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!

9 Tricks To Save Money Heating Your Home This Winter

by wfcadmin

Imagine the perfect winter day, where you are bundled up on the couch, staying nice and warm, and are enjoying a cup of hot tea while watching the snow fall. Then, suddenly, your heating bill arrives for the month.

Now, your day isn’t so perfect anymore…

As you may already know, home heating is one of the most expensive utilities that you pay for as a homeowner. In most cases, heating makes up for more than 40% of a utility bill. While this amount is certainly substantial, there are several things that you can do to reduce the amount of money spent on heating your home each month.

Why Is My Bill So High?

Heating bills vary greatly among each household and family. At the end of the day, your heating bill is determined by the condition of your home, the state of your furnace, and the rate at which you use your furnace at. Listed below are ways that these factors can affect your heating bill:

Condition of your home: In homes that lack proper insulation, you can expect to experience heat loss. The same is true for windows and doors that are poorly sealed, or if you have air leaks around your power outlets or fireplace.

State of your furnace: Older furnaces use more fuel and energy than a newer, energy-efficient one does.

Habits/Preferences: Some homeowners adjust their thermostat on a regular basis, while some use the “set it and forget it” approach. People who “set it and forget it” are more likely to have a higher heating bill. That’s because with this approach, your home is heated equally when you are out on vacation, sleeping, etc. Additionally, if the people in your home prefer to wear short sleeves indoors during this time of year, then you will likely need to keep your home warmer.

Common Areas of Heat Loss

One of the first steps in figuring out how to reduce your heating bill is identifying areas in your home that are experiencing heat loss. Since homes are not air-tight, this means that any small cracks or crevices in your home are susceptible candidates. Some of the most common areas in homes that experience heat loss are:

  • Windows
  • Doors
  • Roofs
  • Walls
  • Fireplaces
  • Power outlets

On the flip side, these cracks and crevices can allow for cold air to enter into your home. In order to save the most money, it is important to make sure that you are identifying and taking action with these areas in your home year-round.

9 Tricks To Save Money On Heating

You now know a bit more about why your energy bill is higher during the winter. Next, we’ll help you take the right steps to get your bill lower than it was during the previous winter months. Check out our list of tips below:

1. Turn Down Your Water Heater

Nothing feels better than a hot shower during the winter, we get it. However, what if we told you that you could save 11% on water heating costs by slightly reducing your water heater’s temperature AND still taking hot showers?

By cutting your water heater’s temperature from 140°F to 120°F, you can save a tremendous amount of money on monthly water heating costs. In addition, according to the California Energy Commission, cutting shower length in half can also save up to 33% on water heating costs.

Turning down your water heater is one of the easiest and most efficient ways to save money on your monthly heating bill.

2. Replace Furnace Filters

Aside from cleaning the air, changing your furnace filters will ensure that your furnace is operating at its optimal efficiency. When air filters are covered in dust and debris, the clogged material forces your unit to work harder, ultimately raising energy costs.

3. Seal Air Leaks

From doors and windows, to outlets and fireplaces, these areas must be properly sealed in order to prevent your home’s heat from drifting outdoors. Listed below are some tips and tricks to help seal up any air leaks you may have in your home:

  • Make sure all doors and windows are closed tightly.
  • Replace weather-stripping as needed.
  • Use plastic window kits to insulate leaks.

4. Turn Down Your Thermostat

Everyone has their own preference when it comes to heating their home during the winter. But did you know that you can save roughly 5% on room heating costs by lowering your thermostat just 2-3 degrees?

Doing so certainly means changing up your way of doing things – but the benefits are all there. In most cases, people who turn their thermostat down 2-3 degrees end up being just as comfortable as they were prior to making the change. Why not give it a try?

5. Close Unused Vents

Are there rooms in your house that you barely use? By closing the vents in those rooms, you can redirect your furnace’s heat so that it gets occupied by the rooms in your home that you use regularly.

6. Turn On Your Ceiling Fan

Most people hold the belief that ceiling fans are solely meant to keep you cool during the summer. While ceiling fans are certainly great at doing that, they also offer benefits for heating your home. Ceiling fans that run clockwise can be used to help distribute warm air throughout your home.

Not sure if your blade is spinning clockwise? Stand under the fan blades while the fan is spinning. If the fan is spinning clockwise, then you will not feel any air blowing down on you.

7. Check Your Insulation

On average, attics should have at least 11 inches of fiberglass insultation. Without it, you can expect to lose a great deal of heat to the upper level of your home.

Haven’t laid down your insulation yet? It’s important to make sure you seal up any cracks in the attic floor before applying insulation.

8. Turn Off Bathroom Fan

After a hot shower, most people think to turn on the exhaust fan switch. During the winter, we recommend opening a door instead. This will allow the humid air from the steam to migrate to nearby areas in the home, ultimately warming the air.

9. Use The Heat From The Sun

Although you might not see as much of the sun during the winter, it is not gone entirely. On sunny days, we recommend opening any blinds, shades, or curtains to capture the warmth from the sun. Once it starts to get dark outside, close them to reduce the chill from cold windows.

Still Not Saving Money? Let Steve’s Heating & Cooling Handle It

If you have followed all of the steps listed above and still aren’t noticing a change on your energy bill, then your HVAC unit is likely the problem. Contact Steve’s Heating & Cooling today to inquire about our HVAC repair and replacement services.

Since our inception in 1975, we have installed and serviced thousands of comfort systems throughout the Northern Kentucky area. By choosing Steve’s Heating & Cooling, you can be assured that you are getting the highest quality HVAC service!

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.

 

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.

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.