will also be cleaner. If anyone in your family has asthma, allergies, or respiratory issues, keeping the air clean is very important. When the air is cleaner, there are fewer pollutants to aggravate their symptoms.  

Uphold Warranty

Finally, having B&L Ott regularly service your HVAC system can help you uphold its warranty. Many systems come with a warranty that protects your system, but also have stipulations about having your system cared for by a reliable HVAC contractor. B&L Ott’s Routine Maintenance Program can help you accomplish this.

If you would like to contact B&L Ott to learn more or to request our service, please contact us here: https://otthvac.com/contact-us/. You can also call us at 610-927-5133. With just a bit of regular care, you will find that your system runs better, lasts longer, and keeps your family comfortable.

Most people prefer that the room be nice and cool when they go to bed. They find that they can breath easier and get more restful sleep when their bedroom is between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. Unfortunately, having a hot second floor can prevent you from getting the comfortable sleep you are hoping for.

To counteract this problem, many homeowners try setting their thermostat to an even lower temperature before they go to bed. This way the cool air can reach their second floor. However, this tactic causes the first floor to get even colder, wastes energy, and causes your utility bills to rise. If this situation sounds familiar, B&L Ott in Berks County is here to help. Below you will find some common causes for a hot second floor as well as some helpful solutions.

Heat Rises

One of the main reasons why your second floor is hotter is because heat rises. This means that any hot air that your HVAC system doesn’t remove will collect in the upper level of your home. Your HVAC system also has to work harder and longer if you want it to cool off your second floor.

Large House

The size of your home can also affect how hot certain areas of your Berks County home get. The larger your home, the more cool air it requires to be comfortable. It is important to ensure that you have the right size of the system. If it is too small, it won’t be able to produce enough cold air. If it is too large, it will cycle on and off too quickly and not properly distribute air throughout your home. Contact B&L Ott to help ensure you have the right size system.

Dark Roof

Dark colors absorb light and heat as well. This means that if you have a dark-colored roof, it is absorbing heat from the sun. This can also contribute to your second floor being too hot to sleep comfortably. If your second floor is always too hot, consider painting your roof a lighter color that reflects the sun.

Lack of Insulation in the Attic

Your attic likely isn’t connected to an HVAC system. Therefore, there is not much airflow and with the sun beating down on the roof, it likely gets very hot. This can affect the temperature of your home as well. One of the best ways to help combat this issue is to make sure your attic is properly insulated. This way the heat from the attic doesn’t leak into the upper level of your home.

Thermostat and Air Duct Placement

Yet,  another possible issue is the thermostat and duct placement. If you had a professional HVAC contractor install your system, you likely won’t experience this issue. However, if your contractor didn’t know what they were doing or if you have recently added more rooms onto your home, this can cause issues.

If your air ducts are not laid out properly, you can easily end up with uneven heating. Additionally, if the thermostat is in the wrong place, your HVAC system can shut off too early. You will also want to make sure that you don’t have any furniture blocking the air vents or return ducts as this can block air flow. Contact B&L Ott if you think you are experiencing this type of problem so we can help you find an appropriate solution.

HVAC Unit Issues

Finally, any issues with your HVAC system can also affect the airflow to your second floor. If your system is not running efficiently, or if your air ducts or vents are blocked, the air may not be getting to where it needs to go. A good sign that there is an issue with your HVAC system is that your system is constantly turned on. In this case, it is working overtime to keep your home cool. This is using up extra energy, reducing your systems life expectancy, and causing your energy bills to rise. Contact B&L Ott to help determine if your system needs any type of repair or attention.

Contact B&L Ott Now

We can also help you improve the airflow in your home. We provide a variety of services such as biannual maintenance, air duct cleaning, installation of home-zoning systems, installation of mini-split systems, and more. If you need help determining what the issue is to contact B&L Ott through our website here: https://otthvac.com/contact-us/. You can also call B&L Ott at 610-927-5133. We will help you get your home comfortable again so you can get the sleep and rest you deserve.

Everyone wants their home to look the best that it can be. This way, if friends and family visit, they will be comfortable and impressed. Unfortunately, life can get so busy that it can be difficult to keep your house in great shape. You need to set aside time for organizing and cleaning. Otherwise, your to-do list will continue to grow and you eventually may get embarrassed whenever company shows up.

B&L Ott is here to help with some tips and information about what home improvement areas to pay attention to. With just a bit more attention, you can get your Berks County home looking fantastic!

Yard

It can be difficult to find time to tend to your yard when Pennsylvania weather is so unpredictable. Be sure to check the weekly forecast regularly. Figure out which day looks the nicest and schedule yard work that day. If you are still short on time, get your family to help or hire someone to help you.

If getting your entire yard together seems overwhelming, remember to take it one small step at a time. Do a little bit day by day rather than scheduling an entire day of yard work.

Kitchen

Does your kitchen have an organizational system? Do all your pots, pans, and utensils have a home? If not, your kitchen probably gets cluttered easily and you may get frustrated. Having an organized kitchen will save you time and stress.

If your kitchen needs work, set aside a weekend to get it organized. You will thank yourself later. Buy some drawer organizers, spice caddies, and other organizational supplies to help you. Once everything is organized you will find it much easier to work your way around the kitchen. Don’t forget to take time every week or two to get rid of expired food, as well. It only takes about 5-10 minutes if you keep up with it.

Living Area

Your living room likely doesn’t need as much attention as your kitchen, but it is still important to pay attention to. Blankets and pillows should be washed every 2-4 weeks, your carpet should be vacuumed 1-2 times per week, and you should dust 1-4 times per month. These tasks don’t take much time. It is just a matter of remembering to do so. Set a reminder on your phone or delegate it as a job to someone in your household.

Bathroom

Bathrooms can get pretty messy quickly. Between makeup, brushing teeth, taking showers and more, there can be dirt everywhere. If you have guests, you don’t want them to be disgusted by your bathroom. Therefore, it is important to keep it clean.

Like the kitchen, your bathroom should have an organizational system and be cleaned every week or two. It helps if you clean up your messes right after you make them. This way, the pile of clutter doesn’t keep growing. By taking just a few minutes to clean up after yourself, you can keep your bathroom looking orderly on a daily basis.

Bedroom

In most cases, your guests won’t go into your bedroom, but that doesn’t mean you won’t get frustrated by a messy bedroom. One of the biggest issues in the bedroom is the laundry. At the end of the day, you are tired and many times just want to collapse onto your bed. Messiness or cleanliness is a habit. If you allow yourself to be lazy, even just a few times, you will reinforce that habit. On the other hand, if you push yourself to clean up after yourself, you will reinforce good habits. Be sure to pick up your clothing, make your bed, and clean up other little messes on a daily basis.

HVAC System

Finally, don’t forget to take care of your appliances and tools, especially your HVAC. You want you, your family, and your guests to be comfortable in your home. Your HVAC system will help you accomplish this. You have to take proper care of it though. To make sure it is ready to work properly and efficiently, contact B&L Ott. Our professionals will thoroughly inspect, clean, and adjust your system with B&L Ott’s Routine Maintenance Program. By doing so you can help make sure that your system will run when you need it most.

To schedule routine maintenance or schedule another B&L Ott service, you can visit our website and contact us here: https://otthvac.com/contact-us/. Alternatively, you can call B&L Ott at 610-927-5133. With a little work and help from B&L Ott, your Berks Country home will be a comfortable place for you and any guests who may come your way.

An HVAC system is one of the largest home investments you will ever make. Even after that your HVAC system likely takes up a large chunk of your utility bills. It’s important to do your research and learn how to save money where you can, without sacrificing quality. When it comes to HVAC systems, this task can seem pretty complicated. Yet, B&L Ott, near Reading, Pennsylvania, is here to help.

When to Buy

One aspect that affects pricing is timing. Prices constantly fluctuate for almost everything. Just pick a random product you buy on a weekly basis and research how much it cost a few decades ago. There’s a good chance that the price has changed drastically.

If you are looking for a good time to buy a new HVAC system, that time is now. Read on to learn more, then contact B&L Ott to help you choose and install a new system.

Why Should I Have a New HVAC System Installed Now?

Soon, two tariffs will be put into effect that will cause the price of imported steel and aluminum to rise. This will also impact the HVAC market as many parts, supplies, and equipment are commonly made with these materials.

This is not the first time prices have increased. You may have noticed prices increase in 2018 as well. If you think your HVAC system will reach its life expectancy within the next few years, then now is the time to buy before prices increase even more.  

Determining If It Is Worth It to Replace Your System Now

How do you know if it is an appropriate time for a replacement? Consider the aspects below to help you decide.

Age

The average HVAC system will last about 10 years or a little longer. However, if you have a high-quality system and take good care of it with help from B&L Ott it will likely last longer. On the other hand, if you neglect maintenance or go for a cheaper system, it likely will not last as long. Either way, if your system is nearing 10 years old or is past 10 years old, it is a good idea to start thinking about a replacement.  

Frequent Repairs

Another aspect that can help you determine how much longer your HVAC system will last is how many repairs you have needed lately. If you have been calling B&L Ott a lot lately for repairs, it may be a smarter solution to replace your system. This way your money goes toward a system that will work for you rather than toward fixing a system that may just break down again.

Strange Noises or Smells

Similar to frequent repairs, if you have had an ongoing issue with strange noises or smells, it may be a better option to simply replace your system. If you need help figuring out how bad the issue is, contact B&L Ott near Reading, Pennsylvania for help.

Poor Air Flow

Is your Berks County home comfortable? If you have noticed more warm or cool spots in your home, your current HVAC system may be losing efficiency. This is another sign that now is a good time to replace your system before prices increase.

Always Running

Another sign that your HVAC system may be losing efficiency is how often it is running. If it is constantly turned on or starts up often, it may not be producing enough warm or cool air. The more often your system runs, the more energy it uses and the higher your utility bills will go. If your system is wasting money, it is time to contact B&L Ott for a replacement.

Contact B&L Ott Now!

If your system is experiencing any of the issues above, you should highly consider a replacement before prices go up. B&L Ott is here to help. If you need help with anything from inspections to an HVAC installation, contact us through our website here: https://otthvac.com/contact-us/. You can also call B&L Ott at 610-927-5133. We are happy to help you with any questions or concerns you may have.

Whether you’ve just had a new programmable thermostat installed in your Berks County home or if you are just considering one, you may have plenty of questions about it. How do I program it? Is it complicated to use? Where do I even begin? If this is your case, B&L Ott near Reading, Pennsylvania is here to help.

Below you will find information answering these questions and more. Then, before you know it, you will be on your way to convenient temperature control, energy savings, and comfortable home.

The Basics

If you are fairly adept with technology, you will likely find programmable thermostats easy to use. Even if you don’t know a lot about technology, a B&L Ott technician can help teach you how to use your new thermostat.

While most thermostats have similar buttons, they are all different. The best way to learn how to program your specific model is to read the manual. In general, however, you will press a button corresponding to the setting you want to change. Then you will use up and down arrows to change those settings. Below you will find some topics to think about before you start changing your settings.

Think About Your Family’s Daily Schedule

One of the main ways you can save with a programmable thermostat is to turn the temperature back when your family isn’t home during the day. One of the first things you will want to think about is what times your family is home, and when they are away.

When To Change the Temperature

Most programmable thermostats will break the day into different sections. For example, morning, day, and night. You can have your thermostat, turn up a bit in the morning so you are warm and comfortable when you get out of bed. Then you can have the thermostat turn the heat or air conditioner back around the time your family leaves for work and school. Then you can have it return to a more comfortable temperature right before your family usually returns home. Then you can set your home to cool down before bedtime so your family can get a good night’s sleep.

Turning the Heat or Air Conditioning Back

Be sure to give your HVAC system time to reach your desired temperature. A half hour is an appropriate amount of time. It is also worth noting that you don’t want to turn your heater or air conditioner back too far during the day. Doing so will waste energy as your HVAC system will have to work harder to replace the conditioned air that it lost. Turning your system back just a few degrees will suffice and provide significant savings.

Think About Your Family’s Weekly Schedule

Some programmable thermostats allow you to set each day individually. Others just have you program the work week and weekend separately. If you haven’t bought and installed a thermostat yet, this is something you will want to think about. Talk to B&L Ott to help make sure you get the best system to work with your family’s schedule.

Settings

Once you know what kind of schedule you want to make, it is time to look at the different settings on your thermostat.

Read the Manual

Due to the fact that every programmable thermostat is designed a little bit differently, the best way to learn about your system’s specific settings is to read the manual. Be sure to keep the manual in a safe place so you can refer to it if you ever have any issues. If you have had your system for a while and can’t find the manual, you can also call B&L Ott for help.

Schedule

When it comes to setting your schedule, scroll through each day and input the temperatures you desire and what times you want them to change. Once you are finished and your program is set, your system will continue to follow this routine on a regular basis. It is also important to note that if you experience a power outage or take the system off of the wall without batteries in it, your system will likely reset.

If at any point you don’t want your system to follow this routine, see if your thermostat has a hold button. This will tell your thermostat to keep the temperature where it is at.

Fan

There are two main settings for the fan. These are “auto” and “on.” When your system is on auto, it will start up and shut off when your HVAC system turns on and off. This allows you to save energy. However, if you set your system to “on” it will run constantly. This will use more energy, but help keep the air in your home cleaner as it will continually circulate and pass through your filter.

Cooling vs. Heat

The other main setting you should be concerned with is heating vs. cooling. This system is pretty self-explanatory. Are you warming your Berks County home or cooling it? Be sure to pay attention to which system is running and which schedule you are setting when you are programming your thermostat.

Need More Help?

If you need any more help concerning your programmable thermostat, please contact B&L Ott. You can do so through B&L Ott’s website here: https://otthvac.com/contact-us/. Alternatively, you can also call B&L Ott at 610-927-5133.

If you are searching for a new air conditioner, you may have noticed that it’s difficult to get an exact number as to what it will cost. This is because many factors go into determining the price of an air conditioner and its installation.

By knowing what aspects factor into the pricing for an air conditioner, you can help determine what features you need and what aspects you don’t necessarily want to pay top dollar for. Knowing this can help B&L Ott in Berks County help you choose the make and model that is the best fit for your home and lifestyle.

Type

There are multiple types of air conditioners. There are central air systems with ducts, heat-pumps, mini-split systems, window units, and even portable air conditioners. Central air with ducts is one of the most popular types of air conditioners. These air conditioners are one of the cheapest ways to cool your entire home. Heat pumps are popular in warmer climates. Heat pumps can help provide extra savings in the right climate but have a higher initial cost compared to central air systems.

Mini-split systems are convenient options as they do not require ducts. They are a reasonable price if you only need to cool a single room or small area. However, if you need to cool your entire house, they are an expensive option. Window units and portable units are among the cheapest options. However, they will likely not provide the comfort that the other options can.

Size

Like most other household purchases, the size of the HVAC unit you need also plays a part in determining the price. The bigger the system you need, the more expensive it will be. However, size is not something you can afford to get wrong.

Choosing the right size is a very important part of selecting a new air conditioner for your home. Both a unit that is too small or too large can end up wasting money. A unit that is too small will have to run more often and wear out. A unit that is too big will start up and shut down more often which will also waste energy and wear out the parts. The best way to ensure you install the right size air conditioner is to get help from the professionals at B&L Ott.

SEER Rating

SEER is a rating given to HVAC systems to show how efficient they are. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. As you may have guessed the higher the SEER is, the more efficient the system is. This also means that the more efficient the system is, the more expensive the air conditioner will be. However, a more efficient unit will save you more over time.

When discussing a new system with B&L Ott think about if you rather have a cheaper initial cost while paying more later or if you rather pay more initially and save more over time. This can help determine which model is right for you.

Need for Ductwork

Another factor to take into consideration is whether you will need new ductwork installed or not. If you are getting a central cooling system and already have a duct system, this is something you likely won’t have to worry about. However, if you need any ductwork installed, you will want to consider the additional cost.

Replacing It Alone or With a New Heating System

When replacing your air conditioner, ask yourself if your heater will likely need to be replaced soon too. Buying your systems together can help you save. Some systems are even made to work with each other to maximize efficiency. This can save you even more in the long run.

HVAC Contractor

Finally, the contractor you choose to install your new air conditioner can affect installation costs. You may want to simply go with the cheapest offer, however, this can also mean that the installer may cut corners and not install everything properly. Then you can end up paying more trying to fix issues and get your system installed properly.

The best way to choose an HVAC contractor is to look at reviews or talk to others about which contractors are good and which ones cut corners. If you would like to discuss air conditioner installation with B&L Ott, you can contact us through our website here: https://otthvac.com/contact-us/. You can also call 610-927-5133.

Your Berks County home is likely filled with dozens of machines, devices, and appliances. Paying for the energy to power all of these devices can get expensive. If you are looking for ways to help you and your family cut back on your energy usage, B&L Ott near Reading, Pennsylvania is here to help. Below you will find a variety of ways to make your home more efficient and conserve energy.

HVAC Tips

Your HVAC system is one of the biggest users of energy in your Berks County home. This is a good place to focus when trying to lower your energy bills. B&L Ott offers a variety of solutions that can help you conserve energy.

Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats or Smart Thermostats make setting the temperature and air conditions in your home easier than ever. After B&L Ott installs your system, all you have to do is program a routine once. Then your system will continue to follow the routine that you set on a daily or weekly basis. You will barely have to touch your thermostat again. If you program your thermostat to turn back your air conditioner or heater during the day while you are not home, you can also save a significant amount on your energy bills.

Home Zoning

Home zoning is yet another system that makes controlling the conditions in your home easier than ever. Your family likely has their favorite spots in your home. You also likely have areas that you don’t use often. Yet, you still allow your HVAC system to warm or cool these areas. This wastes energy. A home zoning system splits your Berks County home into different sections that can be warmed or cooled individually. Contact B&L Ott to learn more or to have a home zoning system installed.

Air Flow

Like unused rooms, poor air flow can also waste energy. When airflow is poor, your HVAC system has to work harder to warm or cool your Berks County home. There are a variety of factors that contribute to the quality of air flow in your home. This includes cleanliness of your system, furniture layout, and how much care you have given your system.

When it comes to the cleanliness of your HVAC system, there are many parts to take care of. Be sure to clean your filter regularly, dust off the vents, and have B&L Ott clean your air ducts about every ten years. For furniture layout, make sure your couches, shelves, and other furniture are not blocking your vents and return air ducts. Finally, contact B&L Ott for preventative maintenance so you can make sure your system is running at maximum efficiency.

Insulate Your Home

Much of your homes warm or cool air is lost through your doors, windows, attic, and basement. One of the best ways to keep conditioned air from escaping is to insulate your home. If your home is due for new doors or windows, invest in thick ones that can help keep warm or cool air in. Thick curtains or mini blinds also help.

There are various forms of insulation you can buy for your attic or basement. The best way to choose which one is right for your home is to do plenty of research or talk to a professional. If you don’t have the time or money to spend on insulation you can also buy air blockers for doors leading to your attic and basement. They may not work as well as insulation, but they can still help keep conditioned air from escaping your home.

Home Automation

Similar to installing a programmable thermostat to control your HVAC system, there are many other automated devices that can help your home run more smoothly. For instance, there are lighting fixtures with sensors that turn off automatically when you leave the room and turn on when you enter the room. There are also automated security systems, entertainment systems, surveillance cameras and more. Not only are these systems convenient, but they can help you reduce your energy usage as well.

Buy Energy Efficient Appliances

There are many energy-efficient appliances on the market to help you save energy and lower your utility bills. If you would like to know more about energy efficient HVAC system options, talk to the professionals at B&L Ott. Some other appliances that offer energy efficient models include washers, dryers, water heaters, dishwashers, lights, and more. These models are typically more expensive than regular models, but they save you more in the long run.

Reduce the Amount Of Energy You Use

There are many systems, machines, and appliances you can buy to help you save energy. However, one of the best and cheapest ways to save energy is to change your habits. By making a few changes you may be surprised at how much you save. Some changes you can make include:

• Turning the lights off when you leave the room.
• Taking shorter and colder showers.
• Using blankets or a sweater instead of turning up the heat.
• Air drying your clothes and dishes.
• Unplug devices and appliances when you’re not using them.
• Turn off the water when you are not using it.

There are many benefits of becoming more energy efficient. By using some of the tips and ideas on this list, you are sure to save all while helping your Berks County home run more efficiently.