Setting programmable thermostats can be a super easy way to cut down on your electricity bill each & every month, as well as extend the life of your Air Conditioning System.

A programmable thermostat is a useful device that can help you manage home comfort and energy savings. To begin, your home’s temperature will predict energy savings. The more you can lower your thermostat, the better the chance that you’ll increase energy savings. A programmable thermostat can help to ensure regular temperature settings since you can program it to turn on the A/C only when you need it.

Using a programmable thermostat means you can maximize energy savings. In general, homeowners will schedule the system to go to 78 Degrees or so after family members leave for work and school, and then turn back on a bit before everyone is set to come home and run through the night, while everyone is asleep.

These time periods are ideal, because you get optimal energy savings and can save you hundreds of dollars per year.

Little modifications may substantially lower air conditioner and electrical costs with the following money-saving ideas:

• Write down & keep track of monthly power expenses, so that you can see what you are doing that decreases your bill and what you are doing that increases it

• Set your AC Thermostat to 78 Degrees while you are away from the house

• Monitor and Maintain your AC System for optimal performance, including changing/cleaning your Air Filter once a month

• Upgrade towards CFL lamps. They will produce considerably less warm compared to incandescent lamps switch off lighting you should definitely use. Actually CFL lights create a few warmth.

• Don’t run major electronic devices until it is cooler in the house/night.

• Maintain drapes and also shades shut through warmth of this time

• Utilize a power strip to make sure electronic devices that will are not used. Something that pulls energy as well creates warmth.

• Insulate ductwork within attics, crawlspaces, garages and also other unconditioned areas
set up reflective windows shade upon house windows this obtain lot sunlight to reduce warmth inclusion.

• Use a programmable thermostat

Here at All Year Cooling, we stop at nothing to help our customers with their A/C related needs. With this comes the ability to explain their Air Conditioning System, how it works, what elements function for what purposes etc.

Based on this we have put together the following top 5 questions asked, to help you make an educated decision on your new A/C System or Service:

1. What is a SEER Rating?

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The higher the SEER rating, the greater energy efficiency the unit offers. SEER is measured as the seasonal Btu output of cooling divided by the seasonal watt-hours used. The government sets the minimum SEER at 13, while a unit must be rated at least 14 SEER to be considered an Energy Star product & potentially qualify for an FPL Rebate.

In short, the higher the SEER Rating, the lower your monthly power bill.

EXAMPLE: 10 SEER A/C System

• 10 is a very common rating for older units in the 1990′s, when energy was relatively inexpensive
• Produces about 10 BTU/hr of cooling, per watt of electricity

EXAMPLE: 16 SEER A/C System

• 16 is very common for newer, high-efficiency units
• Produces about 16 BTU/hr of cooling per watt of electricity

This increased efficiency has become more and more important as electricity rates continue to rise.

2. What is an Air Conditioning System’s Tonnage?

The air-conditioner tonnage determines an A/C unit’s cooling capacity. Figuring out the tonnage will help you understand the unit size you’ll need for your home.

3. What is the difference between R-410A and R-22? 

In accordance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), newly manufactured air conditioning systems will not contain R-22 refrigerant. This went into effect on January 1, 2010. R-22 will continue to be produced for use in existing units, but production will be phased out over the next several years. In accordance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), newly manufactured air conditioning systems will not contain R-22 refrigerant. This went into effect on January 1, 2010. R-22 will continue to be produced for use in existing units, but production will be phased out over the next several years.

R-22 is considered an HCFC and is harmful to the ozone layer. Ozone-friendly refrigerants are now used in units manufactured after January 1, 2010. R-410A is the most common replacement and is found in most new units. R-410A has several names including Puron and Genetron AZ20.

While R-410A is used in most new systems, it may not be used in existing systems designed to use R-22 refrigerant. Design specifications to handle the increased pressure and cooling capacity of R-410A are required.

4. What is a “Split System” A/C?

Split system air conditioners consist of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. The outdoor unit consists of a compressor/condenser, while the indoor unit consists of an air handler/evaporator coil. This is the most common residential air conditioning system.

Matching the two units may reduce energy consumption and save on energy costs. All Year Cooling’s air conditioning experts will help you match indoor and outdoor units for optimal performance and energy efficiency.

5. How often should I change my filter? 

How often you change your filter depends on the type of filter, the room conditions and how much you use your air conditioning system. Disposable filters should be replaced every month. Some washable filters should be cleaned every month depending on usage.

CleanEffects, available with most Trane units, features an innovative filtration system that requires its filters to be cleaned every three to nine months. Make sure that you keep up with filter changing and cleaning. Failing to do so may result in reduced efficiency and cooling capacity.

Having a clean air filter is a critical component of an efficient, longer lasting Air Conditioning System. Our technical department recommends cleaning or changing your A/C filter once per month.

If you suffer from asthma, allergies, or other breathing problems, did you know that cleaning your air conditioning system & filter may help you?

Having a clean & maintained air filtration system can help to remove airborne allergens. Cleaner, healthier air is important in reducing allergic and asthmatic triggers. Common household triggers include dust, smoke, pet dander, mold and dust from pest body parts and secretions.

Learn More at the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America Website at http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=8&sub=16&cont=37

When your A/C system works harder, you consume more energy and will see your electric bill spike! You could be paying more than 20% more for cooling your home and don’t even know it, all because of an infrequently serviced Air Conditioning System.

Few tasks will pay off more than checking and servicing your A/C System (both in money saved and in comfort) A simple air-conditioner cleaning in the Spring can help make Summertime more comfortable and lower your cooling bills as well as prolonging the life of your air conditioning system.

A very important thing that one can do to keep your air conditioner working at maximum efficiency is to change the filter every 1-6 months.

There can be many factors that determine how often your air conditioning filter should be replaced. If you wait too long operating efficiency begins to decline, as efficiency drops operating costs increase. Changing your air filter more often than necessary is like throwing money away. Considering the cost of some filters that will add up to a lot of money over your life time.

Air conditioner filters are designed to capture a certain amount of air contaminants that float around your home, including Dust, smoke, pet hair, pollen and even bacteria. These are then trapped by a high quality air filter. However, once they reach a specific level your filter will no longer allow air to pass through the material efficiently. This creates a buildup of pressure resistance in the blower motor of the system and causes your air conditioner to work harder to do its job.

Research has shown that setting your thermostat to 78 degrees may save you money on your utility bills. If your household is empty during the week for any length of time you need to consider having a programmable thermostat installed. By having a programmable thermostat installed & used properly you could save about $20 per month or more in energy costs.

If you have a programmable thermostat you will want to program your thermostat 3-6 degrees higher than what you usually have your thermostat set at when you’re at home.

Change your filter once a month. A clean filter will help your AC run approximately 10-percent better.

“If you don’t keep your filters clean on the unit that just clogs the unit up and makes it run harder and longer”, states Tom Smith, Owner of All Year Cooling and Heating.

Invest in a programmable thermostat. Some sell for as little as $30 at Home Depot. Set it for 78 to 80 degrees when you’re not home and keep it on the auto setting so the fan doesn’t run continuously.

Use a caulking gun to fill any leaks in windows or doors and you can also buy window film to help keep your home cool. “Minor things can save you a significant amount of money”, he adds.

Excerpts taken from: http://www.wsvn.com/features/articles/cents/MI122409/#ixzz1tYR5QOHK

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80+ Degrees in April? How Hot will the Summer be? Get Prepared NOW with All Year Cooling & Heating’s Pre-Summer Tune-Up Special.

All Year Cooling & Heating is the #1 Air Conditioning Company in South Florida, and has developed an easy way to make sure that your A/C System is working optimally before the real heat gets here.

We will go through each component in your A/C System, and make sure that all of your fluids, filters and systems are working before the system starts going into heavy use.

All Year Cooling, South Florida’s #1 Air Conditioning Company, announces a winner for their enormously successful “Win a Free Rheem Air Conditioning System” sweepstakes on 790 The Ticket & 790TheTicket.com.

The lucky winner was chosen via a random drawing from all registered entrants, and won a 16 Seer Rheem Air Conditioning system, which included the installation. The total approximate retail value of the prize was $4,995.

“Our mission is to provide the best service & guaranteed best pricing in our industry” states Kevin Zacharias, Sales Manager at All Year Cooling. “All Year Cooling ranks as of one of the top 10 Air Conditioning Companies nationwide due to our loyal & growing customer base, and because of this we wanted to thank everyone by creating this sweepstakes”, he adds.

Established in 1973, All Year Cooling and Heating has completed over 150,000 air conditioner installations, and are a recognized Local Rheem Team Top Contractor and Trane Comfort Specialist.

All Year Cooling and Heating Services Broward County, Miami-Dade County, Palm Beach County, St. Lucie County, Martin County and Northern Monroe County.

For more information visit http://www.allyearcoolingandheating.com or call (888) 803-2575.