SHOULD I REPLACE OR REPAIR MY CURRENT EQUIPMENT?
There are four main questions that need to be considered when deciding whether to replace or repair your heating system:
- How old is your system? If your system is more than ten years old, it may be wiser to invest in new, higher efficiency equipment which would cut your energy costs up to 40%.
- What is the efficiency level of your current indoor weather system? Unfortunately, replacing parts of your old system will not improve the efficiency. If the energy savings of using a higher efficiency still cover all or part of the cost of investing in new equipment, you should seriously consider replacing it.
- What is the overall condition of your current system? If your system is in solid condition, it could be simply wiser to repair it. However, if your system breaks down often, you should consider replacing it.
- Are you planning to move soon? If you are moving in the next year or two and believe investing in a new indoor weather system will improve the value of your home, you should consider making an investment. If you plan to stay in your current residence or commercial site for many more years, it may also be wise to go ahead and invest in your future.
HOW CAN I REDUCE ALLERGENS AND INCREASE HUMIDITY IN MY HOME?
With a high efficiency air cleaner, you can remove up to 99% of the pollen and spores that find their way into the home. There is also great reduction in household dust, dirt, smoke, and other air pollutants. Your indoor air will become cleaner and fresher while reducing allergens and dust that circulate throughout the house. With a whole house humidifier, you can relieve the irritating discomfort of dry indoor air. The humidifier reduces itchy skin, scratchy throats, static electricity, and damage to your furnishings and woodwork. Since humid air feels warmer than dry air, you do not have to set the thermostat as high to feel the comfort you want. A lower thermostat setting will reduce the cost of your energy bill. A humidifier improves your comfort while increasing the energy efficiency of your indoor weather system.
HOW CAN I REDUCE MY ENERGY COSTS IN THE WINTER?
- Limit the loss of expensive heated air to the outside. Use kitchen, bath and other ventilating fans sparingly.
- Keep fireplace dampers tightly closed until you prepare to light a fire.
- When using your fireplace, limit the amount of heated air drawn from the rest of the home. Open dampers in the bottom of the firebox if provided, or open the closest window about 1 inch and close any doors leading into the room.
- Draft-proof windows, doors and other air leaks. Caulking and weather stripping are reasonably easy to install so you may be able to save money by doing the job yourself.
- Lower your thermostat to about 65 degrees F during the day (when not at home) and at night. For each degree you turn down your thermostat, you’ll save about 3% on your heating bills. Consider the comfort and convenience of a programmable thermostat to do this for you, or you may prefer a WiFi thermostat for remote access control.
- Keep your heating equipment operating efficiently. Check the filter in your forced air heating system each month, and replace as recommended. Check the duct work, that is readily accessible, for air leaks about once a year. Keep the heating system well tuned with periodic maintenance by Randerson Heating & Cooling.
- Insulate your attic floor or top floor ceiling to reduce heat loss.
- Consider installing storm windows and doors.
- If you have an attached garage, keep your garage door closed. This will prevent cold winds from filtrating the connecting door and other areas between the house and garage.
SHOULD I CONSIDER AN ENERGY SAVINGS AGREEMENT?
Proper care of your equipment can save you real dollars on your utility bills. Some air conditioning and heating problems can double operating costs without reducing comfort. Just 100th of an inch of dirt or film on an evaporator coil can reduce cooling and heating efficiency by 5%. All leading manufacturers recommend regular maintenance to maintain peak performance. An energy savings agreement from Randerson Heating & Cooling will give you the peace of mind that your system is operating at optimum efficiency and performance.