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Saving Money on your Heating and A/C System
Most people spend more to heat and cool their home than they should…and they don't even know it. Old thermostats, cheap filters, broken humidifier, lack of maintenance are but a few ways to ensure you are throwing your money out the window. By following the advice I have given below you can be sure that your heating and/or air conditioning system are running as efficient as possible. No more throwing money out the window.
Programmable thermostat
By installing a thermostat that is capable of following your schedule will save you a surprising amount of money.
By automatically having your thermostat turn down a few degrees while you are at work or sleeping, and returning to normal temperature before you wake up or return home, you will be saving your money and not even knowing it.
Air Filtration
A proper low-density, high efficient electronic air cleaner is essential to your system performance. A dense electrostatic filter can cause your furnace or A/C to run twice as long in order to maintain temperature. A cheap disposable filter does not provide adequate protection of your furnace from dust and dirt. When dust and dirt accumulate on your blower, the efficiency is decreased.
NOTE: Filters should be cleaned or replaced monthly.
Proper Humidity
Maintaining proper humidity in your home plays a vital role in your comfort level. Low humidity will cause your home to feel cooler than it actually is causing you to turn up the thermostat. On the air conditioning side of things, an improperly installed humidifier will cause your air conditioner to run a lot longer than it should in order to cool your house. Air conditioning removes humidity from the house so you do not want your humidifier running with the air conditioner.
Maintenance
Annual maintenance goes a long way in prolonging the life of your equipment and keeping them  at their peak efficiency. By having a qualified technician come in and do an annual maintenance and tune-up you will have peace of mind that your equipment is safe and running as efficient as it can. Furnaces and air conditioners should be cleaned and tuned up every year.
Replacing old equipment
Technology has come a long way in recent years. With the advent of more efficient heat exchangers, dual stage gas valves, DC operated motors and control boards the savings between a new furnace and one that is just 10 years old is hard to ignore. Your savings could be as high as 60%.
The Bottom Line
As energy prices continue to rise, not only will these upgrades save you money in the long run, but will also help improve health, comfort, environment and safety.
How do I choose a heating and air conditioning contractor
by Scott Renton
Choosing a heating and air conditioning contractor can be a very daunting task. Many consumers get taken advantage of simply because they do not  know what questions to ask. The following article is your step-by-step guide to choosing a the right contractor to fill your needs.
Where do I start?
A reference from a friend or family member is a good place to start but it does not end there. You should make sure that any company that comes into your house is a member of your local Better Business Bureau. The BBB offers good solutions in case of a dispute. Call several companies and ask if they offer free in home estimates. Narrow your choices down to 2 or 3 companies and have them come to your home to give you a written estimate. Do not go with any company that is willing to give you a price over the phone without seeing the job. These prices usually change half way through the job when you are already committed. A written estimate after seeing the job is a must.
Trust your instincts
When the contractors that you chose show up for your estimate, trust your instincts. Do them seem underhanded? Are they pushy? Do you get the feeling that they do not care about your job and just want your money? If so, this is not the company for you.
Do not be afraid to ask questions. A decent and reputable contractor has nothing to hide. Some of the questions you should ask are:
- Is the company licensed and insured?
- Will my installer have the necessary journeyman license to do the work?
- Will my installer be able to show me his license prior to beginning work?
- What precautions will be taken to ensure cleanliness in my home?
- Will all garbage be removed and disposed of after the installation is complete?
- What is my parts warranty and what is my labor warranty? (2 separate things)
- Do you offer 24-hour emergency service?
You should always be taking mental notes through the entire process of choosing your contractor. How much effort did they put into their website? Were they friendly and courteous on the phone? Were they on time? Were they professional? Were they clean? (Clothes, vehicle etc.)
Price
The all-important question. A very low price does not guarantee a  good deal anymore than a high price guarantees a great job. Do your homework. Find out approximate costs for similar jobs through friends, family, internet etc. If it seems too good to be true or way to expensive for what you are getting than chances are that it is.
The bottom line
Do your own research. Look into the products you are buying, the company you are hiring  and the price you are paying. If you follow these guidelines you should be just fine.
Call us today for more information on your new garage heater.
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