You might think that closing a room’s HVAC vents would redirect the air towards other rooms of your house, but that’s not the way modern forced-air heating and cooling systems work. Restricting air flow into a room creates pressure imbalances when the return vent and ducts continue to suck air into the system. This results in unconditioned outside air being drawn into the room through cracks in windows and doors. In addition, with less space to heat or cool, your carefully calibrated air handler will continue to blow conditioned air at the same force. This increases air pressure in the system, opening leaks in your ducts, with conditioned air being forced into crawlspaces, or wall and flooring cavities. According to the Consumer Energy Center, this can actually increase your energy bill.

In addition to wasting energy, closing off an unused room can damage your home. During the winter, vinyl floors in unheated rooms can crack, and cracks in plaster can widen. During the summer, all rooms should be kept well ventilated to prevent moisture from building up, leading to mold and mildew along with a musty smell. Achieving balanced humidity is especially important in North Carolina, which tends to have a higher humidity year-round.

Closing off unused rooms of your home may increase your energy bills, but fortunately there are many other effective ways to save money on energy without degrading comfort. Regular maintenance of your HVAC system can save you money on your energy bill and prevent costly repairs. If you’re located in the North Carolina Triangle area, please contact us at Stewart’s Heating & Air Conditioning. Our seasonal safety and efficiency checks will help save you money on your energy bills while keeping your home comfortable all year long.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Triangle area of North Carolina about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about saving energy and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Others drive right up to the outside unit and take the whole thing in a matter of seconds. In most cases, the salvage yard does not even require any proof the copper has not been stolen. This has become such a widespread problem that some states such as Florida require a letter from a professional HVAC company before accepting anything resembling a heat pump or  A/C condenser.

How to Protect your Outside Unit

• Before leaving your home unattended, ask a trusted neighbor to keep a watchful eye on your home while you’re away.
• Plant trees and bushes away from your outside air conditioner if your condenser is in clear view of a well-trafficked street or sidewalk; foliage can provide cover for would-be thieves. If you live in a more secluded area, it’s better to install the outside unit where it can’t be seen or heard from the road or street.
• Keep the area around your house well-lighted.
• Install a custom-built cage around your A/C unit and bolt it to the concrete slab.
• Hire an HVAC professional to install an alarm that goes off when the power is turned off or the copper tubing is cut.

For more expert advice about how to protect your heat pump or A/C condenser from theft, please contact us at at Stewart’s Heating and Air Conditioning. We have serviced homes and businesses in the Triangle Area of North Carolina since 1979.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Triangle area of North Carolina about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about copper thieves and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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If one system is ailing, the other systems–along with the overall efficiency of your home–are affected. Before winter sets in, make it a priority to examine all of your systems and take action where it’s needed.

• Seal air leaks: Sealing air leaks is essential for energy efficiency, ensuring that warm air stays out when you’re cooling your home, and the warm air stays in when you’re heating your home. This will significantly ease your heating and cooling systems’ workload.

• Seal leaky ductwork: The typical home loses up to 40 percent of its conditioned air through leaky ducts. Inspect your ductwork for rips, holes and loose connections. Seal loose connections and rips and holes with mastic and mesh or a thermal-resistant tape–never regular duct tape, as it can’t stand up to heat.This will not only help your heating and cooling systems do their job, but will also help to improve your air quality, as contaminated air can enter a duct system via such breaches.

• Shore up insulation: If your home is adequately insulated, your energy costs will be lower. Make sure your attic is insulated with at least 11 inches rated with the appropriate R-value. As with the other improvements, the additional insulation will make it easier to heat and cool your home.

• Shade your windows: Exterior shading with trees and shrubs will help to keep your home more comfortable year-round. Interior shading with blinds, drapes or sun-shade films will help you combat summer heat gain and lower your cooling costs.

• Maintain your HVAC systems: Annual preventive maintenance will improve efficiency, lower emissions and extend the lifespan of your equipment. Make sure you regularly have your hot-water tank maintained, as well.

• Consider your lighting: Incandescent lights can heat up your home and draw more electricity than compact fluorescent lights, which burn cooler, use 75 percent less electricity and can last six times longer.

For more information about a whole-house system approach to an energy-efficient home, contact Stewart’s Heating & Air Conditioning. We help Triangle-area residents lower their energy bills and shrink their carbon footprints.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Triangle area of North Carolina about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about energy efficiency and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Exterior Home Maintenance

• Do a heavy cleaning of the gutters before cooler weather really starts to set in. Debris left in the gutters could trap water, and if that water freezes, it could damage the gutters. If you have leafy trees overhanging your roof, you’ll probably need to clear the fallen leaves from the gutters periodically through the fall, to avoid the gutters backing up and spilling rain water down into your foundation.

• Check for any air leaks around windows and doors, such as cracks or uneven fittings. Use caulking to seal up leaks or replace the poorly fitted windows and doors and weatherstripping to seal movable components of doors and windows. You should also take the time to install storm screens and windows if they were taken down in the spring.

• Check the foundation of your home for cracks or other damage. Use caulking to seal the line where the siding of your home meets the brick or concrete foundation. Also apply caulking or spray foam around areas where wiring or pipes enter and leave the home, wherever air is leaking.

Interior Home Maintenance

• Make sure your heating sources, whether a wood stove, space heater, furnace or heat pump, are checked out by a professional before winter sets in. This will ensure that your heating system is in working order to get you through the colder months.

• Change the settings on all ceiling fans in your home so that the fan blades are turning clockwise, blowing upwards. This displaces warm air that collects near the ceiling and forces it down where people (and thermostats) can feel it.

• Check for air leaks in ductwork, and seal with mastic sealant or metal tape.

• Check your attic insulation to make sure you have enough and in the right places.

Take care not to let your fall home maintenance slip too far into winter. For more information on fall home maintenance, please contact us at Stewart’s Heating & Air Conditioning, in business in the Triangle Area since 1965.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Triangle area of North Carolina about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about fall maintenance and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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The reason this is possible is that the testing standards for insulation are commonly done with an outside temperature of 100 degrees and an interior temperature of 50 degrees (something that seldom if ever happens in real life). This standard allows different insulations to be compared in an apples-to-apples way, but doesn’t always reflect the true insulating R-values in real-world applications.

The Building Science Corp. study found one unexpected result in their testing. Polysio foam board insulation is rated at an R-value of 6 per inch, making it a popular choice for roof and wall sheathing, but during testing it performed at lower levels at extreme temperatures on both ends of the scale. In fact, it can lose up to 25 percent of its insulating value when the temperature drops below 40 degrees. This is due to condensation of the surface of the foam board. The experts suggest that the polysio should be coated with another type of insulation to prevent it from reaching these lower temperatures.

While this may be new news to you, it’s been well known in the building industry for years. That’s why there is a general range of suggested R-values for different applications.

For more expert advice about insulating R-values and other issues related to home comfort, please contact us at Stewart’s Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve been serving the Triangle Area of North Carolina since 1979.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Triangle area of North Carolina about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about insulation and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Lighting

• Invest in LED lights instead of traditional incandescent string lights this year. They’ll last about 20 years and will use a fraction of the energy that traditional lights require.
• Plug your lights into a timer and aim for no more than six hours of operation each night.
• Limit the number of lights you place on your tree and around your home, but maximize them with tinsel and mirrored ornaments.
• Install solar lighting along the pathway and steps leading up to your home to ensure the safety of holiday guests and to save on your electric bill.

Entertaining

• Use glass or ceramic pans for baking, which allows you to lower your oven temperature by 25 degrees.
• Use your slow-cooker and microwave as much as possible when cooking for the family or for a crowd.
• Check cooking progress of items in your oven by looking through the window rather than opening the oven door; this is to prevent heat loss and making your oven work harder to compensate.
• Turn down your thermostat when you’re having a holiday gathering. Bodies equal heat, and you can save on heating costs.
• Light your home festively with candles to lower your electricity bill for the night.

Gifts

• Purchase electronics and appliances that feature the Energy Star logo, which indicates much higher energy efficiency than comparable models.
• Look for rebates and try to purchase items that give you some money back on your purchase.
• Invest in rechargeable batteries this season to save money on battery-operated gifts.

For more expert tips on holiday energy savings, as well as ways to save on home energy costs year-round, please contact us at Stewart’s Heating & Air Conditioning, helping Triangle Area residents conserve energy while maintaining the highest level of comfort since 1965.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Triangle area of North Carolina about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about energy savings and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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About the Equipment

• Why has the specific model been recommended for your home?
• How long has this model been in production?
• Do they have experience installing and servicing this model?
• What efficiency level (AFUE) does the contractor recommend for your home and the Triangle Area climate?

About the Warranty

• How long is the warranty?
• What does the warranty cover? Is equipment and labor waranteed separately?

About Installation

• How will your new furnace be protected? Will it be installed on a raised pad to prevent damage?
• How do they determine the appropriate size for your new furnace?
• Is your existing ductwork suitable for use with the new furnace, or will adjustments need to be made to handle the airflow?
• How will the new furnace be vented? If there’s to be a sidewall vent, where will it go and what will it look like? If your existing chimney will be used, will it require any alterations or improvements?

About Maintenance

• How often should you change the filter in the new furnace?
• What type of replacement filters will you need to purchase?
• How do you change the filter in the recommended furnace replacement model?
• How often should you call the company for recommended furnace maintenance?

About the Contractor

• How long have they been in business? How much experience do their technicians have? Are they NATE certified?
• Is the company properly licensed and certified?
• Do they have references you can call upon?
• Do they offer special pricing for off-season installation and equipment purchases?

Ensure your North Carolina home will have adequate heating this winter by planning for your furnace replacement now. Stewart’s Heating & Air Conditioning is available to answer all your furnace replacement questions and provide an accurate quote for equipment and installation. Contact us today for assistance.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Triangle area of North Carolina about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about replacing your furnace and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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A Quality Contractor:

• Abides by all of the applicable state/county/city licensing codes and carries proper insurance. Not only do they have the proper permits, licenses and insurance, but they are more than happy to provide their customers with a copy upon demand.

• Keeps appointments, shows up on time, and keeps disruptions to a minimum. They dress professionally and are courteous and respectful. They schedule appointments around your convenience and provide a straightforward explanation of necessary services as well as the costs associated with the work being proposed. They are not opposed to providing details in writing.

• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide repair or replacement services. They are confident without being arrogant and include you in the decision-making process.

• They use quality parts from manufacturers you know. Systems are energy efficient.

• They offer a guarantee on their work and a warranty on the parts used.

The bottom line? A quality contractor shows up when you need him, listens to your problems and cares about making sure you get the service you need at a reasonable price. This doesn’t necessarily mean the cheapest price. When choosing a contractor for your HVAC needs, please contact us at Stewart’s Heating and Air Conditioning for a contractor quote. We are a reputable contractor serving North Carolina’s Triangle Area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Triangle area of North Carolina about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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The legislation creating these tax credits was passed in 2008 and expired at the end of 2011. However, as part of the “fiscal cliff”deal last January, they were reinstated retroactive to all of 2012 and through December 2013. The credits equal 10 percent of the total cost or a specific amount between $50 and $300, depending on the type of equipment you choose. Keep in mind that the credits are only available for upgrades to existing, primary-residence homes; new homes and rental properties do not qualify. The lifelong cap for any combination of credits is $500.

To qualify for the tax credits, heating and cooling systems must meet minimum energy-efficiency ratings. For example, a residential, packaged system A/C must have a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) of 14 or greater and an EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) of 12 or more. A split-system central A/C must have at least SEER 16 and EER 13, while a gas-fueled furnace must achieve an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) of 95 percent or great. The A/C and air-source heat pump credits are $300 while the furnace credits are $150.

These ratings refer to how efficiently the equipment uses the energy required to run them. Higher ratings mean more money saved on electricity. The ratings are universal, so comparing different units is easy.

In order to receive the credits, you must file IRS tax form 5695. You’ll want to be sure and hold on to any receipts pertaining to the purchase and installation of the new equipment, as you may be required to provide them along with the application. You should also receive a certificate from the manufacturer stating that the equipment qualifies for the credit; be sure to hold on to this as well.

To learn about tax credit-qualified options for your home, please contact us at Stewart’s Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. Our professional, dedicated team is proud to serve the residents of the Triangle Area of North Carolina. We can help you find solutions to all of your family’s heating and air conditioning needs.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Triangle area of North Carolina about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about tax credits and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Take Care of Any Room A/Cs

If you can, it’s best to remove it completely. The winter cold can damage the equipment. However, a cover will do the job just fine. You may need to install weatherstripping on windows after A/C removal to ensure a tight seal.

Change the Air Filter

The one thing everyone forgets to do happens to be one of the most important. Changing the filter for your air handler regularly should be a no-brainer, as it’s the most basic thing you can do to help your A/C live a long and productive life. Installing a new filter as part of your end-of-summer maintenance will ensure you have this step covered when you’re ready to cool down next year.

Clean Fins and Coils

Dirt and dust – especially if you have pets or live on a dirty road or near construction – can accumulate on the coils and fins. Wipe them down with a clean, lint-free cloth.

Other Steps for Your Outdoor Condensing Unit

Remove leaves and debris from around the outdoor unit, and cover it with a sturdy plywood board, weighted down with a couple of bricks. If you do decide to cover it with a whole-unit wrap, make sure it’s designed for the job. The condensing unit must be able to “breathe” or else moisture will develop inside and cause parts to rust. You can hose it off before covering it, but make sure it has time to dry before you add the cover.

Drain Hoses and Pipes

Make sure you shut off any water valves before you do so.

It may also be time to get a proper tune-up for your A/C, though it’s OK to wait till spring for this task. After all, you have your heating system to get ready for the cold winter. At Stewart’s Heating & Air Conditioning, we can help with both cooling and heating solutions. Contact us today for help with your North Carolina Triangle home.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Triangle area of North Carolina about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about maintenance and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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