Tips For Lowering Energy Bills in Northern Kentucky With HVAC System Optimization

by wfcadmin

As a homeowner in Northern Kentucky, you’re likely no stranger to the fluctuating energy costs that come with maintaining a comfortable indoor environment throughout the year. While most people view an increased energy bill as an indicator that they’ll need to sacrifice comfort in order to save money, there are actually ways to reduce energy consumption and lower your bills without having to do so. By optimizing your HVAC system, you can increase its efficiency and minimize energy waste during both the hottest and coldest months of the year.

Today, we’re here to share those valuable tips with you so that you can lower your energy bill and improve the overall performance of your HVAC system:

Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance

Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your HVAC system in top shape. At Steve’s Heating & Cooling, we recommend hiring a certified HVAC technician to inspect your system at least once a year, ideally before the start of the heating or cooling season. During your annual inspection, the HVAC technician will clean the components of your unit, check for any issues, and ensure that everything is running efficiently. This proactive approach can prevent sudden breakdowns, improves performance, and ultimately saves energy in the long run.

Replace Air Filters

When was the last time you replaced the air filters in your unit? Clogged or dirty air filters restrict your unit’s airflow, forcing your HVAC system to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. This not only decreases efficiency, but also leads to higher energy consumption.

We recommend replacing your air filters every 1-3 months, depending on how hard your HVAC unit is put to work. Replacing your air filters is one of the simplest, most cost-effective ways to optimize your system’s performance and lower your energy bill.

Install A Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats allow you to set different temperatures for your home at different times of the day. By taking advantage of this feature, you can reduce energy waste while you’re away from home or asleep.

For example, during the summer months, you can set the thermostat to increase the temperature while you’re gone at work, then lower it shortly before you return so that the house is cool and comfortable when you get back. This ensures that energy is only being used when necessary, resulting in substantial savings over time.

Some thermostats even offer the ability to control the heating and cooling in different areas of your home. For example, if you don’t use your basement during the winter months, you can lower the temperature in that area to save energy.

Seal & Insulate

If any air leaks are present around the windows, doors, and ductwork in your home, then that could lead to a significant impact on your HVAC system’s efficiency. By sealing those leaks and cracks with caulk or weatherstripping, you can prevent conditioned air from escaping your home and unconditioned air from entering.

By insulating your home properly, especially the attic and walls, you can minimize heat transfer, which in turn will reduce strain on your HVAC system and save you money in the long run.

Utilize Ceiling Fans

Most individuals only think to use ceiling fans during the warmer months. While ceiling fans certainly help cool your home during the summer, they also help with heat circulation during the winter.

By using ceiling fans in conjunction with your HVAC system, you can set your thermostat a few degrees higher in the summer and a few degrees lower in the winter, resulting in energy savings without sacrificing comfort.

Consider Upgrading To Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems

How long have you had your HVAC unit? If your HVAC unit is outdated or nearing the end of its lifespan, it may be time to consider an upgrade. As technology continues to advance, newer HVAC unit models are designed with energy efficiency in mind, providing better performance while consuming less energy.

Look for systems with high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioners and high Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings for furnaces. Although the upfront cost may be higher, the long-term energy savings make it a worthwhile investment.

Conclusion

Lowing your energy bill doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following the tips listed above and optimizing your HVAC system, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption and enjoy a more comfortable home while saving money. Remember, small changes and regular maintenance can go a long way in improving energy efficiency. Start implementing these strategies today and enjoy the benefits for years to come!

Let Steve’s Heating & Cooling Handle Your HVAC Needs

Are you in need of annual HVAC system maintenance? Maybe your unit is outdated, and you’re looking to explore options for upgrading? Look no further than Steve’s Heating & Cooling! Our certified team of HVAC technicians are happy to evaluate the current state of your HVAC system and offer solutions on how you can save money. What are you waiting for? Contact our team today!

Why You Should Filter Your Air

by wfcadmin

Dirty air is a big problem. The World Health Organization estimates that over 6 million people die each year from the combined effects of household air pollution and ambient air pollution. Outdoor air pollution has been an issue for a long time, but people don’t tend to give as much thought to the quality of the air indoors. Indoor air is usually between 2-5 times dirtier than outdoor air, and that number is much higher if you use any sort of solid or liquid fuel to heat your home, like wood or oil. Indoor air is dirty because, for the most part, dust doesn’t have anywhere to go. In recent years, doors have become less drafty and windows have become less leaky. While this is great for electricity bills, all the dust particles that got carried outside by those drafts now remain inside the home. Even with constant washing and vacuuming (and we’re willing to wager that the average American doesn’t vacuum as often as they should), indoor air is still pretty dirty.

It’s counterintuitive, but the smaller the dust particle, the more dangerous it is. Big dust particles get stuck in the nose and throat and eventually get breathed out. Small particles escape these safeguards and end up going into your lungs, where they get absorbed into your blood. That’s bad for you whether the particle was toxic or not, and they sometimes are. What’s worse, a 2016 British study showed that air pollution is ubiquitously bad for everyone. Though unsurprising, that statistic only confirms what people had already suspected: they should be breathing cleaner air. The most effective way to achieve this is with an air filter. Steve’s Heating offers installation of Trane’s CleanEffects™ whole-home air filter. These are much more effective than standalone air filters or purifiers, which only clean the air directly around them. There’s an added bonus in that the Trane filter traps much, much smaller particles than HEPA filters, which are currently the gold standard for filtration. If that’s not enough to convince you, here are some other reasons you should consider purifying your air at home:

Reason 1: you live with a smoker

The first thing you should know about cigarettes and air purifiers is that they do a great job of dealing with the smell of cigarette smoke. The second thing you should know is that air purifiers don’t make cigarette smoke any less dangerous, even though they deal with smoke odor. That’s because the dangerous parts of cigarette smoke are all gaseous pollutants, which air purifiers can’t do anything about—air purifiers can only clean particles from the air, which account for the smell of cigarette smoke. So, keep in mind that air purifiers will make living with a smoker much more pleasant, but they won’t make it healthier. The only way to do that is to make them quit.

Reason 2: You have pets

If you have pets, it’s likely that they are the biggest contributor of dust in your home. Pets not only ensure that your house will be dirtier and require more cleaning, but their dust can also be dangerous to people with asthma, young children, or people with respiratory problems. Even if you don’t have any people in your household who are put in danger by excess dust, it’s still an irritant that can cause a runny nose and scratchy throat.

Reason 3: You have allergies

Excess dust affects people regardless of whether or not they have allergies, but it can be a nightmare for people who do. Dust allergies are most commonly triggered by near-microscopic creatures called dust mites. They are so small that they cannot be seen by the naked eye—just a third of a millimeter—and their waste and dead bodies often float around in the air until they get inhaled or settle into fabric. Many of the people who experience symptoms of allergies in dusty homes are actually allergic to dust mites. Luckily, dust mites are not so small that they can escape Trane’s air purifier, which can pick up particles as small as .3 microns. For scale, that’s .00003 mm.

Reason 4: You just like the idea of breathing healthier air

Maybe you don’t have allergies, a sick baby, or pets. Maybe you just like the idea of breathing cleaner air. And why shouldn’t you? Your home is the one place that is completely yours, so it should be as comfortable and healthy as it can be. Purifying your air will make you feel better and give you the peace of mind you need to be your best self.

By now, you probably know a thing or two about dirty air and why it’s a problem. If you decide you want to take the next step, give Steve’s Heating a call. We’ll even provide a free estimate for installing the filter.

Modern home inside

The Value of Annual AC Maintenance

by wfcadmin

Spring is here, and that means it’s the time of year to arrange for a professional air conditioning maintenance. Routine spring maintenance is one of the biggest favors you can do for your AC—and for yourself and your family! We offer air conditioning maintenance in Northern Kentucky and the surrounding areas. If you call today, you’ll be able to arrange for a convenient time for the inspection and tune-up and be able to face the first hot day of 2019 with no worries. 

Why Annual Maintenance is Important

We can hear that nagging part of your brain telling you that this isn’t necessary. “Every year? That seems extreme. The AC is working fine, what’s the point in putting more money into it?” Please don’t listen to that voice. If you want the AC to pay back your initial investment in it and provide reliable cooling, you must have maintenance done each year. (Spring is the best time for it because it cleans and adjusts the system before you need it the most).

Here are some reasons annual maintenance is vital for an AC:

  • It removes wear, tear, and dirt. As an air conditioner runs, it starts to wear down—just like any machine. It also collects dirt, which gets into all the components and damages this. This accumulation of strain and dirt can mean extra, costly repairs to keep the AC running. Even worse, it can mean an AC that must be replaced years ahead of time. Without maintenance, an air conditioner can expect to last maybe 8 years. With maintenance, those years double!
  • It makes the system dependable. The hottest day of the year comes along, placing a large workload on the air conditioner. Do you want to worry that this extra strain will cause the air conditioner to break down and leave you with a hothouse? The best way to enjoy peace of mind that your air conditioner will fight its way through whatever the coming summer hurls at it is to have the system professionally tuned-up.
  • It keeps the AC from costing too much to run. The energy efficiency of your system is only good if the air conditioner receives annual maintenance. Each year that it misses maintenance, your unit’s efficiency will decline. You might end up paying 25% more for your home cooling annually than you should.

Having spring air conditioning maintenance done isn’t a chore. In fact, Steve’s Heating makes it easier than any other local heating and cooling company. We are pleased to be able to offer you membership in our unique Comfort Club.  Membership ensures that your systems will always be maintained and performing well. Additional benefits include:

  • Semi-annual precision tuneup and system inspection
  • 10% discount on all repairs
  • 24-hour emergency service with no overtime charges
  • Comfort Club membership is also transferable, if you decide to sell your home

Ready to get your AC in-shape for spring? Interested in the perks of our Comfort Club? Get in touch today.

AC Unit Summer

End-of-Summer HVAC Checklist

by wfcadmin

Fall is just around the corner. And since it’s America’s most popular season (according to a poll from YouGov), there’s a lot to look forward to. With temperatures in Kentucky averaging a 68º high and 42º low, fall is the perfect season to shut off your air conditioner, open the windows, and relax.

Indeed, fall is the time to give your air conditioner a break and settle into the cool weather before it’s time to reprogram your thermostat and dust off that thermostat. Because of that, the end of summer is also the perfect time to get both your air conditioner and furnace ready for the colder months ahead.

So for your convenience, we put together a handy checklist you can consult when figuring out what to do with your HVAC system at the end of summer.

Central Air Conditioner Checklist

  • Remove and clean the fan
  • Straighten the fins of the outdoor unit
  • Vacuum the fins
  • Spray the fins with a hose
  • Clean the evaporator coils
  • Replace the filter with a HEPA-certified one
  • Cover the top of the condenser unit with a tarp
    • But not the entire thing

The best way to get your air conditioner ready for its long rest ahead is to make sure it’s clean and covered before autumn hits. Most central A/C units are very similar, so you shouldn’t have any trouble taking them apart if it’s your first time. If you’re having trouble removing the fan or finding where the filter is, try a few YouTube searches of your unit’s model number. If that doesn’t work, you’re best off just calling a professional.

To straighten the fins, you can either use a dinner knife or a fin comb. You’re more likely to have a dinner knife lying around, but fin combs do the job much better.

When you cover your outdoor A/C unit, you should never cover it all the way, like you would cover a grill. You should only cover the top. If you cover it all the way, moisture will get trapped inside the unit which will quickly mold and rust. Instead, just cover the top. In fact, a wooden plank a little larger than the unit itself will work fine for this.

While this is an excellent list for getting your air conditioner ready for it’s long rest and subsequent revival, there are still a lot of things that only a professional should do, such as checking the coolant levels or diagnosing oil leaks.

Furnace Checklist

  • Make sure the condensation drain isn’t clogged
  • Make sure the exhaust outlets aren’t clogged
  • Check for leaks in your ductwork and seal with them metal tape
  • Clean your vents and air registers
  • Switch your damper if you have one
  • Oil your blower
  • Replace the filter

A furnace’s filter is usually located around the base of the unit itself. If you’re having trouble finding it, consult your owners manual (a copy is usually on the manufacturer’s website if you don’t have it handy). Most of these steps can be accomplished without any special knowhow. Many furnaces have a sliding panel at the front that opens up, but yours might not. Again, owner’s manuals and Google are your friend here.

Dampers are switches that switch the flow of air between the air conditioner and furnace. If you don’t have a separate set of ducts for your air conditioner and furnace, you almost definitely have dampers. The location of your dampers depends, but they usually look like a round knob on the side of one of your ducts.

The inside of a furnace is an especially fragile place. If you don’t know what you’re doing, it’s easy to break an essential part of your furnace: the igniter. Some furnaces have a pilot light, a small flame that burns all year long, and others have an ignition key, a piece of metal that heats up to ignite the flame. The ignition key is fragile, and it’s easy to damage if you aren’t careful. If you break your ignition key, not only will your furnace not produce any heat, but it could fill your home with explosive natural gas. If you’re at all worried about this, it’s best to call in for maintenance.

Other Things to Do

  • Dust your fans
  • Switch your thermostat programming
  • Test your thermostat
  • Schedule maintenance

Once you shut off your central A/C unit for the season, it’s time to run your ceiling fans! Ceiling fans help to circulate air and help the room feel more comfortable. But if you haven’t used yours in awhile, they’re probably covered in dust. Grab a ladder and some wipes and dust it clean.

You should also pay attention to your thermostat. Switch your thermostat from cooling to heating mode, and make sure you test it. An easy way to do that is by turning the thermostat to a few degrees hotter than it currently reads. So if your house is currently 70ºs, you should crank the thermostat up to 72º and wait a few minutes. If all is well, you should hear the furnace turn on and begin heating the home. If you don’t hear anything, you should get your equipment looked at.

Call Steve’s Heating and Cooling for Thorough Maintenance All Year Long

When it comes to keeping your HVAC system running smoothly, there is a lot you can do to keep your home comfortable and your energy bills low. But there are many things, like cleaning your heating coils, that only a professional should do. Without an expert’s expertise, you’re liable to ruin your system—a costly mistake.

So if you’re serious about taking care of your HVAC system, schedule a visit from Steve’s Heating. Our team has years of HVAC experience and will get your maintenance done in half the time it’d take you to do yourself. Plus, our Comfort Club members get 10% off any repairs that are needed.