Posts Tagged ‘HVAC tips’
January 26th, 2012
The cold weather is upon us! As the temperatures continue to drop, your house will require maintenance to keep it in prime condition for the winter. Below are a few things you can check around your home to make sure you are ready!
These are easy tips that you can do around your home to make sure you are fully prepared for the cold months ahead! To get a furnace tune-up for the winter call your HVAC professional, they’ll be happy to help!
Posted in HVAC tips | 
Tags: furnace filter, Furnace maintenance, HVAC tips, Windows sealed, winter maintenance | 
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December 9th, 2011
It’s getting colder and colder and that old furnace of yours isn’t doing it’s job. Before you give it a good swift kick, read this. The problems you are experiencing with your furnace may be a simple issue that can be resolved quickly.
If these simple fixes did not solve your problem, then go ahead and call your HVAC professional to further assist you. These three simple check-ups can save you money, time and a phone call to a professional. So relax, you can most likely fix the problem yourself before your toes go numb this winter!
Posted in Heating and Air Conditioning, HVAC tips |
Tags: Furnace maintenance, HVAC tips |
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November 9th, 2011
Cost
Size
Efficiency
Installation
When making a large investment such as this you want to make sure you consider all of the above factors. We know you want to get the most out of your money, but make sure you take everything into consideration before you opt for the cheaper system!
Posted in Heating and Air Conditioning, HVAC tips, Savings Tips |
Tags: Hiring an HVAC technician, HVAC tips, SEER rating |
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January 7th, 2011
During the winter we obviously use our heaters more often but there are ways to keep our heating costs down. We found a great article from DIYlife.com to help you with this.
Mistake #1: Ignoring Drafts
That cool air you feel seeping in is a blatant sign that your home is losing heat. Stop ignoring drafts! Check for cracks around doors, windows, foundations, fireplaces, and other areas. Use caulk, weather stripping, door sweeps, or plastic to close off leaks and keep the warm air inside your home.
Mistake #2: Leaving a Ventilation Fan Running
During the winter, don’t let the bathroom fan or kitchen hood fan run for longer than necessary. Ventilation fans can suck all the heated air right out of your home. But, don’t avoid using ventilation fans. Mold and mildew are always looking for a warm moist place to hide.
Mistake #3: Taking the Furnace for Granted
Maintain your heating equipment throughout the year. Regularly check and clean the filters in your furnace every 3 months. Dirty air filters can reduce the air flow in your system and make your furnace work harder.
Mistake #4: Raising the Thermostat Too High
If your furnace is struggling to reach a desired temperature, don’t turn the thermostat higher than the desired temperature. You’ll just make your furnace work even harder. Instead, look for the problem and try to fix it. Or if you’re heater is just not strong enough, take note, and adjust accordingly.
Mistake #5: Heating an Empty House
Take advantage of a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature of your home while you’re away. It’s important to program the thermostat to reflect your family’s schedule to get the most out of it And it can save you up to $180 a year in energy costs, according to Energy Star.
Mistake #6: Going to Extremes
Turning down the temperature at night seems like a good idea to save money on the heating bill. But if you turn the air back too far at night, it can cost you when you raise the temperature on the thermostat in the morning. Avoid extremes as the contents of your home will need to be heated as well as the air and that can take time.
Mistake #7: Washing Everything in Hot Water
Whenever your fabrics can tolerate it, turn the dial on your washer to cold. Washing clothes in cold water saves the cost of heating that water.
Mistake #8: Keeping the Curtains Drawn (or Keeping Them Not Drawn)
Opening window treatments when the sun is shining and close the curtains when the sun isn’t. This will give your home a heating boost from the sun and keep the heat in during the dark night. Also, pay attention to opening the curtains and shades on the side of your home where the sun strikes the windows.
Mistake #9: Keeping Windows Unlocked
It might sound too simple to believe, but locking your windows creates an airtight seal that keeps out air leaks and drafts.
Mistake #10: Going It Alone
Energy audits by a professional are the best way to know about your home’s energy use. You can take advantage of Energy Star’s free online tools by entering information about how you heat your home. The Home Energy Advisor provides energy-saving home improvement recommendations for homes where you live. The Home Energy Yardstick compares your home’s energy use to similar homes in your area.
Does it look like you need a “Wintervention?” Let Casteel Heating and Cooling be YOUR professional. We can perform a Home Energy Audit for you and make recommendations for any issues we may find. Start saving today and give us a call at 770-565-5884.
Article cited: http://www.diylife.com/2011/01/03/heating-mistakes-solved-10-energy-saving-tips/
Posted in Heating and Air Conditioning |
Tags: atlanta, Bob Casteel, Energy Star, georgia, heating, heating expenses, Heating mistakes, home heating, HVAC tips, winter heating costs |
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December 30th, 2010
We have posted regarding safety and Carbon Monoxide before but we can NOT stress enough how important it is for you to be extremely careful during the cold season.
Here are some potential Carbon Monoxide dangers in your home:
- CO is a produced anytime a fuel is burned. Potential sources include gas or oil furnaces, water heaters, space heaters, clothes dryers, barbecue grills, fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, gas ovens, generators, and car exhaust fumes.
- CO poisoning is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America. (Centers for Disease Control)
- Every year more than 10,000 people die or seek medical attention due to CO poisoning from home-related products. (Consumer Product Safety Commission)
- More than two-thirds of Americans use gas, wood, kerosene or another fuel as their home”s major heat source.
- 65% of CO poisoning deaths from consumer products are due to heating systems.
- Only 27% of homes in America have carbon monoxide alarms, according to the Hardware/Homecenter Research Industry.
- An idling vehicle in an attached garage, even with the garage door opened, can produce concentrated amounts of CO that can enter your home through the garage door or nearby windows.
- CO poisoning deaths from portable generators have doubled for the past two years, and many of these deaths occurred in the winter months and during power outages.
- A poorly maintained gas stove can give off twice the amount of CO than one in good working order.
What you can do to prevent Carbon Monoxide from leaking into your home.
- Install at least one battery-powered CO alarm or AC-powered unit with battery backup on each level of your home and near sleeping areas.
- Do not use charcoal or gas grills inside or operate outdoors near a window where CO fumes could seep in through a window.
- Check all carbon monoxide alarms in your home. Do they use the most accurate sensing technology? Do they need new batteries?
- Replace CO alarms every five to seven years in order to benefit from the latest technology upgrades.
- Have a licensed professional inspect heating systems and other fuel-burning appliances annually.
- Install fuel-burning appliances properly and operate according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Keep chimneys clear of animal nests, leaves and residue to ensure proper venting. Have all fireplaces cleaned and inspected annually.
- Do not block or seal shut the exhaust flues or ducts used by water heaters, ranges and clothes dryers.
- Do not leave your car running in an attached garage or carport.
- Do not use ovens or stoves to heat your home.
How we can help:
- Let us perform a Home Energy Audit. It includes testing your home for Carbon Monoxide and will give you peace of mind knowing you and your family are safe.
- Here is a link to Choosing a Carbon Monoxide Alarm from Consumer Reports. This should get you started!
As always, Casteel Heating and Cooling cares about your safety and will help in any way we can to ensure that you and your loved ones are healthy, happy and safe.
Source cited: www.kidde.com
December 21st, 2010
In following with our last post about saving money, we found a few more tips for you and some are even Christmas related!
Let’s face it: We all have a ton of demands during the winter months. Visiting relatives, holiday rituals, and icy cold weather to deal with.
Likewise, your electrical bill may soar during this time. As you strive to maintain an awesome Christmas lights display and start adjusting your HVAC systems, you may quickly run up your home’s energy usage.
However, you can cut down your electrical consumption here-and-there using a few easy techniques, preventing an unwelcome surprise in your power bill.
Tip 1: Use a Timer for Your Christmas Lights: I love an old-fashioned Christmas light display as much as the next person. But while these setups can be amazing in their extravagance, they can also burn a lot of power during the Christmas season. A few years ago, some folks advocated an end to this tradition in order to save energy.
However, you can enjoy Christmas lights responsibly by only using them a few hours per evening. A timer makes the entire process super easy, preventing the possibility you’ll accidentally leave your lights running overnight.
Bonus Tip: Use LED Christmas lights to save even more more money, as their bulbs are energy efficient.
Tip 2: Lower Your Climate Control Usage: If you Live in the South, you may still be running your air conditioning. Be sure to set it at a higher temperature for the holiday months. If it’s icy cold where you live, go ahead and keep your heater just a notch below the perfect temperature. Simply wear a sweater inside, and you’ll save a tremendous amount of money.
Tip 3: Wash Your Clothes with Cold Water: This tip applies to any time of the year, really. By washing all your clothes with cold water, you’ll reduce water heating costs and lower your energy use.
If you’re looking for a long-term savings plan, you can always consider a home energy audit. This way, you’ll learn about all the little things that are costing you big bucks over time. Even so, a few simple measure may be enough to keep your spirits a bit warmer during this time.
Remember, Casteel Heating and Cooling can perform an energy audit for you. Just call us at 770-565-5884
Article cited: http://ezinearticles.com/?3-Easy-Ways-to-Reduce-Your-Electric-Bill-This-Winter-Season&id=5485980
Posted in Heating and Air Conditioning |
Tags: atlanta, Bob Casteel, Christmas, energy savers, georgia, Heating and Cooling, heating bill, home energy audit, HVAC tips, save money, winter |
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September 30th, 2010
…and save A LOT of money later!
What am I talking about…filters! It’s pretty simple to change a filter once a month. It will cost you between $25-75 per case of 12 usually and depending on the size of the filter. That is a year’s worth of filters. Not expensive at all, is it? What is expensive? Dirty air filters!
Dirty air filters are a source of increased operating costs and poor cooling system operation.
Dirty air filters can:
- reduce air flow in the building
- cause dirt to accumulate on the fan blades, wasting your energy dollars
- cause excessive dirt build-up inside the duct system, leading to mold or allergen problems in a building and to the need for more costly duct cleaning or replacement
- block the cooling coil itself with dirt, reducing system effectiveness and possibly leading to costly repairs
- lead to frost build-up on the cooling coil and reduced or totally blocked air flow in the system
- eventually permit dirt to bypass the filter where it soils and blocks the blower fan itself, leading to more costly repairs.
Some of these issues can cause upwards of $500 to repair. Sounds like a good trade to me…$25 now and save $100′s later.
The filters on an air conditioning or hot air heating system should be changed monthly when the system is in use. Discuss with us the possible need to clean the blower fan and duct work.
Source cited: http://www.inspectapedia.com/aircond/AirFilterClog.htm
Posted in HVAC tips |
Tags: AC efficiency, Casteel Heating and Cooling, clogged air filter, Customer Service, Dirty air filter, georgia, HVAC tips, marietta, save money |
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September 23rd, 2010
A basic thermostat works by tripping a switch that sends power to a furnace or air compressor to begin the combustion process. Find out about the mercury switch inside of a thermostat with help from a home remodeling specialist in this free video on thermostats.
How Does a Thermostat Work? — powered by eHow.com
William Perkinson is a partner with Perkinson Building Corporation, based in Birmingham, Ala. He has over 20 years of experience specializing in remodeling, additions, and home repair. Perkinson is a graduate of the University of Alabama, and is licensed, bonded and insured.
Read more: William Perkinson | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/members/ev_ebff42ad-97a9-4fc0-9598-9e759e115379.html#ixzz10NxdVzsG
Posted in Heating and Air Conditioning |
Tags: Casteel Heating and Cooling, georgia, How does a thermostat work, how to, HVAC tips, Thermostat |
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September 15th, 2010
When it’s cold, we walk over and turn up the thermostat, and when it is hot, we walk over and turn on the air conditioner to cool us down. But, how does that little box on the wall actually control the temperature of our homes or offices?
A mechanical thermostat is actually a very simple device. It is basically a thermometer attached to a switch that turns on your heater, whether your heat source is natural gas or electricity. If you remove the cover of your thermostat, you will see the inner workings and get a better idea of how a thermostat works.
The top layer holds a mercury switch and a thermometer coil. The mercury switch is just a small vial filled with the liquid metal, mercury. Within this vial are three wires: one at the bottom of the vial; one at the left of the vial; and one at the right of the vial. As the temperature rises or cools, the vial of mercury gets tipped to the right or the left making the corresponding wire come into contact with the wire that runs along the bottom. If the mercury gets tipped to the left, a connection is made that creates a current that energizes a relay, which starts the heater and circulation fan. As the room heats up, the vial levels off and once that is in balance, the connection is broken causing the heater to turn off. If the mercury switch is tilted to the right, another relay causes the air conditioner to turn on.
What tips the vial in either direction is the thermometer coil that rests against the vial of mercury. The thermometer coil is constructed of a bi-metallic strip made of two different types of metal, usually copper and iron, which are bonded together. Because the different metals respond to heat at different levels, this strip contracts and expands causing the coil to curl up or uncurl as the temperature changes. This curling or uncurling motion tilts the mercury vial, which then signals the heating source to kick off or on. When you adjust the temperature knob on your thermostat, you are actually adjusting the tightness of the coil.
Beneath the top layer of your thermostat, you will see the circuit board, which houses the wires that actually lead to the circulation fan and heat source. The circuit board is connected to the mercury switch via a metal screw and wire, which “reads” the switch and turns on the appropriate heating or cooling device.
Newer on the market are digital thermostats. These thermostats differ from the mechanical thermostats in that they use a thermistor, a resistor whose electrical resistance changes with temperature. The microcontroller in a digital thermostat measures the resistance and converts that number to a temperature reading. Digital thermostats can save energy because they can be programmed to turn the heat or air conditioning off or on at preset times throughout the day. For example, you can set the air conditioning to come on an hour before you come home from work, or have the heater remain off during the hours while you work and then turn on an hour before you get back so your home is warm and cozy when you open the door.
Article cited: http://www.wisegeek.com/how-does-a-thermostat-work.htm
September 9th, 2010
Sealing and insulating the “envelope” or “shell” of your home — its outer walls, ceiling, windows, doors, and floors — is often the most cost effective way to improve energy efficiency and comfort. ENERGY STAR estimates that a knowledgeable homeowner or skilled contractor can save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs (or up to 10% on their total annual energy bill) by sealing and insulating.
To Seal and Insulate with ENERGY STAR:
- Seal air leaks throughout the home to stop drafts,
- Add insulation to block heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer,
- Choose ENERGY STAR qualified windows when replacing windows.
If your attic is accessible and you like home improvement projects, you can Do-It-Yourself with help from our DIY Guide to Sealing and Insulating with ENERGY STAR. The Guide offers step-by-step instructions for sealing common air leaks and adding insulation to the attic.
You can also hire a contractor who will use special diagnostic tools to pinpoint and seal the hidden air leaks in your home. A Home Energy Rater can help you find contractors that offer air sealing services in your area.
Sealing Leaks
Many air leaks and drafts are easy to find because they are easy to feel — like those around windows and doors. But holes hidden in attics, basements, and crawlspaces are usually bigger problems. Sealing these leaks with caulk, spray foam, or weather stripping will have a great impact on improving your comfort and reducing utility bills. Click on the house diagram to see common air leak locations that you should aim to seal.
Homeowners are often concerned about sealing their house too tightly; however, this is very unlikely in most older homes. A certain amount of fresh air is needed for good indoor air quality and there are specifications that set the minimum amount of fresh air needed for a house. If you are concerned about how tight your home is, hire a contractor, such as a Home Energy Rater, who can use diagnostic tools to measure your home’s actual leakage. If your home is too tight, a fresh air ventilation system may be recommended.
After any home sealing project, have a heating and cooling technician check to make sure that your combustion appliances (gas- or oil-fired furnace, water heater, and dryer) are venting properly. For additional information on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) issues related to homes, such as combustion safety, visit EPA’s Indoor Air Quality Web site.
Adding Insulation
Insulation keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. There are several common types of insulation — fiberglass (in both batt and blown forms), cellulose, rigid foam board, and spray foam. Reflective insulation (or radiant barrier) is another insulating product which can help save energy in hot, sunny climates.
When correctly installed with air sealing, each type of insulation can deliver comfort and lower energy bills during the hottest and coldest times of the year.
Insulation performance is measured by R-value — its ability to resist heat flow. Higher R-values mean more insulating power. Different R-values are recommended for walls, attics, basements and crawlspaces, depending on your area of the country. Insulation works best when air is not moving through or around it. So it is very important to seal air leaks before installing insulation to ensure that you get the best performance from the insulation.
- See Recommended Levels of Insulation to determine what is most cost-effective for your home.
- For more comprehensive information, check the Department of Energy’s online Insulation Guide
.
To get the biggest savings, the easiest place to add insulation is usually in the attic. A quick way to see if you need more insulation is to look across your uncovered attic floor. If your insulation is level with or below the attic floor joists, you probably need to add more insulation. The recommended insulation level for most attics is R-38 (or about 12–15 inches, depending on the insulation type). In the coldest climates, insulating up to R-49 is recommended.
Sealing Ducts
In houses with forced-air heating and cooling systems, ducts are used to distribute conditioned air throughout the house. In a typical house, however, about 20 percent of the air that moves through the duct system is lost due to leaks and poorly sealed connections. The result is higher utility bills and difficulty keeping the house comfortable, no matter how the thermostat is set.
Because some ducts are concealed in walls and between floors, repairing them can be difficult. However, exposed ducts in attics, basements, crawlspaces, and garages can be repaired by sealing the leaks with duct sealant (also called duct mastic). In addition, insulating ducts that run through spaces that get hot in summer or cold in winter (like attics, garages, or crawlspaces) can save significant energy.
Additionally, if you are replacing your forced-air heating and cooling equipment, make sure your contractor installs the new system according to ENERGY STAR quality installation guidelines. A quality installation will include a thorough inspection of your duct system, including proper sealing and balancing of ductwork, to help ensure that your new system delivers the most comfort and efficiency.
Posted in HVAC tips |
Tags: Air Seal and Insulation, atlanta, Better Business Bureau, Casteel Heating and Cooling, Energy Star, HVAC tips, save energy, save money |
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