Heating and Cooling Tips
- If your furnace and/or air conditioner is over 15 years old… you’ll want to look into replacing your system. Newer furnaces and air conditioners incorporate new technology that allows them to run drastically more efficient. New furnaces can run up to 50% more efficient than furnaces that are older than 15 years. Newer air conditioners run 30-40% more efficient. This saves you money every day your furnace or air conditioner is running. In Northern Utah and South Eastern Idaho that can be up to 2500 hours a year for just heating costs and about 800 hours for cooling. That adds up to a lot of energy savings and a lot of money back in your pockets!
- Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector. Every year there are hundreds of incidences where families fall victim to Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Carbon Monoxide Detectors are highly recommended in any home where fuel-burning appliances such as natural gas furnaces, stoves, ovens, and water heaters are used. Choose a detector that incorporates an audible alarm to signal if CO levels reach unsafe levels.
- Air Filters: Dirty air filters are the most common problem we encounter when called for furnace repair, or a air conditioning repair. A dirty filter will decrease your furnace and air conditioners performance, increasing the wear and tear on your equipment, increase your heating and cooling costs, and lead to early system failure. It is recommended that air filters be checked every 30 days.
- Check and Adjust Registers: During the summer months leave upper floor registers open and partially or completely close basement registers. When changing from the cooling season to the heating season, you’ll need to adjust your registers to allow your furnace to work more efficiently.
- Check Cold Air Returns: Blocked cold air returns will decrease the efficiency of your furnace. Make sure your cold air returns have a 6 inch space between them and any furniture and personal items.
- Constant Fan: For more even room temperatures and better air cleaning and humidification, run the indoor fan on your furnace continuously.
- Install and Adjust Programmable Thermostats: Using a programmable thermostat allows you the flexibility to adjust your comfort settings from hour to hour, day to day. Set your thermostat to lower you’re heating or cooling requirements when you are not at home or at night time. Your furnace and air conditioner won’t run when it isn’t necessary, reducing you’re heating and cooling costs by about 10%.
- Heat Generating Equipment: Equipment such as TV’s, computers, ovens, and lamps put off a lot of heat on there own. Adjust floor registers to help control air flow, and help even out temperatures. Avoid overuse, and turn off equipment when not in use.
- Seal Air Leaks: Air can leak in and out of your home at alarming rates. Check all areas that are sources for leaks and seal them accordingly.
- Equipment Maintenance: Annual furnace tune ups and air conditioning tune-ups is key to maximum performance, durability, and comfort. This maintenance is necessary to uphold your equipment manufacturer’s warranty or home owner’s warranty. Our Planned Maintenance Agreement takes the worry and hassle out of your yearly service, and offers extra savings and benefits.