Energy Savings Tips & FAQ
Energy Saving Tips
Change your filter regularly.
Your air filters should be changed at least every two months to make sure you are breathing clean air and to ensure that the air flow in the system is sufficient. A dirty filter uses more energy and shortens the life of the equipment. It is not necessary to have an expensive filter, I would rather see a cheaper filter, but replace it more often. In my home, I use a cheap pleated paper filter from Menards, but replace it every 30 days.
Annual Maintenance is highly recommended.
I highly recommended that you have your equipment maintenanced every year. By doing this you know that the equipment is in good working condition and hopefully will last through the season. A routine maintenance can possibly find and fix problems with your equipment before it fails, saving you money and inconveniences. Nothing worse than having the A/C or furnace break down on the weekend or a holiday. By having your equipment serviced you also receive a 15% discount on all cost of repairs.
Invest in a programmable thermostat.
A Programmable thermostat is programmed for when you leave your house and then return home. The thermostat turns down the furnace during the hours you are not home so that energy is not used to keep the house warm while you are at work. The thermostat will then turn back on (typically) 30 minutes before you come home, so your house is at the perfect temperature when you get home. These thermostats can save up to 15% on your energy bills during the winter and 10% in the summer.
A whole home humidifier can save you money and make your home more comfortable.
Whole house humidifiers are very beneficial to the home owner and the house. They help keep your home from being dry, causing electrical shock from walking, help with allergies, help with bloody noises and also keep wood and drywall from cracking. They are simple to operate, they attach to the furnace duct work and supply a mist of water into the air flow, which is transferred throughout the home.
Set your thermostat when you go on vacation
Common settings I would use are: 80-85 degrees in the summer if you have air conditioning and 55-60 in the winter if you will be gone for a couple of days. These settings will keep most plants alive and will keep pipes from freezing and bursting in the winter.
FAQ
When should I replace my old heating or cooling system?
Consider replacing your system if you are experiencing frequent repairs, hot or cold spots in your home, or a noisy system. A cost to Replace Vs. Repair needs to be considered. If your system is 10 years and older, you should consider replacing your system because it may be costing 40-60% more in energy costs each months. System 10 years ago were not as efficient as systems today. Most systems 10 years ago were under 6-10 SEER systems. Todays air conditioner or heat pump systems are up to 19 SEER or higher, which means they are nearly twice as efficient as your old system.
When should I repair my system?
If you are planning on moving soon, you may not get your investment price from a replacement unit when you sell. If your system has been relatively trouble free, then it will be worth your money to repair your system instead of replacing it.
What size system should I have installed in my home?
The proper sized system is paramount in your home. Too large and your system will short cycle and not control humidity correctly. Too small and it will run continuously, increasing utility bills. Please call and schedule a free in home estimate, to configure just the right system for your needs.