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Do Cold Temperatures Affect Heat Pump Efficiency?

Heat pumps are a great way for San Francisco homeowners to heat their homes efficiently. But are they as efficient during cold weather? In this blog post, Schmitt Heating & Air Conditioning discusses how cold weather affects heat pump efficiency.

Should Air Vents Be Kept Closed in Unused Rooms?

Many homeowners often make the mistake of closing vents in unused rooms during the winter, thinking that this could help them save on energy costs. However, closing air vents doesn’t make the HVAC system more efficient. In fact, it can even cause damage to your HVAC system and necessitate an HVAC repair.

Why Improved HVAC Airflow Allows for Greater Efficiency

Given how the operation of your HVAC system comprises a significant portion of your annual energy costs, it pays to take measures to ensure your system can continue providing good energy performance. One of these measures includes making sure conditioned air is being distributed properly throughout your home. But how exactly does proper HVAC airflow translate to greater energy efficiency? The trusted heating repair company in the area, Schmitt Heating & Air Conditioning, explains more here.

How to Improve Energy Efficiency In Server Rooms

With the high number of computer equipment running at any given time, server rooms have big energy requirements, not to mention the massive amount of cooling needed to prevent any of them from overheating. Heating and cooling expert Schmitt discusses the ways you can improve server room energy efficiency.

4 Reasons to Prioritize Upgrades That Increase Energy Efficiency

While there are many areas of your home that may require upgrades, you should prioritize those that help improve your home’s energy efficiency. Heating and air conditioning expert Schmitt lists the reasons why such upgrades should be at the top of your list.

AFUE: Measuring Furnace Energy Efficiency

AFUE, short for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, measures furnace efficiency in converting fuel to energy. Homeowners who are on the market for a new furnace or boiler will find AFUE helpful in finding the most energy-efficient heating system for their home. Schmitt shares an overview: Read more

4 Tips to Save on Heating Costs

Heating can get costly during winter, whether you use a heat pump or a furnace. Fortunately, you can do several things to make your home more comfortable all winter long and still save on heating costs. Read on as Schmitt Heating and Air Conditioning shares some tips on how you can do this:

5 Ways to Improve Efficiency of Your AC Units

With high summer temperatures and rising energy costs, you will want to get the most out of your air conditioning units without breaking the bank on the upkeep and utility costs. Here are some affordable ways you can improve your AC’s efficiency from Schmitt Heating & Air Conditioning, the top residential cooling company in the area.

Use These Resources for Better Weatherproofing

Weatherproofing is an important part of protecting your home from the elements and preparing it to withstand whatever conditions may be ahead – be it inclement weather or just an extremely hot summer. Cracks and gaps around your doors and windows can allow warm or cool air to escape. This not only makes it harder for you to get comfortable, but it can also waste energy, which drives your monthly utility bills through the roof.

The key to ensuring that your home is efficient and comfortable is adequate weatherproofing. San Francisco homeowners can use the resources below to improve their weatherproofing and, ultimately, their home comfort.

Top Weatherproofing Resources

Not sure where you should start your weatherproofing project? Use the resources below to get the information and tools you need to weatherproof your home successfully:

Tips from The Home Depot

Not only is The Home Depot your go-to place for buying home improvement supplies, but they also provide a wealth of information and how-to tutorials on different home improvement projects, including weatherproofing. In Weatherproofing Your Windows, the site guides you through the weatherproofing process with a step-by-step guide as well as a list of tools that you will need. For information on weatherproofing different kinds of windows, check out this guide which offers you tips for weatherproofing depending on what type of windows you have.

If you want to weatherproof your entry door, they’ve got a guide for that too, complete with a list of tools that you will need to get the job done. Once you’ve looked through the guide, all you need to do is head to the store to pick up the supplies you need. If you still have questions or need advice on weatherproofing, you can ask the store associates as many are familiar with the weatherproofing details and can help you find everything you need.

Lowe’s Weather Stripping Tips

If you’re more of a Lowe’s fan, you’re in luck! This home improvement store also provides helpful guides for weatherproofing your San Francisco home. Use Weather Strip Your Doors to learn all you need to know about how to seal your doors properly. This guide includes a list of materials as well as a simple guide with 5 steps to weather stripping your doors.

Your doors are not the only place where cool or warm air can escape. Lowe’s has also created a short and simple guide to Weather Stripping Your Windows. This guide discusses the importance of weatherizing your home, and gives a list of tools that you will need to tackle your window weather stripping for double-hung windows and casement windows. With instructions laid out in a few easy steps, you’ll be on your way to adequate weatherproofing in no time!

Does your HVAC system need a spring cleaning? Schmitt Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help with all of your San Francisco air conditioning and heating needs. Call us today to schedule an HVAC repair or maintenance visit: (415) 522-0966.

3 Top Tips for Heating Your Home More Efficiently this Winter

As winter approaches, many homeowners are getting ready for the holiday season and turning on their heater for the first time. As you start to turn up the heat, it’s important to be aware of your energy use as it can start to drive your heating bills through the roof. The key to keeping heating costs down during the winter is taking the necessary steps to heat your home more efficiently.

Energy Saving Tips for Efficient Heating

Want to save money on heating costs this winter? We’ve put together a list of energy saving tips for heating your home more efficiently this winter:

  1. Inspect and improve home insulation.

Poor insulation can allow heat to escape. When you waste energy, your electricity bills tend to skyrocket. It’s important to inspect your home insulation and check for drafts. Replace any damaged or missing weather-stripping around your doors and windows. Adjust any door thresholds to eliminate any gaps that may allow warm air to escape. Don’t forget to check your electrical boxes for drafts, and fill any gaps with latex caulk or foam sealant. A little work can go a long way when it comes to home insulation as even the tiniest leaks and cracks can make an impact on your heating costs.

  1. Use a space heater when you can.

You can use a space heater to help reduce heating costs when your family is all together during the holidays. Place the heater in the area where your family is gathering, like the living room or den. Then, turn down the furnace temperature. Though the rest of your home will be cooler, this is a good solution for families that are spending a lot of time together in one area of the home during the holidays. According to the California Energy Commission, you can save 5% on energy costs by setting your thermostat to the 60- to 70-degree range. The space heater will still use electricity, but you can save a significant amount of energy by cutting down on your furnace use and utilizing a space heater when you can.

  1. Tune up your furnace.

One of the best ways to save energy throughout the year is to ensure that your HVAC system is running as efficiently as possible. Make sure that you get your annual furnace or heater tune-up before the heating season starts. During this maintenance visit, an experienced HVAC technician will ensure that your heating system is clean, lubricated, and working properly. This increases energy efficiency and can help you save money on heating costs in the long run.

If you are ready to take the next step toward optimal efficiency, Schmitt Heating and Air Conditioning is ready to help you find a brand new, high-efficiency heating and air conditioning system. Contact us today to find out more about your options or to schedule a consultation with one of our heating and cooling experts.