The first thing that you can do would be to turn off the lights, televisions and computers when you are not using them.  This sounds easy but many people forget. In most homes today there are two or even three computers.  These really do pull a lot of electricity. Therefore, it is very important to remember to turn then off when you are not using them.

The next thing that you should do is spend some time looking around your home and identifying what is currently plugged in that is not being used.  Many people do not realize it but there are a lot of home appliances that will continue to draw power even if they are not being used.  Therefore, these things may need to be completely unplugged until you are ready to use them, for example your coffee maker.

Making simple changes like this can really benefit you in the long run.  Of course, there are simple things like turning the heat down at night or washing your laundry in cold water.  However, if you do these things along with the tips mentioned above, you will be sure to see an improvement in your monthly payments. Don’t forget you can also save money in the long run by purchasing energy efficient appliances.

Evaporative air conditioners, or swap coolers, work well in dry desert regions like Phoenix, Arizonian.  However, if you had purchased, say a Fort Worth new home in Texas, you will need to use a refrigerated cooling system for your home. Refrigerated units are categorized by room air conditioners that fit into a wall or window and central air conditioning. Central air conditioning is the most common type of home cooling systems.  Thought the initial purchase price is higher, central air conditioning is generally more efficient, quieter, and less costly in the long run than an individual room unit.  In a home without forced warm-air heat, a central air conditioner can be a single unit that is installed next to the house with the condenser and compressor outdoors and the evaporator and blower inside.

It’s important that your refrigerated cooling system properly maintained and if necessary, professionally served to keep your energy cost low.  To ensure efficient operation of your refrigerated cooling system, you will need to clean the filter every month during the cooling season; make sure to replace the filter as necessary. Check the condensate drain for clogs and keep the condenser and evaporator coils clean. 

For problems with the operation of your refrigerated cooling system, see our Troubleshooting A Refrigerated Air Conditioner Chart below. Always call a professional to repair a refrigeration air conditioner.

Preventive maintenance around your home is to keep your home in good  repair.  Such routine home maintenance will avoid major repairs in the future. Below is a list of the most common year round home maintenance work you should do around your home. The chart is simply a guide. If you notice a problem developing take action immediately.

CAUTION: Before inspecting or working on any electrical system or on any device connected to it, shut off the power and check to make sure the circuit is dead with a circuit tester. Unplug any device you plan to work on. For maintenance or repairs to plumbing fixtures or water using appliances you should shut off the water before making any repairs. Follow safety tips when on the roof.

Hot Water Heating System

Forced Warm-Air Heating System

Evaporative Air Conditioner

Heat Pump

Refrigerated Air Conditioner Make sure extinguisher is fully charged and recharge if necessary.Test batteries with a lit cigarette or incense. Replace  batteries if necessary.Clean out debris, such as hair, from the sink and tub stoppers.Flush with hot water and baking soda to clear out the garbage disposal.Check safety valve and steam pressure gauge. Check water level gauge and add water if water level is to low. Drain water until water runs clear of deposits.

Test relief valve and replace if needed. Check pressure gauge and drain expansion tank if necessary.

Clean or replace air filter.

Check or replace blankets; check air flow; clean unit if necessary.

Clean or replace air filter. Clean condenser, evaporator coils and condensate drain. Remove any snow or debris form the unit.

Clean filter, condenser and evaporator coils and condensate drain or replace if necessary. Every 2 Months Oil BurnerWall FurnaceDishwasher Inspect and clean oil burner.Clean Grills from wall furnace.Clean grease filter in dishwasher. Every 3 Months FaucetTub Drain AssemblyFloor Drain StrainerDishwasher Clean aerator portion of the faucet.Clean out debris and see if rubber seal need to be replaced.Clean out debris and scrub strainer clean.Clean strainer, spray arm, and air gap within the dishwasher. Every 6 Months Basement and FoundationToiletInterior CaulkingWater HeaterGarbage Disposer

Clothes Washer

Clothes Dryer

Refrigerator

Wiring

Exhaust Fan

Range Hood Fan Check for cracks and moisture and repair if cracks or moisture is found.Check for leaks.Inspect caulking around tubs, showers, and sinks to see if any  are deteriorating.Drain and flush hot water heater tank until is clear of sediment. Inspect flue assembly.Tighten drain connections and fasteners from sink to disposer.

Clean water inlet filters and check hoses for leaking.

Vacuum lint from ducts and surrounding areas.

Clan drain hole and pan. Wash door gasket and vacuum off condenser coils.

Check for frayed cords and wires. Repair any damages at once.

Clean grill and fan blades from dust and debris.

Wash fan blades and housing off.

Preventive maintenance around your home is to keep your home in good  repair.  Such routine home maintenance will avoid major repairs in the future. Below is a list of the most common year round home maintenance work you should do around your home. The chart is simply a guide. If you notice a problem developing take action immediately.

CAUTION: Before inspecting or working on any electrical system or on any device connected to it, shut off the power to your home and check to make sure the circuit is dead with a circuit tester. Unplug any device you plan to work on. For maintenance or repairs to plumbing fixtures or water using appliances you should shut off the water before making any repairs.

1. Remove the cover and detach the wires of the old thermostat from their lettered terminals. Tag and label each wire to ensure you re-hook each wire up to the correct terminal. The tags will also work as a barrier to keep the wires from  siding back into the hole of the wall.

2. Attach the new bade plate to the wall with screws. Checking to ensure that the new thermostat is  level. Strip the wire ends if necessary, Wrap the ends clockwise around the terminal screws then tighten the screws with the wire attached.

3. Mount the new thermostat cover on the base plate by following the manufacture’s instructions.

Cleaning a Thermostat.

Cleaning your thermostat ensures trouble-free operation over its life . To clean your thermostat in three easy steps, simply remove the cover, many electronic thermostats are wireless and snap on and off with ease. Clean the contact points by turning the thermostat all the way up until the points are closed. Remove the cover and wiggle a strip of thin cord between the two points. Blow any lessen debris off the points. Once this is done clean the heat sensor. Brush the coil gently and then blow the heat sensor clan of debris. Then lastly clean the switch contacts. Simply do this with a cotton swab that as been moistened with a small amount of alcohol. By keeping your thermostat clean you prevent long-term damage allow for only quick fixes for heating an cooling systems.

For maximum efficiency, you should clean the heater system and inspect the burner and thermostat throughout the colder months. If a problem with the heater dose presents itself, here are some possible causes and solutions.

*Should be performed by a professional.

Dust and particles caught in this filter after only 3 months.

Did you know that indoor levels of pollutants may be two to five times higher than outdoor levels? Indoor air quality ranks as one of the top five environmental risks to public health.  A heater / air conditioner filter can help clean the air in your home by reducing particles (from the air passing through the filter) that can contribute to poor indoor air quality, and maintain proper air flow.

What Filters Do

Heater and air conditioner filters are effective at attracting and capturing large airborne allergens like pollen, mold spores, and dust mite debris. Electrostatically charged fibers attract and capture microscopic airborne particles like smoke, pet dander, household dust, and smog.

How Often Should I Change My Filter?

For cleaner air, the filter should be changed at least every three months.  Changing your filter more frequently makes your system run more efficiently.  certain conditions in your home will significantly add particles to the air.  This will cause the filter to capture more particles than usual, shortening its life to less than three months or reducing the effectiveness of the filter to capture particles.  These conditions include:

• Dirty Ductwork
• Sanding Projects
• Burning Candles
• Construction Work
• Pets
• Tobacco Smoke
• Fireplace and Wood-Burning Stove Smoke

Also, running your furnace or air conditioning fan continuously will help clean the air in your home but could further shorten the life of the filter.