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Quick Links
Is it better to repair an old
system or replace it with a new one?
Every situation is unique and different. At Stashluk, we assess each system on its own merits, carefully taking into consideration age and condition. We generally repair systems that are less than 10 years old, and remedy any potential problems that we see.
In systems that require very costly repairs, or are more than 10 years old, we usually recommend replacement. However, we tailor our recommendations to your individual needs, and are committed to providing the best, most cost-effective solutions for you and your family.
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Energy is so expensive! Can you
help us stay warm at less cost this winter?
Most definitely! First, lower your thermostat. If you can reduce daytime temperature just a few degrees, you can save as much as 5% on heating bills. Check your air filters monthly and change them when appropriate – dirty air filters make your system work harder and use more energy. If you have a fireplace, make sure your damper is closed - 5% of heat escapes through open dampers. During daylight hours, open drapes and shades and let the natural warmth of the sunshine in - at night, close for extra insulation. Close heating vents in rooms you don’t use. Check for cold air leaks around doors and windows, and Weatherstrip around doors that leak air.
Go light on the ventilation and kitchen fans – they can pull the warm air out of your house surprisingly quickly. Make sure your hot water heater is set to 120 degrees – wrap the heater in an insulation blanket if it located in a cold place. Last but not least, call Stashluk
to tune and maintain your system for optimal performance. Take all of these steps and we believe you’ll be pleasantly surprised by your heating bill!
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What is a heat pump and why do people call it "magic"?
Heat pumps are more science than magic. Either way, cutting edge heat pumps heat and cool your air more efficiently, more economically, more comfortably and with more regard for the environment than traditional fuel burning systems. They use refrigeration technology rather than fuel-burning technology to provide heat and cooling.
Heat pumps operate on the principle that heat exists in air even when the air temperature is cool. Most heat pumps are split systems, with one coil indoors and one coil outdoors. In the heating process, the pump uses the air outside the home to evaporate a refrigerant in the outdoor coil. Heat from the outside air is extracted, and evaporates the liquid refrigerant in the coil…then converts the liquid refrigerant into a warm gas. The gas is compressed, and transferred from the outdoor coil to the indoor coil. Once indoors, the gas is released as heat that is distributed through the house using fans.
When the heat pump is working to cool your home, the ductwork and fans bring the warm air in the home to the compressor unit. The compressor unit then uses the same gas evaporation/compression process it uses to heat your home, but this time in reverse, to extract the warm air from the home and send it outside.
Science or magic, the performance and efficiency of modern heat pumps have made many homeowners very happy.
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Is a heat pump right for me?
If your current heating and air conditioning system is ripe for replacement, you should definitely consider a heat pump. If you believe in helping the environment and reducing fuel consumption, you should consider a heat pump. If you are willing to spend a little more to get superior functionality – and huge energy savings over the long run , you should consider a heat pump. If anyone in your household has asthma or is sensitive to airborne allergens, you should consider a heat pump.
If your current system is not providing proper comfort , you should consider a heat pump.
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How does Stashluk help me "Go Green"?
At Stashluk we "think Green", and want to help you to do the same. One great way to contribute to a healthy environment is to have your cooling system checked and cleaned every year, since a dirty system uses more energy and costs more to operate. Have ductwork checked for leaks, change your filters every month, and use your programmable thermostat! Finally, if your system is old, Stashluk will help you determine which Energy Star system would be right for your home.
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How do we cope with the effects
of summer storms on our cooling system?
Summer storms can wreak havoc with power lines. If your power goes out, so does your cooling system. To be on the safe side, turn your cooling system to the OFF position until power is restored! After power is restored, turn the system on at the thermostat and be patient until it balances and distributes cool air throughout the house. The other most significant summer storm issue is when cooling systems are struck by lightning. If your cooling system does not turn on after a storm, call Stashluk as soon as you can – we’ll come and walk you through the fix.
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