Conserving Energy and Staying Cool This Summer

Staying comfortable while maintaining an affordable energy bill isn’t always the coolest thing to do in the peak of summer, but it takes the heat off your finances. At Wheeler’s Heating and Air Conditioning, your comfort is our business, and we want to make sure that neither you nor your wallet are sweating. Save some money this summer and beat the heat with these seven energy saving tips:

1. Close your blinds, curtains, and any window that might let light in your house during the day. Let the shade cool your home down. A naturally cooler home means less AC use!
2. There are times in the day to close and open your windows. Nighttime or early morning are typically the best times to open your windows to let cool air in. Once the temperature starts rising, shut your windows and refer to energy saving tip number 1.
   
3. For humid climates, (i.e. Missouri) keeping your bathroom and kitchen fan on will reduce a lot of that thick air on extra muggy days.
4. Proper maintenance of your Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system will ensure it uses less energy. Change out your HVAC filters every three months, and to check your filters once a month if you own dogs or cats. A dirty filter will cause your system to use more energy and circulate less of that cool breeze. We recommend using inexpensive pleated air filters.
   
5. One of the easiest and most common things you can do is turn your ceiling fan on so you can raise the thermostat. Air circulation will help keep any room from simply collecting and stagnating air.
   
   
   
   
6. Cooking inside creates a lot steam and heat within your kitchen. Try barbecuing or microwaving on especially hot days. You’re basically trying to keep hot air out of your home. Cooking outside is always a great way to get together with your friends and family!
   
7. Use cold water when you do your dishes and laundry. Always make sure you are doing only full loads as well. 90% of your home’s energy comes from heating water for your laundry machine or dishwasher. Air drying your clothes outside may also be something you could consider. 

Wheeler's Heating and Air Conditioning is your 24-hour heating, cooling, and repair services. Let us repair your AC unit or, better yet, replace your old unit for a more efficient system that can save you money each month. We provide top AC repair in the Ozark area at more affordable rates than our competitors. For more information visit our website at www.wheelerheatingandair.com.

Keep Your Home Cool This Summer Without your Air Conditioner

As summer officially begins, one thing is certain; the weather outside is about to turn frightful. No, we’re not talking about endless blizzards and frigid temperatures-those days are still thankfully far off! Instead, the weather will be frightful as the humidity and temperatures rise.

We don’t mean to sound like we have a “glass is half-empty” philosophy-there is plenty to enjoy about the summer season ahead! But there are ways to enjoy these upcoming warm months comfortably both indoors and outdoors. Let’s focus on indoor summer enjoyment for a moment. The immediate answer on how to remain comfortable in your home all summer long is to turn on your air conditioner. While that is, of course, an answer, there are other simple things you can be doing to keep your home cool and comfortable this season.

Here are a few of our favorite methods to stay cool this summer without the assistance of an air conditioner.

Shut Your Blinds

Want the interior of your home to be between 10-15 degrees cooler? Simply close your blinds from late morning to early evening.  You’d be surprised at what a difference it makes.

Use the Ceiling Fans

Having your ceiling fan turn in a counter-clockwise direction (as opposed to a clockwise direction in the winter months) keeps cool air flowing in your home without incurring a major expense.

Unplug Electrical Items

When you aren’t using an electrical appliance, unplug it from the socket. This will prevent heat being produced from that item. Keep in mind that turning off an item that is not being used will still produce a surprising amount of heat.  

Avoid Cooking

Don’t misunderstand us-avoiding cooking doesn’t mean avoiding eating! Instead, eat items that don’t involve turning on your oven. Instead, use recipes that favor a microwave, an outdoor grill, and even a crock pot.

As wonderful as it is to spend the summer season soaking up the sun, that doesn’t mean that that sunshine can’t occasionally get uncomfortable. When the heat is too much, you can use these methods to stay cool and comfortable, so you can get the most out of your summer.

Of course, whenever you DO want to turn on your air conditioner, know that your friends and experts at Wheeler Heating and Air will be happy to ensure your air conditioner is in perfect working condition to get you through the season. Call 417-839-9240 today or email wheelerheatingandair@gmail.com.

Spring is Here - Is your Air Conditioner Ready?

Spring is in the air here in Ozark region of Missouri. While the heat of summer seems like it is a long way off, it will be here sooner than you think. Making sure your air conditioner is ready for summer is important if you want to enjoy cool comfort when the heat and humidity hit. Giving your AC a spring check up should be at the top of your to-do list.

 

What a Check up might include

 

• Full system inspection – A diagnostic test of the entire AC unit should be conducted to ensure that all parts are working effectively.
• Cleaning of any dirt or other build up on the coils  – Leaves from the fall and dirt and debris over the winter can get into the coils and can reduce efficiency.
• Lubrication of moving parts – Just like any other piece of machinery, your air conditioner has a lot of moving parts that must be properly lubricated to move efficiently.
• Air filter replacement – A clogged air filter can reduce airflow and burn out the motor in the AC unit. Additionally, it can blow dirt throughout your entire ventilation system.
• Thermostat controls and wiring – Be sure that the controls and wiring is in good shape to maintain efficiency of your AC unit.
• Condenser Cleaning – Remove debris and ensure that your condenser
  is ready for the demands constant use during the warm summer months.

 

While it might seem like a check up for your air conditioner is an added and unnecessary expense, taking the time to properly care for small things now could save you big money in the future. And, with the warm weather here in Missouri, it could also spare you several days of discomfort waiting for repairs on an AC unit that has suffered a break down or needs to be completely replaced.

 

To be sure that your home is ready for the upcoming heat and humidity of the summer months, a springtime air conditioning system check up is essential. Contact the experts at Wheeler’s Heating and Air Conditioning and ask about our spring cleaning special to prepare your AC unit for summer.

Get More For Your Money: Why Newer, More Efficient Equipment Pays Off

Not sure what to spend your tax return on this year? Why not consider upgrading your current heating and cooling system to an energy-tax-credit-eligible system. New equipment can allow you to reap the benefits of a more efficient unit, lower monthly energy bills, and yearly tax credits.

Consider the Savings

The tax credit makes it a little easier to do what you most likely will have to do anyway. By upgrading your HVAC system to energy-efficient units, you can cut your utility costs, on average, by 20% or $200 annually. Although the initial cost may be more than you’d like to spend, it is a wise investment. The savings will pay off over time - and you can feel good about increasing your comfort level at home and lowering your household’s drain on non-renewable fossil fuels. Meanwhile, you will increase the resale value of your home by replacing your old equipment. 

Do Your Homework

Not all heating and cooling systems are created equal. An Energy Star sticker doesn’t automatically qualify you for tax credits. You can go to the Energy Star website, but please note that at anytime the annual fuel utilization efficiency ratings (AFUE) can be updated. The better way to find tax credit eligible systems is to ask your HVAC Contractor, as they will be aware of the most current standards. To verify tax credit eligibility, ask your HVAC contractor to provide the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement for the equipment you plan to purchase. 

Look for Rebates

Your state or local utility company may offer rebates or incentives for replacing your old HVAC system. If they both offer promotions, submit for the pair and relish in savings on your new equipment. You can also review any current rebate offers from the leading HVAC manufacturers, such as Trane, Carrier, and Lennox.

Go Ahead and File

File Tax Form 5695 with your tax return along with the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement. You cannot file without the MCS, so it is imperative that you have this document along. Pay attention to detail on the tax form, as it can be confusing.

If you are struggling with the idea of whether or not to replace your current HVAC system, keep in mind the overall savings and comfort that come with it. You may find you will save enough in energy costs to easily justify the cost. Spring is a great time to have your new system installed, when HVAC contractors aren't as busy. 

To learn more about upgrading to a more efficient heating and cooling system, please visit Wheeler’s Heating & Air Conditioning website or call 417-839-9240. 

Ceiling Fan Operation Through the Seasons

Ceiling fans circulate the air in a room, adding to temperature comfort and a reduced need for usage of air conditioning or heating units. Depending on the season, there are tips for maximizing ceiling fan operation so that you get all the comfort and efficiency your fan can offer.

Ceiling Fan Rotation: Counterclockwise Versus Clockwise

Determine ceiling fan direction by standing under the fan and looking up. If the blades are moving counterclockwise, the fan is moving in a forward direction. In the summer, a ceiling fan should run in this direction. In winter, the direction should be switched so that it moves clockwise (backwards). The mechanics of this seasonal rule are as follows:

• Counterclockwise: This direction forces air straight downward, creating a wind chill effect that cools the room below.
• Clockwise: By changing the direction of the fan to clockwise, or backwards, the rotation creates an updraft of room air. Hot air rises naturally, so the goal is to push warm air gently back down into the room without creating the wind chill effect. This direction circulates warm air outwards so that it doesn’t blow straight down.

Ceiling Fan Speeds

Have you ever wondered why ceiling fans feature so many different speeds? In the summer when you need to cool off, high speed rotation offers the most “wind chill” effect. In winter, lower speeds in the reverse direction allow the warmer air to move away from the ceiling, down and out towards the rest of the room, without the wind chill effect created by excessive, downward air circulation.

Why, then, is the ceiling fan still able to run at a high speed in the clockwise direction? There are some instances where you might want to create the wind chill effect in reverse rotation. One example includes those who sleep under the ceiling fan who want to cool the room but not have the cold air blowing directly on them. For rooms where a table that is set up directly under a ceiling fan, it might be more comfortable to cool the room using the clockwise rotation in high speed, rather than eating or playing cards or board games with the cold air blowing straight down on the table.

Ceiling Fan Troubleshooting

If your fan isn’t creating the directional effects you want, the blades may be too flat to make a seasonal difference. You also might need a fan with a more powerful motor, or more speeds. The bottom line is that you should be able to feel cool air blowing downward on you in summer when you stand under the fan. If you don’t, it’s time to troubleshoot.

Wheeler’s Heating and Air Conditioning is a family-owned and operated business providing furnace, heat pump, and air conditioner service and repair in Ozark, Missouri. We offer the most affordable rates around, as well as emergency service at no up-charge for after hours or holiday work. Visit our site or call (417) 839-9240 today to find out more!