Category: Heating and Cooling Tips

5 Ways To Save Money On Your Heating Costs This Winter

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As cold weather continues to approach, the winter chill may not be the only thing homeowners worry about. Instead you may feel a hole in your pocket from the rising energy bills. What many of us don’t understand is that there are ways to save on heating costs that are relatively inexpensive. So are you ready to save? Follow these 5 steps below to get started!

  1. Update your insulation. Insulation is a shield that protects your home from heat transfers during the winter and summer seasons. This may seem costly at first, but you can potentially save up to 20-30% off your monthly heating bill, which in return is a great investment!
  2. Replace the weather-stripping. Torn weather-stripping around doors and windows can let a cold draft into your home ultimately making your furnace work harder. Weather-stripping should be replaced every few years to ensure protection from the cold.
  3. Plug holes. The holes which are used to connect the pipeline, electrical cables, and so forth often have large space around them which allows cold air to enter your home. You should consider plugging these with caulk.
  4. Adjust your thermostat. During the time you are at work, you should adjust the thermostat down to 10 degrees lower. In doing so, you can potentially save up to 20% of your heating bill.
  5. Adjust your water heater. Most water heaters are set to 140 degrees. The department of energy says we can live comfortable with the water heater set to 120 degrees. Every 10 degrees you lower the water heat, you can potentially save up to 5%.

If you would like more information on ways to save, contact the experts in Maryland at Mr. Comfort!

Preparing Your HVAC System For Winter

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HVAC Contractor Maryland

As winter starts to approach and temperatures begin to decrease, you may find an increase in your utility bill. This may be due from the heating throughout your home in order to survive the winter. However, if you prepare your HVAC system prior to the seasonal change you may reduce the cost of your utility bill while at the same expanding the life of your HVAC system.

So how can you prepare your HVAC system? Follow the steps below to get started!

  1. Examine the HVAC System. You should always thoroughly examine your HVAC unit long before the winter months approach to ensure that everything is working properly. If you discover a problem you should contact your local HVAC professional in order to replace the unit prior to colder months.
  2. Change the filter. Many people forget about the filter, but sometimes all it takes is a simple fix to get your HVAC system running properly. You should replace or clean the filter at least every month for the highest efficiency.
  3. Upgrade your thermostat. The older models use mercury which can very inaccurate in terms of measuring temperature. If your home has the older version, you should consider replacing it with a digital thermostat, ensuring accurate temperature within your home. Digital thermostats are also beneficial to have because you can program them to automatically turn off when you leave the house.
  4. Clean the ducts. In order to ensure efficient air flow throughout your home you should clean the air ducts often and inspect to make certain that there is no damage. Damaged air ducts results in blowing waster warm air that ultimately will increase your utility bill.
  5. Call the professionals. There are some things that only the professionals should handle. Heat pumps and oil-fired furnaces require tune ups at least once a year and this should be done by a trained professional within the industry. HVAC technicians are also trained to detect any damage that your HVAC system may acquire, so it’s important to schedule their service annually in order to protect your family from the winter months.

If you need help with your HVAC system, contact the professionals at MR Comfort MD | 410-620-0000

5 Indicators that Your Air Conditioning Is Inefficient

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5 Indicators that Your Air Conditioning Is Inefficient from your friendly HVAC Contractor Maryland

 

Inefficient HVAC Systems can make it difficult to stay cool during the hot times without over paying on energy bills. To make sure you get the most bang for your energy bucks schedule regular maintenance on your unit.

Air Conditioners are a big investment and over time, issues can arise that can cause them to lose their efficiency. The infamous Maryland heat and humidity have arrived. If your air conditioning system seems to be losing the ability to keep your home or office cool, consider upgrading your system or schedule a checkup with Mr. Comfort of Elkton, Maryland.

Here are 5 Signs That Your Air Conditioner is Not Performing Efficiently:

  1. The most obvious is an increase in your energy bill. This could mean that your air conditioner system is overworking to meet the set temperature.
  2. Ice Formations on coils inside and outside of your home or office indicates a costly leakage.
  3. The air conditioner’s breaker tripping can signal that you need a repair or replacement.
  4. An obvious reduction in air flow could indicate clogged ducts or dusty parts.
  5. If your system always seems to be running, but the temperature and humidity inside is high is a sign that you are facing a need for replacement.

The average lifespan of an air conditioner is 10-15 years and proper maintenance will help prolong it. An air conditioner will lose efficiency if the evaporator coils are dirty, inadequate refrigerant levels, leaking ducts and lack of maintenance.

It is best practice to have your air conditioning system checked and maintained at the start of the season to ensure that it is working a full capacity. Mr. Comfort of Maryland can help tune up your unit to keep you cool all summer long!

Get in touch today | 443.907.4782

Energy Saving Tips for Your Maryland Home

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Energy Saving Tips for Your Maryland Home

During the cooler summer days, utilizing the mild temperatures can save you money on your energy bills.

Take advantage of the milder night temperatures by turning off your AC and opening the windows. The longer days of summer reduce the need for indoor lighting. Also, proper maintenance can make appliances run more efficiently. Another great way to reduce your energy consumption.

Here is a List of Energy Saving Tips:

  • Turn your water heater down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (safer for children too!)
  • Operate your thermostat efficiently. Turn off your thermostat when possible, take off your storm windows, put in screens and open up the windows to get your house to a comfortable temperature.
  • Use windows to your advantage – Open to capture either hot or cool air at optimal time and close to trap in the air.
  • Use natural lighting as much as possible. Adjust any lights on a timer to spring lighting needs.
  • Dust or wipe light bulbs. Clean bulbs provide more light. Replace incandescent bulbs with compact florescent light bulbs. They can pay for themselves in a little over a year.
  • Use fans and ventilation. Check ceiling fans to be sure they are clean and in working order. For warmer months, draw air upward, cooling the room and ensuring constant airflow.
  • Keep your cooling system running efficiently. Schedule regular maintenance and read our last article.
  • Wash or replace furnace and air conditioner filters.
  • Clean the tracts on your sliding glass door as this will make sure your door’s seal is tight.
  • Clean your refrigerator condenser coils so that air can circulate freely.
  • Vacuum registers to remove any dust buildup.
  • Seal Cracks in your home by caulking or weather stripping to prevent air leakage.

These are just a few of the things you can do to reduce your energy bills, check out ENERGY.GOV form more energy saving ideas.

Mr. Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning LLC of Maryland can help get you’re air conditioning system ready for the heat, get in touch with us today!

 443-907-4782 | www.MrComfortMD.com

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5 Tips To Get Your Air Conditioner Ready for Summer

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5 Tips To Get Your Air Conditioner Ready for Summer

 The heat of the season is here … time to get your Air Conditioner in Tip Top Shape.

Get your air conditioner ready to meet the challenge to the hot humid Maryland summer. There are a few DIY things you can do to maintain your A/C system and avoid a malfunction at the most inopportune time; a hot humid day.

Here are 5 Maintenance Tips to Get Your A/C System Ready for the Summer Months:

  1. Do a thorough visual inspection of your outdoor air conditioning unit. Check for and remove any debris that might have made its way into or around the unit. This is essential, as you want to ensure the airflow around the unit is not inhibited, as well as the mechanical parts, such as the fan can move freely.
  2. Check the fan belts on the condenser and the fan. If they look a bit worn, consider replacing them.
  3. Change or Clean your filter every 1-2 months. This helps to prevent unwanted dust and pollens from entering your home. Also, pet dander and hair buildup can inhibit the cold air flow, lowering your system’s efficiency. Be sure to turn off the power first to avoid blowing dust everywhere.
  4. Vacuum the compartment, as it also collects dust and pollen. A clean A/C System will work much more efficiently, keeping you comfortable this summer.
  5.  Once you’ve performed all the tasks above, it’s time to test out the system to confirm that your air conditioner is in prime condition to get you through this upcoming season. Set your thermostat to a cool temperature to ensure that it is working properly.

 

Of course, a scheduled maintenance with a qualified professional is a fail-safe way to truly verify that you’re A/C is ready to take on the summer months.

Mr. Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning serves the Elkton, Maryland and surrounding community with all their heating and cooling needs.

443.907.4782

Call or Contact Us today :

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Energy Saver 101 |Everything You Need to Know About Home Heating

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Energy Saver 101 |Everything You Need to Know About Home Heating

Heating your home is a major expense and the more you know, the better you can figure ways to save on your heating expenditures. For example, did you know that space heating can be the largest energy expense? It can be about 45% of your average energy bill!

Our last blog was full of energy saving tips to save you money on heating your home.

This infographic by the U.S. Department of Energy does a terrific job explaining the different types of heating systems and how they work, along with some great tips on how to save big bucks on your energy bills.

Enjoy!

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Mr. Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning serves the Elkton, Maryland and surrounding community with all their heating and cooling needs.