Don't be spoiled by the mild summer, you still need to prepare your HVAC system for the coming cold weather.… read more »
One of the best ways to manage ongoing HVAC costs in Cincinnati is to have a professional energy audit. Licensed HVAC contractors can pinpoint the areas of your home that contribute to high cooling and heating costs. The two culprits that contribute to high costs are air infiltration and inadequate insulation.… read more »
The heating and cooling system in is likely the biggest energy consumer in your Cincinnati home. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reports that the average household spends nearly half of their energy budgets keeping their homes comfortable. These tips will help you maximize the performance of your home and HVAC system and help prevent a need for emergency heating and cooling services.… read more »
Keeping your Cincinnati area home sealed against air leaks is just as important during cooling season when you run the furnace in winter. The expensive air conditioning Cincinnati residents enjoy will drift right out through the tiny cracks and holes throughout a home lacking weatherstripping.… read more »
When you're looking for ways to save on air conditioning your Cincinnati home, adding insulation may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but it's a good place to start. Just as insulation keeps warm air inside in winter, it also keeps cool air inside in summer.… read more »
When it comes to energy efficiency, Cincinnati residents are pretty diligent. They tend to think efficiency when it comes to heating and cooling their homes. However, even the most efficient Cincinnati home can suffer from energy vampires.… read more »
For many years now, consumers have relied upon the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Energy Star program to help them find products that are guaranteed energy savers. While you've likely heard of this program, you may not know what it means when products have been awarded the Energy Star Most Efficient label.… read more »
If you've ever been in an old, drafty building, you know that air leaks aren't your friends. But even if you can't detect air leaks by feeling them blow over your skin, they still have noticeable effects on your home comfort and your home furnace. Air leaks mean you're losing some of your heating and cooling energy to the outside world, and no homeowner wants to pay to heat or cool all of Cincinnati.… read more »
This winter has been brutal, and that means excessively high utility bills for many Ohio homeowners. There are multiple steps you can take to reduce energy consumption in every room of the house. The following tips will help you cut utility costs in the future:… read more »
Home heat loss not only makes your living space uncomfortable, but is also wastes your hard-earned money. When your home is an energy drainer, your HVAC system also has to work harder to condition your air, which can lead to expensive repair jobs and a shorter life span for your system. What's more, all that energy waste puts greater strain on the environment. Since the winter can be brutal, keeping your Cincinnati HVAC system, and your home as a whole, working as efficiently as possible is vital. Luckily, by following some relatively simple steps, you can start reducing your home's heat loss today.… read more »
Cincinnati is no stranger to temperature extremes, which means energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment is an especially good investment in our region. A good way to find such equipment is by looking for models that have been certified by the Energy Star program.… read more »
One of the largest factors that negatively impacts efficient Cincinnati heating and cooling is a leaky home. Every home has an outer envelope comprised of the ceiling, floor, exterior walls, windows and doors. The points where these come together create the potential for leaks. Caulk is your best friend if your goal is to keep heated and cooled air inside year round.… read more »
Cincinnati heating and cooling costs can blow the budget of a frugal homeowner. The following tips can help you reduce your Cincinnati heating and cooling costs.… read more »
Now that summer's coming to a close and fall is here, it's a good idea to prepare for the cold weather ahead. Here are eight home energy saving tips that can help ensure that your Cincinnati home is comfortable and energy efficient in the months to come.… read more »
Every now and then, incentives pop up that can help you financially when you need to replace major appliances, like your air conditioner or furnace. Until the end of 2013, federal tax credits are available to help you do just that. The credits expire at the end of 2013, but there's still time to replace an ailing cooling or heating system.… read more »
Learn how to seal air leaks in your Cincinnati area home and enjoy a cooler residence during summer heat waves and a warmer home as the seasons change. Sealing air leaks will also help you save money on energy bills and contribute to a greener planet, as your air conditioner won't have to work as hard.… read more »
During the hot days of summer, you may be tempted to turn down the thermostat and crank up your A/C, but wait. You can save more money and feel cool more quickly with an energy-efficient ceiling fan.… read more »
Did you know that by ignoring routine maintenance and system evaluations such as an Energy Smart Saver Health Check, you could be wasting both energy and money? This Health Check helps you get the most out of your HVAC system by ensuring its smooth operation and identifying potential problems before they can cause unexpected repairs.… read more »
Bargain shopping in Greater Cincinnati can be fun, but it doesn't always save money in the long run and seldom delivers the best overall deal. Learn the lifetime costs of your new cooling system, and you may prove to yourself that a high-efficiency upgrade pays more in the long term in lower operating costs, as opposed to just replacing your old system with a model with similar features.… read more »
If your house is like many homes in the greater Cincinnati area, there are several projects you could do to reduce your utility bills. Fortunately, 2013 is a good year to get started. The federal legislation to avoid the "fiscal cliff" extended the energy tax credits that originally expired in 2011 to the end of 2013.… read more »
In January 2013, Congress approved a bill to reinstate tax credits for certain small businesses. These tax breaks originally expired in 2011; however, they're now valid until December 31, 2013. The bill is of particular interest to Cincinnati homeowners, as HVAC tax credits are now available for the installation of qualified energy-efficient appliances.… read more »
As you review the glossy brochures and compare prices, it’s perfectly understandable that you might wonder: Is high-efficiency air conditioning worth the investment? The short answer? Yes -- if, that is, you want to hold onto more dollars.… read more »
A heating system is a long-term investment. You need to do all your homework to ensure that you have the right unit for your home. It will serve you for many years. Of course you'll look for an energy-efficient system, one with a high AFUE rating and the Energy Star label… read more »
When selecting HVAC equipment, especially whole-house equipment such as air conditioners, heat pumps and furnaces, you'll often find a huge variation in price among models and brands. So how can you tell what you are getting for your money or if the extra cost will reap some benefit? Understanding HVAC efficiency ratings can help.… read more »
Taken individually or together, these tips will help increase home energy efficiency:… read more »
Your Greater Cincinnati home heating systems contain three components: The furnace, ductwork and thermostat. These three components work together to keep your home warm during the winter. The key to energy efficiency and cost savings at home is understanding how the systems work, and implementing small changes that will greatly affect your energy consumption.… read more »
Just like you, your home is unique. It may look like a dozen other homes in the Greater Cincinnati area, but it is one-of-a-kind. Therefore, your home should be heated based on its unique needs. Blindly making a new furnace purchase can be a disservice to your wallet and your family.… read more »
When you invest in home improvements, you want to be sure you are getting the most value for your money and implementing changes that will make a measurable difference, especially when it comes to energy efficiency. Before you make decisions about which home improvements to do, consider getting an energy evaluation so you will be fully informed.… read more »
Air leaks are one of the great thieves of indoor conditioned air. And they should be addressed because air leaks add to energy costs. We all know that well-caulked windows and weatherstripping around doors reduce leaks. But there are some other areas that homeowners can neglect when it comes to outside air invading our homes.… read more »
During a hot Cincinnati summer, your air-conditioning system has to work harder on days when the average temperature is higher. The same is true in winter; the colder it is outside, the longer your heating system has to run to achieve the desired temperature inside your home. The difference between the average outdoor temperature and the desired indoor temperature is used to calculate degree days.… read more »
Are you planning to escape Cincinnati for one last summer getaway? There are a lot of preparation activities you need to do before you go, but have you thought about your heating and cooling system?… read more »
It's summertime in Cincinnati! As much as you may be enjoying the warmer temperatures, you are probably not enjoying the higher utility bill that comes with running your air conditioning system more frequently. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help keep costs low, without sacrificing home comfort.… read more »