Cold Winter Ahead – Don't Pay Too Much!

It's the thing that everyone dreads hearing, but it's the unfortunate truth: heating costs for 2012 are going to be higher than average. That's not necessarily because of the increase of oil prices, but rather, it can be attributed to the fact that we're going to have a significantly colder winter than usual. The Energy Information Administration predicts that anyone using oil to heat their homes – especially for those who live in the Northeast – heating bills could reach a record cost of $2,500 this winter. That's a whopping 20% increase from the prior year, despite the extremely nominal increase in fuel costs, which is a mere 2%. Natural gas users will see an increase as well, by about 15%, averaging to about $1,000 for the season in the Northeast.

For the Pennsylvania area, there is anticipated to be 18% more days requiring the usage of heaters this year than last year. Since you'll be getting so much use out of your unit this year – both because the temperature will drop, and because there will be more frequent cold days – it's important to ensure that you're not paying too much. Don't forget to take the necessary precautions to keep the cost of heating your home as low as possible.

• ·         Use a programmable thermostat to make sure that your heater isn't working overtime when no one's in the house.
• ·         Make sure your unit has clean filters at all times to improve efficiency.
• ·         Make sure that your local Southampton heating company has done a yearly checkup on the unit to ensure that the inner workings are clean and less prone to issues.
• ·         If you live in the Southampton area, be sure to shop around for an HVAC company – don't overpay!
• ·         Ensure that your home is properly insulated to avoid cold air seeping in.

Newtown: Prepare for a Cold Winter and Maintain your Heating Systems!

If you're in the Pennsylvania area, you probably already know that we're in for a cold one this winter. But are you aware how much time and money you can save on repairs if you maintain your central HVAC unit all year round? Of course, you should have a professional come out and service the unit regularly, but there are little things you can be doing throughout the year to prevent it from breaking down and avoid costly repair bills. Here are a few:

Filters

Nearly all central heating and cooling systems have air filters – and as with any filter, it needs to be cleaned and/or changed regularly. Clogged filters can cause the unit to overheat or stop working, not to mention it is a health issue for your family. Remove it and clean it as according to the manufacturer's instructions. If it still appears to be useable, then put it back into the unit; if not, replace it – they are fairly inexpensive.

Pilot Light

If you use natural gas, make sure to check your pilot light (even in months when the unit is not in use) to ensure that it is still working on a regular basis. If the pilot light goes out, your unit will only blow cold air – and you don't want to find this out in mid-December!

Belts

Belts can wear out pretty easily which can reduce the efficiency of your unit or cause it not to work at all. They should be checked, lubricated and, if necessary, changed on at least a yearly basis.

Cleaning

Units need to be cleaned regularly as dust buildup is common but detrimental. It's most recommended to have a professional do this, since parts of the furnace must be removed or taken apart for a cleaning. Simply have your local Newton heating company visit once a year, and these costs will no doubt be much cheaper than the ones you'll pay if you avoid routine maintenance.