Skip navigation

Never an answering service.

Available Evenings, Weekends & Holidays - No Overtime
972-893-1968 • 817-500-5343

Home » Fall 2011

Fall 2011

Top 5 Reasons to Keep Up With Heating Maintenance

It is easy to forget about maintaining your heating system. It is out of sight and out of mind for the most part, so until you need it, you may even forget it’s there. Maintenance is very important, though, so below are some reminders as to why you should keep your heater in good shape:

  1. Save the Planet - A well-maintained heating system is more efficient than one in disrepair. It can heat your home to a comfortable temperature using less energy because all of its parts are in good, working order. This means using less energy, which is good for the environment.
  2. Be Comfortable - Efficient heating does not just benefit the environment, it benefits you as well. When your heating system is well-maintained, it keeps you whole home at a reasonable, comfortable temperature all the time. You and your family will stay warm and cozy all winter long.
  3. Breathe Easy - Routine heating maintenance, such as keeping the furnace filter clean and fresh, improves the quality of air you breathe. You will have less dust and allergens floating around, meaning you can breathe easier. This is especially important if anyone in the home struggles with allergies or asthma.
  4. Extend the Life of Your Equipment - Routine maintenance is designed to prevent and address small problems before they become big ones. Replacing filters, tightening loose bolts, keeping fuel lines clean and replacing worn parts helps prevent major mechanical breakdowns, so your heating system lasts longer.
  5. Save Money - If those first four reasons are not enough, then this one should be. The money you spend on maintaining your home heating system is more than returned to you in the form of savings. How so, you wonder? It runs efficiently, so you save on monthly heating bills. It won’t need as many major repairs, so you save on those costs. And, it will last longer than poorly maintained systems, delaying the cost of replacement. You save three different ways!

You can see now that heating maintenance is important. Whether you have been putting it off or simply forgot about it, take charge now. Call a professional and get an inspection done on your heating system. Then, set up a maintenance schedule with reminders so it doesn’t fall by the way side.

Your planet, your family and your wallet will all thank you for it.

 

Conserving Energy from Top to Bottom

Energy costs are at record highs, and everyone is looking for ways to save a buck. However, no one wants to compromise on their family’s comfort. After all, what good are savings if you have to suffer? Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to help trim your energy bill without compromising the comfortable surroundings of your home.

Little Steps

Saving energy starts with small habits, little things you can do every day to slightly reduce energy use and pare down those monthly bills. These are steps that do not involve buying any new equipment or drastically changing your lifestyle. For example, start with some of these little tips:

  • Turn off lights and the television when no one is using them.
  • Shut your computer down at night.
  • Unplug “vampire devices” such as cell phone chargers when not in use. Chargers and other devices can draw power even when they are not charging anything.
  • Use power strips. Turn them off when none of the devices or appliances plugged into them are being used.
  • Turn off your cable box. Many people miss this step because the TV is off, but many cable boxes can draw even more power than the TV!

Upgrade to Efficiency

If you have tried all those little tricks and are still looking to cut energy costs, it is time to make your home more efficient. This means making some purchases, but consider them investments in your energy costs. When used properly, these things pay for themselves in savings over time:

  • Switch to compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs. These draw less energy and last much longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
  • Install a programmable thermostat to control heating and cooling when no one is home.
  • Consider upgrading appliances, like your dishwasher, refrigerator and washing machine. New appliances, especially Energy Star approved models, can save a bundle over older machines.

Routine Maintenance

If you don’t think you are due for upgrades yet, or just don’t want to absorb the upfront cost, there are plenty of things you can do to keep the appliances you already own running as efficiently as possible. Remember to change AC and furnace filters, vacuum household vents and clean your water heater routinely.

Aside from these DIY tips, if you would like even more help, consider hiring a professional to do an energy audit. He will inspect your whole home to determine where you may be wasting energy and how to correct those issues.