Saving energy and Being comforable

There are two fundamental ways to maximize your heating and cooling energy
efficiency. Either, 1.) Stand by your old thermostat and constantly adjust
it throughout the day and the seasons, or 2.) Invest in a programmable
thermostat.

According to Energy Star, the average household spends more than $2000 a
year on energy costs, up to half of which is for heating and cooling. With a
programmable thermostat, you can save around $180 each year, maybe more in
extreme climates and as energy costs go up.

Programmable thermostats automatically do all the temperature monitoring and
adjusting for you by following the instructions you program into them. In
the process, they save energy and money. If you program your thermostat back
10º to 15º for eight hours while you're away, you'll save about 5% to 15% a
year on your heating bill. That translates to 1% savings for each degree
that you lower the setting over an eight hour period. During winter months,
it's recommended you set your thermostat to 68ºF (20ºC) while you're at home
and awake, and lowering it when you're asleep or away.

Five types of thermostats:

1. Electromechanical (EM) thermostats have manual controls for
day and night settings.
2. Digital models are precise and feature the greatest
flexibility for custom scheduling.
3. Hybrids combine digital and manual controls, so they offer
flexibility in a simpler format than digital models.
4. Occupancy thermostats maintain the same setback temperature
until you press a button to return to the desired temperature for occupying
the room. These units are for buildings that are not occupied for extended
periods.
5. Light sensing heat thermostats adjust the temperature
according to the light levels in the building. These are primarily for
stores and offices.

Misconceptions: You should also be aware of common thermostat
misconceptions. First, it's not true that by setting the temperature back,
and later setting it forward to the original temperature, you're making your
furnace work harder and actually consuming more energy. At worst, you'll
most likely break even - it uses just as much extra energy to reheat a room
to its original temperature as the energy saved by reducing the heat. What's
more, the longer you keep the temperature lowered, the more energy and cost
savings.

The second misconception is that you can reheat a room faster and more
efficiently if you turn the thermostat to a higher than desired setting. No
matter how high you turn up the thermostat's temperature, the room will warm
up at the same rate of speed. So, when you program your thermostat to reheat
(or re-cool) your home, set it to the desired end temperature and no more or
less.

Considerations: Chart your weekly routine, weekdays and weekends, so you can
choose a thermostat that's programmable to your schedule. Ask our
professionals if the new unit is compatible with your current unit's wiring.
If the unit's clock draws power from the heating system, is the clock
disrupted when the furnace cycles off? Is the thermostat precise enough for
your needs? Is it too complicated (particularly digital models)?

Need more helpful advice? Just call us. We've got the answers.

Pj Smitherman
Operations Manager
Aux Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electrical

If you want something you've never had, you'll have to do something you've
never done. "Dave Ramsey"

Introducing the new www.auxphce.com

Winter Tune up's And Peak efficiencies

A "Fine Tune" for the Winter Months Ahead.

Fact: your heating system will last longer and conserve precious energy
with regular system maintenance. Here's how and why.

On average, American families spend hundreds if not thousands of dollars
every year to heat and cool their homes. That's the bad news. The good
news is that it's relatively easy to cut those energy costs, and keeping
your heating system finely tuned is a great place to start.

Before we even get to your heating system, however, a word to the wise:
don't wait for the real cold stuff before you check your window caulking.
Beefing up your insulation and upgrading your windows will help cut energy
costs even more.

During a heating system tune up, these are just a few the measures we take
to ensure added comfort, safety, and energy efficiency to help make winter a
warmer experience:

* Inspect the heater and vent pipe;
* Clean or replace the filter;
* Check for ignition or flame failure;
* Check the motor and fan bearings;
* Check burners and controls
* Check safety controls
* Check thermostat
* Perform Combustion Analysis
* And much more.

While we're at it, we may be able to suggest certain "efficiency
modifications" that help to generate more heat with less energy. These
include:

* Reducing the orifice size;
* Installing a new damper's or zoning system; or,
* Replacing the pilot light with an electronic spark ignition (gas).

Here are few energy-saving measures you can employ during your normal
house-keeping routine:

* Clean or change your filter monthly;
* Seal and insulate your air ducts... heat loss from leaky,
uninsulated ducts-especially those in unheated attics and basements-can
reduce the efficiency of your heating system by as much as 30%.
* Vacuum the cobwebs out of your registers;
* Vacuum the fins on baseboard heaters.

At Aux Mechanical, we offer an affordable and comprehensive service plan
that includes an annual inspection at no extra charge...your best guarantee
of a well-maintained, energy efficient system. And remember for all your
Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electrical needs in the Birmingham and
Hoover Metro areas, with our Preferred service agreement you will receive
priority treatment when trouble does strike.

And now, you can save $25 on a custom-designed service plan of your own with
the attached coupon.

Pj Smitherman
Operations Manager
Aux Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electrical

If you want something you've never had, you'll have to do something you've
never done. "Dave Ramsey"

Introducing the new www.auxphce.com

Clean Ducts

 

If you have ducts and vents in your home, then you have a natural breeding ground for indoor air pollution.

 

What harm can indoor air pollution cause?  Here are the facts:

 

·        Most people spend 60% to 90% of their time indoors;

·        Indoor air is up to 70 times more polluted than outdoor air;

·        More than 50% of all colds and illnesses are either caused

or aggravated by polluted indoor air;

·        Children and seniors suffer the most from indoor air pollution;

·        The fungi and bacteria found in duct systems are leading allergy causes;

·        More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies, while up

to 12 million have asthma.

 

Kinda makes you think, doesn't it?  Well now, Aux Mechanical can help you put an end to indoor air pollution where it counts the most…inside your home.

 

Our patented duct cleaning system will remove up to 99.7% of all indoor air pollutants from your ducts and vents.  These include:

 

·        Dust & dust mites

·        Bacteria

·        Fungi

·        Pet dander

·        Construction by-products

·        Mold spores & pollen

 

This is the stuff that's getting into your lungs…especially when you're running your central air or forced air heating system. 

 

With duct cleaning, there are a host of secondary benefits, as well:

 

·        Fewer unpleasant odors;

·        Increased home heating and cooling system efficiency;

·        Lower monthly energy costs;

·        Better overall air distribution;

·        Reduced need for household dusting.

 

To help keep those medical bills down and the clean air quotient high, it's best to have your ducts cleaned at least once every three years.  Has it been longer than that for you?  We are extending our current whole home duct cleaning promotion of 50% off through the month of November. Just mention the Aux Blog when scheduling and enjoy 50% off and a much cleaner air... 

 

Why not call today!  After all, it's a great way to improve living conditions…"Around the House."

 

 

 

 

Pj Smitherman
Operations Manager
Aux Plumbing, Heating, Cooling,and Electrical

 

Please visit us on the web www.auxmechanical.com

 

"Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work" Aristotle

November Tip

Do you suffer from dry itchy skin, or dried out allergies during the winter? Did you know that is a pretty simple remedy? With our whole house humidifier we can remedy these symptoms and many many more! If you are tired of dealing with cracking walls and floors, this helps there too!

 

 

Pj Smitherman
Operations Manager
Aux Plumbing, Heating, Cooling,and Electrical

 

Please visit us on the web www.auxmechanical.com

 

"Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work" Aristotle

November

So now that November is finally upon us, what does that mean? Well for most it means lots of family will be over to celebrate the holidays. And what is the worst thing that could happen? Can you imagine having a heating or plumbing emergency with all those people in your home? Don't! You'll give yourself a headache. Call us and schedule our new holiday inspection for only $59.95 and let us take that worry away. Besides you need to worry about how much punch Uncle Bill will drink. Just kidding and hope to see you soon!!
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