How often should I have my heat pump serviced?

You should have your heat pump serviced at least once a year. If you use your heat pump for heating and cooling, you should service it twice annually, in the fall and the spring.

What is the life span of a heat pump?

The average life span of a heat pump is 10-15 years. Because heat pumps run year-round to heat and cool your home, they don’t always last as long as a typical heating or cooling system. However, you can extend the life span by ensuring that your unit is routinely maintained by an HVAC professional.

Energy Efficiency: Your Home’s Exterior

Happy Earth Day!

We’re taking this week to highlight some of the easiest ways to improve energy efficiency at home and reduce your impact on the planet. If you missed ways to save energy inside the home, click here to learn more.

Before we jump in, let’s review why saving energy is to your benefit. Along with lowering waste, greenhouse emissions and more, another immediate and noticeable benefit is to your wallet. With a decreased energy requirement, your utility costs go down, adding up to significant savings over time!

If you own a home or building for your business, energy efficiency is good for the earth – and you!

Below we’ll cover a number of ways you can get started, by focusing on the exterior of your property.

Replace Your Siding

Siding acts as a protective material for the exterior of your home. And it’s a main line of defense against the intrusion of elements – from sun and heat to rain and cold. By adding a layer of protective siding, it helps regulate the temperature of your interior space. When that layer starts to degrade over time or develop cracks and gaps, it can no longer effectively do its job.

Imagine an air conditioning unit in a brand new house. No matter what the temperature is outside, there is a basic level of protection that occurs inside. Now imagine that same air conditioning unit trying to regulate the temperature in a tent in the desert. It would have to work a lot harder – and expend a lot more energy to work effectively. That’s what can happen when your siding is past its prime.

At CCI, we work with our customers to replace all types of siding, from vinyl to wood and imitation stone or asphalt. We know the value and savings that occur with proper siding in place, in addition to the aesthetic and curb appeal it can add to your home or business.

new siding and gutter installation — *White Vinyl Siding job done by Colonial Contracting*

Below are just a few of the siding styles we can install. Read more about our siding options here.

Clapboard – This traditional siding is commonly made using white pine. Its unique look consists of beveled boards that overlap in horizontal rows.
Drop Siding – Drop siding comes in many varieties and is a form of jointed horizontal siding. It also goes by the name novelty siding.
Vertical Boards – This name describes the siding’s appearance. Long vertical boards make up this option, also referred to as board and batten.
Plywood Sheet Siding – This wooden sheet siding is an inexpensive option similar to vertical board siding but typically has deeper grooves.
Vinyl Siding – The benefit of vinyl siding is its versatility to come in many different colors. It can also mimic some of the looks listed above, offering a long-lasting quality choice at a great value.

If your siding needs an inspection, fill out this form to schedule your free visit from a qualified CCI expert.

Inspect Your Roof

Just like siding, your roof plays a large role in protecting your home from exterior elements. Along with protecting your home or business from outside elements, a roof is critical to protecting belongings and property inside.

If your roof has been damaged from storms or just degraded over time, chances are your air conditioning and heating unit is having to work harder to keep you comfortable. A roof in good repair can not only help stabilize internal temperatures but some roofs also actually help reflect the sun’s rays altogether.

Our expert contractors can help you determine the state of your roof and make any recommendations for repair or replacement. We work with quality manufacturers and all types of roofing products to ensure your home or business is in tip-top shape and getting all the energy benefits possible!

Curious what type of roof makes sense for you? Keep reading to learn more about two of the most common types of roofing on the market.

Shingle Roofing

Most homeowners are familiar with the popular shingle roof. Whether you choose asphalt shingles or shaker shingles, you’ll recognize the layered effect of these individual shingles that make up the larger sections.

Shingle roofs offer a variety of options, affordability and deliver excellent energy efficiency. They come in various colors to match your home or business, and they’re easy to install and maintain.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing offers a unique look and utilizes long sheets of metal. These roofs are quick to install and have a long life expectancy. They’re also great when it comes to saving energy! These highly reflective roofs provide an amazing layer of protection. They are also fire-resistant and lightweight.

What’s not to like about metal roofs? They are more susceptible to dents and dings from storms or hail, and if you need to replace one section, it requires more effort than your standard shingle roof, thanks to its larger sections.

Regardless of what roof or siding you choose, many of the manufacturers we work with offer products that meet or exceed ENERGY STAR® standards.

If you’re ready to learn more about a roof or siding that will add value to your home or business and deliver energy savings, our CCI team would love to help! To get started, call 703-754-9551 or contact us here for your free assessment