LaGrange, GA

Why You Should Upgrade to a Wi-Fi Thermostat in 2018

Access Your Home From Anywhere With a Wi-Fi ThermostatThanks to technological HVAC innovations, creating a comfortable home without busting your budget is easier than ever. You don’t need deep pockets to conserve energy and customize your indoor environment. If you want to take more control of your comfort at home and save on energy costs in LaGrange, Georgia, upgrade to a Wi-Fi thermostat.

Save More Money With a Wi-Fi Thermostat

Every homeowner in LaGrange, Georgia, wants to conserve more energy and save more money on their utility costs. A Wi-Fi thermostat helps you achieve that. While Wi-Fi thermostats are constantly improving, most models let you:

  • Adjust your home’s temperature from anywhere at anytime via a mobile device
  • Set daily or weekly automated programs with up to four different periods per day
  • Receive energy reports that summarize your usage and provide tips for efficiency

According to HVAC experts, a Wi-Fi thermostat can help you save between 10 and 15 percent on your monthly heating and cooling bills. Depending on your heating and cooling habits, you can save hundreds annually.

Save the Environment With a Wi-Fi Thermostat

Climate change is hot-button issue, and it’s on the back of every homeowner’s mind. Conserving energy is one way to do your part to help the planet. But what exactly does climate change have to do with your energy bills?Homeowners in LaGrange still rely heavily on fossil fuels to cool and heat their homes. When those fossil fuels burn, they release carbon dioxide into the air. When there’s too much of it in the atmosphere, it can’t escape and causes what’s known as the greenhouse effect. As a result, the planet becomes warmer and its conditions more unstable.

According to HVAC experts, Wi-Fi thermostats help homeowners lower their energy consumption and decrease their utility costs. This, as a result, helps them lower their impact on the environment and climate change.
Are you still manually adjusting your home’s thermostat? If so, it’s time to step into the 21st century. Contact Airforce Heating & Air today to learn more about our Wi-Fi thermostats and other control systems.

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4 Common Heating Problems to Watch For This Winter

Heating problems are a homeowner’s worst nightmare, especially during the holidays when guests are visiting. While investing in heating maintenance reduces your risk of a breakdown, normal wear and tear can also lead to malfunctions. If you notice any one of these four common heating problems in your LaGrange, Georgia, home this winter, don’t wait to remedy it right away.

Heating System Is Unusually Noisy

It’s normal for your heating system to make sounds as it turns on or off. If you hear it rumbling, rattling or squeaking, though, chances are there’s an issue that needs professional attention. These sounds can indicate a mechanical problem, a clogged burner or a reduction in airflow.

Heating System Has Pilot Control Issues

If you have a malfunctioning ignition or pilot, it’ll be difficult to heat your home efficiently and safely. An unlit pilot light might signal drafts or clogs in the system, while a flickering flame or yellow light might mean your unit is producing carbon monoxide. Normally, your pilot light’s flame should burn blue.

Heating System Doesn’t Heat Enough

Unless your heating system isn’t properly sized for your space, changing its filter will unusually fix this common problem. For efficient operation, you should change your heater’s air filter every 60 days – the best time is before the heating season begins. If you schedule professional heating maintenance, a service technician will take care of this task for you.

Heating System

Doesn’t Heat At All

If your heating system doesn’t produce any heat at all, check your thermostat settings. Increase the thermostat setting, and check if the heater starts producing warm air. If it doesn’t, there’s either an issue with the pilot light or you’re low on fuel. For your family’s safety, schedule an inspection by an HVAC professional to pinpoint the problem.

If you’re experiencing problems with your heating system this winter, contact Airforce Heating & Air. With 24/7 emergency heating repair services available, you can count on us to restore your comfort as soon as possible.

How to Save Household Energy This Holiday Season

The holiday season is a time filled with love, laughs and lots of joy. From family feasts to gift exchanges, the celebrations result in many memorable moments. Whether it’s paying higher energy bills in LaGrange, Georgia, or shopping for the perfect presents, the holidays can also break your budget if you aren’t careful. Follow these four simple tips to save household energy through the holiday season and start the new year with as little debt as possible.

Use LED Decorations and Lights

If you’re still using incandescent lights to decorate your home for the holidays, it’s time to step into the 21st century. According to U.S. Department of Energy, LED lights use up to 75 percent less energy and last 25 times longer. Since they don’t overheat and burn out like incandescent bulbs, they’re also easier to replace and maintain.

Unplug Phantom Energy Wasters

Are you planning to spend the holidays in an exotic location this year? When you consider flight and accommodation costs, the last you want is to return home from vacation to a high energy bill because you forgot to unplug phantom energy wasters. Before taking off for your trip, unplug all of the unused appliances and electronics in your home.

Upgrade to a Programmable Thermostat

Another way to upgrade your home to the 21st century is to install a programmable thermostat in it. That way, if you take a vacation for the holidays, you won’t have to return to a cold home. Simply program the thermostat to maintain a cool yet consistent temperature while you’re away for savings, and set it to heat your home before you arrive.

Schedule Professional Heater Maintenance

Autumn is nearly over. But that doesn’t mean it’s too late to schedule professional heater maintenance before the winter weather arrives. By maintaining your heating system in the fall, you’ll ensure lower energy bills and a reduced risk of a major breakdown in the winter.

Give your heating system the gift that keeps on giving. Invest in professional heater maintenance to save household energy this holiday season by contacting Airforce Heating & Air.  We look forward to serving you. Contact us with all your questions.

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Why Fall is the Best Time to Schedule Heating Maintenance

Whether they’re cheering for the Bulldogs, the Yellow Jackets or the Falcons, residents in LaGrange, Georgia, love when the fall arrives. That’s because it signals the start of football season. But if you’re hoping to watch your favorite team in a comfortable home environment – hopefully into the playoffs – you’ll need a heating system that operates efficiently. Here’s why you should schedule heating maintenance in the fall instead of waiting until the winter or skipping it altogether.

Lower Monthly Energy Costs

The number-one reason to invest in heating maintenance during the fall is to make sure your utility costs remain under control. That’s because, with routine maintenance, you can save up to 20 percent on your monthly bill. During heating maintenance, a service technician will ensure every component in your heater functions at full capacity.

Reduce the Health and Safety Risks

Securing your family’s safety through the winter months should be a priority. Whether it’s because of a blocked vent, a dirty burner or a cracked heat exchanger, a carbon monoxide leak is a danger that you should take seriously.
When you invest in heating maintenance, a service technician will carefully inspect your system for issues. As a result, you reduce the risk of a major breakdown on a cold winter night while securing the safety of your loved ones.

Extend Your System’s Life

If your heating system is constantly operating inefficiently and in need of repair, it’s safe to assume that it’ll eventually wear out and break down for good. And that might happen well before the 10-year mark that most units last for. Simply put, it’s more affordable to invest in maintenance today than pay for a replacement tomorrow.

Although your air conditioner might take priority over your heater, you shouldn’t completely ignore the latter. Doing so will lead to increased utility costs, a higher chance of a breakdown and a a premature replacement. To schedule professional heating maintenance this fall, contact Airforce Heating and Air today.

Gas vs Electric Furnaces – Pros and Cons

Originally published December 2013, updated December 2016

When it comes time to replace a furnace, many homeowners wonder, “Will gas or electric heat be the better choice?” The answer is that — it depends. Both furnaces can provide warmth and comfort to your Newnan, GA, home yet each type of heating system has its own unique advantages. This guide to gas vs. electric heating systems will help you to make an informed decision before you invest in a new furnace for your home.

Pros and Cons of Gas Furnaces

A gas furnace is one of the most energy efficient sources of heat for your home. Gas furnaces operate at up to 98 percent efficiency. In most areas, natural gas is less expensive than electricity for home heating, allowing you to save a significant amount of money on winter heating costs.

Gas heating systems are larger than electric systems and require ventilation equipment to dispel the toxic gases including CO2 that are produced during the combustion process. A problem within the furnace or ventilation system can result in a CO2 leak, which can be deadly. Gas heating systems require regular maintenance to ensure they’re operating safely and efficiently.

Pros and Cons of Electric Furnaces

In areas where natural gas isn’t available, electric heating is a cost effective solution to heat a home. Electric heating is safe and doesn’t produce any byproducts during the heating process. These systems operate more quietly than gas heating systems. However, electrical heating systems will cost more to heat the home compared to gas. Also, when outdoor temperatures are frigid, an electric heating system may sometimes struggle to maintain a high indoor temperature.

Making Your Decision

Both gas and electric systems last for about 20 years. Your budget, access to gas and electricity, and maintenance requirements may influence your decision. No matter which furnace you select for your home, scheduling regular maintenance and keeping up with filter changes will ensure long-lasting comfort.

When you’re ready for a new heating system, you can count on Airforce Heating and Air to guide you through the selection process. We’ll help you determine the right furnace size and compare energy efficient features that can improve indoor comfort. For more information about the pros and cons of different furnace types or to learn about our installation specials, contact us.

Will Your Furnace Be Ready for Winter?

Although many residents in LaGrange, Georgia, are focused on the pigskin right now, the start of the season – both fall and football – is the perfect time to ensure your heating system is prepared for the upcoming winter. Otherwise, once the holidays roll around, you might be dealing with paying for a major repair instead of planning those much-anticipated parties and get-togethers. It doesn’t take much to get your furnace ready for winter, and even small steps can make a big difference.

Schedule Heating System Maintenance

Among the many tasks that are a part of a professional tuneup, changing the filter and cleaning the vent covers are ones you can accomplish without putting your safety at risk. Other tasks that involve electrical wiring and hard-to-access areas are best left to an HVAC technician. With an annual maintenance plan, you can expect to:
Prolong your heating system’s lifespan by five or more years
Lower your monthly energy bills by up to 15 percent with high heating efficiency
Avoid major repairs by catching minor issues early
Practice These Energy-Saving Heating Tips
One way of ensuring your heater will last through the upcoming winter is to practice energy-saving heating tips that lighten its workload. Not only will conserving energy prolong your system’s life, but it’ll also lead to lower utility bills.
Use ceiling fans set to spin in a clockwise direction and on a low speed to help to circulate warm air.
Ensure all the heating vents in your home are open all the way.
Open all curtains and blinds during the day to take advantage of the sunlight.
Set the thermostat to 68°F when you’re awake and lower when you’re asleep or away.

Consider Investing in a New Furnace

If your heater is more than 10 years old, it’s probably time to think about buying – or at least saving – for a new one. Remember, it’s better to inspect your heating system before the winter arrives so that you don’t find yourself without heat when it’s freezing.
For more information about the benefits that a new heater offers, including high heating efficiency, contact Airforce Heating & Air today. Our team is ready to assist you!

Simple Remedies Can Lower Your Heating Bills

If reducing the amount you pay each month for heating and cooling your LaGrange, Georgia, home is among your New Year’s resolutions, you are not alone. Heating and cooling together account for about half of the average household’s utility costs. Small changes can make a big difference. You can reduce energy consumption and lower your heating bills almost immediately without sacrificing comfort. Many of the guidelines that help to reduce energy consumption actually have other benefits such as heating the home more consistently and eliminating drafts, cold, hot spots, and temperature swings.

Here are three steps you can take to lower heating bills this winter and still keep the house comfortable:

  • Maintain the free flow of air. The best course is to keep all heating vents open all the time — including those in rooms that aren’t occupied. A heating system is carefully balanced to distribute warm air to all vents. Closing any vent while leaving the remainder open, affects the system’s balance and may make some rooms unacceptably cold while others are too hot. Also, make sure that no heating vents are obstructed by furniture, rugs or curtains.

 

  • Locate the thermostat properly. Place the thermostat centrally inside the home, in a location where it won’t be subjected to the cold drafts from exterior doors or windows. The warmth from sunlight, lamps or computer or home entertainment equipment can also affect the thermostat. External cold and heat influences can confuse the thermostat’s sensor and trigger excessively long or short furnace cycles.

 

  • Install a quality system air filter. The right filter should maintain indoor air quality and protect your HVAC equipment while still maintaining full airflow in the system. It is very important that your change or replace your filter regularly to keep your indoor air clean, and to help your heating system to perform efficiently. Ask your HVAC contractor for advice on choosing the best replacement filter for your system and purchase them in multi-packs for the lowest price. Then, resolve to change the filter monthly during heating season for optimum filter performance and efficiency.

For more ways you can reduce energy consumption and lower your heating bills, contact Airforce Heating & Air. We have the products and services you need to improve energy efficiency and comfort in your home.