August 1, 2014

Programming Your Thermostat for Energy Efficiency

Thermostats used to come in one shape and one size. Today, the sizes are smaller, the technology smarter, and the programs easier. Honeywell has a new Wi-Fi-enabled thermostat that enables programming on the go. It features: Control from anywhere: computer, tablet, smartphone, in the house or across the country Color touchscreen: customizable to fit your mood, favorite color, house theme, etc. Flexible Programming: Different options for residential or businesses Auto Alerts: Extreme temperature alerts and filter change reminders are sent to your device, including an indoor humidity sensor The App: Honeywell’s app is highly rated and backed by their network...

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July 1, 2014

When Is It Time to Install a New AC Unit?

The dreaded AC break. It usually happens the hottest day of the year, so it goes. So you’ve checked the unit and maybe even had a professional come out and tell you you’re going to need a new one. Here are some tips about when it’s time to install a new AC unit. A well maintained AC unit lasts about 15-20 years on average. Although that sounds like a long time, if you’ve moved into a previously occupied house, chances are you’re going to have to replace the AC unit at some point. If you’re nearing the end of an...

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May 6, 2014

Spring Cleaning: A Checklist for Air Conditioner Efficiency

Before you call for AC maintenance, or even better, before the weather gets warm enough for AC, you should double check to make sure your unit is operating properly. Test to see what the problem is (if there is one!) Is it not working at all, not blowing cold air, or not cooling the house to the desired temperature? Then check controls like the plug, fuses, and cool setting on the thermostat. Then, check the actual unit for damage or excessive dirt and grime. Sometimes cleaning the unit can make a difference. If all else fails, it may be time...

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January 9, 2014

Heat Pump or Furnace? What’s Best for Your Charlotte Area Home?

Charlotte area homeowners are lucky to have mild weather for much of the year. In the winter, temperatures can fall below freezing, but usually for only short periods of time. This gives residents a choice between using a heat pump or a furnace for winter heating. How Furnaces Work Furnaces send heat throughout the home in one of two ways. Forced air furnaces directly heat air and send it into each room through a vent system. Other furnaces heat an intermediary fluid such as air, steam or water which is then pumped through pipes into a radiator in each room....

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January 2, 2014

Top 5 Energy Vampires, How to Slay Them This Winter

One of the easiest ways to cut power consumption this winter is to stop the energy vampires in your home from draining electricity 24/7. It’s likely your home is populated by appliances and devices that use standby power, even when they’re not running. Anything that uses a timer or has a clock is draining electricity when it’s plugged in. The top five offenders include: Computers – Computer monitors use more power than the CPU itself, but it’s easy to set the system so it goes to sleep after it sits idle for a short time. Set the computer to sleep...

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December 23, 2013

Are the Disadvantages of Geothermal Outweighed by the Benefits?

Any homeowner considering a shift to geothermal heating and cooling should take the time to carefully evaluate both the advantages and disadvantages of geothermal systems. Though there are some notable disadvantages to geothermal heat pumps, they’re easily outweighed by the significant advantages in efficiency, performance and economical operation that geothermal heating and cooling provide. High cost of installation – The initial investment in a geothermal heating and cooling system can be substantial, often several thousand dollars more than a comparable furnace, air conditioner or heat pump. Geothermal installations are more expensive because they require significant digging and trenching. This earth-moving...

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December 9, 2013

What Is the Life Span of a Furnace?

The furnace in your Harrisburg home works 24/7 during the winter to keep you comfortable. How long your furnace will last depends mostly on how well you maintain it. What Is the Life Span of a Furnace? A typical furnace will last about 15 years. With regular maintenance and filter changes, you can expect your system to last 20 years or more. However, a poorly maintained system will only last about 13 years and will operate inefficiently for many of those. Extending the Life of the System There are several things you can do to ensure your system has a...

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November 27, 2013

Use These Home Safety Tips for Peace of Mind When You Travel

Traveling should be a fun and exciting time, but many homeowners come home to find out that something bad happened while they were gone. By utilizing a few simple home safety tips, you can easily avoid an unfortunate situation. Here are some things that we recommend: Set a programmable thermostat — After a relaxing trip, no one wants to come home to a cold house. Using a programmable thermostat is a great way to avoid walking into an icebox by getting it to switch your furnace on before you return. Stop your mail and newspapers — If mail or newspapers...

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November 13, 2013

9 Tips to Boost Wintertime Home Energy Savings

If winter gives you the energy bill blues, there are several things you can do to maximize the warmth in your Concord home without breaking the bank. These nine tips will help get you started on wintertime home energy savings. 1. Schedule furnace maintenance. A yearly tune-up will increase system efficiency, lower your heating bills, help prevent breakdowns and extend the life of your equipment. 2. Install a programmable thermostat. Properly installed and programmed, a programmable thermostat can save you a considerable amount of money by maintaining lower settings at night and while you’re away. 3. Use your ceiling fans....

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November 6, 2013

Why Won’t Your Furnace Turn On?

If your furnace won’t turn on, it might be simple to fix. You may be able to troubleshoot the problem yourself with this step-by-step guide. If there’s no heat: Make sure the thermostat is set to heating mode. Check that power switch is set to the On position. If it’s on but not working, there could be a short in the breaker box. If you’ve tried all of these, it could be the thermostat. When the furnace won’t fire: If there’s a pilot light, make sure that it’s lit and touches the thermocouple. If it’s lit but the burners don’t...

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