We are constantly asked for money saving tips so we have put together the following information for our customers. If you have a question that is not answered here, please feel free ask a professional in our office.
What is the best temperature for the thermostat? We recommend setting the thermostat at the highest summer setting or the lowest winter setting at which you are comfortable. The energy department recommends 78°F for summer and 68°F for winter. According to the energy department, there will be an increase of 3%-5% in your costs for every degree you set your thermostat over or below their recommendation, depending on whether you are heating or cooling your home.
With this in mind, we also like to recommend that you upgrade to a programmable thermostat. You will be able to set the indoor temperature a little higher or lower while you are not home. This can greatly reduce your heating and cooling costs.
Should I set my thermostat to auto or on? If you choose to set the fan to auto, it will run only while the house is being heated or cooled. If you set the fan to on, the fan will run continuously. running the fan continuously will help keep a consistent temperature throughout the house and will also continuously filter the air. However, it is will use more energy to do this. It boils down to a question of comfort or cost. If cost is not a factor for you, then leave the fan running, you will be more comfortable.
Where should I locate my thermostat? The thermostat should be in a place that is away from all heat producing appliances and direct sunlight. Either of these two influences and greatly effect your heating and cooling costs.
How often should I replace my filter? The answer is monthly. It is very important to keep your filter clean so that air can circulate freely. Not having a clean filter can cause harm to your system and prevent it from heating and cooling your home properly.
Do I need an extra filer such as an Aprilaire? This type of filter is not necessary but if you have any type of allergies or concerned about your indoor air quality, you will want to have one installed. ABetter can install one for you at anytime.
What can I do before calling someone to service my system?
Professional service calls can be costly, but there are some things you can do before hiring a professional to inspect your system:
- Make sure your circuit breakers are in the ON position.
- Make sure your filters are clean.
- Open supply and return vents and make sure they are unobstructed.
- Double check both indoor and outdoor disconnect switches.
- Check the settings on your thermostat.
- Make sure the system switch is on the appropriate COOL or HEAT setting.
- Have the FAN switch on for a continuous vent.
When its hot outside and it is hot inside...
- Is the thermostat switch set to proper positioning-cooling? Is the set-point below the room temperature?
- Is your furnace plugged in or is the power switch turned on? The air conditioner needs the blower in the furnace to circulate the air.
- Is the air-conditioner disconnect or breaker turned on? If you know how to check the fuses, see if there are any blown. If you do not know how to check the fuses, call a technician.
- Is the furnace filter clean?
- Are the air registers open?
- Is the condensing unit running? (The condensing unit is the outside portion of the air-conditioner.)
- Is there ice on the pipes at the evaporator coil (the indoor portion of the air-conditioner)? If there is, turn off the unit and call a technician. WARNING: DO NOT SET THE THERMOSTAT AT BELOW 65 DEGREES. THIS CAN CAUSE A MULTITUDE OF PROBLEMS WITH YOUR AIR-CONDITIONER, INCLUDING FREEZING UP.
When its cold outside, and its cold inside...
- Is your thermostat set for heat? Are the switches in their proper positions (heat, cool)? Is the set-point above room temperature?
- Is the furnace plugged in? Is the power to the furnace turned on? Is the fuse blown or the breaker tripped?
- Is the furnace door property closed?
- Is the gas turned on?
- If you don't have an automatic pilot lighter, is the pilot lit? Generally furnaces prior to 1986 do not have automatic pilot fighters.
- Is your filter clean? If there is too much air resistance, the furnace can trip out on a high temperature limit.
- Is there a reset button on your furnace? If there is, try pushing it.
- Are all of your registers open?
- If you have investigated the above tips and find that you still do not have heat, call a qualified heating technician.
What is ENERGY STAR?
ENERGY STAR is a program that was created by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help businesses and individuals make energy efficient purchases. This program places the ENERGY STAR label, a small blue and white logo, on the items that meet superior energy efficiency standards. This label provides an easy way for consumers to identify quality, high efficiency products.
For more information about the ENERGY STAR program, please view their website at www.energystar.gov.
Helpful Hints:
- Keep the condensing unit unobstructed to allow ample air-flow around the unit. (Cut down those bushes and other vegetation at least 12 inches back from the air-conditioner. Do not build sheds or roofs over the air conditioner.)
- You should change or wash your filters on a regular schedule.
- Keep the area around your furnace clean and unobstructed.
- Keep the burner area of your furnace clean.
- Furnaces that require lubrication on the motors and bearings should be attended to by a qualified heating technician once a year.
- Do not have anything combustible within six inches of your vent pipe.
- Do not close off more than 20% of the registers in your house. This can cause high resistance and unnecessary heat build up in the furnace.
- Do not store combustible material such as paint thinners, gasoline, etc. near your furnace.