The federal Department of Energy (DOE) reports that at least half the energy you use in your home likely goes toward cooling and heating it. Fortunately, it’s not hard to realize energy savings. Tending to your equipment and addressing your home’s insulation and air filtration will cut those energy costs without incurring a lot of expense.
Replacing your air conditioner with a more energy-efficient model could save you as much as 30 percent on your cooling bills. While efficiency and features such as programming options matter, there are other factors to consider. These factors influence your system’s overall energy efficiency, so giving them some thought will help you get a handle on high cooling bills.
Indoor air quality has an effect on everything in a home, from the health and comfort of household occupants, to controlling the spread of microorganisms like mold and dust mites, to preserving porous structures and possessions. Explore your options for air quality systems that will provide better humidity control, air cleaning and ventilation. These benefits will boost the health and comfort of you and your loved ones this allergy season, and all year long.
Spring has finally arrived in the Twin Cities, and after a long, cold winter, residents are out in full force taking care of their spring to-do lists. A comprehensive A/C tune-up by a qualified HVAC professional should be at the top of that list. Annual preventive maintenance on your air conditioner will benefit you in several key ways:
If you or someone else in your Twin Cities area home suffers from allergies in warmer weather, improving your indoor air quality this spring will help alleviate your symptoms. The federal EPA cites poor indoor air in the home as one of the top five environmental hazards, triggering asthma and allergy attacks and causing a number of respiratory problems. Here are 10 tips to help you boost indoor air quality in the spring and breathe easier.
In Minnesota, like any area with harsh winters and warm summers, it’s important to keep your home sealed against the elements. However, all that insulation and caulk also means that very little fresh air enters your home. This can lead to a buildup of unseen airborne contaminants in your home. A properly installed and maintained air filter on your heating and cooling systems can make your home a significantly healthier place. However, it should be the right type for your system and air quality needs.
If replacing your air conditioning system is on your agenda this spring, selecting a system that has high-efficiency features will lower your energy bills and increase your indoor comfort. The minimum energy-efficiency standard for central air conditioners stands at 13 SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) and generally speaking, the higher the SEER number, the lower your electric bills.
Getting your air conditioner ready for the cooling season increases its efficiency, adds to its longevity, and helps you avoid a breakdown when you most need cooling. You can do some of the routine maintenance yourself, but other tasks require a licensed HVAC contractor to execute.
You don’t have to invest in solar panels or a geothermal heat pump to reduce your energy bills. There are many things you can do to save energy that only cost a little thought and time. Here are some energy-saving tips to share with your family:
Every month a new gas utility bill shows up at your home, awaiting your prompt payment. The same goes with the electric bill. If you’re in the habit of paying these bills without looking at anything other than the amount owed, you may be paying more than you need to. Looking at each utility bill closely is important if you’re interested in locating some smart energy savings.
