Eight Ways to Lower Your Heating Bill This Winter

Posted on January 3, 2024 by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

Winters are cold in the upper Midwest, and with energy prices on the rise, winter utility bills can be costly. Like many others, you may be wondering how to lower your heating bill. Fortunately, there are many energy-saving strategies to employ during the colder months. Let’s take a look at eight ways to save money on heating this winter!

1. Turn Down the Thermostat.

It seems obvious, but keeping your thermostat at a lower setting is the best way to reduce your heating bill. You don’t need to let yourself freeze, but even turning down the heat a couple degrees can bring significant savings in the long run. Most people are also more comfortable with cooler temperatures while they sleep, so turning it down every night is an easy way to save energy and money. And don’t forget to turn it down while you’re away at work, so you’re not spending money to heat an empty home! A smart thermostat makes it easy to program a regular heating schedule.

2. Wear Warm Clothes.

Another simple solution to the winter cold is to bundle up. If you’re used to wearing shorts and a T-shirt in your home all year long, you might want to consider putting on a few more layers. Warm bedding and extra blankets will also keep you warm at night. These are less expensive alternatives to cranking the thermostat on cold days.

3. Open (And Close) Your Blinds.

Take advantage of every natural heat source, including sunlight! Opening your curtains and shades on a sunny day heats your home even when it’s freezing outside. Just make sure to close them again when the sun goes down, as windows can also let in cool air.

4. Turn On Your Ceiling Fans.

Wait, don’t fans keep you cool? Fans are usually set to rotate counterclockwise, which brings cold air up from the floor to cool off a room. But if you switch the rotation to clockwise, it will push down all the warm air from the ceiling to distribute it more evenly throughout your home.

5. Seal off Air Leaks.

Windows and doors are major culprits when it comes to allowing warm air out and cool air in. Inspect them carefully for gaps or peeling weather stripping. It’s relatively easy to repair these leaks with some simple caulking, but you can also hire a professional for added assurance. While you’re at it, make sure your attic is well-insulated. Gaps can decrease your home’s energy efficiency.

6. Take Care of Your Heating System.

If your HVAC system isn’t functioning at optimal efficiency, it will have to work harder to heat your home, raising your energy bills. Check your furnace filters regularly—many types of filters should be cleaned or replaced every 30-60 days. You should also have your complete system checked annually by a qualified service technician to avoid costly repairs down the road.

7. Use a Humidifier.

Winter brings cold, dry air, which can cause eye irritation, chapped lips, dry skin, and other unpleasant issues. A humidifier combats these health concerns while also making your home feel warmer since humid air carries more heat than dry air. Not using a humidifier can also dry out the wood in your home, shrinking the wood framing around doors and windows and creating gaps for air to flow through.

8. Install Radiant Floor Heating.

An in-floor heating system can save you up to 40 percent on your heating bill by distributing heat more evenly throughout your home. Unlike forced-air heat, radiant heating reaches every nook and cranny and warms anything on the floor, including furniture. You can even zone off different areas to add increased comfort in rooms like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.

Contact WestAIR to Maximize Your Home’s Energy Efficiency.

Our professional technicians are experts in servicing and installing furnaces and HVAC systems. We’ll make sure everything is functioning properly so you can have peace of mind. If you’re thinking about installing a new furnace or heating system, we’ll present your options and help you make the best decision for your home and budget. Remember to follow these eight tips to lower your heating bill and contact us today to start saving!

This entry was posted in Energy Savings,Heating,Tips and tagged Energy savings, Heating, Tips & advice, WestAIR Heating & Cooling

Local HVAC Services and Solutions for Total Indoor Air Comfort

Posted on February 27, 2023 by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

When it comes to weather, in Minnesota, we live in a state of extremes. That’s why we rely on our homes to provide an oasis of clean air and cozy temperatures all year long. And WestAIR Heating & Cooling has you covered. Read on to learn more about the HVAC services and solutions we offer as your local source for total indoor air comfort.

Home Heating Solutions

The snowy and bitterly cold winters make reliable, efficient heating systems vital to our comfort, health, and safety. WestAIR offers a full range of solutions, and our expert technicians will help you find the perfect fit for your home and provide professional installation.

• High-efficiency furnaces warm your entire home in the most cost-effective way, leading to lower energy bills. Additionally, qualifying systems allow you to claim a federal tax credit.
• Radiant floor heating provide heat from the ground up instead of via forced air through vents, which eliminates air loss in ductwork. This also means dust and allergens aren’t being blown into the home and decreasing air quality.
• Gas fireplaces allow you to add beauty as well as comfort. Our experienced technicians will help you choose the right model, style, and finishing touches to optimize performance and ultimately boost your home’s value.
• Unit/garage heaters let you use your garage for more than parking. By keeping the space warm, it can be used for year-round storage, social and recreational activities, hobbies, and more.

Home Cooling Solutions

While our air is extremely cold and dry, the summers are full of heat and humidity. But don’t worry—we provide the same level of experience and expertise when it comes to home cooling solutions.

• High-efficiency air conditioning (A/C) systems deliver cost-effective cooling while also helping maintain proper humidity levels. And just like the furnaces mentioned above, many will qualify you for a federal tax credit.
• Ductless mini-split A/C systems require no ductwork, making them ideal for homes/spaces where adding ducts is impractical or too expensive. They can also provide heating as well as cooling.

HVAC Efficiency and Indoor Air Quality Solutions

Indoor air quality (IAQ) affects comfort as well as overall health. Rely on WestAIR to help ensure the air inside your home is both clean and cozy.

• Air exchangers help remove stale, unhealthy indoor air while simultaneously providing fresh, pre-filtered outdoor air.
• Air cleaners do just what the name implies: They clean the air by trapping harmful airborne particles before they can pollute the home and be breathed in by you and your loved ones.
• Whole house humidifiers maintain relative humidity levels, helping avoid dry-air issues such as dry skin, cracking/warping of furniture and wood, and inefficient heating.
• Programmable/setback thermostats allow you to pre-set temperature and humidity settings for multiple days. This allows you to maintain cost-effective comfort without constantly having to adjust the thermostat.
• Automatic zoning systems separate your home into zones that can be individually controlled. That way, you don’t have to waste energy and money heating/cooling areas that are rarely used.
• Ultraviolet (UV) light air purification systems work in conjunction with your current HVAC to eliminate viruses, bacteria, mold, and other harmful airborne pathogens for improved IAQ.

HVAC Maintenance Services

As your local source for all things HVAC, WestAIR also provides a full range of professional maintenance services:

• Annual/Routine Maintenance
• Duct Cleaning
• Inspection and Repair/Replacement
• Replacement Air Filters

Your home should be a private escape from the extremes of Minnesota weather. We’re here to help make the best decision for you and your home, as well as ensure your systems run at peak performance and efficiency.

Contact WestAIR today to learn more about our HVAC services and solutions for total indoor air comfort.

This entry was posted in AC,Air Cleaners and Purifiers,Air Conditioning,Cooling,Duct Cleaning,Energy Savings,Furnace,Health Tips,Heating,Humidifier,Humidity,HVAC Maintenance,Indoor Air Quality,Repairs,Tips,Winter and tagged Furnace, Heating, Home Cooling Solutions, Home Heating Solutions, HVAC Services, HVAC Solutions, Indoor air quality, Service, Thermostat, Tips & advice, Total Indoor Air Comfort, WestAIR, WestAIR Heating & Cooling, WestAIR Services

Top Tips for Winter Heating this Season

Posted on November 29, 2022 by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

As we watch the leaves fall off the trees and the snow come down, we can’t help but know that the seasons are changing, and fall is coming to an end. Homeowners must start thinking about how they are going to stay warm during this cold time of year. Along with winter comes the higher cost of heat and living. We here at WestAIR Heating & Cooling would like to give you a few tips for winter heating this season.

Purchase a Smart Thermostat

The year is 2022, smart devices are slowly taking over the world as we know it. Why not add another smart device that helps control the temperature of your home? A Wi-Fi enabled smart thermostat can be controlled from anywhere at any time using your smartphone. They track your movement and location. They know when you are away and when you are home. The ideal temperature for your house to run at is between 68 and 72 degrees. They help you to track your energy usage and can tell you when you are saving energy which can lead to lower utility bills in the long run.

Don’t Heat an Empty or Sleeping House

When you leave the house in the morning, you concentrate on getting ready, packing the car, and getting to your destination on time. One more thing you can add to that list is turning down the heat. You shouldn’t heat an empty house. You can save money on energy and your heating bills by simply lowering the heat by 7 degrees. We often have too much going through our heads to remember to turn the heat down, so if you are rushing out the door, your smart thermostat will know you’re gone and turn the heat down for you. You can also adjust the heat settings on your smart phone through an app. It’s proven that cooler temperatures will help your health. The cooler the room, the deeper your sleep, the greater your REM sleep is, and the faster you will fall asleep.

Put Your ceiling Fan in Reverse

Ceiling fans are nice for cooling down the house in the summer, but they also help to warm up your house in the winter. Once you flip the switch on your fan, the blades will start rotating clockwise. This will help bring the cold air towards the ceiling and push the warm air from top to bottom. This will help to keep your living space warm and cozy without putting a big dent in your pocket.

Contact your WestAIR HVAC Specialist

Purchasing a smart thermostat, putting your ceiling fan in reverse, and not heating an empty home are just a few tips and tricks you can use for winter heating this season. The professionals at West AIR want you to have reliable, efficient heating solutions that will last for many years down the road. If you think your HVAC system isn’t running correctly, or you need an annual maintenance inspection, contact WestAIR Heating & Cooling today.

This entry was posted in Heating and tagged ceiling fan, Heat, Heating, Home Heating, house, HVAC, Smart thermostat, Thermostat, Tips & advice

Experience the Benefits of a Humidifier

Posted on December 28, 2021 by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

As we sit back, sigh, and accept that winter has once again returned, we also realize the damage Minnesota winters can do to both our homes and our bodies. But with the right tips and tricks, you can conquer the consequences of the dry winter air. Continue reading our blog to learn about the top benefits of a humidifier and why your home needs one.

Hydrate Your Skin

When your home has proper humidity levels, it keeps your largest organ, your skin, hydrated. Although many dermatologists will suggest thick creams and gels to keep your skin hydrated, those expensive topicals will only act as a temporary band-aid. Without the proper amount of moisture in the air, it will continue to dry out your skin and cause itchiness, peeling lips, and eye irritation.

Stay Healthy

The cold winter doesn’t only take a toll on your skin, it also increases the distance germs travel, in turn, increasing the likelihood of you contracting an airborne illness. Recently, studies have shown that higher humidity levels are proving to have a dramatic effect on most airborne viruses, making their traveling distance much shorter because of the added weight.

Protect Your Home

Dry air pulls moisture from hardwood floors, furniture, and even the general frame of your home, making it contract and shift. As the frame shifts, doors may be hard to open and close and gaps may form between the ceiling, walls, windows, and door frames.

Hardwood floors specifically take a hit when the air becomes dramatically dry. When the wood is faced with extreme circumstances, it can lead to permanent damage. The boards themselves may split and crack in the center or at the ends, damaging the finish. Unfortunately, once the finish is compromised, the boards will have to be replaced.

Save Money

Not only will your home benefit from more humid air, but so will your bank account. The more humid the air, the more warmth it can hold. By using a humidifier, you’ll be able to set your thermostat lower and give your heating system a break. Although we have focused on the benefits of humid air, be careful: excess moisture may cause mold, bacteria, and mildew growth in poorly ventilated areas of your home.

To ensure these many benefits, aim for a humidity level somewhere between 35 and 55 percent. WestAIR Heating & Cooling offers whole-house humidifiers that will keep your house comfortable, even in winter. Our humidifiers will automatically work with your HVAC system to distribute moisture throughout your house. Contact us today to start living your most comfortable life. We are happy to discuss your heating and indoor air quality options.

This entry was posted in Humidifier,Indoor Air Quality,Winter and tagged Furnace, Humidifiers, Indoor air quality, Tips & advice, WestAIR Heating & Cooling, Whole house humidifier

Top Tips: How to Lower Your Summer Cooling Costs

Posted on June 28, 2017 by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

Summer has arrived. And even though the temps are soaring, your energy costs don’t have to. We’ve put together our top tips to keep your cooling costs in check this summer.

Monitor Your Thermostat

Keep an eye on your thermostat settings. If your family is curled up under blankets on the couch, it’s a good sign that your thermostat is set too low. Aim for between 72 and 78 degrees in summer. Even bumping up the number 2 to 4 degrees will have an impact on your bill.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

For the ultimate in home comfort and energy efficiency, install a programmable thermostat. Today’s technology allows you to access and control your home’s temperature remotely, and some thermostats will even “learn” and adjust to your family’s schedule. If you’ve already got a programmable thermostat, make sure you’re using it correctly.

Change Your Air Filter

Change out your air filter on a regular basis to ensure maximum air flow, improve overall efficiency, and prevent coil ice-ups.

Close Your Blinds

Blocking out sunlight by closing your blinds can not only reduce your cooling costs, it also can keep out harmful UV rays.

Cook Outside

Things can really heat up in the kitchen during the summer. Fire up the grill instead.

Bonus Tip: Flip the Switch

Unplug unused electronics or appliances. Use surge protector power strips or switched outlets that can be easily turned on and off. Don’t leave lights on in unoccupied rooms. While this may not directly keep your cooling costs down, you’ll still save on your electric bill.

Call WestAIR for an Annual Service Maintenance Check

It’s not too late to have your system checked by our professional technicians. We’ll make sure your system is running at the highest level of efficiency, determine if any repairs are needed, and make recommendations for replacement if necessary. We carry top quality air conditioning brands for the highest in energy efficiency.

Contact the cooling experts at WestAIR today. Call us at 763-498-8071.

This entry was posted in Air Conditioning,Cooling,Energy Savings,Tips and tagged A/C maintenance check, Air conditioner, air conditioning, Air filter, Annual service maintenance check, Cooling, Energy savings, Maintenance check, Programmable thermostat, Service, System check, Thermostat, Tips & advice

Dry Winter Months

Posted on November 10, 2016 by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

During the Upper Midwest winter months the air inside of our homes tends to get etremely dry. There are simple signs such as dry skin, dry nose, and dandruff. A humidifier is the best solution to combat dry winter air in your home.

Portable humidifiers are like a piece of furniture taking up extra space in various rooms. They also involve the inconvience of always having to be refilled with more and more water. Even with this type of humidifier, you may still experience dry skin and dry air at times. Coming home to a dry house is just as unpleasant as coming home to a cold house after a long day at work or a weekend away.

A whole house humidifer is the number one solution to all of the discomforts and hassles of dry winter air. No more refilling the humidifier with water and no extra furnitiure in rooms throughout the house. Our whole house humidifiers involve a simple installation and will deliver healthier air to you and your family. If you would like to read more information about Aprilaire humidifiers please visit our website via the following link: WestAIR Whole House Humifidiers. Give us a call today for a free estimate on a whole house humidifier designed just for your home.

This entry was posted in Indoor Air Quality,Uncategorized and tagged Humidifiers, Indoor air, Indoor air quality, Install, Specials, Tips & advice, Whole house humidifier

Fall is a Great Time to Clean Your Air Ducts

Posted on September 28, 2016 by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

The coldest months of the year are on the horizon which means Minnesotans will spend increasingly more time indoors. That also means we’ll be breathing the indoor air from our home’s HVAC duct system. Improving your indoor air quality is simple.

As a HVAC system circulates air throughout your home, it also moves around dust, dirt and allergens. Over time, these substances collect in your duct system, causing your system to work harder to provide the level of comfort you desire. Having your ducts cleaned by our professional WestAIR technician will ensure your ducts are free and clear of pollutants, and that you and your family are breathing in the cleanest indoor air possible.

Fall is a great time to schedule this preventative maintenance before the winter season hits. Not only will you breath easier, but you’ll also save money in the long run by performing this simple step.

Learn more about Duct Cleaning by contacting WestAIR Heating & Cooling today at 763.498.8071 or check WestAirHeating.com for more info and current specials.

This entry was posted in Duct Cleaning and tagged Duct cleaning, Dust, Indoor air, Indoor air quality, Service, Technician, Tips & advice, WestAIR Heating & Cooling

Take Care of your Home Before You Travel

Posted on July 1, 2016 by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

With the kids off from school and long holiday weekends, summer makes the perfect time for a family vacation. AAA reports more than 40 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles away from home this summer. Ensure your home remains safe with these easy tips:

• Switch off / unplug all electrical appliances (except the refrigerator / freezer!)
• Turn your air conditioner off, or even better – set your programmable setback or Wi-Fi thermostat to “away” status to keep a manageable temperature
• Ensure valuable personal items are away from windows (televisions, computers and other electronics)
• Store other valuables in a safe place
• Pause all deliveries such as newspapers and mail
• Use a timer device to automatically turn on lights at a pre-scheduled time of day
• Avoid any mention of travel on social networking sites

Contact WestAIR Heating & Cooling at 763.498.8071 if you have any questions about seasonal settings for your Air Conditioner, Furnace, Thermostat, Humidifier or Air Exchanger!

This entry was posted in AC,Air Conditioning,Holidays,Tips and tagged Energy savings, Setback thermostat, Tips & advice, WestAIR Heating & Cooling

Save Money with a Programmable Thermostat

Posted on June 1, 2016 by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

Upgrading your home’s thermostat to a programmable set-back unit is one of the simplest things you can do for your home, and the most practical. Today, home owners expect these units to do more than just regulate temperature — they demand units that enhance energy efficiency, indoor air quality, maintain consistency and more.

WestAIR offers set-back thermostats with four settings (wake, day, evening, sleep) that allows you to set and monitor your home’s climate to your liking:

Wake: Program your thermostat to reach your favorite comfortable temperature about 10 minutes prior to your alarm going off in the morning. It’ll be the perfect start to your day.

Day: Daytime is the perfect opportunity for energy savings. Set your thermostat 10-15 degrees up or down from your preferred comfort temperature, then program it to resume 10 minutes before you arrive home.

Evening: Set your thermostat to your preferred “at home” temperature in the evenings. Energy Star recommends setting your thermostat to 68 during the winter months and 78 during the summer.

Sleep: Overnights are a great opportunity to save energy as well. Program your thermostat a few degrees higher/lower than your preferred comfort temperature.

Learn more about programmable thermostats by contacting WestAIR Heating & Cooling today at 763.498.8071 or browse our website for more info.

This entry was posted in AC,Air Conditioning,Energy Savings,Indoor Air Quality,Tips,Uncategorized,Website and tagged Efficiency ratings, Energy efficient, Energy savings, Energy Star rated, Setback thermostat, Thermostat, Tips & advice, WestAIR Heating & Cooling

Preparing Your Furnace for Spring

Posted on May 11, 2016 by WestAIR Heating & Cooling

As warmer weather moves into Minnesota this spring, homeowners are tempted to open the windows and turn off furnace units. Before you do, it’s important to prepare your furnace for “shut-down.”

Change Filters
Continue to change your air filter monthly for a seemless transition into the cooling season.

Clean Vents
Ensure registers are free of dust and debris by vacuuming out vents in each room of your home. Make an appointment to have a WestAIR professional perform a thorough duct-cleaning to ensure proper air flow through your home.

Check CO Detectors
Ensure CO detectors are functioning properly in the home. Change batteries as needed.

Adjust Humidity Levels
Have you been using your whole-home humidifier system this winter? Consider turning down the humidifier or turn it off entirely in the spring and summer months.

Assess Your Furnace Functionality
Now is a great time to think about the way your furnace performed this past winter. Get a jump-start on replacing your furnace now before the next cold season begins. Also, take a minute to think about your air conditioning unit and insure it’s ready to run this summer.

For all your heating & cooling needs, contact WestAIR Heating & Cooling at 763-498-8071.

This entry was posted in Duct Cleaning,Furnace,Tips and tagged Duct cleaning, Filters, Furnace, Humidfier, Tips & advice, WestAIR Heating & Cooling, Whole house humidifier