Seasonal Tips
Listed below are some tips and suggestions you can use to save money on your utility bills, heating and air conditioning equipment, and service.
Consider A High Effiency System:Depending upon the age and SEER rating on your current equipment, you may be able to DRASTICALLY benefit from a new, highly effiicient heating and cooling system. There are a multitude of options available and many manufactures who have leading edge systems geared to lower your utility requirements, either gas or electric. If interested, give us a call for a no-risk FREE in home estimate to find out the various benefits you may experience from a new system! Request a FREE quote...
Consider A Preventative Maintenance Plan:There is nothing better for your heating and/or air conditioning system than regular maintenance. Annual maintenance ensures your system is operating at peak efficiency throughout the year and helps to avoid costly breakdowns. You’ll enjoy the peace of mind in knowing that your system is saving you money on your utility bills every time it comes on. In many cases, the energy savings are enough to cover the cost of the planned annual maintenance service. See our VIP page for more details...
Monitor Your Thermostat Settings:The most economical operation of your system comes from setting the thermostat properly. Set the thermostat at the highest summer setting or the lowest winter setting at which you are comfortable. Typical settings are 78 degrees for summer cooling and 70 degrees for winter heating. When cooling, your operating costs increase from 3% to 8% for each degree your thermostat is lowered. When heating, your operating costs increase for each degree your thermostat is raised.
Consider A Programmable Thermostat:Programmable thermostats allow you the ability to automatically adjust the set temperature within your home based on the time of day. With it, you can program the temperature to lower or raise automatically whenever you like. This feature keeps you comfortable when you’re home and saves you money when you’re not by reducing the energy needs to heat and cool your home. Programmable thermostatsare available in what are called 5+2 day configurations and 7-day configurations. The difference is flexibility. A 5+2 day configuration allows you to set Monday–Friday as a group setting with up to four different time settings. This configuration also allows you to set Saturday and Sunday as a separate group with up to four different time settings per day. The 7-day configuration thermostat allows you to program each day differently with up to four different time settings per day
Clean Your Air Filters:The easiest way to ensure your system operates efficiently and economically is by keeping the air filter clean. Start off by installing a high-quality pleated air filter and then change it out every thrity days during the peak summer and winter seasons.
Close Doors & Windows:Close all doors and windows to the outside. This will reduce the heating load in winter and the cooling load in summer. Your system will operate more economically as a result.
Ensure Vents Are Unobstructed:Arrange your furniture and drapes so that all output vents and intake grilles are free from obstructions. This will reduce the cooling and heating load on your system, providing a more economical operation.
Control Direct Sunlight:Let the sun in during winter. Keep the sun out during summer. In summer, direct sunlight increases the load on your cooling system. Use of window shades and awnings will reduce the amount of direct sunlight and lower the cooling load. In winter, direct sunlight reduces the load on your heating system. Open window shades and awnings to increase direct sunlight and lower the heating load.
Keep Condenser Coil Clean:The condenser coil (the unit outside your house) should be kept clean to ensure efficient operation. If the condenser coil becomes restricted by dirt, lint, paper, grass clippings, leaves, or other debris, system efficiency will deteriorate. Use a garden hose to keep the condenser coil clean.
Insulate Where Possible:Be sure all air ducts are well-insulated. Ducts should also be sealed with a vapor barrier. Ensure maximum retention of heated or cooled air by adding insulation to outside walls and to the attic. Seal cracks and use storm doors and/or insulated doors to prevent air leaks.
Keep Heat Away From Your Thermostat:Make sure no heat-generating appliances are near your thermostat. These include lamps, TVs, stereo and computer equipment.