Benefits of Programmable Thermostats

February 7, 2024

https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/programmable-thermostats 

https://learn.compactappliance.com/programmable-thermostats/ 

As energy bills continue to go up, everyone is looking for ways to save money on their heating and cooling. One of the easiest and most effective ways is to reset your thermostat when you're away or asleep. By making this small adjustment, you can save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling costs. To save money, without losing your comfort, a convenient option for many would be installing an automatic setback or programmable thermostat. With a programmable thermostat, you can set a predetermined schedule for your heating or air to turn on or off. 


Many programmable thermostats can have multiple daily schedule settings that you can turn off without affecting the rest of your week’s settings if your normal schedule changes. During the cold months, you can cut your energy costs by keeping your thermostat around 68 or 70 degrees while you're awake and then turning it down while you’re asleep or not at home. During the warmer months, you can do the same thing by setting your thermostat to a higher temperature while you’re away from the house and then turning it back down while you’re home. Having a programmable thermostat makes this process so much more convenient, you barely have to lift a finger to start making your heat and air more cost-efficient. 


It's important to note that while you may be tempted to set your thermostat to a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner, it won't cool your home any faster. Instead, it will result in excessive cooling and unnecessary expenses. The same goes for your heating system. Another common misconception is that manually adjusting your thermostat will cause your furnace to work harder to warm your home back up to a comfortable temperature, resulting in little or no savings. This is not true. Keep in mind, programmable thermostats will not work with every system. With heat pumps, electric resistance heating, steam heat, and radiant floor heating, maintaining a moderate setting is the best way to cut costs. 


When choosing and programming a programmable thermostat, consider when you usually go to sleep and wake up. A digital thermostat will have the most settings and features when looking at programmable thermostats. Most provide many setback settings, overrides, and daylight savings adjustments but may be harder to program for the less tech-savvy homeowners. However, many will provide in-detail instructions or links to instruction videos that can help you get on track! Programmable thermostats can be a quick fix to make your heating and cooling system more efficient and your energy bill more cost-friendly.

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A snowflake is hanging from the side of an HVAC unit.

How to Take Care of Your HVAC During Winter

January 10, 2025
With freezing temperatures in the forecast and stormy winter weather on the horizon, it's essential to know how to care for your HVAC unit during snow and ice conditions. While most units are designed to endure harsh winter weather, being mindful of a few key factors can help prevent a mid-winter breakdown. Ensure Your Unit Isn’t Buried Under Snow A unit buried under snow can lead to various problems. Your HVAC system requires airflow to function effectively, and excessive snow coverage can restrict this airflow. If you find your unit covered in snow, carefully clear it away to avoid damaging the unit or the internal fans. As a general rule, maintain at least 18 inches of clear space around the unit year-round. If there is ice on top, gently break it away by hand. Avoid pouring warm water on the ice to melt it, as any water that seeps inside can refreeze, potentially causing more damage. Check That Your Furnace Exhaust Isn’t Blocked For those with gas furnaces, it's crucial to ensure that the exhaust vent is not obstructed. A blocked exhaust can cause your furnace to stop working and may even lead to dangerous carbon monoxide leaks into your home. Snow or ice can often block this exhaust pipe. If your furnace begins to behave unusually, contact a professional to diagnose the issue before it escalates into a larger problem. Additionally, for gas furnace owners, remember to check your fire and carbon monoxide alarms as part of your winter HVAC maintenance. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Inspect Your Air Filter Regularly checking your air filters is essential. During the coldest months, your HVAC unit operates more frequently, pulling in increased amounts of air through the filter. This results in more dust, dirt, and debris accumulating, making regular filter checks and replacements even more critical. Keep Your Unit Clear of Melting Snow and Ice Be mindful of gutters or water runoff that may drip onto or into your HVAC unit. In freezing temperatures, this can create a significant risk for your system. The real concern is not that the snow or ice from above is dripping, but rather the drips that may enter the unit and then refreeze. While HVAC units are built to withstand winter weather, ice forming inside the unit can lead to problems that might eventually result in a system breakdown. Taking proactive steps to care for your HVAC system during icy weather is crucial for ensuring its efficiency and longevity. Regular maintenance can prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems that may require costly repairs. By keeping your unit clear of snow and ice, checking exhaust vents, inspecting air filters, and monitoring the surrounding environment, you can help your HVAC system operate smoothly throughout the winter months. Remember, it's always wise to enlist the help of a professional if you're uncertain about any maintenance tasks or if you notice any irregularities in your HVAC system's performance. Doing so can provide peace of mind and ensure that your home remains warm and comfortable, even during the harshest winter conditions. Trust B. Dumont Heating and Air for all of your winter maintenance and repairs.
A person is closing a vent on a wooden floor.

Is Closing Vents the Key to Saving Energy This Winter?

December 27, 2024
Closing vents might not be the best way to save energy this winter. Let's discuss the effects of closing your air vents and what other ways you can cut down on your HVAC system's energy consumption.

Frozen Pipes and Your HVAC

December 13, 2024
As we enter the chill of winter, it’s essential to check that your heating system is functioning effectively. Not only does this provide warmth for your home or business, but it also helps shield your pipes from freezing. Managing Frozen Pipes and Safeguarding Your HVAC System During Winter In the colder months, one frequent issue homeowners encounter is pipes freezing. While the potential damage to plumbing is often top of mind, the implications for your HVAC system are sometimes overlooked. When pipes freeze or burst, they can cause water leaks, obstruct airflow, and lead to costly repairs to your heating system. Fortunately, taking proactive measures can help you avoid these complications before they arise. Why Frozen Pipes Are a Concern for Your HVAC System Frozen pipes can disrupt your HVAC system in various ways. When water freezes inside the pipes, it can create blockages or even lead to bursts, resulting in leaks that can harm your furnace or air handler. Additionally, some HVAC systems function on a closed-loop principle involving water or refrigerant, meaning that any plumbing complications might hinder your system’s performance and efficiency. Strategies to Prevent Pipe Freezing in Your Home To keep your pipes and HVAC system safe during winter, consider the following preventive actions: Insulate Exposed Pipes: Pipes situated in unheated spaces like basements, attics, or crawlspaces are more susceptible to freezing. Use insulation to help maintain a consistent temperature around them. Keep the Heat Running: If you plan to be away from home for any length of time, set your thermostat to a minimum of 55°F to prevent drastic indoor temperature drops that could lead to frozen pipes. Open Under-Sink Cabinets: On particularly cold nights, open the cabinet doors beneath sinks, especially in kitchens and bathrooms that are located against exterior walls. This allows warmer air from the room to circulate around the pipes, lowering the risk of freezing. Drip Your Faucets: In areas prone to freezing, allowing a slight drip from a faucet can help keep the water flowing through the pipes, reducing the likelihood of freezing. Seal Cracks Around Windows and Doors: Cold air can infiltrate through gaps and cracks, chilling your living space and plumbing. Sealing these openings helps maintain a stable indoor temperature and relieves pressure on your HVAC system. Steps to Take if Your Pipes Freeze If you suspect your pipes have frozen, stay calm and take the following actions: Shut Off the Water Supply: If you notice reduced water pressure or strange sounds, immediately turn off the main water supply to prevent further damage. Apply Heat with Care: Use a hairdryer or space heater to gently warm the frozen pipes. Start from the faucet and gradually move toward the frozen section. Contact a Professional: If you’re unable to safely thaw pipes or observe any cracks, it’s wise to call a professional plumber or HVAC technician, if the frozen area if affecting your HVAC system, right away. They can diagnose the issue and ensure your system is back in working order. B. Dumont Heating and Air is here to help you with any heating related issues this winter! Don't hesitate to reach out to our team to schedule inspection, maintenance, or repairs today.
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