According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can save up to 10% annually on heating costs by lowering their thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees when away from home. Sounds simple enough, right? Turn down the heat, save some cash. But before you pack your bags and head out for the holidays, you need […]
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, HVAC systems that aren’t regularly maintained can use up to 25% more energy than well-serviced units. On average, furnaces should cycle three to eight times per hour, with each cycle lasting 10 to 15 minutes under normal conditions. But what about that initial start-up when you first adjust […]
In the last twenty years in Missouri, we’ve had 43 major power outages (at least 50,000 people impacted). On average that is twice a year. These outages are obviously inconvenient, but they can also be dangerous if you’re unprepared. Cold temperatures, lack of lighting, and disruptions to heating systems make proper preparation a must. 1. […]
According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), homes, offices, schools, and other buildings account for roughly 40% of the nation’s energy consumption. As temperatures drop, many homeowners turn up their heating systems, but common myths about heating efficiency often lead to wasted energy. Let’s clear up these misconceptions, so you can stay warm this […]
According to a 2023 industry survey, only 30% of homeowners schedule preventative HVAC maintenance. While closing vents in unused rooms seems like logical thinking to save energy, it’s actually one of the most common mistakes out there. In the long run, it can end up costing you money. 1. The “Common Sense” Logic We get […]
The National Bureau of Economic Research reports that simply showing homeowners how their energy use compares to their neighbors can reduce consumption by 1.2 to 2.1 %. The people with consistently low energy bills aren’t necessarily doing anything fancy. And the difference isn’t luck or newer equipment. It’s just a set of simple daily habits […]
According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment accounts for approximately 13% of all home fires. Yikes. So it’s important for homeowners to understand what’s normal versus concerning when it comes to furnace odors. As temperatures drop and you fire up your heating system for the first time in several months, don’t panic if […]
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, 52% of household energy consumption is for just two things—heating or cooling our spaces. Here in the Ozarks the walnut leaves have already begun to turn yellow and have started to fall from the trees. This is a sure sign of fall, and being so, it’s also a […]
Nothing ruins indoor comfort quite like bizarre odors coming out of your AC vents. According to the National Human Activity Pattern Survey (NHAPS), US citizens spend 87% of their time in enclosed buildings (not to mention about 6% of their time in enclosed vehicles). That’s a lot of time indoors, which makes air quality a […]
If you’re a condo owner who rents out your property, energy efficiency improvements can reduce costs and also attract quality tenants. If your condo has storm windows, then you’re already ahead of the game because they can reduce heat loss by 25% to 50%. But if your condo doesn’t have them, never fear. There are […]
