What is your favorite part of the holiday season?
‘Tis the season for winter coats, holiday cheer and, hopefully, reasonable gas bills. Maytag HVAC wishes you a happy holiday season. With these well wishes in mind, here are some tips that can keep you warm and healthy this holiday season (and may even leave you with a little more cash for holiday festivities).
- Change your furnace filter.
- Invest/gift yourself a high efficiency HVAC system. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.
- Keep vents unobstructed – no tree skirts blocking registers please.
- Invest in weather stripping or caulk to block air leaks around windows and doors. Don’t let a cold draft ruin your holiday party.
- Speaking of parties… Turn the thermostat down if you are having a group of people over. More bodies = more heat!
What are you looking forward to the most in 2018?
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Are you ready for the holiday season?
Turkey dinners and gift exchanging season is fast approaching! Are you already planning this year’s festivities?
If so, there are some things you should keep in mind to keep your money in your wallet (instead of handing it over to the utility companies). You can still throw a great party without busting your budget on heating expenses.
Potluck the meal. Save a little on gas and/or electricity by having your guests bring a side dish. Not only will this save money when it comes to utility costs, but it could also save time and reduce stress the day-of.
Turn the thermostat down a degree or two. When there are more people in a home, it feels warmer. Home comfort wont’ be as affected by turning down the thermostat a degree or two.
Adjust the humidity. Did you know that homes that are drier feel colder than those at a higher humidity level? Make sure your home is at a comfortable setting. Just don’t overdo it. A home that is too humid can feel stuffy and suffer from mold growth.
It’s still fall; host a bonfire. Opt for an alternative to an indoor party and have a bonfire (weather-permitting). It’s something a little more out of the ordinary and can be a great change of pace.
Have a fireplace? Use it. You’d be surprised by how much heat even a tiny fireplace can produce. If you have a fireplace, don’t hesitate to use it. Just make sure that your damper is open when you’re using it, and closed when you don’t have a fire. Your fireplace acts like a vacuum when the damper is open – sucking up the warm air in your home.
Focus on family activities that don’t involved electronics/the TV. A puzzle or a board game may feel lame in 2017, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t have some nostalgic fun with a round of Monopoly or Clue (just don’t blame us when grandma flips the table because she landed on “Go to Jail” for the fifth time).
The little things, like turning off lights in unused rooms, can add up. Don’t forget the small things. Keep lights off in unused rooms, don’t forget to make sure your vents and registers are open, and don’t forget to make sure all windows and doors are shut.
The most important thing you can do this fall to save money during the holiday season is schedule an appointment with your local heating and air contractor. During this appointment, they will look over your furnace, heat pump or both to make sure they are in tip-top shape.
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Are you planning on hosting a get-together anytime soon?
May is starting to wind down. June will be here before you know it. Chances are, the kids are already out of school, the pools are opening, and the warm weather has officially arrived. There is no time like the summer to have a gathering or throw a party.
However, summer also means higher electric bills due to greater air conditioning demand. Luckily, there are some things you can do to make sure that your air conditioner is working as efficiently as possible, including things to keep in mind if you are having a get-together.
Stay either indoors or outdoors. Constantly opening and closing exterior doors can let in that hot air and make it harder for your air conditioner to get your home to the set temperature.
It’s better to bring things outdoors…provided it isn’t TOO hot of course. More people in your home can mean a greater cooling demand because of body heat. Consider creating a shaded outdoor living space for you and your guests.
Take advantage of the grill. The oven can contribute additional heat to your indoor environment. The weather is nicer than it usually is; consider investing in a grill to lessen the demand on your air conditioner.
Know when to host the event. Consider scheduling the event later in the evening so you can take advantage of cooler weather.
It’s nearing the end of spring, but there is still time to schedule preventative maintenance with your local HVAC contractor. Contractors are only going to get busier and busier as things heat up. Don’t delay for too long.
Do you do anything special during parties to save energy?
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Do you have any goals related to your home comfort for 2017?
Next time you hear from us it will be 2017! Do you have any home heating resolutions for the New Year? I know, I know… it’s not your typical “eat healthy” or “go to the gym” goals that we hear flying around at the beginning of each year. But, having some home heating goals can actually free up some money in your pocket and help you achieve those other, more personal goals.
So, what are you hoping to accomplish in 2017? Here are a couple of things we recommend.
- Replace an old furnace with a newer model.
- Make sure to schedule preventative maintenance.
- Keep equipment free from debris that could restrict airflow.
- Change the furnace filter at least once a month.
- Make sure all registers are open to allow proper airflow and circulation.
- Reduce energy consumption by lowering the temperature the thermostat is set at by a few degrees
- Upgrade to a programmable or Wi-Fi enabled thermostat for improved comfort control.
- Invest in energy-efficient windows to avoid heat loss.
- Add insulation to the attic to prevent heat loss.
- Schedule a duct cleaning with a local contractor to make sure the family has the freshest air possible.
So, tell us your efficiency goals! Are you planning on upgrading? Make sure you take the time to find the right local heating and cooling contractor for the job.
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Are you ready to put on your holiday baking cap?
Thanksgiving is over. Black Friday deals have been snatched up. We are right in the middle of the holiday season! And, what does the holiday season signify for those of us in the comfort business? Colder temperatures! Colder temperatures mean higher utility bills, which is no fun for those that want to invest in fun holiday activities!
Luckily, there is something you can do that is both festive AND fun that can also help your home feel warmer – limiting your need for your gas furnace on these cold December days. What is it you ask? Well, baking of course!
So, why don’t we get those ovens going!? Drop your favorite holiday baking recipe below. Or, get some ideas from fellow commenters. Not only is a day of baking going to result in some tasty treats, but you just may be able to save some bucks on heating.
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What do you have on your home wish list?
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! How are you enjoying your holiday? At Maytag HVAC, we always strive to create the best home comfort products possible to keep you toasty during the holiday season. If you already have a Maytag HVAC system, you know this already.
However, there are always things you can add to make it even MORE comfortable and climate controlled. Plus, investing in energy-efficient products can help you save during the holiday season so that you can allocate more of your hard-earned money towards fun holiday activities!
What is on your holiday home wish list? Is it…
- A Wi_Fi enabled programmable thermostat
- A high-efficiency gas furnace
- Energy-efficient windows
- A new roof
- An indoor air cleaner
- A UV light system
- A zoning system
- Additional insulation around windows and in the attic
All of these products can help improve indoor air quality or reduce the energy you consume to make your home as comfortable as possible. However, if you are looking for something a little less involved, the best gift you can give your home is a gas furnace clean and check.
What system do you think would be a good addition to your home? Remember, if you are looking for a new furnace, make sure you get in touch with your local gas furnace contractor.
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Deck the home with weather stripping and insulation!
Thanksgiving is just a couple short weeks away. The holiday season will be in full swing! And, while the holiday season can be a great time of year for food and family, it can be challenging financially.
As we’ve already discussed in previous blog posts, the cost of heating your home during the colder months is going to make up the better part of your utility bill spending. That’s why it can be helpful to do small maintenance tasks around your home to save where you can.
Perform a home energy audit/assessment. This can be the first step to creating a more energy efficient home. If can give you a good baseline and indicate where your home may be underperforming in the efficiency department. You can perform one yourself or hire a professional.
Seal air leaks. These may be discovered during a home energy audit. Make sure, whether they are in your attic or around your windows and doors, you are taking the appropriate steps to successfully close those leaks. Sealing leaks can result in shorter run times for your heating and air conditioning equipment and less energy consumed. Less energy consumed means more money in your pocket. Air leaks can be sealed with insulation or weather stripping. Ask a professional which is the best solution for your particular situation.
See if your HVAC equipment is compatible with a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats are preferable to non-programmable models. Want to know why? Programmable thermostats provide increased temperature accuracy, greater comfort and energy savings through scheduling capabilities. Plus, there are Wi-Fi enabled models that can give you remote access to your thermostat – you can make adjustments away from the physical box on the wall.
Lower the temperature your thermostat is set at before holiday get-togethers. Did you know that the more people are in your home, the warmer it feels? Makes sense when you think about it – more body heat. AND, if you are the one cooking the turkey, the oven can provide additional heat.
Schedule a furnace clean and check with your local HVAC contractor. This is by far the BEST thing you can do for your furnace during the fall. Nothing puts a damper on a party more than a “no heat” call. And, the cleaning tasks that your contractor will perform may give your furnace a boost in efficiency. Do some research and hire a local qualified HVAC contractor.
Are you hosting the holidays this year? What other things do you do around the home to get it ready for the holidays?
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Do you know what to do with your HVAC equipment when you throw a party?
Halloween is next week, which marks the very beginning of the fall and winter holiday season! The beginning of the holiday season means lower temperatures, holiday parties, time with family and so much more! It can also be a little hard on the wallet.
Remember, your heating and air conditioning equipment is the biggest energy consumer in your home. That’s why making small changes to how you run your units can have a significant impact on your budget. This is a good thing to keep in mind if you are hosting an even in your home.
Do some simple things to improve comfort and decrease energy usage while you’re having a gathering. Follow these simple tips.
Go indoors…Go outdoors…But stick to one! Constantly going indoors and outdoors can impact comfort and increase energy usage. If it’s cold out and your furnace is running, the stream of air from an open door can increase heating demand, resulting in longer run times and higher bills. Have an indoor party. Have an outdoor party. But, try to keep it to one or the other.
Make adjustments at your thermostat. Keep this one in mind if you are hosting Thanksgiving dinner! More people in your home, plus a working oven can really bring on the heat. This means that you can get away with lowering the thermostat a degree or two without sacrificing comfort.
Replace your furnace filter. Your furnace filter is going to be your best defense against allergens, dirt, debris and other unpleasant air particles. Plus, a dirty air filter can decrease airflow and increase utility bills. Remember, under many circumstances you’ll want to change your furnace filter once a month, but you should do it at least once a season.
Natural air freshening and cleaning methods. Everyone lies a clean, fresh smelling home – especially if they are hosting a party. Try out some natural cleaning and air freshening methods instead of spraying harsh chemicals into your indoor air. You may save a little money, and your indoor air quality will be higher.
These are just a few things you can do. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Schedule a furnace maintenance appointment with your local contractor so that an emergency “no heat” call doesn’t interrupt your holiday celebrations!
What do you do to save money during the holidays?
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Happy first day of fall!
It’s time to put away the swimsuits and break out the sweaters! It’s the first day of fall. It’s time to put summer behind us and look towards winter.
The first thing on your fall to-do list should be scheduling preventative maintenance with a local HVAC contractor. You want that furnace (or whichever heating system you use during the winter) to be ready to go when you need it! There’s nothing worse than switching your thermostat over to heating mode, and NOT receiving warm air.
But, fall isn’t just preventative maintenance season. It’s the start of many sporting seasons, has many great holidays and the weather is great for many parts of the country. As the weather cools, you may not be able to spend as much time outdoors, but luckily you have your heating system to make things nice and cozy.
What is your favorite part of fall?
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How are you spending those last few weeks of summer?
August is here, which means fall will be here before you know it! Now is the time to get in those last-minute summer activities. This summer has been exceptionally warm. Now, as temperatures start to cool a bit, you can fit in those activities that may not have been as possible at 100°F.
Go on a camping trip. The daily grind can be taxing. We’re surrounded by advertising, computers, smartphones, television…So much overstimulation! That’s why it’s a great idea to just take a few days to get away from it all.
Visit a state park. This can go hand-in-hand with camping. Take some time to explore the parks in your area.
Take a few last trips to the swimming pool. Labor Day will be here before you know it. And, with it the end of the swimming season. Now is the time to get those trips to the swimming pool in before it gets too chilly!
Host a barbeque! Not only can grilling be a great way to get together with family and friends, but it can also be good for your air conditioner. The oven can really heat up a kitchen – increasing cooling demand and resulting in longer run times. Plus, having people over can heat things up as well. Taking the party outside is a great way to minimize utility costs associated with hosting a get together.
Check and see if you live near a drive-in theater. If you do, many close in the early fall. Now is the time to experience some nostalgia while seeing the latest summer blockbuster.
Take some time out of your busy day and go on a picnic.
These are just a few suggestions. If it is still too hot to get out and explore the outdoors, staying in and enjoying the AC isn’t too bad either.
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