Are you ready to reduce your utility bill spending?
What do you do to spend less on utilities during the cooling season? During the summer, your air conditioner has to work hard to keep your home as cool as possible. And this year, if the temperatures stay the course, your air conditioner will have to work extra hard to keep your home comfortable. We have become accustomed to temperature controlled homes, but that doesn’t mean we are happy with the number on the electric bill at the end of the month.
The best way to reduce spending and improve efficiency is upgrading your old equipment. But, if that is just not in the cards, there are other things that you can do to your old equipment that can help you shave some dollars off that electric bill.
Try turning up the thermostat a few degrees. Small adjustments on your thermostat will have a negligible impact on comfort, but can make a difference on your cooling bill. The optimal thermostat setting during the summer is 78F, according to the Department of Energy.
Keep your filter fresh. Nothing kills efficiency quite like a dirty air filter. Make sure you are changing your filter AT LEAST once a season. For some homes, (like the homes of allergy sufferers and pet owners), it may be necessary to change your furnace filter once a month.
Invest in a programmable thermostat. You may not be able to invest in an entirely new HVAC system, but you can have a contractor come out and upgrade your thermostat. Programmable thermostats are just that – programmable. They give you the ability to set temperatures based on your schedule so you aren’t wasting cooling dollars on an empty home.
Variable-speed air distribution equipment. Next time you do go to replace either your air handler or furnace, consider your variable-speed options. Variable-speed equipment improves home comfort (through consistent, variable-speed air distribution) more efficiently than having your thermostat set to the “on” fan setting.
Keeping your windows and doors closed, and investing in weather stripping. Air leaks can negatively impact home comfort and increase the amount you spend cooling your home. Your air conditioner must work harder to keep your home cool if that cool air is constantly escaping outdoors. If you have to open the window, make sure you do it briefly.
Shading the south side of your home. The sun shining into your south-facing rooms can heat things up and make it harder for your air conditioner to keep up. Consider planting a tree that blocks sunlight, or invest in blinds and curtains that you can use for hot, sunny days.
Scheduling a clean and check during the spring. This is the single most important efficiency lifesaver. During a clean and check, your contractor will make sure that everything in your cooling system functioning properly in addition to cleaning the unit to ensure premium performance and maximum airflow.
Have you scheduled your spring clean and check yet? Don’t worry! There’s still time. Just make sure you take some time to find the right contractor for the job. Make sure they have all the proper licenses and permits, and they come out to your home before they give you a quote.
Have you tried some of these tricks before? Have you noticed a reduction in your cooling expenses?
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Do you have any questions about your heating and cooling system?
Let’s face it, heating and cooling is not something that people think about daily. In fact, since HVAC equipment has a long lifespan, you may only have to think about it every 10 to 15 years! It’s no surprise that you may have a few questions when it does come time to replace your old heating and cooling equipment. Everything from system type to efficiency ratings will affect your bills and comfort.
Here are some frequently asked questions.
What is refrigerant?
If you’ve had your air conditioner or heat pump serviced before, you may have heard about refrigerant. Essentially, refrigerant is a liquid/gas component of your equipment that facilitates heat transfer.
Should I buy an air conditioner or heat pump?
The answer to this question depends on where you live, and what you use to heat your home. If you only have electricity at your disposal, a heat pump is a great solution. It can cool and heat your home using electricity. Heat pumps are also a great idea for climates that don’t see extreme winters – like the South. However, a heat pump can be used in any climate. Like an air conditioner, it can be paired with a gas furnace for powerful heating during the winter.
What is HVAC?
“HVAC” stands for “heating, ventilation and air conditioning.” It’s a generic term used to describe the technology and products that heat or cool your home. It some places, you may see it as “HVACR.” The “R” stands for refrigeration.
How much does an air conditioner cost?
There are so many different variables that go into the cost of an air conditioner. These variables include efficiency, size, labor costs, refrigerant costs and more! The best way to get an estimate of how much your new HVAC system is going to cost is by talking to a local contractor. However, don’t just get a quote over the phone or on the back of a business card. Make sure the contractor you get your quote from comes out to your home, inspects your current system and asks you questions about what you expect from your new cooling unit.
What is SEER?
SEER stands for “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ration” and is a measure of cooling efficiency. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the cooling system. As a rule of thumb, you want to invest in the most efficiency you can afford. Although costs may be higher upfront, you may enjoy lower utility bills over the course of the systems’ life that will more than make up for the initial investment.
Am I in charge of registering my warranty?
After you buy any new HVAC system, it is important that the equipment is registered for full warranty protection. The person in charge of registering the equipment will vary. Make sure you ask your contractor whether you register your equipment, or whether they will take care of it.
Should I schedule spring HVAC maintenance?
Spring HVAC maintenance is one of the most important things you can do for your air conditioner – whether it is a year old or 10 years old. This is the best way to make sure that your equipment is up for the peak cooling season.
Don’t see the answer to one of your questions? Either ask us in the comments, or talk to a local contractor. Take some time to hire a contractor today to either install your new cooling system or maintain your current one.
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What do you do to get ready for summer?
Who is ready for warmer weather, sunny skies and overall summer fun? Luckily, we’re all one step closer to summer. This week marks the first week of spring! This is the time of year that you should give your cooling system some attention. Not only will your air conditioner be in full swing in a few months, but you also want to make sure that your indoor air quality is as high as it can be.
Here are some things you should do around your home to improve the efficiency and performance of your HVAC system, and improve indoor air quality.
Change your furnace filter.
If you have a programmable thermostat, adjust your schedule.
Hang blinds and curtains on south-facing windows to block out sunlight.
Plant a tree to shade areas of your home that receive direct sunlight.
Have your ductwork cleaned.
Schedule air conditioner maintenance with your local heating and cooling contractor.
In fact, scheduling air conditioner maintenance with a reputable local contractor is the most important thing you can do for your heating and cooling equipment.
Have you scheduled an appointment yet? If not, you can start here.
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Are you looking to reduce the amount you spend on utilities each month?
We think it is fair to say that no one likes it when the utilities are due each month. The amount that we spend heating and cooling our home at various points throughout the year can actually make up a significant chunk of our budgets.
That is why it is extra important to make sure our homes are efficient. And, improving home efficiency involves much more than simply buying a high-efficiency air conditioner or furnace. There are many non-HVAC related improvements you can make to your home that will reduce the amount of money you spend on utilities.
Here are some home upgrades to consider if you are looking to solves one of the below-mentioned problems.
Seal air leaks/avoid heating and cooling loss. If the air you are spending money to heat or cool is being lost to the outdoors, it is going to take longer for your home to get up to your ideal setting – if it ever even makes it. Think of it as your money flying out the window. Here are the upgrades to consider…
- Have high-efficiency windows installed.
- Invest in better insulation AND make sure that all areas of your home have proper insulation. Make sure you remember your attic!
- Invest in weather stripping and caulk to seal and cracks around your windows and/or doors, particularly during the peak heating and cooling seasons.
It’s cooler in the shade. If you live in an area that requires a lot of cooling power during the summer, it can be a good idea to make improvements that help block your home from the sunlight.
- Plant a tree to shade the south-facing areas of your home.
- Invest in light colored shingles. Dark shingles will absorb more heat and warm up your home.
- Buy heavy curtains or shades to block the sun in south-facing rooms.
- Consider having your outdoor HVAC equipment placed in an area that is not exposed to direct sunlight.
And we can’t leave out.. the heating and cooling improvements that you can make. Ultimately, heating and cooling equipment comprises the majority of your utility bills – sometimes over half! Making improvements here can be a large investment, but it will pay off each month.
- Invest in a programmable thermostat for customized home comfort based on your schedule.
- Always buy the most efficient HVAC system you can afford – the higher the efficiency rating, the more you can save!
- Choose multi-stage equipment. Not only can this help you save on heating and cooling costs, but it can also make your home more comfortable.
- Consider a zoning system for your home. A zoning system separates your home by room or groups of rooms – each controlled by their own thermostat. This way you can get even more customization based on how your home is used during the day – delivering warm or cool air to the areas of your home that really need it at a given point.
Are you interested in making a home upgrade? Make sure you get in touch with a local contractor, especially if you are considering an improvement to your heating and cooling equipment. You don’t want that anticipated money-saving investment to turn into a costly headache!
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Is a heat pump right for your home?
Are you in the market for a brand-new cooling system? Winter is slowly winding down, and spring is just around the corner. Now is the time to start thinking about scheduling an appointment if you are looking into a replacement.
When you are looking around for the right system for your home, make sure you explore all of your options. These include high-efficiency and standard-efficiency equipment, packaged units and split units, and heat pumps and air conditioners. To make your decision a little bit easier, we want to talk about heat pumps.
Here are a list of pros and cons that can help you make the decision to buy a heat pump or a gas furnace/air conditioner combo.
Cons:
Is natural gas less expensive than electricity in your town? Many areas of the United States enjoy low natural gas prices. Well, at least lower than the cost of electricity. If this is the case, a gas furnace may be the more cost effective heating method in your area.
While a heat pump can be effective down to low temperatures, it may have a more difficult time heating your home in colder weather. You may have to invest in a back-up heating method for those really cold days.
How long do you plan on being in your home? While a heat pump has a long lifespan, a gas furnace has a longer lifespan – up to 20 years.
Pros:
Operates like an air conditioner with the added benefit of heating. On the cooling side of things, air conditioners and heat pumps are essentially the same (with some tweaks of course to allow for heating operation).
Uses heat transfer to heat a home, not heat creation. Other electric heating methods, like heat strips or electric furnaces, must create original heat – using up more electricity in the process.
Heat pumps tend to be cleaner than a gas furnace. The byproduct of heat creation in a gas furnace may lower indoor air quality if not properly vented.
Carbon monoxide. Unlike a gas furnace, a heat pump does not run the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Is electricity less expensive than natural gas? If you live in an area where electricity rates are lower than natural gas, then it can be beneficial to use an electric heating method, and a heat pump in particular.
Is a heat pump sounding better and better to you? Make sure you get in touch with your local heating and air conditioning contractor for a consultation. They will be able to tell you if heat pumps are common for homes in your area. You’ll be surprised.
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Do you know what to do after you buy a new furnace?
You’ve done your research, contacted a contractor and had a new furnace installed…do you know what to do next? Like other home improvement projects, there are some additional steps you should take after you have a furnace installed. Heating equipment is expensive; you want to make sure you are protecting your investment.
Here are some things that you should look into after you buy a gas furnace.
Ask about your warranty. Is it your responsibility to register it, or does your contractor take care of that? Many homeowners don’t realize that their warranty has to be registered in order to get complete coverage. If you have a Maytag unit, start here.
See if you qualify for local rebates. This can help cut some of those upfront costs. Local rebates can vary from city to city, state to state and country to country. DSIRE is a good place to start searching for local rebates if you are in the United States.
See if you quality for a manufacturer rebate. Oftentimes, manufacturers will offer rebates on high-efficiency equipment. Make sure you check out the manufacturer’s website to see if there are any current rebates or promotions.
Check to see if you qualify for tax credits. If you’ve invested in a high-efficiency furnace, you may qualify for a United States federal tax credit. The ENERGY STAR website has a complete breakdown of the 2014, 2015 and 2016 tax credits.
Sign up for a maintenance agreement with your local contractor. You may not know this, but routine maintenance is often a condition of your warranty. Luckily, many contractors offer ongoing maintenance agreements. This way you won’t forget to schedule an appointment for your furnace when the fall rolls around.
Store your paperwork in a safe place. There is a lot of paperwork that comes with buying a new furnace – warranty information, product information, maintenance agreements, etc. Make sure you keep them in a safe place so you can reference them later.
Remember, your local contractor can also guide you through this process. Follow these steps and your furnace will be protected now and for many years to come.
Think back to the last time you bought a furnace. Did you make sure to do all of these things?
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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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What do you know about home heating?
Do you want to know more about your home heating system? The more you know, the better you are going to be at improving energy efficiency and comfort, and reducing the amount you spend heating your home each winter.
Here are some things you should know about home heating that can improve efficiency, system lifespan and keep you safe.
- Turning up the thermostat just raises your utility bills and won’t make your equipment heat any faster.
- It’s important to make sure that your carbon monoxide detector is working.
- Natural gas is actually odorless. What you smell is actually added so that people can detect leaks.
- If you have pets, you should change your furnace filter more often. Even as often as once a month.
- Opening the blinds or curtains or south-facing windows during sunny days can make your home feel warmer.
- Rearranging your furniture can be a simple way to improve comfort.
- Turning down the thermostat, even a degree or two, can help you save money.
- When you are changing your furnace filter, you have to make sure to turn off the equipment.
- Holiday parties can make you feel warmer because of the oven and the amount of people in your home.
- Fall preventative maintenance is the best way to avoid an emergency “no heat” call during the winter.
Did you schedule fall preventative maintenance? If not, you’ll want to keep an eye on your utility bill spending so you can rest assured your furnace is running properly.
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Just how much do you know about thermostats?
Did you know that thermostats are not “one-size-fits-all?” There are many different types of thermostats, some may pair up with your heating and cooling equipment while others may not. It is important that matches your system and addresses your home comfort specifications. For example, programmable thermostats can give you customizable comfort based on your schedule!
Your thermostat is the “brains behind the operation” so to speak. It is in charge of sending signals to your heating and cooling equipment to either supply air or turn the air off. If there is a glitch at your thermostat, you are going to feel it in the air AND in your wallet. If you notice something off with your heating and cooling equipment, it may not be a problem with the unit, but with the thermostat.
If your old thermostat just isn’t cutting it anymore, here are some things that you should know about your options.
Non-Programmable Models. These are your base model thermostats. Generally, your non-programmable thermostats are going to feature certain system compatibilities. For example, if you have a two-stage unit, you are going to need a different non-programmable model than someone who has a single-stage model. Make sure you work with your contractor to find the right one.
Programmable Models. This is your next step up. With a programmable thermostat, you can set the temperature based on your schedule. This gives you completely customizable home comfort. For example, during the winter you can lower the temperature your thermostat is set at during the day to save money. Then, you can make it so that your home starts warming up about a half an hour before you are scheduled to get home. This way you are greeted by a comfortable home, but you aren’t spending money heating an empty home.
Wi-Fi-Enabled Thermostats. This is going to be your “best” model. With a Wi-Fi-enabled thermostat, you are going to be able to control the comfort of your home away from the box on the wall! Some of these thermostats even work with other smart home systems to give you complete control of your home, even when you are not there.
Make sure you take the time to discuss your thermostat options with your local contractor. It may not seem like a big deal, but you are going to thank yourself when that first bill comes in the mail.
Do you have a programmable thermostat in your home, or a non-programmable thermostat?
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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.