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

Solving the Mystery of Temperature Fluctuations Throughout Your Home

May 2nd, 2019 Posted in Air Conditioning Service and Repair
Comments Off on Solving the Mystery of Temperature Fluctuations Throughout Your Home

Does it seem like some rooms in your home are always a little warmer or cooler than the rest? It can be frustrating to have uneven temperatures throughout your home and it could be costing you more on your energy bills. Temperature fluctuations between zones or rooms in your home can be caused by many different issues, making it a mystery for some homeowners. Here are some common contributors to this issue to help you solve the climate-control mystery.

Location of the Thermostat

Every room has different impacts on the temperature. Rooms on one side of the home may get morning sunshine, while the other side warms up in the afternoon. Where the thermostat is located in relation to these factors can impact the different temperatures felt in each room.

A zoning system with sensors in each room can alleviate this issue. This can be accomplished with dampers in ductwork that cut off rooms that are too warm or too cold due to their location. Mini-splits can also be used to create single zones.

Ductwork Difficulties

One of the main reasons for fluctuations in temperature in different rooms is ductwork issues. Before the early 2000’s, many ductwork systems were installed without the right framework and support, leading to leaks down the road. This can account for many differences in temperature from room to room and also means air is coming in or leaking out, creating less efficiency.

To determine the reason for your temperature fluctuations, contact your local HVAC service and have an energy evaluation and inspection completed on your system. Not only can fixing these issues create improved comfort in your home, it can lower your energy bills for substantial savings.

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

, ,
Read More

Duct Sealing Benefits

April 23rd, 2012 Posted in Reducing HVAC Energy Costs
Comments Off on Duct Sealing Benefits

If your home is heated and cooled with a traditional forced air HVAC system such as a heat pump or a central air conditioning system coupled with a furnace, you may be able to benefit from having your ducts sealed.  The ductwork in your home distributes the heated and cooled air throughout you home and also allows return air to flow back to the air handler.

Over time, duct systems develop leaks that allow up to 20% of the conditioned or heated air to escape.  Sealing a leaky duct system can the system operate far more efficiently and reduce your energy bills, especially if your duct system runs through your attic, crawlspace, or other unheated and uncooled area.  The air loss in these areas can be very significant.

Signs that you may need to have your duct system checked for leakage include uneven heating and cooling throughout your home.  For example, if you have rooms that are constantly too hot or too cold, you may have some duct leakage that is not allowing these rooms to receive the heated or cooled air.

Another sign is a steadily increasing energy bill in the summer and winter.  Duct leakage will cause your bills to rise, but so slowly that you may not notice it from month to month.

Duct leakage may also cause your furnace, heat pump, or central air conditioner to run longer to keep your home comfortable.  You may notice that your system is running almost constantly to maintain your comfort setting.

If you are experiencing any of these problems, talk to a good local HVAC contractor about an energy efficiency package that includes sealing your ducts.  Start saving money on your heating and cooling bills today!

, ,
Read More

Find Local Company | HVAC Directory | Find Local HVAC Companies