Showing posts with label tune up. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tune up. Show all posts
Friday, November 19, 2010
Simple Ways to Increase Your Home's HVAC System Efficiency
According to HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning) industry data, the average American homeowner spends approximately $1300 a year on heating and cooling bills. While green overhauls are all the rage in the home improvement and construction industry, it’s not necessary to gut your home’s existing heating and cooling system. There are many ways to make your home more energy efficient without breaking the bank. Making a few simple changes and taking the time to maintain your current HVAC system can result in hundreds or thousands of dollars saved on utilities.One of the best ways to ensure your home’s energy-efficiency is to choose Energy Star appliances. These machines have been certified by the government’s Energy Star program, which assures they meet high standards of efficiency and reliability. If you’re in the market for a new refrigerator, air conditioner, television, microwave, or other major appliance, look for the Energy Star label to guarantee you’re getting the most efficient device with a low operating cost.
Maintenance is the best way to prevent undue wear and tear on your home’s heating and cooling system. Not only will regular maintenance keep your HVAC system running at optimum performance, but it will detect problems or malfunctions before they become major issues.
To keep your HVAC system running as it should, follow these basic tips:
- Hire a professional to perform regular maintenance on your HVAC system, including annual tune-ups and cleanings of your furnace and air conditioner before the start of each season.
- Follow your system manufacturer’s maintenance instructions between annual professional visits.
- Check furnace and air conditioner filters: Permanent filters should be cleaned with mild soap and water every month or two; replaceable filters should be swapped out at least as often.
- Keep windows and doors closed when the HVAC system is running.
- Caulk and weather strip around windows and doors to seal drafts.
- When the air conditioning is on, use your washer and dryer only during the coolest times of day (early morning or after sunset).
Staying on top of regular HVAC maintenance, cleaning, and professional tune-ups is the easiest, cheapest, most effective way to keep your home’s heating and cooling system working at its best. A well-tuned furnace or air conditioner runs more efficiently, which saves you money.
Consider installing a programmable thermostat. These inexpensive thermostats allow you to set the times and temperatures at which your HVAC systems run. You can program the thermostat to turn on your heating and air conditioning only on those times in which you are in the house and turn off when you are away. It's a great way to lower your utility bills.
If cleaning and professional maintenance just aren’t translating into savings on your monthly utility bills, it may be time to replace your furnace or air conditioner. A new HVAC system is a substantial investment, but in the long-run this could be your best bet. Thanks to technological advances and government regulations, HVAC systems have never been more energy-efficient or easy to operate. Even units on the lower end of the efficiency scale typically cost less to operate than a similar system that was installed just a decade ago.
High efficiency models do cost significantly more initially, but they pay for themselves in just a short time in the form of monthly energy savings. Of course, you’ll need to weigh the purchase cost and savings when shopping for a new system. A qualified HVAC contractor can help you navigate the complex marketplace of energy-efficient heating and cooling units.
Related Information from Horizon Services...
- Horizon's Furnace Precision Tune Up
- Horizon Heating & Air Conditioning Installation and Replacement
- Video: How To Use Your Honeywell VisionPRO IAQ Thermostat
- 101 Ways to Save Energy and Money in Your Home
- Cutting Edge Solutions For Energy Efficiency
- Do The Math…High Efficiency Air Conditioners Drastically Reduce Energy Costs!
- Home Energy Myths Debunked!
- A Precision Tune-Up is Your Air Conditioner's Best Friend!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Year Round HVAC Repair and Maintenance
Let the Season Be Your Guide to Fixing and Maintaining Your Home Heating and Air Conditioning Systems!At some point in your homeownership, you’re going to have to call an HVAC technician to service your home’s heating and cooling system. Whether you need furnace repair, someone to take a look at your air conditioner, or a professional opinion on the state of your ventilation and ductwork, a reliable HVAC technician is your best bet.
But how do you know when it’s time to call? This handy guide gives you some suggestions for seasonally appropriate repairs and maintenance, which should help you begin the conversation. Remember; always shop around for a reputable technician even if you need immediate assistance. There are few things that feel worse than being taken for a ride by a shady contractor in times of desperation.
Spring HVAC Repair and Maintenance:
Early spring is a great time to have your HVAC system cleaned and inspected. If there are any problems or necessary repairs, you can have them completed well before the warm summer weather sets in. That way you can rest assured that your air conditioner will kick in without issue when you need it most.
Summer HVAC Repair and Maintenance:
It goes without saying that summer is one of the busiest times of year for HVAC technicians. But if you’re having trouble with your system there are a few simple do-it-yourself tricks to try before you call a pro. Make sure your air conditioner is clean from dust, dirt, and debris. Change the filter monthly. Check your thermostat to ensure it’s working properly. If you still can’t figure out the problem, call a professional HVAC technician but expect a bit of a wait, as summer schedules can fill up quickly.
Fall HVAC Repair and Maintenance:
Toward the end of summer and into the fall, think about calling an HVAC technician to schedule a furnace tune-up and ductwork cleaning. Postponing this crucial step can put you at the end of a long line of other customers or worse—stuck in the cold without a working furnace on that first chilly autumn morning.
Winter HVAC Repair and Maintenance:
If you need service in the winter it’s likely that your furnace has stopped working. But before you call a professional, do a few quick checks on your own. Start with the furnace pilot light and make sure it hasn’t gone out. Then check the thermostat to see that it’s working properly. Be certain that all floor and ceiling registers are open.
Sometimes, simply replacing the filter furnace can improve your system’s function. You’ll certainly have to hire a pro if none of these produce results. If you do need to call a technician, don’t delay. Putting off furnace repairs can lead to even more serious (and costly) problems like frozen or burst pipes, carbon monoxide poisoning, and system-wide damage. You can generally expect a quick response to a call for help during the winter, as HVAC professionals understand the urgency of furnace problems at this time of year.
Related HVAC Repair/Maintenance Information from Horizon Services...
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Heating and Cooling System Health Check
A Little Preventive Medicine for Your Heating and Air Conditioning System Can Go a Long Way!As summer is coming to an end and winter's cold weather is just around the corner, you'll definitely want to make sure your home’s heating system is functioning properly for the winter ahead...and that your air conditioner has successfully survived the long, hot summer without any damage or problems. The following checklist can help you decide if you need to make some improvements, replace equipment, or consult a professional about more extensive repairs.
If your heater, heat pump or air conditioner is more than 10 years old, consider replacing it with an Energy Star rated system. When installed by an expert, these units will improve your home’s energy efficiency and can help you save up to 20% on your utility bills.
If your furnace or boiler is more than 15 years old, you may want to research Energy Star certified units. These newer systems are almost 15% more energy efficient than older furnaces, while an Energy Star boiler is about 5% more efficient than an older model.
If you’ve noticed a dramatic increase in the number of times you have to call in a professional to repair your heating and cooling system, or your utility bills keep rising no matter what you try to do to save energy, your current system is not working as efficiently as it should and it may be time to replace your unit.
If you notice that certain rooms in your house are always too hot or too cold, your heating or cooling system may be malfunctioning or your ductwork or insulation could need some attention.
If you spend the better part of the day away from home and you don’t have a programmable thermostat, you could be wasting energy—and money. An Energy Star certified programmable thermostat lets you control the temperature of your home when you’re not there, saving energy and money.
If you notice condensation on windows and sills or the humidity in your home is never quite right, your system could need work and an overhaul. Leaky ducts can also make your home too humid in summer and overly dry in winter.
If you find it nearly impossible to keep up with the dust inside your home, it could mean that your ductwork is leaking. Improperly sealed ducts pull air and dust particles from attics, basements and crawl spaces, circulating them throughout your home.
If your heating or cooling system makes a lot of noise, your ducts could be too small or one of the key components of your system could be malfunctioning.
Use the Home Energy Yardstick found on the EPA's Energy Star website to determine your home’s energy health. To complete the survey, you’ll need to gather your utility bills from the last 12 months or request a 12-month summary of charges from your energy provider, information about your home’s energy sources—natural gas, oil, electricity, propane, kerosene—and the total square footage of your home. Simply enter this information in the right places and let the yardstick calculate your home’s energy efficiency rating. If you score lower than five, your home is using more energy than average and you are likely paying more than you have to on your utility bills.
Finally, it's always a great idea to give your heating and air conditioning system a tune-up and cleaning before the start of the summer or winter season. A tune-up will make sure that your heater or air conditioner starts the season in optimal working condition and will operate at peak energy-efficiency. It will also extend the life of your heating and air conditioning system and is your best assurance that your heater or air conditioner won't break down at an inopportune time -- like right in the middle of a heatwave or cold snap!
Related Heating & Air Conditioning Information from Horizon Services...
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