January 30, 2017

5 Effective Ways to Reduce Heating and Cooling Costs and Save Money

Regardless of if it is the dead of winter, or the dog days of summer, there is no question that your heating and cooling system requires quite a bit of energy. If you don’t take steps to reduce how hard it has to work, you may find you are paying quite a bit from month to month to heat or cool your home.

However, you don’t have to worry. There are steps you can take to help reduce the cost of keeping your home comfortable.

Install Weather Stripping

It is important to create a seal around your home. If your doors and windows are old, or simply let drafts in, then this is not good for your heating and cooling costs. However, if you purchase weather stripping (which is offered at any home improvement store for a low price) you can make your home more efficient.

Ensure Proper Insulation is Present

If you have discovered that your home becomes exceptionally cold at night, it may be due to insufficient or faulty insulation in the windows or walls. In most cases, a home energy audit can let you know for sure if there are areas that could use additional insulation.

Close Doors of Unoccupied Rooms

HVAC systems require more energy to heat or cool larger spaces effectively. If you close the windows and doors in rooms that are unoccupied, this can help. Ductless heating systems and air conditioners can also assist with this issue because they are able to be programmed to only affect certain rooms. Also, ductless heating units and air conditioners can also be programmed to turn off or on at certain times of day.

Close the Damper on Your Fireplace

If you use a wood or gas burning fireplace, there is no question it can be a great source of heat. However, when it isn’t being used, it is essential to close the damper. This can help prevent air from escaping the inside of the home by going through the chimney.

Avoid Using Window AC Units in the Direct Sun

If you are going to use an AC window unit, it is a good idea to install the unit in a window of your home that is in the shade. If it is in the direct sunlight, then the unit’s compressor-condenser is going to heat up and result in warmer air coming into your home. It is a good idea to install a window unit near trees, a fence, or another building.

When it comes to cooling and heating your home, there is always room for improvement. Taking the time to implement the tips here will pay off and help you save money on your energy costs each month of the year.

 

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Man in gray shirt installing an air conditioner on a beige office wall.

Preventive Maintenance: Extending the Life of Your HVAC System

December 18, 2023
The HVAC system is tasked with keeping your home comfortable is often a significant investment. Like any major appliance, it requires regular care to operate at its best. At Schomburg Heating and Cooling, we believe that preventive maintenance is key to extending the lifespan of your HVAC system, ensuring it runs efficiently and reliably year-round.
Collection of Lennox brand HVAC units, various sizes, dark gray.

Furnace Safety 101: Essential Tips to Keep Your Home Safe and Warm

November 22, 2023
As the chilly months approach, keeping our homes warm becomes a priority. While furnaces play a crucial role in this, it's vital to remember that safety is paramount when operating any heating system. At Schomburg Heating and Cooling, we're dedicated to keeping your home comfortably warm and ensuring it's safe. This blog post will cover essential furnace safety tips to help you enjoy a warm, risk-free winter season.
Hand pressing thermostat button with a dollar bill, showing 69 degrees.

Maximize Comfort and Efficiency: The Benefits of Programmable Thermostats

October 20, 2023
In today's world, where efficiency and convenience are paramount, homeowners are constantly seeking ways to improve their living experience while also being mindful of energy consumption and costs. Programmable thermostats are a remarkable innovation in this regard. At Schomburg Heating and Cooling, we know the impact of staying comfortable in your home while also keeping energy bills in check. In this blog, we'll explore the numerous benefits of programmable thermostats and why they might be the perfect addition to your home.
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