Not surprisingly using excessively large amounts of hot water can greatly increase your energy bill on a monthly as well as an annual basis. Here are some ways that you can drop your water heating expenses ultimately saving a substantial amount of money each and every year. For example, reducing waste when it comes to hot water is one of the best ways to save money. It is a proven fact that heating water is indeed the second biggest energy cost in the average residential home. As a matter of fact this type of energy usage can easily account for nearly 20% of an average utility bill.
One Easy Way of Reducing Hot Water Consumption
The only more substantial expense in terms of energy usage is environmental heating and cooling. Conserving hot water by using low-flow fixtures and repairing leaks as well as choosing only energy-efficient appliances can really make a big difference. Keep in mind that many routine activities around your home use more hot water than you might ever imagine. For example a typical clothes washing machine can easily consume 25 gallons of hot water. In addition, an average shower can use over 10 gallons of hot water at a time. One easy way of reducing hot water consumption is to make sure that all leaks are identified and fixed.
Low-Flow Fixtures – Relatively Inexpensive
Faucets, showerheads and other water outlets that use hot water must be repaired if found to be leaking. Even a leak that produces a small amount of water loss such as one drop per second can waste well over 1500 gallons of water on an annual basis – increasing energy costs by as much as $40 per year. Another great alternative is to install low-flow water fixtures in your home. Today, federal laws require that new showerheads have a flow rate that is no more than 2.5 gallons per minute. The good news is that low-flow fixtures are relatively inexpensive and can achieve substantial water savings of usually well over 50% or more. Equally important is to make it a point to purchase only the most energy efficient appliances available today.
Ways To Reduce How Much Hot Water You Use Around the House
From clothes washers to dishwashers and other types of appliances that use water, always go with energy efficient machines. The best option in this regard is “Energy Star” type appliances. This will significantly lower your energy bills and save you money. In fact, over time this type of energy efficient appliance will actually pay for itself after several years of use in most cases. These are just a few examples of easy ways to reduce how much hot water you use around your home on a daily basis. Contact Alpine Heating & Cooling today to learn more about hot water heater repair, maintenance and installation in Mount Vernon Washington. Alpine is always standing by and ready to help.
Today there are several different methods of heating a typical residential home in the United States. Here are a few simple examples of the most common ways that homes are currently being heated around the country. For example, a gas or oil furnace is typically used to heat a home by burning oil or gas contained within a sealed chamber. A blower moves air around externally to the chamber where ambient air then absorbs heat that is then ultimately pumped back into the home through ducting.
Make a System Safer and More Reliable
In most cases when a home is heated in this way, combustible gases that are toxic are vented outside of the home through pipes or tubing. While older furnaces will often use air from inside the home for heating, newer units sold today make use of outside air for the same purpose. Using outside air actually helps to increase efficiency and makes a system safer and more reliable. In addition to oil and gas furnaces, there is also the option to heat a home using an electric furnace. This type of system incorporates the use of simple electric strip heating elements. These elements serve to convert electricity into heat that is then used to warm a home.
Heating a Modern Residential Home
Air inside a home comes into contact with heating elements that serve to heat that air that is then distributed from room to room via ducting. This is considered one of the less efficient ways of heating a modern residential home. The system is simple, safe and reliable but generally is more expensive in terms of electricity usage. Finally, heat pumps are perhaps the most efficient way to heat a home using electricity. A heat pump will typically be of the air source type using some kind of refrigerant or chemical to effectively absorb latent heat in the air found outside of the home. This heat is then concentrated and then distributed throughout a home as a way to make the interior environment warm and livable.
Geothermal Style Heat Pump
Considered highly efficient in its operation a typical heat pump may not perform as well when the air outside becomes very cold. Unlike a normal air source heat pump, a geothermal style heat pump will derive its heat energy from the earth as a way to heat a home. This is a unique type of system that uses heat energy from the ground to produce very efficient heating. The benefit of using a geothermal system is that it is unaffected by outside air especially when this air becomes extremely cold. Contact Alpine Heating & Cooling today to learn more about Burlington Washington heating system maintenance and repair.
Today one of the best ways to ensure that your HVAC system operates year-round without interruption is to simply stay ahead of the curve. This means that as spring approaches in mid-March, combining regular spring-cleaning activities with checking your HVAC system is well worth the time and effort. It is vitally important to routinely check your residential HVAC system to make sure that all of the systems are running properly. When you know that your HVAC system is operating smoothly you can rest assured that it will do its job. Especially later in the year as the cold weather ultimately returns.
Checking an HVAC System for Proper Operation
While many homes in Washington State do not have air conditioning, the ones that do should also be prepared to check the air-conditioning portion of their HVAC system in the early spring. This will reduce the chances of not having conditioned air during the hottest times of the summer. When checking any HVAC system for proper operation, there are several things that should be looked at by you or a professional technician. For example, the outdoor portion of an HVAC system should be free of debris. In fact, an area of approximately two feet around the entire air conditioning or heating unit should be clear of leaves, grass and any other kind of landscaping debris.
Using a Hose to Remove Debris or Dirt
Keep in mind that too much debris around the outside portion of an HVAC system can cause degradation in system performance. In addition, it is a good idea to consider washing the exterior condenser unit portion of an HVAC unit. This can be done quite easily by using a hose to remove debris or dirt from the surface of this important component. The mixing of mild soap with warm water makes a solution that is ideal for wiping off any grime that may be adhering to system parts or components. If you choose to clean your HVAC unit on your own, it is still a good idea to have a professional come out and inspect the system to make sure that everything is working as expected.
Keep Your Indoor Air Quality at its Best
Once all outdoor checks have been completed, it is then a good idea to go indoors and change air filters. It is also important to note that some homes may have more than one air filter in more than one location inside of the house. Know the location of all air filters and change them regularly to keep your indoor air quality at its best while ensuring the highest level of system performance and efficiency. Most experts recommend changing filters every 90 days at the very least. Some conscientious homeowners even choose to change filters monthly. Always remember that dirty filters cause your system to work harder and will ultimately cost you more money over the long haul. Contact Alpine Heating & Cooling today for quality HVAC maintenance and inspections in Mount Vernon Washington and the Skagit Valley.
While there are many choices when it comes to heating and cooling companies found throughout the greater Burlington Washington area and the surrounding communities, choosing carefully can make a big difference in the final outcome. One company in particular that has consistently outpaced the competition year after year is Alpine Heating and Cooling. The company began operation all the way back in 2003 with the goal of creating the very best HVAC repair and installation company serving the greater Skagit County region. With a laser sharp focus on HVAC repairs, maintenance and servicing, the company personnel are highly qualified to install and maintain virtually any type of equipment in use today.
Alpine Maintains a Number of Certifications for Contractors
One key consideration when it comes to choosing the right heating and cooling company in Burlington begins with looking at its licensing, insurance and bonding details. Alpine maintains a number of key certifications for contractors including the following.
- UBI # 6O3 481 1O4
- Contractors # ALPINHC852DR
- Electrical Contractors # ALPINHC855DO
- Master Electricians # KIRKEG*970QS
- EPA Certified # P1101C6B150D160E0
Serving a vast stretch of the region including areas such as Bow, North Camano Island, Sedro Woolley, Anacortes, Burlington and La Conner as well as Mount Vernon and Stanwood, this is a company with extensive resources and experienced technicians. Another important fact about Alpine is that it has on multiple occasions won the best heating company Super Service Award offered by Angie’s List. This fact alone lets you know that you are choosing the right company for all your HVAC, heating and cooling needs in Skagit County.
Winners are Determined Based Upon Actual Customer Reviews
The Angie’s List Super Service Award is given out each year to top rated companies in each specific category within their given market. Keep in mind that winners are determined based upon actual customer reviews. Companies that have the highest rated reviews (indicating excellence in service and quality customer care) must have a minimum number of actual qualified reviews. Alpine has achieved success multiple years running by gaining impressive reviews from highly satisfied customers.
Premier Heating and Cooling Services by Alpine
Customers searching Angie’s List for the best Mount Vernon heating and cooling company will immediately spot the award with a small golden stars next to the business’s name. The Super Service Award logo will be displayed on the company’s profile letting you know that you are working with a top-rated heating and cooling company. Customers who have enjoyed quality heating and cooling services by Alpine can simply log in into Angie’s List and submit a review based upon their actual experiences with the company. From having a hot water heater installed to having an air conditioning unit repaired or replaced as well as a wide range of other services, Alpine Heating and Cooling is always standing by and ready to help.
One of the best ways to save money in our world is to always be proactive and to think ahead. This is very much the case when talking about your residential home’s heating and cooling system. These state-of-the-art appliances have been made to operate at peak efficiency under even the most demanding conditions. However, that said it is vital to have any HVAC system routinely inspected by a professional who knows what to look for in terms of potential system failure.
Energy Efficient
Best of all, a small investment in having your home heating and cooling system checked each year will actually in most cases save you money as a homeowner. Expert technicians can spot or identify seeming unimportant issues within an HVAC system that can easily turn into a much more serious and more expensive problem over time. Keep in mind that systems that are designed to be energy efficient must be properly maintained as a way to gain access to the highest levels of efficiency that these systems are capable of delivering.
Annual Inspections
From lowering electrical expenses each month to extending the life your system, there are so many good reasons to schedule a simple and affordable yearly inspection. When routine inspections of this kind are combined with keeping a system clean and having ducts cleaned regularly, the end result is a better performing HVAC unit and even better health for those living in the house. A good way of getting even more benefit from annual inspections of this nature is to work with a trusted and respected name in the business. This provides for comfort in knowing that your system is always in good hands.
HVAC Professionals
With so much to offer it is clear to see why consistent annual HVAC inspections make smart sense today. Save money, save time and save the headaches of loosing control of the environment inside of your home by always planning for this essential and important inspection service. Consumers have many choices when if comes to HVAC professionals in Mt. Vernon WA. One company above all others always delivers on the promise of providing the best in customer service. Alpine Heating & Cooling is a trusted and respected name in reliable and affordable HVAC repair and inspections in Mt. Vernon Wa. Call today!
Staying warm in the winter helps us to feel cozy and comfortable. Here are a few simple and useful ways of staying warm even when the mercury dips below freezing. For example, making use of space heaters in the rooms that are most frequently used is a great way to take the load off of a main heating system or furnace. In many instances an inexpensive space heater can actually be more efficient that a typical central home heating system. This is particularly true when heating a very small space.
Putting Your Home Heating System on Autopilot
In addition, enough cannot be said about the advantages of using a programmable thermostat in your home. This is a completely automatic way of putting the entire house heating system on autopilot all day long. It will reduce the temperature inside during the evening hours while you sleep, and will take the pressure off in terms of you always having to adjust the temperature manually. Best of all, it serves to substantially decrease energy consumption by in many cases up to 25%. It is also recommended by experts to keep temperatures as steady as possible throughout the day.
Reduce the Workload
Wide swings in temperate can result in a system working much harder to maintain optimal temperatures all day long. The idea here is reduce the workload on the system as much as possible. This not only, as mentioned, reduces energy usage but it also helps to extend the life of the equipment. This means you heating system will last longer and that repairs will be less likely. Speaking of repairs, always have your system routinely inspected at the very minimum once every two years, where annual inspections are even better.
Dissipate Through the Ceiling and Walls
Equally important is to get into the habit of reversing ceiling fans in the winter. When you do this you are in effect allowing the fan blades to draw down heat that is hanging out up around the ceiling. As everyone knows, heat rises and this is just a very inexpensive way of recycling this heat to your benefit. It makes sense to access this unused heat, as it will likely dissipate through the ceiling and walls otherwise. Finally, if you have a wood fireplace and can source very inexpensive or even free wood, this is a sure way to reduce the amount of energy consumed in your home during the winter months. Contact Alpine Heating & Cooling today for the best in Mt. Vernon WA heater maintenance and repair service.
This 95% efficient furnace by American Standard con convert 95 cents of every dollar you spend on fuel into heat for your home.
A dependable and reliable furnace is an important part of any typical residential home today. That is why it is so crucial to pay particular attention to the proper care and maintenance of this essential home appliance for maximum furnace efficiency. For example, one little-known trick is to consider rearranging the rooms in your home as a way to improve airflow. By moving furniture you may be able to lower utility expenses. Simply moving furniture away from a window or wall where it is drafty or cool reduces heating requirements.
Door Socks
Best of all, if you have a favorite spot for your beloved couch or chair you can easily move them back in the spring. Equally of concern are drafty doorways. Doors that have gaps can actually allow heat to escape around the frame through those gaps. One of the best ways to deal with drafty doorways is to cover gaps with something known as door socks. These are readily available in most big-box stores or hardware stores in your local area. Door socks can even be made out of old unused personal socks that would otherwise be discarded.
Create a Seal
It is also worth considering proper insulation for windows throughout your home. Because you spend a lot of money heating the interior of your house you want to make sure that heat does not escape through windows that are old or improperly fitted. One quick fix in this regard is to consider using plastic film and placing it over windows with tape to create a seal. This will greatly reduce heat loss especially in drafty older windows. While this kind of plastic may not be the most attractive it can easily be removed in the spring.
A Great Way of Saving Energy
Finally, the simple idea of just lowering your thermostat can greatly reduce energy usage and improve furnace-heating performance. Consider lowering the thermostat and wearing a sweater indoors. Extra blankets at night will keep everyone warm while you effectively lower your energy bill. As an added note, closing vents in unused rooms is also a great way of saving energy and improving furnace efficiency. Along with closing vents it is recommended to close the doors in any spare rooms that are not in use. Contact Alpine Heating & Cooling today for the best in Mount Vernon Washington furnace repair, maintenance and installation today.
As the temperature outdoors dips into the 30’s it becomes important to be aware of a few home heating safety tips as a way to protect you, your family and your investment. Your home is one of the biggest investments you will ever make, and that is why it is so important to consider these basic home heating safety tips. For example, it is a known fact that generators can create exhaust fumes that are toxic. Always place generators outside and far enough away from windows and doors and vents so that carbon monoxide does not enter your home.
Causing Headaches and Even Unconsciousness
Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas that can build up quickly and last for hours lingering in your home and causing headaches and even unconsciousness. Also keep in mind that appliances that use combustion for energy to cook, warm your home or even for decorative purposes can be dangerous. Fuels used today for combustion appliances can include everything from kerosene to oil and natural as well as liquefied petroleum in addition to coal and wood. Heaters, furnaces and ovens along with fireplaces and water heaters can all present danger because they may be using this type of fuel.
Be Aware of Changes in How You Feel
While in most cases these types of combustion appliances are completely safe, there are certain circumstances where they can result in combustion fumes and pollutants that can indeed have an effect on health and even cause loss of life. Be aware of changes in how you feel including dizziness, headaches, sleepiness in addition to watery eyes and problems breathing. These can all indicate the carbon monoxide or some other type of toxic gas is present. Typically speaking, the best thing to do if you suspect that toxic gases are present in your home is to vacate the premises immediately.
These Materials Can All Release Dangerous Chemicals
Remember that a combustion appliance that has been properly installed should operate as advertised and not cause any problems. However, if you see or smell smoke this may indicate that there is something wrong. Always avoid burning any type of artificial material including plastic, foam or even colored or inked paper as well as household garbage for fuel. These materials all release toxic chemicals that can only lead to unwanted health related problems. Contact Alpine Heating & Cooling today to learn more about Skagit County heater installation and services with a proven track record.