As the weather changes and you go from enjoying warm summer days to trying to survive those frigid fall nights there is no doubt that you will begin using your heater much more frequently. We all know there is a direct correlation between heater usage and power bill costs but there are a few tips you could use to diminish some unnecessary costs. There are a few things most people are losing money on that are solved with a quick fix. We will discuss a few things to help you save money, as well as a few other tips to help you be a safe, happy homeowner.
One of the easiest things you can do to improve your air quality and furnace efficiency is to remember to replace your air filter monthly. Most people ignore this simple maintenance task but it will change everything! If your family is one that struggles with allergies or maybe has pets, changing your filter is crucial to assuring quality air is being sent through your air vents. The US Department of Energy states that changing your air filter monthly can save an average of around 5 to 15 percent in power bill costs yearly. This can be a lifesaver for some people's pockets but also will keep everyone living under your roof healthy and happy knowing they are breathing quality air.
Using a programmable thermostat can save hundreds of dollars each year. If you are a family who spends most of their time away during the week, it is crucial to have a programmable thermostat that keeps your home at a constant temperature. But not just any temperature, when you are away you should set your thermostat at a lower temperature to assure your furnace will not turn on for no reason. If you aren’t at home there is no reason to be blasting the heat. As routine maintenance, you should try to get your thermostat checked for accuracy whenever you have an HVAC team member around. A faulty thermostat can cause your heater to run because it is reading the incorrect temperature. This can burn a hole in your pocket if this issue is not noticed quickly.
As a homeowner, one of the most irritating things is knowing you have a leak because of faulty windows or doors. This can be one of the leading causes of high power bills, if air can come in then it can go out as well. Try using a door insulator that slides onto the bottom part of the door, it can kill any sort of draft you may have. Any home improvement store also sells window insulators, they can come in many shapes and sizes. If your windows are very leaky you may want to invest in window plastic covers that cover the entire window frame. They will save you A LOT of money during the winter by creating a barrier to block any sort of draft.
If you own a gas powered furnace, a carbon monoxide alarm is a must. These heaters can become faulty and exhaust dangers carbon monoxide gas into your home. It is crucial to use an alarm to help you detect any scares. This gas is known to be odorless so it is best to get help.
To assure your heating and air conditioning is working at the highest capacity make sure to schedule routine maintenance checks with your local NexGen Air staff. This will give your furnace the longest lifespan possible as well as keep your systems working at maximum efficiency, having a huge effect on your entire home.
When 110 degree weather is a normal occurance, you know you live in Palm Springs. Sure, that desert heat is great for a day out at the pool, but keeping your home cool can become a nightmare.
Don’t worry:
We’ve created a list of the top 3 desert air conditioning tips you need to know to keep your AC working right, and keep your home cool without breaking the bank.
The recommended air filter maintenance you hear about from other sources are for ordinary environments. When you live in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, or anywhere else in the Coachella Valley, you need to adjust your air filter maintenance accordingly. The Coachella Valley is windy, and that hot wind carries a lot of dust.
Think about it:
Your AC is filtering out all that desert dust to keep the air in your home pleasant to breathe, every single day! Tack on 100+ degree weather, and your AC is working really hard to keep you happy! Pay it forward by replacing your air filter more than once per year. In fact, we recommend you change your air filter every season. Extreme desert weather calls for a new air filter at least once every 3 months.
Your AC unit will thank you, and you’ll be much happier knowing your AC is working efficiently. You may want to also invest in a high quality air purifier for even higher quality air in your home!
Have you ever felt short of breath?
That’s what your AC is feeling when the outside unit is covered in dirt and debris.
When was the last time you checked your outdoor AC unit?
We’re willing to bet that it’s been a while. Go out back and really inspect your AC condenser (that’s what the outdoor part of your AC is called).
You may be surprised!
If you went ahead and checked your AC right now, you may be surprised as to all the junk you found lodged in the grates.
That’s right!
All that junk is blocking your AC’s air flow which is pretty bad for your AC unit’s lifespan and efficiency. Factor in the extreme desert heat and you’ve got a recipe for a broken air conditioner.
Have you ever heard of the saying, “it’s hard do get a train going, but once it does, it’s hard to stop?”.
That train is your AC unit! It’s much, much easier on your AC unit to maintain a constant temperature throughout the day than to cool the house on and off. In a way, you can call this temperature momentum. Once the house is cooled down to your desired temperature, you home’s AC has a lot of momentum going and it doesn’t have to work as hard. In Palm Springs where inside temperatures can reach over 100 degrees, it can cost a fortune trying to pull the temperature back down to 70 all the time. Set it to 68-78 and keep it there! If you want the most bang for your buck, check out these cool Nest thermostats!