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!

What Is HVAC & What Does It Stand For?

by wfcadmin

As a homeowner, you may be easily confused by the term “HVAC.” Sure, you’ve heard it before and probably have a general understanding as to what HVAC is, but do you really know all of the types of services that fall under the HVAC umbrella?

Today, we will go into further detail regarding what exactly HVAC is, along with the several types of services that fall under it.

What is HVAC?

HVAC is defined as Heating, Ventilation, and Air Cooling. The term refers to the different systems used for moving air between indoor and outdoor areas, along with heating and cooling your property. HVAC is what keeps you warm & cozy during the winter, and cold & fresh during the summer. Additionally, HVAC systems are used to control the quality of air in your home, filtering out dust, allergens, and other particles that may be present.

How does HVAC work?

Put simply, HVAC equipment is meant to move air, whether it’s heating or cooling an indoor space. Typically, HVAC systems contain three major elements: a heating unit, cooling unit, and duct to move the air.

In some cases, your equipment may be separate. This is commonly seen in radiant systems combined with window air conditioning units. More commonly, we see combined systems, such as central heating and AC systems that use a single blower to circulate air via internal ducts in a home, or with a ductless system for different rooms or zones in the house.

HVAC Basics

Most people don’t want to know how their HVAC unit works until it stops working. With HVAC repairs and replacements being relatively costly, it is important to learn how your HVAC unit works so that you can properly maintain it and avoid repairs down the line.

Heating Your Home: How It Works

The majority of homes in North America rely on a central furnace to provide heat in their home. The furnace is responsible for blowing heated air through the ducts that deliver warm air throughout the house. Below, you can find more information regarding how the process of heating your home works.

Furnace – Generates heat through electrical energy or burning its fuel source (typically gas, but can be propane or oil as well).

Heat Pump – When heating, the heat pump absorbs heat from the outdoor unit and transfers it inside. A common myth is that heat pumps

Cooling Your Home: How It Works

A common myth is that air conditioners create cold air for your home. This is not the case, as air conditioners and heat pumps actually absorb heat from within a home, then move it to the outdoor unit. Below, you can find a more information regarding some of the most important aspects of an air conditioning unit.

Refrigerant – Your cooling unit uses a chemical compound called refrigerant to absorb environmental heat and provide cool air once run through compressors and evaporators. It is important to make sure that you use the right kind of refrigerant, as the incorrect one can damage your unit.

Heat Pump – Opposite to its’ function in heating, a heat pump can do the reverse during the cooling stage. During cooling, the heat pump is responsible for absorbing heat from the inside and transferring it outside.

Ventilating Your Home: How It Works

Ventilation is defined as the process of replacing or exchanging air within a space. This results in better quality of air in addition to the removal of moisture, dust, allergens, etc. Listed below are some of the key points for ventilation in your home.

Ductwork – The system of ducts (metal or synthetic tubes) responsible for transporting air from the HVAC equipment throughout your home.

Chimney Flue / Vent Stack – Used to get rid of excess heat.

HVAC Maintenance

If you happen to notice any problems with the heating and cooling, or quality of air in your home, then it is probably time to get your HVAC equipment serviced. We recommend staying away from DIY projects, as any mistakes could cost you significantly more money in the long run.

Below, we have listed the 5 most common signs that indicate your HVAC unit may require a maintenance or repair.

  • Change In Airflow
  • Increased Energy Bill
  • Old Age
  • Noises and Smells
  • Excess Moisture or Dust

Since homeowners rely on their HVAC system to keep them comfortable year round, regular maintenance is recommended to ensure that your system produces and distributes air how you’d like it to.

Choose Steve’s Heating & Cooling

Have any questions regarding your HVAC unit? Give us a call today!

Since 1975, Steve’s Heating and Cooling has serviced thousands of comfort systems throughout the Northern Kentucky area, focusing on offering only the best heating and cooling services. We provide quality installation, service, and replacement of heating and air conditioning comfort systems in single system homes, multiple system homes, multi-family dwellings, and commercial properties.

 

Nest thermostat on a grey wall

5 Ways A Nest Thermostat Could Save You Money

by wfcadmin

Maybe you saw it at your doctor’s office, or the first time you walked into your friend’s newly renovated home. Maybe you saw a story about it on the news, or it was in the background of a photo you saved to your “Home Inspiration” board in Pinterest. We’ve all seen one: that small, circular surface with the brightly lit interface that always seems to pop up in trendy spaces. What is it?
It’s a Nest brand thermostat, or more specifically, the Nest Learning Thermostat. The “learning” feature is perhaps the most innovative; the thermostat learns what temperature you like and builds a schedule around it. Something so high-tech has to be completely out of budget for the average homeowner, right? Wrong! A Nest Thermostat can actually save you money—here’s how.

1. Never forget to adjust the temperature again

After using the Nest Thermometer for a week, it will remember your heating preferences. Do you turn the heat down when you leave for work in the morning, or adjust it to cool your home right before you go to sleep? By remembering these preferences, the Nest Thermostat automates these changes so that you don’t have to think about it, and more importantly, will save you from accidentally leaving your heat on all day and running up your bill.

2. Get rid of costly standing fans and heaters for priority rooms

Maybe you like a warm home but a cool bedroom, or maybe you can only get work done in your office while it’s nice and toasty but the rest of your family hates the heat. With Nest thermostats, you can set up zoning in your home so that different areas can be heated or cooled differently. This means you can say goodbye to additional space heaters or standing fans. Those are notorious energy-wasters, and having a solution for those will save you money long term.

3. Have complete control over temperature with mobile app, wherever you are

It’s your house, so you should be in control. Never worry about the temperature of your home again. Your house can be set to “Away” mode for extended periods of time. This is great for things like vacations. Do you have pets at home, or maybe a relative will be in your home while you’re away? Nothing to worry about, your temperature can be easily adjusted and then readjusted to accommodate changing situations, even when you’re remote.

4. Safety features save you from costly home disasters

If your home is experiencing extreme heat or cold, Nest will send you alert to avoid damage being done. This is a safety net against huge potential dangers–and thus, potential expenses– for your home, like pipes freezing or overheating your home. Never worry about an unexpected heat or cold wave again, with a Nest Thermostat, your home and your money can be safeguarded with the touch of a button.

5. The first thermostat to get the ENERGY STAR CERTIFIED

If you’re not yet convinced, you can trust the experts at Energy Star. They are committed to putting their stamp on products that benefit the consumer and the planet, so having a thermostat be energy star certified is huge. One of Nest Thermostat’s ultimate is Eco mode, which can optimize and choose the best, most cost and energy efficient temperature for your home. This type of innovation is what earned them their energy star certification, and also makes them the best choice for cost-conscious consumers.

Those are just the obvious reasons a Nest Thermostat can save you money. Get in touch with the experts at Steve’s Heating to start taking advantage of this new, efficient, money-saving technology today.