5 Easy Fall Energy Saving Tips for a Cozy and Safe Change of Season
In Texas, we have it pretty good when it comes to weather. Our summers may get extremely hot, but fall signifies mild temperatures that allow us to enjoy the outdoors most of the time. However, the mercury still drops to chilly digits and when those days and nights present themselves, we are grateful for our heaters as much as we’re grateful for our air conditioners during the hot season.
And just as it’s important to learn energy saving tips to propel you through summer, it’s essential to know how to save energy during the cool season when your heater begins to work harder We’ve compiled what we consider five of the best fall energy saving tips to keep your heater and your budget happy:
- Maximize Natural Light — After your windows have been properly sealed, turn off overhead lighting and use natural sunlight to your advantage. By opening the blinds or curtains on the south- and west-facing windows during the day, you will not only have the most natural light, but will also dramatically reduce energy. Additionally, natural sunlight will aid in warming your home. Close up the blinds as the sun goes down or after the warmth of the day has passed to assist in retaining warm air overnight.
- Conduct an Energy Assessment – Perform an energy assessment at home to help detect any vulnerable areas where heat might escape. Possible trouble areas may be under-insulated zones or overlooked air leaks. While it’s possible to carry out your own energy audit, we strongly recommend hiring an HVAC professional like the techs at Gorman because an energy assessment includes carefully inspecting your insulation, leaks, and heating and cooling equipment.
- Get Your Ducts in a Row – As an extension of an energy assessment, you’ll want to pay special attention to your ductwork. Uninspected or ill-repaired ducts can lead to stress tears and gaps in the joints. Having gaps causes your HVAC system to work much harder than it needs to, not only expending excessive energy but also leading to poorer quality of air, which directly affects the health of all living in your home.
- Double-Check Outlets, Light Switches, and Fixtures – Did you know you can lose heat through outlets, lights, and fixtures? These locations are a point of cold-air entry, allowing tiny drafts to circulate all over your home. Install foam gaskets behind the outlets and switches or affix a security cap to all locations to greatly reduce the amount of heat lost on a daily basis.
- Don’t Forget About Your Water Heater – You’re so focused on your central heater that you may forget another energy-sucking culprit: your water heater. Touch the outside of your water heater to see if it feels warm. If it does, the energy used to heat your water is being wasted and so are your dollars. Wrap or insulate your water heater with a heavy blanket to prevent this loss. Check your user manual and read all labels before attempting to fix any further problems.
At Gorman Mechanical, we are dedicated to helping you save money through regularly scheduled HVAC preventative maintenance and energy-saving education. For more info on fall energy saving tips or to make an appointment, call us today.
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Gorman Mechanical installed a brand new cooling and heating system in my home. The replacement unit was larger and more energy-efficient. Our house has never been cooler and our energy bill even went down…. I highly recommend them and their services.
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I had an issue with my A/C unit not cooling properly. The technician, Stacy, arrived during the time frame I was given, and I received a phone call about 30 minutes prior to his arrival, letting me know he was on his way. He was very professional and conscientious in figuring out and explaining the issue to me. He work was complete in a little over an hour and my house is cool once again! I will definitely refer Gorman Mechanical to others.
- S.M.
A Gorman technician came over to set us up with a new A/C unit and he did a phenomenal job. He was very up front with any cost and got our install scheduled in one day. He did a great job at getting me the unit needed without running the price through the roof.
- Allen
I met with Gorman Mechanical’s Sales Manager. When he came out I had a bad taste in my mouth due to some misrepresentations made by another company that happened to be A rated on Angie’s List. Because of this I’m certain I was on the defensive and asked a million questions. He was very patient and took plenty of time answering all my questions. He was very knowledgeable and helped educate me on my options and the advantages/shortfalls of each. When I came to the actual bid, I felt it was very competitive compared to other bids I’d received. I felt so well informed and confident at that point I cancelled two other appointments I’d made for that day and signed up with Gorman Mechanical. He was able to promptly arrange a great deal on financing the bulk of the cost, leaving me to pay out of pocket for a couple last minute additions (extended warranty/Reme Halo). They did not want this until installation was complete. A couple days later they installed my new system and I’ve been very happy with it. Shortly after installation I had several other questions about maintenance and a small amount that was overcharged upon installation. He was very responsive answering my questions and arranging for a prompt refund check to be sent. Fortunately, it isn’t often that I need to spend so much money on an important purchase like this, but I felt very confident with my decision and going through the process with him and Gorman Mechanical made it painless. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Gorman Mechanical to friends and family.
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The repairman, Tim H., was prompt and courteous. I explained that he was a second opinion for our 21-year-old AC. The first company said that I would need 2 parts totaling $600 plus a coil that they would have to send a salesman out to quote me a price. Also first company was suggesting that I really needed whole new system. After inspection, Tim showed me how a part was wired the wrong way and he replaced a compactor and repaired a burnt wire. 2 lbs Freon were added. Total cost was retail: $217.75. I had a warranty so I paid less but what a difference in $600.00+ and $217.75! AC is working fine now. And we didn’t have to buy a new system. Thanks, Gorman Mechanical and Tim H.! The world needs more honest repairmen like you!
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