Sunset Air Blog: Archive for September, 2014

Why is Heating Maintenance Important?

Friday, September 26th, 2014

You probably already know that it’s a good idea to keep your heating system in good condition. Poorly maintained heaters cost you money, efficiency, and can even be dangerous to your health. What you may not know, however, is the reason why fall is the best season to get your heating maintenance done.

Let’s take a look at a couple of benefits associated with seasonal heating maintenance:

Timing

With any appliance or system, the best time for maintenance is right before heavy use. With regard to heating, this would be right before the winter months. In especially cold areas like Washington the heat is likely to be on practically every day. The last thing you want is for your heat to break under the strain of continuous use when you need it most. If for no other reason, the timing of fall maintenance is ideal.

Cost

It is far less expensive to repair a small issue with maintenance, than to replace the entire system when it breaks. The longer your system goes without regular heating maintenance, the more likely that some undiscovered problem could compromise the integrity of the entire unit. When that happens, your only choice is often to replace the unit at a heavy cost. At that point, you are both losing money and having to deal with the inconvenience of a cold house while the heating is replaced.

Longevity

The lifespan of your heating system depends on a number of different factors including climate, usage, and maintenance. If one or two of those factors is favorable enough, it can compensate for poor conditions in other areas. However, neglecting things like maintenance always unnecessarily shortens the life of your heating system. The better care you provide for your heating, the longer it will last and the more money you will save. Since maintenance is one of the most important considerations for any HVAC unit, keeping up with regular heating maintenance will ensure that your unit lasts much longer.

If you need to schedule your annual heating maintenance in Olympia, call Sunset Air today. No matter where you are in the Olympia, WA area, we can make sure that your heating system keeps you warm throughout the winter.

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What Are the Benefits of HVAC Maintenance During Fall?

Friday, September 19th, 2014

It is officially fall, and many of us have shut down, or are shutting down, our air conditioners for the season. While it may be tempting to wait until spring to schedule HVAC maintenance, it is recommended that your system be scheduled for maintenance bi-annually. There are multiple benefits to scheduling maintenance in both fall and spring, particularly if you use a heat pump to cool your home. If it’s been more than 12 months since your last maintenance appointment, call Sunset Air today and schedule HVAC maintenance in Olympia, WA with one of our specialists.

Benefits of Fall HVAC Maintenance

There are several benefits to scheduling fall maintenance for your air conditioning system:

Puts Your HVAC System in Good Working Order for the Spring

It is a familiar scenario: it’s the first hot day of summer, so you turn on your air conditioner and…. nothing. Maintenance in the fall allows the technician to detect any existing or developing problems with your air conditioner that can be repaired now, not when your AC breaks down.

Helps Increase Energy Efficiency

A worn and dirty air conditioner can’t operate optimally, and as a result, will use more power to achieve your set temperature. Allowing your air conditioner to rest during the winter months when it isn’t being used doesn’t fix or clean the components in your air conditioner. Don’t wait to see your first high energy bill next year before you schedule maintenance – save yourself time and money and schedule it now.

Can Extend the Life of Your Equipment

Replacing an air conditioning system can be a costly endeavor, and one of the main causes of total system breakdown is lack of maintenance. Maintenance keeps your air conditioner and all its components working optimally, and this can help extend the life of the system. Why? Because an HVAC system that isn’t stressed is far less likely to age prematurely.

Fall offers a window of opportunity to schedule maintenance of your heating and cooling system. Call Sunset Air today and schedule an appointment with one of our experts.

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How to Avoid Hazards from Electrical Fires in Your Home

Friday, September 12th, 2014

Electrical fires—a fire that involves some type of electrical failure or malfunction—are a major cause of combustion starting in homes in the U.S. According to the National Fire Protection Agency, approximately 47,700 home fires started in 2011 because of electrical failures, resulting in $1.4 billion in direct property damage. Over the period of 2007–2011, electrical fires accounted for 20% of direct property damage in the country.

These statistics sound frightening, but the truth is that electrical fires are easy to prevent with proper precautions and maintenance. A large percentage of electrical fires come from amateur tampering or DIY repair attempts on the electrical system, resulting in poor wiring. If you rely on professionals and make sure that your home’s electrical system remains up to date, you should have little to worry about from electrical fires.

Whenever you need the help of a licensed electrician in Puyallup, WA, call Sunset Air. We have almost 40 years of experience helping make homes safer and lives better. We can handle the electrical services necessary to protect your home from the dangers of electrical fires.

Here Are Some Ways to Guard against Electrical Fires

  • Never allow non-licensed electrical work: You must turn to licensed electricians for any repair work in your home, even for what seems like a simple task. Licensed electricians are more experienced, of course, but they are also familiar with the local electrical codes that are in place to keep homes safe. The National Electric Code is enforced differently throughout the country, with each jurisdiction choosing how to implement it. Licensed electricians make it their business to know the code as it applies to your home and make sure your home remains up to code.
  • Immediately call for repairs at the first sign of electrical trouble: Although some signs of electrical issues are obvious, others are more subtle but just as important to watch for. Flickering lights, routinely tripped circuit breakers, discoloration on the outlets, warm light switch covers… these are all indications of potential danger from an electrical fire. Don’t hesitate when it comes to the electrical system: call for a professional.
  • Have regular electrical maintenance: If you suspect that your electrical system is aging or faulty, you should arrange for electrical maintenance. Professional electricians will come to your home and carefully inspect the system to see if there are frayed connections, loss of insulation around wires (a leading cause for electrical fires), or aging circuits that require replacement. The technicians will identify if you need extensive rewiring because of old aluminum or copper wires. This is a great way to have assurance that your home is as safe as possible.

The service specialists at Sunset Air are available to help you with any electrical repair. You can count on us for new installations and electrical maintenance. For an electrician in Puyallup, WA who can get the job done, call us right away.

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Qualities to Look for in a Professional Electrician

Friday, September 5th, 2014

In this fast-paced Information Age, it’s easy to locate professional services to take care of any of your household needs. In fact, it’s too easy: a simple Internet set search will turn up scores of companies you can hire… and not much in the way to separate them so you can find the one that will do the job you need at the quality level you expect.

If you are searching for an electrician in Puyallup, WA, you will run across this dilemma. Electricians from across the Southwest Washington area will pop up in your searches. How can you decide on the right company for the job?

We’ve listed a few of the qualities that you should place on your shopping list when you’re looking for an electrician. At Sunset Air, we’re proud to live up to the expectations of our clients, and we think we will live up to all your expectations as well.

Look For These Qualities in an Electrician

  • Many years in the business: Although there is nothing stopping a new company from hiring electricians with many years of experience, in general newer companies won’t be able to deliver the same confident level of quality as one that had a few decades of history behind it. It’s also much easier to put your trust in electricians that have shown they’ve earned the respect of the community and many clients. You should look for an electrical service company with at least 10 years of history.
  • Offers commercial services as well: You may not run a business, but you should pay attention to any electrical service company that handles both commercial and residential work. Technicians who can handle the wiring needs for a whole commercial building will have the necessary skill set to take care of any issues you may experience with the electrical system in your home.

Sunset Air has served the South Puget Sound and Southwest Washington areas for over 35 years, growing from a small garage to an extensive office and showroom with a large team of experienced employees. Along with commercial and residential electrical services, we also offer services for heating, air conditioning, water heaters, generators, and solar energy. You can contact us any time of the day or night when you need emergency help for your home.

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