10 Smart Ways to Lower Your Electrical Bill During Summer
As the temperature rises during the scorching summer months, so does our reliance on air conditioning, fans, and other electrical appliances. Unfortunately, this increased energy consumption often leads to higher electricity bills. However, with a few simple adjustments and conscious choices, you can reduce your electrical bill and save money while still staying cool and comfortable. In this blog post, we’ll explore ten smart ways to lower your electrical bill during the summer season. Optimize your air conditioning: One of the biggest contributors to high energy bills in the summer is air conditioning. Set your thermostat at a slightly higher temperature, such as 78°F (25.5°C), which is still comfortable for most people. Use programmable or smart thermostats to adjust the temperature according to your schedule, ensuring the AC runs less when you’re away. Utilize natural ventilation: Take advantage of cool evening breezes by opening windows and using fans to circulate fresh air throughout your home. Ceiling fans are an energy-efficient alternative to air conditioners and can make a room feel up to 4 degrees cooler. Remember to turn off fans when you leave the room since they only cool people, not the space itself. Keep blinds and curtains closed: Direct sunlight can significantly heat up your home, making your air conditioning work harder. Keep blinds, curtains, or shades closed during the hottest parts of the day to prevent excess heat from entering your living space. Consider investing in light-colored, reflective window coverings to further reduce heat absorption. Practice energy-conscious cooking: Using the oven or stovetop during the summer can generate additional heat inside your home, causing your air conditioner to compensate. Opt for outdoor grilling, use a microwave, or prepare meals that require less cooking time. Additionally, ensure your kitchen is well-ventilated to avoid trapping heat. Efficiently use appliances and electronics: Unplug electronic devices and appliances when not in use. Even when turned off, many devices draw power in standby mode. Use power strips to easily switch off multiple devices simultaneously. Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances: If it’s within your budget, consider upgrading to energy-efficient appliances with the ENERGY STAR® label. Modern refrigerators, washing machines, and other household appliances are designed to consume less energy while providing the same functionality. Over time, the energy savings can outweigh the initial cost of the upgrade. Insulate and seal your home: Properly insulating your home can prevent cool air from escaping and hot air from entering. Seal any gaps around doors, windows, and air ducts to improve energy efficiency. Adding insulation to your attic and walls can also help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature while reducing the workload on your air conditioner. Use natural lighting wisely: During daylight hours, make the most of natural light by turning off unnecessary artificial lighting. Consider replacing incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs, which consume significantly less energy and emit less heat. LED bulbs also have a longer lifespan, saving you money on replacement costs. Plant shade trees and use outdoor shading: Strategically planted shade trees around your home can provide natural shade, reducing the amount of direct sunlight that enters your house. Outdoor shading options like awnings, pergolas, or shade sails can also help block the sun’s rays, keeping your home cooler and reducing the need for excessive air conditioning. Practice energy conservation habits: Encourage your household members to be mindful of their energy consumption. Simple habits like turning off lights when leaving a room, unplugging chargers, and using power-saving modes on electronics can add up to significant savings Call ARK Electric Heating and Cooling to schedule your AC tune up for the summer. You can reach ARK at 303-656-3689.
Breathe Easy: The Importance of Regularly Changing Your Air Filters
In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to overlook the little things that contribute to our overall well-being. One such aspect that often goes unnoticed is the maintenance of our HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems, specifically the regular changing of air filters. While it may seem like a minor detail, the importance of this simple task cannot be understated. In this blog post, we will explore the significant benefits and long-term advantages of maintaining your system by regularly changing your air filters. Improved Indoor Air Quality Indoor air quality plays a vital role in our overall health and well-being. The air we breathe indoors can contain a variety of pollutants such as dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and even harmful chemicals. These particles can accumulate in your HVAC system’s air filters over time, reducing their efficiency and allowing contaminants to recirculate throughout your home or office space. Regularly changing your air filters prevents the buildup of these pollutants, ensuring cleaner and healthier air for you and your loved ones. This is especially important for individuals with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions as it helps to minimize triggers and promote a more comfortable living environment. 2. Enhanced Energy Efficiency Maintaining an energy-efficient home or workplace is not only beneficial for the environment but also for your wallet. Clogged or dirty air filters restrict airflow, causing your HVAC system to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. This puts unnecessary strain on the system, leading to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills. By regularly changing your air filters, you allow the HVAC system to function optimally. Improved airflow reduces energy consumption, leading to lower energy costs and a more sustainable lifestyle. Additionally, an efficient system reduces wear and tear on the components, potentially extending the lifespan of your HVAC system and saving you money on costly repairs or replacements in the long run. 3.Extended System Lifespan Your HVAC system is a significant investment, and you want it to last as long as possible. Neglecting routine maintenance, such as changing air filters, can lead to premature wear and tear on the system. When filters become clogged, the system has to work harder to pull in air, causing strain on the motor, blower, and other vital components. Regularly changing air filters helps maintain optimal airflow, reducing the workload on your HVAC system and prolonging its lifespan. By investing a small amount of time and money in filter replacements, you can avoid the inconvenience and expense of a premature system breakdown. 4. Cost-Effective Solution When it comes to maintaining your HVAC system, regular filter changes are a cost-effective solution. Air filters are relatively inexpensive compared to the potential consequences of neglecting their replacement. By preventing dirt and debris from accumulating in your system, you reduce the likelihood of expensive repairs or emergency service calls. Furthermore, the cost savings achieved through improved energy efficiency can quickly offset the minimal expenses associated with purchasing new air filters. It’s a small investment that yields significant returns in terms of both system performance and financial savings. Regularly changing your air filters is a simple yet crucial task that often goes unnoticed. By doing so, you can enhance indoor air quality, promote energy efficiency, extend the lifespan of your HVAC system, and save money in the process. It’s a win-win situation that ensures a healthier living environment while optimizing the performance of your heating and cooling system. Make it a habit to check your air filters regularly and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for replacement intervals. By incorporating this small but impactful maintenance practice into your routine, you can breathe easy knowing that you’re taking a proactive step towards a healthier and more efficient living space. While this is a simple task to complete yourself, if you need assistance of a monthly reminder to change your filters, call ARK Electric Heating and Cooling. You can schedule an appointment with one of our technicians by calling 303-656-3689.
Help! My GCFI outlet won’t reset.
Electricity is a powerful and useful force. In our homes and at work, we expect to use electricity without thinking about it, and that’s as it should be. Sometimes, though, there’s a glitch—a light won’t turn on, or you can see that your computer is plugged in, but it’s not charging. In that case, you may find a GFCI outlet that’s not working. A GFCI is a type of electrical outlet that has a built-in breaker that trips (shuts off) when it detects something wrong, such as short or ground fault. These outlets are required in kitchens and bathrooms, rooms where water is usually present. GFCIs are pretty simple and reliable, but sometimes we do see them fail. GFCIs have a “test” button and a “reset” button on the outlet. Anytime you want to test the outlet, push the “test” button; if power to the device shuts off, it’s working properly. Figuring Out the Problem The challenge is determining if only the outlet is faulty and must be replaced, or if it’s working properly and there is another problem that must be resolved. First, determine the extent of the problem. Is just one outlet tripped, or more? Check the room. Are any lights not working? Unplug devices from each GFCI outlet and check to see if the “reset” button has popped out. Also check the breaker panel for tripped breakers. Older homes may have fuses if the main electrical panel has not been updated. If you find a tripped breaker, reset it. If you find a blown fuse, replace it. Then plug the devices back in and turn them on. It’s useful to understand how a room is wired so you know which outlets and switches are using the same circuit. Let’s say you work at the kitchen table. The outlets at the kitchen counter are GFCIs, and those at the table where you plug your computer in are not. If all the outlets are on the same circuit, and the non-GFCI outlets are downstream of the GFCI, they’ll be “dead” or have no power if the GFCI at the counter trips, or if the breaker trips. The non-GFCI outlet at the table may be fine, but the upstream GFCI has tripped and shut off power. That’s why it’s good to know what outlets and switches are on a circuit. A short at a non-GFCI outlet can cause the GFCI to trip. You must check that outlet with an electrical tester. If you find only one GFCI has tripped but everything else seems okay, push the “reset” button in until it clicks into place. You may need to use a tool if your finger won’t fit. When it clicks into place, plug the device(s) back in. Does it seem ok, or did it trip again? If the GFCI seems to be working again, check the room again. When is it Time to Call an Electrician? If you’ve tried all these steps and you still have a problem, it’s time to call for help. Electrical work is not a project for most DIY folks, as the risk of harm is just too great. Personal injury and property damage do occur when people don’t know what they’re doing. Fortunately, help is available. Call ARK Electric Heating and Cooling at 303-656-3689 or click to schedule an appointment. We’ll send over a licensed electrician who can solve your problems safely and economically. While ARK is out helping with your GFCI issue, it might also be a good time to update your home’s electrical system. For example, consider adding USB outlets, upgrading from a fuse panel to a breaker panel, or adding a whole-house surge protector to protect all your electrical devices. If you are interested in learning more about upgrading your system, we would be more than happy to conduct a complimentary estimate.
Is your HVAC system ready for Summer?
While the summer months might bring a break for most of us, it’s the hardest-working time of year for your HVAC equipment’s cooling components. To help keep your AC running all summer, we’ve compiled some easy tasks that every homeowner can do to prepare their air conditioner for summer. Ready to save money and feel more comfortable? Keep reading to learn how to get your AC ready for summer. Why Do You Need to Prepare Your HVAC Equipment For Summer? The last thing you want is your air conditioner to break down in the middle of a heat wave. If your air conditioner has been dormant for most of the year, you shouldn’t expect it to work at total capacity with the flick of a switch. Understanding how the average central air conditioning system works will help you make a summer preparation plan. The cooling process starts inside the home with the evaporator. This part of the system absorbs heat, converts it to gas, and sends it to the compressor, located in its outdoor unit. The compressor and the condenser work together to cast away heat so the cooling properties can work effectively. The goal of preparing your A/C for summer is to minimize strain on these components. You can save money on energy bills by reducing the heat energy the air conditioner needs to dissipate. Defeat the Dust on Filters & Vents If you haven’t gotten to your spring cleaning yet, it’s not too late. Eliminating dust, debris, and anything else that obstructs cool airflow in your home will help your air conditioner get ready for summer. Regularly replacing air filters is an easy and inexpensive DIY maintenance task that should be a priority for every homeowner. Dirty air filters challenge your HVAC equipment in the summer months because they restrict airflow, forcing the system to work harder. Check and replace your air filters at least once a month or as needed. In addition to replacing your air filter, you should also clean any visible debris from the vents throughout your home. Make it a habit to dust your vents once or twice a week to keep them flowing openly. Remove Debris From Outdoor Areas After changing your air filters, you’ll need to show your outdoor unit some love before you can enjoy your summer fun. The area around your unit should be clear of debris, like dead leaves and twigs. This will ensure that air can flow freely and prevent any potential problems. If you’ve covered your outdoor AC unit with a blanket or lid for the winter season, make sure you remove it before switching on the cold air. Failure to do so can be an expensive and uncomfortable mistake. Your Home Needs Sunblock Too Investing in energy-efficient windows, putting up blackout curtains, and adequately sealing doors and windows can help keep your house cool when the summer sun is high in the sky. These steps will also help your A/C unit run more efficiently, saving you money on your utility bills. If you’re interested in fully upgrading your windows, look for options that have been treated with low emission coatings. Low-e windows reflect UV rays and infrared energy without blocking natural light. For a more cost-effective alternative, you can apply stick-on reflective film to deflect the sun. Smart thermostats are great because they customize your habits and adjust temperatures when you’re not home or when the outdoor temperatures drop. These steps require an upfront investment, but they can save you money and extend the life of your HVAC equipment by reducing your cooling needs. Schedule a Professional Tune-Up At this point, you’re well aware of DIY tasks that go a long way towards optimizing your AC for summer. To ensure all your bases are covered, you’ll want to consult your local HVAC specialists. An annual professional tune-up is the best way to ensure your system runs efficiently and effectively. The HVAC technician will clean the system, test all components, and diagnose necessary repairs. Keep Your HVAC Running This Summer By following a few simple tips and tricks, you can reduce the strain on your air conditioning system and save money in the process. However, if you want the best results for keeping cool this summer, it’s best to partner with a professional HVAC technician who knows the ins and outs of home heating and cooling. Have you done anything to improve the efficiency of your AC unit? Call ARK Electric Heating and Cooling to have your system inspected and cleaned so it is ready to take on the summer heat.
More Americans Making the Switch to Electric Vehicles in 2023
Studies Show More Americans Making the Switch to Electric Vehicles in 2023 A 2023 survey we conducted revealed a growing affinity for electric vehicles amongst U.S. homeowners. The reason for the shift toward electric vehicles (or EVs) may not come as a big shock for commuters and frequent drivers who are accustomed to cars that run on gas. After all, gasoline-powered cars bring with them certain perils that can’t be ignored such as: Climbing gas prices Offensive exhaust fumes Extensive car maintenance Electric vehicles offer a new alternative. Instead of being fueled by gasoline, EVs are charged via an EV charger that can be located in a place of business, or more conveniently, at home. In fact, the idea of having a convenient home EV charger may explain our survey results. What Our Survey Says about EVs in 2023 We conducted a recent survey of more than 2,000 U.S. adults in order to measure sentiment around a variety of electric services. What the survey captured, in particular, was the growing popularity of EVs among U.S. homeowners. According to the results, 20% are likely to upgrade or purchase electric vehicles in 2023. Unfortunately, only 15% of all who were surveyed reported that their workplace has EV charging stations. Businesses are slowly ramping up the number of available EV chargers. But until these chargers are more widespread, many would prefer to take matters in their own hands by having one installed in their home. Approximately 80% of those surveyed did not feel comfortable installing a home EV charger themselves — and for good reason. Electric cars haven’t been around for long, and many consumers are unfamiliar with the nuances that come with installing a charging station for one. In addition, many people are wary of handling electrical projects on their own. And installing an EV charging station comes with the responsibility of assessing an entire electrical system to ensure correct installation. ARK Electric Heating and Cooling are your local professional that can simplify this process by providing safe and efficient EV charger installation for your home. How to Prepare Your Home for an EV Before you hop on the money-saving train by buying an EV, follow these tips to get your home ready: Know your electrical panel: Some older electrical panels will need an upgrade to support your EV charger. A licensed electrician can assess the need for a new panel and provide an upgrade if needed. Hire an electrician to install a separate circuit for your charger: You will need to have a dedicated circuit installed for your EV charger in order to avoid the risk of a fire. Research types of EV chargers: There are levels to charging your electric vehicle … literally. EV chargers come in Level 1 and Level 2. The type you choose depends largely on how often and how far you drive. Clean out your garage: The last thing you need is for your new vehicle to be surrounded by clutter and chaos. The phrase, “Out with the old, and in with the new,” truly applies here! Other Ways You Can Amp Up Your Home in 2023 In addition to carefully preparing for your home EV charger installation, our survey revealed four other ways to make sure that you’re practicing safe and energy-efficient habits to save you risk, time, and money. 1. Invest in Whole-Home Protection Only 13% of respondents had whole-home protection when surveyed. Did you know that without whole-home protection, one power surge has the potential to ruin everything plugged into the outlets of your home? Whole-home protection helps preserve your expensive, plugged-in devices and appliances. Simply buying a multi-outlet surge protector isn’t always sufficient. You might save yourself thousands of dollars and headaches by scheduling an appointment online with a licensed electrician for whole-home protection. 2. Upgrade Your Electrical Panels In our survey, 44% said that increased energy efficiency/cost savings was the most appealing advantage to having updated electrical panels. Upgrading does save you money in the long run by reducing energy costs. What’s more, the more efficient upgraded panels also provide greater safety for your home. 3. Get a Backup Generator Just 23% of surveyed U.S. homeowners said they own a backup generator. Backup generators help you maintain safety and comfort in the event of a power outage. Yet we found that 77% of respondents didn’t have one — leaving them with nonoperational appliances and devices in the event of a power outage. 4. Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector Thankfully, 80% of those who were surveyed agreed on the importance of carbon monoxide detectors for homes. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. Installing a carbon monoxide detector is the safest way to make sure that you and your family are not exposed. Call ARK Electric Heating and Cooling for EV Charger Installation and More Take charge of your and your family’s safety. Contact the professionals at ARK Electric Heating and Cooling for your residential EV charger installation or other electrical upgrade today. Give our electrician pros a call at 303-656-3869 to make sure you’re safely enjoying your home.
Why You Should Install an Indoor Air Purifier This Spring
Why You Should Install an Indoor Air Purifier This Spring Seasonal TipsAir Purifiers Monday May 1st 2023 Air purifiers are becoming increasingly popular as people strive to create a healthier and cleaner home environment. As the season of growth begins, ensuring optimal indoor air quality for your well-being is crucial. Keep reading to learn about the advantages of having an air purifier in your home during spring season and beyond, and learn how these systems work to remove airborne pollutants and allergens for your benefit. Benefits of an Air Purifier in Your Home Spring is the ideal time to invest in a home air purifier. An air purifier can provide a range of health benefits and improve the quality of your home’s air, regardless of your home’s age. Even newly-constructed homes could use a purifier to help with any lingering smells and remnant dust and debris from the building process. Here are some of the key advantages that you’ll enjoy when you install an air purifier in your home. Improved Air Quality The primary purpose of any air purifier is to remove airborne contaminants from your living space. Particulates like dust, pollen, smoke specks, pet dander, and other allergens that can cause breathing difficulties or aggravate asthma could be removed from the atmosphere by an air purifier. An air purifier will help create a healthier environment for everyone who lives in your home by eliminating pesky particles before they can be pushed into your home through the ventilation system. Reduced Odors Many types of odors can linger around the house long after their source has been removed or eliminated, including pet odors and cooking smells. An effective way to reduce these unpleasant aromas is with an activated carbon filter found in many modern air purifiers. These help trap odor-causing molecules before they can spread throughout your home’s interior spaces. Help Prevent Airborne Diseases In addition to improved respiratory health, air purifiers can prevent the spread of airborne illnesses. They can’t fully stop them, but purifiers may capture the bacteria and viruses to lessen the chance of everyone in your household getting sick. Types of Air Filters When it comes to air purification, there are many options to consider. It’s important to know the differences between them so you can find the best fit for your home and budget. There are a couple that are typically used in the home: HEPA filters are known to trap tiny particles—such as dust mites, pollen, pet dander and mold spores—from circulating in the air inside your home. They’re not able to remove smells effectively. Activated carbon filters are good at capturing smells like smoke and cleaning chemicals. They don’t cut down on allergens, so they’re often bought with another purifier. Other options, like ozone and non-ozone air purifiers, are efficient at purifying indoor air as well. Call our team of professional indoor air quality experts to see about getting a whole-home air purifier installed at your house. How Air Purifiers Work Air purifiers work by filtering out pollutants, allergens, dust, and other particles from the air in your home. As the air passes through the ductwork, clean air is filtered and pushed out into your living space. The type of technology used in an air purifier will depend on its purpose; some filters are designed to remove larger particulates such as pollen or pet dander, while others can trap smaller particles like smoke or chemicals from cleaning products. Breathe Easier at Home This Spring and Beyond Air purifiers can provide a great solution to improve the air quality in your home, especially in the spring when allergies can be at their peak. They will reduce airborne allergens and pollutants and help you breathe easier. An air purifier is a great option for improving the quality of your home’s air, and there are models available to suit just about every space. So if you’re looking for an effective way to purify the air inside of your home, consider scheduling an appointment with a ARK Electric Heating and indoor air quality technician today!
Beat The AC RUSH!!
With spring fast approaching, it’s time to consider optimizing your home for the upcoming warm weather. One sure way to make indoor living more comfortable year-round is to invest in air conditioning. With increasing temperatures, there are several reasons why having an air conditioner installed is beneficial, from improved health and comfort levels inside your home to better energy efficiency ratings when using modern systems. Learn more about AC installation and discover three reasons for installing your air conditioning this spring. What to Know About AC Installation Adding an air conditioner to your home comes with several benefits—and not just during the warmer months. If you’re wondering how much AC your home really needs, consider the following questions: What type of AC system is suitable for my home? How powerful should the unit be, and what size do I need? Are there any additional features or accessories I should consider? Ark Electric Heating and Cooling sales representative can help you find answers to these questions when you’re looking to decide on the best air conditioning system for your home. Once you commit to adding an air conditioner or heat pump to your home, consider the following reasons to have the installation completed before summer arrives. Beat the Rush Planning to install an air conditioner in your home should be done well before the summer heat arrives. Many of the best AC contractors are booked during summer when demand is highest, so scheduling an installation in spring provides you with plenty of extra time and better access to inventory options. During the hot season, many homeowners scramble for a reliable contractor to install their AC unit as quickly as possible. To avoid this last-minute rush, it’s best to complete the installation process in spring to enjoy the comfort of having a working air conditioner all summer. Make Your Home an Air Conditioned Haven Summer is also a popular time for travel. If you’re planning on or currently renting out your home to guests, AC is one of the top Airbnb amenities you can offer. Installing an air conditioner in the spring gives you enough time to have your unit tested and fully operational during the busy season, while avoiding scheduling conflicts with guests and your installers. Get Relief From Allergies & Illnesses In addition to regulating temperatures, having a properly installed air conditioner can help lessen the impact of allergies and illnesses. It also reduces humidity in the air, reducing the risk of mold and mildew growth, making your home healthier and more comfortable. Plus, installing an air purifier in the spring means you don’t have to open your windows to get cool air flowing into your home. This will help keep pesky airborne particles like pollen and other allergens from entering your home and worsening your allergies. Get a Head Start on Improved Health & Comfort With these three reasons to install an air conditioner in your home this spring, it’s easy to see why installing one can benefit you, the members of your household, and your guests. You’ll stay cool and healthy by beating the summertime rush when everyone else is trying to get their AC unit installed. Those with allergies will find relief from pollen and other common allergens during the warmer months. Get a head start by investing in an air conditioner from Bob’s Heating this spring! Schedule HERE or call 303-656-3689 to speak with a sales representative about your air conditioner needs and questions. Our team is ready to help keep you cool!
How an Air Purifier Can Help You Stay Healthy this Holiday Season
Discover why portable air purifiers are a must-have addition to every gathering. Believe it or not, the holidays are right around the corner! While you’ve been worrying about switching out your seasonal decor, your home’s heating and cooling system is dealing with a few changes as well – and by that, we mean the weather is changing outside, and it’s time to assess your system. As the days become shorter and the nights get colder in Denver and the surrounding areas, the calendar becomes filled with a myriad of festive holidays, all a perfect opportunity to enjoy your home with your loved ones. Keep reading below to discover how you can prepare your home for all the fun and visitors by adding a portable air purifier and scheduling a furnace maintenance visit from the team of professionals at Ark Electric Heating and Cooling. We are Quality First with our services. ‘Tis the Season for Air Purifiers Inviting guests to your home this time of year can be overwhelming. Everyone’s schedule is packed, but there always seems to be time to invite friends and family over to celebrate a special occasion. Vacuuming, cleaning, and tidying up around your home is a must! But there’s something else you can add to your living spaces to make everyone’s experience enjoyable, safe, and healthy. High-traffic areas are a magnet for airborne pathogens looking to infect you or a family member with an illness. Many portable air purifiers can remove up to 99.98% of microscopic air particles that carry common germs and irritants like the common cold, pet dander, mold, and dust. The Portable Air Scrubber by Aerus (link this) uses patented ActivePure technology to remove microbial contaminants from touchable surfaces and to reduce allergens, pollutants, and odors in the air. This reliable home investment helps ensure that everyone can stay sniffle-free while enjoying the time they spend catching up with one another this upcoming holiday season. Wrap presents, prepare meals, and gather with your favorite people while breathing safer, cleaner air that will reduce the risk of illness. Scheduled Maintenance Visits As the weather changes, so do your heating and cooling needs! Don’t leave your guests out in the cold or shivering indoors under blankets due to an neglected and under-performing furnace. A few weeks before your party attendees arrive, go ahead and give Ark Electric Heating and Cooling a call so we can visit your home. We’ll assess your system and handle any repairs you need before your family and friends arrive on your doorstep with suitcases in tow. So make your winter season merrier and brighter by letting ARK’s Heating technicians prepare you for a safer, more comfortable holiday season. We offer a great selection of whole-home air purifiers, plus other indoor air quality solutions that will make these last few months of the year an absolute delight. Connect with our team here to get started!
Prepping Your Home for the Upcoming Winter Season
As the winter season approaches faster than many of us had hoped for, it becomes more critical to prepare your home and keep your mind at ease when the weather starts to turn. Many may not realize how much winter can impact your home, so taking the proper precautions will help to get you and your home ready for the winter season. It is very important to take care of your home’s exterior and interior when preparing for the chilly weather. Who wants to worry about having to take on any home projects when it’s cold out? Our guess is, no one! This blog will walk you through what you should have in your home for winter and what to mark off of your checklist before the first snowfall. Invest in a Smart Thermostat After returning home from a long day at work on a cold winter afternoon, the last thing you want is to walk into a frigid house. If you’re wondering how you would be able to avoid that, we have the answer for you – smart thermostats! A smart thermostat can be controlled from your smartphone, so you’re able to turn your heat on and off with the tap of a finger. This makes it quick and easy to manage your home’s temperature while the system itself helps to save you money and energy. If you don’t already have a smart thermostat and are considering one, making the choice sooner rather than later will add to a comfortable home and reduced utility bills. Installing this type of thermostat is something that should be done before winter hits in case any incidents occur, such as faulty wires or power outages. If you’re unfamiliar with thermostats and their installation, Ark Electric Heating & Cooling can help you install a smart thermostat for your home. Contact us HERE Check your Home’s Insulation Before winter hits, creating a checklist of what needs to be done will also help you to get your home ready. One of the items on the checklist should be to check your home’s insulation during the summer or fall to allow you to find and resolve any problems that arise. Due to the temperature drop outside as winter progresses, ensuring your home is properly insulated will help keep your home warm. Your windows, siding, attic, and basement should all be insulated to avoid any cold air from entering your home. Having your home properly insulated will also decrease the chances of your pipes freezing. Frozen pipes in the winter can cause a variety of problems making it hard to get them working again – or worse, breakage! If you are experiencing your pipes freezing, try the below tactics: Use thermostatically controlled heat tape and wrap it around the pipes. Break out a trusted, strong hair dryer and use the hottest setting to unfreeze the pipes. Place a space heater near the pipes. Taking initiative to check your home’s insulation will not only protect your home, but it will protect you and your family during the colder months. If you find that your pipes do end up freezing, because sometimes it is out of your control, follow these steps above to defrost any frozen pipes in your home. Complete All Summer Projects Transitioning from fall to winter tends to come much sooner than you think, so you’ll want to prepare sooner rather than later. Make sure, before winter begins, you wrap up any projects you started earlier in the year –especially if they involve the exterior of your home. Let’s face it, working outside when it’s cold or snowing isn’t fun, so completing these exterior projects before the cold weather arrives allows you to spend more time with your family during the holiday season. Winter is the perfect time to complete interior projects throughout the home as well. Take this opportunity to update your kitchen cabinets, reorganize your pantry, and invest in some new appliances. Purchasing new appliances before winter will allow you to have them in your home before the cold weather strikes so you are guaranteed they will work and will last you throughout the cooler months. No one wants to have any appliance malfunctions during winter storms. If you are investing in new appliances, you may consider looking into a home warranty plan to help protect your investments and save you money if anything goes wrong later down the road. If you do not invest in this plan, you may be at risk of having to pay for pricey repairs or buy brand-new appliances if anything happens to go wrong with them, and we know how much money that can cost us especially paired with holiday spending during the winter. A home warranty plan can also help when it comes to any HVAC issues you may experience as well, which is vital for keeping your home warm in the cooler months. In combination with the money saved, a warranty plan can help you to cut back on time spent addressing appliance issues as well. As the leaves begin to fall off the trees and the frost comes out in the mornings, follow these tips and tricks to get your home ready for another dreadful (for some) season of winter. Now that you can get started on your to-do list, also take some time to relax and enjoy your warm home with your friends and family.
6 Simple Ways to Help You Lower Your Electricity Bill
Keep your energy bills five by five with these 6 tips and tricks As prices continual to rise you maybe looking for ways to save money. One of the biggest ticket items is likely your electricity bill. Though it may seem like a fixed expense you can do little about, following these six simple practices can help lower your electric bill. 6 Simple energy-saving practices to reduce your electric bill 1. Replace Outdated Equipment If you have older equipment, upgrading could save you energy. Consider replacing appliances with Energy Star models. If it’s time to replace a desktop computer, a laptop paired with a large monitor and Bluetooth or wired keyboard might be a better option. Laptops, according to the EPA, are 2.5 to 3 times more efficient than desktop computers. Additionally, many older homes are not designed to carry the electrical load require and need additional circuits installed or an electrical panel upgrade for optimal efficiency and safety. To ensure the electrical current is moving safely throughout your home, schedule an inspection with a professional electrician. 2. Switch to LED Bulbs Switching to a LED (light emitting diode) lighting system can reduce your energy costs considerably. LED lights use up to 90% less energy than traditional bulbs and produce significantly more light. For instance, a 60-watt incandescent bulb produces 800 lumens. To produce that amount of visible light with incandescent lighting, you would need a 60-watt bulb. LEDs also have the added benefits of attracting fewer insects and pests, and since they run cooler, they also reduce fire risks. 3. Add Motion Sensors, Timers and/or Dimmers to Lights Installing motion sensors or timers in rooms, doorways, and outside areas can help many homeowners conserve energy. Similarly, dimmer switches provide the flexibility of using less energy for illumination at different times of the day or for different tasks or situations. You will need to make sure to choose a compatible dimmer for the type of bulb you’re using. Most dimmer switches are compatible with modern halogen light bulbs. 4. Schedule regular HVAC maintenance Perhaps one of the biggest opportunities to save on your electricity bill is to keep the biggest user of your electricity, your HVAC system, running at peak efficiency. Scheduling regular maintenance will increase its efficiency and save you money, not only on your electricity, but on repair costs. Routine inspections and servicing, help ensure smaller HVAC problems are detected before they grow into bigger, more costly ones. 5. Add Ceiling Fans to Compliment the A/C Ceiling fans are a perfect compliment to your air conditioning and should be used in tandem for the most benefit. Keeping the air circulating better will decrease the load on your AC unit as it tries to cool the entire room. If you already have fans, check to see if they have an Energy Star rating, as these can improve your energy efficiency by 40% compared to non-rated models. 6. Power Down The best energy savings come into play when we’re simply not using it. Turning off shop and office equipment overnight and unplugging seldom-used equipment are some of the simplest and most efficient ways to conserve energy. Even when equipment is powered down, it’s still drawing a small amount of current while it’s plugged in. To determine where the most improvement can be made in your business, contact your utility or an energy conservation consultant for an energy audit. When it comes to updating lighting and equipment, the experts at Schafer Electric are here to serve you. Our professional electricians and HVAC techs can ensure that your electrical and HVAC systems are working properly and at peak efficiency. We also specialize in security and safety lighting installation and maintenance for your home and commercial spaces. If you are in need of any HVAC or electrical services, Click HERE and fill out the form below or ARK electric Heating and Cooling today.