Keeping Warm Without Breaking The Bank

 

When the weather outside is frightful, it can inflate heating bills to scary highs, too. In Go Banking Rates’ recent savings report, the leading online finance resource investigates heating costs, asking energy experts for their tips on how to save money on electricity and gas. Homeowners and renters trying to keep their abode warm without draining their savings accounts will benefit from these five tips for saving money on winter energy bills.

1. Bump the Thermostat Down: Just a Bit

Every degree you move your thermostat saves 3 percent on the energy bill, says Kevin Gallegos, Vice President of Phoenix Operations at the Financial Freedom Network, in an exclusive interview with Go Banking Rates.

The average heating and cooling bill for a household is $1,000 over the course of a year, so lowering a thermostat just five degrees could save a household up to $150. With a sweater and some thick socks, most homeowners can be just as comfortable while racking up the energy savings.

2. Seal up Weak Spots Where Heat Is Escaping

"Thirty percent of energy bills float out the windows, especially in vintage, older, single-paned windows," Scott Fischer, a consultant with energy consultancy company Ciel Power, tells Go Banking Rates when asked about his energy saving tips.

Homeowners with older windows could look into replacing them with the better-insulated models that are on the market today. Many energy efficient windows are quite affordable, and can provide savings on electricity by keeping heat where it is wanted, indoors. Sealing up cracks or loose holes in a homes exterior will also keep heat from leaking out of a home.

Holiday and Christmas Tree Fire Safety

PART II

Holiday Lights

Maintain Your Holiday Lights

Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.

Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets

Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires; they should not be warm to the touch.

Do not leave holiday lights on unattended!

Holiday Decorations

Use Only Nonflammable Decorations

All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents. If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.

Don't Block Exits

Ensure that trees and other holiday decorations do not block an exit way. In the event of a fire, time is of the essence. A blocked entry/exit way puts you and your family at risk.

Never Put Wrapping Paper in the Fireplace

Wrapping paper in the fireplace can result in a very large fire, throwing off dangerous sparks and embers that may result in a chimney fire.

Candle Care

Never Leave a Burning Candle Unattended

Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell and feel like real candles.

If You Do Use Lit Candles

Make sure candles are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn. Avoid using candles in bedrooms and sleeping areas.

Never Put Lit Candles on a Tree

Do not go near a Christmas tree with an open flame; candles, lighters or matches.

Holiday and Christmas Tree Fire Safety

ay and Christmas Tree Fire Safety

PART I

Decorating homes and businesses is a long-standing tradition around the holiday season. Unfortunately, these same decorations may increase your chances of fire. Based on data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), an estimated 240 home fires involving Christmas trees and another 150 home fires involving holiday lights and other decorative lighting occur each year. Together, these fires result in 21 deaths and $25.2 million in direct property damage.

Following a few simple fire safety tips can keep electric lights, candles, and the ever popular Christmas tree from creating a tragedy. Learn how to prevent a fire and what to do in case a fire starts in your home. Make sure all exits are accessible and not blocked by decorations or trees. Help ensure that you have a fire safe holiday season.

Christmas Trees

What is a traditional Christmas morning scene without a beautifully decorated tree? If your household includes a natural tree in its festivities, take to heart the suggestion, keep the tree watered.

Christmas trees account for hundreds of fires annually. Typically, shorts in electrical lights or open flames from candles, lighters or matches start tree fires. Well-watered trees are not a problem. A dry and neglected tree can be.

Selecting a Tree for the Holidays

Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needles should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long and, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.

Caring for Your Tree

Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.

Disposing of Your Tree

Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.


For more information visit www.evenflowmechanical.com

HVAC Tips For Homeowners - PART II

Preparing for a Service Call

Need service on your heating and cooling system? Before your technician arrives at the door to service your system, take a moment to make sure you're prepared for the service call. Detailed information about your unit's problem may make a difference in the time needed to complete repairs. Your preparation will ensure the technician has all the information needed to get your system back to operating at peak performance.

Phasing Out Freon R-22

You may not realize it, but if your indoor home comfort system contains Freon R-22 refrigerant, it's an endangered species. Once the industry standard for air conditioning applications, Freon R-22 is an ozone depleting substance and is being phased out under the Clean Air Act. In response to the phase out, Carrier pioneered the introduction of a chlorine-free, non-ozone depleting refrigerant called Puron in 1996—six years before other manufacturers caught up!

Quiet and Affordable Heating Comfort

Until fairly recently, you could count on a traditional furnace to make quite a bit of noise as it heated your home. Fortunately, most heating systems manufactured today are quieter than their predecessors, but there is still a great deal of variance in the sound levels of products in the marketplace.

For more information visit www.evenflowmechanical.com

HVAC Tips For Homeowners

Save energy and reduce heating & cooling costs with these helpful tips:

Your Furnace Life Expectancy

How long can you expect your furnace to last? According to information compiled from various consumer resources, trade associations, and a study completed by the National Association of Home Builders entitled The Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components, a gas furnace that's properly installed and maintained can last up to 20 years.

ERVs & Indoor Air Quality

Evidence suggests that traditional ventilation methods, such as opening a window or using an exhaust fan, may not be enough to control indoor humidity and airborne contaminants in recent tightly constructed and insulated homes.

Is Your Furnace Ready?

Don't wait until the first cold snap to make sure your furnace is ready for the season. Here are a few minor tasks you can perform, plus things you can ask your dealer to do, to ensure your furnace will keep your home warm and comfortable all winter long.

Thermostat or Control?

Unlike a thermostat, a control does more than just monitor and adjust the temperature settings in your home. Newer controls, like the Infinity Control, can accomplish amazing feats.

Phasing Out Freon

If your indoor home comfort system contains Freon R-22 refrigerant, it's an endangered species. Once the industry standard for air conditioning applications, Freon R-22 is an ozone depleting substance and is being phased out under the Clean Air Act. In response to the phase out, we pioneered the introduction of a chlorine-free, non-ozone depleting refrigerant called Puron in 1996, six years before other manufacturers caught up.

Beat the Summer Heat

Why consider two-stage cooling? The technology supports longer cooling cycles that help to eliminate hot spots and maintain a more even, consistent temperature throughout your home. In general, two-stage cooling will deliver more comfort for the least amount of energy this summer.

How's the Air Inside?

Home sweet home...unless the air quality inside your home is causing sneezing, stuffiness, headaches, fatigue or dizziness. If your health problems are the result of exposure to indoor air pollution, turn to us  to help improve your air quality and increase your comfort with a complete line of indoor air quality products.

Two-Stage Makes Sense

Why consider two-stage cooling? The technology supports longer cooling cycles that help to eliminate hot spots and maintain a more even, consistent temperature throughout your home. In general, two-stage cooling delivers more comfort for the least amount of energy.

A/C Maintenance Saves Money

Did you know that 90% of all air conditioner breakdowns are the result of little or no maintenance? Or that an air conditioner loses roughly 5% of its original efficiency each year it operates without upkeep? If you haven't had a clean and check performed recently on your air conditioner system, it's probably not operating at optimum efficiency. That means the 12 SEER unit you bought just a few years ago may be functioning like a 9 SEER unit—causing your air conditioning unit to work harder to cool your home and also increasing your energy bills.

 For more information visit www.evenflowmechanical.com

Have A Happy & SAFE Thanksgiving

Turkey fryers can be dangerous and present numerous safety hazards to consumers. If a turkey fryer absolutely must be used, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department urges people to be careful and to follow these basic safety tips:

-Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors at a safe distance from buildings and any other flammable materials.

-Never use turkey fryers in a garage or on a wooden deck.

-Make sure the fryers are used on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping.

-Never leave the fryer unattended. Most units do not have thermostat controls. If you do not watch the fryer carefully, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.

-Never let children or pets near the fryer even if it is not in use. The oil inside the cooking pot can remain dangerously hot hours after use.

-To avoid oil spillover, do not overfill the fryer.

-Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles. If possible, wear safety goggles, long sleeve shirt, long pants and closed shoes to protect you from oil splatter.

-Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and be careful with marinades. Oil and water do not mix, and water causes oil to spill over causing a fire or even an explosion hazard.

-The National Turkey Federation (NTF) recommends thawing the turkey in the refrigerator approximately 24 hours for every five pounds in weight.

-Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. If the fire is manageable, use your all-purpose fire extinguisher. If the fire increases, immediately call the fire department for help.

The use of turkey fryers by consumers can lead to devastating burns, injuries, and the destruction of property if not used correctly.

Source: Santa Barbara Fire Department

 

For more information visit www.evenflowmechanical.com

In recent years deep-frying turkeys has become increasingly popular. The cooking method requires placing the turkey in three gallons or more of oil, heated by propane. We warn that cooking with deep-fat turkey fryers can be very dangerous as they have a high risk of tipping over, overheating, or spilling hot oil. That could lead to fires, burns, or other injuries.

Dangers of Frying a Turkey

Here are 5 dangers associated with deep frying a turkey:

1.   Units can easily tip over, spilling hot cooking oil over a large area.

2.   An overfilled cooking pot or partially frozen turkey will cause cooking oil to spill when the turkey is inserted.

3.   A small amount of cooking oil coming into contact with the burner can cause a large fire.

4.   Without thermostat controls, deep fryers have the potential to overheat the oil to the point of combustion.

5.   The sides of the cooking pot, lid and pot handles can get dangerously hot, creating severe burn hazards.

If you decide to do it anyway, these precautions should be followed.

 

If You Fry a Turkey

Fryers should always be used outdoors, on a solid level surface a safe distance from buildings and flammable materials.

Never use a fryer on a wooden deck, under a patio cover, in a garage or enclosed space.

Do not overfill the fryer.

Never leave the fryer unattended because, without thermostat controls, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.

Never let children or pets near the fryer when in use or after use as the oil can remain hot for hours.

Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts and wear long sleeves and safety goggles to protect from splatter.

Make sure the turkey is completely thawed before it is placed in a fryer.

Keep all-purpose fire extinguishers nearby.

For more information visit www.evenflowmechanical.com

PART II

Air Handler Maintenance

• Examine ducts around air handler for holes, loose tape or separated sections that might leak air.

• Replace your air handler filter once a month to reduce airflow restrictions and wasted energy.

Air Conditioner Maintenance/Heat Pump Maintenance

• Clean dust or move objects away from the grates that supply air into each room. Do the same to the large return grate, usually in a hallway, to ensure proper air flow.

• Clear leaves and debris from the systems outdoor condenser unit grille. If the interior unit is dirty, contact your contractor to perform a power wash that will not bend the fins of the grille.

• Examine ducts in attic or crawl space for holes, loose tape or separated sections that might leak air.

• Trim shrubbery to allow at least two feet of clearance from the unit.

• Set the thermostat mode to cooling (and heating for heat pumps) to make sure it is working. Contact the dealer for service if you hear any unusual noises.

• Replace your air handler filter once a month to reduce airflow restrictions and wasted energy.

• Make sure condensate line is clear to allow liquid runoff.

• Set up annual checkup of your system.

Gas Furnace Maintenance

• Confirm that the furnace runs completely through a normal cycle from start-up to shut-down. Look at the thermostat reading to confirm that the system shuts off when reaching the high temperature setpoint. (If otherwise, you have a short cycling problem requiring a service call.)

• Clean dust or move objects away from the grates that supply air into each room and the large return grate, usually in a hallway, to ensure proper air flow.

• Make sure obstacles are cleared away from the furnace and the safety switch on the furnace door.

• Check the vent connections for the exhaust pipe and chimney for rust or gaps.

• Make sure your CO2 monitor is operating properly and that it has fresh batteries.

• Replace furnace filters annually.

For more information visit www.evenflowmechanical.com

PART I

Maintenance Tips

Enjoy the full potential of your York product and extend its useful life with these helpful maintenance tips.

Although mechanical heating and cooling equipment is complex, there are some basic preventive maintenance procedures that you can perform to keep your system running at its best. (If your air conditioner or heat pump is more than 10 years old or your furnace is more than 12 years, call your York Dealer to see how much you can reduce your utility bills with more energy efficient equipment.)

Indoor Air Quality Equipment Maintenance

• Follow manufacturers instructions for changing (or cleaning) air filters in air handlers/furnaces and other home comfort equipment. Some air cleaners require only an annual filter change, while others need more frequent replacement.

• Maintaining proper humidity levels can greatly reduce airborne allergens. Make sure pans and coils of humidification/dehumidification unit are clean and free of debris.

• Regularly clean your return grills to prevent dust and debris from accumulating in ducts and clogging filters.

• Examine ducts around air handler for holes, loose tape or separated sections that might allow air infiltration.

• Make sure air system is balanced to avoid negative air pressure from pulling pollens and allergens into home. Consider using a dedicated ventilation system to introduce filtered outside air to create positive pressure with clean air.

Learn more about our heating & air conditioning preventative maintenance plan.
 
For more information visit www.evenflowmechanical.com

Before each cooling season, it is recommended that central air conditioners get a professional tune-up. This is the biggest step to preventing major malfunctions in an AC unit.

Probably the most important step that can be done by a homeowner is to clean or replace the air filter every month. Electrostatic filters are the best. Do not run the unit with the filter removed. Check the owners manual for filter cleaning procedure. Let a washed filter dry completely before reinstalling it.

Every month, especially during the summer months, remove any leaves or debris from outdoor condenser units.

Help keep the outdoor condenser fan running efficiently by cleaning the fan blades and the coils before each cooling season. (Always turn off the power before attempting anything other than superficial cleaning). Remove the fan grill and the fan blades. Gently brush off debris from the blades. Then uncover the condenser coils and gently brush the dirty side. Then hose water from inside the unit, using plastic bags to protect the motor and other components. Also check the base pan (under the unit) and remove any debris that has accumulated there as well.

If the condenser fan makes a clicking or grating noise it may indicate that the blades may be striking an obstruction. If a blade becomes bent, do not try to straighten the blade. A straightened blade may become unbalanced and can loosen the fan motor or hit the condenser coil. Replace a bent blade with a new blade. After replacing a blade, make sure the fan blades rotate freely and do not wobble. If fan often becomes loose, apply a drop of thread-locking compound.

Keep vegetation at least 2 feet away from outdoor units on each side and above. Aim grass clippings away from the unit when mowing the lawn. During the fall, keep the fan grill free of leaves.

Lubricate the condenser fan motor once a year if it has oil ports. (They are usually plugged with rubber or metal caps). Use non-detergent lightweight SAE 20 oil and add no more than 10 drops per port.

If possible, shade the outdoor compressor unit. Air in shaded space is typically 5 to 6 degrees cooler than the surrounding air. Proper shading can be up to 10 percent more efficient over a cooling season.

During the winter months, protect the condenser unit with a form-fitting cover. To avoid damaging the compressor, do not operate the unit when it is below 60 degrees F outside.

A dirty indoor evaporator coil will hinder the unit's ability to cool the air moving through the unit. To clean the evaporator coil, remove the front panel of the air handler/ furnace to expose the coil. Ensure that the coil is dry. Use the soft brush attachment on the vacuum cleaner to gently remove any dust or debris from the coil. Check and make sure that coil fins are straight. If not, straighten them with a fin comb available from refrigeration supply dealers.

Warm indoor air contacting the evaporator coils will condense causing moisture to collect and drip. In most units, a plastic pipe carries the water outdoors or to a floor drain. Algae and bacteria growth can clog the pipe. When this happens, backed-up water can puddle, causing rust or other damage. To clean the evaporator drain, remove the plastic tape holding the trap to the pipe elbow. (It may be necessary to saw through the pipe at the elbow). Flush the trap with water from a hose, and then disinfect using 1 tbsp of chlorine bleach. Reattach the trap to the pipe with new tape.

Raise the temperature settings. Each degree of temperature can represent up to 9 percent savings in cooling costs.

 

For more information visit www.evenflowmechanical.com

Evenflow Mechanical Is Teaming Up With SCE To Help Save You Money!

 

Pools and Spas

Install a timer, or set your existing timer to run pool filtering and sweeping operations during off-peak hours (before noon and after 6 p.m.)

 

Around the House

Weather-stripping and caulking around doors and windows will reduce leaks and save energy by preventing conditioned air from escaping to the outside or unconditioned air from getting inside.

Use hot water for clothes washing only when necessary and always use cold water for the rinse cycle. Using cold water reduces your washer’s energy use.

  Clean the clothes dryer lint trap after every load and be sure that the dryer’s exhaust line is clean.

 

FACT: If 25 percent of all SCE residential customers with air conditioning tuned up their system each summer, the improvement in A/C system efficiency would result in the reduction of up to 316 million pounds of CO2 emissions from burning fossil fuels to generate electricity — the equivalent of removing approximately 30,000 cars off the road.
 

For more information visit www.evenflowmechanical.com

 Lighting

Replace incandescent light bulbs with ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) which use up to 75 percent less energy. For additional information go to: www.sce.com/newlight.

Use task lighting when possible. Focus light where it is needed rather than lighting an entire room.

Install timers or photocells with motion sensors to enhance security and ensure that outside lighting is used only when needed.

For your bathrooms, hallways, or bedrooms consider installing LED night lights equipped with photo sensors to keep them off during daylight hours.

 

Appliances

Always wash a full load of clothes or use the variable water level adjustment for smaller loads to save energy.

Use an automatic clothes-drying cycle instead of a timed cycle.

Put full loads in the dishwasher and use the energy saving setting for the drying cycle or let dishes air dry.

Use your microwave oven as much as possible in the summer.

Leave space between your refrigerator and the surrounding walls and cabinets to allow air to circulate around the coils.

Unplug your spare refrigerator or freezer if you do not use it and save up to $292 on your electric bill. Consider recycling your spare working refrigerator or freezer by participating in SCEs free refrigerator and freezer recycling program. Go to www.sce.com/pickup for more details.

To save on your water heating cost, set your water heater to 120 Degrees F or normal setting.

 

For more information visit www.evenflowmechanical.com

Evenflow Mechanical Is Teaming Up With SCE To Help Save You Money!

Residential Energy Guide
 

You have the power to save energy, money and the environment by taking some simple steps in your home. Southern California Edison would like to help you get started by providing you with energy saving tips as well as longer-term solutions that will help you save money and conserve our valuable energy resources.

 

Find out where you can save in your home by taking the Home Energy Survey. Just visit www.sce.com/survey. You will receive a customized report identifying opportunities for maximizing your energy, water, and money savings by improving the energy efficiency in your home.

 

ENERGY SAVING TIPS

No- and Low-Cost Things You Can Do Now
 
Heating and Cooling

   When heating your home: Reduce your thermostat by 3-5 Degrees F when your home is occupied;set to 55 Degrees F or lower, or turn off your heating system when your home is unoccupied.

 

   When cooling your home: Increase your thermostat by 3-5 Degrees F when your home is occupied;set to 85 Degrees F or higher or turn off your cooling system when your home is unoccupied.

 

   Inspect air filters before the heating and cooling seasons as required by manufacturer and replace as needed. Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy use.

 

   An air conditioner tune-up done by a qualified professional can save up to 30% on home cooling costs. For additional information go to www.sce.com/acquality.

For more information visit www.evenflowmechanical.com

More Fall and Winter Tips

Have your Heating system tuned-up for the season, so that you are running at peak efficiency. Operating at peak efficiency will save money because the system doesn't have to work as hard to do its job.

Replace your furnace or air handler filters on a regular basis. Lack of regular filter changes and maintenance is the Number 1 cause of system breakdowns and costly repair bills.

Keep the thermostat constant. Continuously adjusting the thermostat can be very inefficient. You can, however, lower the thermostat 2-3 degrees during the day while you're away to save money. For every degree you lower the setting, you can expect to cut energy consumption by up to 3-5%.

Flip the fan switch on your thermostat into the "fan on" mode when heating the house. This process will ensure that air is always being stirred to prevent hot and cold pockets from forming.

Consider a Heat Pump if you are going to replace your outdoor unit. Although a Heat Pump cannot produce air as hot as your gas furnace, when you combine a Heat Pump with your gas furnace you have a system that is much more efficient and still able to deliver the warmth we all love.

Set air vents on the second floor to receive approximately 45 percent of the heated air. This will help even out the temperatures from the first to the second floor of the home. (Remember, hot air rises)

Open the shades and curtains to help produce radiant heat of the sun.

Replace older windows with more efficient low-E glass. These windows help to reduce the heat loss of your homes HVAC system. Also, keep storm windows closed. This saves money and extends the life of the system.

Run humidifiers to help maintain the warm feeling in your home. Proper humidity can make the air feel up to 3 degrees warmer. Which means you can turn down your thermostat a couple of degrees and save money on your utility bills and still feel the warmth that we all love on those cold days in winter. (Depending upon your environment, you may still need a dehumidifier running in the basement).

Clear or cut back shrubs and bushes from the outdoor Heat Pump unit. The sides of the unit require at least 12-18 inches of clearance for proper performance.

Keep fallen leaves, grass clippings, foliage and other dirt and debris away from your outdoor Heat Pump unit. And keep the indoor coils clean, following manufacturers' instructions.

Don't block vents or ducts inside the house to assure air flow in the home.

Caulk and install weather stripping around windows and doors (especially the attic) to close air gaps.

Consider use of a programmable thermostat to automatically increase or decrease temperatures during day and night to suit a family's lifestyle and reduce energy cost.

Keep windows and doors closed to help with the homes natural heat loss.

For more information visit www.evenflowmechanical.com

HVAC 101: Part I

Bottom of Form

Introduction

HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) refers to the equipment, distribution network and terminals that provide heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning to a building. HVAC accounts for 40 percent to 60 percent of the energy used in commercial and institutional buildings, and 12 percent to 15 percent in industrial facilities. This represents an opportunity for substantial energy savings using proven technologies and design concepts. A recent study estimates that California commercial businesses alone have the potential to save 46 percent of their energy costs through cooling and ventilation energy efficiency efforts by 2011.

Technology Options

HVAC systems are typically replaced or upgraded when they have reached the end of their useful life. Because HVAC systems are expensive, it may not be cost-effective to replace them on the basis of improved performance or estimated annual energy savings alone. To optimize the purchase and selection of these systems, perform an energy analysis and review the purchasing tips provided below.

When early retirement of the HVAC system is not an option, there are two general guidelines for improving the energy performance of existing HVAC systems:

	Make the system as efficient as possible. Control the system as efficiently as possible.

Check in next week for Part II of this dialogue....

For more information visit www.evenflowmechanical.com

More Fall and Winter Tips

Have your Heating system tuned-up for the season, so that you are running at peak efficiency. Operating at peak efficiency will save money because the system doesn't have to work as hard to do its job.

Replace your furnace or air handler filters on a regular basis. Lack of regular filter changes and maintenance is the Number 1 cause of system breakdowns and costly repair bills.

Keep the thermostat constant. Continuously adjusting the thermostat can be very inefficient. You can, however, lower the thermostat 2-3 degrees during the day while you're away to save money. For every degree you lower the setting, you can expect to cut energy consumption by up to 3-5 percent.

Flip the fan switch on your thermostat into the "fan on" mode when heating the house. This process will ensure that air is always being stirred to prevent hot and cold pockets from forming.

Consider a Heat Pump if you are going to replace your outdoor unit. Although a Heat Pump cannot produce air as hot as your gas furnace, when you combine a Heat Pump with your gas furnace you have a system that is much more efficient and still able to deliver the warmth we all love.

Set air vents on the second floor to receive approximately 45 percent of the heated air. This will help even out the temperatures from the first to the second floor of the home. (Remember, hot air rises)

Open the shades and curtains to help produce radiant heat of the sun.

Replace older windows with more efficient low-E glass. These windows help to reduce the heat loss of your homes HVAC system. Also, keep storm windows closed. This saves money and extends the life of the system.

Run humidifiers to help maintain the warm feeling in your home. Proper humidity can make the air feel up to 3 degrees warmer. Which means you can turn down your thermostat a couple of degrees and save money on your utility bills and still feel the warmth that we all love on those cold days in winter. (Depending upon your environment, you may still need a dehumidifier running in the basement)

Clear or cut back shrubs and bushes from the outdoor Heat Pump unit. The sides of the unit require at least 12-18 inches of clearance for proper performance.

Keep fallen leaves, grass clippings, foliage and other dirt and debris away from your outdoor Heat Pump unit. And keep the indoor coils clean, following manufacturers' instructions.

Don't block vents or ducts inside the house to assure air flow in the home.

Caulk and install weather stripping around windows and doors (especially the attic) to close air gaps.

Consider use of a programmable thermostat to automatically increase or decrease temperatures during day and night to suit a family's lifestyle and reduce energy cost.

Keep windows and doors closed to help with the homes natural heat loss.

For more information visit www.evenflowmechanical.com