How to Save Money and Energy This Winter

One thing that I have learned is that it's in our best interest to save as much money as we possibly can. With all the environmental hazards we are faced with along with rising gas prices it is very important to save as well as preserve as much energy as we possibly can as prices are once again going up. I just heard on MSNBC, that natural gas will increase about 10% this winter and that home heating oil will increase about 28%. Freon just went up around 30%.

A tune-up for your vehicle can improve your gas mileage, a yearly tune-up of your heating and cooling system can and will improve your energy efficiency, comfort levels and reduce your annual energy expenses. To keep your system running at top notch capabilities make sure you have a professional heating and air conditioning specialist do the following when tuning up your system.

Checking the thermostat settings to ensure that your heating and cooling system turns on as well as off at the preprogrammed temperatures. Make sure all electrical connections are tightened and measure the voltage and current levels on the motor. Checking the heating exchanger for cracks with infra-red camera is the best way to do it being as a mirror and a flash light are outdated techniques and not the best way to check it. Many people die each year due to faulty furnaces and many more become ill because of it.

Here in Pennsylvania, a furnace heats up and cools down approximately 1,000 times during the winter season causing steel to expand and contract causing stress on the heating exchanger. There are a few numbers of furnaces because of their design that are well known to have weak points. Don't forget to adjust the gas pressure to the proper specifications.

Lubricating all moving parts is also a smart step to take. Parts that lack lubrication cause friction in motors and increase the amount of electricity you use. Friction is also known to make things wear out more quickly, which means more money being spent on making repairs as well as replacements. None of us like to spend money making repairs when they can be avoided so let's stay smart and ahead of thing by simply checking them.

Another thing to do is to inspect the condensate drain in your central air conditioner for those that actually have one as well as your furnace and or heat pump. If clogged, the drain will cause water damage inside your house which will affect indoor humidity levels as well as breed bacteria as well as mold. Make sure to check the starting cycles on all your equipment to ensure that it starts and stop operations are working correctly.

For those of us that have air conditioning units make sure to check and change your indoor as well as your outdoor air conditioning coils. A dry coil can reduce your systems ability to cool your home and will cause your system to run longer then you want causing your energy cost to go up as well as decrease the life of the unit. By not cleaning your indoor coil your system will restrict the heat flow causing your furnace to run too hot which will waste energy.

Well this concludes this article and I hope it makes everyone who reads this more aware of the importance of checking your heating and cooling systems before the damage is done. Do your part in the fight to preserve energy as well as saving yourself from spending a lot of money this winter. Thanks for reading.