Heating & Cooling

Maximize your HVAC system's efficiency to stay comfortable during any season.

Controlling your electricity usage and home temperature is easier than you may think.

Heating

• Lower your thermostat to reduce electricity usage. 
  For every degree above 68°F, expect an approximate three to five percent increase in your heating costs. 
• Reduce the thermostat on your water heater to 120°F. 
  You could save three to five percent in energy costs per year. 
• Rotate your ceiling fan clockwise at a lower speed during the winter. 
  This will force cooler air upward, reducing how much you need to run your heater to keep your home warm.

Air Conditioner

• Take control of your costs by following the four-by-four principle. 
  When your thermostat is set below 78°F, each degree cooler may increase your costs by up to seven percent during summer months. Setting your thermostat four degrees higher when you’re away for more than four hours can help reduce electricity usage and costs.
• Resist the urge to override your automatic A/C fan settings. 
  Set your A/C fan to the “auto” position rather than the “on” position. Using the “on” fan setting can increase your costs and cause more transference of attic heat via the ductwork, making the A/C work harder to maintain your desired temperature.
• Schedule an annual A/C checkup. 
  Early spring is a good time to schedule a tune-up with an A/C service professional. Schedule your multi-point AC Tune-up provided by Allied Warranty to ensure that your system is running at its best.

Air Filters

• Choose the appropriate filter for your home. 
  The type of filter best suited for your home depends on the amount of return air your HVAC system both requires and receives. You can reference the EPA's Air Filters Guide for steps you can follow when choosing the type of filter your home needs. 
• Let us do the work for you. 
  It’s good practice to check filters monthly and replace when necessary, especially if you have pets or dusty conditions in your home. With Reliant Filters Made EasySM, convenience comes with a year-round service that will deliver replacement air filters for all of your heating and cooling systems right to your door, at the time increments you specify.

Attic

• Know when your house was built. 
  More than 80 percent of homes built prior to 1980 lack adequate insulation. Save by sealing and insulating your attic hatch or door. 
• Make sure your house is well insulated. 
  Any house without insulation can lose up to 40 percent of heated or cooled air. The FREE Reliant Home Energy Checkup is a great way to find out the efficiency of your insulation and home overall.

Air Distribution & Ventilation

• Check your air vents regularly. 
  If air is not being distributed effectively or if your air supply system obstructed, your system will not operate efficiently. 
• Add more attic ventilation. 
  You can add ventilation in a variety of ways, including installing more soffits and/or ridge vents within your home. 
• Keep your ductwork properly insulated and sealed to prevent air loss. 
  Not doing so may result in 40 percent higher heating and cooling costs that can also cause excess dust and humidity in your home.

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