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HEATING CONTRACTOR HAS HOT TIPS FOR KEEPING WARM THIS WINTER
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With energy costs predicted to rise as much as 70 percent, a poorly maintained furnace can become a real money pit. Break downs, coupled with energy costs could drain your bank account and leave you out in the cold. The Finger Lakes' Halco Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning has a number of recommendations for your comfort this winter and for many winters, and summers, to come.
Dirty filters are among the worst energy robbers. If you haven't changed your filter in a while, dirt and dust may have gotten into the heat exchanger, further reducing the furnace's efficiency.
Call a heating and air conditioning contractor for annual preventive maintenance. It's a lot cheaper than a service call in the middle of a cold winter night.
Lower the thermostat setting when you are away or asleep. Still better, have a programmable thermostat installed so you can set it and virtually forget it.
Replace your current furnace or boiler with a new, high efficiency model if your current furnace or boiler is nearing the end of its life. Your heating contractor can help you calculate the number of years left on your furnace and estimate how much energy is likely to cost. You might be surprised to find that you will actually be able to save money by replacing your furnace or boiler now.
At the same time, consider adding air conditioning or upgrading your old air conditioner. After January, 2006, all air conditioners will have to be at least 13 SEER. Today, most area contractors install no more than 12 SEER; many are 10 SEER. SEER is a measure of energy efficiency. Congress had the south in mind when it wrote the 13 SEER legislation. Even during a hot summer like we just experienced, a 13 SEER unit won't save you enough in energy costs to warrant the higher initial cost. So, Halco and most other contractors are recommending that homeowners who are planning to add air conditioning or replace current units do so this fall to take advantage of the less expensive units.
Having the air conditioner installed at the same time as the furnace can save you money by combining both installations in one trip to your home.
Remember, too, you can enjoy the comfort of central air even if you have hot water heat.
Sign a service agreement with a reputable contractor. Agreements include an annual equipment inspection, cleaning and tune-up. A furnace that is operating at less than peak efficiency uses far more energy than a furnace that is operating at its best. If you need emergency service, many companies' service agreement customers receive priority service.
These are general recommendations that apply to everyone. Call your heating and air conditioning contractor for advice on how you can make your home more comfortable this winter and for years to come.
Halco, the largest plumbing, heating and air conditioning contractor in the Finger Lakes, is headquartered in Phelps and has offices in Ithaca and Cortland. The company was established in 1984.
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