Thursday, June 20, 2013

Considering Solar…?

Some thoughts from our friends at Lennox:

It can't get much cheaper than free.Solar-energy systems allow you to capture free sunlight and convert it into usable power in your home.

It’s clean.Solar energy can be used to heat and cool your home, but it has almost no impact on the global climate. By comparison, electricity generated by power plants produces carbon dioxide emissions that scientists say pose serious threats to the environment.

It’s infinitely renewable.While nonrenewable energy sources like oil, gas and coal are becoming increasingly scarce, the sun’s energy is limitless. Wherever sunlight shines, electricity can be generated.

It can reduce your utility costs.Having a system that creates solar energy means you use less electricity from your utility company, and that can contribute to lower heating and cooling costs. This is significant, especially when you consider 56% of energy use in a typical U.S. home comes from heating and cooling*. (*U.S. Department of Energy statistics)

It increases your energy self-reliance.The more sunlight harnessed by the system, the less electricity you need from your utility supplier.

It can also increase your home’s value.An investment in a solar-energy system may improve the value of your home, thanks to its ability to lower the cost of heating and cooling. Surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development have shown that home values rise an average of $20 for every $1 reduction in annual utility bills.

It’s extremely reliable.The sun has been around for billions of years and is likely to burn on for billions more to come. And when you consider how a trusted name like Lennox is putting it to economical use in the home, it’s easy to see solar energy’s future is bright.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Air filter change… How often really?

For your health as well as the life of your HVAC system changing your filter every month is a good plan. Not only are you reducing pollen, dust and other allergens, you are also keeping dirt and other particulates from building up in your system. This build up can lead to your system failing earlier than it should. Your air conditioner or heat pump will have to work harder to push air through a dirty filter. Keeping you cool this summer shouldn’t mean a higher than necessary electrical bill either.
Check on the filters every month. If it is dirty, replace it. Otherwise, replace that filter, at the very least, every 90 days.