Dalton Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Fireplaces, Inc. Blog: Archive for the ‘Energy Efficiency’ Category

Concerned about Efficiency? Check Your Thermostat Settings

Monday, November 21st, 2016

Let’s say that you’ve come home after a particularly chilly day, and the temperature inside your home offers no relief from the cold outside. Your natural reaction will very likely be to go to your thermostat and turned the temperature up to as warm as you can bear.

Unfortunately, this really doesn’t do much good. In fact, if the temperature of your home is—hypothetically speaking—currently set at 68, and you turn it up to 80, your heating system isn’t going to work any faster than had you set it 75.

Tags: heating services, Waverly
Posted in Cedar Falls Blog, Energy Efficiency | Comments Off on Concerned about Efficiency? Check Your Thermostat Settings

Federal HVAC Credit – Available for Equipment Purchased and Installed in 2012 – 2016

Friday, March 4th, 2016

In 2015, the U.S. government renewed the 25C tax credit for high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment. This credit is offered as part of a larger energy-efficiency incentive for home improvements.

What it covers

Up to 10% of the cost to $500, or a specific amount from $50 to $300
$300 maximum credit available for qualifying central Air Conditioners, Heat Pumps, Packaged Units and Ductless Mini-Split Systems
$150 maximum credit available for qualifying Furnaces and Boilers

Qualification details

Equipment must be installed in an existing home and your principal residence; rentals or new construction do not qualify
If you claimed $500 or more for enhancements to your home’s exterior (windows, doors, skylights, insulation, roofing, etc.) from 2006 to 2014, your HVAC purchase made in 2012-2016 will be ineligible
If you claimed $500 or less, you may qualify for a credit, but you may not get the full dollar amount specified

Call Dalton Plumbing, Heating and Cooling for more information on these fabulous rebate opportunities!

Posted in Cedar Falls Blog, Energy Efficiency, Go Green, Tax Credits & Rebates, Uncategorized | Comments Off on Federal HVAC Credit – Available for Equipment Purchased and Installed in 2012 – 2016

Beat the Summer Heat this Year

Friday, May 22nd, 2015

10 Simple Ways to Prepare Your Home for the Summer Heat

As the warm weather of summer approaches, there are many things you can do to keep the home cooler and cut down on excessive utility costs. Here are ten simple ways to prepare your home for the summer heat.

1. Dark Curtains

Invest in some darker curtains, they will help to keep the direct sunlight from penetrating and heating up the interior of each room.

2. Sun Reflecting Blinds

Blinds that reflect the sunlight and keep the rooms dark can help to cool the home and reduce your air conditioning cots. These blinds can reduce the sunlight entering rooms with direct sunlight exposure.

3. HVAC Tune UP

Call your local HVAC repair company and schedule an inspection and maintenance immediately. Your cooling system will be running much harder, and if it is tuned up, will run more effectively this summer.

4. Replace Cooling Air Filter

Run down to the hardware store and purchase a few HVAC air filters, and replace one immediately. The cleaner the filer, the easier for the system to operate this summer.

5. Cleaning Near the Foundation

Remove any weeds, shrubbery, or plants growing too close to the house foundation. These attract a variety of insects who will then try to find easy access to the home to escape the heat.

6. Seal Exterior Holes

Patch any holes or cracks along the perimeter of your home. Rodents will try to escape other predators and the heat, looking for safe refuge in your garage or attic.

7. Wash the Screens

While the daytime will be hot, many times the evening will be very comfortable. Clean the window screens so that when you do open the windows you are not confronted with nasty filth.

8. Clean Out the Garage

If your garage is full of clutter from this winter, now is the time to start cleaning so you can get your vehicle out of the heat and inside the cool garage.

9. Patch Any Screens

With the windows open many nights, you want to repair any holes in the screens now so insects are not gaining access to the home each time you open the windows.

10. Cleaning the Outside Fan

During the winter, the outside HVAC fan can accumulate, branches, twigs, and even the occasional rodent nest. Have your local HVAC professional open the unit and carefully clear out any debris.

Don’t let your A/C suck the fun out of summer. Call Dalton Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling at (319) 266-3513 for greener HVAC services in the Waterloo area!

Posted in Cedar Falls Blog, Energy Efficiency, Waterloo Air | Comments Off on Beat the Summer Heat this Year

Let the Spring Savings Begin

Friday, April 24th, 2015

How to Make Your Home Energy Efficient this Spring

While many people have moved towards green sustainable living for the environmental benefits that it brings, there is a real gain for homeowners financially as well.

Going green means reducing the amount of energy that you consume and saving money as a result. There are many ways to have your home be more energy efficient and, there is no way to start like the spring. This article will provide some tips for making your home more energy efficient.

Have Your HVAC System Inspected

Your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is likely the biggest drain on your home energy usage during the summer.

Start by having your HVAC inspected by a licensed plumber who can help to see how efficiently it is designed as well as if there are any pending issues with the system that can be resolved to help make your home more energy efficient.

Sometimes easy fixes can make a big difference while other times more significant changes are needed. Simple fixes can be as easy as having new filters installed or having the space around an outside air pump cleared of foliage, while more significant changes can involve a redesign of your system or cleaning clogged or damaged air tubes. Only a trained HVAC plumber would know the best course of action for your home.

Have a Plumber Review Your System for Leaks

Sometimes efficiency in your home can be undermined by leaks in your plumbing system. A small leak can lead to big damage to your home and also take a bite out of your efficiency rating.

Having a licensed and experienced plumber visit your home to inspect and search for leaks can make a big difference on the overall energy efficiency of your home.

Consider Other Energy Efficient Changes

Energy efficiency changes can come by having a plumbing specialist install newer and more energy efficient thermostats in your home that allow you to regulate the temperature of your home in a more effective way.

Alternatively, other fixes such as more energy efficient windows or house fans can be recommended. The exact recommendations will depend on your home setup and location. Contact a plumber to see what recommendations they have for you.

Spring time is the time for implementing new changes in your life as it is the season of renewal. Use a professional to find the right decisions for your needs and start saving with greater efficiency this coming year.

Interested in going green? Call Dalton Plumbing, Heating & Cooling at (319) 266-3513 to make your Cedar Falls home more energy efficient today.

Posted in Cedar Falls Blog, Cedar Falls Plumber, Energy Efficiency | Comments Off on Let the Spring Savings Begin