February 2012
3 posts
4 tags
Carbon Monoxide Levels - When is it dangerous?
Carbon monoxide, or CO, is a common byproduct of the combustion of fossil fuels. CO is invisible, tasteless, odorless, and highly toxic. Small amounts of exposure over time can be as dangerous as high levels of exposure for a short period.
Here are some basic guidelines:
Concentration: Effect:
30-35 PPM* Low: Becomes toxic after continuous exposure for more than 8 hours
35-200 PPM...
5 tags
New HVAC Standards
There are big changes coming in the heating and cooling field. As with most things, we’re always trying to find better ways to do things. The Department of Energy is trying to make the HVAC industry more efficient. This means that while consumers are saving energy and reducing their energy costs, the price of new equipment will go up. Here’s a little information about what to...
January 2012
1 post
2 tags
December 2011
3 posts
1 tag
New Years' Traditions and Superstitions
On New Year’s Day we also have black-eyed peas, the legume not the group, because they are associated with bringing you good luck. We will also eat cabbage or sauerkraut, and pork or sometimes corned beef. We don’t really practice any other traditions regulars but we have learned about some that others take as serious as our “black-eyed pea” tradition. Here’s some...
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Did You Resolve to Save Money in 2011?
Many people include saving money on their list of New Year Resolutions but it’s never an easy task. Here’s a few HVAC ways to save a little money.
1. Install a new high-efficiency system: Cost $3000-$6000
Installing a high-efficiency system will cut your energy costs and save money on your utility bills. It’s a large up-front investment but you will see the savings right...
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7-Day Programmable Thermostat Installed for $105
Between now and December 31st we are offering Jackson Systems T-21-P programmable thermostats installed for $125. These thermostats qualify for a $20 rebate through NIPSCO which would make your final cost $105.
This is a great deal! Check out the features of this thermostat:
http://jacksonsystems.com/search/category/260
For more information on the NIPSCO rebate:
...
November 2011
4 posts
1 tag
Why Humidifiers are Great!
It happens every winter… your nose is dry, skin is cracked, your throat is sore, you “shock” everything you touch. Increasing the heat is your house decreases the moisture causing the air to be dry, and in turn causing all of the above mention things.
This is where humidifiers come in. The job of a humidifier is to add moisture back into the air. There are different types of...
1 tag
Daylight Savings Time
When we “spring forward” or “fall back” it is a good time to do some things around the house. Check out these links for some ideas for things to do with an extra hour!
http://www.homeimprovementsdepot.com/50-things-to-do-around-the-house-with-your-extra-hour/
http://www.examiner.com/pop-culture-in-hartford/daylight-savings-time-2011-10-cool-things-to-do-with-extra-hour
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2 tags
The Basics of Combustion Analysis
What is combustion analysis?
Combustion analysis begins with the measurement of flue gas concentrations and gas temperature, and may include the measurement of draft pressure and soot level.
To measure gas concentration, a probe is inserted into the exhaust flue and a gas sample drawn out. Exhaust gas temperature is measured using a thermocouple positioned to measure the highest exhaust...
October 2011
1 post
How to Build a Made in America Home →
Interesting article about using American made products. It more expensive but it is possible. For most people cost is extremely important, for others country loyalty may be the bigger priority. Either way, we thought it was interesting!
September 2011
2 posts
3 tags
Home Energy Audits
An energy audit will let you know how efficiently your house is running and where you can make changes to increase your efficiency and savings. Some changes are simple, like changing old incandescent light bulbs to the new CFL bulbs. Other may require more effect like sealing a drafty window or replace inefficient equipment.
Finding out how efficiently your house is running can save hundreds of...
1 tag
Why We Give Back
Everyone has their reasons for doing what they do and I would just like to explain a few reasons why we do what we do.
Brief background:
Our company was started very unexpectedly out of necessity in December 2009 when Scot was suddenly let go at the job he held for 11 years. After the shock wore off, which was about 2 days, Scot had no idea what he was going to do until one of his mentors...
August 2011
6 posts
2 tags
Preventative Maintenance is not Always a Repair
We talk about the importance on preventative maintenance all the time because we feel it is… well, important! Preventative maintenance will help your system run more efficiently and can extend the life of your system. It’s a small price to pay considering how much it can cost to repair or replace a system.
Preventative maintenance is not always a repair, though. Sometimes a unit...
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Why do Preventative Maintenance?
We always liken preventative maintenance of your heating and cooling equipment to getting your oil changed. It’s a simple analogy most people understand. You spend $100/yr on oil changes to keep your car running smoothly and hopefully to avoid more costly repairs.
In heating and cooling, it’s about the same. Our average charge for preventative maintenance per year is usually under...
HVAC and Technology: Do They Mix?
When you think of HVAC technicians, plumbers, electricians, mechanics and other skilled laborers, what comes to mind? Does anything related to technology come to mind? Or are you just imagining a blue collar worker that knows his profession… and that’s about it?
Not only have all of these trades evolved with time but there is also a lot of technology involved in these fields....
3 tags
Home Warranties
We’ve said it before, heating and cooling equipment is an investment. With any investment you want to feel protected. One way is to purchase a home warranty or a parts and labor warranty when you have a new system installed. We offer 10-year parts and labor warranties that cover those things not covered by the manufacturer for a little added protection.
When purchasing a home warranty...
1 tag
July 2011
4 posts
2 tags
How to Stay Cool without Air Conditioning
Not everyone is lucky enough to have air conditioning. Some people don’t even miss it except for those summer days with record-setting temperatures. Here’s some tips for staying cool even without air conditioning.
1. Close your windows and blinds/curtains. It keeps the hot and heat outside, especially when the sun it out.
2. Keep lights off. Light bulbs, especially incandescent,...
Vote for Us! Best Heating and Cooling under the... →
June 2011
3 posts
2 tags
2 tags
Chugging Along
Although we have years of experience in HVAC, this is our second year as a business. So far this year we have done more work and exceeded our profits from last year. We have also met the goals we set for our company to this point. We continue to gain new customers and grow our customer base daily. We also have several leads that are keeping us busy.
We still have a lot of work to do and we are...
2 tags
Our Latest Adventure in Installations
This week we installed some new equipment for a customer. They have four A/C systems total and we were replacing two. The systems they had were over 20 years old and very different in shape, size and technology from today’s equipment.
With the outdoor condensers we had no choice but to use a different brand but the rest of the outdoor work was fairly simple. The indoor units were a whole...
May 2011
4 posts
3 tags
Is Upgrading Your Cooling Equipment Worth It?
We talk a lot about being efficient and saving energy. Sometimes we have a personal choice about how efficient we want to be and sometimes the government regulates this for us. Until the 80’s the average efficiency of an air conditioner unit was 6 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio)*. The average unit in the 90’s was 10 SEER and as of 2006, the minimum efficiency is 13 SEER.
...
2 tags
No-Cost Ways to Save Energy
During the summertime we use a lot of energy to cool down. Here are a few free tips that will reduce your energy usage and costs when it’s hot outside!
Use timers for landscaping lights, sprinklers, and pool pumps.
Reduce your water heater temperature to 120-degrees during the summer.
Take shorter showers.
Keeping drapes and blinds closed during the day to reduce the heat inside the...
3 tags
Tankless Water Heaters
Do you find you run out of hot water often? Or do you have a garden tub that you cannot fill completely with water that is warm enough? If you answered yes to either question, a tankless water heater may be a great option for you!
Tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand and can be used for a variety of purposes. These units are innovative and energy efficient and will soon become...
April 2011
10 posts
2 tags
The Importance of Sump Pumps
A sump pump is a pump (usually electric) that is placed in the basement of a home and used to pump water outside the home. They either drain the water into the house’s drainage pipe system or they pump the water outside. They normally are placed in a sump pit.
Sump pumps are usually located in house where basements are below the water table level or...
Repair or Replace... That is the question?
Is your air conditioner not working quite right? Have you made repairs in the last year or two? Does your house not seem as comfortable when it gets hot outside even though you’re running your a/c system?
Sometimes a simple repair can turn all of this around. Other times it may be more difficult to get your unit running like it should. Here are a few things to consider when it comes to...
10 Tips for Hiring a Heating and Cooling... →
Heating and cooling purchases can be confusing and costly. Make sure to do your homework and understand what your paying for.
3 tags
Simple Steps for Preparing Your A/C for the Season
Preseason inspections and preventative maintenance can go a long way to ensure that your system is working at peak performance. Here are a few simple things that you can do to keep your system running smoothly.
1. Change your filters ~ A clogged filter can cause your system to work harder reducing efficiency and increasing wear and tear, which can shorten the life of your equipment.
2. Make...
2 tags
Benefits of Geothermal
Geothermal is not only environmentally friendly but it is an efficient option for you heating and cooling. Although there are higher upfront costs associated with having this type of system installed, the cost of operation will almost always be less than the cost of operating a conventional heating and cooling system.
Geothermal uses four types of “loop systems” that are either open...
4 tags
Want to be more green?
Deckard Mechanical focuses on saving you money by being more efficient anytime we can. From time to time when we come across tips we will share them with you.
Green Energy Tip:
Lower water heater temperature. If you have a traditional tank water heater, some simple adjustments can save real money since heating water accounts for 15% of energy use in a typical home. Turn the thermostat down to...
Meet Deckard Mechanical
Deckard Mechanical is a mechanical contracting company that specializes in heating and cooling sales, service, and installation. We like to provide customers with personal attention along with exceptional service.
Deckard Mechanical was founded in 2010 by Scot Deckard. Scot has worked in the field of heating and cooling since 1996 and spent 11 years working in commercial and residential...