Free Money Saving Reports

Give Your Home a Little TLC This Winter

In the lead up to winter weather, it's a good idea to take stock of your home's condition and tend to routine seasonal maintenance. After all, the steps you take now can help you and your family stay comfy and cozy when the weather turns bitter.

Winter home maintenance typically involves several areas of attention, including:

*   Gutters and Downspouts - Keeping gutters and downspouts clear of debris and fallen leaves should be a routine task, especially as winter approaches. Spraying water down the downspouts will help loosen and wash away debris. You may also want to consider gutter screens for your gutters.

*    Roof - Speaking of roof, check for loose, damaged or missing shingles or tiles, or problems with flashing - any of which could lead to leaks. If found, make sure they're repaired. Also, check the underside of roof for any spots or odors that may be a sign of a leak.

* Windows & Doors - Check weather-stripping on doors, and check caulk on windows.   Or consider both if you've done neither. Caulking helps seal gaps, keeps heat in and keeps moisture away.

* Seal Leaks - While windows and doors are obvious sources of cracks, any cracks in the exterior of your house can let heat out. Check all exterior areas and fill and seal any cracks that are located with a caulking compound.

*    Home Heating - Schedule a cleaning and inspection of your heating system. Ask about duct cleaning, too, if it's been awhile since you've had that service done. Also, inspect your fireplace and chimney.

*    Insulation - If you aern't sure if your home is properly insulated, or if you're concerned that your insulation may be damaged, give us a call (Schedule Here) and we can inspect it for you for free. Proper insulation can result in significant energy savings. Give us a call for a free inspection.

*     Other Areas - Once you've given your home a complete once-over, don't stop there. Check the driveway and sidewalks for cracks, and check the curb and gutter near your driveway to make sure they are clear of debris.

Let us know if we can help by inspecting your heating system and other areas of your home that may need winterizing for you and your family to stay warm and cozy this winter. Call 918-528-4792 or Click Here.

How to Keep More Cool Cash (in a Hot Summer)

Before your cooling system kicks into high gear, take a look at how to save money this summer and keep your cool. You�ll like these energy-saving tips�

�         Set your thermostat at 78�F or higher. Each degree setting below 78�F will increase your energy consumption by approximately 8%.

�         Use bath and kitchen fans sparingly when the air conditioner is operating. They can pull out an entire home�s cooling in one hour.

�         Inspect and clean both the indoor and outdoor coils. The indoor coil is like a magnet because it is constantly wetted during the cooling season. Dirt buildup on the indoor coil is the single most common cause of poor efficiency. The outdoor coil must also be checked for dirt buildup and cleaned if necessary.

�         Check the refrigerant level. The circulating fluid in your air conditioner is what keeps you cool. But like most things under pressure, it tries to escape! If there�s too little or too much refrigerant, your system will not work properly. Call us to check it out for you.

�         Reduce the cooling load. For example, effectively shade south and west windows. When possible, delay heat-generating activities, such as dishwashing, until the evening on hot days.

�         Keep the house closed tight during the day. If practical, ventilate at night either naturally or with fans.

Out with the old, in with the cool

If you have an older central air conditioner (8 years or older), it may cost more in energy and repairs than replacing it with a completely new system!

When buying new, choose a model with a high efficiency rating, such as a system that has an Energy Star^� label with SEER ratings of 14 or greater. Other features to look for include:

* Quiet operation. New ones are much quieter.

* �Fan-only� switch, so you can use the unit for nighttime ventilation to substantially reduce air-conditioning costs.

* Filter �check light� to remind you to check the filter. Great feature!

* Automatic-delay fan switch to turn off the fan a few minutes after the compressor turns off.

If you�ll follow a few of these tips or let us evaluate your system, we can show you how to keep even more dollars from going into thin air. This is our job� to keep you comfortable and save some money! Give us a call at 918-582-4792 if we can help you or your friends. Schedule your appointment to review your energy options here.