Archive for the ‘Savings Tips’ Category

Fall is already here and before we know it, the winter months will be making their presence known as well.  If you have been someone who has experienced an increased energy bill during the winter months, we are here to provide you with some energy and money-saving tips for the upcoming season.

1. Seal your windows and doors.  If you have any gaps in your windows and doors leading to the outside, not only will your air conditioning be working overtime to compensate for the cool air coming in, but that same produced heat will escape through the gap, resulting in a cycle of increased energy cost.
2. Lower your water heater temperature. We all need to be able to heat our water, right? You can still do so and lower the temperature on your water heater, all at the same time. Adjust the temperature just a tad and notice a change in your energy bill, without compromising your comfort.
3. Invest in a programmable thermostat. There are those times that you’ll forget to set your thermostat before you leave the house, leaving it running and wasting energy. With a programmable thermostat, the temperature can be set for a specific time and take that worry off of your hands.

For more energy and money-saving tips, reach out to us on Facebook or Twitter, or contact us to discuss!

Programmable thermostats allow your home to maintain pre-set temperature levels that are customized to your personal comfort levels. They are typically more convenient, aw well as more accurate, than manual thermostats, and can help cut-down on energy bills.

Most homes will see the return on a programmable thermostat investment in about one year. When used correctly, programmable thermostats can help you save about $150 each year. The programming allows you to set the thermostat so that it is only in use when you are at home, cutting down on unnecessary air conditioner use and energy use.

The program feature is perfect for homeowners who are not at home during the day and have a varied schedule on the weekend. They can be personalized to your schedule, so that the temperature adjusts in the morning when you wake up, at night when you go to sleep, or during the day while you are away.

Programmable thermostats automatically store scheduled settings and repeat them on a daily basis. Most programmable thermostats offer a full week’s worth of scheduling, so you can set a different schedule for each day of the week and weekends. They can also be manually set, so that you can override the programming at your convenience.

The scheduling allowed with programmable thermostats gives you the convenience of never having to worry about turning your AC off before you leave the home or on when you return. It also provides the convenience of having the temperature set at a point that is comfortable for you and your family.

And, not only are they easy to use, they’re also easy on the eye. With an attractive, streamlined design, our thermostats will fit beautifully into any home’s décor.

If you would like to make the switch to a programmable thermostat, please contact us or reach out to us on our Facebook or Twitter pages.

Last month we told you some things to look for that would indicate that your HVAC system needs attention from a specialist. However, a quick fix isn’t always the answer – sometimes the best action is to replace your system entirely. Replacing your system can seem like a large cost upfront, but a new, more efficient system will save you more money over time by reducing your energy bill and minimizing the need for maintenance and repair. Energy Star offers a check-list of signs that indicate that a system needs to be replaced.

The age of your system is a solid indicator of when it will need to be replaced.  Talk to a professional about replacing your system if

• Your furnace or boiler is more than 15 years old.
• Your air conditioner or heat pump is more than 10 years old.

Some signs that you system needs to be replaced are obvious and easy to spot, and occur from daily use, such as:

• Uneven temperature throughout the home; some rooms are too hot while others are too cold.
• Your cooling or heating system is excessively noisy.
• Your energy bills start to increase suddenly.
• Your equipment needs frequent repairs.

You can also spot a system that’s on its way out by some factors that may seem less obvious:

• Your home is exceptionally dusty, which could be caused by leaky ducts.
• Your home has problems with keeping a consistent humidity; faulty equipment and leaky duct work can cause air to be too humid in the summer or too dry in the winter.

Let us know if you have noticed any of these signs in your home or if you any questions about upgrading or replacing your system. You can also reach out to us on Facebook or Twitter.

The summer heat is at it’s peak in Georgia, and with the humidity at an astonishing high, it’s important to make sure your HVAC unit is working properly. Humidity and heat can affect the efficiency of your air conditioner, so now is a perfect time to take advantage of our coupon and schedule a summer efficiency tune up!

All of the following tests and  inspections are performed during your tune up:

• Test Thermostat Operation / Calibration
• Inspect Blower Belts (If Necessary)
• Lubricate Blower Motor (If Necessary)
• Lubricate Blower Wheel (If Necessary)
• Visual Inspection of Indoor Coil
• Check Temperature Differential
• Inspect Electrical Disconnect Wires
• Inspect Electrical Component Wires
• Test Line / Load Voltage
• Test Refrigerant Charge
• Inspect Ourdoor Coils & Wash w/ Water (If Necessary)
• Inspect Condenser Fan Motor
• Inspect Condenser Bearings
• Check Suction PSIG
• Check Discharge PSIG
• Check Superheat or Sub Cool
• Check Amps on Outdoor Motor
• Check Outdoor Entering Air
• Check Outdoor Leaving Air
• Check Indoor Entering Air Delta T
• Check Indoor Leaving Air Delta T
• Inspect Condensate Pump and Drains
• Inspect Transformer
• Includes Standard 1″ F

Feel free to give us a call at 770.565.5884, contact us online, or talk to us on our Facebook or Twitter pages if you have any question about the efficiency tune up!

Who doesn’t like saving a few bucks here and there? With the summer heat rolling in, we’re sure you’ll have your air conditioner running 24/7…while your body may appreciate it, your wallet won’t! According to the U.S. Department of Energy, your heating and cooling system accounts for 54% of your utility bill! Try these tips and watch your wallet grow, well not literally of course, but you know we mean!

Tips:

Don’t let the summer heat get the best of your utility bill. If you are looking to install a new HVAC system, make sure you consult an HVAC professional to get the right one for you. Try these money saving tips and let us know how it goes in our comment box below or on our Facebook and Twitter pages!

It is a good idea to know how your heating system actually works, seeing how you pay those bills every month! To understand them better, first, you need to determine what type of system you are using in your home. Here is the basic breakdown from Kudzu.

Natural Gas: It is carried into your appliances such as your furnace or gas stove. Propane gas is usually found in a tank somewhere outside your home and it carriers the gas through pipes underneath your home.

Electric Furnace: The best way to describe it is like a toaster. It heats the house like a toaster heats up bread.

Heat Pumps: This is an energy efficient alternative to a furnace. A heat pump will move air from one place to another, trying to evenly distribute the heat or cool air, depending on the season. Since they move heat, instead of generating heat, they are able to provide up to four times the energy they consume, pretty cool huh?

Hot Water & Steam Heaters: They are basically the same thing. They both have a boiler which heats up the water and then gets sent through the pies as steam.

Forced Air: This is the most common heating system. You set your thermostat and wheels begin to turn, well not really. The furnace heats up the air in the chamber and then blows it through duct work and registers throughout your home. Thermostats are a great investment, and an easy way to save money.

Hopefully, now that you have a better understanding of how heating systems work, you can choose one that fits your lifestyle or budget! Remember thermostats and heat pumps are huge money savers and a great investment! Always consult an HVAC professional to get the best heating system to fit your home!

With all this cold weather in Marietta, you are going to want to make sure your furnace is running the best it can! Make sure you take advantage of our $79 Furnace Efficiency Tune-Up Coupon!

Casteel 25-Point Furnace Tune-Up Includes:

Check for Carbon Monoxide Leaks
Inspect Igniter
Inspect Rectifier Probe
Check Differential Pressure Switch
Inspect Draft Inducer
Inspect Exchanger for Micro Holes
Inspect Exchanger for Rust
Inspect Exchanger Face Plate
Check Pilot Assembly
Check Gas Valve Operation
Check for Gas Leaks
Check Gas Pressure
Inspect Limits and Safety Switches
Inspect Flue Conditions and Codes
Inspect Electrical Disconnect Wires
Inspect Electrical Component Wires
Inspect Door Switch for Safety
Check Safety Drain Pan Switches
Check Blower Motor
Inspect Indoor Coil for Visible Leaks
Minor Cleaning of Indoor Coil
Check Condensate Drain Line and Pump
Check Thermostat Operation / Calibration
Cycle System and Test Safety of Operation
Includes Standard 1″ Filters

Yes, you heard right, an audit! This is not your average audit; we offer a more professional solution then just switching to compact fluorescent lamps. We want to help you save money on your utility bills and maximize your comfort in your home! That is why our certified professionals run a series of tests for our advanced home energy audit. So what kind of tests do we run?

Insulation R-rating for walls, attic, and foundation
Heating and cooling equipment
Whole house air leakage (blower door test)
Ductwork leakage
Electrical and lighting analysis
Water heater and water usage
Carbon monoxide
Flue draft

How does this benefit you?