Proper home insulation is the most important part in conserving energy and keeping your utility bills lower. For average homes, use the below as a guide. Houses located in cold temperatures may need additional insulation to promote desired energy conservation.
Ceilings: R-30 (10″) Thermal resistance
Exterior walls, floors (over unheated areas): R-11 (3-1/2″)
Thermal resistance
When using your heating or cooling system, keep all windows and doors closed.
Windows allow heat to enter the home in summer and escape the home in winter, but heat transfer can be cut significantly—up to 40% to 50%—by switching to double-glazed windows. These windows have a sealed air space between the two panes of glass.
Get metal-frame or wood-frame storm windows for your home. That extra layer of glass and air cuts heat transfer tremendously, even if your single-glazed windows are high quality.
All entrance doors and windows should have weather-stripping and caulking. Also, if your home has small areas where outside air can filter in, plug them with plastic, caulking or weather-stripping.
Fireplaces should have tight-fitting dampers that can be shut when not in use.
Humidifiers can help conserve heating costs in wintertime because moist air feels warmer and you can set your thermostat at a lower temperature setting.
Take advantage of a programmable thermostat which allows you to adjust indoor temperatures to your schedule. While away from the house, the system (heating or cooling) can be set to run less frequently, saving energy and money.
When going away on a trip, always adjust the temperature so the heating/cooling system will run less often. You may not want to turn the system completely off because heat often leads to odors or unwanted humidity that can be hard on furniture or other household items. Likewise, allowing your house to get too cold could lead to burst water pipes from freezing conditions.
Have your thermostat mounted on an internal wall, away from windows and doors.
If you’re expecting a large group of people, lower the thermostat just a couple of degrees. You’ll save on heating bills and have a more comfortable environment.
Set the thermostat as low as comfort permits. Each degree over 68° can add 3% to the amount of energy needed for heating.
Have your ductwork cleaned regularly by a professional.
Make sure your attic is well ventilated. Heat rises, and having larger vents can help relieve heat buildup.
If renovating a roof or building a new home, consider lighter-colored shingles to reflect the sun’s light and heat.
Don’t place heat-producing home devices such as televisions, computers or lamps near or under your thermostat.
Set your temperature as high as comfort will permit.
Consider installing awnings, shades or shutters over windows that are exposed to direct sunlight.
Keep kitchen and bath exhaust fan use to a minimum during summer months.
Draw blinds or drapes during peak daytime temperatures.
In moderate weather, consider opening windows instead of turning on the A/C.
Like most homeowners, you may have many questions when it comes to selecting the right HVAC equipment. To help you with those questions, Armstrong Air has compiled the most frequently asked and put them in one place.
Financing Frequently Asked QuestionsHOW CAN I PAY FOR MY NEW SYSTEM?
Please discuss financing options with your installing dealer. Armstrong Air has a financing agreement for dealers with Synchrony Bank, which offers a variety of financing options that dealers can take advantage of. Many dealers also have their own financing programs available, so be sure to ask.
WHAT IS THE WARRANTY ON MY UNIT?
The manufacturer’s warranty begins on the date of installation and lasts varying lengths of time depending on the type of unit installed. The warranty term can be found on the back cover of the installation manual for your unit. You can check with your installing dealer if you no longer have your installation manual. You will need to have the model and serial number of your unit, which can be found on the front or side of your unit.
WHAT IS COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY?
The manufacturer’s warranty covers most mechanical parts. It does not include labor, refrigerant, shipping charges or a replacement unit. You may have an extended warranty that was purchased through a third-party insurer. Please check with your installing dealer for information on any extended warranties.
WILL A NEW FURNACE OR AIR CONDITIONER HELP LOWER MY UTILITY BILLS?
The answer is usually yes, depending on the age and efficiency level of your current unit. Please discuss this with your dealer, who will be able to estimate the efficiency level of your current unit, and explain the advantages of a new unit.
HOW DO I KNOW WHAT SIZE AIR CONDITIONER OR FURNACE I NEED?
Olson Comfort Services will do a load calculation on your home to determine the proper equipment size. Today’s units are often significantly more efficient than older models and don’t need to be as large to deliver the same or better amount of comfort. The load calculation is an important and potentially money-saving step to take, rather than just replacing your current unit with one of the same size.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A HEAT PUMP AND AN AIR CONDITIONER? WHICH IS BETTER?
A heat pump is really two units in one – an air conditioner, and in the cooler months, a heater. If electrical costs in your area are lower than other fossil fuels, you may want to explore installing a heat pump in your home. When the heat pump is in the heating mode, it pulls heat out of the outdoor air and uses that to heat your home. If the outdoor air is too cold (around 32° F), then it uses electrical strip heaters to heat the air.
