Category: Blog

Many home owners inherently change their thermostat setting with the seasons to ensure home comfort but suffer the consequences of outrageous utility bills. You shouldn’t have to compromise comfort for saving. No matter the season, these recommended thermostat settings will help prepare your thermostat’s heating and air conditioning and are sure to save you some money along the way.

Recommended Thermostat Settings

Your home’s temperature should change with the seasons. The smaller the difference between the external temperature and the internal temperature of your home, the less work your HVAC unit is going to have to do, which ultimately saves you money.

Winter

During the colder months of the year, you can save energy and keep your costs in check by setting your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit while you are at home and setting it 5 – 8 degrees lower when you are away.

Depending on your home comfort preferences, you might also consider lowering your home’s temperature at night while you sleep. Many people find sleeping in cooler temperatures ideal and lowering the temperature of your home while you sleep will have the same energy and cost saving effects as lowering the temperature while you are away. You can save as much as 10% a year on your utility bill by simply turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting.

Summer

In the summer, to achieve maximum home comfort and energy savings, it is generally recommended to set your thermostat’s cooling system to 78 degrees Fahrenheit while at home.

You can follow the same strategy with your air conditioning as you did in the winter months with your heat, just in reverse. You will save energy and money by keeping your home’s temperature slightly higher while you are away in the summer, just as decreasing the temperature while you are away from home in the winter helps you save.

It is estimated that for each degree higher you set your home’s temperature over 78 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer, that you could save approximately six to eight percent off your utility bill, per degree.

No matter the season, adjusting your thermostat setting anytime your house is vacant for four or more hours per day can help save you energy. When you are going to be away from home for several hours consider adjusting the temperature 5 – 8 degrees (down in winter, up in summer).

It’s important to note that indoor home humidity plays a role in the comfort of the air in your home as well. Read our blog, Ways to Lower Your Home Humidity, to help you reach your maximum home comfort level.

Benefits of Installing a Programmable Thermostat

Although thermostats can be adjusted manually, programmable thermostats will help you avoid adjusting temperatures before/after you wake and when leaving/returning home. Installing a programmable thermostat will allow you to save on your utility bill and run a scheduled heating and cooling program without having to remember to manually change your settings throughout the day.

When programming your thermostat, take into consideration your daily routine. Do you like to sleep in a cool house? If so, you might want to start the temperature setback a bit ahead of the time you actually go to bed. During the winter to ensure the house is nice and warm when you wake up, you might want to set the thermostat so the heat comes on a bit before you actually get up. Also consider the routines of others in your household. Is there a time during the day when the house is unoccupied for four or more hours? If so, this may be a perfect opportunity to save some energy and adjust the temperature accordingly.

Programmable digital thermostats are designed to maximize the performance of your heating and air conditioning system. Most programmable thermostats are able to automatically adjust the temperature in your home up to six or more times per day. They also allow you to manually override the automatic settings at any time without interrupting the already set programming. Ultimately, programmable thermostats allow you to save money and energy, and offer ease of use and piece of mind.

Check out the energy and money saving programmable thermostats offered by Advance Mechanical here!

Humidity in the summer is inevitable, especially for those of us living in eastern North Carolina.  Between the naturally humid climate and everyday indoor moisture producers such as showering and cooking, it is easy to see why excess indoor humidity is an issue for so many of us.  This guide will give you the tools to identify a humid home, reduce the unwanted moisture, and get you back to your summer fun.

Why is excess indoor humidity bad?

High indoor humidity is a commonly underestimated home hazard.  In addition to being generally uncomfortable, excess indoor humidity can lead to an unhealthy environment. Dust mites, fleas, harmful chemicals, allergens, pathogens, and other unwanted visitors are more abundant in humid conditions.

Indoor humidity levels fluctuate depending on outdoor environment and season, but should ideally stay around 45 percent.  

Signs of a Humid Home

“How can I tell if my home is too humid?”  If you are living with some or all of the following signs, it may be time to take action to reduce your indoor humidity level.

• Water damage / Stains
• Condensation / Foggy windows
• Musty odor
• Increased dust mites and/or fleas
• Swelling / Rotting wood
• Rusting and other oxidation
• ‘Wet’ feeling air
• Increased allergy symptoms
• Increased asthma symptoms
• Sleep problems

If you are still unsure whether or not your home is overly humid, ask an Advance Mechanical specialist about FooBot.  FooBot is the first intelligent device dedicated to indoor health and wellness.  It helps us set the humidity of a room to create a more comfortable environment for the whole family.

Ways to Reduce Indoor Humidity

Some minor interior adjustments and lifestyle changes are recommended to help maintain your ideal indoor humidity level.  Even though these recommendations involve some costs, they will save energy, save you money, and improve your family’s health (pets included).

Ventilation

The most effective tool in reducing indoor humidity is ventilation.  Use vent fans whenever possible in kitchens, bathrooms, and other moisture rich areas of your home.  Opening a window for a few minutes can help to dry the air as well.  Increasing ventilation increases airflow, which ultimately reduces humidity.

Fans

The use of ceiling fans increases airflow and aids evaporation.

Short Cool Showers

Bathrooms are infamous for excessively humid conditions.  Long, hot showers produce steam, which creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew growth in addition to raising your home’s humidity.  Short, cool showers reduce steam, humidity, mold, and mildew.

Cooking Control

Cover pots/pans when cooking to reduce moisture in the air.  The use of exhaust fans and slow cookers will also reduce moisture associated with stovetop cooking.

Air Conditioning

Warmer air is capable of holding greater amounts of moisture.  Running your air conditioner will remove moisture at the condenser.  Humidity will decrease as the air cools.  Lowering the airflow speed of your air conditioner lowers the temperature of the evaporator coil, which produces less coil sweat and less humidity.

Pan Pad Treatment

When hot, humid air passes through the cooling coil in your HVAC unit, condensation collects in a drip pan.  If left standing, the water in this pan becomes a stale, slimy breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria.  At Advance Mechanical we offer an EPA registered, time released pan treatment strip to keep drain lines and pans clean, reduce indoor humidity, and prevent bacteria growth.

Dehumidifiers

Using a dehumidifier is recommended if you live in an older, less ventilated home or if interior adjustments have been ineffective.  Close windows and doors, and situate your dehumidifier away from walls and furniture for optimal performance.  Dehumidifiers come in many shapes and sizes and utilize a variety of technologies.  It is important to research the different types (desiccant dehumidifiers, mechanical/refrigerant dehumidifiers, and peltier dehumidifiers) to ensure that you purchase the one best suited to your situation and lifestyle.

Still have questions?  Ask the experts at Advance Mechanical!

The expert technicians at Advance Mechanical routinely address indoor air quality issues for home and business owners all over eastern North Carolina.  If you are struggling with indoor humidity and would like to learn more about our in-home moisture control methods, call us today at (252) 606-5049.

When faced with HVAC repair issues in the blistering heat of summer many homeowners ask themselves – should I repair or replace my air conditioner? Maybe this is the first time your unit has called it quits, maybe you have been dealing with reoccurring repairs all year long or maybe your utility bill has simply gotten out of hand. Whatever it may be, the decision to repair or replace your air conditioner is not an easy one. Each situation stands on it’s own and many factors need to be considered to help answer your question. We have compiled the following guidelines to help with your decision.

Recognize the Time for Repair vs. Replacement

Air Conditioner Age – Most HVAC technicians recommend upgrading to an energy-efficient unit if your current central air conditioner is 10-15 years or older. Although some systems may last longer than others, all systems will increasingly lose energy efficiency over time, costing you more energy dollars in the long run.

Frequent Breakdowns – If you are making monthly service calls to keep your system up and running, it may be time to consider replacement. On the other hand, if your system is serviced routinely and you haven’t experienced regular breakdowns, a repair may be easier on your wallet.

Uneven Temperatures – Uneven temperatures in your home may be an indicator that your air conditioner needs to be replaced or repaired.

Noise – Your system can become excessively noisy and even turn off unexpectedly if it is having to overexert itself to keep up with the cooling demands of your home. The excessive noise could indicate that your system needs to be replaced or repaired. Having a regular maintenance schedule and annual professional maintenance done can help preserve the function of your system and prevent problems before they occur.

Benefits to Replacing Your HVAC System

Cost Savings – Recent advances in A/C technology have greatly improved energy efficiency. In many cases, a great deal of energy can be saved by upgrading to a newer, more efficient system. By calculating your Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) you can determine how efficiently your current system is running. Depending on your EER, upgrading could save you 20% to 40% on heating and cooling costs.

EER calculation: You can calculate your EER by taking the total BTU (British Thermal Unit) of heat rejected, or actual cooling per hour and diving it by the watts of electricity used to reject the heat.

New Warranties – Many newer units come with warranties from their manufactures. Warranties will help you save on repair costs should any issues arise with your new unit.

Improved Indoor Air Quality – In comparison to older systems, new equipment does a better job of controlling temperature and humidity, which helps reduce mold and mildew growth. Less dust can even be noticed when replacing your air conditioner. With better temperature control and less allergens in the air the comfort and air quality of your home will be improved.

Peace of Mind – No more having to worry about your system quitting on you in the heat of summer! You can find peace of mind with your new air conditioner knowing that worry-free operation is in your future for many years to come.

Benefits of Repair

Newer Systems – For a new or relatively new system, it is likely that replacement isn’t necessary. With newer systems a simple repair is usually all that is needed.

Cost of Repairs – Consider the 50% Rule. If the cost of repairs is less than half (50%) of the value of your heating or cooling system, a repair is probably your best option. However, when the cost of repairs starts to creep closer to that 50% mark, it’s generally time to replace the system. This metric is a good rule of thumb to take into account when considering whether to repair or replace your A/C unit, but you should always consider your specific situation and consult a professional.

Maintenance – In many cases some simple maintenance techniques can help prolong your system’s lifespan and make immediate replacement unnecessary. If your system is neither old or new, ask your technician if regular maintenance is your best option and what you can do to get a few more years out of your existing system.

Still Have Some Questions? Ask the Experts at Advance Mechanical!

If you still can’t decide between replacement or repair, contact Advance Mechanical. Our friendly professional staff services ALL makes and models and can help you determine whether repairing or replacing your system is the best decision for you!

You may have bought out all the bug spray and lathered up with SPF50, but have you prepared your home for the hot summer months still ahead? Although most of us have already been in full-on summer mode since Memorial Day, summer didn’t officially start until June 21st. That means there is still plenty of time to plant those trees, dust off your fans, and make sure your home is up to the task of taking on the summer heat. There are a few things you need to do to get your home safe and comfortable for the long hot days of summer, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. The following list gives energy and cost saving tips to keep your home cool for the summer!

Landscaping

If you’ve been putting off a landscaping project, now may be the time to get started. Planting shade trees or shrubs by your windows that receive a lot of light during the hottest parts of the day and/or by windows that get a lot of light when the sun is setting can help with cooling down the interior of your home during the hot summer months.

Exterior Window Coverings

Trees are just one way to shade your windows from the outside. Awnings, screen shades and even window tint are also options that can help keep your home from getting as warm during the day.

Fans

Fans are great for extra circulation during the summer when the indoors and outdoors are a little more stuffy than usual. Make sure to clean the blades of ceiling fans, and the blades and grill of portable fans. Clean fans mean you get refreshing circulated air without unpleasant dust and dirt floating throughout your home.

Air Conditioning Checkup

Having your A/C stop working in the dead heat of summer is less than ideal. If you rely on your central air to help you stay cool, you’ll want to be sure it’s functioning properly and efficiently. To keep your air conditioning running smooth throughout the summer we suggest you change or clean your filters once a month, make sure the outdoor unit is clear of debris, and to have your air conditioning unit serviced. It is important to hire a professional at least once a year to clean indoor ductwork, check fan belts on the outdoor unit, and make sure everything is working safely, properly, and efficiently. Regular maintenance keeps your air conditioning unit running more efficiently; and a more efficient unit due to proper maintenance can help reduce your monthly energy bills.

Thermostat

Programmable and wi-fi thermostats are the perfect addition to your energy saving high efficiency air conditioning system. These thermostats are designed to maximize the performance of your air conditioning system, offer reliable accurate temperature control, and are easy to use. With several programming options you can set your thermostat to keep you cool at night and save energy during the day. They are also ideal for vacation homeowners who want to adjust the A/C in their vacation home before they arrive, and conserve energy while they are away. All you have to do is set it and you’ll start to see savings.

For more tips or to talk with an Advance Mechanical technician call (252)-355-9191!

Advance Mechanical hosts construction students to tour sheet metal shop and warehouse

South Central High School students listen to Tim Hatch, sales representative for Trane out of the Raleigh office, speak at Advance Mechanical.

Link to Original Article

Randy demonstrating HVAC to the construction students. During this semester long project the students were able to install a split system from start to finish. They were also able to install the duct work. At the end of the project Advance Mechanical selected two students to be part of a full-time paid summer internship.