With the winter fast approaching in Minnesota, it won’t be long before we’re all bundled up in heavy blankets and sweaters. And now’s the best time for a fall furnace checkup. While some of these steps can be taken by a tech-savvy homeowner, you should find a reliable HVAC contractor to do most of it. You’ll feel more secure in knowing you’ll have safe and reliable heat throughout the winter.
If you’re looking to upgrade to more energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment and products in your Twin Cities area home, you may be able to save some money on your purchases through energy efficiency rebates offered by various gas providers.
You can expect an experienced home comfort professional to clearly explain any HVAC terms that go along with the design, troubleshooting, repair or maintenance recommendations for your home heating and cooling system. Still, it pays for homeowners here in the Twin Cities metro area to be educated consumers. Here are some key HVAC contractor terms to be aware of:
The quality of the air in your home is something you might not think about a lot. But it’s very important. Poor indoor air quality can foster allergies, asthma, and any number of other diseases and health problems. Here are five steps you can take to improve the quality of the air in your home:
Reducing the amount of heat your system must produce to keep your home comfortable leads to improved energy efficiency. Not only does lowering your heating load help you stay warm and cozy during the harsh Minnesota winter, but it also produces savings on your utility bills. Here are some great ways to make sure your home gives you the most bang for your energy buck:
The Energy Star program, a popular initiative sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is designed to help consumers identify products that meet strict energy-efficiency guidelines. A wide range of consumer products, including refrigerators, dishwashers, air conditioners and furnaces, are tested and certified by the Energy Star program.
We’ve all heard, or know from experience, that it’s the little things that matter most and every little bit helps. This adage is also true for making our Twin Cities-area homes more energy efficient. With our long heating season on the horizon, now’s a good time to make some adjustments in your energy use. Little things you do every day can mean a lot when your goal is saving money and improving energy efficiency around the home. Here are just some of the many little things you can do:
During Minnesota’s frigid winters, heating costs add up quickly unless you take steps to control them. Reducing your high heating costs doesn’t have to be complicated, though. These five basic steps will help you warm your home without burning up your budget.
Carbon monoxide is often referred to as the “secret killer” because it can creep throughout your home — virtually unnoticed — and make members of your household very sick, or worse, by reducing the amount of oxygen in the body. Small children are particularly in danger because of their body size. So ask yourself this about your CO detectors: are they in the right places and in good working order?
Replacing your old furnace with a new, high efficiency unit could be the key to an affordable heating season. Autumn is a great time to make the replacement since you’ll soon need your furnace to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home for a several-month stretch. Here’s what to look for when buying a new furnace this heating season:
