As homeowners, we’re always looking for ways to save energy and money. This is why so many people across the country and around the globe are looking into smart programmable thermostats to help control their comfort needs. Today we’ll take a look at why being programmable is so important and what sets these units apart from their predecessors.

Hearing unusual noises coming from your air conditioning compressor can be unsettling at best. In the summertime, temperatures in the Twin City metro area can get hot very quickly, and with high humidity, which can make indoor air conditioning an absolute necessity. A broken-down A/C is the last thing you and your family need to deal with. So how can you tell the difference between a noise in the outside air conditioner compressor that’s normal; something that is easily remedied; and a noise that could signal something far more serious and expensive?

Air conditioners can lower indoor humidity levels by removing some of the water vapor from the air, though their performance can vary greatly depending on the model, its features and age. Also, most A/Cs do struggle to remove moisture from the air when it gets very humid. Naturally, the main purpose of an air conditioner is cooling, and that is what they are structured to do. When both heat and humidity is a problem, you may need an air conditioner and dehumidifier.

Whether you realize it or not, a colorless, odorless gas may be silently threatening the health of you and your family by putting you at risk of lung cancer. Some 21,000 lung cancer deaths a year are attributable to this gas, radon. As a result, the Minnesota Department of Health recommends each and every home be tested for it.

This buyer’s guide to air-conditioner replacement will help homeowners who need to replace or upgrade their current cooling systems. Since these appliances have a fairly long life, most people don’t need to go through the replacement process very often. If you’re in the market for a new system, this guide can help you learn the most critical factors for our climate.

When you’re getting ready for your summer vacation, closing the home for vacation could top the list of important things to do. Addressing your home’s safety and improving its security will ease your mind while you’re away. Do the following:

If you’re in the market for a new air conditioner for your Twin Cities area home, you’ll first want to find a skilled and qualified contractor for A/C installation. To make sure everything goes smoothly, we suggest that make sure your contractor intends to do the following:

Many things can go wrong with appliances, and air conditioners are no exception to this rule. Ignoring malfunctioning air conditioners can lead to high energy bills, poor performance, eventual breakdowns, and, in some cases, even damage to the home. Following are common problems you may encounter that diminish air conditioner performance.

If you’ve been thinking about investing in an air conditioner, you may be putting off the decision. After all, buying a new A/C is a major investment that requires ample research. Here are three key reasons why procrastination may not be the best idea:

Investing a little of your time and money goes a long way toward preventing summer heat gain. Improvements such as adding insulation, sealing air leaks and upgrading or weather-proofing your windows will reduce your conditioning costs in both the short and long term.