Posts Tagged ‘Bayonet Cooling’

The End is Near: When to Replace Your Heating/AC Unit

Wednesday, July 16th, 2014

Buying a new AC may not be at the top of your list of what you want to spend your hard-earned money on, but not replacing it when it’s time will often cost you more in the long run. It comes down to efficiency. Some of the signs to look out for are easy to see, such as:

  1. Is the unit over 10 years old?
  2. Does your home feel humid even when the unit is running?
  3. Is it unnecessarily noisy?
  4. Has your monthly bill increased?
  5. Is the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) number on your current unit 10 or under?

If you’ve answered “yes” to any of the above, you are probably at a point where maintenance is required or, more likely, a new, more efficient unit should be considered.

Like anything mechanical, energy efficient and appropriately sized units are the key to optimum operating costs and peak functionality. Today’s air conditioners must have a minimum SEER rating of 13, and must use the more environmentally friendly R-410A refrigerant. The most efficient models have SEER ratings up to 26. Still, even the most effective units work best when they operate in the ideal environment. Some questions to ask are:

Is your home well insulated to protect its interior from drafts/warm air?

  • Is the duct system that distributes the cool air properly sealed?
  • Do you have more than one return in your home?

If you suspect any issues exist, be sure to correct those before installing new units.

So if you believe it’s time to replace your AC unit, a tremendous selection is available at a wide range of price points. The right one, installed with an upgrade like a programmable thermostat, will provide an excellent return on your investment.

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3 Ways to Improve the Indoor Air Quality in Your Home

Wednesday, July 2nd, 2014

The air quality in your home is put to the test against environmental impurities every day. Like it or not, pollutants such as dust, mold, cigarette smoke, radon, and – especially in Tampa – pollen are going to make their way into your home in a variety of ways. Visitors, pets, or even a new mattress can track them in, or your outside unit can unintentionally draw them in.

Children, the elderly, and asthma sufferers may be more sensitive to poor air quality; however, breathing impure air is dangerous for anyone who is continuously exposed. The good news is you can help minimize the risk of serious health problems by being mindful of these steps to keep your home free of pollutants and toxins:

  1. Keep your floors free of dirt and dust. Regularly vacuuming or mopping your floors will reduce the risk of chemicals and allergens taking up permanent residence in your home. Routine cleaning of your entire home is the best way to ensure pollutants will not linger.
  1. Consistently change your home’s HVAC filters per the manufacturer or your HVAC professional’s instructions. At Bayonet, we always recommend writing the date you replace them on the cardboard edge so you will know for certain the last time you swapped them out. Most store-bought one-inch filters should be changed monthly. Whole-house units, installed at the air handler, can be changed twice a year.
  1. Periodically ventilate your home. Most home heating and cooling systems do not bring in clean outdoor air and should not be relied on to keep your home’s air purified. Periodically opening windows, doors, and vents will bring in outdoor air and help to push unclean air out.

Monitoring your home’s air isn’t always the easiest task to remember. But for the sake of your family’s safety and wellness, it needs to be done. Contact Bayonet today to find out how we can help!

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Re-Designing Your Bathroom? Check Out These 3 Luxurious Plumbing Components!

Wednesday, June 4th, 2014

The latest trend in bathrooms? Indulgence. Obviously, the price tag on extravagance can be high, but a wide array of fixtures and updates can give a bathroom renovation with even the most meager of budgets a hefty boost of luxury.

From heated towel racks to stand-up steam showers, today’s bathrooms trend toward the spa experience by embracing that little something special that sets it apart, elevating the bathroom from the practical to the spectacular.

Besides vessel sinks and electronic faucets that are hands-free and promote efficient water usage, shower head fixtures have undergone a virtual revolution in their extravagant designs and placement. Typical single-head spray showerheads are being abandoned for those providing a “rain shower” effect and have a stylish look and a gentler flow rate. Used alone or paired with dual and multiple showerheads and body spray jets, these can be mounted in several arrangements for the ultimate shower experience.

Steam showers are the rage for the ultimate home spa treatment. An existing stand-up shower can be retrofitted by using an adjacent closet to accommodate the generator. The shower stall is moisture-sealed and equipped with controls to adjust the clouds of soothing and cleansing steam. Additions like ambient lighting, sound systems, and oil and lotion dispensers will easily transform the bath suite into a bath retreat.

Roman tubs are also a deluxe addition to your master bath. They offer the customization in size, shape, and style unavailable in preformed tubs. When outfitted with water and air jets you can have a deluxe soaking tub you’ll absolutely fall in love with.

Whether you’re on a budget or want to break the bank in the name of luxury, indulgent options abound to turn your bathroom into your own private relaxation sanctuary.

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