Thermostat settings are a constant source of disagreement in households across the United States, especially in regions of the country that see cold winters. But one area where you may find common ground is a desire to save money on your energy bills.
Even if you don’t have a smart thermostat or programmable features, you can still find ways to save money on your heating by adopting a few simple energy-saving strategies over the winter. You may be able to save around 10 percent per year on energy bills just by adjusting some of your heating and cooling habits.
Here are a few money-saving tips for heaters this winter that you can put into practice.
Consider your lowest comfortable temperature
Setting your thermostat to the lowest temperature at which you will be comfortable will significantly slow down heat loss for homes that have either baseboard heating systems or regular furnaces. This is not true for heat pumps, though, as turning down the heat can actually make the pump less efficient.
The standard “lowest comfortable temperature” is 68 degrees, but this can vary for some people. You may be able to go a couple degrees lower, or 68 might still be a bit too low for you. But consider what your specific lowest comfortable temperature is, and keep it there.
Consider the location of your thermostat
You shouldn’t place the thermostat in a spot where you will have inaccurate temperature readings. If you place the thermostat near sunlight, doorways or drafts, this could result in it giving temperatures that do not actually reflect the conditions in most of the home.
Try installing the thermostat on an interior wall that gets natural airflow. This will usually produce the most accurate readings and thus set you up for better efficiency.
Adjust temperatures when you’re not home
Consider lowering the temperature on your thermostat when you’re not at home. Make sure the home remains comfortable for pets (typically not an issue if they are furry) and that you don’t set the temperature so low that your pipes will freeze. But if you’re going to be gone at work all day, there’s no need to have the heat cranked up. Lowering the thermostat for eight hours a day can save you money.
You can also adjust temperatures while you sleep. Most people sleep better in slightly cool conditions, so don’t keep the heat cranked when you’re going to bed.
Let your household acclimate
Everyone in your home will need a little bit of time to adapt to the colder temperatures after the warmth of summer and early fall. You can lower the temperature gradually after you adjust to the new conditions. Until your body finally acclimates, make it a point to wear layers, use warm socks and bust out the cozy blankets.
These are just a few tips that will help you get more efficient operation out of your heater this winter. For more money-saving tips for heaters that involve your winter thermostat settings, contact Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling.
It’s understandable to be reluctant to pay money for ongoing HVAC maintenance. However, the last thing you want is to have to shell out a lot more money than necessary to pay for emergency HVAC repairs, and the best way to avoid this is to make sure you stay on top of routine maintenance.
Still, there are some circumstances in which you might need emergency repairs for air conditioning or heating, even if you’ve been good about performing preventative maintenance. Here are just a few signs that you should call in a professional for emergency HVAC repairs:
Strange noises: Every furnace or AC unit will make at least some degree of noise during its normal operation. However, if you are noticing excessive noise coming from the unit, this could be indicative of a major problem with the mechanics or with certain components of the system. If you notice loud hissing noises, this could be a sign of a refrigerant leak, which must be addressed before it can cause further, even more significant damage within the system.
Rapid cycling: Does your air conditioner turn on and off more frequently than usual? This is either a problem with your thermostat or a problem with the electrical connection to the unit. This is a problem you’ll want to have looked at by a skilled HVAC professional as soon as possible to get it corrected.
Ice forming on the system: Visible ice forming on the air conditioning unit is generally a sign that your evaporator coils are malfunctioning. Usually this is a result of a clogged filter, a buildup of grime somewhere within the system or a refrigerant leak. These issues must be resolved immediately, because ice buildup could result in more significant damage to the rest of the unit that will be very expensive to repair.
Strange smells: Have you noticed weird smells coming from your vents or from the AC unit while the air conditioning is running? Have a professional come out and investigate the source of the smell. It could be grime or debris buildup, a problem with mold or dead animals that got trapped somewhere in the system. All of these issues must be resolved quickly to ensure the health and safety of people within your home.
High indoor humidity: When the air conditioning is working properly, you should experience consistent indoor humidity levels of between 30 and 50 percent. This will keep your home comfortable and also prevent the formation of mildew and mold, which thrive in the presence of excessive moisture. If the system is not functioning properly you may start to notice elevated humidity levels, even when the temperature is low. It’s important to have a professional come out to inspect your system when this problem manifests itself.
These are just a few examples of some of the signs you need emergency HVAC repairs to your air conditioning. To learn more about the services we offer, or to schedule an appointment, contact us today at Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling.
Every homeowner knows they’re supposed to routinely change their HVAC air filters, but not everyone knows when. Truthfully, the time when you should change an air filter can depend on many different factors, including the type of air filter you have and if there are any pets living in your home.
Below, we provide plenty of information for those asking themselves, “How do I know when to replace my air filter?”
Why change your air filter
Routinely changing your HVAC air filters promotes good air quality within your home. You don’t want dust, pollen and other allergens constantly cycling throughout your home. This would be terrible for you and your family’s health.
Changing air filters also helps ensure the longevity of your HVAC system. When your air filters are clogged with dust and other allergens, your HVAC system has to work harder. This puts a lot of strain on the system, which will likely result in it breaking sooner than expected.
Neglecting to change your air filters on time often results in higher energy bills. An HVAC system with dirty air filters can’t effectively heat or cool your home, meaning you’ll have to run it longer to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
What type of air filter do you have?
One of the first things to consider when asking yourself, “When should I replace my air filter?” is the type of air filter you have. Most homes and apartments come equipped with fiberglass HVAC air filters. These are the air filters you can find in just about any supermarket for around $10 a pack. Most experts recommend changing these air filters once a month.
Washable air filters have become more common these days, as they prevent the need to constantly buy new air filters. You just need to wash them after noticing a large presence of dust and dirt. Some washable air filters can last over five years before needing a replacement.
If you have pets
If you have pets, your air filter might need changing more frequently than homes without pets. This is because pet hair can easily get caught in the air filter, which only adds to the layer of dust and other allergens. Check your air filter more frequently if you have pets. You still may only need to change them around once a month.
Does anyone in your home suffer from respiratory issues?
It’s important that those suffering from respiratory issues, like asthma, live in a home with good air quality—that means changing your HVAC air filters at least once a month. It might also be a good idea to invest in an air purification system if you or someone in your home suffers from allergies or asthma.
Don’t put off changing your air filters
As you can see, it’s extremely important to know when to replace your HVAC air filter. Doing so can help save energy, prevent allergy symptoms and much more. It’s also a good idea to have your HVAC system routinely inspected by a professional.
HVAC zoning offers a great way to save energy and money by controlling the temperatures in specific areas or zones. But what is HVAC zoning?
Below, we cover the basics of HVAC zoning as well as its many benefits. Read on if you’re considering HVAC zoning and would like to know more.
What is HVAC zoning?
As mentioned above, HVAC zoning allows one to control the temperature of certain areas of the home. This can help increase comfort and energy efficiency throughout the home by creating customized temperature zones. Many homes have one centralized thermostat that controls the temperature for the entire space, though this can sometimes make things uncomfortable.
Two-story homes, for example, may experience cooler temperatures upstairs, and turning up the heat could make it unbearably warm downstairs. An HVAC zoning system uses dampeners to redirect air in the home, thus preventing uncomfortable temperatures. In a zoning system, each zone of the home has its own dampener and thermostat.
Why should I invest in HVAC zoning?
There are many benefits of HVAC zoning. As we’ve already mentioned, it’ll make your home much more comfortable. Controlling the temperature throughout your entire home (especially during winter and summer) can be extremely difficult. With HVAC zoning, however, you can easily control the temperature in each separate zone.
One of the best things about HVAC zoning is that it helps save energy. Do you plan on spending all day in bed? Then there’s no point in wasting energy by heating or cooling your entire home. Simply adjust the thermostat for the zone with your bedroom, and enjoy comfort all day. This can help drastically lower energy bills. Plus, it’s better for the environment.
How much does HVAC zoning cost?
One of the first things people wonder when considering HVAC zoning is the cost of installation. The cost of installation can vary based on many different factors, including the number of zones in your home; however, the average cost of installation is usually somewhere between $2,000 and $3,000. If your home has four zones or more, the price could increase a little past $3,000.
Some people avoid installing an HVAC zoning system because of the initial costs; however, a good HVAC zoning system can help you save plenty of money in the long run by lowering energy costs. Working with a reputable HVAC contractor will ensure you get a good price for the system.
Have your HVAC zoning system installed professionally
While it’s possible to install an HVAC zoning system on your own, this is never a good idea. Improperly installing the zoning system could result in major usage issues. Even if you’re trying to save money, it’s best to contact a professional to install your HVAC zoning system. Trying to install one on your own could result in a mistake that requires professional repairs anyway.
If you’re still wondering, “What is HVAC zoning?” contact the experts at Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling. We offer HVAC repair and maintenance services to commercial and residential properties. We even offer 24-hour emergency service.
“Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.” If the air coming out of the HVAC system in your home has you quoting Shakespeare when you turn on the heater, it might mean there is a dead rodent in your air ducts. But what can you do if your air ducts smell?
If you detect a foul smell coming from your air ducts, it should be dealt with immediately. If the smell is rotten (like the nasty whiff of funk from removing the lid on a container of forgotten leftovers), there’s a good chance that a rodent has died in your air ducts.
This is a situation that really ought to be left to a professional heating and cooling company, but it is possible to handle it yourself. Here are some tips on rodent removal from air ducts.
Find the source
The first thing you need to do is track down where the smell is coming from. While it may be lingering all throughout the house, there is likely an area where it is more pungent than others. If you have narrowed down the area from where you believe the smell is originating, you will need to remove the vent and get a flashlight to find the corpse.
This can be trickier than it may seem. The animal may have been very small and may have died in a corner or other area that you can’t see or reach. It may have also chewed or partially burrowed into the insulation or surrounding area.
Remove the animal
If you can manage to find the rodent, the next step is to remove it. You should have rubber gloves, a trash bag, disinfectant spray and paper towels at the ready. You may also need other tools to grab the rodent if it’s further down the air duct than your arm can reach. If you are able to remove the animal, be sure to thoroughly disinfect the area and any surfaces that were touched by the carcass.
Stop it from happening again
The final step in rodent removal from air ducts is to identify how the rodent got trapped in the air duct in the first place—and then seal it up. Since you definitely never want to have to go through an ordeal like this again, you want to make sure you find out how it happened and make the necessary adjustments to make sure it doesn’t ever happen again.
This is one step that really should be performed by a professional who knows air ducts and understands common ways rodents may get trapped in them. Even if you are able to perform the rodent removal yourself, you may want to get your air ducts professionally cleaned to make sure the smell and bacteria is out of your home for good.
Even while it may be possible to take care of on your own, if your air ducts smell, it might be best to let a professional handle it from the get-go. For experienced, prompt and efficient air duct service, contact Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling today.
