5 Tips to Prepare for a Cool Summer

January 15th, 2020 Posted in Reducing HVAC Energy Costs
Comments Off on 5 Tips to Prepare for a Cool Summer

The summer heat can make you appreciate the luxury of owning air conditioning in your home. A cool indoor space is desirable when the temperatures rise up into the 90’s and 100’s, giving you respite from the sweltering heat. Unfortunately, keeping your home cool can come at a high energy cost if you depend solely on AC to cool your home. Here are five ways to help prepare your home to fight the heat and lower your AC costs.

  1. Invested in window dressings. Keeping the sun from shining through your windows and glass doors can help keep your home cooler. Drapes, shades and blinds can block the sun and keep your home cooler.
  2. Use portable and ceiling fans. Make sure you have fans available to circulate the air. For ceiling fans, make sure they are set for summer, pulling heat up, not pushing it down. Portable fans are great at night to blow in cooler air from outside, giving your AC unit a break.
  3. Clear around vents and your AC unit. Get ready for summer by removing any debris around your outdoor AC unit to prevent air blockages. Also clear around your vents inside to allow the air to flow.
  4. Change your air filter. Make sure you have a clean air filter in place to improve AC efficiency – now is a good time to stock up on replacements so you have them handy to replace as needed during the summer.
  5. Schedule an AC tune-up. Have your local HVAC service come perform a tune-up on your AC now. This can ensure your AC unit is maintained and ready to perform efficiently during the hot months ahead.

Preparing your home ahead of time for the hot summer can help you lower the cost of cooling your home. You will be glad your AC is working great when those hot dog days of summer come around.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
1925 Lena Carter Road
Buford, GA 30519
(770) 475-9528

, ,
Read More

5 Ways to Lower Your Heating Bill

November 4th, 2019 Posted in Reducing HVAC Energy Costs
Comments Off on 5 Ways to Lower Your Heating Bill

Climate control in your home is one of the biggest factors on your energy costs. Staying cool in the summer is expensive, but so is staying warm during the winter. If you are tired of paying big utility bills during the colder months of the year, there are ways to reduce your heating costs. Here are five tips to stay warm without paying a fortune on your heating bills each month.

  1. Use your programmable thermostat. Maximize when you heat your home and when you can lower the temperature with a programmable thermostat. Utilize the program features to set a lower temperature during hours no one is at home to reduce heating costs.
  2. Minimize heat loss. Insulating your home and reducing heat loss can save money. Shut doors to rooms not in use; close vents or shut off these zones to stop heating unused rooms. Using window treatments or updating to insulated windows can also help reduce heat loss.
  3. Keep your temperatures moderate. Set your thermostat for 68 degrees when you are home to manage your heating costs. Add couch blankets and warm slippers to stay cozy instead of raising the indoor temperature.
  4. Keep up with furnace maintenance. Servicing your furnace or heat pump can ensure it is working properly and efficiently. Make sure to have annual tune-ups for your system.
  5. Get an efficiency analysis. Not sure if your furnace or heat pump is working efficiently? Have your HVAC pro complete an efficiency analysis on your system. There may be ways to improve your efficiency and lower your heating bills.

Stay warm without paying big heating bills. Maintain your HVAC system and use smart methods to manage your heating to keep your energy costs low during the winter.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
5950 Shiloh Road East
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(770) 475-9555

, ,
Read More

Keeping Heating Costs Low During the Winter

July 18th, 2019 Posted in Reducing HVAC Energy Costs
Comments Off on Keeping Heating Costs Low During the Winter

The pendulum swings from summer to winter, especially when it comes to climate control costs. Summertime is all about lowering cooling costs by keeping out heat from outside; winter is just the opposite. Just like shading your home from the hot sun can lower your cooling costs, there are ways to manage heating costs during the winter. Here are a few tips to lower your heating bill this winter.

Use Your Thermostat Wisely

Programmable thermostats can be one of the most valuable tools for managing energy costs. Turn down the heat during times when no one is home and when you are asleep. This can make a significant difference in your heating costs.

Use Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are not just for cooling; they also can push warm air down to help with heating costs. Make sure your ceilings fans are on “winter mode” to keep air flowing downward when the heat is on. You can notice an almost immediate difference in the temperature of the room when ceiling fans are used correctly.

Add Blankets and Layers

You do not need to run around your home in shorts and bare feet. You can dress in more layers and add blankets to beds and couches for warmth instead of turning up the heat.

Let the Sun In

If you have shades to keep sun out in the summer, open them up and let that sunshine warm your home in the winter. Rooms with afternoon sun can be easier to heat if the sun is allowed in.

Just following these few tips can make a difference in your heating costs. Make sure your furnace is maintained and working efficiently – schedule a tune-up and keep air filters clean to help lower heating costs this winter.

Posted on behalf of:
Western Aire Heating & Cooling
Marietta, GA 30066
(770) 505-7426

, ,
Read More

6 Easy Ways to Weatherize Your Home

May 2nd, 2019 Posted in Reducing HVAC Energy Costs
Comments Off on 6 Easy Ways to Weatherize Your Home

Is the climate-controlled air you spend so much money to create in your home leaking outside? Heating and cooling your home are the biggest expenses you pay for each month. One way to cut utility costs is to ensure the air inside your home is not escaping and that air from outside is not leaking in. Weatherizing your home with a few easy and inexpensive options can reduce your energy bills and keep your home comfortable year-round. Here are six tips for weatherizing your home:

  1. Shrink wrap windows. Give your windows extra insulation by investing in clear shrink wrap. These kits are inexpensive and easy to install, giving your better insulation for your windows without replacement.
  2. Seal windows and doors. Adding a quick caulking around windows and doors can reduce leaks.
  3. Stop drafts. Invest in draft stoppers for the bottom of exterior doors. This includes your door to your garage, unless your garage is climate controlled.
  4. Close fireplace dampers. Unless the fireplace is in use, make sure the damper is kept closed to reduce leaks in and out.
  5. Insulate the door to your attic. Often the door to attics is not insulated, even if the rest of the attic has insulation. Adding a strip of insulation to the door can cut down on leaks.
  6. Duct work leaks. Many homes built over 20 years ago have ductwork that leaks. Have your HVAC ductwork inspected by a professional to ensure that it is sealed and not leaking out the expensive air you are heating or cooling.

A few small steps to winterize your home can have big savings on your energy bills. Use these tips to ensure your home is better insulation for higher efficiency.

Posted on behalf of:
Western Aire Heating & Cooling
264 Buchanan Highway
Dallas, GA 30157
(770) 505-7426

, ,
Read More

How to Reduce Your HVAC Energy Bills

March 26th, 2019 Posted in Reducing HVAC Energy Costs
Comments Off on How to Reduce Your HVAC Energy Bills

Many people pay thousands of dollars a year to heat and cool their home, money that could be used for something more tangible. If you are tired of high energy bills due to HVAC use, there are ways to reduce your energy use and your monthly bills. While some may require an initial investment, the return on the investment can be substantial. Here are some energy savers when it comes to lowering your heating and cooling bills.

Program Your Thermostat

If you have a programmable thermostat, use it. If you don’t have a newer model thermostat, make the investment. Programming your thermostat to reduce use when you are sleeping, or the home is empty can save you a large percentage of your energy bill each month while still keeping your home comfortable.

Keep Up with HVAC Maintenance

Making sure your HVAC system is maintained ensures it is working efficiently. Heat pumps, AC units and furnaces all need annual maintenance, which is a small price to pay to keep your system running efficiently.

Upgrade to a New HVAC System

If you have an older HVAC system that is 10, 15 or more years old, you may be paying much more than you should for heating and cooling. Newer systems are made for efficiency. Consider upgrading to an Energy Star rated HVAC system that will pay for itself with a reduction in energy bills.

Need more ideas on how to cut down on your heating and cooling bills? Schedule a tune-up for your HVAC system and have an efficiency analysis performed. Your local HVAC pros can help you find ways to reduce energy use and lower your monthly utility bills.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
3870 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. Suite 340-129
Duluth, GA 30096
(770) 475-9555

, ,
Read More

Ways to Reduce Strain on Your Air Conditioner

March 26th, 2019 Posted in Reducing HVAC Energy Costs
Comments Off on Ways to Reduce Strain on Your Air Conditioner

How long your air conditioner will last and how often it will need repairs can be largely controlled by you. The harder your AC needs to work the quicker components will wear out and need replacement. To extend the life of your AC unit and reduce visits from your HVAC service for repairs, lower the strain on your AC with these few tips and tricks.

  • Use your programmable thermostat. Reducing use of your AC when no one is home or during off-peak hours is important for efficiency. Set your temperature higher for when you are not at home.
  • Don’t overdo it. 78-degrees is an efficient setting for your AC when you are at home. Going lower puts excess strain on your unit.
  • Use zones or close off areas. If you have a zone system, shut down zones or rooms you do not use. Or, shut doors where AC is not needed to help keep the main part of your home cooler.
  • Utilize other cooling methods. Just because you have AC doesn’t mean you need to use it all the time. Open the windows at night, use fans and cool down your home without using the AC when possible.
  • Keep up with maintenance. Simply having your AC cleaned, inspected and serviced once or twice a year by a professional can add many years to its lifespan and reduce the need for emergency repairs.

Not only will these tricks and tips extend the life of your AC unit, they can also reduce your monthly energy bills. With a little AC maintenance and planning, you can get a long life from your air conditioner and save money at the same time.

Posted on behalf of:
Western Aire Heating & Cooling
Marietta, GA 30066
(770) 505-7426

, ,
Read More

4 Ways to Save Money on Your AC Bill

February 21st, 2019 Posted in Reducing HVAC Energy Costs
Comments Off on 4 Ways to Save Money on Your AC Bill

Staying cool in your home during the summer comes at a price, and it is usually on your electric bill. Air conditioning can make the hot days and nights bearable, but it can be expensive. There are a few ways to minimize the costs to help make the price of a climate-controlled home more affordable. Here are four ways to save money this summer on your AC bill.

  1. Use your thermostat wisely. A good thermostat is worth the investment and can easily pay for itself in lower AC bills. Get a programmable thermostat that will automatically reset the temperature during times when the home is empty, or you are sleeping.
  2. Close your blinds/curtains. Get in the habit of closing your blinds and curtains in the mornings to keep out the sun. This can help keep your home cooler during the day when the temperature outside is at its highest, reducing strain on your AC.
  3. Replace your AC filters. Most AC filters need to be changed every month during the summer. This can help improve efficiency.
  4. Get your AC unit serviced at least once a year. Annual service on your AC unit is a wise investment. This can help your AC unit perform more efficiently and reduce the chance of breakdowns or repairs during the summer. Regular maintenance also will make your unit last longer, saving you money on replacement.

Air conditioning does not need to cost you a fortune. Make sure you are not wasting energy and money by adjusting your AC for times when you are not home and keep your AC unit maintained – these two things alone can save you hundreds of dollars each summer on AC bills.

Posted on behalf of:
Western Aire Heating & Cooling
Marietta, GA 30066
(770) 505-7426

, ,
Read More

How to Choose the Right Thermostat

December 3rd, 2018 Posted in Reducing HVAC Energy Costs
Comments Off on How to Choose the Right Thermostat

Do you have an older thermostat for your HVAC system? If your thermostat does not have programming or remote access, you are missing out of some phenomenal features that offer convenience and energy savings for your home. If you are ready to upgrade your thermostat, here are some features to consider that will help you choose the right model for your needs.

Programmable

First and foremost, you want a thermostat that is programmable. This one feature can save you hundreds of dollars on your energy bills if you use it correctly. You can program your thermostat to use less energy during hours you are sleeping or away from home, while keeping your home comfortable.

Remote Access

Many thermostats now offer Wi-Fi access. This allows you to control your thermostat from a computer or even your smartphone. You can turn your thermostat up or down when you are away from home, helping save you even more money on energy costs.

Auto Changeover

When the days are warm and the nights are cool, you want your thermostat to know when to send heat and when to turn on the A/C. An auto changeover switch allows your thermostat to use both heat and air conditioning to maintain the preferred temperature in your home.

Keyboard Lock

Don’t want your kids turning up the A/C to high when you are not at home? Choose a thermostat with a keyboard lock to leave changing the temperature to the people who pay the bills.

The new features available on today’s thermostats make it easier to keep your home climate controlled while using less energy. Talk to your local HVAC service company to learn more about the models available and for professional installation.

Posted on behalf of:
Western Aire Heating & Cooling
264 Buchanan Highway
Dallas, GA 30157
(770) 505-7426

, ,
Read More

Tips to Keep Cool During the Summer

August 10th, 2018 Posted in Reducing HVAC Energy Costs
Comments Off on Tips to Keep Cool During the Summer

Air conditioning is a luxury, but it can feel like a necessity when the temperatures soar through the summer months. Luxury or not, you want to use your air conditioning to stay cool, but you also do not want to pay enormous energy bills. The best way to reduce your AC bill and keep cool is to set your temperature higher in your home and find other ways to cool yourself and your house. Here are some tips to stay cool and minimize the cost of AC this summer.

  • Use your windows. Windows can either cool or heat the home, depending on how you use them. Make sure you use drapes or blinds over closed windows during the day to keep sunshine out of the home that can heat it up and open the windows to let in cool air in the evening and early mornings.
  • Use a cooling pad in your bed. You can turn your AC off or down during the night if you use a cooling pad on your bed. You will stay cool and use much less energy during those eight hours a night.
  • Use cold or wet shirts. A t-shirt stored in the freezer or wetting your shirt and putting it back on can cool you down quickly.
  • Use your thermostat wisely. Try to reduce the use of AC when you are not home. A smart thermostat is a wise investment to help you control when to use your AC. Set it at higher temps when you are typically not home, then lower the temperature shortly before you will be going back home. Smart thermostats give you the ability to adjust these times as needed from wherever you are to save on energy.

Also be sure that your HVAC system is properly maintained and checked for its efficiency. An efficient system saves money. Stay cool without breaking the bank by keeping yourself and your home cool with these tips.

Posted on behalf of:
Western Aire Heating & Cooling
264 Buchanan Highway
Dallas, GA 30157
(770) 505-7426

, ,
Read More

Thermostat Control: Tips on Keeping It Cool

August 10th, 2018 Posted in HVAC Accessories, Reducing HVAC Energy Costs
Comments Off on Thermostat Control: Tips on Keeping It Cool

When the temperatures rise, so does your electric bill. It can be costly to keep your home comfortable when the temperature hit the 90’s and triple digits. You want your home to be climate controlled, but at what cost? Having a programmable thermostat and using it properly can help you stay cool while managing the cost of your comfort. Here are some tips to manage your thermostat to stay cool without breaking the bank on energy bills.

  • Program your thermostat. The best efficiency tip is to program your thermostat to only be at the lowest cooling setting when you are home during the warmest hours. Thermostats should be set to automatically switch a higher temperature when the house is empty and at night.
  • Use moderate settings. Keep your settings moderate for temperatures. Good energy settings include 78 degrees when you are home during peak hours, 82 degrees when you are sleeping and 85 when you are away from home.
  • Don’t forget to change your programming for trips. If you are going to be away for a few days, make sure to change your thermostat settings to away temperatures for the entire time.
  • Get a smartphone app. Many advanced thermostats can be controlled through an app on your phone. This gives you control to change the setting if you will be coming home early or not coming home at all. Why cool your home if no one is there to enjoy it?

Just making a few changes on how your use your thermostat can save you hundreds of dollars each summer on your cooling bills. Talk to your local HVAC provider about updating to a hi-tech, efficient thermostat if you still are using an older, manual model.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
1925 Lena Carter Road
Buford, GA 30519
(770) 475-9528

, ,
Read More
Older Entries

Find Local Company | HVAC Directory | Find Local HVAC Companies