Tips for Setting the Thermostat to Save Costs on Energy Bills

Everyone wants to save money on their energy bills, but searing summers and frigid winters can drive the costs of heating and cooling to extremes. Fortunately, there are some simple ways that homeowners can control their energy bills throughout the seasons.

Manage the Thermostat at Home and When Away 

During the summer, set the thermostat to 78 degrees. If the residence is vacant for more than four hours, consider raising it to 88 degrees. Estimates show that for every degree over 78 that an interior thermostat is set at, an energy bill drops by 6 to 8 percent. The less the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower the cooling bill.

Lower the Thermostat During Winter

During the winter months, try to keep the heater set at 68 degrees during the day. Energy.gov states that reducing a home's thermostat by 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours a day in the winter can reduce a heating bill by 5 to 15 percent a year. Plus, lower temperatures at night may be more comfortable for sleeping when appropriate winter blankets are used for warmth.

Open Up the Windows During Summer Nights

Middletown is fortunate enough to have relatively mild summer temperatures. On summer nights, turn off the air conditioning, open the windows, and lift the blinds for sleeping. In the morning, close the windows and lower the blinds to retain the cool air. Research and install window treatments recommended for increased heating and cooling efficiency. Also, make sure to apply caulk or weatherstripping around windows and doors to seal air leaks.

Don't Forget the Value of Interior Fans

Fans cool people with their wind chill effect. As a result, using a ceiling fan can enable a thermostat increase of four degrees in temperature without reducing comfort for the room's occupants. Elsewhere, always use the bathroom fan to eliminate and redistribute the warm and humid air from a bath or shower. If possible, the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room fans should be ventilated to the outdoors.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats save money on cooling and heating bills by storing and repeating six or more temperature settings a day. These can be manually over-ridden via mobile phone apps without affecting daily or weekly programs. Homeowners can turn on their air conditioning just before returning home from work so that they come home to a comfortable environment. It's a truly customizable option.

Larson's Heating and Cooling has served the Middletown, NY area for more than 35 years. Please call us anytime at 845-344-3030 or fill out our contact form to discuss any heating and cooling services you may need, from repairs to a new install.

What's the Difference Between Amana and Fujitsu Mini Split Systems?

People who prefer mini split air conditioning systems to central A/C cite several reasons, including easy installation and cooling efficiency. Mini split features differ from one brand to the next. Learn what two popular brands, Amana and Fujitsu, have to offer.

Major Features of Each Brand 

Both brands offer single-room and multi-zone systems. Fujitsu touts several major benefits, including the following:

- Energy efficiency, thanks to the ductless design that leads to a significant reduction in energy loss

- Individual control per zone, letting members of a household customize the temperature in each room

- High reliability rate, due to exceptional quality control

- Installation ease, without the need for ductwork

- Varied sizes and styles to match a room's decor and meet its cooling needs

- Quiet operation for a noiseless environment

- Smartphone and tablet operation through a custom app The Amana mini split air conditioning system boasts a number of useful features, as well:

- Cooling and heating, with the ability to easily switch modes as seasons change

- Variety of indoor unit types, ranging in design and style

- Wireless control, with multi-feature remote controllers

- Multiple levels of operation, including temperature control, automatic restart after power loss, and a selection of comfort modes

- Jet cool fan features, to cool a room quickly

The Main Differences

While both Amana and Fujitsu offer a wide range of features in their air conditioning mini split systems, there are some differences. Fujitsu offers a smaller outdoor condenser, while Amana's outdoor unit is quieter. Amana provides a slightly wider cooling and heating range, while Fujitsu has a slightly higher efficiency rating. All in all, both brands offer convenient features for systems that are built to last and designed to cool efficiently even on the hottest days.

Contact a heating and cooling specialist, like Larson's Heating and Cooling, Inc., for expert recommendations based on customer requirements.

A Quick Look at Three Common Types of HVAC Warranties

Understanding HVAC warranties can help with choosing the best product and the right professional for the installation. Not all makers of HVACs offer the same warranty options, but Larson's Heating & Cooling, Inc's quality heating and cooling products fall under one of these three categories.

Base Limited Warranties 

All major brands offer a standard product warranty, also referred to as a factory warranty. It generally covers most (but not all) HVAC parts, as well as the compressor(s), for a specific period after purchase—hence “limited.” Systems by leading heating and cooling equipment manufacturers, like Goodman, York, Amana, Peerless, and Fujitsu all carry a base limited warranty of between five and 12 years, depending on the make and model. These warranties come as a function of purchase at no additional cost.

Registered Limited Manufacturer’s Warranty

Most major HVAC manufacturers also offer additional limited warranties that extend coverage in terms of both time and scope, covering more parts or conditions for a longer period. Better companies offer Lifetime Registered Limited Warranties good for the entire time of the purchaser’s home ownership. Goodman was the first in the industry to offer it, although Amana, York, and Fujitsu all do as well. The only catch is that the purchase details must be reported back to the maker, usually within 30-90 days of the date of purchase (as opposed to the date of installation). This is often done easily online. While not automatic, except in Quebec and California, registered limited warranties also come fee-free.

Optional Extended Warranty

For an additional fee, these manufacturer-specific warranties offer coverage for add-ons—like emergency service calls, replacements for certain components, or labor—that are not covered under the brand’s base limited product warranty. While often more comprehensive, the time and scope of optional extended warranties may be seasonal, regional, or both. They may also simply enhance or lengthen the terms of an active registered limited warranty, depending on the manufacturer. Optional warranties are available from Williamson and Goodman, among others.

To choose the best way to keep comfortable year-round, it pays to ask a heating and cooling specialist about the specifics of HVAC warranty options before installation begins.