With the heating season in full swing, it’s time for Texas residents to start looking for ways to reduce heating costs. You can start by following these four simple strategies that will provide immediate benefits. […]
2023 and inflation brought quite the financial strain on our economy. One thing to consider in order to save your money is learning how to cut your utility bills in half. We have good news for you: it's definitely possible. Now more than ever, it's so important to save every penny. Here are some tips [...]
You’ve probably heard there are ways to cut heating and cooling costs, like closing off the vents in rooms that are seldom used. That’s what your grandparents did, so there must be something to it, right? 5 HVAC Hoax-Busters: Shutting the Vents It’s frustrating when you discover a Facebook post is a hoax. If [...]
One of the most challenging heating and cooling conditions homeowners face is that of maintaining comfort when a home has high ceilings. As you're probably aware, heat rises, and with high ceilings that means in winter most of your heated air drifts to the ceiling, well away from where the home's occupants are. But [...]
The Stone-Age did not end because we ran out of stones; we transitioned to better solutions. The same opportunity lies before us with energy efficiency . . . -Steven Chu, former U.S. Secretary of Energy Energy efficiency is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Most of us care about the planet and our legacy, but [...]
Okay, the pets are boarded, the plants will be watered, the mail and newspaper are on hold . What are you forgetting? The house! You should prepare your home for safety and energy efficiency while you’re away. 1. Electronics/Appliances These are your true energy efficiency hogs. Even when turned off, your electronics continue to drain [...]
When you learn more about your own cooling and heating costs, you can make informed decisions concerning ways to control energy expenditures. For example, have you followed the process to calculate your annual heating costs? You can use that information to better manage this year’s heating costs. ‘Sneaky-Smart’ Ways to Save Energy Making your [...]
Texans appreciate the arrival of crisp, winter air more than most, though our winter weather is warmer than the northern states. Many people here in North Houston prefer the clean reliability of a gas furnace for those days when the northers bring winter weather. In addition to a reliable HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) [...]
It may seem that way sometimes, but cooling and heating costs are not beyond your control. One way to ensure maximum energy efficiency is with a seasonal heating & AC inspection of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in your home or properties. Spring’s checkup will focus on your air conditioning unit and [...]
It’s difficult to predict the weather in Southeast Texas, and that makes it even more difficult to estimate home or office energy costs. According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, if you want to see snow – or even wintry temperatures – you’ll need to schedule a trip to Colorado in December 2016. In fact, temperatures [...]
Chief Meteorologist Dr. Todd Crawford says, “The past six summers have been the hottest six-year stretch in the last 120 years.” And then there’s Texas. We set the bar for summer heat; the high temperatures here can be life-threatening. How can you save on cooling costs when you’re running your AC 24/7? Lower Your Energy [...]
Cooling season arrives earlier in our neck of the woods than the rest of Texas, and those warm, humid days are already in evidence as spring advances. But before you turn on your air conditioner this season, schedule an air conditioner tune-up. Maintenance on your A/C not only helps ensure your equipment stays in good [...]
Finding easy ways to cut your energy bills could be as simple as door and window sealing and evaluating the condition of your home's ductwork. Air leaks in any of these three lower your comfort and increase the time it takes to heat and cool your home. The materials for stopping air infiltration are simple [...]
Montgomery County winters don't usually deliver much in the way of ice and snow, but in the rare case it comes, you want to be ready. Cooler weather makes autumn an ideal time to tackle fall home maintenance, indoors and out, and to make sure your HVAC system is running right before the first cold [...]
Among the reasons to have a programmable thermostat in your home, saving energy is the top one, followed closely by convenience. Used properly, a programmable thermostat can cut into your monthly cooling and heating costs by as much as 20 percent. The added convenience of not having to worry about adjusting the thermostat all the [...]
For your home's central air conditioner to achieve peak efficiency and performance, clean condenser coils are essential. Though, over time, a condenser coil will become coated with dust, grime and even mold. This erodes A/C efficiency and effectiveness, and it can threaten your health. External air-cooled condenser used in water cooler or refrigeratorSource: istockphoto Condenser [...]
Most experts recommend scheduling HVAC maintenance twice a year, once for your cooling system and once for your heating system. HVAC technician working on a residential heat pumpSource: istockphoto These two HVAC maintenance visits include the same processes to some extent, though they also will vary according to what sort of equipment is being [...]
A lot of heat can transfer between the outside and inside of windows, through gaps and cracks, or through thin widow panes. This is mainly a problem in the winter, when uncomfortable cold drafts make their way inside. However, it also can be an issue in the summer, when heat transfers inside, making your A/C [...]
Saving money on energy doesn’t have to entail major renovations. Some small-scale efforts can yield significant energy savings, and collectively, add up to big savings. Here are some small home energy upgrades to consider for your Woodlands or Conroe home. […]
Modern homes are more airtight than ever, and this applies to both recently built homes and older homes that have been weatherized for energy efficiency. This is a good thing, but it also comes with a down-side; a home that’s been sealed tightly against the outside elements will also tend to have unhealthy, dirty or [...]
