Archive for October 2012
Air Filter Efficiency: Get Better Results With Ratings You Can Actually Use
Air filter efficiency refers to how well the filter can trap and hold airborne particles and contaminants such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and even microorganisms as they travel with the air flowing through your HVAC system. Air filter efficiency is of prime importance to HVAC system function and indoor air quality. Keep the following…
Read MoreChange Your Smoke Detector Batteries As The Seasons Change
Now that summer is nearly over, it’s time to consider some regular maintenance and preparation for the new season. One of the more important things to maintain consistently is your smoke detector. These devices are vital for the safety of yourself and your family. Since most of them are battery operated, they need fresh batteries…
Read MoreWarning Signs Of Furnace Failure
As the heating season gets closer, it’s a good idea to give some thought to how well your furnace worked during the previous winter. Here are some of the warning signs of furnace failure that suggest your heating system is ready for retirement:
Read MoreFall Preventive Maintenance: Begin With Your Heating System
In preventive maintenance, the key word is “preventive.” The goal is not merely to maintain; it’s to head off problems before they strike. It’s based on the assumption that most mechanical failures are better and less-expensively prevented than they are repaired after they happen. After a long season of inactivity, your furnace is facing another…
Read MoreThe Right Insulation Will Make A Huge Difference This Winter
One of the best ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency this winter is to increase the level of insulation. Not all insulation is the same, however, and different types are better suited for specific applications. Here’s a quick guide to choosing the right insulation for your home.
Read MoreCeiling Fans And Your Furnace: A Surprisingly Good Duo
It’s common to see ceiling fans used to improve home cooling in the summer. Surprisingly, ceiling fans are also useful as a supplement to your furnace in the winter. In combination with your heating system, a ceiling fan can keep your home warmer and more comfortable than your furnace by itself.
Read MoreDon’t Get Fooled By These Energy-Savings Myths
When you’re looking for ways to increase energy efficiency and reduce your monthly utility bills, you want the most reliable information possible. Unfortunately, there are several persistent energy-savings myths that are still being passed around as truth. Here are some of the myths that are often told with good intentions, but that will not help…
Read MoreA Handy Yardstick To Perform Your Own Energy Evaluations
When you’re looking for ways to trim energy costs around your home, an excellent starting point is knowing how much energy you’re using and how your consumption compares to other homes in your area and around the country. Professional energy evaluations can supply this useful information, and although these assessments are extremely thorough, they can…
Read MoreEnergy Vampires: Don’t Be A Victim
In the old monster movies, every vampire had a helpless victim who couldn’t fight back. It may surprise you to know that your home probably has a population of vampires all its own, and each one of them is sucking away electrical energy and dollars. You can fight back against energy vampires by knowing what…
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