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Blog :: Archive » February 2012
Check out our list of posts below. If you would like to know more about any of these topics, or to talk to us directly, please call us at (513) 662-2282 or contact us by email.
Benefits A Programmable Thermostat Affords -- But Make Sure You Keep 3 Rules In Mind
by Greg Leisgang on February 28, 2012
Installing a programmable thermostat is a cost-effective way of reducing heating and cooling costs—without sacrificing your comfort. Programming your thermostat to automatically switch between energy-savings settings and comfort settings allows you to easily customize your heating and cooling system according to your schedule. Before you set up a new thermostat, there are three rules you should follow to ensure your thermostat gets the most accurate readings.… read more »
Dual-Fuel Systems: The Breakthrough Technology That Smashes Preconceived Notions About Single-Source Heating Systems
by Greg Leisgang on February 23, 2012
Dual-fuel systems most often combine an electric heat pump with a furnace fueled by oil or gas as backup. Heat pumps are incredibly energy efficient because they absorb heat from where it's not needed and transfer it to where it is needed. This is much more efficient than generating heat from fuel, like a traditional furnace, and requiring separate air-conditioning equipment to provide cooling to your home, as in a standard home-comfort system.… read more »
Whole-House Humidification: How Safe Is Your Home From Damaging Dry Air -- If A Lone Portable Unit Is Your Sole Protection?
by Greg Leisgang on February 21, 2012
Is a lack of whole-house humidification causing problems for your household? Low humidity can cause uncomfortable health issues like dry sinuses, allergy flare-ups and itchy skin. Dry air also has a damaging effect on your home's structure and furnishings, causing cracked trim and floorboards, furniture that may fall apart as solvents dry, or cracks that emerge in protective coatings or the wood itself.… read more »
Heed This Indoor Air Quality Warning (If You Have An Attached Garage)
by Greg Leisgang on February 16, 2012
Attached garages can be convenient and they're pretty popular here in the Cincinnati area. Homeowners should be aware, however, that with this convenience comes some risk to your home's indoor air quality and your family's health.… read more »
A Variable-Speed Furnace Blower: The Zen Of Home Comfort And Savings
by Greg Leisgang on February 14, 2012
If your Cincinnati household has an older furnace, you've got a one-speed furnace blower and you're probably paying more than necessary on your monthly energy bills. That's a great reason to consider a new unit with a variable-speed furnace blower motor. But there are other reasons as well. Besides saving on utility bills, variable-speed blower motors help delay replacement costs too. New heating systems with variable-speed blowers will last many years longer than single-speed units, since they aren't forced to work more than necessary, as older one-speed systems must do often.… read more »
Need Better Dust Control In Your Home? Try These Tips
by Greg Leisgang on February 10, 2012
Dust is a common household nuisance, and it can contribute to or aggravate allergies. Besides, dust is unsightly, collecting on household surfaces and contributing to uncleanliness. Unfortunately, it is not possible to completely eliminate all sources of dust, because most dust comes from fabric, people and pets. You can, however, improve dust control in your home by following these tips:… read more »
Frozen Pipes: The Ultimate Guide To Preventing Flood Damage And Costly Repairs
by Greg Leisgang on February 8, 2012
Here in Greater Cincinnati, frozen pipes can be a big problem for homeowners. A little advance planning can prevent expensive and inconvenient damage to your house, especially if you follow the tips provided by experienced local HVAC contractors and the Greater Cincinnati Water Works (GCWW). Remember that here in our area, homeowners are responsible for preventing frozen inside meters and will be charged for repairs by the GCWW.… read more »
Ensure Duct Returns Have Sufficient Airflow
by Greg Leisgang on February 2, 2012
A good home air-distribution system must have a balanced airflow. In order to balance an even flow of incoming air, outgoing air must have roughly the same flow. This is accomplished by duct returns. Return vents carry out hot air in summer and cold air in winter to be filtered and recycled.… read more »
My gas bill has been getting bigger every year for the last few winters. Is there anything I can do to cut back? I keep my thermostat about as low as I can.
A lot of people are in the same boat as you because natural gas prices, especially in the Midwest, have soared in the last few years. One way we've helped customers cope is with Carrier's Hybrid Heat system. It's a high-efficiency natural gas furnace combined with a high-efficiency electric heat pump. It's often referred to as a "dual fuel" system.
