HVAC Technology in the Fight Against Ebola

"Gigi" Robot

In the on-going fight to eradicate Ebola, a technology that is already being used in the HVAC industry for years is now giving hospitals a "fighting chance" of eliminating the virus.  It has also been used for years to help combat Anthrax.

The robot "Gigi" at left, blasts ultraviolet (UV) light to kill 99.9% of germs in hospitals.  Click on link below for complete report from CNN.
CNN - Germ Zapping Robot

At 1st Choice Heating & Cooling, we have been making UV light equipment available to our customers for over a decade.

Second Wind UV Light

How does it work?  Bacteria and viruses living in your home are transmitted through the air and spread through your HVAC system from room to room. Installing an ultraviolet (UV) light to your system attacks the DNA of the organisms and renders them harmless. By eliminating viruses during the cold and flu season, this technology can help to keep your family healthy.  As an added bonus, the UV light also attacks bacteria and germs that cause odors, keeping your indoor air quality healthy and odor free!

Adding a UV light to your existing HVAC system can give you some "peace of mind", and it is easier and more affordable than most people would think.

Contact your local HVAC contractor today to get a quote on a UV light.  In Southeastern Wisconsin, call 1st Choice Heating & Cooling and ask for Wayne.

Don't Turn Off That Humidifier Just Yet

Carrier Humidifier

If you have a whole-house humidifier as part of your HVAC system,  it has probably been getting a workout lately. The very cold, dry conditions of January and February have taken their toll and sapped most of the moisture out of our homes.

Generally speaking, I like to advise my customers that when we set our clocks ahead  for daylight savings time (DST), it is often the appropriate time to turn off our humidifiers.  However, as we all know, this Winter has been a bit unusual.

This season, I would strongly suggest continuing to run your humidifier until we start to see more spring-like weather conditions.  Once we start to see a period of warmer temperatures and "non-frozen" precipitation, you can turn it off.

I would also like to suggest that since our systems have gotten quite a workout in recent months, you may also want to check on your furnace filter.  If it is looking dirty, you will want to replace it before the start of the Spring/Summer cooling season.

Time to replace

If you live in Southeastern Wisconsin and have questions or would like more information on including a whole-house humidifer on your current HVAC system, contact me at 1st Choice Heating and Cooling in Waukesha.

The Fine Art of Replacing a Rooftop Unit

BP Convenience Store - Waukesha, WI

If you or someone you know owns a business that needs to have their rooftop HVAC unit replaced, make sure you hire a contractor with experience.

Not every HVAC contractor is familiar with the finely-orchestrated procedure required to pull off a seamless replacement.  Chances are that the work will be done during business hours, so it is vital that there is as little disruption as possible.

A good contractor will have the required rooftop experience and contacts to coordinate the following:


1.  Crane rental
2.  Delivery by product distributor
3.  Electrical contractor
4.  Salvage company (to take away old unit)

All of these pieces need to be in place at precisely the right time to make the job a success.  Forgetting to schedule just one of the above, will result in costly overages and down time.  Not to mention the additional time that the heavy equipment will be sitting at the place of business.

As was the case with a recent replacement in a high-traffic area, it also required the rental of barricades/equipment to enforce traffic control.  Making sure that the contractor you hire has successfully coordinated a number of rooftop replacements will save you headaches in the long run.

Rooftop Replacement at BP C-Store (Waukesha, WI)

In Southeastern Wisconsin, contact 1st Choice Heating and Cooling for your rooftop replacement needs (generally 25 tons or less) at 262-547-2030.

Maintaining Your HVAC System Like Your Car

Your home's HVAC system is one of the biggest purchases you will make other than your home and automobile.  So why is it that we don't treat our furnace and air conditioner like we do our car?  You wouldn't drive a whole year without getting an oil change, would you?

Routine tune ups and preventative maintenance are crucial if you wish to get the full life expectancy out of your car, and the same applies to your home's HVAC system. 

It is also important to make sure that the company you select to provide your maintenance is doing more than just checking to make sure your furnace doesn't have a cracked heat exchanger and/or that there is ample refrigerant in the air conditioner.  It is easy to get lured in by an advertisement or coupon offering a deeply discounted tune up.  Remember...you get what you pay for.  A good HVAC contractor will provide a complete tune up, with an extensive checklist.  Click here for an example of what a complete service/maintenance program should provide:  1st Choice Maintenance and Safety Inspection.  

It goes without saying that you don't want to be the homeowner that has to make that emergency call on the hottest or coldest day of the year, much less on a weekend or holiday!  Creating a maintenance schedule with your trusted HVAC contractor will assure your comfort and peace of mind for years to come.

In Southeastern Wisconsin, contact 1st Choice Heating and Cooling.

Tips for Keeping Cool and Saving Cash this Summer

Last year's record heat really tooks it's toll on air conditioning systems and our pocketbooks!  Now that we are settling into the air conditioning season for this year, I thought it was a good time to remind folks of some of the different ways they can help stay cool and save energy during the heat.

#1 Keep a Close Eye on the Forecast
There are plenty of websites and smartphone apps available these days to keep you informed several days in advance of a hot spell.  If you can anticipate the heat before it happens, you can turn on your A/C in the evening or early morning hours prior to the forecast for heat.

#2  Plant a Large Shade Tree
If the south and west side of your home receives a great deal of direct sunlight during the afternoon and evening hours, you might want to consider planting a large shade tree.  Your local nursery can tell you which varieties are fast growing and provide the maximum amount of coverage.  If you can't wait for it to grow, many nurseries and tree services have planting trucks that can deliver and plant large balled and burlapped trees.

#3  Keep Doors and Windows Closed
I realize that this tip is purely common sense, however, there are many areas of the house that are easy to forget.  If you are closing up your house after having the windows open, don't forget those rooms that you rarely enter (i.e., kids bedroom, guest room).  Once you have closed the windows, don't forget to also close the blinds or drapes too...especially if the rooms are on the south and/or west side of the house.

#4  Set a Reasonable Temperature

The ductwork in most homes is designed to allow for 15-20 degrees of cooling over the outside temperature.  It doesn't matter how big or efficient your air conditioning unit may be, if the ductwork can't handle it, you simply will not get 70 degrees when it is 105 degrees outside.  Every year we run unnecessary service calls to individuals who think their systems are not working properly.  Save yourself the hassle and cost of a service call by realizing your systems capabilities.

I hope you have found these tips helpful.  If so, please stop by our Facebook page and let us know @ 1st Choice Heating - Facebook

If you are located in Southeastern Wisconsin and haven't had your air conditioner tuned up in a while, or would like a quote for a new system, contact us at 262-547-2030, or click on our website at 1st Choice Heating and Cooling.

How Old Is Your Furnace?

Old Furnace

Every time I do a home improvement consumer show I get the same thing.  Someone walks up, slams their hand down and says, "I've got a 30-year-old furnace and it's still working great!"  In fact at most shows, there are several of these characters who feel inclined to stop by and chat.

Of course when you ask them if they are ready for a quote to replace it, they proudly declare, "I don't plan on replacing it until it dies".  As they walk away proud of themselves for sharing that bit of information, I roll my eyes and chuckle.  What they don't realize, is that having a furnace that old in your home is the equivalent of commuting to work daily and taking your vacations in a 1983 model vehicle.  It may still get you from Point A to Point B, but you may as well be throwing dollar bills out the window as you drive along.

1983 Chevy Malibu Wagon

The average life of today's modern furnace is 17-20 years and 20-25 years if regularly maintained. Anything older than that is simply blowing money right up your chimney.  In fact, the money you could have saved in energy costs may have already paid for a new system.  The truth is, most people I talk to are surprised because the cost of a new furnace is less than they estimated.

In addition to energy savings, HVAC systems now have advanced technology like newer cars.  How would you like to be able to control the temperature in your home using your smart phone, laptop or tablet?  Newer furnaces also let you know when they need routine maintenance.  And don't forget about safety.  A 2013 model car is going to have much tougher safety standards than a 1983 model.  The same goes for your furnace.  The potential for carbon monoxide poisoning from a unit that old is substantially increased.

So if the furnace in your basement looks more like the station wagon above, what have you got to lose by getting a quote from a reputable contractor.  If nothing else, you will at least be prepared when your current unit finally reaches the end.

If you are located in Southeastern Wisconsin, contact 1st Choice Heating and Cooling at 262-547-2030.

Staying On Top of HVAC Technology

1st Choice Staff Receiving Training 

Staying on top of the latest technology can be tough in this day and age.  The HVAC industry is no exception.

The newest thermostats (controllers) allow the homeowner the flexibility of adjusting their home comfort system from their computers, tablets and smartphones. They also link to the internet to provide wireless access to the latest weather data.

As a contractor, you need to take advantage of the resources available to you and make sure that your staff of installers and service technicians are well-versed on the installation, service and troubleshooting of the new WI FI controllers.

 (smartphone app)

As a new generation of technology saavy homeowners emerges in the marketplace, it will become vital that the HVAC contractor you select is up for the job!  Anyone can come into your home and install a furnace and/or air conditioner, but can they properly set up your system's wireless controller?  Make sure you ask the right questions when requesting a bid from a contractor.  Be sure to ask whether or not their staff has been properly trained on the latest equipment.  Failure to do so may result in headaches in the future.

If you are located in Southeastern Wisconsin, contact 1st Choice Heating and Cooling.