Programmable thermostats
Programmable thermostats arrived several years ago to replace traditional switch thermostats and now they are being replaced by smart units. They still give you the ability to set your temperature for each day of the week, but they add many great features which previous programmable models did not have.

Smart thermostat features
Just because a thermostat is new does not mean it has smart technology. Here are some of the key features you should require when you’re shopping for a smart programmable thermostat:

• Touchscreen operation – The screens have a well-organized, clear display that makes controlling the system straightforward and simple. They’re easy to understand and set, even if you know nothing about home comfort systems.
• Air quality monitoring – Smart technology is used to test the humidity in your home to keep it at a comfortable level. When the air feels fresh, you can raise the temperature during the summer and save even more. Most systems can also check for toxins in the air and alert you when there is a potential health hazard.
• Remote control - You can set your thermostat from your smart phone or computer without ever having to step foot inside your home. This is especially good for those nights when you get stuck at work.
• Communication – These thermostats use smart technology to connect to the Internet, allowing them to keep up with maintenance schedules and energy rates. They can even send you reminders and alerts when your system isn’t functioning at maximum efficiency.

If you would like to make sure you pick the best smart thermostat for your needs, contact Western Mechanical. We’ve been helping people in north central Oklahoma save on energy for over 40 years.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about smart technology and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Western Mechanical services Stillwater, Oklahoma and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

Thermostat image via Shutterstock

The most important aspect of an air conditioner is its size. HVAC experts use a system called Manual J to size new equipment for a home, removing any guesswork. This system takes into account your preferred temperatures and the humidity load indoors to come up with the right tonnage based on these factors:

• Cubic footage inside your home
• Insulation levels
• Number of windows, their efficiency and orientation toward the sun
• Landscaping factors that lower your cooling load
• Indoor appliances and lighting
• Ductwork efficiency
• Preferred temperature settings
• Lifestyle factors

When you’re choosing a new A/C with the help of a contractor, your system will be installed with a valid warranty for both the equipment and the installation. These protections can help you in the event of premature failure. These systems require a licensed technician to handle the wiring and put the refrigerant into the air conditioner once the equipment is in place.

The contractor can also lay out the requirements for system maintenance to keep the warranty active for its full term. Manufacturers often require scheduled tune-ups for the air conditioner, because dirt is the primary cause of part failure. While you can perform some of the tasks associated with keeping your system clean, some parts are difficult to reach and require special tools and training to execute.

We at Western Mechanical can help you with choosing a new A/C. We’re NATE-certified, which means that we have the best technicians available to help you make and maintain this important decision. We’ve been providing HVAC services to north central Oklahoma since 1968.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about air conditioners and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Western Mechanical services Stillwater, Oklahoma and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

• Change air filters regularly. Keeping the air filters in your HVAC system and air conditioning unit clean is one of the easiest ways to improve indoor air quality. Make sure you use the correctly-sized filter so that the air cannot escape around it and push dirty air back into the air you breathe.
• Have your ducts sealed. If you seal your ducts, dirty air cannot escape the filters in your duct system. Hire a professional to find and seal all leaks in your duct system to ensure your air stays clean. Leak-free ducts will also lower your energy bills significantly and improve air flow. Remove any blocks from your vents, such as furniture or closed vents, to allow the air to flow freely throughout the house for maximum efficiency.
• Schedule annual HVAC maintenance. A professional HVAC professional can service your unit to ensure dust and unwanted contaminants stay out of your air. Scheduled preventive maintenance will also catch any problems with your unit before they become a problem and may prevent expensive future repairs. Scheduled maintenance will also improve the efficiency of your unit, which will lower energy bills throughout the year.

For more information about how you can improve the indoor air quality of your Oklahoma home, contact Western Mechanical. We provide Central Oklahoma with expert HVAC service and care year-round and can help you reduce allergy symptoms and help you breathe easier in your home.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about indoor air quality and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Western Mechanical services Stillwater, Oklahoma and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

Indoor Air Quality image via Shutterstock

That’s a lot of wasted energy on behalf of repairable leaks and poor design. Take the initiative for boosting home performance by following these tips for energy-efficient ductwork design.

• Inspect your ducts for leaks at duct joints, duct connections at air-supply registers and return grilles. Look for gaps where registers and grilles meet the ceiling, wall or floor. Note any uninsulated ducts, especially in unconditioned areas. Many ducts are difficult to reach, or they are concealed. You may choose to work with a heating and cooling professional for this step (and others) if you don’t feel comfortable and safe doing it yourself.
• Seal all leaks, loose connections and holes in ducts with mastic and fiberglass mesh, foil tape or an aerosol-based sealant. Pay special attention to ducts in garages. Dangerous emissions and contaminants can be sucked into ducts and circulated into your living space. Install carbon monoxide detectors if you have ducts in the garage.
• Insulate all ducts in the attic, basement, crawl spaces and garage and consider insulating ducts in conditioned areas as well, as it can help maintain even heating and cooling throughout your home.
• Balanced air pressure is critical for even heating and cooling, proper operation of your equipment and to minimize infiltration with outdoor air. Air supply/return should be calculated by your heating and cooling professional.
• Sizing and layout of the ducts and the location of registers and returns are important. Ducts should take the straightest, closest route from air handler to registers, and registers should be on inner walls. Returns should be in every room with a register. At minimum, one return should be on each level of the home.

For more information on ductwork design, contact Western Mechanical. We’ve proudly served Stillwater and north central Oklahoma since 1968.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about ductwork design and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Western Mechanical services Stillwater, Oklahoma and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

The Department of Housing and Urban Development estimates that your home’s value increases $20 for every $1 decrease in your yearly utility bill. Additionally, the federal and some local governments, as well as certain utility companies, offer tax credits or rebates when you add a renewable energy system to your home. Visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) for tax credit and rebate information, as well as other programs available in the state of Oklahoma.

Keep in mind that the majority of these programs only apply if you install a grid-tiered photovoltaic (PV) solar power system in your home. These systems collect energy from the sun and turn it into electricity to power lights, appliances and other electrical items. Most homeowners choose this type of system, which costs less than other units.

The stand alone PV system, also called off-the-grid or off grid, works separately from the utility company’s grid and can supply all the electricity for your residence. This unit costs more but serves as a sufficient alternative for homeowners in rural, outlying areas that lack utility service.

At Western Mechanical, we look forward to helping you learn more about solar power and what type of solar system best fits your home’s location and design. Contact us today to set up an appointment for a representative to visit your home and answer all your questions.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about solar power and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Western Mechanical services Stillwater, Oklahoma and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

1. Rolled or batt insulation: Various materials can be used to make rolls or batts, including fiberglass and rock wool. This insulation is most often use in walls and floors and is sold in sizes that match the spacing between studs and floor joists. The thickness of this insulation largely governs how well it insulates.
2. Loose fill insulation: Loose fill insulation is used in spaces where it might be difficult to use rolls or batts. Because it can be blown into a confined space, it’s often used to insulate already enclosed wall spaces. Loose fill comes as pellets or loose fiber and can be made from cellulose (plant fiber), fiberglass or rock wool.
3. Rigid foam insulation: Rigid foam insulation is more expensive than other forms of insulation. However, it has a higher R-value, so it can be employed in places where thinner insulation is required. It’s used for sheathing for exteriors and interior basement spaces, as well as for special applications like attic doors or insulating air ducts.
4. Foam in place insulation: Expanding polyurethane insulation is somewhat similar to loose fill insulation, since it can be blown into walls and similar spaces. However, because it expands to fill crevasses, it can create a much tighter seal. While professionals use large machinery to blow this foam when insulating your home, homeowners can fill smaller holes with canned foam.

When insulating your home, you need to use the right materials for the job, and the professionals at Western Mechanical can help you determine what type of insulation works best in your specific situation. Contact us today with any questions you may have!

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about insulating your home and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Western Mechanical services Stillwater, Oklahoma and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

Things to consider when buying a standby generator
The best size and type of generator for your family depending on the size of your home and your family’s typical electrical power usage. If your family’s electrical needs are modest or if you can do without all but the basics during a storm outage, perhaps the smallest generator will suffice. Does your household depend on electricity to run a family business or home office? Do you need electricity for medical equipment? If so, you’ll want to consider a larger unit.

If you would like to learn more about how a standby generator can keep your family safe and secure during the coming north central Oklahoma storm season, give Western Mechanical a call at 405 372-8191. We’ve been helping homeowners in the greater Stillwater area with their heating, cooling and ventilation needs for more than 40 years.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about standby generators and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Western Mechanical services Stillwater, Oklahoma and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

The easiest way to avoid all of this is to use a dehumidifier, since using fans and opening windows won’t correct excessive humidity problems when it’s humid outside. Dehumidifiers remove moisture from your air rather than just moving it around. Portable dehumidifiers are good for problems in isolated areas, like basements and bathrooms. They cycle on and off to maintain the humidity level you select, but can be a bit noisy.

To address high humidity throughout your home, a whole-house dehumidifier integrated into your HVAC system is generally your best bet. A whole-house system allows you to quietly and consistently maintain the appropriate level of humidity throughout your home without having to move a portable unit from room to room.

The usual recommendation is to maintain a humidity level between 30 and 60 percent. You don’t want humidity lower than 30 percent, as too little humidity would create a host of new problems. Keeping the humidity within this range should minimize the chances of your family developing allergies related to mold, bacteria and dust mites in your home while also helping to prevent structural damage to your home. Maintaining this level should also keep your family feeling comfortable, lessening the need to overcool your home just to deal with excessive humidity.

If you have any questions about dehumidifiers or the quality of your air, contact us at Western Mechanical. We’ve been helping families like yours take control of household moisture since 1968.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about household moisture and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Western Mechanical services Stillwater, Oklahoma and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

1. Low-Speed Controls: This is the most common setting you will use. By keeping your heat recovery ventilator on low year-round, you ensure the steady removal of pollutants and supply of fresh air without paying more than needed to run the ventilator.
2. High-Speed Controls: In certain situations, it may be helpful to boost the heat recovery ventilator to high speed. Depending on the model, your ventilator may kick into a high-speed cycle based on the humidity level and pollution concentration. Otherwise, you should manually increase the speed when using household chemicals, paint and solvents, or when a lot of people are in the house at once, such as during a party.
3. Intermittent Exchange Mode: This setting automatically turns the heat recovery ventilator on and off at specific intervals. It’s great for keeping your home aired out when you’re out of town. Feel free to turn off the ventilator altogether on nice days when you can simply open the windows to enjoy the fresh air.
4. Circulation Mode: Sometimes, you may want to circulate the air around the home without bringing outdoor air inside. Circulation mode allows for this.
5. Maintenance Light: It’s important to take care of your heat recovery ventilator with regular maintenance. Many models have a light that indicate when the filter needs to be changed. Other components may also need to be cleaned or serviced when this light turns on, so contact a local contractor for service when the maintenance light turns on.

For more information about operating your heat recovery ventilator, please contact Western Mechanical. We serve residents of Stillwater and north-central Oklahoma.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about heat recovery ventilators and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Western Mechanical services Stillwater, Oklahoma and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

Because of the cost and value of household plumbing systems, as well as the potential for damage to the structure and fixtures of your home if there’s a plumbing crisis, an annual plumbing service makes good sense. While no maintenance program can prevent every possible problem, they can reduce the potential for the most damaging events.

Plumbing fixtures and water pipes are under constant water pressure whether they are being used or not. Add the constant use from various family members, and you have a system that must have regular upkeep. Otherwise, you put yourself into a much more expensive position when something does break or burst.

Annual plumbing programs have multiple benefits depending upon different features of each program. Most plumbers offering this valuable service, include  price ranges to meet various customer needs. You can generally purchase a program that fits your needs and budget. One of the biggest benefits of these annual plumbing services is that you have a peace of mind in the form of a mini-insurance policy on your household plumbing.

Inspections of fixtures, lines, pipes and fittings can quickly detect any leaks and help determine the potential for any other problems related to high water pressure. Faucet washers are rubber, and over time they can wear out or split. Washers are one of the main culprits for many leaks. Annual plumbing service will catch such threats.

Our plumbing professionals at Western Mechanical have been serving north-central Oklahoma since 1968, and we have service agreements and annual inspection plans to fit your needs and budget.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about annual plumbing service and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Western Mechanical services Stillwater, Oklahoma and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!