home energy Archives - Page 2 of 3

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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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 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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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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August 19, 2013

Develop a Long-Term, Energy-Savings Strategy for Your Charlotte Area Home

The majority of your energy consumption is used to heat and cool your home. Therefore, the best energy-savings strategy begins with an efficient HVAC system. If your budget can’t accommodate a whole-system upgrade, you can develop a two to three year plan, prioritizing the most important upgrades first. Here is a step-by-step, energy-savings strategy. Use licensed and certified contractors. Make sure you hire a licensed HVAC contractor who employs NATE certified technicians. This will ensure that your service is performed by knowledgeable professionals who keep up with current industry standards. Change your filter. The more you use your heating and...

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August 12, 2013

Keeping a High Efficiency Air Conditioner Running at its Best: 3 Key Tips

Running the air conditioner all summer can lead to increased energy bills, even for homeowners with high-efficiency air conditioners. Purchasing an A/C system with a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (or SEER) isn’t the last step in ensuring a high efficiency air conditioner. Efficiency ratings refer to operation of A/C units in strictly controlled testing conditions, but reality does not match those test conditions and factors like climate and installation can greatly affect the actual operating performance of your unit. Boost the operating performance of your A/C unit by following these 3 tips: 1. Improve airflow: Air is cooled as...

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August 5, 2013

The Energy Star Logo Can Be a Guiding Light for Efficient HVAC Upgrades

Upgrading your HVAC system can be a big step toward home energy savings. Among the many features you should look for, the Energy Star logo is one of the most important. Systems certified by the Energy Star program are top of the line regarding efficiency. If you’re in need of a first time installation or a replacement for an existing system, can help. We’ll relay all your options and allow you to take advantage of our selection of Energy Star-certified systems for your home. Looking for better efficiency, lower energy bills, and overall better quality comfort? Look no further than...

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January 25, 2013

Federal Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling

As part of the legislation designed to avoid the “fiscal cliff,” President Obama recently signed a bill that retroactively reinstates tax credits for energy-efficient heating and air conditioning equipment. The previous bill relating to the program had expired on December 31st, 2011. The restoration of residential energy tax credits was extended from January 1, 2012, through December 31, 2013, for equipment that qualifies under the Internal Revenue Code: Section 25C. Since the tax credits are retroactive, consumers can apply them toward any heating or AC Installation that occurs during the qualifying period. 25C Federal Tax Credits The requirements for federal...

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December 21, 2012

Eco-Friendly Options for Heating and Air in Kannapolis NC

If you are looking for eco-friendly options for your heating and air in Kannapolis NC, turn to our expert staff at All Temp Air Conditioning & Heating for answers. Our NATE-Certified technicians are knowledgeable about the latest trends and advances in the HVAC industry. We offer high-efficiency solutions for your home from Carrier, one of the most innovative brands in the industry. Lowering Energy Costs With a New System To truly be Eco-friendly, it is important to start with the right heating and air system. Replacing your aging system with one of our high-efficiency Carrier brand models can reduce your...

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