What temperature should I set my thermostat?

What are the benefits of an energy audit?

What are the advantages of a programmable thermostat?

How often should I change my furnace air filter and what type should I use?

Where is my air filter located?

Where can I purchase air filters?

Is it OK to hit the re-set button to get my furnace up and running?

What is priority service for Maintenance Agreement members?

How do I know whether to replace or repair my heating equipment?

How old is your furnace or boiler?

What should I look for when choosing a new heating system?

How much does a new heating system cost?

What temperature should I set my thermostat? Top

It’s up to you! Most people are comfortable with a setting of 68° to 74° but there are also a lot of people who are comfortable at 65° or 78°!  Your comfort also depends on humidity levels.  If you do not have a humidifier and the air is dry, you may need to set your thermostat a couple of degrees higher to get the same level of comfort.  We also find that many thermostats are inaccurate and a few degrees off – so the thermostat could display 72° when it’s really 68°.  You can get a new thermostat or just set the thermostat to the temperature that feels comfortable – temperature is just a number! To save energy, you can set your temperature several degrees lower in the winter or higher in the summer when no-one is home or get a programmable thermostat that will do it for you.

What are the benefits of an energy audit? Top

An energy audit will show you where you’ll get the best returns on your investment in energy efficiency. Perhaps there are drafts that can be reduced? Or areas that need more insulation? Or an old, inefficient furnace that is throwing money out the chimney and can’t keep up with our cold winters any more? You’ll get answers to these questions and many more with an energy audit.

What are the advantages of a programmable thermostat? Top

Because they are electronic, programmable thermostats are more accurate and efficient than the old familiar clock thermostats. Plus, they allow you to automatically control the temperature in your home at different times of day without ever touching your thermostat. You don’t have to remember to turn the thermostat down at night or when you leave. And if your schedule changes, you can easily override the programmed settings to keep your home warm and toasty.

How often should I change the air filter in my furnace and what type should I use? Top

While some special filters can be changed less frequently, most filter manufacturers recommend that filters should be cleaned or replaced once a month.  The best recommendation, however, is to start with changing your filters once per month and inspect them.  If they are pretty clean then try going two months and so on until you find the filter frequency that is best for your home.  Make sure to always replace your filter with the same size as the original to filter ALL of the airflow.  Make sure air can’t go over the top of or behind an improperly sized filter – it will cause big problems down the road.

The best type of filter for your home is a big misconception.  Higher priced filters don’t necessarily mean better.  The expensive pleated (accordion looking) filters at the big box stores may do a fair job of filtering your air, but they also restrict your airflow by a lot.  This causes your system to work much harder and can measurably reduce the amount of airflow (and comfort) your system can deliver.  This will also increase your utility bills and reduce the expected life of your equipment.  The filter’s job is to extend the life of your furnace by keeping it clean, and an expensive (but restrictive) filter can actually do the opposite.  The best filter for the efficiency, comfort, and long term reliability of your system is a the inexpensive low resistance fiberglass filter!  If you want to improve your air quality do so with high performance filters that also have low resistance to airflow.

Where is my air filter located? Top

Your air filter should be located in either the blower compartment of the furnace, in an attached filter case, or in a return air grille in a wall or ceiling of your home. If you cannot find the air filter, our service technician will be happy to show you where it is located and how to change it during your next annual tune-up.

Where can I purchase air filters? Top

Most hardware stores carry a large selection. They are inexpensive, so buy several at a time to make sure you always have one on hand when needed.  Shavitz Heating and Air Conditioning also carries a large variety of standard and high performance air cleaners and filters.

Is it OK to hit the re-set button to get my furnace up and running? Top

Only a couple of times. If this doesn’t start your furnace, call the Energy Co-op of Vermont and we’ll get a service technician out right away. If you keep hitting the re-set button over and over, your furnace may start eventually – with a loud bang from the accumulated fuel.

What is priority service for Guardian Plan members? Top

It’s simple really. When it’s really cold, we get lots of “no heat” calls. If you have signed up for a maintenance plan, however, and you call with a “no heat” emergency, you get bumped to the front of the line for service. It’s like walking into a crowded restaurant with a filled seating area, requesting the next open table – and getting it!

How do I know whether to replace or repair my heating equipment? Top

We can’t give you a definite answer to this question. It’s a bit like trying to decide when to replace your car. Here are some things to consider:

• How old is your furnace or boiler? If it’s more than 15 years old, you should think about replacement because old heating equipment is much less efficient than new equipment.
• What is the history of your heating equipment? Has it needed frequent repairs? Is it noisy? Has it been well maintained or neglected over the years?
• Are there any rebates or tax credits available to help offset the cost of new equipment? Is attractive financing available? What is the payback from an investment in new high efficiency equipment?
• Does your current system provide the level of comfort that you want in your home?
• How much will repairs cost…and how many more will you need in the future? Is keeping an old system running worth the time, money and inconvenience?

What should I look for when choosing a new heating system? Top

Here are some general things to keep in mind:

• Choose an equipment manufacturer with a good reputation for quality and durability. Consumer Reports may be helpful.
• Choose a high efficiency system for a more comfortable home and lower heating bills.
• Make sure that your new equipment is correctly sized for your home and climate.
• Ask if your money is best spent on new heating equipment or something like adding insulation, sealing air leaks or other efficiency improvements.
• Finally, choose a reliable company for your installation. Talk to your friends and neighbors.

How much does a new heating system cost? Top

We can only answer this question by visiting your home, learning about your needs and completing a thorough assessment of your existing heating equipment.