Lochridge-Priest, Inc.

When should I repair older equipment and when do I need to replace it?

killerbee — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 19:25:07 +0000

With an equipment breakdown, it can be tempting to find the least expensive “quick fix” to your system, but it may not give you the most value in the long run. An older system that breaks down once is likely to break down again…and again. Also, restoring your old system will only bring it back to its current level of energy efficiency. Even six-year old heat pumps and air conditioners are considered grossly inefficient by today’s energy efficiency standards. Installing a new, high efficiency equipment can save you up to 60% on your bill and actually pay for itself in energy savings withing a relatively short time.

How does a zoning system work?

killerbee — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 19:24:36 +0000

A zoning system gives you the same kind of flexibility in controlling heating and cooling that you have with light switches in your home. it doesn’t make sense to light a room no one is using, so you turn off the light switch, right? With zoning you can basically do the same thing with heating and cooling. if you have certain rooms that are always warmer or cooler than the rest of the home, you can direct your system to automatically provide more heating or cooling to that area without wasting energy to heat or cool your entire home.

Why is my A/C System freezing up?

killerbee — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 19:24:02 +0000

Among some of the likely culprits that could cause an A/C system freeze up are dirty air filters or evaporator coils, a low refrigerant charge or malfunctioning blower motor. Most freeze ups can be avoided with regular maintenance. Simply changing you filter regularly can save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars in operating cost and water related repairs. At Lochridge-Priest, we offer annual maintenance agreements that cost less than a single service call to fix a frozen unit. That’s a no-brainer, plus we can give our customers the peace of mind that their systems are fine-tunned and ready for each heating/cooling season.

I have relatively new gas appliances in my home, should i be concerned about carbon monoxide?

killerbee — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 19:23:31 +0000

Carbon Monoxide is the byproduct of incomplete combustion. If you have fuel burning appliances, you stand the chance of one of them malfunctioning or developing leaks. It can become a serious, and potentially deadly, danger.You can’t see, smell or taste carbon monoxide, but as unsafe levels build up, it can find you. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 170 people per year die in the US of carbon monoxide poisoning stemming from consumer products, not including vehicles. That is why it’s important to install carbon monoxide detectors in your home and have them checked annually.

What are ways for me to make sure I am heating my home efficiently?

killerbee — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 19:22:51 +0000

Check your filter every month, especially during heavy use months (winter & summer). At a minimum, change the filter every three months. Tune up your HVAC equipment yearly. A yearly tune-up can improve efficiency & comfort. Install a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat is ideal for people who are away form home during set periods of time throughout the week. Next, seal your heating and cooling ducts. Ducts that move air to and from a forced air furnace, central air conditioning or heat pump are often big energy wasters. Focus on sealing ducts that run through the attic, crawlspace, unheated basement, or garage.

How can I get better performance out of my heating system?

killerbee — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 19:22:03 +0000

There are several things that you can do to enhance your home heating system’s performance without raising your energy cost. You can set your thermostat to lower settings when you are away from your home and asleep. Most programmable thermostats have seven day settings to accommodate even the most active families. clean or replace your filter every month, a dirty filter can affect your systems efficiency by more than 10 percent. Seal air leaks around windows, doors and attic spaces, and finally have your system inspected by a qualified professional technician.

How can Solar panels save me money?

killerbee — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 19:15:31 +0000

Solar Panels are an excellent wayto save money and conserve energy. The most expensive part of converting to solar power for your home is the initial purchase and installation. But once everything is purchased and installed, the panels begin to pay for themselves on the first day of regular operation. The money that you save through solar energy use can be well over half of your normal electricity bill. They’re also a wonderful way to take care of the enviromental by reducing our carbon footprint. LENNOX now has the first ever HVAC system powered by solar. It is an exciting product.