Springtime brings beautiful sunshine and blooming flowers and for many homeowners, it’s a time to get caught up on projects around the house. Many people use this season to evaluate home energy use and determine ways that they can cut back. If you’re looking for ways to cut your energy bill this spring, these simple tips can help!
Did you know that knocking the temperature down just one degree can make a big difference in your energy bill and your overall savings? This could mean you are saving a large chunk of money each month.
#2: Replace your thermostat.
Programmable thermostats are the wave of the future and are a simple way to reduce your energy usage in your home. Not only do they help with your bill, but they will also assist in evenly cooling and heating your home, year-round. These thermostats give you the ability to program the temperature to be exactly what you want, when you want it. So, if you plan on being gone at work all day, you can program the thermostat to turn down while you’re away, then have it come back up a bit before you arrive home. This keeps you from wasting energy and money when you’re not at home! They can be installed and used in tandem with almost any existing cooling or heating system. We have several programmable thermostat options, so contact us for information.
#3: Consider replacing your heating and cooling system.
How old is your heating and cooling system? If it is 10 to 15 years old, chances are, a full replacement is imminent. Outdated systems become inefficient over time, sucking energy and driving your energy bill up. A new system such as a ductless system will be energy efficient and will end up saving money over time. Not sure which one is right for your home? Our experienced team of heating and cooling specialists can provide you the best options within your specified price range.
If you don’t need a new system quite yet and want to make sure you get the most out of your existing system, be sure to schedule regular preventative maintenance appointments for it. This will help extend the life of the system and ensure that it is working at peak efficiency, no matter what the weather does outside! Contact us today to get your system tune-up scheduled or to talk to us about the installation of a programmable thermostat or system replacement!
Earth Day is next week! This day helps people remember the importance of our Earth and provides ways to help take care of it. We think that taking care of the Earth we live in is important and that being a good steward of the environment means many things – including thinking about your heating and cooling system! Make Earth Day every day in your home with some of these helpful tips.
#1: Replace your thermostat.
Programmable thermostats are an easy way to reduce your energy usage and save money! Not to mention, they will help you with evenly heating and cooling your home all year long. These thermostats allow you to program the temperature to be what you want, when you want it. For example, if you know you will be gone at work all day, don’t keep the thermostat cranked up. Program it to turn down a bit while you’re away, then have it turn back up shortly before you get home. Programmable thermostats can be used in tandem with almost any existing heating and cooling system. Contact us today for options.
#2: Stay ahead of the game with preventative maintenance.
Heating and cooling preventative maintenance appointments may not be on the top of your priority list, but they should be. These will help you extend the life of your system and they will help prevent unexpected breakdowns. Spring is one of the best times to get your system tuned up. We will make sure to run an energy efficiency check to ensure the system is working at peak condition. We will also clean the filters or replace them, then talk to you about any repairs or other issues we see that could cause a problem. Preventative maintenance gives you the peace of mind you need as you head into the spring and summer seasons.
Heating and cooling systems account for the highest energy use in most households nationwide. That means when it comes to helping the Earth, that you should look no further than your HVAC system! We can help get your preventative maintenance appointment on the books! Or, if you are ready to get a new heating and cooling system installed for the spring and summer weather, we can help find a replacement system that is the highest quality for the best price. Contact us today for information!
The holiday season has officially begun and for many people that means looking for ways to cut costs and save money on day to day things, so they can splurge on gifts for friends and family. Did you know that your heating system can save you money? A system that functions at peak efficiency will not only work better for a longer amount of time, but it will also help keep your utility bills lower. Here are some helpful ways to have a more efficient heating system this winter.
Tip #1: Set your thermostat.
If you are running your heating system while you’re away all day, you’re wasting money and energy. Install a programmable thermostat and program it to turn down when you’re gone and back up right before you return. These thermostats allow you to control the temperature to be exactly what you want. The result: a comfortable, evenly-heated home and a more affordable utility bill! We can provide options on programmable thermostats, so contact us today for information!
Tip #2: Clean and replace air filters regularly.
If you plan on using your heating system throughout the winter, it’s important to stay on top of air filter cleaning and replacement. Dirty filters will greatly reduce the overall efficiency of the heater’s blower motor and it makes your system work harder. This translates to a higher energy bill and it is hard on your system. Make sure to clean or replace your filters every other month.
Tip #3: Make sure your insulation is up to par and sealing is good.
Do you know if you have quality insulation in your home? If you don’t, you could be losing heat. In addition, if your windows and doors in your home are old or not sealed correctly, you could be unknowingly leaking in cold air and warm air out. This causes your furnace system to work harder than necessary and you’ll see rising utility bills.
Winter is a cold time of year and in order to stay warm, it’s critical to keep your heating system running at its peak efficiency. Not only will you be more comfortable, but your wallet will be more comfortable, too! If your heating system is not ready to tackle the upcoming winter weather, call our experienced team at Hybrid Heating and Air Conditioning. We can help you with a preventative maintenance tune-up or can get you set up with a full system replacement as well!
Thermostats don’t generally have a lifespan, but will usually last about 10 years, on average. If your thermostat is at least a decade old, it can start to malfunction because of the wiring or because of dust accumulation. Here are some other signs that your thermostat might not be working properly.
#1: Your thermostat isn’t showing any signs of life.
This one is obvious, but if your thermostat doesn’t have any power or is totally unresponsive when you try to turn it on or off, there is probably something wrong with it. If there is no change in the temperature of your home when you adjust the temperature on the thermostat, or if the display unit is not lighting up, check to see if batteries need to be replaced. If that isn’t the issue, it may be broken entirely and may need to be replaced.
#2: Your heater doesn’t turn on or it won’t turn off.
If your heater isn’t turning on, there could be a defect in the thermostat’s wiring that is causing an interruption in the electrical signals that are being sent to your heating system. In the same way, if your heater is running continually and won’t turn off when you want it to, this could mean there is an issue with the wiring. This should be checked out by one of our heating and cooling specialists at Hybrid Heating and Air Conditioning. If it’s not your thermostat causing the problem, it could be a problem with the heating unit itself and that requires a professional look as well.
#3: Temperature of the room and thermostat temperature do not match. When you designate your thermostat to be 70 degrees, the temperature of the room should be 70 degrees as well. If the temps do not match, it could be a sign that your thermostat isn’t doing its job. Fluctuating temperatures throughout the house can cause your heating system to work harder than it should and could increase your energy bill. If you’re noticing that the room temperatures are colder or hotter than what your thermostat says it is, be sure to get it checked out to make sure that it isn’t faulty.
If your thermostat is old and defective, replacing it with a new programmable thermostat can be a great option. Programmable thermostats are well made and allow you to control the temperature to be exactly how you want it, even allowing you to set a time to have the heat turn back on. For example, turn down the thermostat during the hours you’re away, then program it to turn up 20 minutes before you plan on getting home. This will allow for some time for the house to warm up before you get home, so you don’t have to walk into a cold space. These thermostats are affordably priced and in the long run, they can save you money because of the energy savings associated with them.
Summer is a busy time for many people in the Pacific Northwest. It is a great time to be outside, enjoying the beauty and greenery of the area. For many families and individuals, it’s also a great time to use those built up vacation days from work and head out on an extended trip. Before you head out on your next adventure, don’t forget about preparing your home and your cooling system while you’re gone. Here are some tips on how to get your house ready to go before you leave.
Tip #1: Get your programmable thermostat ready to go.
Programmable thermostats are convenient all year long, but when you’re out of town, they can be even more helpful! A quality programmable thermostat is a great investment for your house, as it will help keep accurate temperatures both day and night, which could help save you money on your utility bill, too, even when you’re away on vacation this summer.
Simply program the thermostat to your desired temperature and then let the thermostat do what it was intended to do – provide comfort! When you’re gone, no need to use your air conditioner. So, program your cooling system to turn off completely while you’re gone, then set it to turn on for the day that you return so you can come home to a cool and comfortable home. Programmable thermostats work with your lifestyle and work in tandem with your heating system as well as your air conditioning system. Not sure which programmable thermostat is best for you? Contact us for options!
Tip #2: Shhh…don’t talk about your trip on the Internet.
It is very common to see people you know posting about their extravagant vacations on Facebook or Instagram, but, it could pose a safety threat to your home, as it can provide a clear signal that your home is vacant. Take plenty of pictures to share about your fun vacation but wait to post them until you get home.
Tip #3: Talk to your neighbors.
If you’re leaving for a long period of time, talk to your neighbors to let them know to keep an eye out on your home. It is important to safeguard your possessions and keep them out of sight, and be sure to keep some lights on in the house to make it look lived in.
Spring has officially arrived this week! With the change of season, it’s important to remember to prepare your HVAC system for the weather and extended use during spring. Here are some specific ways you can prepare your HVAC system for spring.
Tip #1: Remove debris around your outdoor unit.
Winter weather in the Northwest translates to a lot of rain, mud, and wind. These last months of winter weather cause build up to happen around your outdoor condenser unit and if it isn’t cleared away, it could restrict airflow and cause problems with overall functionality. If this happens, the machine has to work harder to do its job and this could mean your energy bill could be higher and the system could break down unnecessarily.
Tip #2: Clean and/or replace your filters.
In order to promote good indoor air quality, it’s important to remember to clean or change your air filter every other month. Pet dander, dust, and other debris accumulates inside the filter and this could cause your allergies to get worse and it can reduce airflow, causing your machine to work hard.
Tip #3: Replace and upgrade your home’s thermostat.
A programmable thermostat can change your life for the better. These kinds of thermostats can help you save money and will better regulate air flow at all hours of the day and night. Programmable thermostats give you the option to designate your desired temperature and set it to run at the time you want it to. Gone during the day at work? Program it to turn off or down when you’re away from home, then program it to turn on shortly before you arrive so your home is at a comfortable temperature. This kind of flexibility in programming translates a savings in your utility bill.
Tip #4: Schedule a preventative maintenance appointment.
Spring in the Northwest is beautiful and we have sunnier weather and longer days! The change to springtime weather is the ideal time to schedule your preventative maintenance appointment with our specialists at Hybrid Heating and Air Conditioning. Our experienced HVAC technicians will clean your filters, check to make sure all the components inside your HVAC system are working as they’re supposed to, and we’ll talk to you about any potential issues we find that need to be fixed. Having an unexpected system breakdown can be a real headache. Preventative maintenance appointments can help eliminate that problem and keep you comfortable all season long.
Don’t neglect your HVAC system well this spring. Contact us today for information on getting a preventative maintenance appointment set up. Or, if your system is outdated and unreliable, spring is a great time to get it replaced. We can help find a system that works perfectly for your home’s specific layout and most importantly, we will work with your budget. We look forward to hearing from you!
Keeping your HVAC system working all the time is important, so implementing some good habits when it comes to HVAC maintenance can help you stay comfortable and save money, all year long. Here are some HVAC habits you should have.
This is one of the most important (and easiest) things you can do to maintain the life of your system. Dirt, dander, and dust will accumulate in the filter over time, especially if you have pets. Once this accumulates, it is hard for the air to pass through and the air quality will not be as good. Dirty filters also make your system work harder, which can translate to a higher energy bill and increased risk of a system break down. Make it a habit to clean and/or change your filter once a month, or once every other month.
Habit #2: Don’t change your thermostat all the time.
Find a temperature that is comfortable and keep it there and use natural light to help with the temperature in the home. Adjusting your thermostat all the time can cause your system to work harder than necessary, and it will also cause your utility bill to fluctuate greatly. Take advantage of the warm sun to help heat rooms and during the summer to keep it cool, close curtains or blinds to block incoming heat from the sun.
Habit #3: Keep your system maintained yearly.
Annual HVAC maintenance tune-ups are very important. Just like you have your car tuned-up regularly, your HVAC system should also be kept maintained regularly. Preventative maintenance will help make sure that all the unseen components inside your machine are working efficiently and at their peak. Our technicians will be sure that there are no issues happening, so you don’t face an unexpected breakdown. We’ll clean your filters, run an energy efficiency check, and talk to you about anything else that you have questions with.
The first official day of winter is this week! The cold, icy mornings will become more of a norm and they’ll be here to stay for a while. With this season change, a lot of illness goes around you may be thinking about ways that you can keep a healthy climate in your home this winter and even year-round. Here are some helpful ideas on how to do this.
Tip #1: Keep the air clear and clean.
Allergens, molds, bacteria, and viruses float throughout the air wherever you go. One way you can steer clear of these things is by having a quality air purification system in your home. Clean air translates to healthier air that you’ll breathe and that means you’ll have less of a chance of spreading illness and other germs around. We are proud to sell a variety of air purification systems that work alongside your current HVAC system and eliminate airborne pathogens. Contact us for information on which systems might work for you.
Tip #2: Don’t fluctuate your temperature.
What’s the ideal temperature for your home? Find what that is and stick to it. Using a programmable thermostat is a great way to do this. It allows you to control the temperature of your home accurately at any time of the day or night. Wireless programmable thermostats will work with most HVAC systems and you can program it to work with your smartphone. You can program it to turn the heat up a bit before you get home from work and have it turn down on its own when you’re away from home for an extended period or at night.
Tip #3: Save money.
Saving money makes everyone feel great, right? Having a quality programmable thermostat in your home will give you the power to not only control the temperature no matter where you are, and it can also help with your utility bills because the temperature will be even, and no energy will be wasted. This translates to lower energy bills and more money in your pocket!
If you have an old and inefficient thermostat, consider upgrading to a new programmable thermostat right away! Winter is a great time to take advantage of the benefits of a new thermostat. They’re affordably priced and in the long run, they can save you money because of the energy savings associated with them. Not to mention, you’re doing your part in being environmentally conscious by doing your part to reduce your energy consumption.