Electrical FAQ: What Type of Generator Should I Get?

April 15th, 2013

Making sure that your home is supported by an electrical generator in the event of a natural disaster is critical to your home safety and comfort. However, with today’s plethora of generator options, it can be difficult to figure out what type of system to install in your home. If you’ve already started to do a bit of research on this topic, then you may already know the importance of professional installation by a qualified Spokane electrician. In this post, the electrical experts at ACI Northwest would like to assist you with your new generator installation. Call us today!

Let’s take a look at your generator options:

  • Engine generator. This is the standard type of generator. It combines an electrical generation system with a mounted engine that runs on a fuel. Piston, hybrid diesel-gas, dual-fuel, and gas turbine engines are the available mechanical types, and they vary in size. On the one hand, you probably know or have used a small portable generator before. They are small, but come in handy in a pinch. Unfortunately, they often put our homes at risk of carbon monoxide if not properly used or ventilated.
  • Backup generator. This is the standard whole-home system. It allows you to restore power to your home by relying on a fuel supply. When you lose power, the backup generator is available so that you don’t have to let your food go to waste, or your home go cold or hot. You’ll be able to alleviate the effects of a power outage so that you can remain safe and comfortable.
  • Automatic standby generator. This is a comprehensive emergency power system that integrates directly with your utility power source to offer automatic standby for when your home loses power. Its main distinction is that it monitors and detects any drop in voltage between your utility supply and your electrical box. When it shuts off in the event of a storm or flooding, then your generator automatically switches on, giving you power. This type of system typically runs on natural gas or propane, and integrates directly with your fuel supply.

For comprehensive Spokane, WA electrical services, call ACI Northwest today!

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Furnace FAQ: How does a furnace Qualify as an Energy Star Furnace?

April 8th, 2013

You rely on your furnace to provide warmth and comfort throughout the heating season. Whether you’re in the market for a new furnace or furnace replacement, or are just curious, you probably have come across the Energy Star rating system. If a furnace has the Energy Star logo somewhere on its surface, then it meets the energy efficiency standards as determined by the US Environmental Protection Agency. The purpose of Energy Star is to reduce the impact of our heating and cooling systems on the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. While it seems like a good thing (and it is), you might also be wondering how your furnace qualifies as an Energy Star furnace. In this post, we’d like to explain the rating. For a furnace service, call ACI Northwest today!

While different residential furnace efficiency standards exist throughout the country, the current standard for Energy Star furnaces in the Spokane area is 95% AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency). This percentage measures the amount of heating output against the amount of energy input over the course of an entire year. It is the standard measurement for most heating systems. Energy Star gas furnaces must possess this standard (or higher), although oil-based furnaces currently require only 85% AFUE to be rated.

The EPA chooses products according to several principles. For example, qualifying furnaces must not only be energy efficient, but must also fulfil the consumer demand for performance and features. Thus, it is not energy efficiency for its own sake, but in order to make sure that performance and efficiency go hand-in-hand. Moreover, the Energy Star program believes that product testing is an important part of sustaining environmentally friendly manufacturing, and that the technology behind energy efficiency should be widely available and non-proprietary. The labelling system is intended to create easy targets for energy-conscious consumers. The purpose of Energy Star is to promote the production of energy-efficient products.

If you’re in the market for a new furnace, consider selecting an Energy Star rated furnace, so you know it will perform efficiently and effectively for years to come. For heating service, call the experts at ACI Northwest today!

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Heating FAQ: Should I Get Heating Maintenance Before Switching to AC?

April 1st, 2013

Even for those of us that like the cold weather, the end of the heating season is usually a welcome change of pace. Before you switch over to running your air conditioning system, though, you should give some serious thought to scheduling routine heating maintenance. While it may seem counter-intuitive to schedule heating maintenance at the end of the Spokane heating season, it can actually help you protect your comfort come the start of the next one. If you have any questions about end-of-the-season heating maintenance, contact the heating professionals at ACI Northwest. Our Spokane heating technicians have the knowledge and experience to answer any questions you may have.

It should be fairly obvious that most of the strain put on your heating system is during the heating season. If you had just run a marathon, you would probably make a point of stretching and hydrating, right? Over the course of the heating season it is likely that your home heating system has incurred some damage. If you simply shut it down for the last time and allow it to sit there, untouched, throughout the entire cooling season, then there is a good chance it will have some issues when the time comes to power it up again. Any strange noises, operational issues or wear and tear are not going to simply be resolved by giving the system a rest.

Plus, there is a very practical matter to consider here. Come the end of the heating season, your maintenance and heating repair provider is much less likely to be booked up than when the cold is starting to get in again. Schedule routine heating maintenance, have your system thoroughly inspected and tuned up, and reduce the risk of an unpleasant surprise at the start of the next heating season.

For more information about heating maintenance, contact the Spokane heating pros at ACI Northwest. We can be trusted with your comfort. Our technicians are highly skilled and extensively trained to ensure that you are able to keep your home warm and comfortable with consistency throughout the heating season. Contact ACI Northwest today!

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Electrical FAQ: Do I need a fuse box upgrade?

March 25th, 2013

When the electricity comes into your home from the street it needs to be distributed properly throughout your home. In older homes, the electricity coming from your utility company enters a fuse box that acts as the distribution point for the light switches, appliances and outlets throughout the home. While fuse boxes do have some advantages, there are several important signs to watch for that could indicate you may want to consider upgrading to a new circuit breaker panel. Contact the electrical repair technicians at ACI Northwest if you’re having any issues with your fuse box and need repairs or replacement. These are some of the problems that could indicate that you need to replace your fuse box.

Frequent Blown Fuses

Fuse boxes protect your home from dangerous levels of electricity by using fuses. If the current of electricity flowing through the fuse gets too high it will heat up the fuse and melt it, thus destroying the connection and “blowing” the fuse. If you start to notice that your fuse box is blowing too many fuses it could be a sign that there are some problems with the box and it needs to be replaced. Contact the Spokane, WA electrical professionals at ACI Northwest for any electrical repair that you need.

Marks Around the Fuses

When you see burn marks, rust, loose connectors or discoloration on your fuse box it is likely a sign that there are big problems. This is probably a good time to have your fuse box replaced with a safer and more reliable circuit breaker. Contact the Spokane, WA electrical specialists at ACI Northwest.

Benefits of Circuit Breakers

While fuse boxes are actually more sensitive to dangerous amount of electrical current, it can cause them to be a nuisance. Instead of using fuses to protect your home from too much electricity, circuit breaker use magnets. When the current of electricity gets too high a magnet is engaged and it flips the switch. This is much more convenient because you don’t have to go out and buy fuses (which can be hard to find).

For all your Spokane, WA electrical needs call the friendly electricians at ACI Northwest. Call ACI Northwest today!

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Electrical Tips: Electrical Problems Needing Repairs

March 18th, 2013

Electrical problems require immediate repair. While we depend on electricity to power most of the gadgets and appliances in our home, we also realize that it can be dangerous and that certain jobs are best left to the pros. At ACI Northwest, our team of Spokane electricians is committed to informing our customers about the electricity that runs through their home. It’s the best way to know how to recognize a problem, and pass it along to trained and certified professional. We hope you find the following tips useful! For comprehensive electrical repair, call ACI Northwest.

  • Flickering lights. This is a common problem. The cause could be a faulty circuit local to that fixture, or if occurs in several different fixtures in different rooms, that may indicate a fault in the main line. Occasionally, installing new CFL lights can flicker, too. If your household lights flicker when it’s windy outside, then it probably means the wires in the outdoor weatherhead are shorting out. They’re probably frayed. This can be a serious fire hazard.
  • Not enough outlets. While this may not be a problem in new home builds, older homes are notoriously modest with their distribution of outlets, which can be frustrating for the array of electronic and powered equipment we use today. This is not exactly a repair, but it’s not a good idea to use extensive surge protectors throughout your home instead of outlets.
  • Panel is over-wired. Your circuit panel is rated for a certain amount of circuits that it can reasonably handle. Your local electrician can install a subpanel or a new larger replacement.
  • Overlamping. When you put in a light bulb whose wattage is greater than that of the fixture—that’s known as overlamping. It’s dangerous because it can cause the bulb to melt the socket and the wire’s insulation. It can also cause arcing, a common cause of electrical fires.

Remember to keep you home safe by scheduling electrical repairs when you need them. For more information about our electrical services or to schedule an electrician to come to your home, call ACI Northwest today!

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Heating FAQ: What Do I Get with an HVAC Maintenance Plan at ACI?

March 11th, 2013

At ACI Northwest, we offer Hayden ID heating and air conditioning maintenance services and maintenance plans to ensure that you get all of your new and existing equipment needs met. This week, we’ve included a rundown of all the benefits of our service plan.

New Equipment

For new heating and cooling equipment you get the following:

  • Free home comfort and energy savings analysis
  • Complete home heat loss & heat gain worksheet to ensure proper sizing of equipment
  • Multiple options to fit the needs of both the home and customer
  • On the spot financing with multiple payment options
  •  All rebate paperwork completed by sales staff to ensure maximum dollar amounts.

For repairs you get, 24/7 Emergency service on all heating, air conditioning and heat pump systems, in addition to discounts for seniors and active and retired members of the military. Repairs for tank and tankless water heaters are also covered and you get a one year warranty on all repairs, labor and parts.

Premium Agreement Benefits

  • 20% discount on repairs and priority service
  • No overtime fees and 24/7 service
  • One year guarantee on repairs and transferable agreement
  • Two scheduled tune-ups per year and inflation protection
  • $50 towards a new unit per year of agreement

Maintenance helps to maintain efficiency for heat pumps and other air conditioning systems. No matter what type of heating and air conditioning system you have, keep in mind that a clean system is an efficient one. As a homeowner, you should change air filters, vacuum out vents, clean off coils, and make sure nothing is blocking the airflow to the outdoor unit. Call Hayden ID heating experts if you aren’t sure how to properly clean your air conditioning system.

We also offer commercial maintenance services, and our Hayden ID heating technicians are on call 24/7 for any emergency heating repairs. Call ACI Northwest if you have questions or would like more information about the maintenance plans or heating repair services that we offer in Hayden, ID.

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Air Conditioning FAQ: AC Systems Available

March 4th, 2013

Keeping your home cool is a huge priority for every homeowner. If you’re interested in replacing your current AC system with a new one there are several different options from which to choose. ACI Northwest provides comprehensive air conditioning services in Spokane, WA, including installation and air conditioning repair.  We thought it would be helpful for our customers if we put together some of the most popular air conditioning systems. If you have any questions about air conditioning system installation or repair, call the air conditioning specialists at ACI Northwest today!

Central Air Conditioning in Spokane WA

Probably the most popular air conditioning system is the traditional central air conditioning system. This type of system is basically a heat pump that can only provide cooling. These offer consistent and efficient air conditioning in Spokane, WA for homes of all different sizes.

Ductless Split Systems

Ductless mini split cool your home in a similar to central AC systems. Their three main differences are the use of individual room units, the lack of ducts and their ability to also provide heating. Ductless mini split systems have individual units mounted to the wall of each room in your home. This allows you to only heat or cool only the rooms that you are using. Depending on how you use this feature it could reduce the amount of energy that you use in your home.

Spokane WA Geothermal Air Conditioning

For people who are interested in seriously reducing the amount of energy that you have to buy to cool or heat your home, a geothermal system is the next step. Heat pumps are able to provide cooling by moving heat out of your home and exhausting it into the air. With a geothermal system, the heat is actually exhausted into the ground or into a water source (like a river, lake or pond). Geothermal air conditioning in Spokane, WA is one of the most efficient.

Spokane WA Air Conditioning Services

For all your Spokane, WA air conditioning repair or installation, contact ACI Northwest. Our technicians have years of experience working with all types and brands of air conditioning systems. We can help you pick out the system that’s right for your home and then install it for you. If you need air conditioning repair in Spokane, WA call us too.

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Scheduling Professional Electrical Services

February 25th, 2013

Safe, dependable electricity is one of the most fundamental luxuries that we demand in our homes. It is inconceivable to most homeowners these days to imagine not having light in your home with the flip of a switch. From heating to cooking and providing the energy needed to operate your appliances and electronics, your electrical system is among the most important components in your home. It is also one of the most potentially problematic and, if not professionally installed and serviced, most dangerous. There is no reason that you should not be able to enjoy high-quality, safe electrical service in your home. Simply call the electrical experts at ACI Northwest to schedule electrical installation and repair services in Spokane.

The importance of scheduling your electrical system installation with a licensed, experienced electrician cannot be overstated. There are laws and regulations that must be met and complied with. More importantly, you must work with a qualified, professional Spokane electrician to ensure the safety and reliability of your electrical system. Electricity is a very common power source, and it can be extremely safe to use. In order to ensure this safe operation, though, you cannot cut corners during the electrical installation process.

The maintenance of your electrical system and all of its components is the most important factor in ensuring its continued reliability and safety of operation. Wires, electrical connections and other parts of the system will degrade over time. Only by allowing a professional electrician the opportunity to inspect and tune-up your electrical system can you hope to get the best performance possible from it. Routine maintenance is also a great opportunity for your professional electrician to discover, diagnose and resolve any problems with your electrical system early on. Waiting for a problem to come up with your electrical system is the worst way you can go about servicing it. Prevention is key.

To learn more about electrical services in Spokane call the experts at ACI Northwest. Our electricians are among the best in the business. Our goal is to ensure that you are able to use your electrical system confidently and safely. Contact ACI Northwest today for more information on installation and electrical repair service in Spokane, WA..

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Recognizing the Need for a Boiler Repair

February 18th, 2013

ACI Northwest Inc. offers boiler repair services in Hayden, ID and the surrounding areas, so don’t hesitate to call us if you need an urgent repair. We will send one of our Hayden ID heating technicians to your home to pinpoint the issue and take care of it. If you aren’t sure whether or not you need a repair for your boiler, you can always call for advice or tips. Here are some signs that you might need a repair service.

If your boiler simply isn’t providing enough heat for your home, there could be a few causes for this. First, make sure your thermostat is on the right settings. If it isn’t the thermostat, it could be the water level inside the boiler tank. When the levels are not correct, there’s less hot water to send to the radiators in your hydronic heating system. Sediment build-up or a broken pressure valve are two common causes of improper hot water levels, so you should call a heating repair technician if the problem persists.

Be sure that you know how to read the pressure gauge, and if it is off, one of our heating technicians will need to take a look and mostly likely flush out the boiler to remedy the issue. If you notice water leaking from the tank, this could be another cause of improper pressure levels and reduced heat.

Like hot water heaters, some boilers need a little recovery time after an extended period of high output, If your boiler takes longer to produce more heat, there could be an issue with the expansion tank, or it could be a warning sign of the system wearing down. Don’t wait until your boiler breaks down, call ACI Northwest as soon as you notice any problems. We offer Hayden boiler repair services that you can rely on.

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Boiler Repair FAQ: Is My Boiler Leaking?

February 11th, 2013

Boilers provide consistent and comfortable heat for many homeowners throughout the Hayden, ID area. In fact, boilers are one of the most common heating systems in the entire country. As opposed to forced air systems like furnaces, boilers use a series of hot water radiators or in-floor pipes to provide heat. Like all things that carry water your boiler will eventually need repairs. Perhaps one of the most common boiler repairs in Hayden, ID is a leak. At ACI Northwest, we’ve responded to many calls for boiler repair and wanted to share some insight on boiler leaks.

How Boilers Work

One of the best ways to know if your boiler is leaking is to understand how it’s supposed to work. While boilers are fairly complex pieces of equipment, their basic operation is pretty simple. The boiler heats up water—though it doesn’t actually boil the water—using a burner very similar to your hot water heater. A pump then circulates that hot water throughout your house. If you have radiators in your room then they are responsible for distributing the heat into your home. For floor heaters, a series of coils in your floor carry the hot water and provide heat.

Common Boiler Leaks

These are a few of the most common places for your boiler to leak.

  • The pump – When your boiler is turned on, the pump is working constantly. It has to circulate all of the water throughout your home. It isn’t uncommon for the pump valve or seal to break down and allow water to leak out.
  • Expansion tank – Your boiler has an expansion tank that allows it to compensate for the expansion of the water at high temperatures. If the expansion tank is old or rusting it could spring a leak.
  • Pipes – Any of the pipes leading into or out of your boiler could potentially leak.
  • Boiler tank itself – Another common place for leaks is from the boiler tank. If it has started to rust or if the pressure inside the tank is too high it could cause leaks.
  • Pressure relief valve – Your boiler should have a pressure relief valve on it that allows your boiler to safely expel water or air inside of it. If the pressure starts to build up too much the relief valve will allow water to leak out.

If you have a boiler leak or need boiler repairs, call the Hayden, ID heating experts at ACI Northwest. Contact ACI Northwest today!

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