Land & Property Archives - Air Care Heating and Cooling

A Guide About Duct Cleaning

Understanding the Importance of Clean Indoor Air

Because of all the attention paid to pollution in outdoor air, indoor air is much more polluted. Even in cities with poor air quality, the outdoor air is likely safer than the average indoor air. With this in mind, consider what can happen in the home when dirty air is constantly circulated via air ducts.

Over time, dust and pollutants can cling to the inside of air ducts, where they will spur the growth of bacteria and mold. When people in the home are constantly inhaling all of these pollutants, the health effects can be drastic. Luckily, air duct cleaning can help remove harmful buildup inside air ducts that may contribute to chronic illness. This article is a quick guide to duct cleaning service and signs that it may be needed.

Why Is Duct Cleaning Important?

It takes little imagination to consider the consequences of constantly breathing air laden with dust, mold spores, and pollen. In homes with dirty air ducts, this is exactly what is happening, and it can contribute to problems like:

Chronic sinus infections
Acute mold exposure
Worsening allergies
Severe COPD
Asthma attacks
Susceptibility to diseases like COVID or the flu

Signs of Dirty Ductwork

The consequences of dirty ductwork can be severe, but how can one know their ducts are dirty? Here are a few signs that duct cleaning may be needed in a home:

Poor housekeeping, with dust on every surface
Visible mold
Dirty air vents
Poor health of those living in the home
Air filters that must be frequently changed
Stubborn, musty odors are present in the home

If these signs are noticed, professional air duct cleaning can help. By removing dust and grime from air ducts, people can avoid the complications of dirty air ducts and breathe fresh air.

Tips to Keep Ducts Clean in Between Cleanings

Air duct cleaning takes a couple of hours and costs the homeowner money. Even though the benefits of clean air are more important, homeowners may be reluctant to do duct cleaning as often as they should. One of the most common questions that air duct cleaning experts ask is how clean air ducts can be maintained to stretch the time between services.

There are two main things that people in the home can do to make their clean air ducts last. First, air filters should be changed regularly. Clean air filters remove dust from the air and prevent it from entering the air ducts. Filters should be changed every three months or more often if the home is in a dusty environment.

The second thing owners can do to protect their clean air ducts is to pay more attention to housekeeping. The air in the home is a good bellwether for the general cleanliness of the home. As a result, cluttered homes tend to have dustier air and surfaces. To reduce dust and improve housekeeping, try things like:

Sweeping and vacuuming daily
Dust surfaces weekly
Reduce clutter to make cleaning easier
Keep pets groomed
Laundry linens like bedding, towels, and curtains regularly

About ER Services Heating and Cooling

ER Services Heating and Cooling can clean air ducts in every home to unleash the healthy potential of its occupants. They guarantee their service and quote jobs with upfront pricing. Call today for air duct cleaning in Mint Hill, NC.

Distribution Links +

Summer Heat Waves Can Be Cool With a New Air Conditioner

There Are Advantages to Replacing That Old Air Conditioning Unit

Air conditioners are necessary in every home, keeping families cool and comfortable, especially during summer. However, homeowners often overlook the signs of an aging air conditioning unit until it breaks down completely. It is best to replace an air conditioner before losing cooling entirely to avoid being stuck in a hot and uncomfortable house. This article will share the benefits of replacing an old air conditioner and installing a new one.

Energy Savings With a New AC Unit

As air conditioners age, they lose efficiency, becoming a burden by contributing to unnecessary electricity consumption and costs. Modern air conditioning units are also designed with advanced technology that boosts energy efficiency. Newer models use less power to achieve the same or even better cooling results, making them a cost-effective choice.

So, homeowners who invest in newer, more efficient air conditioner models can expect savings in their monthly energy expenses. Switching to a new air conditioner has environmental benefits, too, such as diminishing carbon footprints.

Fewer Repair Costs With New Air Conditioners

Old air conditioners can also break down more frequently and require repairs to keep them running. These repairs can be inconvenient and expensive, which a new AC unit may help address. Newer models often come with warranties covering parts and labor for a specific period, providing homeowners with financial protection and peace of mind.

Replacing aged air conditioners that malfunction and require repairs often can help homeowners save money and avoid the hassle of a malfunctioning unit. This upgrade ensures their homes remain comfortable, especially on scorching hot days in Charlotte.

Optimizing Performance With a Correctly Sized AC Unit

An improperly sized air conditioning unit can lead to several problems. If an AC unit is too small, it will struggle to cool a home despite continuous running, which can inflate energy bills. On the other hand, an oversized unit will cycle on and off frequently, causing higher costs, additional wear and tear on the system, and failure to dehumidify the air properly.

When installing a new air conditioner, homeowners can get one that’s the perfect size for their home. Their choice can result in optimal performance, a longer unit lifespan, and enhanced energy efficiency. Professional HVAC technicians can help determine the right size for a household’s needs, guaranteeing that the new air conditioning unit provides maximum comfort.

About ER Services Heating and Cooling

ER Services Heating and Cooling is a trusted HVAC service provider in Charlotte, NC. They offer top-notch services like air conditioning installation, repair, and maintenance. With upfront pricing, same-day service, and a commitment to customer satisfaction, they ensure that every client receives honest advice and reliable solutions for their HVAC needs. Call them today for an AC replacement in Charlotte, NC.

Distribution Links +

Do Air Conditioners Need Maintenance?

Could Your Home Benefit From AC Maintenance?

The air conditioner is one of the most used appliances in the home and often the most neglected. While most homeowners don’t give them a second thought until they stop working, they’re also one of the easiest appliances to keep working with routine maintenance. While it seems like an added expense, it often has massive benefits beyond avoiding an emergency. In this article, AC maintenance experts share three perks homeowners can expect by scheduling annual care.

Lower Utility Costs

Air conditioners are the highest energy consumers in the home, particularly during the summer months. However, this can often stem less from increased temperatures and more from inefficient systems. For example, a dirty air filter can limit airflow and decrease the home’s air quality. In turn, the system runs longer to overcompensate for the blockage, which increases homeowners’ energy costs.

That’s why one of the easiest places to start with air conditioning maintenance is with the air filter. On average, homeowners can expect to replace theirs every quarter, with more frequent replacements needed for homes with pets or residents who suffer from allergies. Additionally, homeowners can opt for higher-quality air filter replacements, with options rated to catch more pollutants inside the home. Additionally, because not all air filters are a universal size, working with a professional can ensure the right filter matches the system.

Fewer Repairs

During an AC maintenance appointment, technicians will often inspect the various components of the system, including:

Electrical wiring
Internal components
Refrigerant levels
Condition of the evaporator coils
Air filter health

As they explore the internal components of the AC, they also have an opportunity to spot any issues. While a minor air conditioning repair will still cost, should they find something, this early detection prevents larger emergencies. Sometimes, minor repairs will also be part of the maintenance appointment, which generally means lower costs.

Extended Lifespan

Finally, and most importantly, routine care can help extend a system’s lifespan. On average, a unit can last between ten and 15 years before an air conditioner replacement is needed. However, that’s also based on the assumption that the system is getting the care it needs. With routine care, homeowners can add at least two to five years to the unit’s lifespan.

Most AC companies will also work with a homeowner’s specific needs to find the best maintenance plan and cadence for the system. At a minimum, spring is the perfect time to schedule a maintenance appointment, as it’s often right before the system gets the most use in the summer.

And while it can seem like an added expense for homeowners, the benefits often outweigh the cost, ensuring peace of mind that the system will work at its best for longer.

About ER Services Heating and Cooling

ER Services Heating and Cooling has provided Mint Hill, NC, homeowners with top-rated air conditioner maintenance and service for over 20 years. Their technicians are fully licensed and trained to provide top-quality service and offer upfront pricing on every service call. Contact them today to schedule spring AC maintenance.

Distribution Links +

The Epic Air Conditioning Battle: Which One Will Win?

Choosing a Central AC Unit or Ductless AC Will Depend on the Home and the Household

The summer heat is coming, and homeowners want to be ready for it by making sure that a home’s air conditioning is in working order. Two major types of whole home cooling are central AC and ductless mini splits. Is there a right choice? Well, each homeowner has to look at the benefits of each type and what will fit their home best. This article will show the benefits of each type of air conditioning unit and may enlighten the decision to install or replace it.

The Advantages of Central Air Conditioning Installation

Central air conditioning has been around for a long time and is often built into new homes during construction. Essentially, they are an integral part of the home. There are many reasons to have central air conditioning, and a few major advantages are listed below.

Central AC does a great job of cooling large spaces without strain on the unit
Central AC is easier to install if ductwork is already in place
Most HVAC technicians have experience with central AC, making the repairs a bit easier
It is often easier to find replacement parts for central air conditioning

Central air conditioning is by far the more common form of whole-home HVAC, but ductless has some advantages and is rapidly becoming a popular choice.

The Advantages of a Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner

Ductless mini splits rely primarily on heat pump technology. This does just what the name says, moving heat from indoors to outdoors and vice versa through a reversible evaporation and condensation cycle. In the cooler seasons, it brings heat in from the outside to warm the home, and in the summer months, it pumps the heat out of the house and back into the environment.

There is a central unit or two, much like central AC, but instead of using air ducts and vents, the heat pump is connected to indoor units known as mini-splits or heads. These are individually controlled, and each can be set to a different temperature. The reasons for installing ductless air conditioning are explained in the following list.

Easy Installation: These are much simpler if a building is not designed to fit air ducts.
Efficiency: Heat pumps are highly efficient, cooling and heating well without internal heat or cold sources. This means they use less energy and end up saving money.
Less Expensive: An installation will likely be less expensive with mini splits.
Quiet: The heat pump is very quiet, and the heads make almost no noise.
Retro Fitting: Because the heads only require copper tubing to connect to the main unit, these mini splits can be easily installed in smaller spaces or older homes that do not have the basement and attic space for ductwork.

Other Types of Air Conditioning Systems

If a homeowner is not looking for a whole-home cooling system but just needs a little boost in certain areas of the property, there are less expensive solutions and individual products that can meet that need as well. A window AC unit or portable air conditioner can be just what is needed for a shed space or garage. An east—or west-facing upstairs bedroom may also benefit from a window air conditioner or a portable AC unit.

About ER Services Heating and Cooling

Since 2007, family-owned and operated ER Services Heating and Cooling has been helping the people of Charlotte, NC, and the surrounding areas with their home comfort problems. Call today for 24/7 emergency AC service and upfront pricing from a BBB-accredited business.

Distribution Links +

Warning Signs of an Air Conditioning Refrigerant Leak

Is the AC Leaking Refrigerant? How Homeowners Can Know

The first iteration of the machine people know today as the air conditioner used a block of ice or cold water as a way to reduce the temperature of the air. While this method did cool the air, there was room for improvement. When scientists and engineers developed refrigerants, it significantly advanced the science of cooling. Through the somewhat simple concept of evaporation and condensation, refrigerant absorbs and releases heat, making homes and businesses more comfortable as temperatures outdoors rise. Refrigerant is the driving force behind air conditioning, so when something goes wrong with it, it has repercussions. Refrigerant leaks will cause serious issues with a home’s HVAC system, even minor ones.

Red Flag #1: The Evaporator Coil Has Frozen

The evaporator coil is the part of an air conditioning unit that absorbs heat, causing the refrigerant to enter a gaseous state. A leak, whether from a puncture or corrosion, may occur, and the gas under pressure will rapidly expand, causing the moisture in the air to freeze around the coil. This not only costs refrigerant but can also hinder the air conditioning unit in other ways. A frozen evaporator coil should be investigated right away.

Red Flag #2: The AC Is Not Cooling as It Should

What if a homeowner notices that the AC seems to reach the temperature set by the thermostat slower than usual? This can also be indicative of a refrigerant leak. If a homeowner notices the things in the list below, they should consider calling in a professional with a refrigerant leak detector.

Higher Energy Bills: Because the unit has to work harder to cool with less refrigerant, it will use more energy, increasing the household electricity bill.
Longer Cooling Cycles: If it takes a long time for the optimal temperature to reach, then there may be a problem with the refrigerant.
Warm Air from Vents: If the air coming from the vents of the HVAC system is warm or not as cool as it should be, this is another indicator of refrigerant leaks.

Red Flag #3: The Air Conditioning Is Making Strange Noises

Another sign that there is a problem with the refrigerant is unusual sounds. These are usually coming from the air conditioning unit itself. Sounds that are coming through the vents are usually indicative of a problem with the air ducts. If the AC unit makes any of the following sounds, it should be investigated, especially if it is paired with any of the abovementioned occurrences.

Bubbling
Gurgling
Hissing
Whistling

A homeowner should never try to detect the leak on their own. Breathing in refrigerant gas can make a person very ill, so steer clear. Call a professional HVAC technician who can use the proper tools to find and fix the leak.

About ER Services Heating and Cooling

Located in Mint Hill, NC, and serving the Greater Charlotte Area, ER Services Heating and Cooling offers 24/7 emergency service, upfront pricing, and guaranteed satisfaction. Call this BBB-accredited business today for AC service.

Distribution Links +

Three Things Never to Ignore About Your Home AC System

Warning Signs That a New AC System Might Be Needed

Homeowners wear many hats, and one of those at times is that of the troubleshooter and DIY repairman. Some home projects can easily be tackled with a DIY job. However, others require a more professional touch. AC replacement and repair work is one such job that really should be left to the professionals. They can be expensive and time-consuming at times, but there are things homeowners can do to avoid costly AC repairs and deal with problems before they get out of hand.

Here are three warning signs no homeowner should ignore as they can indicate that a new AC installation project might be needed very shortly.

Difficulting Cooling the Home Effectively

Modern AC systems are designed to be effective and should not have any trouble cooling the home to a reasonable temperature. If the system fails to keep the home comfortable during summer, an air conditioner replacement might be required. If homeowners note a sudden decline in how well their AC is running or cooling, they should call their local air conditioner installation pros and schedule an onsite inspection as soon as possible. Minor issues might be addressed with some simple air conditioner repair work. But once the problem grows and gets out of hand a full system replacement might be called for.

Unexplainably High Utility Bills

Another warning sign homeowners frequently overlook before an air conditioning replacement is needed is changes to the utility bill. It is normal for some degree of fluctuation from month to month. However, if high-use months suddenly cost much more than they are used to, it should be seen as a red flag.

Simple air conditioning repair and maintenance work can fix small issues efficiently and keep the AC system running more effectively. However, when a major breakdown occurs or is imminent, there will usually be a clear indication that the AC unit is struggling to keep up with the demand. More energy use, higher bills, and less cooling power all indicate the need for a new air conditioning installation.

Odd Smells or Sounds From the Unit

The final sign homeowners need to look out for and never ignore is any sort of bad smell or strange noises from the AC system. This could be persistent odors, burning smells from the ducts, odd noises and grinding from the unit itself, or anything else that seems odd or off. AC replacement and AC repair services can only do so much, especially when small issues are ignored and allowed to progress.

A small rattle could be easily fixed, but a more intensive repair job is needed when it leads to a major break in the system. If homeowners don’t stay on top of these warning signs and take action sooner rather than later, they may face a major AC installation project!

About ER Services Heating and Cooling

There is never a good time to deal with an AC breakdown, so it is important to keep up with regular air condition repairs and maintenance as much as possible. Homeowners in the Charlotte, NC, area can rest easier knowing their systems are in good hands with ER Services Heating and Cooling. Call and ask about their maintenance and inspection services and customized repair services available if the system needs a little TLC this season. Don’t ignore the warning signs. Get an AC inspection scheduled today!

Distribution Links +

A Beginner’s Guide to Heat Pumps

All About Heat Pumps

As fossil fuel prices continue to rise, the market is primed for alternative technology to gain wider acceptance. No place is that more true than when it comes to heating and cooling the home. Traditionally, homes have been heated by burning natural gas, but with rising costs and climate concerns, new HVAC technology has emerged to save homeowners money.

Thousands of customers nationwide have ditched their gas bills to use electrical heating and air-powered heat pump technology. Here is a quick guide from local experts to help everyone understand what a heat pump is, why it can be beneficial, and how to tell when it needs repairs.

What Is a Heat Pump?

Heat pumps are ingenious designs that rely only on electricity for heating and cooling power. They are called heat pumps because they use physics to pump heat into and out of the home, depending on the season. They rely on the same technology that allows an air conditioner to cool a home in the summer. Think about the hot exhaust that can be felt blowing out of an air conditioner’s compressor during the summer. That heat is captured from the air inside the home and pumped outdoors using the expansion of refrigerants.

In heat pumps, the circuit that allows ACs to cool a home is reversed. Instead of burning fossil fuels, heat pumps gather heat energy outside, available even on cold days, and pump it into the home during the winter. The refrigerant can carry the heat back indoors to provide a comfortable indoor environment without the need for pricey gas bills.

Benefits of Switching to Heat Pump Technology

Heat pumps make more sense as the technology improves and heating with fossil fuels becomes more expensive. Some of the benefits of converting to heat pump technology are:

Lower Bills: Heat pump technology is up to 300 times more efficient than burning fossil fuels. This means homeowners don’t dread turning up the thermostat during the winter.
Fewer Repairs: Using the same machinery is better for the equipment. Heat pumps work all year long, so they don’t succumb to common problems when machinery sits idle.
Improved Comfort: Heat pumps don’t remove as much moisture from the air as burning fossil fuels. This allows the home to feel more comfortable during the dry winter spells.

Signs That Heat Pump Repairs are Needed

Heat pumps are more reliable than typical central heating and air conditioning systems because they work all year. However, just like any mechanical equipment, they may start to show signs that they need repairs. Some of the signs that heat pump repair is needed are:

High energy bills
Lack of comfort around the home
High humidity levels in the summer
New, strange noises
Water leaks
Unresponsive units

If these problems are noticed, help is just a call away. Enlist the help of local professionals and maintain a comfortable home with heat pumps all year.

About ER Services Heating and Cooling

ER Services Heating and Cooling handles heat pump installation and repairs. Whether the system is a central or ductless heat pump, their crews can handle it. Call today for heat pump service in Mint Hill, NC.

Distribution Links +

Start 2024 Off With Cleaner Air

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality

The beginning of the new year is the perfect time to make resolutions for improving home care, starting with the air. Indoor air quality is more important for health than most people realize. This blog post shares a few simple ways homeowners can have cleaner, healthier air this year.

Poor air quality can have numerous health impacts. Mold spores, allergens like pet hair and pollen, viruses, and other contaminants in the air can impact the respiratory system and overall health. The benefits of improving indoor air quality include protection from airborne pollutants, improving the efficiency of the HVAC system, sleeping better, better cognitive function, and more.

Replace Dirty Air Filters

Air filters are screens that filter out dust, dander, hair, and pollen particles to ensure that debris is not circulated through the HVAC system. Some HVAC systems have multiple filters, such as AC and furnace filters. Cleaning the air cleaner can be as simple as changing dirty air filters more often.

A dirty filter restricts airflow into the system, making the HVAC system work harder. Changing the filter on time prevents an increase in utility bills from poor efficiency, unnecessary repairs from system malfunctions, and allergens from circulating through the house freely. Most air filters need to be changed every 1-3 months.

Invest In An Air Filtration System

Air filtration systems can elevate indoor air quality by removing additional allergens and pollutants from the air. Whole-home air sanitizers are installed directly into the HVAC system and use UV lights and other technology to neutralize viruses and other airborne pathogens. There are also affordable portable air purifiers that can target specific areas of the home to remove allergens such as pet hair, dander, and dust.

In addition to reducing the number of allergens in the air, air filtration systems can also reduce unpleasant odors in the household using technology such as activated carbon filters. Clean indoor air reduces respiratory symptoms and makes the home a cleaner, fresher, and more pleasant environment.

Use Household Cleaning to Keep Air Cleaner

How clean the house is plays a large role in how clean the indoor air is. The dust, pet hair, and other household debris can be prevented from circulating through the air by cleaning the house more often. Regular sweeping, dusting, and vacuuming keep dust and dirt from floating through the air and also help reduce strain on the HVAC system.

People with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues will benefit from a cleaner house. Homeowners should add keeping the house cleaner to their lists of New Year resolutions if they want to improve their indoor air quality this year. From air filter replacement to filtration system installation to simply dusting more often, homeowners can take many practical steps to breathe better at home in 2024.

About ER Services Heating and Cooling

This trusted local HVAC company is available 24/7 for emergencies and has financing options. With up-front pricing and a 100% satisfaction guarantee, homeowners can rely on ER Services Heating and Cooling
to do the job right. Call them today to schedule an appointment for indoor air quality services in Charlotte, NC!

Distribution Links +

The Dangers of a Faulty Heater (And How To Spot Them)

Common Heating Hazards and Their Warning Signs

There’s nothing worse than having the heater quit working in the middle of a frigid winter night – or so it seems when one is in the middle of such an ordeal. But not all heater malfunctions are created equal. It’s bad enough to be stuck without heat while the icy chill creeps into the home through every crack it can find. But some heating problems go beyond discomfort and into the realm of danger, posing both immediate and long-term threats to the health and safety of everyone in the home.

So to help homeowners stay safe, healthy, and comfy this winter, this article will examine three of the most dangerous heating system issues homeowners can face, what causes them, and how to identify their warning signs.

Gas or Carbon Monoxide Leak

When it comes to oil or gas furnaces, the biggest concern is a gas leak or carbon monoxide leak. Fortunately, both are fairly rare but still occur under certain circumstances. A gas leak is usually the result of a faulty pilot light, loose pipe fitting, or damaged/corroded gas line, and can often be detected by the signature “rotten egg” smell that gas gives off.

On the other hand, carbon monoxide is completely odorless and invisible, and exposure to it can be deadly. A carbon monoxide leak from a heater is usually the result of a damaged exhaust flue, faulty pilot light, or cracked heat exchanger. Because it’s so difficult to detect to the naked senses, homeowners should install carbon monoxide detectors, particularly near gas appliances.

It’s also a good idea to be on the lookout for the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, which include headaches, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, chest pain, shortness of breath, and confusion. If any of these symptoms arise, homeowners should leave the home and call a professional for heater repair immediately.

Mold In the Heater or Ductwork

Another major threat to the home’s indoor air quality (and, therefore, to the health of its occupants) is mold. Mold growth generally only occurs where there is moisture, and the inside of an HVAC system is no stranger to moisture – part of its job is to remove water vapor from the air and convert it into condensation. Typically, the condensation drains away, but in some cases, it can linger inside the unit long enough to facilitate mold growth. The mold can then propagate and spread throughout the unit and into the air ducts as the spores take a free ride on the air moving through the unit.

While not as dangerous as carbon monoxide, mold can significantly negatively impact the health of everyone in the home. Exposure to mold spores (particularly stachybotrys chartarum, commonly known as “black mold”) can cause respiratory irritation and allergy symptoms, such as coughing, sneezing, sinus congestion, and itchy eyes.

If anyone in the home experiences these symptoms, if the home smells musty or mildewy, or if there’s any sort of black splotchy substance on the air registers or the heater itself, homeowners would do well to have an HVAC expert inspect their system for mold. If mold is present, complete heater and air duct cleaning may be necessary to remove it.

The Furnace Is Overheating

Overheating is one of the most common issues in heaters and furnaces and can pose various dangers in its own right. Overheating can cause the heat exchanger to crack (which may lead to a carbon monoxide leak), start a fire in the heater that may spread to the house, and severely damage the heater itself – not to mention drive up the energy bill.

A dirty air filter often causes a heater or furnace overheating – as the air handler struggles to pull air through the filter media, heat can accumulate inside the unit rather than being distributed throughout the home. But overheating can also be caused by faulty internal components and thermostat issues, among other things.

Some signs of an overheating furnace or heater include short cycling (when the system only runs for a short time before shutting off), a loud humming noise coming from the unit, a burning smell coming from the air vents, or if the heater shuts down before the thermostat reaches the desired temperature. If homeowners notice these issues, they should turn the system off and call for heating repair at once – but in most cases, they can prevent overheating altogether by regularly changing the furnace filter (every 1-3 months) and scheduling professional heating maintenance at least once a year!

About ER Services Heating and Cooling

The family-owned ER Services Heating and Cooling has been the go-to heating and cooling company in Mint Hill since 2007. Their licensed, insured, and background-checked technicians always arrive on time in fully-stocked trucks, ready to resolve any issue quickly and efficiently. ER Services offers up-front pricing, financing, free estimates, a rewarding membership program, and 24/7 emergency service – so don’t hesitate to call them for heater repair in Mint Hill, NC!

Distribution Links +

Spend Money on Holiday Gifts, Not Energy Bills

How to Use the AC System to Save Money During the Holidays

The holidays are coming, and the seasonal crunch is on everyone’s budgets. It seems people stretch their dollars to the max on holiday parties and gifts every year, but there is another source of budgetary stress during this time of year.

During the holidays, temperatures start to drop. While the imagery of a winter wonderland is a hallmark of the season, it can add stress to homeowners who want to keep their homes warm against the cold. Luckily, keeping the house cozy doesn’t have to be at odds with the financial demands of the season. Here are some tips to help homeowners save money on their heating bills during the winter.

Install Smart Thermostats

The first way to drastically reduce heating bills during the winter is to bring the home into the 21st century. The thermostat remained unchanged in its design for decades until digital programmable thermostats became available. These allowed homeowners to set a schedule for their heating and cooling systems to limit the total time the system had to run without sacrificing the comfort of living in the perfect temperature.

Smart thermostats take this concept one step further. A smart thermostat uses data from smartphones and sensors to learn the movement patterns of those inside the home. They use this data to automatically make a schedule to adjust the temperature in the home to save energy when no one is around. Using these money-saving devices can drastically lower heating bills this holiday season.

Replace the Air Filters

About this time of year, HVAC professionals start harping on everyone to change their air filters. One of the main reasons it is recommended to change air filters during the holidays is because it is the height of flu season and clean filters support good health.

In addition to keeping the air inside a home healthier and supporting immunity, air filter replacement can lower heating bills. When clogged air filters are left in service, they limit how much air can flow through the system. This wastes energy by making the system work harder than it needs to. Keeping clean air filters in service can make a noticeable difference in this winter’s heating bills.

Remember AC Maintenance

As with most things, planning is the best course of action. Instead of waiting until the last two months of the year to focus on saving money, why not make smaller investments all year long? HVAC maintenance is the perfect way to accomplish this.

HVAC maintenance is a semi-annual service offered by most contractors. It is a comprehensive program that attends to the air conditioner in the spring and the heater in the winter. The results of these programs are proven to be cost-efficient, saving owners money all year long.

Some of the steps that professionals will do during heating maintenance are:

Check for gas leaks
Clean the burner
Clean the pilot light or check the ignitors
Clean the blower wheel
Coil cleaning
Verify gas pressure

About ER Services Heating and Cooling

ER Services Heating and Cooling offers a membership program with multiple benefits at a low monthly price. Their experts are highly-rated and they offer upfront pricing. Call today for HVAC service in Charlotte, NC.