Tag: programmable thermostat

Your Programmable Thermostat Can Help You Save This Winter, if You Use It Right

Posted on by kerry

programmable thermostat

Learn How to Use Your New Thermostat to Its Potential

A programmable thermostat is one of the best investments you can make this winter when it comes to saving energy, but it must be programmed correctly in order to work efficiently. A properly installed and operated programmable thermostat will help you spend less on energy bills both now and in the warmer months to come. Learn how to use your programmable thermostat to maximize your energy savings this winter.  Continue reading “Your Programmable Thermostat Can Help You Save This Winter, if You Use It Right” →

Your Heat Pump’s Thermostat: What You Need to Know for Winter Programming

Posted on by kerry

How a Programmable System Can Help Cut Costs

There’s no question that you want to stay warm and comfortable in your home, but that doesn’t mean you have to waste electricity to do so. Many homeowners don’t realize that they’re not effectively using their heat pump’s thermostat. Let’s explore the simple ways you can reduce your energy consumption. Continue reading “Your Heat Pump’s Thermostat: What You Need to Know for Winter Programming” →

With a Programmable Thermostat You Can Schedule Comfort and Savings

Posted on by kerry

programmable thermostat, Long Island, New YorkCustomize Your Home’s Temperature With Remote Capabilities

After a long day at work, many people return to an empty, chilly home in the summer and an empty, toasty warm home in the winter with no one but the utility company bill collector to appreciate the expense. Meanwhile, other homeowners who try to save energy expend too much of their own repeatedly changing the thermostat setting. A programmable thermostat is the answer to both energy-wasting scenarios. Continue reading “With a Programmable Thermostat You Can Schedule Comfort and Savings” →

Time to Map Out a Long-Term Energy Savings Strategy

Posted on by kerry

long-term energy savings strategy-Long Island, New YorkUse the End of Summer to Work On Maximizing Energy Use

Every small step you take to reduce your home energy consumption adds up. But to achieve significant savings over a long period of time, you should devise a long-term energy savings strategy. Continue reading “Time to Map Out a Long-Term Energy Savings Strategy” →

Keeping Your Home Safe and Sound When You’re Vacation-Bound

Posted on by kerry

leaving home safe and sound, Long Island, New YorkIf you’re eagerly anticipating a much-needed family vacation, make sure everything’s in order before you head out. By completing the following measures before you pull out of the driveway, you can enjoy peace of mind on your trip, knowing you’re keeping your home safe and sound during your absence. Continue reading “Keeping Your Home Safe and Sound When You’re Vacation-Bound” →

Taking Charge of Summertime Cooling Costs: 10 Foolproof Tips

Posted on by kerry

summertime cooling costs, Long Island, New YorkTrying to stay comfortable in Long Island’s mid-year heat and humidity can get expensive, but these 10 tactics will give you a good head start on controlling your summertime cooling costs. Continue reading “Taking Charge of Summertime Cooling Costs: 10 Foolproof Tips” →

Cutting Your Home Energy Bills Down to Size: Strategic Steps You Can Take Right Now

Posted on by kerry

home energy bills, Long Island, New YorkTrimming Your Energy Consumption Will Save You Money

When it comes to managing your household, every penny counts, especially with energy bills. Continue reading “Cutting Your Home Energy Bills Down to Size: Strategic Steps You Can Take Right Now” →

Think a Programmable Thermostat Is Too Smart? Read On

Posted on by kerry

programmable thermostat, Long Island, New YorkSave on Energy Costs by Adjusting AC or Heat Based on Use

When you leave your Long Island home for a day at work, do you need to heat it like you do when you’re home? Absolutely not, yet turning down the thermostat is just one more thing to remember on your way out the door. To make this job simpler, you can install a programmable thermostat to take care of this for you, so you can save money and energy while still coming back to a comfortable home. Continue reading “Think a Programmable Thermostat Is Too Smart? Read On” →

How to Maximize Your Programmable Thermostat to Save Energy

Posted on by kerry

thermostat Long Island

Why Programmable Thermostats Can Save You Money

 

As temperatures fluctuate between seasons, weeks and even days, having a programmable thermostat can help keep you and your family comfortable.

Installing a programmable thermostat also provides energy-saving benefits, resulting in lower monthly utility bills. Follow some simple guidelines to maximize your programmable thermostat and save energy.

  • Keep your thermostat set at its energy-saving setting during long periods of time, such as during the day while family members are at work or school and overnight. To see the best results in savings, keep settings in place for 8 hours at a time when possible.
  • If you need a boost in warm or cool air, temporarily override the set program  temperature. That said, using this feature regularly can reduce your efficiency. Instead, alter your settings to a more comfortable programmed setting.
  • When you’ll be away from home for days at a time, use the vacation setting so you aren’t heating or cooling an empty house. Maximize your savings by reducing the amount of conditioned air your HVAC system produces since your home will be empty.
  • Set a program that works for your family. The 7-day models are ideal for families with a unique schedule each day of the week while 5+2-day models are great for families with a set Monday through Friday routine and a separate weekend schedule.
  • To optimize performance, remember to change the batteries in your thermostat each year. Most systems will alert you if you need to change the batteries more often.

By following these tips and being thoughtful about your energy usage, you will notice the savings in your utility bills.

Thinking of installing a programmable thermostat in your home to optimize your energy usage? Contact the experts at T.F. O’Brien Cooling & Heating. We’ve served the Long Island area since 1934.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics,  download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Image via  Shutterstock.com

Peace Of Mind With An Automatic Standby Generator

Posted on by kerry

standby generator Long IslandLong Island Experiences Enough Outages to Make It a Good Idea to Have Back Up Power

 

You can do any number of things to help ensure the comfort of your home for yourself and your family — from properly maintaining your heat pump to installing a programmable thermostat. However, without power, these efforts are pointless. Hurricanes and winter storms are fairly common occurrences on Long Island, which is why many homeowners in the area are installing an automatic standby generator.

These generators offer many benefits for homeowners, particularly when power outages occur.

Benefits of an automatic standby generator

A severe storm near your home can easily knock out power for days at a time, as we know all too well. As a result, you might lose any food you have stored in your refrigerator, in addition to any medications that are affected by temperature extremes. Some home occupants rely on electrically powered medical equipment such as ventilators. The loss of power for these individuals is a serious issue. Even for those who have no serious health problems, having a standby generator is a great convenience when it comes to maintaining a comfortable home, particularly when temperatures are extreme.

Portable generators versus standby generators

Automatic standby generators offer many advantages over portable units. For instance, while portable units have to be refueled by hand with gasoline after a few hours of operation, automatic standby generators are commonly fueled by natural gas, and thus are directly connected to the home’s gas fuel line. This means the automatic standby generator is always ready to be used, and will automatically start up when it detects that the power has gone out. In addition, a large generator can produce enough power for your entire home, while a portable unit might only be able to power a few items.

Because it connects directly to your home’s utilities, you should employ a professional to install an automatic standby generator. If you have any questions about this process, please feel free to contact T.F. O’Brien Cooling & Heating. With over 75 years of experience, we are proud to serve the people of Long Island, and our team of experienced professionals is more than happy to help you.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics,  download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Image via  Shutterstock.com