You aren’t alone in looking for cheap ways to improve your home. But, before you jump in the car and go check out paint swatches, you should consider updating to a high efficiency furnace and air conditioner from Mt. Everest Air. There are many benefits to replacing your old units, and saving you money is just one of them!

Replacing your furnace and air conditioner may seem like a hefty investment, but high efficiency furnaces, which are up to 28 percent more efficient, save you a great deal of money in the long run. These new units can easily cut the cost of your energy bill while adding value to your home. Ultimately, a new high efficiency furnace and air conditioner will pay for itself in 5 to 10 years through energy bill savings.

Still not convinced? Consider this: In addition to adding value to your home, installing high efficiency HVAC units are like hugging Mother Nature. It seems that nearly all Americans are becoming more environmentally responsible, and replacing your old, energy-wasting furnace and air conditioner with high efficiency models is just one way to accomplish this green goal.

Need to know why they’re better? High efficiency furnaces and air conditioners require less energy than their older cousins to perform the same tasks. By using less energy, they create fewer greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere. So, reduce your carbon footprint by getting rid of that old one. We’ll even help you get into a new HVAC system with our spring deal.

Painting the walls and adding a few colorful throw pillows might seem like the best way to spruce up your home, but getting a new HVAC system is an even better idea. Those pillows aren’t going to save you money in the long run, and while they may look great, Mother Nature would prefer to relax with a high efficiency furnace and air conditioner from Mt. Everest Air.

When business cools down, we at Mt. Everest Air find ways to heat things back up. As with most heating and cooling companies, our off-season is in the spring … after we’ve installed and repaired hundreds of furnaces during the winter and before we get busy in the summer installing and repairing air conditioners.

When things slow down, there are two options. The obvious one is to lay off some of our technicians; the other option is to offer you a deal that will keep us busy and we’ll be able to keep our family of technicians employed without the company taking a huge loss.

So, here’s the deal: We’re practically giving away39 new high efficiency furnaces while supplies last or until May 15. To receive the furnace, you purchase an off-season central air conditioner and pay $441 to help cover the cost of installing the furnace. All of the equipment is brand new and comes with a manufacturer’s warranty. We’re even offering this deal with no money down and payment plans! AND, the cherry on top is that these two new high efficiency units will cut your utility bill by as much as 40%. And because they’re high efficiency, they’re also better for the environment. Go Green!

We know this deal sounds totally crazy, but there’s a reason for our madness. Mt Everest Air owner Jeff Gamblin says, “I don’t mind sacrificing a profit this spring if it means that I don’t have to lay off my irreplaceable staff of highly trained service technicians. I have a wonderful, hard-working, loyal staff, and I am equally loyal to them. I’d rather lose profits than risk losing such great employees, so this deal is good for everyone: my customers, my staff and my company.”

So, please call us at 618.288.6480 to schedule your appointment. Help us keep our jobs by putting us to work, help increase the value of your home with new equipment, and help save your family money by installing a new high efficiency air conditioner and furnace that will cut your utility bills by as much as 40%!

We get a lot of inquiries about air filters. Most callers want to know the price of each filter we provide. Any Heating and Cooling company can simply quote you a price. For some homeowners, the choice will be made on cost alone. However, selecting a system filter based on cost alone may not be the best option for the health of your family or your system’s performance in the long run. To help you better understand some things about the types of filters available, I’ve put together a brief explanation on the different types of filters you have for consideration.

The simplest, and most easily available filters, are disposable filters made from interwoven fiberglass. You will find that most home stores and discount stores have these on hand.

High performance filters use pleated paper or other materials or “media”. These work by collecting microscopic dust particles as the air passes through. It’s likely that you will find this type of filter at most big box type home centers.

An electrostatic filter will use the motion of air across a weave of synthetic threads to create a static electric charge on dust particles which helps it to cling to itself and keep it trapped inside the system and out of your home.

More high tech, an electronic air filter adds an electric charge on dust particles when air passes through. Dust then collects on plates that are also charged. By putting an electric charge on dust particles, ozone is created, which helps kill bacteria and odors. Homeowners with pets find this a good option as it helps reduce pet dander and pet odors in the home.

You should know that electronic air cleaners can become less effective as they become dirty, so we recommend washing them at least monthly when in constant use. If you hear loud pops or snaps during the heating or cooling cycle, it means that it is time to clean the grids.

Cleaning the grids at least once a month should prevent you from ever hearing these “pops”, but if your home takes in quite a bit of dust from outside such as from road construction, for example, or other factors, you may hear them and need to clean the grids of the unit more frequently.

You might actually find that non-electric filters can increase in effectiveness (dust removal) as they get dirty, but they will also decrease airflow. Finding the best balance between cleaning efficiency and a proper airflow is really hard to define. You will find it takes some experimenting and knowledge of your system to best learn what is optimal for your house.

Clean air filters are essential to your system performance and your home’s overall air quality. Running a system with a dirty filter will only get you hot or cool dirty air and you will find yourself and your family cleaning more and possible being sick more often. If you have questions about air filters for your home’s heating and cooling system, call a qualified pro like Mt Everest Air Heating & Cooling Specialists. We will answer your questions and help you make the right choice for your needs.

Till next time,

Safety, Health, Comfort and Finances.Those are four things that are pretty important. If you think about it, those are the main reasons we live in houses and not in caves.At Mt. Everest Air Heating & Cooling, your comfort is what we do. Our job is to make sure your home’s mechanical system is in tip top shape so we can limit your concern about those four items. Our precision heating tune-up is designed to do just that. Without regular semi annual tune ups, bad things can happen. Let’s look at a few…Safety
Depending on the type of system in your home, there’s a good chance it utilizes either a blazing fire or high voltage electricity to keep you warm in the winter. When everything is working properly, that’s usually not a problem. When things go wrong, it can become a big problem! Most home fires are started by faulty appliances like these.If your system is burning fuel, it’s also creating carbon monoxide (CO). CO is poisonous stuff. It’s also colorless and odorless. You can’t smell it or see it. If it escapes into your living area it will make you sick or kill you. As part of our precision tune-up we’ll check your system for CO leaks and potential problems that could cause leaks. These are just a few of the hazards that could compromise your safety. There are more, but I think you can see why safety is at the top of our list.

Health
An improperly maintained air system can cause other problems as well. in most homes, heat is distributed through ducts using a motorized blower. Without proper filtration, that duct system could be distributing all kinds of nasty particles that can irritate allergy or asthma sufferers, or anyone who lives in the house. While we do our precision tune-up, we clean or replace your air filters and look for other problems that could make the system less effective.

Humidity control is important too. If you do have a humidification system, it needs proper maintenance or it can become a breeding ground for bacteria or mold. That’s unhealthy for everybody.

Comfort
The main reason we have indoor heating is to keep us comfortable. Strangely, many people get used to living uncomfortably. It just becomes normal for them to be too hot or too cold, or to put up with cold drafts or excessive heat. A lot of those problems can be solved with simple adjustments. The average person feels most comfortable when the humidity is between 35-50%. Anything outside that range feels unpleasant, even when the temperature is where you like it. We make sure you’re as comfortable as possible.

Finances
There area 2 major ways a precision tune-up can impact your finances. The first is by reducing your utility bills. A system that’s working properly will use less energy.

A precision tune-up also saves you money by extending the life of your system. Imagine if you never changed the oil in your car–the engine wouldn’t last very long. The same idea applies to your heating system. If you don’t maintain it, it’s going to fail alot sooner than it should. When it does, it will cost a lot more to replace it than it would to have performed regular maintenance.

So there are the 4 big reasons why you should have us out for a semi-annual precision tune-up. It’s easy to do, just give us a call. In fact, its so easy, even a caveman….ah, nevermind. You get the idea.

-Reprinted with permission from Service Roundtable, copyright 2010

Maybe you’ve heard about the great tax incentives in place for those opting to replace traditional home heating and cooling systems with more eco friendly geothermal systems. Perhaps you just don’t know enough about Geothermal or the benefits of such systems to consider the change. Here are some great reasons to change to Geothermal:

Energy Bill Savings - Geothermal units use technology that allows your home to actually transfer heat from one source to another. Usually, that source is the earth itself, pond or other large water source. Depending on a network created of loops, Geothermal energy transfers the heat from the ground to your home. For example, in cold months, when the ground is warmer than the air above, the system transfers that warm air out of the ground and into your home. In warmer months of the year when the ground is cooler than the air above it, the system is simply reversed to allow you to cool your home to a more comfortable temperature. Since the unit relies on the transfer of temperatures and doesnt rely on outside, “man-made”, energy sources such as gas or electric, it is extremely economical to run. You will see a major reduction in the cost of your heating and cooling costs using geothermal.

“Green” Alternative - Geothermal uses the renewable energy of the earth’s temperature to heat and cool. You can feel good about knowing your home is conditioned with greener, earth friendly resources and not harmful emission
causing materials such as electricity or gas. Furthermore, studies have shown that geothermal systems use 25% to 50% less energy than a regular system. Of course, the unit itself is still powered by electricity but you’ll use far less electricity than a traditional unit uses.

Geothermal Pays for Itself - Over the course of a few years, the initial investment of installing a geothermal system will be paid back to you in the form of big energy bill savings. Depending on the cost of heating and cooling costs in your area, it is possible that you will see between $30 – $80 per month in savings each month! Geothermal systems also last much longer than traditional heating and cooling systems too; around 20 to 30 years without much maintenance required.

New or Existing Homes - Geothermal systems can be installed in new construction or in existing homes. Even if you have had your home for many years, you can still take advantage of the benefits of Geothermal. You have no reason to feel that because other areas of your home are not as energy efficient as you would like, that its a bad time to think about switching to more efficient Geothermal systems. It’s a perfect time! Once you start seeing the savings and the tax credits, you’ll realize how much more you can be saving and start looking for even more ways to reduce energy costs.

You can find more information on the Advantages and FAQs on Geothermal Heating and Cooling Systems by visiting us at Mt. Everest Heating and Cooling. We’ll be happy to schedule an appointment with one of our Geothermal experts to learn more about installing a high efficiency Geothermal system in your home.

Till Next time.

There are many reasons for deciding to have your home’s air ducts cleaned. Some health issues are related to poor air quality and having air ducts professionally cleaned can improve symptoms of certain conditions. It’s important to know though that choosing a duct work cleaning service that is not experienced with your type of heating and cooling system or one that does not use the proper equipment or processes can actually make the situation worse.

Here are some things you should consider when choosing an air duct cleaning
professional:

- Don’t make the mistake of thinking all duct cleaning pros are the same.

- Have 2 or 3 companies provide you with an estimate for the work and what
steps will be taken to ensure the safety of your possessions and family while work is being done.

- Be sure that the pro has worked on systems like yours. Don’t let them                         learn on your home.
- Ask what procedures are taken to ensure the safety of your possessions, pets, and family members during the process. Make sure you are protected from anything harmful they may find in the duct work such as mold or other bacteria.

- Check references! Be sure that others have had good experiences with the company or professional you are considering. You can check with the Better Business Bureau, the Office of Consumer Affairs, or your local county government to see if complaints have been filed. Also, check online reviews for the pro or company you are considering.

- Keep in mind that no one can make claims that air duct cleaning will make your air quality healthier. The health benefits are unsubstantiated and any service who tells you that cleaning your air ducts will definitely make you
feel better is giving you false promised. Some health conditions are worsened by poor air quality though so it is definitely possible that symptoms of illness can be elleviated or improved with cleaning of air ducts.

- Doing your homework, having reasonable expectations on how duct cleaning can
help, and checking to make sure you are hiring an experienced and reputable professional will ensure that you get the job done correctly and safely for your family and home.

Till next time,

Baby, it is HOT outside! Today’s forecast for the St. Louis Metro East area is HOT and the 10 day forecast shows heat indexes reaching over 105! Be sure your Air Conditioning unit is functioning properly in order to make sure things are nice and cool at your house! Mt. Everest Air is currently running its annual Summer SUPER TUNE UP for only $79 and with a deal like this, you can’t afford not to get your Air Conditioning maintained.

Mt. Everest Air’s SUPER TUNE-UP for only $79 guarantees your Air Conditioning Unit won’t break down this summer, or this service is FREE!

This service is normally $150, but for a limited time only, Mt. Everest Air will come to your home and perform a complete 14 point Tune Up for only $79!

Here’s what the $79 SUPER TUNE UP includes:

• Thoroughly clean condenser coil
• Clean Filter (Standard Filter)
• Inspect Compressor starter contacts
• Clean Debris from the air conditioning unit
• Electronically measure airflow performance
• .o5 lbs of freon included
• Lubricate the blower motor
• Lubricate fan motor bearings
• Check calibration of thermostat
• Clean air conditioner drain system
• Wax air conditioner
• Tighten electrical connections
• Infrared camera inspection of evaporator coil with TV monitor display for you to see
• Electronically monitor refrigerant level
• Lubricate the blower bearings

This temperatures soaring and no relief in site, you can imagine that the phones are already ringing to take advantage of this offer. The offer ends on July 30th so be sure to call Mt Everest Air right NOW at 1-877-552-2326 to schedule the next available appointment.

The longer the current heat wave lasts or when the next one hits us, you will thank me for letting you know about this incredible offer. It’s the least I could do for my readers.

Till next time,

Hey, don’t give me that stuff about the pioneers making it without air conditioning! All those pioneers–they’re dead you know. That’s what people did back then…they just died.

-Reprinted from www.thehalife.com

It’s summer. It’s HOT! As the thermometer climbs higher and higher, many of us are thinking about how to keep our cool this summer. Sure, we could crank that air conditioner and let it run ALL the time, but that is sure to raise our energy bill to the point where we still find ourselves hot under the collar! There has to be a way to cool our homes for less money! Fortunately, I’ve come up with a list of ways that we can keep cool and control costs:

When thinking about ways to keep cool inside, start by thinking outside. When thinking about ways to keep your cool, think about trees. Yeah, I said trees! Trees in your yard or smaller trees in your home’s landscaping can help provide needed shade to your home. Trees are also a great natural air filter, naturally improving your neighborhood air quality. Specifically, planting shade trees or even small, ornamental type trees in your landscaping can help insulate your home in both summer and winter. By blocking the summer sun’s direct rays, you can fool your air conditioner in thinking that your home is cooler than it is. Planting trees just to the south and west of your home is recommended to ensure optimal benefits.

Another great way to keep your cool during the torrid summer months is to install ceiling fans within your home. Ceiling fans keep air moving throughout your home, giving you the feeling of cooler temperatures. Think about a hot day when a gentle breeze crossed your path. The moving air wasn’t really cooler but it felt cooler. Moving air just feels better than stagnant air. Furthermore, you should know that the cost of installing a ceiling fan is minimal and you may even qualify for a tax deduction for your home improvement expense. Nice.

Something else you should consider is that proper insulation for your home is essential in the summer too. Insulation helps keep your air conditioning inside your home, instead of floating right out through your roof. Increasing your insulation from a basic 3 inches to thicker 12 inches can cut your cooling costs by as much as 10%! If you don’t know how much insulation your home has, it will pay you back in savings to find out and make the adjustment if needed.

There are also some little things you can do to help cool your home for less money that require little to no additional expense. Try reducing the use of heat generating appliances during the hottest part of the day. Waiting to use your washing machine and clothes dryer until evening hours will cut down on humidity, making your home feel cooler. You can also reduce costs by fooling your A/C into running less by making sure that heat generating items such as televisions, game systems, lamps, and computers are placed away from your central air vents. Your air conditioning unit will spend less time running and that will save you money!

One last suggestion has to do with your attic. If your home has an attic or otherwise enclosed area above your ceilings, you may be sitting under a huge mass of hot air. Sure, the recommended insulation levels noted will help with this but consider your basement. Notice how your basement stays nice and cool even during the summer? Well, using an attic fan or attic ventilator will allow you to “pull” that cooler basement air up into the rest of your home and force it through the attic ventilation. The are many types of attic ventilators and these can really help you shorten the number of calendar days you will need to use your air conditioner. The link, http://www.mteverestair.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=7 can give you more information on attic ventilators and provide more information on how these actually work.

Making your home cool and comfortable is the main goal at Mt. Everest Air in Madison and St. Clair counties of IL. Mt. Everest is happy to help you maintain your air conditioner’s efficiency with repairs, regular maintenance, as well as provide you with additional suggestions for saving money on your home’s energy bills. To learn more, visit www.mteverestair.com.

Summer is HOT. It’s also a great time of fun, family, and taking time to enjoy your home and everything you work for. Go on, relax and enjoy your home. Happy Summer!