Ah, with a new year around the corner, it’s time to set those resolutions. Lose weight. Exercise more. Eat healthy foods. Finally, write that book. The list goes on!
While most of us set at least a few new year’s resolutions for our personal growth, we don’t always set them for our practical lives. Here at Jacobs Heating and Air Conditioning, we got to thinking about it, and we decided we’d offer our clients a little inspiration for their 2020 home maintenance goals.
In this edition of our blog, we’ll be offering up ideas for how you can improve the efficiency and performance of your HVAC system in the new year!
Tip #1: Invest in a Smart Thermostat
A modern thermostat can save you money on power. An independent study confirmed that smart thermostats offer an average of 20% cost savings vs. non-programmable thermostats, Plus, by wasting less energy, you’re not only helping your pocketbook, but you’re helping the environment, too.
Smart thermostats have intelligent temperature control and allow you to control your heat away from home, which is especially helpful when you’re on vacation and don’t want to have the heat or A/C running the entire time. Programmable thermostats allow you to better predict and control your monthly utility bills, avoiding any unpleasant surprises from spikes in usage.
Many of these modern thermostats have WiFi with remote control, along with integration with Google Home and Amazon Echo. Here at Jacobs, we sell and install the leading smart home thermostat products on the market, including brands like Carrier, Honeywell, and Nest. If you’d like to explore your options, we’d be happy to talk with you.
Tip #2: Clean and Replace Air Filters
When air filters are dirty, dusty, or clogged, your HVAC system has to work much harder. What does this mean? You guessed it: less efficiency. Plus, dirty air filters mean dirty indoor air quality. So, give your lungs and pocketbook a break and get in the habit of regularly cleaning or replacing your air filters.
How often do you need to clean or replace your filters? Well, that depends on a number of different factors, including:
- the type of air filter you have;
- the air quality in the house (for example, Are you having issues with allergies or frequent colds? Are you sneezing a lot more than usual while indoors?);
- whether or not you have pets;
- the number of people in your home; and
- the air quality in your surrounding area (for example, Do you live in an area with high pollution?).
If you’re wondering how often to clean or replace your air filters, we’ll be happy to consult with you. Just reach out and give us a call.
Tip #3: Keep it Chill
Live in Oregon? Well, as we’ve seen in Portland these past several years, the summers keep getting hotter. Gone are the days when you can comfortably live or work in a home or apartment without some kind of cooling system.
If you’re looking to efficiently keep your entire home cool, our experienced professionals can help guide you. We carry a wide variety of options, and depending on the size of your space, you can choose from a full system or a ductless A/C for single rooms or ADUs. As a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer, we carry the top-rated cooling products. After all, Willis Carrier was the inventor of modern air-conditioning, so when you go with a Carrier product, you’re truly getting the best of the best.
Tip #4: Update Your System
Older systems don’t run as efficiently, quietly, or reliably as newer systems. Technology gets better each year – more efficient, more economical, safer, and better for the environment. So, if you’re looking to lower your bills in the long run, consult with us about the most effective HVAC system for your home.
Tip #5: Convert Your Furnace from Oil to Natural Gas
Oil heating can get expensive to run and maintain. Heating a house with oil is often much more expensive than heating it with natural gas. Plus, when you run out of oil, your entire heating system turns off. So, if you’re considering an update to your system anyway, crunch those numbers; you’ll quickly uncover how much money you’ll save in the long-run through switching to natural gas. At Jacobs, we offer fuel conversions for existing systems as well as new, natural gas furnace installation.
Tip #6: Schedule Tune-Ups Ahead of Time
You’ll want to give your HVAC system a tune-up or check-up at least once annually. Being proactive helps you save money in the long run; a well-tuned system runs more efficiently, reducing the wear and tear on your system’s components. Set a reminder on your calendar about when you need to schedule your next tune-up and be sure to follow up.
Happy New Year!
We hope that you found these tips to be helpful! On behalf of everyone here at Jacobs Heating and Air Conditioning: Happy New Year. Should you need anything, we’re always just a phone call away.
