REQUEST APPOINTMENT

Energy Efficiency

Air Conditioning

The Inside Scoop on HVAC: Common Myths Debunked
Myth I: I Only Need to Replace My Filter Every 90 days Reality: Filter maintenance is one of the easiest and most cost effective things you can do to help your system run efficiently and last for years to come. Often, customers will purchase a 90 day filter and leave it in their system assuming they are good to go. One of our expert staff, Ben Bocox, recommends checking your filter every 30 days, regardless of how long it is …
Energy Efficiency

Energy-Savings Tips for the Fall and Winter Time
Winter is approaching and turning on the heat is slowly becoming a daily routine. We at Doug’s Heating & Air Conditioning have already talked about the importance of Furnace Maintenance in our October blog, so now let’s focus on how to keep your utilities bill low without having to abstain from the cozy warmth. Insulation Keep the heat inside by making sure you home’s insulation is up to date. Check your windows and doors for drafts and consider upgrading to …
Energy Efficiency

Does energy efficiency matter?
Yes, it does! Energy efficiency not only makes sure your utility bills remain as low as possible, it also has far reaching implications for the environment and the future of our kids. Energy efficiency starts with the production of energy. Energy plants use coal, gas, sun, or water to produce energy. Making sure they produce the most energy with the least amount of resources makes sure natural resources will last for generations to come and decrease the price of energy. …
Energy Efficiency

Is my Utility Bill too High?
This is actually a tricky question, because you can only answer it if you know what is normal or average. The first step is to look at past bills over the years and note any changes. Did the bill increase because you have an additional roommate? Did you install new equipment that needs plenty of electricity or are you now using a room you didn’t heat/cool previously? If the answer to these and similar questions is no, you should look …
Energy Efficiency

Energy Efficiency Rebate Change
Replacing an old heating or cooling system with a newer energy efficient one will save you money in the long-run. Even better, MidAmerican Energy has been actively encouraging these upgrades by offering Iowa and Illinois residents’ rebates on their utility bill! Certain requirements apply: the new unit must be installed with a SAVE rating of excellence, with the exception of furnace fans, room air conditioners, programmable thermostats, and heat pump water heaters. Doug’s Heating and Air Conditioning is a SAVE …
Energy Efficiency

Air Conditioning Thermostat Tips
There are many ways to reduce your energy bill, but one of the easiest and quickest ways is to optimize your air conditioning thermostat habit. It may be comfortable to leave your thermostat setting at 70 degrees all day – who doesn’t want to come home to a cool house? But nobody wants to pay higher bills than necessary, either. Turning back your thermostat by approximately 9 degrees every time you leave your home for at least 8 hours can …
Energy Efficiency

Are you energy efficient?
We often talk about energy efficiency, but do we actually understand what it means? Here is a basic definition: “Using less energy to provide the same service”. There are some simple steps you can follow to get the same service without wasting excess energy. Firstly, with warmer days approaching, people start awakening their ACs from hibernation. People often wrongfully assume that turning the AC to really low temperatures, makes it cool down faster. False – This is a myth! The …
Energy Efficiency

Ways to Naturally Cool
We have already talked about a few ways to reduce your energy bill; however, you can also save money by naturally cooling your home during the summer: Grow Boston ivy around your house and plant large trees to the south of your house to reduce sun exposure Catch a breeze through an open downstairs window and release it upstairs to create a cooling circulation Use heavy drapes and close them when you aren’t home to block the sun Use compact …
Energy Efficiency

Top Tips on Reducing your Energy Bill
Think about your latest energy bill. If your hair is starting to rise, you might consider a strategy to permanently reduce it. This isn’t even a challenging task anymore. For starters, focus on heating and cooling.  This item makes up the largest portion of an average energy bill (approx. 46%). Heating: Inspect your heating system on a regular basis Clean or replace furnace filters Don’t block heat registers and air return ducts Cooling: Adjust your air conditioning system to the …
Energy Efficiency

What are Alternative Heating Options and How to be Safe?
There are alternative heating options available which can help combat rising energy costs.  These options include geothermal heaters, wood and pellet heaters, solar heating, and much more which efficiently heat space while using less energy than traditional systems.  However, alternative heating options often carry a larger risk of fire or other hazards.  So, it is important to understand how to safely operate these systems in order to fully appreciate their benefits.  It is also important to install carbon monoxide detectors …
Energy Efficiency

Should I upgrade my furnace?
With the continuing flux in gas prices; many are thinking of upgrading their furnace before the new winter arrives. If you are weighing this decision; be sure to consider these three factors: furnace efficiency, the current cost of fuel, and the “heating load” of your house. This is the amount of energy required for your furnace to assist in maintaining a steady 65-degree temperature indoors. If you do decide to replace your furnace with a 97 percent efficient system, you’ …
Energy Efficiency

Making Your Home Energy-efficient
With the very changing prices of our energy resources, everyone wants to know how they can save money on their bill. Here are just a few of many tips to help keep your home more energy efficient: – Try setting your programmable thermostat as high as you can consider comfortable this summer, as well as setting it as low as is comfortable in the winter season. Your system has to work harder maintaining a level of temperature that is greatly …
GO TOP