How to Maximize Energy Efficiency and Save on Cooling Costs in South Jersey

As the summer heat intensifies in South Jersey, keeping your home cool and comfortable becomes a priority. However, running your air conditioning system constantly can lead to high energy bills. The good news is that there are several effective strategies to maximize energy efficiency and save on cooling costs. In this blog post, we will explore practical tips to help you stay cool while keeping your energy consumption and expenses in check during the hot summer months in South Jersey. Optimize Your Thermostat Settings: Setting your thermostat at an energy-efficient temperature can significantly impact your cooling costs. Consider keeping your thermostat set at the highest comfortable temperature. Each degree you raise the temperature can save you money on energy bills. Additionally, using a programmable or smart thermostat allows you to schedule temperature adjustments based on when you’re home or away, optimizing energy usage. Utilize Ceiling Fans: Ceiling fans provide an additional cooling effect and can make a room feel more comfortable. They circulate the air, creating a breeze that helps evaporate moisture from your skin, making you feel cooler. By using ceiling fans in conjunction with your air conditioner, you can raise the thermostat temperature by a few degrees while maintaining a comfortable environment, resulting in energy savings. Seal Air Leaks and Insulate: Air leaks and insufficient insulation can lead to significant energy losses, especially in older homes. Inspect windows, doors, and other potential areas for air leaks. Seal gaps and cracks using weatherstripping or caulking to prevent cooled air from escaping and warm air from entering. Proper insulation in your home’s walls, attic, and ductwork also plays a crucial role in maintaining energy efficiency. Regularly Maintain Your HVAC System: Proper maintenance of your HVAC system ensures it operates at peak efficiency. Schedule professional maintenance before the summer season to clean coils, replace air filters, lubricate moving parts, and check for any issues that could affect performance. Regular maintenance not only saves energy but also extends the lifespan of your system, preventing costly repairs. Utilize Natural Ventilation and Shade: Take advantage of cooler evenings and nights by opening windows and using natural ventilation to cool your home. Strategic use of blinds, curtains, and shades during the day can also prevent excess heat from entering your home. Consider using light-colored or reflective window coverings to reflect sunlight and keep your home cooler. Conclusion: By implementing these energy-saving strategies, you can maximize energy efficiency and save on cooling costs during the hot summer months in South Jersey. Remember to optimize your thermostat settings, utilize ceiling fans, seal air leaks, insulate your home properly, schedule regular HVAC maintenance, and take advantage of natural ventilation and shade. With these proactive steps, you can enjoy a cool and comfortable home while reducing your environmental impact and saving on energy bills. Stay cool and energy-efficient this summer in South Jersey! If you need professional assistance in optimizing your HVAC system’s energy efficiency or have any other cooling-related concerns, feel free to contact the knowledgeable team at Professor Gatsby’s Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re here to help you achieve optimal comfort while keeping your energy costs under control.

Gas Furnace Versus Electric Furnace

When you want to install the right heating system for your home or place of business, it is important to know the differences between gas and electric furnaces and what will benefit your requirements the most. In this guide, we look at the key difference to help you make the right choice. Initial Costs Electric furnaces cost less upfront and are easier to install. You should expect to spend up to $2,500 on a new electric furnace unit and the installation should cost you up to $1,500. On the other hand, a gas furnace unit can cost up to $4,000 while the installation cost can be up to $2,000. Thus, you should expect to spend up to $4,000 on an electric system. A gas furnace unit and installation should cost up to $6,000. Energy Costs Gas furnaces may cost more for the initial setup, but they cost less to operate. The primary reason is that natural gas is cheaper than electricity. Electric furnaces are generally better only in dry climates with mixed or hot temperatures. The Energy Information Administration predicts natural gas prices to rise in the near future. Still, the cost of operating gas furnaces will be much lower. Installation Comparison If your home has access to a gas line, it will be simple to install a gas furnace. But the process will still be more difficult than installing electric furnaces. Gas furnaces are larger in size and are complex in design. The ease of installation also contributes to the lower setup cost for electric furnaces. Overall Lifespan Gas furnaces can last from 10 years to 20 years and electric systems 20 years to 30 years. This significant difference between their lifespan is caused by the way each operates. Gas units produce tiny particles that build up within the system. They require regular cleaning and maintenance and are more likely to fail. The heat exchanger has many working parts and corrosion is also a concern. All these factors also increase the frequency and cost of maintenance. How to Choose the Right Heating System? When it comes to operational costs, the gas furnace makes much more sense. But that should not be the only factor to guide your decision. We recommend gas systems if you already have access to natural gas and need it for many months of the year. Most homeowners who already have a gas furnace are good candidates for an upgrade. Thus, electric furnaces are recommended for those who don’t have access to natural gas and live in a temperate climate. When choosing between the two systems, your personal preferences also matter. At Professor Gatsby’s Heating & Cooling, we provide complete heating repair, installation, and replacement services in Williamstown, NJ. If you need any information or help related to heating systems, call us at 856-885-2231 or write to us using this Online Form.

Five Benefits of Installing A Garage Heater In Your Home

Winter is coming! Is your garage ready for the upcoming cold season? Many homeowners neglect their garage before the winter until it causes them problems. Today, people are deciding to heat their garages because of the added room and the benefits to safety. Do you need garage heater installation? See the key reasons behind this trend’s success! It Is Safe For Your Family For your household, they are safer. Due to the hazardous carbon monoxide emissions, you should never use your remote starter when parking inside your garage, even when it’s freezing outside. A garage heater will keep your car warm and prepared for the trip while protecting your family. It Keeps You and Your Car Warm In Winter Both you and your car will be kept warm by these heaters. It will help prolong the life of the battery in your vehicle. A garage heater will also help you use less fuel and power because you won’t need to warm up your car or plug in the block heater like you do when you park outside. Maintaining your car will be simpler, and driving won’t require you to clear snow and scrape ice off the road! They are Compact and Quiet Garage heaters are becoming smaller and more effective as technology advances. Many garage heater models don’t need ducting, which makes them much more discrete and space-efficient. Unit heaters are typically suspended from the ceiling and direct hot air downward, providing spot heating. Garage heaters are now working more quietly than before. They are Cost-Efficient A garage heater might fluctuate in price depending on the size of the area you want to heat and how fast you need it to warm up. Garage heaters that burn propane or natural gas must vent through side-wall or roof venting. A well-installed, energy-efficient garage heater will not increase your electricity bill. They Provide Your House with Better Living Space A garage heater is perfect for you if you’ve ever wanted to use your garage as a shop or simply as a place for the kids to play and run around. You can create a unique living environment by making the most of the space in your garage with the help of a garage heater. Final Thoughts In addition to securing your car and providing comfort and convenience on chilly winter days, garage heaters let you use valuable space at your home. If you want a garage heater installation in New Jersey for your garage, give us a call. Our certified HVAC specialists will inspect your garage and provide you with the best options. Schedule a free consultation with the experts at Professor Gatsby Heating and Cooling today to benefit from the comforts of a warm garage during winter.