Both new and old forced warm air systems need some attention to help keep them running smoothly and efficiently during the season.  Even though you may have a relatively new system, a regular check and maintenance is important.  With the sensitivity and complexity of modern controls, even small changes in a setting can have a significant detrimental effect on the function and life of a unit. 

• To conserve energy during the active part of the day, it is best to set the thermostat at a reasonable comfort level and leave it alone rather than continuously adjusting it.
• To further conserve fuel, install a electronic programmable thermostat to automatically raise and lower temperatures according to your family’s schedule while everyone is out during the day and while sleeping at night.
• Check the filter at least monthly during the heating (and cooling) season.  Permanent, cleanable filters should be cleaned often; disposable type filters should be replaced when dirty.
• Make sure all heat supply dampers on room registers are in the open position and not blocked by furniture or drapes. While a properly designed and installed heating system should provide uniform heat distribution throughout the house, in some cases a diverter or booster fan may be needed to improve distribution.
• Consider an annual service contract with a local utility or service company, especially if your system is fueled by an oil burner.  A qualified service technician will clean the burners and the heating surfaces; check for back drafting (which can create a carbon monoxide hazard), check for balanced air distribution; check safety controls; and lubricate motors and fan if required.

 
Note:  These tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue. More home safety and maintenance information is available online at www.housemaster.com.

P.S. Spring is just around the corner!  It is never too early to start your home search or get your home ready for the Spring market.  This past year was the busiest year we had in home sales in 5 years.  This year could be even better!  There are large numbers of homes at below-market prices & the Interest rates are hovering around 3.5% !! Contact me for details today!

We’ve had a brutal summer so far in St. Charles, and we’ve still have August around the corner.  I came across from these tips from HouseMaster that I wanted to share with you to help cut down energy costs and consumption.

With some proper maintenance and upkeep, as well as some adjustments in living habits, homeowners can greatly cut down on home energy consumption, while increasing efficiency and protecting the environment. HouseMaster advises keeping the following tips in mind to ensure a cost-effective and energy efficient summer:

• Avoid opening windows and exterior doors when the air conditioning system is running, unless needed to remove excess humidity or strong cooking odors.
• Caulk around windows and door openings to reduce air and moisture leakage.
• Make sure attic insulation matches or exceeds the locally recommended minimums, including the cover over the access opening.
• Change replaceable air filters and clean re-usable filters before starting up the system and then every month. Like dirty coils, dirty filters restrict air flow,   increasing operating costs and reducing the life and efficiency of the system.  At a cost of a few dollars, it may be a good idea to change the filter each month when you pay your utility bill.
• Avoid using heat producing appliances such as the oven, dishwasher, washing machine and dryer during the day since heat from those appliances typically increases the demands of air conditioning.
• Consider closing off supply vents in unused rooms and/or the basement. Located fully or partially below grade, basements are naturally cooler and also benefits from the natural movement of cooler air to the lower levels. (Remember to reopen the registers in the winter for heating needs).
• Have your cooling system professionally checked and serviced periodically to keep it functioning properly and efficiently.

Two other important considerations:

• Maintain a moderate temperature during the day or other periods when no one is at home — only setting the thermostat to a lower temperature when the house is occupied.  Less heat enters the house when the indoor temperature is closer to outdoor temperature, so it is not energy efficient to maintain the same cooler temperature all day long.  On the other hand, constantly readjusting the thermostat when the house is occupied is not effective either. There should be two basic setpoints used in most cases, one when the house is occupied, and the other when no one is home. If used, a third night setting generally would fall between the two other settings.
• If buying a new unit, make sure the central air conditioning system or window unit is sized properly for the space it is intended to cool, since improperly sized units use more energy than necessary. And when the unit is installed, make sure the outdoor unit is installed level on a firm base away from anything that might obstruct the air flow.

If you are thinking about buying and selling a home in St. Charles, working with a Real Estate expert can help you make your home a cost-effective, energy efficient home.  Sandra Meranda specializes in the St. Charles and St. Louis county home markets.  Contact me for help with finding or selling your home.