Blog

Take Control of Your Comfort

JR — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:26:26 +0000

How would your home fare in a Goldilocks test? Would it be something like, “This room is too cold, this room is too hot, but this room is just right?” Some of this “unevenness” can be caused by air leaks through ducts or in crawl spaces, attics and garages and can be addressed with proper sealing and insulation. But some homes would also benefit from zone control in their heating and cooling systems. Obviously, different spaces have different needs. For example, heat rises, which makes the second floor warmer than the first. Cool air heads downward, which makes the basement cooler than the main level. You can also add in which way the sun shines, which way the wind blows and where the windows are located.

It all adds up to multiple heating and cooling needs within one home. Zone control is most effective when large areas of the home are often unused or are on a different schedule than other parts of the home. Zoned control systems could be a good option if your home:

Has more than one level
Uses basements and attics as part of the living space
Has a design that includes a lot of glass, vaulted ceilings or lofts

If uneven heating and cooling is a problem in your home, give us a call. We’ll show you how you can better manage your heating and cooling needs, be more comfortable and save energy. Just give us a call.

Energy Savings Ideas

JR — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 01:51:45 +0000

Have you ever considered how much the dust that’s gathering in your home is costing you in energy bills?

When dust builds up on the registers and vent covers in your home, for example, it becomes “insulation” that blocks the heat’s path into the room. The harder a heater has to work to keep your home warm, the more you pay in utility costs. So, as you look ahead at winter heating bills, a thorough dusting with special attention to registers and vent covers is a good idea. While you’re at it, is that furniture really where it needs to be? By rearranging a few pieces away from exterior walls and toward interior walls, you’ll feel less draft, stay warmer and be more comfortable. Get a little sunshine into the picture too. Open the drapes and let the sun’s natural warmth heat your room at no extra cost. Then close them at night as insulators to keep warmth in.

These are just a few natural, free ways to help reduce your energy costs and increase your comfort. Other small steps can also make a big difference. For example:

Set your thermostat no higher than 68 degrees. Better yet, install a programmable thermostat to set back the temperature while you’re away during the day, or when you’re asleep at night. A programmable thermostat can save up to $180 every year in energy costs.

Keep your heating system tuned-up to make sure it’s operating at its peak efficiency when cold weather comes in strong. Also, you’ll want it evaluated for any dangerous carbon monoxide leaks that may raise a concern.

It’s no news that energy costs are a big expense for homeowners. And not surprisingly, heating and cooling account for more than half of this amount. If you’d like to learn more about conserving energy in your home, call to request our free report titled, “Winter Energy Savers”.

Think Outside The House

JR — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 23:25:53 +0000

While it’s true that there are plenty of things you can do within the walls of your home to save energy, many homeowners aren’t aware that the great outdoors can be a huge drain on your monthly energy bills. Ok, so maybe you’re thinking that if it’s an outdoor space then it’s not affecting your indoor comfort or energy bills. But that’s a myth that will cost you. To get your energy spending under control, consider these tips:

Sunscreen isn’t just for your skin. Outdoor spaces such as porches and patios often allow the sun to overheat your home. In fact, planting trees and shrubs on the sunny side of your house – especially ones that provide a screen for your heating and cooling unit – can help cut your energy costs by as much as 10%.

Seek shade – for your windows and doors that is. Installing outdoor awnings to block sunlight helps keep your home cooler during the summer months, and helps save your energy dollars – which is even more cool.

Saving start at the top. If you’re thinking of replacing your roof, reflective materials may be the way to go. When the sun’s heat bounces off the roof, the amount of heat entering is reduced. Even better? Many of these types of roofs are eligible for the $1,500 tax credits that end this year.
Install motion sensors on outdoor light fixtures. You won’t have to remember to turn them off and they will still discourage unwanted ‘guests’ during the night.

Bottom Line: Saving energy doesn’t stop inside the four walls of your home. It extends to include everything around your home as well. Being aware of outdoor energy wasters – and savers – can keep your cold, hard cash in your wallet where it belongs.

Seasonal Changes

JR — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 23:16:40 +0000

Nature has ways of letting you know what’s going on. Like with the change from summer to fall, the signs are there. The leaves on the trees lose their summer green, leaving behind the red, yellow, orange and brown that you think of as the fall landscape. The days get shorter, thanks to the way the earth moves further away from the sun. And they get a good bit cooler.

Your home also has ways of letting you know what’s going on. Energy efficiency is a particularly “hot topic” for cold weather, so use these points as guides to making your home more energy-efficient.

Lowering thermostats can lower energy bills. Studies show that for every degree you lower the temperature on you thermostat, you can save 2% on your heating bill. Keep your thermostat set to 68 degrees when you’re at home or lower when you’re asleep or away. A programmable thermostat can adjust these setting for you.

Reducing air leaks also reduces energy use. Windows and doors should be sealed properly to keep warm air in, cold air out. Other common air lead locations are floors, walls, ceilings, ducts, fireplaces, plumbing and electrical outlets. A home energy survey can show you how you’re losing warm air without realizing it.

Humidifiers can add moisture. The air you’re breathing inside your home is also subject to seasonal change. For example, if you’ve got dry skin, cracked finger tips, and a scratchy throat, the warmth in your home may be drying out you air. By maintaining the right humidity levels, you’ll also feel warmer at lower thermostat settings – thus, aiding your energy efficiency goal.

Have your heater checked. As heater use kicks in, one of the most serious concerns you face is the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. This is an odorless, colorless gas that can build up when heaters aren’t properly ventilated, causing serious illness. Make sure your heater is checked each year by a professional.