Maybe you weren't holding the winning numbers in Mega Millions, but you may feel as though you hit the jackpot if you use the extra cash you have to upgrade your HVAC system… read more »
Greater West Chester homeowners like to save money, and one place to start reaping rewards while helping the planet is with your home energy-efficiency strategies.… read more »
Fewer things can get you motivated in your pursuit of energy savings than an out-of-control utility bill. And with good reason, because after you start in one room and work your way around your home, you’ll likely find many ways to bring that bill under control.… read more »
Many homes in the West Chester area are heated and cooled with forced-air systems. This type of heating relies on ducts to distribute air to every room in the home. However, in the average house, about 20 percent of the heated air traveling through ducts is lost through gaps and cracks in ductwork joints. This results in higher utility costs and greater difficulty keeping your home comfortable. The solution is duct sealing.… read more »
With your heat recovery ventilator installed, you have what you need to keep the air in your home fresh without paying high utility bills. The system is capable of both recovering heat from outgoing air in the winter and removing heat from incoming air in the summer. That means you should use your heat recovery ventilator year-round.… read more »
If you're looking for a way to increase your home's comfort this winter—without adding to your energy bill—consider variable-speed furnace blowers that use the latest technology to deliver air through your home's ducts. This type of system will improve comfort, indoor air quality, and energy savings.… read more »
When you hear an HVAC technician refer to your home heating load, they’re basically talking about the amount of heat required to bring your home to your desired level of comfort. If your heating load surpasses the heating capacity of your furnace or heat pump, you’ll likely see increased energy bills and system wear, which can be costly over the long term.… read more »
The efficiency of your home heating systems depends on the synergy of multiple components. Your thermostat, your heating source, and your ductwork are three major components of that system.… read more »
These days, homeowners are doing all they can to save money on energy costs. Many start by sealing air leaks in their home’s outer shell. While this type of do-it-yourself home improvement project can certainly promote significant energy savings, there are certain issues that are better left to a professional HVAC technician.… read more »
Winter inevitably brings with it higher utility bills. The weather may get cold in Ohio, but that doesn't mean you need to pay a ton of money to heat your home. In addition to professional preventative maintenance to optimize your system's efficiency, there are several simple things you can do to increase the energy savings in your home.… read more »
If your HVAC system is in need of an upgrade, you may want to consider making a decision on installation before the 2011 tax credits for energy efficiency expire on December 31, 2011.… read more »
Heating/cooling equipment operates at different efficiencies depending on the outdoor air temperature and the fuel source. When the weather is mild, most systems operate more efficiently with electrical power. But for more extreme temperatures, fuel sources like natural gas and oil tend to be more efficient. This is why dual-fuel systems offer significant improvements in energy savings.… read more »
Unsealed air leaks force your furnace to work overtime to maintain a constant temperature in your living space. As warm air rises and escapes through the upper levels of your house, cold air is sucked in through cracks and openings on the levels below.… read more »
A discerning and critical eye when searching for solutions to your household energy needs has become more and more of an imperative as the number of options has increased. Many new forms of power have led to big pronouncements as to their efficiency, but what environmentally friendly energy source will truly give you the most benefit over the long-term?… read more »
Winter is on the way, and homeowners living in climates like Ohio, where the weather gets cold, should prepare now for those cooler temperatures. Getting your air conditioner ready to do battle with Mother Nature will help breeze through the season without much difficulty.… read more »
If you're a homeowner in the West Chester area who's looking to improve your residence's energy efficiency, start with a good question: What parts of your home are responsible for the most energy waste? The answer to that question might be surprise, however; not all sources of energy waste are obvious.… read more »
It might seem unlikely now, but cold weather is on the way -- and with it will come higher heating costs. But there are steps you can take, including some relatively simple afternoon projects, to reduce your energy bills this winter.… read more »
Energy Star is a government-backed program, run jointly between the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy, which makes it simple for homeowners to know which HVAC equipment and home appliances save the most energy.… read more »
Heating and cooling degree days help you estimate how much energy your home has used in a specific span of time. Keeping track of your meter readings can help you gauge how much energy you’re using, but that doesn’t account for the variable of changing weather.… read more »
Smart landscaping choices are another way to save money on your home's heating and cooling bills. With the right landscaping, you can block winds, reduce or maximize solar gain, and prevent energy loss. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the initial investments made while planting and landscaping for energy savings are typically recouped within about eight years.… read more »
A vacation is supposed to be a time of relaxation -- not a time to worry about whether your HVAC system will fail, or other potential home disasters. Tri-County Heating & Cooling is here with some HVAC advice to ease your mind and save you energy until you’re home again.… read more »
Looking for ways to increase household energy savings? Energy Star’s online Home Advisor shows you how. Simply enter your ZIP code and heating and cooling information to find Energy Star’s tips for improved energy efficiency.… read more »