Has your Touchscreen Thermostat stopped working? Do this!

As long as the time-saving technological devices keep functioning smoothly, they bring ease, comfort and relief but everything goes upside down when they begin to show problems. Let's talk about Touch Screen Thermostats in particular; Unlike the old Thermostat models, these models are not only easy to use but are also more accurate and more energy efficient. Set the temperature for a day or schedule it for an entire week, use the Thermostat for optimal home cooling or effective home heating, control it using the interactive user interface or manage to control it from anywhere in the world using wifi technology, there's a bucket full of ease and comfort that this small HVAC device known as ''Touch Screen Thermostat'' brings. But hey! Bad times can come to anyone at any time without prior notice. All this comfort can disappear all of a sudden as the Thermostat stops functioning. Since technicians are not always available and particularly not available with a quick response in Summers, we always recommend learning quick HVAC fixes. So let's assume your Thermostat has stopped working, what are you supposed to do now?

Every time you face this issue, there are three quick fixes that you can try.

1. The last time you changed the batteries was 100 years ago

There are several HVAC appliances that require maintenance only in terms of cleaning and regular manual inspection, however, there are others that need part replacement on a regular basis for them to operate properly. HVAC primary or secondary devices like Thermostats, CO Detector and others come in this category. Since they rely on batteries to fuel them, the batteries need a replacement after every six months at least else, a year. If your Thermostat stops working, the first thing is to recall what was the last time you changed the batteries? If it was 100 years ago, the batteries must have said goodbye to you to rest in the heavenly abode and you need to replace them. However, if you've changed the batteries recently, try to make sure they're properly fixed in the Thermostat before moving on to the next troubleshooting.

       

2. Do you reset your Smart Phones to fix some issues? Reset the Smart Thermostat too

Oh yeah! So how many times have you tried this? Your touchscreen mobile phone was posing issues with the touch panel or something else and a factory reset worked out. Most Touch Screen Thermostats use softwares to operate particularly the Wifi supported Thermostats. These softwares often times interrupt the operation. The reset option in many cases works as effectively for Thermostats as it does for Smartphones. Hit the reset option!

3. Check for wiring and cleaning

After the battery issue, this is the most common reason of why Touchscreen Thermostats stop working; the wiring defects and the lack of cleaning. If the Thermostat is completely dead and you've changed the batteries recently, there are 80% possibilities of a defect in the wiring. Uncover the Thermostat plate and look up for damaged wires. In case an issue is suspected and you're unsure how to fix, call on a professional.

In the case when the Thermostat is partially operating; the touch screen is posing issues, some touch buttons are working some not etc, there are chances that it is due to the dirty screen. Use a soft fibre cloth and clean the Thermostat screen with soft hands. It is recommended to use a pertinent cleaner.  

Still not fixed? The last resort - A Pro

That's all you could do. If none of the above-mentioned DIY troubleshooting worked, it seems the Thermostat itself is defective and it either needs a replacement or a professional technician to fix the defect. Call a professional, that's the only resort left.

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13 Simple Ways to lower Energy Bills

Who does not like saving? We all do! And when it comes to Summer utility bills, the desire for saving become intense every time a more fatty bill is received. But how exactly to make savings on energy bills? Are there genuine ways that can really help reduce utility bills?  

Well, there are not one or two ways, there are, in fact, tens of ways to save on energy bills. All you have to do it to practice the saving practices and there you are; saving hundreds of dollars on energy bills every year. Let's explore 13 ways that can help you in this venture:

1. Your Thermostat is your saving box

Indeed it is!

The US Department of Energy says that Thermostats can help save on energy bills up to 15% if they're turned up a few degrees for the time you're not at home. So every time you leave home, don't forget to raise the temperature on your Thermostat. Use Programmable or Smart Thermostats for auto setting the temperature.

2. Don't keep devices plugged when they're charged

So do you see when your mobile device is charged, your device shows a notification ''please unplug'? Keeping the devices plugged even when they're already charged not only takes energy unnecessarily but can also damage the device altogether by overcharging it. Unplug as early as the device get charged to not waste energy.

3. Check capacity of appliances before purchasing

While a high-efficiency Air Conditioner or Heat Pump can cool your home quickly, it also takes more energy. If you've a medium sized or small sized home, there's no need to purchase a high capacity system. Not only will it cost you initially but will also continue to charge you in terms of energy bills. Ask a professional to suggest you a compatible system for you home.

4. Make use of off-peak hours

The electricity charges on the off peak hours are less than the peak hours. Make use of the off-peak hours and use heavy machinery in those hours. This will help you save to a great extent.

5. Look for air leaks

You'll be wasting a lot of energy if there are holes and passageways that leak air from the house. As a consequence, more energy will be required to keep the home cool which means fatty energy bills. Check for any leaks and seal them with a sealant.

6. Curtains and Blinds

Did you know that 10% of cooling loss occurs through the windows with no blinds/curtains? Draw the blinds/curtains as soon as the sun begins to get hot in the day. Just by drawing curtains, you can save energy.

7. Make use of energy efficient appliances

Technology has progressed and it has served us with appliances that are better in efficiency and cheaper in utility. If you're using old heating, cooling systems, you are spending much more than what you'd spend with the latest energy efficient system. Replace the system by making a one-time investment and then save, save, save.

8. Clean Filters regularly

One simple step that can help save. Just clean your filters. Dirty filters bar the air flow and the system as a consequence has to put in more effort to operate which takes more energy.

9. Clean the ductwork

Cleaner ducts not only provide cleaner air to breathe but also reduce the burden on the system that otherwise is if the ductwork is filled with piles of dust and debris. Clean ducts, lighten the burden on the system and enjoy a reduction in energy bills.

10. Solar Power?    

Why not make use of the Sun's energy? Even if you cannot afford to convert the whole home on solar power, think of converting some appliances on solar. Solar power is far cheaper than the electricity we use. Once installed, forget about monthly bills.

11. Ceiling fan always works

Don't forget the fans totally in intense hot Summer. They are always of use. It is recommended to use fans when the weather is still moderate but even when it gets super hot, keep making use of your fans. Using a fan in combination with the Air Conditioner can help reduce energy bills since you can raise your thermostat temperature up to 4 degrees without feeling a difference in temperature if you've your fan serving along.

12. Replace Incandescent Bulbs

Fluorescent lights take up to 25% less energy compared to Incandescent bulbs. Every time an incandescent bulb fuses, replace it with energy efficient Fluorescent Lights.

Consider LED as an option too if you can afford to install them throughout the home. Lately, LED lights have become more popular because of their efficiency, environment-friendly nature and cost effective feature.  

13. Go Green

The more green you grow around, the cooler it will keep you. Plant shady trees around your home. They will keep your home cool. You can also keep some plants within your home. Not only do they help keep the environment cool but also work as natural air cleaners.

How to choose the right Furnace Filter?

We've caught you grinning, we caught you! So you found it a bit hilarious why did we find the need to talk about Furnace filters when they're just one of the cheapest accessory out there? Little things matter dude! And we'll prove it to you. Keep on reading.

No matter which brand's Furnace you've at your home, how did it cost you or how does it look like. It does need Filters, doesn't it? And Filters need to be changed for the appropriate functioning of the systems don't they? If somebody has never told you that choosing the right Furnace filters does affect the heating efficiency, we will! So, man! No need to laugh!

We're helping you explore the different types of Furnace filters, their pros and the cons so that you could decide easily which one will work best for you. Let's begin the filter journey;

1. Disposable Fibreglass Filters

These are the filters that most homeowners use. This was the filter that came to your mind when we initially talked about Furnace Filters. Made up of thick Fibreglass of around 1 inch this type of Filters have a MERV rating of 2-3 which means they can help trap

Carpet Fibers

Textile Fibers

Dust Mites

Spray Paint Dust etc

Good of it:

The good aspect of these Furnace filters is that they're extremely cheap. Just $1 - $2 .

Bad of it:

The bad side of these Furnace filters is that they do not help clean the air much. Their MERV rating as mentioned above is very low. So these filters are surely not suitable for those having allergies and asthma etc. They better go for Filters that efficiently trap pollutants.

2. Disposable Pleated

Looking for a better MERV rating Filter? Check this one out. The disposable pleated filters are made up of polyester or cotton paper. Their MERV rating is 6 which is far better than the MERV rating of Disposable glass filters. The price of Disposable pleated filters is usually $4- $5. Affordable!

Good of it:

The good side of these Filters like the Disposable Fibreglass filters is that they're inexpensive and are good at trapping small particles.

Bad of it:

While these Filters are made up of cotton paper or polyester, they're thick and can cause hindrance for the air flow, consequently taking more energy from the system

3. Disposable Electrostatic Filters

These filters are self-charging and have a very high MERV rating of 10. They are also good at trapping small particles, pet dander, milled flour, welding fumes etc. The cost of these Filters is $10

Good of it:

The good of Disposable Electrostatic Filters is their affordability plus efficiency which makes them ideal for homes with children and pets.

Bad of it:

Disposable Electrostatic Filters become expensive when it comes to purchasing them in custom sizes. If your affordability is low, better not choose them since they cost much on the replacement.

4. Permanent Electrostatic Filters

These filters also contain self-charging cotton fibres that pull particles and trap them. There's a machine washable filter that has a lifetime of 6-8 years. The MERV rating of these filters is 8 while the cost is $15-$20. For you, if your pocket allows.

Good of it:

These filters being permanent can be used for a long term so there's a relief from spending on Filters every now and then. With a good MERV rating of 8, they trap enough particles so as to do air cleaning too.

Bad of it:

The bad side of these Filters is that they're not as efficient as the Disposable Electrostatic Filters since their MERV rating is 8 while the MERV rating of Disposable electrostatic is 10. The custom sizes are very expensive which makes them unsuitable for those looking for low rate but high-efficiency Filters.

5. High-Efficiency Pleated Filters

Ready to spend extravagantly? Want to have highly efficient Filters? Then here you go! High-Efficiency Pleated Filters are for you if you can spend $100 for purchasing a Filter that will give you clean air with a MERV rating of 14-16 which means they'll also trap bacterias. These filters are ideal for those having allergies and bacterial infections.

Good of it:

The good is their high MERV rating, This is why they're also used in hospitals in order to trap the smallest of particles.

Bad of it:

Their heavy cost is their only bad side. Only a single filter will cost $100 a year which doesn't sound much cool.

So, we're just done with some quick information on the types, efficiency and rates of Furnace Filters in order to help you decide which one might work best for you. Your turn now. Any questions? Help? Or anything else? Get in touch. Give us a call!