Category: Cooling

Why Design Matters for your HVAC System

https://files.constantcontact.com/8948c8eb701/b73d3244-9d98-42af-a82e-69862c9dea89.png

                                                                     PLUMBING     ELECTRIC     AC     CONTACT
https://files.constantcontact.com/84dc5bfb001/b97afe91-5e4d-4654-8ffa-5bfd215f1401.png

                                                                                    REDUCE ALLERGY SYMPTOMS

WITH DUCT CLEANING

If you have allergies, the outdoors can be a minefield of allergens that trigger sneezing, sniffles and congestion. Unfortunately, it can be just as bad indoors, but with the right HVAC maintenance, you can minimize the chance of spending your summer in misery.

 

One often overlooked maintenance item is duct cleaning. Air systems recirculate most of the air in the house and even if you keep on top of your filter replacement, unwanted particles can remain in your ductwork and make you ill.

 

Some of these allergens include:

 

Dust mites 

These microscopic arachnids are nearly invisible to the naked eye, but they are responsible for allergy symptoms like sneezing, congestion and coughing. Asthma is also connected to the unwanted presence of these tiny creatures. It’s not the mites themselves that cause the symptoms, but their excretions. They consume dead skin cells and flourish in moist conditions. Reducing the amount of dust in your ductwork will lower the population of dust mites and minimize your exposure to them.

 

Pet dander 

Pets shed dead skin cells just like we do. This is known as pet dander and because of its small, sometimes microscopic size, it remains suspended in the air and accumulates in ductwork. If you have a pet allergy that won’t clear up, even with extra cleaning and high efficiency filtration, cleaning your ducts might be the answer.

 

Pollen 

If you think you’re safe from pollen while indoors, think again. Pollen enters homes through open windows and doors, pets that play outside and our own clothes, hair and shoes. Particularly during late summer and fall, these allergens are almost everywhere, including your ductwork.

 

Viruses and bacteria 

While viruses aren’t considered allergens, nothing is worse than having allergy symptoms and another illness at the same time. Viruses and bacteria can accumulate and circulate throughout your home via ductwork that isn’t clean. Dirty ducts are also ideal breeding grounds for microbes, increasing your family’s exposure.

 

Keeping your ductwork clean 

You can do ongoing maintenance of grilles and portions of your ductwork using a vacuum cleaner but at some point, you need more. A professional has the equipment and expertise to remove long-accumulated dust and allergens from your home’s air system. Depending on your sensitivity, you may need to have your ducts cleaned more often but cleaning between heating and cooling seasons is recommended.

 

If you are concerned about how your home’s ductwork is affecting your allergies (and your overall health), give us a call and we can help you breathe better.
https://files.constantcontact.com/84dc5bfb001/c2bb7b09-a569-4569-98c5-cbd9f7422efc.png

https://files.constantcontact.com/84dc5bfb001/6ee5a4fe-a40e-4792-9d74-1da431572936.png

  • Install medium colored drapes and keep them shut tight. Lighter fabrics like cotton work best to block heat and not absorb it.

 

  • Turn your fan on! During the summer, make sure you have your fan spinning counter-clockwise. This pushes the cooler air down.

 

  • Make sure there is proper air flow to the air conditioning unit and throughout the house. Clear away debris and overgrown plants from around the exterior AC box and make sure the air can get into it unobstructed. 

 

  • Change the air filter in the AC unit before you start using it. This not only keeps the system from straining to maintain proper air flow but also improves the quality of the air in your home.

 

·     Have a professional inspect and repair all internal parts throughout the whole system. Connections should be tightened, all moving parts should be lubricated and the condensation drain should be cleared.

https://files.constantcontact.com/84dc5bfb001/e7fa12dc-f4c2-4c2a-8948-a91d11ee1e23.png

6 Summer Home Features That Cut Energy Use

 

The move toward passive heating and cooling is growing. It saves money and reduces greenhouse gases. Here are some ways to cut down on heat gains and losses from your home in summer conditions.

Insulation

Insulation slows down heat flow. In winter this means less heat escapes and in summer, it keeps your air conditioner from working overtime. In both cases, you have smaller equipment issues to worry about when building or replacing. Upgrading insulation is a sure-fire way to cut your energy use.

Proper Sealing

If air leaks in around windows and doors, you undo everything your insulation does. Known as infiltration, this air carries moisture in summer and low temperatures in winter, taxing your equipment and wasting energy. Sealing off these locations is a fairly cheap way to cut back on your energy bills.

Window Locations

Curtains and blinds can reduce heat gain and loss depending on their insulating value. Blocking out the sun in summer keeps the space cool even if you have no shading from outside. Trees and foliage outside your window also reduce heat gain in the summer. If you pick the right trees that lose their leaves in winter, you still gain the advantage of winter sunlight heating your home.Shutters, Architecture, Window, House, Wooden,summer

Window Treatments

Window treatments became mainstream in the 1800s, but due to a lack of proper oversight and standards for building and rating furnaces, they fell out of favor in the early 20th century. The National Warm Air Heating and Ventilation Association was created in 1914 to address this and now the majority of homes in North America are heated with furnaces.

Heavy curtains keep the cold in during the dog days of summer, reducing losses from large windows.

Overhangs

Strategically placed overhangs can prevent your large windows from creating large problems in the summer. During this season, the sun is high in the sky. Overhangs that block windows from direct sunlight reduce the heating effect of the sun and keep your cooling bill down. The winter sun’s low path across the sky allows sunlight to enter the room without being blocked by the overhang. 

Type of Glass

Glass performance has two main characteristics: heat transfer coefficient and shading coefficient. The heat transfer coefficient indicates how well the glass prevents heat from flowing through. The shading coefficient affects the sunlight entering the space. A higher shading coefficient keeps more sun out. Glass thickness, the number of panes and coating type all impact these numbers and vary between manufacturers. 

You Still Need Well-maintained Equipment

Even with minimal heat gains and losses, your HVAC equipment needs to run efficiently. To assess ways you can reduce your energy usage and keep your equipment in top shape, give us a call at (877) 552-2326 or  Schedule Service Today!

Logo with slogan

Stay Cool During 4th of July

This weekend we celebrate Independence Day with cookouts, fairs, parades, fireworks and much more. All of this 4th of July fun will have you out and about in the July heat, and it’s important for you to keep cool during this weekend’s festivities. Here are some helpful tips to ensure you don’t get overheated this weekend.

1. Stay Hydrated

Carry water with you everywhere you go. Dehydration can ruin all of your 4th of July fun, but drinking lots of water will keep you going this weekend.

2. Hit the FaucetTap, Black, Faucet, Kitchen, Sink, Interior, Design

Every couple of hours find the nearest faucet and run your wrist under the cool water. Doing this will help you keep your core body temperature under control. There is a main vein that runs close to the surface of the skin on your wrist. Running cool water over this vein will help cool your blood, dropping your core body temperature.

3. Cool Down Your Sunscreen

Stick your sunscreen in the fridge or in your cooler. The lotion will get nice and cold, which will feel great to apply over your hot skin to help lower your core body temperature. Also, try applying cold lotion to the bottom of your feet, it will feel amazing and help cool you down.

4. Incorporate Water Activities

Besides adding a lot of fun to your 4th of July festivities, water activities are a great way to cool down in the summer heat. Hook up a sprinkler to your hose and runthrough the water. Fill a pool (even if it’s just a small one) and splash around. Load up on water balloons and squirt guns. Just make sure there’s lots of water to play in!

5. Take A Break

Don’t get so caught up in all of the 4th of July fun to forget to give yourself a break. Head indoors to enjoy some air conditioning every few hours. The cool air from your AC will feel amazing on your skin and help refresh you.

6. Make Sure Everything is in Working Order

Double check that your sprinklers are working, your hose doesn’t have a hole, your AC has enough Freon, your faucets are running properly and your pipes are free of clogs, before the holiday gets here. You don’t want to be in the middle of your BBQ and discover that your air conditioner just gave out on you or your water supply isn’t flowing like it’s supposed to.

If you’re concerned about the condition of your air conditioner, pipes or have any other plumbing or HVAC concerns, and you would like an inspection from a certified local professional before the 4th of July gets here: schedule an appointment online or give Tiger Services a call today at (877) 552-2326.

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

 (877) 552-2326

Memorial Day Weekend Tips

Memorial Day marks the unofficial beginning of summer, but the rainy spring weather isn’t ready to let go just yet. There is a lot of rain in the forecast this week and we are all crossing our fingers, hoping that the weather improves before the big holiday weekend. Unfortunately, along with the heavy rain falls, the temperature and humidity levels are also on the rise this week. One thing is clear as we head into Memorial Day weekend; the weather is not on our side. Don’t panic just yet! Here are some steps you can take to help prevent the extreme weather from ruining your holiday weekend.

memorial day

1. Avoid a Sump Pump Disaster

Sump pumps are designed to help prevent basement flooding, especially during periods of constant and heavy rainfall. The protection offered by sump pumps is especially important in finished basements with recreation rooms, home offices, bedrooms or rooms storing electronics or valuables. Like all other vital equipment in your home, your sump pump needs regular maintenance to ensure everything is functioning properly and so you can avoid a major disaster.  We’ll be happy to inspect and evaluate your sump pump needs, to give you peace of mind.

2. Battling the Humidity

With the heat rising and the rain falling, dealing with humidity this week is not going to be pleasant. To help you get through this muggy week, try out a few of these easy humidity-busting tricks.

  • Turn on your exhaust fans when bathing, doing laundry or cooking.
  • Cover pots as much as possible when cooking.
  • Use portable fans to improve airflow in stuffy rooms.
  • Take cooler and shorter showers.
  • Make sure all windows and doors are shut tight and that air isn’t able to leak through them.
  • Turn on your air conditioning to improve air flow and lower your home’s temperature.
  • Use a dehumidifier.

3. Make Sure Your AC is ready for the Long Haul

Many people have been holding off on turning on their air conditioners, but the weather this week may mean it’s finally time to flip on that AC. The temperatures will be in the 80’s and the rain and humidity will mean that your windows will need to be closed. You’ll likely need to turn on your air conditioner for some much-needed relief but will your AC be up for the challenge? Air conditioning units require yearly maintenance and inspections to keep them running properly. Call on our expert technicians here at Team Tiger to make sure that your AC can handle the heat.

4. Keep the Power On

Power outages are always a real concern during stormy weather. Having a Whole-Home Standby Generator installed will help you keep the lights on and your AC running during even the most severe weather. A generator is not only useful during stormy spring and summer weather, but it can also come in handy during the winter months if a blizzard blows in. Like your sump pump and AC, generators require yearly maintenance. So if you already have a generator for your home, make sure to have one of our Certified Electricians come out and ensure everything is running properly and safely this season.

Happy Memorial Day!

                                           If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

 (877) 552-2326

AC Added Benefits

Summer is in full swing and you are loving the cool air and comfort provided by your AC. After all, these warmer months would be fairly miserable if air conditioners weren’t around, but you may not be aware of some of the other added benefits that your AC system provides.

Bonus Benefits from Your Air Conditioner:

 

Indoor Air Quality:

Your heating and cooling systems go a long way in improving the air quality of your home. Most notably, they drastically reduce the amount of pollutants and allergens floating around in the air of your home. A well maintained AC system will also help improve the quality of living of people who suffer from allergens or respiratory illnesses like asthma.

bedroom with AC

P.S. Having regular maintenance tasks performed will greatly improve your indoor air quality and extend the life of your AC system. These tasks include yearly system checks, having your filter changed as recommended, & having your air ducts clean annually, etc.

Productivity Boost:

If you are hot, uncomfortable and all around miserable you will be less productive. AC’s to the rescue! Air Conditioners are designed to keep you cool and comfortable, no matter how toasty things become outside. The more comfortable you are, the more productive you will be!

Sleep Easier:

This is also a matter of being comfortable. Keeping your bedroom between 60 to 65 degrees is often ideal for a perfect night of sleep. A properly functioning AC is the easiest way for you to keep your bedroom in this comfort zone.

Logo with slogan

 

Call us at (877) 552-2326, or visit TrustTiger.com to schedule a precision tune-up and safety inspection to ensure that your AC is running at optimal levels!

AC

AC 101: Why is My Air Conditioning Unit Leaking?

A leaking Air Conditioning Unit poses several concerns and is a major sign that something is wrong with your system. Leaking AC units can cause water damage and even a fire if it gets near electrical equipment.

So why do leaks happen in an Air Conditioning Unit anyway?
Here are some possible reasons:

-Frozen evaporator coils

If the evaporator coils form ice on them, this build-up can melt and overflow from your drain pan.

There are three main causes of a frozen coil:

1. Dirty filter: If your filter becomes dirty, it will slow the airflow through the coil, causing it to get too cold and possibly form ice on the surface. An easy way to avoid this outcome is to replace your filter as recommended by the manufacturer.

2. Low pressure in the refrigerant lines: If there is not enough refrigerant in your unit, the pressure will lower. This will reduce the coil’s ability to remove heat from the air, which causes the coil to freeze. Low refrigerant levels can cause some serious damage to your compressor so you will need to turn off your Air Conditioning Unit and call us immediately!

3. Issues with the fan: If you notice low airflow coming through your vents in addition to the frozen coil, issues with your fan are likely the cause. Shut off your Air Conditioning Unit right away and call us to correct the problem. 

-Condensation issues

Air Conditioning Units do more than simply keep the air in your home cool. They also help Air Conditioning Unitremove the humidity as well. This is done by removing condensation. If condensation is building up and overflowing, you might have condensate drainage problems. Here are three possible reasons why:

1. A blockage in the condensate drain: a blockage will cause a backup. Clear the drain if you can or call us to clean the line for you.

2. A damaged drain pan: your drain pan might be cracked and leaking condensation. It is often best to replace a damaged drain pan, to avoid future issues. 

3. A broken condensation pump: depending on where your Air Conditioning Unit is located, you might have a pump that removes the condensation. If this pump becomes broken, water can build up and overflow. Which means you will need to replace the pump.

Call us at (866)844-3770 of you notice that your
Air Conditioning Unit is Leaking!

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

(866) 844-3770

or feel free to check us out online at

Be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest,
LinkedIn, GooglePlus and Instagram

Cut Your Cooling Costs with These Six Money-Saving Tips

The summer’s heat and humidity have arrived and with them comes the need to cool your home around the clock. This constant cooling of your home will undoubtedly cause an increase in your monthly utility bills. Cooling your home really is not optional when the temperatures start hitting the 90’s, but you do have some methods you can use to help keep the cooling bill lower.

Six Tips to Cut Cooling Costs

1. Utilize Ceiling Fans: cooling

Ceiling fans help your air conditioning system by taking on some of the work. By circulating the cool air in your home, your AC will not have to work as hard to keep you cool and comfortable.

2. Seal Leaky Windows

Windows that are poorly sealed and leaking air are inefficient and they are costing you more money when you are running your AC. Utilizing weather strips and caulk to seal up any leaks will help save you money on your cooling bill.

3. Replace Your Furnace Filter Regularly 

The air filter in your furnace will naturally become dirty over time. Dust, pet hair and debris are just some of the elements that can cling to your filter, slowing the air flow. Thus, a dirty filter will cause your air conditioner to work harder, to move cool air throughout your home. It is best to change your filter as recommended by the manufacturer.

4. Close Your Curtains 

This is probably the easiest cooling cost-cutting task you can perform. When sunlight pours into your home, it warms it. So, by simply closing your curtains, especially those where the sun beams in the brightest, will help keep your home cooler.

5. Have a Programmable Thermostat Installed 

Programmable thermostats are extremely useful little gadgets. They allow you to reduce the amount of energy needed to cool your home and make sure your home is still comfortable when you get home. You program these thermostats to adjust the temperature to a comfortable level when you are home and set it to run less often when you are not there. No more wasting extra money cooling your home, when no one is there. You can see real savings on your monthly energy bill by simply adjusting your thermostat seven to ten degrees, eight hours a day when no one is home.

6. Have Your AC Inspected Annually

Having your air conditioning unit serviced once a year is one of the best ways to ensure that your equipment is running as efficiently as possible, which will save you more money on your cooling bill.  Call on the experts at Team Tiger to perform your annual AC Super Tune-Up and Safety Inspection today at (866) 844-3770  and be ready for whatever summer throws your way.

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

(866) 844-3770

or feel free to check us out online at

Be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, GooglePlus and Instagram

How to Protect Your Air Conditioner from Storm Damage

These past few weeks have brought a lot of rain and storms to the area. In addition to all of these storms, the temperatures have also been climbing. You have likely been running your air conditioning system to keep your home comfortable. Unfortunately, thunderstorms can pose a serious risk to your AC. Follow these handy tips when a strong storm hits and help protect your
Air Conditioner from the elements.

storm

-Turn Off Your AC During Thunderstorms 

Whenever possible turn off your air conditioner before a storm hits. Strong storms typically mean lightning. Electrical surges are common when lightning hits and you don’t want your AC’s electrical components destroyed, or risk a fire! If the weather is particularly hot, you can usually run your AC until the sky darkens. Keep in mind, however; lightning might be flashing before the rain comes so don’t wait that long, to turn off your unit. 

-Cover Your AC Before A Storm

Covering your air conditioning unit can be a great option to help protect it during a strong storm. Fast winds, hail and flying debris can cause some serious damage to the exposed components on your unit. You can use a tarp or even a board to cover your AC, to help protect it when severe weather hits.

*Make sure your cover is secure so it doesn’t turn into debris itself to cause damage elsewhere, and after the storm passes, remove the covering before starting up your unit again.

-Clean Up Your Yard

Speaking of flying debris, cleaning up your yard is a great way to help reduce the amount of debris that can be tossed around. Well before a storm hits, pack away outdoor furniture, toys, your barbecue pit and anything else that’s not tied down. Clean up branches that might have fallen and remove anything else that could puncture your AC equipment. Collaborate with neighbors to clean up their yards as well. Storms have no respect for property lines!

*If the storm is already rolling in or you see lightning, it is best to skip this step. Your own safety is more important. 

-Inspect and Clean Your AC Before Start-up

Once the storm has passed and it is safe to go outside, it is a good idea to do a thorough inspection of your AC unit and refrigerant piping to check for damage. Be sure to clear any debris that might be covering your air conditioning unit. As long as you’re certain that the unit is free from damage and debris, turn it on and monitor to make sure it’s working as it should.

-Get Professional Help

If despite your best efforts, your unit or piping has been damaged, call us right away at (866)844-3770. We can also help you prepare for the storms ahead and reduce your equipments risk of being damaged.

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

(866) 844-3770

or feel free to check us out online at

Be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, GooglePlus and Instagram

Annual Maintenance, Equipment Checks and Your Wallet

Maintenance is an important part of home ownership and you don’t want to leave yoMaintenanceur heating and cooling systems off your yearly maintenance checklist.

By performing yearly maintenance and regularly checking your equipment, you can greatly extend the life of your units. Plus, you can fix any small problems before they grow into large, expensive problems.

It’s advised that at the very least, you have your air conditioning unit cleaned and checked early each spring before the weather gets too warm. And you should have your furnace checked each fall in late September or early October, before the first freeze.

By having your heating and cooling units inspected each year, you can ensure that whenever it’s time to flip on your air conditioning or furnace, it will run smoothly. Remember, maintenance means fewer unpleasant surprises down the road.

Unfortunately, busy schedules can make it hard to remember to have your much needed yearly maintenance compl10411_image6 copyeted. A great way to stay on top of your heating and cooling maintenance schedule is to sign up for an annual club membership.

That way you can completely forget about your annual
maintenance schedule, because when it’s time for your systems to be maintenance, someone will contact you to remind you and help you schedule an appointment.

A club membership is the easiest way to ensure that your air conditioner and furnace remain at their top performance levels!

Other great benefits of an annual club membership are:

  • SAME DAY SERVICE – GUARANTEED!
  • Reduced diagnostic fee
  • 10% Discount on all repairs
  • FREE Precision Tune-Up and safety inspection on your furnace and AC
  • Replacement Discounts
  • *$250 off a Complete New System
  • Go to trusttiger.com to learn more!

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

(866) 844-3770

or feel free to check us out online at

Be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, GooglePlus and Instagram

3 New Year’s Resolutions that are Better than Joining the Gym

2017 is quickly coming to an end and you may be making your resolutions for 2018.  Popular resolutions include: joining a gym, starting a diet or quitting a bad habit. While personal and professional resolutions are important, it is also a good idea to add a few New Year’s resolutions for your home as well. 

Resolutions

Keep These 3 Resolutions in Mind for 2018:

1. Replace Your Furnace Filter.

Your furnace filter plays a vital role in keeping your heating and air conditioning systems running smoothly. Plus, your furnace filter is an important tool when it comes to improving your home’s indoor air quality and keeping your family healthier. 

2. Have Your Ductwork Cleaned.

Speaking of your indoor air quality, if it has been awhile since you have had your ducts cleaned, the beginning of 2017 is a great time to give us a call. Dust mites, allergens and tiny particles love to accumulate in your ductwork. Once you turn on your HVAC system, those particles are blown into the air you and your family breathe.  Poor indoor air quality can lead to the worsening of allergies, asthma and other respiratory issues. 

3. Take Control of the Humidity in Your Home.

Humidity is an important part of life in the Midwest. Unfortunately, maintaining the right levels of humidity in our homes can be tricky. Too much humidity can lead to mold and mildew growth inside your home. Too little humidity can dry out your skin and nasal passages. Both of these scenarios can be harmful to you and your family’s health. In order to ensure that your home stays between the 30-50% humidity mark, it is a good idea to have a humidity assessment performed. 

If you need any help reaching any of these New Year’s resolutions for 2018, just give us a call and we will be there for you. 

wn3rt

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

(866) 844-3770

or feel free to check us out online at

Be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, GooglePlus and Instagram

 

 

 

Archives

September 2019
M T W T F S S
« Aug    
 1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
30  
  • 1902 Vandalia St. Ste. 100
    Collinsville, IL 62234
  • Live Answering 24/7/365
IL License #058-140328

TIGER PLUMBING SERVICES, LLC. TIGER HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SERVICES, INC. TIGER ELECTRICAL SERVICES, LLC.