When summer brings along some long-awaited nice weather, there is nothing better than getting outdoors and taking advantage of it. There is so fun to be had in the summer. Going to the park for a lazy picnic, sitting in the backyard or garden with good friends for a sizzling barbecue, lying around the pool with classy beverage of choice, or just lying back listening to cool music.
Of course, all of this fun is at risk if you allow yourself to be exposed to damaging UV rays. There are many ways that you can protect yourself from the sun with the help from your sunglasses, sunscreen, and even better, retractable awnings.
A great way to protect yourself from these rays is by using retractable awnings to restrict your exposure. In some areas, the summer sun can be pretty intense, even in the backyard, so a retractable awning can be the perfect solution for enjoying the sunshine in a safe manner.
People are often complacent about having proper skin care while they instead get caught up in the excitement of having fun. But there is no need to put yourself at unnecessary risk simply because one loves a bit of sunshine. These days, it is pretty common knowledge that too much exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can potentially lead to skin cancer if proper and effective protection isn’t employed.
Of course, the first and most obvious solutions for prevention are wearing dark tinted sunglasses and sunscreen. However, there is no harm in going an extra step further in preventing potentially irreversible skin damage. This is when one should consider retractable awnings as your next level of protection.
Retractable awnings simply provide extra shade in those outdoor areas that you are relaxing or being active in. The best versions can block up to 98% of the UV rays that cause most cases of skin cancers. Their effectiveness tends to depend on the materials used in their manufacturing.
More effective UV protection is usually provided by denser materials. Meanwhile, more protection from the sun is offered by a shade cloth that is more tightly woven. The message is to choose a shade color and material that is most appropriate for your needs.
Retractable awning is going to help you feel more relaxed when enjoying your outdoor spaces and activities in summer. Even though it can feel nice to have the sun’s rays on your back, you don’t want the constant nagging thought that you are unnecessarily putting yourself at risk of skin cancer. Better to enjoy your tasty food, cool tunes, enthralling book and close company without giving the sun a second thought.
By blocking out much of the sun’s rays, awnings also keep the outdoor area cooler. So, there is less need to use cooling systems indoors with all their associated costs. In fact, up to 20% of the bills associated with home cooling can be saved by adding an awning to the outdoor areas.
According to one source, installation can also reduce the temperature of shaded exterior areas by nearly 20 degrees as compared to those areas directly in the sun’s rays. This makes retractable awnings an energy efficient investment.
If you’re protective and sensible about your health it can be so tempting to stay indoors during those hours of the day when the sun’s rays are known to be at their strongest and most likely to damage one’s skin. However, by installing retractable awning, there is no need to not venture outdoors and take full advantage of the summer weather and social opportunities. You can plan so many activities without the thought of skin damage and harm even once crossing your mind!
Congratulations to Aileen Vannan and her family for being the winner of the Ace-Robbins’ Mitsubishi Ductless Air Conditioning Giveaway.
The Vannans will be all set for the summer heat with their new Mitsubishi ductless AC system. Did you miss out on the opportunity to win a free AC tune-up service? Check our Facebook page for other promotions that we’re running and while you’re on our page, be sure to congratulate Aileen!
Interested in having a ductless air conditioner installed in your home or office? Call us today for a free estimate and consultation. Don’t know much about ductless AC? No worries, we will tell you everything you need to know. These systems are extremely energy efficient, very quiet, easy to install and will allow you to save money on your utility bills. Call today for more information:
A dehumidifier is an appliance used to extract excess moisture out of the air in indoor spaces. They help to bring the humidity levels to their recommended 60% during summer and the normal 25% to 40% during winter. Because the average AC unit usually doubles as a dehumidifier, it begs the question, “Why should I install a dedicated dehumidifier for regulating my humidity levels in my central air conditioning Scranton PA home?”
Well, the biggest reason is that your central air conditioning is only capable of removing a specific amount of the moisture from the air. When the humidity levels are higher than normal, your AC won’t be able to remove all of the excess moisture. Scranton, PA residents tend to have central air conditioning systems and the area is known for higher than normal humidity levels. That’s the biggest reason you need to install a separate dedicated dehumidifier.
In different parts of Pennsylvania they record different levels of relative humidity year in and year out. For example, the highest level of relative humidity on record was in Williamsport, PA and came in at 83.3%. The lowest was recorded in Harrisburg, PA and landed at 53.7%. When you compare that to the humidity level recommended by the EPA, which is 60%, it is clear that the Pennsylvania humidity levels are above the recommended levels. That’s why the local residents who want to keep their humidity levels at the recommended levels need to install a separate dehumidifier to help keep the moisture content of the air they are breathing at the recommended level.
The best method for monitoring your humidity levels within a home or business setting is by having a digital hygrometer installed. Most AC units have control systems displaying the current humidity and temperature. You can also find wall clocks that can measure humidity levels within a room. However, you don’t have to rely on these humidity indicators to tell whether or not your home has a high humidity level.
Whenever you walk into your house, you’ll notice a musty odor. It’s an uncomfortable smell that is easily detected. Whenever you sit down you’ll notice that your skin is sticky or clammy. That’s because the high humidity keeps the sweat from evaporating off your skin.
Foggy windows are another excellent indicator of high humidity levels. Water droplets will form on your windows due to condensation.
The main purpose of having an AC system is to cool and filter the air in your home. Dehumidification can only happen once the air has been cooled and loses its capacity to carry moisture. This results in the forming of condensation around your evaporator coils and is exactly how a dehumidifier works. Whenever there’s an excess of humidity your AC unit is forced to work much harder to lower the indoor temperatures. That’s because humid air has the capacity to carry higher heat than dry air can carry.
Mold is another serious issue. It can begin to grow around your AC unit, releasing mold spore that can contaminate the air. Dust mites are also a problem because they thrive in hot, humid areas. When you have a combination of the two, both dust mites and mold, the quality of your indoor air takes a nose dive. It puts your family and any visitors at risk of developing respiratory problems and allergies.
Pennsylvania residents need to consider hiring a professional HVAC company to install a dehumidifier in their home. It will help to regulate their humidity levels making their homes safer and more comfortable.
A dehumidifier can really make a difference when it comes to your comfort levels even if you have central air conditioning. Pennsylvania is very humid and hot and you don’t want your house feeling that way. Ace-Robbins offers exceptional air conditioning services that will keep your home comfortable especially it is the peak of the hot summer season. Be sure to contact us when you need air conditioner maintenance. We have been in business since 1961 and since then, we have been providing quality services at an affordable price for the communities of Scranton, Tunkhannock, Wilkes-Barre, and surrounding areas.
Contact us today or give us a call at (570) 836-3232 if you have any questions.
Congratulations to last week’s winners of the Ace-Robbins’ Air Conditioner Tune-Up Giveaway.
John and Mary-Ellen will be all set for the summer heat with their finely tuned air conditioning system… will you be cool? Did you miss out on the opportunity to win a free AC tune-up service? Check our Facebook page for other promotions that we’re running.
Congratulations to last week’s winner of the Ace-Robbins’ Air Conditioner Tune-Up Giveaway.
Tom will be all set for the summer heat with his finely tuned air conditioning system… will you be cool? We’re still giving away a free tune up to somebody every week through the end of May! Click the button below for your chance.
No purchase necessary, just enter and you could be one of the lucky winners.
Spring is a wonderful time of year. It’s the time when the cold weather is fading behind you and the grass, flowers, and tress begin to grow. Sadly, there are some disadvantages to this season for some people. This is also the time of year when allergies start affecting lots of people.
Airborne particles like pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and mold, make their way through homes making it very hard for allergic people to breathe. It causes red, itchy eyes, itchy throats, and physically draining sneezing fits. If you wish you could enjoy yourself during the Spring without dealing with the torture of allergies, there are some things to be done that will keep those allergens from coming into your home. It all begins with a good HVAC system.
One of your first defenses against allergens entering your home is making sure you have Top-Quality furnace filters. The best ones are at least ‘MERV 8’. This type of air filter is able to trap microscopic particles. Other filters with a lower MERV score won’t be able to filter out all the particles and that will result in allergy troubles for the family. It’s always a good idea to check your filters regularly. Once a month you should check them and about every third month replace them. Dirty filters can no longer trap particles. They will not only cause your allergies to act up but will make you entire system a whole lot less efficient.
The outdoor unit is going to pull anything close to it into your home. To avoid this clean the area on a regular basis. It’s the same with your indoor unit. Sweep, dust, and vacuum around that area to keep out the dust and airborne particles.
Whenever mold is in your home you have a potentially dangerous situation. Mold can do much more than just cause your allergies to act up, it can make you really sick. Mold thrives on moisture and humidity. You have several areas within your AC unit that hold both of these elements. In order to prevent mold problems you should always keep a check on your condensate drip pan/drain, air handler, evaporator coils, and air ducts. If you spot any mold you can easily remove it yourself. If there is a large amount of mold in any one of these areas it might be better to call in a professional.
Most homeowners dust their homes regularly but don’t dust their AC units properly. The register as well as the return vents are two places that need attention regularly. Because these areas gather dust quickly and can kick up lots of it during cleaning, they should be dusted first before dusting the rest of your house and then again immediately after.
It’s very important that you keep your HVAC System cleaned and maintained regularly. It’s the only way to keep allergens from spreading all throughout your house. Have an HVAC professional come in and ensure that your system functions properly and dust is not blocking or clogging it up. Spring is the best season to have this done.
Allergy prevention is a real challenge. Properly maintaining your HVAC System is one of the best weapons you have in the fight to prevent your allergies from ruining your Spring.
Your HVAC system can really make a difference when it comes to your allergies. In some cases, many people have claimed that their HVAC system has reduced their allergic symptoms so much that they did not have to take medications when at home. Your heating and cooling system works more efficiently and can reduce allergens when it has been tuned up. Ace-Robbins offers exceptional air conditioning services that will keep your cooling system clean, working efficiently, and saving you money. Be sure to contact us when you need air conditioner maintenance. We have been in business since 1961 and since then, we have been providing quality services at an affordable price for the communities of Scranton, Tunkhannock, Wilkes-Barre, and surrounding areas.
Contact us today or give us a call at (570) 836-3232 if you have any questions.
Congratulations to last week’s winner of the Ace-Robbins’ Air Conditioner Tune-Up Giveaway. Winner: Air Condioner Tune-up Factoryville PA is:
The firefighters at Factoryville F.D. will be cool this summer while they are at the firehouse… will you be cool? We’re still giving away a free tune up to somebody every week through the end of May! Click the button below for your chance.
No purchase necessary, just enter and you could be one of the lucky winners.
Congratulations to last week’s winner of the Ace-Robbins’ Air Conditioning System Tune-Up Giveaway.
Debbie will be all set for this summer’s hot temperatures… will you be ready? We’re still giving away a free tune up to somebody every week through the end of May! Click the button below for your chance.
No purchase necessary, just enter and you could be one of the lucky winners.
Most homeowners are on the constant search to find ways to conserve energy and cut down on costs, especially during the summertime. Fortunately there are many things that a homeowner can do to reduce their carbon footprint while reducing the use of energy in their home. Many homeowners are unaware of the fact that they are spending more on energy costs than necessary without having to compensate the comfort of their home. There are energy conservation methods that are extremely easy to follow but it is a matter of changing small things around the house. Below we have provided 8 tips that will help you conserve energy in your home and significantly cut costs.
Cracks in building materials and other openings can let hot air seep into the home, forcing your air conditioner to work a lot harder in order to maintain comfortable temperatures indoors. Learn more about air sealing for new and old homes, perform a comprehensive inspection of the entire building structure and take advantage of caulk and weather stripping to thoroughly seal any gaps or openings in the walls or around the doors and windows.
Keeping the difference between temperatures outdoors and indoors as low as you can will lower your monthly energy bill by quite a bit and with minimal effort on your part. You can do this by setting the thermostat at a reasonably high temperature, so long as you and all other household residents remain comfortable once the thermostat setting has been raised. When you aren’t at home, set your thermostat to keep the home a bit warmer by only lowering it to approximately 78F or 26C. When you’re in the house, you may be tempted to lower the thermostat setting a bit more than you usually do when turning the air conditioner back on. This, however, is something that you should avoid because it won’t expedite the cooling process but it will significantly increase your energy bill.
A lot of people think that they’re increasing their overall energy efficiency by washing the dishes by hand. Surprisingly, however, using the dishwasher can actually help you save a lot of energy. You can save more energy by turning the dry cycle off and allowing the dishes to air dry.
In addition to increasing your energy efficiency, it can also reduce your spending on power. If you can, try not to use appliances between peak hours of 4 pm to 6 pm or when a declaration of electricity emergency has been made. It is possible to reduce your home energy use by up to four percent by using only the warm or cold settings on your washing machine for washing and rinsing your laundry in cold water. On warm, sunny days, put your clothes out on the laundry line to sun dry. If using your dryer is a must, only run it when the machine is full, use the moisture-sensing feature and always keep the lint trap clean.
Approximately 18 percent of the energy that your household uses is for heating water and you can limit your spending here by switching to the 120F or warm setting. In the warm months of summer, it isn’t necessary to have piping hot water for showers and baths and thus, this is a very effective way to increase your energy efficiency throughout the year.
When the weather grows warmer, warm outside air is constantly on the search for cooler spaces to move into and the cool interior of your abode is a primary target. If your attic lacks proper insulation, this warm air can simply enter your property via the roof. So, if you currently have attic insulation with a rating of R-19 or lower, think about switching up to an option that’s rated R-30 or higher.
If you’re living in a home that’s 20 years old or older, it’s probably time to start assessing the benefits of upgrading your air conditioner to a unit with a much greater level of energy efficiency. This is also true if you have a new home but live in an extreme climate, such as in a desert climate. Look for systems that cost less to operate and that have energy-approved, program standards. Keep in mind, however, that this will vary from one location to the next, so the area in which you live will largely determine the type of home cooling equipment you should invest in.
Reduce the strain on your air conditioner by having a light-colored roof installed. Certain home improvements can dramatically increase your energy efficiency and the roof is the absolute best place to get started. In the summer, having a light-colored roof is a lot like people choosing to wear loose, light clothes in high temperatures to stay cool. Your cooling system has to use a lot more energy and work a lot harder to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures when the outside heat is coming into the building via the roof. The typical roof can get as hot as 150F when summer temperatures are extreme, but if there is a light-colored roof in place, this same temperature can be lowered by as much as 50 percent! Thus, investing in a light-colored roof will limit the strain on your home cooling system, which will in turn, dramatically reduce your home energy bill throughout the summer months.
These eight ways of conserving energy can really make a huge difference. Even if you pick out a few out of the eight, you will see a major difference on your electric bill. By following these tips, you will reduce the amount of energy that is used while keeping your home cool and comfortable during the summertime.
Part of reducing energy consumption in the summertime is by having your air conditioner tuned up professionally. Ace-Robbins offers exceptional air conditioning services that will keep your cooling system working efficiently while saving you money at the same time. Be sure to contact us when you need to tune up your air conditioner. We have been in business since 1961 and since then, we have been providing quality services at an affordable price. We serve Scranton, Tunkhannock, Laceyville, Montrose, Clarks Summit, Dallas, and surrounding areas.
Contact us today or give us a call at (570) 836-3232 if you have any questions.
So many people are anxious to get outside and begin using their gas grill to make those great summer meals that they love so much. It is not difficult to understand this urge, but to ensure the best grilling experience, it makes so much sense to get your grill ready to go. Take a look at some tips of how to get things off to a great start!
After every use of the grill, the majority of owners do not clean it. This is not a crime, but starting out the season with a grill that has been well cleaned just makes a lot of sense!
For the exterior portion of the grill, a sponge and some warm soapy water will get the job done well. Then simply dry it with a rag. If either grease or some stains are an issue, get some terry cloth and glass cleaner to get these taken care of. After the exterior is glowing, open the grill and take out the grates and the flavorizer bars. You will probably notice some small pieces of debris which will resemble chips of paint, but the truth is that these will actually be caked grease residue.
After this is done, using a stainless steel grill brush the grills and bars can be cleaned. And to prevent scratching it, as you scrub follow the grain of the stainless steel. And also stick to the previously used terry cloth, as paper towels can also scratch it. And if possible, for every grilling season, a new brush should be put to use. And sometimes the gunk which is caked on can be a problem scrubbing off by force alone. This task can be made much easier by concocting a solution equal parts water and vinegar.
Little holes are in the burner tubes running either side to side, or north to south. The same brush used for the grills can clean these, but the stroke of the brush has to go in the opposite direction that the little holes do. As an example, you have to clean them going north to south if the holes are set up side to side. Otherwise, you will pushing everything from one hole to another, and this results in having to keep repeating the work over and over. You also must check the holes for spiders and various other little pests, otherwise they will continue moving themselves from one hole to the next. Take the time to get them out of the holes.
When this is all done, replace the flavorizer bars and the grills, and for a few minutes, turn the grill on high. Any remaining debris will be removed by the heat, and you will be ready to start the season with a thoroughly cleaned grill!
You now want to make certain that everything is in good working order, now that the grill has been cleaned. Task number one is to check for any gas leaks. The soapy water used to clean the grill will get this job done as well. On the grill’s valves, regulators and hoses, put the soapy water. A gas leak will be indicated in any area where bubbles form. Now, turn the propane tank on. Again, a gas leak will be indicated by any bubbles that form. In order to fix the problem, you can try tightening the hoses. If this doesn’t work, you may have to replace the propane tank or the hoses.
To find the hot and cold spots on the grill, there is a simple test to conduct. Turn the grill on high for a few minutes, after you have covered it with slices of white bread. Less toasted pieces will indicate cold spots, and the darkest toast will show the hot spots. By adding grates made of hard-anodized aluminum. you can improve the cold spots. On the other hand, the hot spots can be saved for those foods which require being cooked on direct heat.
We hope these tips and suggestions will prove to be of value to you, and we wish you great meals coming off that gas grill!
Ace-Robbins has a lot to offer. We offer grills, propane services, and heating oil services. We also can improve your outdoor living area with our selection of patio furniture and make your HVAC system work at its best so that it is running as efficiently as possible while saving you money.
Ace-Robbins has been making consumers happy since 1961 and this is why we have a reliable and honest reputation. You can always depend on us to go above and beyond your expectations so that you can keep your home comfortable and running smoothly. Call us today!
Contact us today or give us a call at (570) 836-3232 if you have any questions.
