Quick Tips

Don't Ignore Air Conditioning Problems.
Trane XL

When you have a big air conditioning problem - like an air conditioner that quits during the hottest day of summer - it goes without saying that you'll call for service. Smaller air conditioning problems are easier to ignore, but this is the last thing you should do. By calling for service as soon as you notice the symptoms of an ailing cooling system you can prevent the expense and inconvenience of a big repair job. You'll also avoid the higher utility bills that typically accompany a poorly functioning air conditioning system. You should have your air conditioner checked when you notice any of the following symptoms:

  • Decreased air flow from the registers;
  • Strange noises coming from the air conditioner;
  • Moldy odors coming from the ductwork when the air conditioner is running;
  • The air conditioner cycles on and off more frequently than it used to;
  • The breaker for the air conditioner in the electrical panel keeps tripping (or the fuse keeps blowing);
  • Ice appears on your air conditioner or piping, either inside or outside the house;
  • Your outdoor fan in the air conditioner won't come on.

If you notice any of the above symptoms, call us today to have your air conditioning checked and serviced to avoid larger problems down the road.

Home Heating Tips
  • Set your thermostat as low as it is comfortable. Each degree you lower your thermostat can cut your heating costs between one and three percent. A common strategy is to lower thermostat settings to 68 degrees. The lower you set it, the more you'll save.
  • Turn your thermostat down 10 to 15 degrees during your sleeping hours or while you're away, to save even more on your heating bill.
  • Use a programmable thermostat with your furnace to adjust the setting while you sleep or no one is home.
  • Clean or replace filters on furnaces once a month, or as needed.
  • Clean warm-air registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators as needed; make sure they're not blocked by furniture, carpeting, or drapes.
  • Bleed trapped air from hot-water radiators once or twice a season.
  • Caulking and weather stripping keeps warm air in during the winter.
  • Add insulation around heat ducts when they are located in unconditioned spaces such as attics, crawl spaces, and garages.
  • Check to see that your fireplace damper is tightly closed, when it is not in use.
  • During the heating season, keep draperies and shades on south-facing windows open during the day to allow sunlight to enter your home, and close them at night to reduce the chill from cold windows.

Source: Department of Energy