Tips to Lower Energy Costs

PHOENIX, Arizona (Nov. 12, 2008) – The recent dip in temperatures has Valley residents reaching for their winter blankets and the thermostat controls. Before you turn on the heat, what should you know to be safe and keep energy costs down? Here’s a list of the top 5:

1. Clean filters – The most important thing you can do is clean and replace your filters frequently. For optimum efficiency and filtration, replace disposable filters at least once a month.

2. Check it – Before you turn on the heat, have the system checked by a trained technician like those at Chas Roberts Air Conditioning and Heating. Regular maintenance is the most effective way to ensure a unit is running efficiently, safely, and offers the best opportunity for extending its life to ultimately save money.

3. Turn down the heat – Take a cue from our state government, which is using the thermostat to cut costs during a budget shortfall. Thermostats in state buildings are being set 2 degrees cooler in the winter and 2 degrees warmer in the summer to save costs. How big a savings is this? Every degree that you lower your thermostat in the winter (or raise it in the summer), can result in 3-percent savings in energy costs. (source: http://blogs.consumerreports.org/home/2008/10/winter-heating.html?EXTKEY=I72RSHA).

4. Use it when you need it – Lowering your thermostat when you aren’t home and at night can help reduce your heating bills. Avoid lowering it more than 5 degrees so the system doesn’t have to work so hard to return to your desired setting. A programmable thermostat can make it easy.

5. Get the air moving – Using a ceiling fan in the winter can help reduce costs by 10 percent. Because heat rises, the temperature near the ceiling is warmer. Using a ceiling fan in a clockwise direction so it gently pushes the air against the ceiling and down the walls helps circulate the warm air, without causing a wind chill effect. (source: http://www.srpnet.com/energy/ask/fans.aspx)

Chas Roberts Air Conditioning & Heating has been serving Arizona homeowners since 1942. The family-owned company is focused on providing quality installations and service of heating & air conditioning systems at competitive prices for Arizona residents. The largest HVAC service provider in the state, with 8 locations including Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Queen Creek, Litchfield, Avondale Sun City, and Tucson, Chas Roberts passes along its buying power to homeowners, and backs its service with the largest call center in the state for the industry, and on-line scheduling capabilities. For more information, visit www.ChasRoberts.com