What are some tips for improving my home's energy efficiency?
For improved energy efficiency, follow the tips outlined below.
- Set thermostats at 78°F in the summer and 68°F in the winter. You can expect a 3%-5% increase
in energy use for every degree you set the thermostat at lower in the summer and
higher in the winter. Also consider installing a programmable thermostat.
- Properly insulate attic, walls, and floors. We recommend R-30 for the attic, R19 for floors, and
R-13 for walls. Check with local building codes for minimum requirements.
- Use storm windows or double-paned replacement windows to greatly reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. Storm
windows are relatively inexpensive, and they also help decrease the outside noise
that enters your home.
- Properly seal ductwork. Gaps in duct joints and at plenums can cause your heating and cooling bills
to increase
by as much as 30% and can allow air contaminants to enter the home. Sealing with
duct mastic is the best way to fix the problem permanently.
- Have heating and cooling systems professionally serviced twice a year to keep them running as efficiently as possible. If your system
is older, consider installing a more efficient system.
- Check refrigerators and freezers for significant energy loss. Make sure they are as full as possible and that
the seals are in good condition. Don’t put refrigerators or freezers in unconditioned
garages if possible. When buying a new appliance, look for the ENERGY STAR® label.
- Switch to high efficiency ENERGY STAR® qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs. These bulbs last up to 10 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs,
and they operate at cooler temperatures.
- If you have standard throw-away filters, change them monthly. If you have pleated filters,
change them at least once every three months.
- Wrap electric water heaters with an insulated blanket. Read the installation instructions and warranty to
make sure this doesn’t void the warranty.
- Check caulk and weather-stripping around your windows and doors. If the caulk is cracked or the weather-stripping
is flat or peeling, replace the old material. Seal other air leakage points around
wiring, plumbing, attic access and fireplace flues. Use caulk for small holes
and expanding foam for larger areas.
Can I troubleshoot before calling JHStewart?
Yes, if you are having problems with your unit, there are several steps you can
take to help identify and resolve the issue on your own:
- Check to see that your filters are clean. Clean or replace as necessary.
JHStewart recommends that you check your filters monthly.
- Check the circuit breakers on the unit and inside your home.
- Heat pumps can freeze occasionally in severely cold weather. You may notice light
steam rising from the
heat pump when the unit goes into the defrost cycle; this is the ice melting off
of the condenser coil and is normal.
- Clogged filters can cause HVAC systems to freeze. If your unit is frozen,
check the filters and change if necessary. Set thermostat to “fan only” until
the ice has melted.
- If the above tips do not solve the issue with your system, please contact
us to set an appointment. We would be happy to come out and diagnose the problem.
Should I repair or replace old equipment?
When older equipment breaks down, it may make more sense to replace the system
rather than investing in repairs to individual components. Consider the life expectancy
of the unit and the long-term value of repairs to determine if replacing the system
is a better choice. While the replacement option is initially more expensive,
the enhanced
efficiency of the new system can mean greatly reduced operating costs, which over
time will offset the replacement cost. Additionally, a new system can provide
increased comfort and reliability for you and your family, as modern equipment
is designed to provide more even and efficient temperature control.
What size equipment do I need for my home?
The best way to determine what size equipment is best suited to the needs of your
home is to have a JHStewart technician perform a heat gain and loss load calculation.
This will
take into account your house's construction type, square footage, orientation,
as well as the insulation value
of your windows, walls, and roof. Other factors, such as humidity
levels, the direction your home faces, and the number of heat-producing
appliances in your home, will also be evaluated to establish
your needs.
Proper sizing is an essential component for both comfort and
efficiency. A system that is too
small won't keep the house at the desired temperature. Oversized equipment will
cycle on and off too frequently, resulting in decreased efficiency.
How long will my system last?
Maintenance and service are critical to the life span of your heating and air
conditioning system. If all recommended maintenance and service guidelines are
followed, an air conditioner should last 12 to 15 years and a gas furnace should
last
20 to 25 years.
What is the JHStewart preventative maintenance plan?
Our preventative maintenance plan includes a complete precision tune-up and professional
cleaning performed either annually or semi-annually based on the terms of your
agreement.
The program can help extend equipment life and lower utility bills. The precision
tune-up procedures include:
- Clean and adjust burner assembly
- Clean ignition assembly
- Clean heat exchanger or elements
- Monitor refrigerant pressure
- Test starting capabilities
- Test safety contols
- Clean or replace standard air filters
- Clean and adjust blower components
- Measure for correct air flow
- Tighten electrical components
- Measure volts/amps
- Lubricate all moving parts
- Adjust thermostat calibration
- Clean evaporator coil if accessible
- Clean condenser coil
- Clean condensate drains
- Measure temperature difference
- Clean outside unit
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