The EnergyGuide label is important when shopping for an energy-efficient product. The U.S. government requires manufacturer’s to affix the label to a variety of products to provide a way for consumers to compare the energy use of similar appliances. The label helps you understand and compare the estimated yearly operating cost based on the unit’s …
While not always, you may notice an abnormal noise coming from the system, your heating or cooling system running non-stop, or warm air/cool air coming from the vents during the opposite season. Abnormally high utility bills are also a common indicator. Problems can be caused by a number of different factors. The most common include: …
What are some signs that might indicate I have a problem with my HVAC system? Read More »
The practice of closing off vents in parts of your home that aren’t being used in order to save money dates back to when homes were heated from a central location, like a fireplace. Back then it worked. Today homes are equipped with central heating and air conditioning systems, by closing off the parts of …
Can I save money by closing off HVAC vents in rooms I don’t use a lot? Read More »
When purchasing an air conditioner, furnace or heat pump, always ask about its efficiency rating. This rating will tell you how efficiently the unit uses fuel (gas, electricity or oil). More efficient equals lower utility bills! The most common efficiency ratings are: SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio): This ratio tells you the amount of cooling …
What should I know about efficiency when purchasing a new heating and/or cooling system? Read More »
NADCA’s (National Air Duct Cleaners Association) rule of thumb for consumers is that “if your ducts look dirty, they probably are,” and that dirty HVAC systems should be inspected by a reputable, certified HVAC professional. Through normal occupation in a home, a great deal of contaminants and air pollutants are generated, such as dander, dust, …
You should have your heating system serviced once a year for a seasonal check-up in the fall. A heating system that is not maintained is a problem waiting to happen. At the very least, you will have escalating operating costs due to the inefficient running of your system and the eventual need for repairs. In …
Suffering from allergies or asthma can have a negative effect on the quality of a person’s life. That is why this issue is another concern that our customers express when they call into our office. The dust & pollutants that are trapped in homes are troublesome for everyone but particularly for those who have allergies …
What can I do to help the allergy and asthma sufferers in my home? Read More »
When purchasing an air conditioner, furnace or heat pump, always ask about its efficiency rating. This rating will tell you how efficiently the unit uses fuel (gas, electricity or oil). The most common efficiency ratings are: SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio): This ratio tells you the amount of cooling your system will deliver per dollar …
How is the efficiency of heating and air conditioning equipment measured? Read More »
Insulating pipes and ducts that run through unheated space will result in a significant savings in your energy bill. Making sure conditioned air isn’t leaking out of your ductwork can save you on your utility bills and keep your system from running too hard. Heat escapes from bare hot-water pipes causing the water sitting in …
What are the benefits of insulating ductwork and pipes? Read More »
Start with your utility company; they can help a great deal. How do you know how much is “too much”? Comparing previous bills isn’t always a good measure, as the weather is never exactly the same month to month. Instead, if you take your energy bill and divide it by the square footage of livable …
