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

Money Saving Tips for Heating Your Home

Posted on February 22, 2016 by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

Winter has arrived in Minnesota and with it, increasing costs to heat our homes. Here’s a few ways you can save money on your heating bill this winter:

Turn Down The Thermostat
You can save 5%-15% a year on your heating bill by simply turning down your thermostat to 68°F while you’re awake, or lower while you’re sleeping or away from the home. An easy way to do this is to purchase a programmable thermostat so you can set it and forget it.

Winterize Your Windows
Purchase plastic film to help seal leaky windows from cold air drafts.

Use The Fan
Toggle the fan on your thermostat to ‘on’ to force warm air into rooms throughout your house.

Keep Vents Open and Unblocked
Be sure vents are open and furniture isn’t blocking them so air can properly circulate the room.

Let The Sun Shine
Open drapes and shades over windows facing sun to naturally warm up your home.

Layer Up
Wear a sweatshirt, socks or cover up with a blanket before reaching for the thermostat dial.

Service Your Furnace
It’s important to have annual service performed on your furnace to ensure it’s running safely and efficiently. If your unit isn’t working properly, it can end up costing you more to heat your home.

The team at WestAIR Heating & Cooling would be happy to come to your home and personally assess your heating system. Give us a call today at 763-498-8071.

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

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

Threat of Unlicensed Contractors

Posted on June 15, 2012 by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

The threat is increasing especially in states like Minnesota where there is required licensing fees and bonds that protect the work of the contractors. Many unlicensed contractors are able to coax people into buying their service for a much lower rate. They are able to offer a lower rate since they have not paid any licensing fees and typically don’t carry worker’s compensation insurance or any form of liability. Before you accept some random service from anyone make sure you check to see if they are certified, licensed and insured. For a certified and licensed HVAC dealer Call WestAIR Heating and Cooling today!

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 Uncategorized and tagged Air conditioner, Heating, Service

Energy Savings Tips-Cooling your Home

Posted on May 23, 2012 by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

Focus on energy saving tips for keeping your home cool this summer. Don’t wait until that 100 degree day to decide that you need to find efficient ways to save energy and keep your home cool. You can start NOW by considering a few different options and see which one(s) fit your best interests.

Things you can do NOW:
– Schedule a Check and Clean for your Air Conditioner.
– Keep blinds or curtains closed during the day to reflect unwanted heat from entering through windows.
– Program your setback thermostat for home and away ****
-Check on summer savings programs with your utility company.

Options to consider:
– Upgrading to a High Efficiency Air Conditioner.
– Planting deciduous trees in an area that will shade your home.
– Insulate, weather-strip and caulk. Having your attic properly insulated is extremely important to eliminating unwanted heat in the summer.
– New roof or exterior paint? Keep in mind that darker colors absorb heat way more than lighter colors. Maybe consider something that is neutral.

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 and tagged Air conditioner, Cooling, Energy efficient, Energy savings, Energy Star rated, Heating, High efficiency electronic air cleaner, Setback 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