Breaking New Ground In Energy Efficiency

Online, November 21, 2012 (Newswire.com) - St. George Heating and Air is breaking new ground in energy efficiency. SGHA is working hard to help St. George homeowners save money on their heating costs this winter. When many consumers think of energy efficiency, their minds go straight to air conditioning costs. But, energy efficiency is not just for HVAC solutions. SGHA wants consumers to know that you can also save money with energy efficient heating equipment as well.

Close to half of the energy you use in your home this winter will go to heating. That's why it's so important that you make smart decisions when it comes to heating your home. Making the right choices with heating systems, ventilation and minor maintenance can have a major effect on your winter utility bills without sacrificing comfort. Here are some tips for saving on energy-related heating costs from St. George Heating and Air.

Get Your Air Filter Changed

SGHA recommends that you change your filter monthly. During heavy winter months, your filter can become extremely dirty. In order to ensure that you get the maximum amount of heat possible during the winter months, you need to change your filters now. Dirty filters slow down the flow of air. This causes your heating system to have to work harder to heat your home, which wastes energy. Clean filters also prevent the build-up of dirt and dust within the system. Eventually, this build-up will lead to premature system failure or expensive maintenance. Whether you have a central heating system, also known as forced air heating, portable electric heater, or any other type that uses a filter, this rule rings true.

Get a Programmable Thermostat Installed

If you work long hours, you know how uncomfortable it can be to come home to a cold house. Many people enter their homes, turn the heat on full blast, then turn it back off when it gets too warm. This cycle continues every day. This is not an energy-efficient way to heat your home. With a programmable thermostat, you can set your heating system to turn on at a certain time of the day, on a pre-set temperature. So, if you get home from work every evening at 6PM, your system can automatically turn on at 5:40PM, at 78 degrees. That means, by the time you get home, your house is already heated to a 78 degree temperature. Once it reaches the set temperature, it automatically shuts off, then turns back on when needed to stay at the desired temperature. According to EnergyStar.gov, this can save around to $180 annually.

Get Your Heating Ducts Sealed

Ducts that circulate the flow of air to and from a heat pump and forced air furnace usually waste a lot of energy. Having your heating ducts sealed and insulated can help your heating efficiency improve by up to 20%, maybe even more. These are the important areas you need to focus on have the ducts sealed first:

· Garage

· Unheated basement

· Crawlspace

· Attic

Use foil (metal-backed) or mastic (duct sealant) tape in order to seal the connections and seams of your ducts. Once they've been sealed, wrap them up in high-quality insulation. This will stop your ducts from getting cold during the wintertime. Next, seal up all of the other ducts in your home. If you need assistance, SGHA can provide these services for you.

Install ENERGY STAR-Certified Heating Equipment

If your home is being heated by equipment that's not ENERGY STAR-certified, you're paying too much for heating costs. Having your older heating system replaced with ENERY STAR qualified equipment can cut your heating costs by around $200 annually.

You need to make sure that your energy-efficient heating system is properly installed to ensure maximum savings. Getting your system installed by an experienced heating company ensures that your new system gives you the best performance possible. If it's not installed properly, your system's efficiency can be reduced by up to 30%. This will end up costing you even more on your utility bills. It can also shorten the life of your heating equipment. So, be sure to contact http://www.stgeorgeheatingandair.com/ today to begin saving on your heating costs this winter.

Contact Information
Cedar City Heating and Air
435-772-2665
http://www.stgeorgeheatingandair.com/