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5 Tips to Save Money on Your Utility Bills

5 Tips to Save Money on Your Utility Bills

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Your heating and air conditioning system keeps you comfortable all year and, if used strategically, may also help you conserve energy to lower your monthly bill. Here are 5 tips to save money on your utility bills without sacrificing comfort.

Tips to Save Money

 

The Importance of Routine Maintenance

It is critical to maintain your air conditioner and furnace on a regular basis to guarantee they function properly. This efficiency will help you save energy and money on your utility costs. Replace your filter at least once every three months, and get your HVAC system serviced twice a year by a trained professional.

 

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It’s Time to Take it Down a Notch

Changing the temperature of your home by just one or two degrees can save you money on your utility bills. You might not notice the difference between 68 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, but it will show up on your bill.

Find Out What Temperature Range Is Ideal for You

Many modern HVAC systems are programmed to operate within a specified temperature range. Consult your owner’s manual and your BNG service professional for more information. Maintaining optimal system performance means your system won’t have to work as hard, consuming less energy and saving you money.

Make Use of a Programmable Thermostat

Replace your existing thermostat with a programmable one. A programmable thermostat allows you to divide your home into zones, heating or cooling rooms only while you’re home, and setting certain temperatures for specific times. This implies that your furnace or air conditioner only turns on when you need it.

Many modern thermostats include smartphone apps that you may use to regulate them. You can control your home’s temperature from anywhere with these thermostats.

Enhance Your Entire System

Of course, upgrading your entire HVAC system is the greatest way to keep it efficient and save money on power bills. A new system will always be more energy efficient than one that is more than ten years old.

Call BNG to improve your HVAC system or schedule maintenance.

(812) 858-4000
Silver Ceiling Fan

Ceiling Fan Blade Direction
for Summer and Winter

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Are Your Ceiling Fan Blades Spinning the Correct Direction?

Ceiling Fan Blade Direction for Summer and Winter: In the summer, spin the blades counterclockwise. In the winter, spin the blades clockwise.

Here’s Why

In the summer, turn the ceiling fan counterclockwise to help create a downdraft, which creates a direct, cooling breeze. In the winter, turn your fan clockwise to create an updraft and circulate warm air around the room.

Reduce Your Heating and Cooling Costs

It’s always best to have your system serviced on a regular schedule by one of our trained technicians. Contact us today for your appointment. We’ll remind you when it’s time for your next routine visit.

Between our visits there are a few easy ways for you to stay comfortable during every season. If you have ceiling fans, changing the direction the blades spin is so simple and helps so much. Using a properly spinning ceiling fan can reduce your heating and cooling costs.

Ceiling Fan Blades Spinning

Ceiling Fan Blade Direction in Summer

Ceiling fan blade direction during summer should be counterclockwise. This correctly creates a downdraft to keep cool air close to the lower area of your room. Counterclockwise is the fan blades spinning to the left. As you stand under your ceiling fan, the blades move from top left, down right, then back to top. You’ll feel air movement blowing down on you.

Ceiling Fan Blade Direction in Winter

Ceiling fan blade direction during winter should be clockwise. This correctly creates an updraft to properly keep warm air circulating around your room. Clockwise is the fan blades spinning to the right. As you stand under your ceiling fan, the blades move from top right, down left, then back to top. If you don’t feel air blowing down you, it’s spinning clockwise.

For diagrams, please visit Hunter.

BNG Heating & Cooling has been in business since 1946. Every member of our trained team will be happy to assist you. Please contact us with any questions or concerns you may have. Our experts can ensure that you get the quality service that you deserve.

The Trick to Lowering Energy Costs With Regular HVAC Maintenance

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Proper maintenance of your HVAC system is essential to the normal everyday function of your business. By making sure there is proper and regular maintenance performed on your HVAC unit, you can dramatically improve the efficiency and save on your energy costs. Regular maintenance will also help you to avoid and expensive repairs and replacements. The following regular maintenance steps that your HVAC contractor can do for you will help you extend the life of your HVAC system.

Change Your Air Filters Regularly

One of the most cost effective steps that you can do to help lower your energy costs is to change your air filters regularly. Your HVAC filters help to keep dust, dirt and allergens out of the air circulating throughout your building. By changing these filters regularly or having your HVAC contractor do it for you, you can help to keep your HVAC system running cleaner and more efficiently.

Check Your Fan Regularly

During the normal operation of your HVAC unit, the fan that circulates the air throughout your building can become loose due to the cumulative effects of vibration. Whenever you change your filters or have them changed for you, your HVAC contractor will make sure to check your fan to be sure that it is working properly.

Have Your Fan Blades Cleaned Regularly

Your HVAC contractor should also check the vacuum and blower area of your HVAC unit. They will be able to properly clean the fan blades and remove any build up of dust, dirt or other debris that may be causing extra strain on your HVAC unit’s motor. Proper and regular cleaning can help to keep your fan balanced and maintain efficiency for your HVAC system.

Have Your Blower Motor Oiled Regularly

Your HVAC contractor can keep your fan motor oiled and running smoothly if it requires it. Depending on the HVAC blower motor, it may be sealed and may not require regular oiling. Your HVAC contractor can help you determine whether your blower motor requires this.

By having a professional HVAC contractor take care of your HVAC unit for you, you will be able to lower your energy costs, extend the life of your system and lower your maintenance costs. Waiting until something is broken down is not only more stressful but more costly than regular maintenance from your HVAC service provider. By making sure you are having professional and regular maintenance on your HVAC system, you will be sure to have one less thing to stress over when it comes to running all of the many operations that your business or organization requires. At a minimum, be sure that you have an HVAC maintenance service inspect your HVAC unit. If your facility has a combination heating and cooling unit, be sure to have it checked at least every quarter.

Should You Turn Off Your System During a Mild Winter?

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Let’s face it. The winters in Evansville, Indiana can go from one extreme to the next in the blink of an eye. Sometimes the snow comes early in the season and doesn’t stop, and other times it feels like the fall weather never left. There may be years where you feel like you don’t even need your heating system. However, there are days when it is cold enough that you need to warm your whole home. This sort of climate can make it hard to utilize your system productively. There are times when you are not exactly sure if you should keep the heater off or use it intermittently. Here are a few focuses to consider when concluding how to utilize your HVAC system during winter in our general area.

TEMPERATURE VARIATIONS

In Indiana, winters may bring 20-degree evenings and 60-degree days. Certain weeks can see temperatures in the 50s with the next week creating temperatures in the low 10s. In addition to the fact that you have to stress over temperature fluctuations from everyday or week to week, you need to consider thermostat settings for wide temperature swings inside a 24-hour time frame. This sort of variety can make it important to have cooling in the first part of the day and warmth around evening time. Or then again you might have the option to kill the air during the day yet need heat during the evening. On those ideal occasions, you can do without heating and cooling your home altogether

However, it is those occasions that you continually need to control the system that you fear most. You’ve heard that it is best not to turn off the system except if it is for broadened periods. Nonetheless, this may not generally work in all circumstances. The best arrangement is to utilize the system wisely.

PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT

You may be worried that in the event that you turn off your system during the day and walk out on around evening time, you may burn-through pointless energy. The heater should run longer to arrive at the temperature at which you set your thermostat. A programmable thermostat is maybe perhaps the best instrument you can utilize. Setting temperatures for a minimum of eight hours is considered to be effective. More specifically, you can set the thermostat to reduce cycling times (turning on) when you are away or snoozing. Numerous thermostats permit you to program for a whole week. Those that give gauges can assist you with programing your thermostat all the more precisely.

You will have the option to program your thermostat to progressively arrive at the ideal temperature at the perfect time. At the point when the mild temperatures keep going for a few days, turning off the HVAC system is a smart thought.

DUCTLESS HEATERS

At the point when your house is cold however you can’t legitimize turning on the heater, ductless heaters can be a decent other option. One preferred position of utilizing ductless heaters is the capacity to warm the specific zones in your home. This assists with giving the solace you need without squandering energy. The central heating system will heat even areas that don’t need heat, resulting in wasted energy.

BEYOND TEMPERATURE REGULATION

In addition to heating and cooling your home, your HVAC system also circulates the air, which can improve indoor air quality (IAQ). It also controls humidity levels. If you turn off your HVAC system entirely, you won’t have these benefits, so pay attention to how your home feels. If you notice unpleasant odors, when outdoor temperatures are mild enough, be sure to open windows or doors to let fresh air inside.

UTILIZING YOUR HVAC SYSTEM

Freezing weather is still very common in Evansville. During these occasions, your furnace doesn’t just keep you warm and cozy, it also prevents your pipes from freezing. Burst pipes can result in thousands of dollars’ worth of damage, so you’re better off leaving the HVAC system on if lower temperatures appear in the forecast. In this case it is wise to use recommended thermostat settings so you provide just the right level of heating.

However, for mild winters, how you use your HVAC system will depend on the needs and preferences of occupants as well as characteristics specific to your home. Pay attention to the weather forecasts so you can know what to expect. Generally, weather patterns in our area will allow you to keep your system off for certain periods. On any given day, the best solution involves using your thermostat wisely.

If you are not sure about the best way to manage your HVAC system, consult the pros at BNG Heating and Cooling at (812) 858-4000. We can provide the solutions and systems to help you to manage your energy bills and indoor comfort. Call us today!

5 Thermostat Efficiency Tips for Autumn

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With fall just around the corner, we’ve got 5 proven tips to save you money and keep your home comfortable for the change in season. In cooler seasons, save energy by using a smart thermostat, lowering temperatures at night, wearing layers, and operating an energy-efficient HVAC system.

Own a Smart Thermostat

We know you have a busy schedule, so it may be inconvenient to constantly change your thermostat by hand.  Owning a smart thermostat is our first tip, as it can be used to automate energy-adjustments with ease. You are able to adjust the temperature of your home or business according to your schedule, cutting down on your energy costs and only using your system when you’re there to enjoy it. Many smart thermostats are operated by apps via smartphones, so you’ll never have to worry about making a quick adjustment.

Lounge in Warm Clothes and Sleep Under a Blanket

Cut energy costs by regularly dressing warmer and using extra blankets while you sleep. This tactic can save you quite a hefty amount, considering leaving the furnace on max 8 hours a night can really add up quick.

Split Your Home Into Different Heating Zones

Unfortunately, not everyone is comfortable at a warm 75 degrees Fahrenheit. With a zoning system, you no longer have to program the entire house to stay at one particular temperature, allowing everyone to be more comfortable while saving you money!

Maintain Your HVAC System

Even if you own an efficient HVAC system, you cannot afford to forget to have it regularly maintained. From the gas valve, gas pressure, and igniter, the parts of your system need regular attention or they can cause your system to overwork, costing you money. Not only that, but thermostats often need to be adjusted periodically just to make sure your system can do it’s job with pinpoint accuracy. It’s important to get to know your local service specialists and have them check on your regularly.

Change Your Filters on Schedule

Regardless of whether you use a geothermal system, a gas furnace, or a heat pump, you’ll have filters. With all the available options, homeowners might find details of filter choice and filter replacement confusing. However, regardless of whether your HVAC manufacturer recommends once-a-month filter replacements or a different schedule, following the guidelines can help smooth your way in the future.

At BNG Heating and Cooling, we help Evansville, Indiana residents take a look at long-term energy savings through smart thermostats and other energy-efficient products while providing high-quality installation, maintenance, and repair. We can help you get your HVAC in shape for fall, so give us a call at (812)858-4000.

Resolve to SAVE Next Year

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It’s time to make some new year’s resolutions! We’re here to tell you that making your savings account a priority is easier than you think—most people are spending WAY too much money on their home comfort! Here are our tips for lowering those monthly energy bills and avoiding expensive repairs and replacements:

Get on a Maintenance Schedule

Preventative maintenance visits are crucial! Not only do we make sure that your unit is clean and running at peak efficiency, but we can also spot breakdowns before they happen. We talked about our maintenance visits, including  in a blog post earlier this month, which you can find here!

Invest in Energy Efficiency

While sometimes investing in energy efficiency means that it’s time to ditch that old and rackety HVAC machine that breaks down every year, it can also mean investing in frequent air filter changes! Sometimes, you don’t even need to make a financial investment to make sure things are running smoothly. You’d be amazed at how many people forget to clear debris away from their outdoor unit! Invest a little bit of time each week to clearing away that surface-level yard debris, and you’ll save yourself both money and the heartache of having to evict a rodent family from your unit once winter is over.

Become a Smart Home

The upfront cost of a smart thermometer sometimes scares homeowners away from making the investment, but the more people make the switch, the more it’s being discovered that these smart thermostats save homeowners money almost instantly! What’s more is that you can integrate your new smart thermostat with the other smart equipment in your home, taking both your home security up a notch and your home’s energy consumption down a notch.

Take Advantage of Financing Options

Thinking it’s time to make a few of these upgrades in order to save money in the long-haul? Lucky for you, we offer multiple “buy now, pay later” options for the equipment we offer our customers. You’d be hard-pressed to find financing opportunities as easy as ours!

We hope these tips will be helpful to you! There’s nothing we hate more than to find that our customers have been spending way too much money on their energy bills or on expensive repairs that could easily be prevented.Take these tips to heart, so that 2019 can be your best financial year yet!

The Price You Pay for an Old Thermostat

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We know what you’re thinking—this is just a sales pitch for an HVAC company to sell you a new thermostat. The truth is that we’re always reminding our customers to update their thermostats because we see, time after time, how the upgrade significantly impacts our customers’ monthly energy bills. Here’s how:

Automatic Setting Adjustments

While some of our customers with analog thermostats are diligent about adjusting the temperature according to time of day, temperature outside, and based on observations on how their HVAC system is performing month after month, most are—understandably—not so diligent.

It’s a hassle!

Most customers leave their thermostats on one or two settings, all year round.

This chore becomes easier with programmable thermostats, which can usually be controlled remotely and set up to shift schedules without physically approaching the thermostat.

The smart thermostat takes this feature one step further—giving you remote control of your unit AND calibrating the settings and temperatures more intuitively than even you can.

Smart thermostats actually pay attention to what times of day you frequently adjust your home’s temperature. If it notices that you always set it to a lower temperature before bed, it will do that on its own.

With smartphone integration, your smart thermostat can even tell when you’re en route home from work and adjust the temperature accordingly.

Why all this adjusting?

It keeps you from making your AC or heat run all day, every day, when you really only need it working hard when you’re home.

Price of New Thermostat vs. Price of Energy Bills  

Over time, the regular calibration of your smart thermostat works to save you money. For example, users of a popular smart thermostat brand called Nest (offered in addition to Honeywell products by BNG Heating & Cooling) reported an average yearly savings of $131-$145.

Most smart thermostats cost about $200. That means a smart thermostat pays for itself in under two years, then goes on to save you around 10%-15% in energy bills every year.

Ready to make your smartest move yet? Call us! We can install your new thermostat during your next HVAC maintenance checkup.

Save On Your Energy Bills This Winter

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Home comfort is our passion. Because of that, we’re devastated to come across families—every single winter—who are freezing in their homes and spending way too much money on energy bills because they didn’t prepare for the cold winter months.

We want your home to be your oasis, your absolute favorite place in the world. And we know that the holidays are already expensive enough without high energy bills. That’s why we’ve made this list of our best tips for making your home as energy-efficient AND warm as possible this winter:

Proper Insulation

We preach the importance of insulation year-round, but there’s no time of the year more crucial for insulation performance than the freezing months ahead.

When you call one of our experts to perform an energy audit on your home, we’re able to go through and perform thermal imaging tests to discover exactly where you’re losing energy.  Then, we can come in and repair your insulation or even add an insulation topper to ensure sufficient energy efficiency.

Sealed Openings

Many homeowners neglect to seal their windows and doors, allowing cold air to consistently seep into their home.

While newer, energy efficient windows may not need this added level of protection, most older homes could greatly benefit from a little caulk around its window and door frames.

Regular HVAC Maintenance

It sounds like we’re selling our product—and of course we are!—but only because we see time and time again how consistently maintaining your large HVAC equipment prevents breakdowns.

Our technicians are able to catch little hiccups before they become big, expensive ones.

Find a Trusted Partner

Last, but not least, is that you find someone that you can call when your home is struggling to keep up with the cold weather.

No matter if you’re calling to make sure you don’t run into any problems or if your HVAC unit has just worn out, we’re the people you can trust to get you back on track.

When your home stops being your favorite winter escape, don’t hesitate to call our 24/7 service line.

The Homeowner’s Fall Preparedness Checklist

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Last month, we covered all the fall maintenance projects that you’re getting all wrong.

This month, we wanted to give you one, concise list that tells you everything you need to do when you’re preparing your home to be in tip-top shape throughout the winter and when the warm months return.

Leaf Management

It’s easy for us to put off raking leaves and cleaning our gutters. If you’ve got a lot of trees around your yard, it can be a LOT of work!

We encourage you, however, to be vigilant about leaf maintenance.

Not only will raking benefit the health of your grass especially want to make sure that leaves aren’t collecting in or around your HVAC unit. It may be the perfect season to spend time on landscaping, anyway!

And don’t forget about the leaves building up in your gutters. If you do, you’ll be creating a problem that could result in water leaks, rotting wood, mold, and mildew.

Water Management

You don’t want your water sources to freeze during the winter. You won’t be needing your water hose as much this season, so go ahead and remove them from outdoor faucets.

If you have an underground sprinkler system, you’ll want to winterize that too, in order to avoid frozen and bursting pipes.

Energy Management

Winter is going to put your home’s energy efficiency to the test. If your home is leaking air, it will likely be around windows and doors. We tell you how to seal those areas up here.

Of course, you need to make sure that your insulation is ready to take on another hard winter. You should call an insulation expert to give your home a proper inspection before the cold weather hits.

You never know—you may only need an insulation topper!

Appliance Management

Be sure to store your lawn equipment in a safe place, so that they’ll be in good shape to start right back up in the spring. And, even more importantly, you need to be proactive about your HVAC and furnace maintenance.

Luckily for those of you in the Tri-State area, BNG Heating and Cooling offers maintenance plans that start at just $15 a month.

When you enroll in this program, our technicians regularly visit your home to ensure that you won’t be faced with any surprise breakdowns when the harsh weather invades Indiana!

Ready to tackle the winter together?

Call the experts at BNG Heating and Cooling or come by one of our locations in Boonville, Evansville, Newburgh, or Richland to schedule a consultation today!