Month: November 2017

The holiday season is now in full swing. Thanksgiving is right around the corner and Christmas decorations have been in stores for weeks now. We all know that this season can get expensive. From throwing holiday parties and buying new decorations, to getting gifts for loved ones, it all adds up pretty quick. If you are looking for easy ways to make the holiday season a little less hard on your wallet, keep in mind these energy saving tips for your HVAC system. Remember, your air conditioning and heating system is the biggest energy consumer in your home. Making a few small changes to how your system operates can have a significant impact on your savings!

Here are tips to help you save money on heating your home this holiday season.

Indoors or Outdoors

Holiday parties may be the best part of Christmas, but constantly going in and out of your home can lower the efficiency of your HVAC system. If you are hosting a holiday party this season, make it an indoor or outdoor party. Pick one or the other. The stream of air from opening doors can increase heating demand, resulting in longer run times of your system and a higher utility bill.

Winterize You Home

To ensure that cold air is not getting into your home and warm air is not getting out, caulk and weather strip doors and windows. Also, seal air leaks around chimneys, in unfinished spaces behind closets and cabinets, and areas in the basement. By doing this, you should see immediate savings!

Get Cozy

Don’t take off your warm sweater when you get home. Instead, wear it inside and turn your thermostat down a little. For every degree you lower your thermostat, in the 60 – 70 degree range, you can save 5 percent on your heating costs.

Turn on Ceiling Fans

If you have ceiling fans in your home or apartment use them to your advantage to have more control over ventilation. During the winter months, switching your ceiling fans to run clockwise will trap heat inside. Turn ceiling fans on a low setting to push the hot air that rises back down.

Make Adjustments Based on Holiday Plans

If you are planning on visiting family out of town or traveling this holiday season, turn your thermostat down to 55 degrees. Turning your thermostat down while you are away for extended periods can cut your heating bill down 5 – 20 percent!

Upgrade Your Thermostat

Consider upgrading your home system to one that can adjust the thermostat for you or one you can adjust yourself from your smart phone when you are not home. Programmable and Wi-Fi thermostats optimize your energy savings by only heating your home when you are there or are awake to enjoy it.

Have questions?  Ask the experts at Advance Mechanical!

The expert technicians at Advance Mechanical have provided regular HVAC maintenance, replacement and installation for home and business owners all over eastern North Carolina. Our friendly, professional staff services ALL makes and models and we are a certified Trane Dealer. If you want to learn more about upgrading, maintaining or replacing your HVAC system, call us today at (252) 355-9191 or visit us online through our website AdvanceMechnc.com

The days are getting cooler and the leaves are changing colors. Not only does that mean it’s time to start enjoying pumpkin-flavored beverages and deciding on the perfect Thanksgiving side dish, but it is also time to think about your home heating system. Is it ready to handle this year’s chill? No one wants to be left without heat in the middle of cold weather. Regular maintenance can ensure trouble-free operation and help your system keep up with the seasonal temperature swings we often see in eastern North Carolina.

Here is a Winter Maintenance Checklist to help get your HVAC system ready for the cooler days to come!

Inside Your Home

• Replace and Clean Air Filters

Dirty HVAC filters can restrict airflow and make your system less efficient. Replace and clean air filters each month. If you haven’t done it in a while, now is the perfect time. Be sure to continue to do this each month.

• Adjust Supply Registers

We all know that cool air falls and warm air rises. Open a few supply registers on the first floor and close a few on the second floor. This is an especially good tip for commercial buildings with multiple levels.

• Make Sure Your Thermostat is Working Properly
• Check For Energy Leaks in Your Home

Most air is lost in the basement, attic and crawlspace, as well as windows and doors. Seal any energy leaks you see to keep your home better insulated, allowing your heating system to be more efficient.

• Set Your Thermostat

Set your thermostat as low as comfort permits. Remember that each degree over 68°F can add 3% to the amount of energy your unit needs for heating.

• Replace Batteries in Carbon Monoxide Detector and Test
• Listen to Your Unit

Turn your thermostat up to at least 75°F and wait for your heat to turn on. Listen to your HVAC unit. If you hear abnormal noises or banging, contact an HVAC professional.

Outdoor Units

• Clean Unit

You should take the time to clean your outdoor HVAC unit. Remove any debris, such as leaves, sticks, and dead bugs that have been trapped inside or around the bottom of the unit.

• Inspect Fan Motor and Fan Blades

Inspect fan motor and fan blades for wear and damage. Make note of any damages you see and enlist the help of an HVAC professional to make repairs.

• Get an Expert to Inspect Your System

Still Have Questions? Ask the Experts at Advance Mechanical!

The expert technicians at Advance Mechanical have provided regular HVAC maintenance for home and business owners all over eastern North Carolina. Our friendly professional staff services ALL makes and models and we are a certified Trane Dealer. If you want to learn more about our maintenance plans, call us today at (252) 355-9191 or visit us online to learn about the benefits of becoming a Comfort Club Member.