Six Tips to Reduce Your Heating Bill

Posted on November 29, 2017 by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

Winter has arrived in full force, but that doesn’t mean you have to blast money from your wallet as you turn up the heat. WestAIR Heating and Cooling offers six easy ways to reduce your heating bill this winter and for years to come.

1. Control your Thermostat

Using a thermostat is an easy way to control your home temperature and maximize your savings. While you are away, set it 10 degrees cooler than your regular setting. So, if you feel comfortable at 69 degrees, you would program it to be 59 degrees while you’re at work or on vacation. Some newer thermostats have capabilities to be controlled by a phone app or website!

2. Insulate Windows and Walls

You can lose half of your heat if your home is not well insulated! Is your attic or basement insulated? If not, fill all the gaps with fiberglass insulation. If your windows are drafty, fill in the leaky spaces with caulk.

3. Look at those Ducts

Heat can leak right through your air ducts too. You can patch them with aluminum foil tape (not duct tape) and mastic sealant. First, clean the surface near any leak you find in your air ducts. The aluminum foil tape works best on flat surfaces. Mastic is for curved surfaces that would be difficult to tape. Use both for leaks bigger than a quarter-inch for extra protection!

4. Keep Up on Filters

Did you know that you should change your furnace filter each month? Not only will it let warm air flow freely, but it will reduce the need for costly repairs. Inexpensive fiber filters work fine, but standard pleated filters are better for airborne dust.

5. Take Care of your Furnace

Many people forget this step, but tune-ups are necessary for furnaces just like an oil change is for your car. Nobody wants to wake up shivering in the middle of the night because the furnace isn’t working properly. Although we do offer same-day and emergency service in case this happens, avoid breakdowns with a scheduled maintenance check. Take advantage of our current promotion and save $10 on any repair or service call.

6. Invest!

Sometimes you must kick your old furnace to the curb. If your repair costs more than 50 percent of the cost of a new furnace, or your monthly heating bills have significantly increased, you should most likely consider a replacement. Upfront costs may seem daunting, but today’s furnaces are more energy efficient and will save money in the long run. If you think it’s time to replace that old furnace of yours, we stand by Rheem heaters for quality. Rheem is a leading provider of top-quality, innovative heating products that offer the latest technology, lasting performance, great warranties, and excellent service and support. As a proud Rheem Pro Partner, our highly trained, licensed technicians can recommend a Rheem furnace or other heating product to best meet your needs.

Contact us to learn more about a furnace tune-up or questions!

This entry was posted in Energy Savings,Furnace,Heating,Tips and tagged Advice, Cold, Cold weather, Ducts, Efficiency, Filters, Furnace, Heat, Heater, Heating, HVAC, Insulation, Minnesota, Reduce costs, Repair, Rheem, Save money, Thermostat, Tips, Weather, WestAIR, Winter, Winterize

Find the Right Garage Heater

Posted on October 26, 2017 by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

November is finally pushing us to turn on our thermostats. If you have any last-minute home or work projects to finish, you will need a garage heater as well. If this is your first heater, you will need to assess this situation first. Ask yourself, what do you need a heater for?

Heaters for quick projects.

Are you doing some quick fixer-uppers such as fixing or replacing parts from time to time? Do you have a designated workspace in your garage? If so, consider getting a portable electric heater. These garage heaters are lightweight, quiet, and provides direct heat.

Heaters on the go.

Do you need your garage heater for work projects outdoors or for a traveling job? You will want something fast and portable. Portable gas and kerosene heaters are lightweight and need little maintenance. Both use a fan to help circulate air.

Heaters for long-term projects.

Do you spend most of your time in the garage? Fixing up cars or hanging out with your buds, or just finished the great “Man Cave”? You will want a heater that is installed and thermostat controlled. Installed gas heaters are quick, quiet and project more heat. Electric installed heaters are compact and need little maintenance. Both types of heaters require mounting or installation. We recommend this option because you can keep your space warm to avoid letting your car idle in the winter. You can also provide a warm area for your family or pets.

Schedule an appointment today if you are interested in installing a unit heater for your garage.

This entry was posted in Fall,Furnace,Garage,Heating,Winter and tagged Cold weather, Electric heater, Fall, Furnace, Garage heater, Garage heaters, Gas heater, Heaters, Kerosene, Thermostat, Unit heater, WestAIR, Winter

Furnace Replacement from WestAIR and Rheem

Posted on August 17, 2017 by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

Steadily rising heating costs. Strange noises and weak air flow. Frequent repairs. These are all signs that your older furnace may be nearing the end of its life cycle. When the time comes for furnace replacement, look to the experts at WestAIR and Rheem.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER

There are several factors to take into account when considering a furnace replacement:

• • Age – Find out the year your unit was manufactured, either by looking in the owners’ manual or contacting the manufacturer with the model number.
  • Average Lifespan – Although today’s models can last more than 20 years, it’s not a bad idea to have a technician inspect the furnace for possible replacement at 15 years. Our Annual Service Maintenance Program will not only check the condition of your furnace, we’ll be able to make any necessary repairs before they become big issues, extending the life of your unit.
  • Energy efficiency – New models are more highly energy efficient. Even if your older unit seems to be running well, it may not be running efficiently, resulting in higher energy usage and heating costs. While a higher efficiency unit will mean a higher initial investment, a more efficient heating system will save money in the long run.

Rheem manufactures top quality, innovative furnaces and heating products offering the latest technology and long-lasting performance, with up to a 98.7% energy efficiency rating.

Founded in 1925 by brothers Richard and David Rheem, Rheem Manufacturing Company offers nearly 100 years of heating and cooling manufacturing excellence. WestAIR is proud to be a Rheem Pro Partner, with highly trained, licensed, professional technicians.

Contact WestAir today to discuss your current heating system and your furnace replacement options. Together with Rheem, we’ll ensure the comfort of your family this year and for years to come.

This entry was posted in Energy Savings,Heating,Uncategorized and tagged Energy efficient, Furnace replacement, Furnace replacement from Rheem, Rheem, WestAIR furnace replacement

Tips to Keep your Furnace Working Properly

Posted on January 22, 2016 by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

Remember that improper care of your furnace may be lessening its efficiency.

• Regular/Monthly filter changes.  A dirty filter forces your furnace to work harder, which leads to a decrease in energy efficiency and can wear down the working components of the furnace.
• Regular system Check and Cleans. Your furnace requires regular maintenance just like your car. An annual check and clean of your furnace will help it to run at its peak ability. Smaller problems may be detected early before they develop into big problems requiring unexpected service.
• Clear the space around your furnace. Keep the area around your furnace free and clear of clutter. This reduces a fire hazard and helps the furnace to get all the air it needs for proper combustion.
• Use a Set-back Programmable Thermostat. Lowering your temperature settings when there is no one home and/or sleeping at night will reduce the load on your furnace and help you save money.

Follow these tips to extend the life of your HVAC equipment and help prevent breakdowns.

As your furnace continues to battle the Cold Days of Winter, remember to call your local professional at WestAIR Heating & Cooling if your furnace is giving you any trouble. We’d be happy to come out to your home and personally assess your heating system. We want you to be comfortable in your home, all year long.  Contact us today at 763.498.8071

This entry was posted in Energy Savings,Furnace,Heating,Tips,Uncategorized and tagged Energy efficient, Energy savings, Filters, Furnace, Heating, Setback thermostat, Thermostat, Tips & advice, WestAIR Heating & Cooling

Savings on Winter Heating Bills

Posted on February 20, 2014 by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

A cold cold winter has struck the Midwest this year. Many of us in Minnesota are struggling to stay warm as well as keep up with our energy bills from heating our homes. With a warmer week ahead it is a good time to turn that thermostat down 2-5 degrees. Some may be surprised by how much of a difference that can make in energy savings just from one warmer week. This may be an adjustment to some in their comfort levels. Try these tips to stay warm. Wear a sweatshirt or sweater when you’re at home instead of just a t-shirt. Make sure to wear socks to keep your feet warm.

There are two times during the day to save big on energy bills by just turning your thermostat down a few degrees. First, if you aren’t home during the day turn your thermostat down when you leave for work or school in the morning. Reset it to your comfort level when you return home in the evening. The second time is when you go to sleep. Turn it down once again and put an extra blanket on the bed. You’ll be surprised by how much of a difference this can make in energy savings.  To make matters easier call WestAIR today for a setback thermostat. Setback thermostats can be set to adjust the comfort level based on your schedule. The best part about a setback thermostat is that it can be used during the summer months for the same energy savings with air conditioning. Give us a call today for more information and a free estimate.

Proudly delivering the “Quality Service you expect” for 25+ years. Contact WestAIR Heating and Cooling today for a free estimate (763)498-8071. Location: 11184 River Road NE Hanover, MN 55341

This entry was posted in Energy Savings,Heating,Tips and tagged air conditioning, Energy savings, Furnace, Heating, Setback thermostat, Tips & advice

Carbon Monoxide Safety

Posted on October 1, 2013 by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, tasteless and odorless gas that can be extremely toxic at high levels. It can be emitted from a number of different household appliances that burn fossil fuels. To ensure that you and your family are safe there are two big steps that should be taken for complete protection. First you should install a CO detector. This is just as important as a smoke detector, but senses a different substance. With the installation you should be sure to check it monthly to ensure that the alarm is working properly. The second thing that should be done is have one of WestAIR‘s qualified technicians come and inspect your home heating system at least once every year. Call to schedule a complete check and clean of your heating system.

Proudly delivering the “Quality Service you expect” for 25+ years. Contact WestAIR Heating and Cooling today for a free estimate (763)498-8071. Location: 11184 River Road NE Hanover, MN 55341

This entry was posted in Furnace,Heating,Indoor Air Quality,Repairs and tagged Furnace, Heating, Indoor air quality, Repair, Tips & advice

Install High-Efficiency to Save $

Posted on March 15, 2013 by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

Whether it’s Winter or Summer, heating or cooling, furnaces or air conditioners. Now is your time to save money and cut down payments on energy bills. During this past cold winter you may have seen your bills skyrocket. Chances are you will continue to see the same trend this summer as temperatures continue to rise. Installing a high efficiency unit leads to perks such as saving hundreds of dollars on your energy bill each month along with a possible rebate from your energy provider.

Proudly delivering the “Quality Service you expect” for 25+ years. Contact WestAIR Heating and Cooling today for a free estimate (763)498-8071. Location: 11184 River Road NE Hanover, MN 55341

This entry was posted in AC,Cooling,Furnace,Heating and tagged Air conditioner, Cooling, Efficiency ratings, Furnace, Heating

Home heating Energy Saving tips

Posted on February 12, 2013 by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

Winter is here to stay and so will be your high energy bills if you don’t act soon! Here at WestAir Heating we would like to offer you some complimentary tips on how to save energy costs by doing  few simple things. Here are some possible options…

• Open blinds and shades during the day to let in the warmth of natural sunlight.
• Insulate parts of your home that are unfinished such as the attic, basement or garage.
• Install compact fluorescent light bulbs or high-efficiency showerheads.
• Add weather strips to your doors
• Apply plastic shrink film if you have drafty windows

For the greatest amount of savings:install a programmable thermostat. To learn more about setback thermostats visit our website at www.westairheating.com

Proudly delivering the “Quality Service you expect” for 25+ years. Contact WestAIR Heating and Cooling today for a free estimate (763)498-8071. Location: 11184 River Road NE Hanover, MN 55341

This entry was posted in Furnace,Heating and tagged Energy efficient, Energy savings, Furnace, Heating, Setback thermostat, Thermostat, Tips & advice

Energy Saving Gas Fireplace

Posted on February 8, 2012 by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

Did you know that gas fireplaces do not require electricity to operate.  In the case of a power outage your gas fireplace can act as a backup heat source.  They are very efficient and add optional resale value to your home.

Proudly delivering the “Quality Service you expect” for 25+ years. Contact WestAIR Heating and Cooling today for a free estimate (763)498-8071. Location: 11184 River Road NE Hanover, MN 55341

This entry was posted in Heating and tagged Energy efficient, Gas fireplaces, Heating, Tips & advice

Energy Savings at the Touch of a Button

Posted on November 1, 2011 by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

When you are at work during the day, sleeping at night or away for the weekend a programmable setback thermostat can be set to lower your temperature.  According to Energy Star(tm), you can save about $100 every year in heating and cooling energy costs by properly programming and using an Energy Star rated setback thermostat. Energy savings can quickly offset the costs of a new setback thermostat.

Specials are available if you schedule your installation with other furnace or Indoor Air Quality services. Call us today to schedule a simple installation of an energy saving setback thermostat.

Proudly delivering the “Quality Service you expect” for 25+ years. Contact WestAIR Heating and Cooling today for a free estimate (763)498-8071. Location: 11184 River Road NE Hanover, MN 55341

This entry was posted in Cooling,Heating,Indoor Air Quality and tagged Cooling, Energy efficient, Energy savings, Energy Star rated, Heating, Honeywell, Service, Setback thermostat, Specials, Thermostat, Tips & advice