Comfortable Design Inc.

5 Ways to Save on Your AC and Summer Energy Bill

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 12:00:00 GMT

As the summer approaches, we are all looking to save some pennies wherever possible. So why not start with your costly utility bills in York?

The US Department of Energy (DOE) says air conditioning can account for 35 to 40 percent of your utility bill. At Comfortable Design , we take energy efficiency seriously.

We understand high energy bills are sometimes unavoidable when air conditioning is crucial for comfort during the hot months. That’s why our five simple tips for staying cool and using your air conditioner (AC) less may help you cut costs and save money on your monthly energy bill.

1. Turn up the temperature.

When you’re home, turn your air conditioning up a few degrees. If you are comfortable at 68 degrees Fahrenheit, turn it up to 70, and keep it turned up at night. Just doing these two things can save you up to 10 percent on your monthly bill .

You should turn up your thermostat when not home as well. We recommend increasing the temperature by 7 to 10 degrees, and you should notice a dip in your energy costs.

2. Keep up with regular maintenance.

We strongly recommend regular air-conditioner-maintenance to keep your cooling system running as efficiently as possible. Schedule a professional tune-up at least once a season for your AC and furnace, but you can do a few additional things yourself.

Check your air filter and replace it every 30-90 days. Airflow is crucial for efficient air conditioner function, and a dirty or clogged air filter is the prime suspect when a unit is using too much energy.

3. Inspect your air ducts.

For effective cooling in your York, home, it’s also important to have functioning air ducts. Without adequate duct insulation, sizing, or sealing, your air conditioning system will not be able to efficiently carry cool air from room to room.

If this is the case, you will end up pushing out more air than you are using and paying a fortune on your monthly energy bill.

You can prevent this by looking around your home for blocked registers or disconnected and damaged ducts. If you suspect an issue with your ductwork or find air leaking into unwanted places like your attic or crawl space, call one of our Comfortable Design professionals to come repair and restore proper airflow to your ducts.

4. Utilize fans.

Whenever possible, turn down your air conditioner and combat your home’s warmer temperature by making use of ceiling and room fans. Air circulation is a huge factor in keeping cool. Our bodies have their own evaporative cooling system (sweat), and utilizing fans to keep air circulating helps us to stay cool.

5. Remember to shade.

Keeping your air conditioner’s outdoor unit shaded and cool can save you up to 10 percent on your bill. Check around the unit for debris and growth, and clear away anything covering the coils. A minimum of two feet of clearance is a recommended rule of thumb.

Keeping the coils clear of debris is important for airflow. Be sure you gently clean the coils at the beginning of each season with a hose before using your system for the first time.

Additionally, keeping your blinds or curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day to shade your interior can also help to save you money. With lower inside temperatures, your air conditioner won’t need to work as hard and will use less energy.

Call Us for All Your Cooling Needs

At Comfortable Design, we are here for all your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) needs. Your comfort is a high priority to us, and we want to help you keep your home as cool as possible during the warmer months in York.

Ready to schedule an AC tune-up for the summer? Call us at 717-252-2078 or request service online today!

The post 5 Ways to Save on Your AC and Summer Energy Bill first appeared on Comfortable Design Inc. and is written by Comfortable Design .

Spring Money-Saving Tips

Fri, 02 May 2025 17:43:00 GMT

Everyone loves to save money, and it’s a good idea to review different aspects of your budget now and again to see if there are more opportunities you have missed in the past. Considering how to reduce your energy bills is always a great idea in the springtime.

According to the US Department of Energy (DOE), air conditioners use about 6 percent of all electricity in the country at a cost of roughly $29 billion to homeowners.

If you can reduce that usage in York , you will be able to make a difference in our environment and save yourself some money as well. Take some of the following ideas from our professionals at Comfortable Design to heart and make some money-saving resolutions today.

Saving Tips for Running Your AC

Before it heats up too much in York , start implementing some of these tips and take advantage of the resulting energy (and, subsequently, money) saving tips.

Tune-Up for Efficiency

All air conditioners work more efficiently if they have clean filters, enough refrigerant, spotless coils, and plenty of room for air circulation.

Although you can take care of some of these maintenance items on your own—clearing away fallen yard debris from around your outside condenser unit and regularly changing filters—you should engage one of our highly trained professionals to help inspect and clean your air conditioning components.

Our experts can also check your ductwork and be sure you are not losing your cooled air before it reaches its destination.

By investing in regular maintenance, your unit is less likely to break down in the dog days of summer, which is an extra bonus.

Work With Mother Nature

Find ways to use outdoor conditions to your advantage when it comes to saving energy. For example, during the spring and fall, when nighttime temperatures cool down, open all your windows to let the cool breeze in.

Then, first thing in the morning, close your windows and pull your shades to trap the cooler air inside. You can also consider planting trees to shade your home in the future.

Circulate Indoor Air

Consider investing in floor or ceiling fans to help move your indoor air. Fans use a lot less energy than air conditioning systems and do a good job cooling down your home in moderate temperatures. You can also run the fan on your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system or install a whole-house fan that pulls fresh air from the attic.

Relocate Heat Outside

The sun is not always the biggest culprit in generating indoor heat. How often do you find that your appliances are competing directly with your air conditioner?

Instead of turning on your oven or stove, consider grilling outside to keep that heat out of your home. Or get a little creative and find some great cold meals to prepare instead.

The clothes dryer is another heat producer in most Pennsylvania homes. Instead of running your dryer, put that springtime sun and a laundry line to work.

Block and Reflect

Another idea to reduce the heat and associated energy bills is to invest in energy-efficient windows, seals, and insulation to keep the cold in and the heat out. You can also install light-colored window coverings to block sun in the warmest part of the day.

Energy-efficient, reflective roof tiles or a coat of lighter exterior paint can do wonders in reflecting the heat of the sun away from your home’s outside.

Rely on Technology

At the very minimum, install a programmable thermostat that will automatically adjust your temperature requirements while you are away or asleep. Smart technology is advancing each day, and in some homes, rooms can now detect when you are present in them and adjust the temperatures accordingly. You can also control and monitor air conditioning usage from afar using a smart phone.

Don’t Forget the Little Things

Every light that’s left on when not in use generates heat as well as all those electronic devices. Consider switching to LED lightbulbs and turning off electronic gadgets when they are not being used to save money and reduce heat.

Contact COMPANYNAME for AC Services in York

To schedule an air conditioning tune-up or duct inspection or to talk with us about other energy-saving ideas, call our Comfortable Design team at 717-252-2078 or request service online . Our York , professionals would be happy to help.

The post Spring Money-Saving Tips first appeared on Comfortable Design Inc. and is written by Comfortable Design .

What’s That Smell Coming From My AC at Startup?

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 12:00:00 GMT

As the temperatures begin to rise in Lancaster , many homeowners are firing up their air conditioners for the first time in months. But what if, instead of a refreshing blast of cool air, you’re hit with an unpleasant smell?

If your AC is producing an unusual odor at startup, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common concerns our team at Comfortable Design hears every spring as homeowners transition back to cooling mode.

To assuage your concerns, we’ve compiled a list of common smells and their causes.

What ’s That Smell Coming From My AC on Startup?

Let’s break down what might be causing these smells and what you can do about them.

1. Musty or Mildew Smell

If your AC smells like a damp basement or old gym socks, you might be dealing with mold or mildew growth inside your system. This often happens when moisture builds up in your air ducts or evaporator coils, creating the perfect environment for microbial growth.

What to Do:

2. Burning Smell

A burning odor when you first turn on your AC could be due to dust accumulation on the heating elements or electrical components. If your system has been sitting unused for months, dust settles on the coils, wires, and motor. The dust burns off when you start it up, causing a brief but noticeable smell.

What to Do:

3. Rotten Egg Smell

A sulfur or rotten egg smell is a major red flag, as it could indicate a natural gas leak near your HVAC system . While air conditioners don’t use natural gas, a nearby furnace , gas line, or stove could be leaking, and your AC could be circulating the odor throughout your home.

What to Do:

4. Chemical or Sweet Smell

A chemical odor, similar to acetone or sweet antifreeze, could indicate a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant is essential for cooling your home, and a leak can not only affect your AC’s performance but also pose health risks if inhaled over time.

What to Do:

5. Dirty Socks or Sewage Smell

If your AC produces a foul, sewage-like smell, you might have a clogged condensate drain or an issue with sewer gas backing up through your home’s plumbing system. Bacteria can grow in stagnant water within the drain line, creating an unpleasant odor.

What to Do:

Preventing Future AC Odors

To avoid these unpleasant smells when starting up your AC each spring, consider the following maintenance steps:

When to Call an HVAC Professional

While some AC odors may be temporary or easy to fix, persistent or strong smells often indicate a more serious issue. If you’re experiencing any of these odors and aren’t sure of the cause, it’s best to call a professional HVAC technician at Comfortable Design. We can diagnose the problem, ensure your system is running safely, and get your AC back to providing fresh, clean air.

Don’t let a smelly AC ruin the start of your cooling season! If you’re in the Lancaster, area and need expert AC maintenance or repair, contact Comfortable Design today to schedule a service appointment. Call 717-252-2078 or request service online .

The post What’s That Smell Coming From My AC at Startup? first appeared on Comfortable Design Inc. and is written by Comfortable Design .

Is My Furnace Overheating?

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 15:14:00 GMT

Just about any electrical appliance has the potential to overheat, and furnaces are no exception. As a homeowner, you need to take precautions to lower the risk of an overheated unit. You should also be wary of the associated symptoms so you know when to take action.

Remember, if your system gets too hot, you should keep a cool head and get your furnace taken care of right away.

We want to keep our customers in the know about overheating furnaces. Our team here at Comfortable Design in Wrightsville compiled the following information for you.

How Do I Prevent My Furnace From Overheating?

The main way to keep your furnace from overheating is ensuring correct airflow. Hindered airflow causes the system’s components to work abnormally hard, causing them to overheat.

Here’s how to keep your appliance in check:

• Get a correctly sized filter.

Not every filter is created equal. Some filters create a resistance your system isn’t designed to handle. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s recommendations on correct filters, and consult a heating , ventilation , and air conditioning (HVAC) expert if you’re still not sure.

• Change/clean y our filter routinely.

If you let the dust settle for too long, your filter can become clogged. This clog significantly compromises airflow, which causes the machine’s parts to overwork and eventually fail. Check the manufacturer’s manual to see how frequently you need to change your filter. We, as well as ENERGY STAR®, typically recommend at least every one to three months .

• Be s ure y our vents/ducts aren’t blocked.

Blockages in your vents are hard on your furnace, causing the equipment to run too long. Be sure to clear away any obstructions near and/or on them, including carpets, furniture, and curtains. Additionally, keep your ducts clean and free of any leaks or constrictions.

• Have a technician p erform r outine m aintenance.

Regular maintenance , annually or semiannually, is a necessary step in protecting the condition of your system. One of our Comfortable Design technicians will clean any dirty coils, fasten loose components, and be sure the system is performing optimally. This will significantly lower the risk of a malfunction.

How Do I Know My Furnace Is Overheating?

When your furnace overheats, it loses some or all of its functionality. Therefore, it probably won’t go unnoticed. Here are some giveaway signs:

• Your f urnace shuts down before completing a cycle.

This is the most common sign of overheating. It actually shuts down to protect you. When your heat exchanger gets to an unsafe temperature, the high-limit switch detects this and automatically turns the furnace off.

• You smell a burning odor.

If you’ve just turned on your furnace for the first time in a while, you can expect a slight burning smell for about 20 to 30 minutes. However, a constant burning smell is a serious cause for concern. Call one of our professional technicians immediately.

• You notice an unusual humming sound.

A loud humming noise likely means your motor is overworked and about to give out. In this case, you should immediately turn your furnace off (if it doesn’t turn off on its own first). Then call one of our experts immediately.

Call Us if Your F urnace Overheats

If your furnace overheats, it’s in your best interest to have it repaired right away. Delaying could end up costing you more in the future with pricy parts or whole-system replacements.

If you suspect your furnace has overheated, call our professionals at Comfortable Design at 717-252-2078 or request service online today. We’re proud to provide efficient and long-lasting furnace repairs to our neighbors in Wrightsville, PA , and surrounding regions.

The post Is My Furnace Overheating? first appeared on Comfortable Design Inc. and is written by Comfortable Design .

Why Does My Water Heater’s Pilot Light Keep Going Out?

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 13:00:00 GMT

These days, when our hot water goes out on us, it is more than an inconvenience. Our lifestyles depend on hot water in our daily routines. In fact, we are so dependent upon it that water heating ranks second to only space heating for the highest energy consumption in the United States.

According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), a four-person household consumes 24 percent of its energy to heat water.

Why Your Pilot Light Goes Lights Out

The most common reason the pilot light on your water heater keeps going out is the thermocouple. Comfortable Design professionals can quickly repair or replace your thermocouple to restore hot water to your Wrightsville , home.

What Is a Thermocouple?

In the simplest of definitions, your water heater’s thermocouple measures temperature. More importantly, it is the device that regulates the gas flow inside your water heater or even your furnace .

Your thermocouple has two wires—one sits near the thermostat , and the other rests by the pilot light flame. When the temperature goes up, the thermocouple sends an electric signal to open the gas valve and allows the combustion to take place.

If your pilot light goes out, the thermocouple senses the drop in temperature and signals for the gas valve to close. When your issue is a faulty thermocouple, the most common sign is a malfunctioning pilot light.

What Causes the Thermocouple to Malfunction?

When your thermocouple is at fault, these are the top three reasons:

1. Dirty thermocouple

Over time your water heater will collect dirt, dust, and other types of debris. Buildup on your thermocouple can cause a malfunction. This is an easy do-it-yourself (DIY) fix—simply let everything cool down and brush the dirt or debris carefully off your thermocouple.

2. Bent thermocouple

Your thermocouple easily bends, and this could be the issue. The end sitting near the pilot light flame is what communicates with the gas valve and tells the valve to open or close.

If it is bent away from the flame, it will not register heat and will keep the gas valve closed. So just wait for your water heater to cool down, then delicately bend the end back.

Not comfortable proceeding with this? Then do not attempt the repair yourself. Instead, call Comfortable Design and let one of our experts address the adjustment.

3. Damaged thermocouple

If your thermocouple is neither dirty nor bent, you most likely have a damaged or malfunctioning product. This needs professional involvement. Our highly trained team members can promptly come out to your Pennsylvania home and diagnose and replace, if necessary, your thermocouple.

Sometimes the scenario may not directly involve the thermocouple. It is possible it can be something else—perhaps a dirty pilot light opening. In this case, the sullied opening causes the pilot flame to cool down, preventing the thermocouple to warm effectively.

If you attempt to diagnose and repair the issue on your own but have no success, then it is definitely important to get one of our professionals involved.

Contact Us for All Your Water Heater Needs

Whether your water heater pilot light will not ignite or it is time for a new water heater, our Comfortable Design experts are here for you in Wrightsville, PA. Contact us at 717-252-2078 or request service online today. Your safety and comfort are number one priorities to us.

The post Why Does My Water Heater’s Pilot Light Keep Going Out? first appeared on Comfortable Design Inc. and is written by Comfortable Design .

Schedule Your Annual Furnace Inspection Now

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 11:47:00 GMT

What ’s at the top of your fall to-do list? Make sure it is your furnace .

Prepping your heating , ventilation , and air conditioning (HVAC) system for winter in Pennsylvania not only enhances your safety and your furnace’s efficiency, it can help keep your repair budget in line during cold weather. Tackling this important chore is easier than raking leaves or cleaning gutters when you call the heating and cooling experts at Comfortable Design Inc .

Even if you have not thought about your furnace for months—it is easy to overlook if it is stationed in the basement or hidden in a closet—fall is the perfect time to make sure the most important seasonal equipment in your home is ready for action.

Before you know it, it will be time for pumpkin pie, cold starry nights, and the age-old game of thermostat tug-o-war. You may not be ready to switch on your furnace just yet, but Comfortable Design Inc can make sure your heating system will run as efficiently and safely as possible when the temperature outside plummets. The last thing you want is for your furnace to stop working in the middle of winter.

Why Is Furnace Maintenance Important?

Neglecting your furnace risks the safety and integrity of your Lancaster home. Preventative maintenance, including an annual inspection before the heating season begins, can identify potential mechanical or electrical flaws. It can reveal potential problems that, if not corrected, may lead to expensive repairs and higher energy bills.

Even something as simple as a dirty air filter decreases airflow and can make your furnace work harder and less efficiently. Inefficiency means higher energy costs. That can translate into a big chunk of change, especially when you consider that home heating can make up approximately 42 percent of your total utility bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy . Over time, a clogged air filter or dirty burner can turn a small problem into a big breakdown.

An annual maintenance check-up not only protects your furnace but also safeguards your family. A cracked heat exchanger, for example, can lead to a deadly carbon monoxide (CO) leak. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) , CO exposure sends more than 20,000 Americans to the emergency room every year and causes 400 deaths. The CDC recommends installing CO detectors in your home and having all gas appliances inspected by a qualified technician every year.

Annual inspections also preserve your HVAC system’s warranty. Keep track of all paperwork relating to maintenance service and repairs and hire one of our certified, licensed experts for the work.

What Does an Inspection Involve?

Our HVAC professionals will clean air intake grilles and the burner. We will make sure belts, bearings, and other parts are in good condition and will examine the air filter, pilot light, hot surface ignitors, and flame sensors. We also will measure and analyze the combustion to make sure it follows manufacturer guidelines.

During the annual inspection, our technician will let you know if repairs are needed or if it is time to replace your system. You will have ample time to have new equipment installed if you schedule a yearly inspection before the heating season begins.

What About Do-It-Yourself Furnace Maintenance?

During the heating season, you should check your furnace filter periodically and replace it if it is clogged or dirty.

You also can wrap up the heating season by cleaning your furnace humidifier. You will need to remove or replace its water panel, turn the humidistat off and switch the bypass duct damper to the summer position. Most owners manuals will walk you through the process. If you did not include the humidifier in your spring cleaning, you can tackle the job before the heating season begins. If you are unsure, just can ask one of our HVAC professional to handle the job for you.

Contact Us Today

Ready to schedule your annual furnace inspection ? The HVAC experts at Comfortable Design Inc in Lancaster, PA , are eager to help. Call 717-252-2078 or request service online .

The post Schedule Your Annual Furnace Inspection Now first appeared on Comfortable Design Inc. and is written by Comfortable Design .

Why Isn’t My Furnace Heating My Entire Home?

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 14:55:00 GMT

If your furnace seems to be producing heat inconsistently around your Wrightsville home to you, you’re not alone. Many homes have varied conditions from room to room, causing spotty heating or cooling.

On cold days, this can be a nuisance. You may be confined to only a few rooms in your home, or you might have to wear a coat and blanket just to function around the house.

Our team at Comfortable Design wants you to be comfortable at home—you deserve to be! There are several reasons why your furnace may not be providing adequate warmth. Common issues include a malfunctioning thermostat, clogged air filters, or even more serious problems like a broken blower motor or a faulty igniter.

Understanding the potential causes of your furnace’s heating issues is the first step in getting your system back on track.

Why Isn’t My Furnace Heating?

Here are some of the most common reasons why furnaces stop heating effectively and guidance on what you can do to restore warmth to your home. Whether it’s a simple fix or a sign that you need professional help, being informed will help you make the right decisions for your heating system and ensure your home stays comfortable.

1. Poor i nsulation

If your ducts, windows, attic, or walls have poor or nonexistent insulation, you might have a problem. Heat is escaping, which can cause inconsistent heating. However, you can fix this relatively quickly.

Your heating, ventilation , and air conditioning (HVAC) professional can perform a thermal analysis in order to figure out which areas need insulation. A professional can install insulation within hours, and compared to other home improvements, it is relatively affordable.

2. Duct problems

Leaky or blocked ducts can lead to patchy heating. The insides of your ducts can have blockages, especially if they haven’t been cleaned recently. Leaks in your ducts are another enemy of even heating. If you think you might have leaky or blocked ducts, have a trained technician perform a thermal analysis and duct cleaning or repair.

Also, take a walk around inside your home to see if any registers or intake vents are being blocked by furniture or carpeting.

3. Thermostat problems

Try changing your thermostat settings. If your furnace is set to Auto , change it to the On setting. This will cause it to run consistently instead of incrementally, which may lead to more even heating.

Your thermostat might also have heat sensor issues or faulty wiring, which causes it to produce the wrong temperature reading. A professional can diagnose this issue.

4. Improperly sized f urnace

When a furnace is sized incorrectly for your Pennsylvania home, it will usually produce poor heating. Undersized units lack the capacity to ventilate your entire living area.

Similarly, larger units short-cycle, leading to inadequate heating. One of our experts can perform heat load calculations to determine whether your system is the correct size.

5. Lack of m aintenance

When you don’t schedule routine maintenance visits, your system can lose its finesse. Dirty coils, worn/unsecured belts, and clogged filters are common mishaps. Due to these issues, you’ll have a weakened heating system.

Routine maintenance saves you money. You can reduce your energy costs by up to 30 percent with seasonal tune-ups and professional maintenance . Regular HVAC maintenance can also reduce costly breakdowns by as much as 95 percent.

6. Wrong-sized filter

Good airflow is key to dispersing hot air throughout your Wrightsville home. If your filter is too thick for your furnace, it creates excessive resistance, leading to compromised airflow. You can have your technician perform a static resistance test to see if it’s the right size.

7. HVAC zoning

Some homes have varied heating needs for different rooms. Fortunately, with a zone control system, you can adjust the temperature settings in multiple areas. If you live in a home with multiple stories, large windows, or a furnished basement, zone controls may be the best solution.

Call Comfortable Design for All Your Heating Needs

A furnace that isn’t heating properly can be more than just an inconvenience—it can impact your comfort and safety, especially during colder months. By understanding the common causes, such as thermostat malfunctions, dirty filters, or more complex mechanical issues, you can take steps to diagnose the problem.

While some issues may be resolved with a quick DIY fix, others might require the expertise of a professional HVAC technician. Ignoring these problems can lead to bigger, more expensive repairs down the line.

Our professionals at Comfortable Design provide furnace installations, repairs, and maintenance to our neighbors in Wrightsville, PA and surrounding regions. Call us today at 717-252-2078 or request service online for any additional questions or to schedule service.

If your furnace is still struggling to heat your home, don’t hesitate to reach out. Ensuring your furnace is in top working condition will help maintain a warm and cozy environment throughout the winter season.

The post Why Isn’t My Furnace Heating My Entire Home? first appeared on Comfortable Design Inc. and is written by Comfortable Design .

4 Important Heat Pump Maintenance Tips

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 17:38:00 GMT

How often do you schedule a maintenance visit for the heat pump in your Lancaster home? Taking proper care of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is the best way to ensure it will function efficiently and reach its full service life potential.

Plus, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your heat pump is in top shape with no signs of trouble. After all, nobody wants to experience a system breakdown.

Comfortable Design understands how important it is for your heat pump to operate at its greatest capacity. You depend on your system for comfort, and it’s our mission to help you achieve this. So whether you need to keep warm or cool down, we are here to help.

A heat pump offers both the heating and cooling you need for optimal indoor comfort, but keeping up with routine maintenance is critical for it to remain in peak condition. Let us walk you through some basic heat pump maintenance tips to ensure maximum efficiency.

What Happens During a Professional Maintenance Visit?

During a routine professional maintenance visit with our professionals, you can expect us to:

When it comes to heat pump maintenance, our professionals are here to help. We want your system to remain in top shape for many years to come, so if you’re ever unsure about how to properly maintain your heat pump on your own or would prefer to leave it to our experts, just give us a call.

We also offer an exceptional maintenance plan to help ensure you never miss a service that will encourage your system to operate as efficiently as possible. Be sure to speak with our experts to learn more and become a member today!

Contact Our Professionals for Heat Pump Maintenance Today

Our Comfortable Design professionals have been providing critical maintenance services for homeowners in the Lancaster, PA, area for several years. Place your trust in us—we are here to address your heat pump concerns. Call 717-252-2078 or request service online today.

The post 4 Important Heat Pump Maintenance Tips first appeared on Comfortable Design Inc. and is written by Comfortable Design .

How to Lower Your Winter Heating Bill

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 12:08:00 GMT

Wintertime is here. That means your family will be spending more time indoors to stay warm.

Let’s face it: running your furnace gets expensive. Heating alone accounts for over 40 percent of the average American’s utility bill, according to a US Department of Energy (DOE) analysis . Staying warm can be a costly proposition.

We can help. Comfortable Design wishes more of our Pennsylvania customers knew about the simple ways to cut heating costs during the winter. Some require a small financial investment, but some are free and incredibly simple with a little diligence.

In our many years of experience, here are some of the most effective strategies to save on heating:

Tweaking Your Thermostat

A great way to lower your heating bill is to only use as much heat as you need. We recommend a temperature setting of 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter. For even bigger savings, lower the thermostat a few degrees before bed. Also, be sure to lower your heat before leaving York home.

It’s not always easy to remember to do this manually. That’s why we recommend purchasing a programmable or smart thermostat to automate the process for you.

Shutting Doors

Lots of open space makes heat disperse faster. That’s why you should keep the doors to bedrooms and bathrooms closed wherever possible. Your living space will stay warmer for longer, thus creating fewer cycles for your heating equipment. In addition to using less energy, you’ll also be preserving the lifespan of your heating , ventilation , and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment.

Dress for Success

Funky sweaters, thick socks, and slippers are a must when it comes to saving money on your energy use! If 68 degrees feels too cold, try throwing on an extra layer before you crank up your heat to tropical climates. A little layering also allows you to warm up without the air feeling stuffy.

Clean or Replace Your Furnace Filter

Did you know your furnace could be running at compromised efficiency? When the air filter becomes clogged with dust, your heater gets overworked. Additionally, the stifled airflow can make your heating “spotty.” For the best results, change your filter every 90 days or so, or clean it monthly if you have a reusable filter.

Insulate! Insulate! Insulate!

Runaway heat is the enemy of your wallet. If your attic has old insulation or no insulation at all, consider having a layer of protection added. Other escape routes include walls, crawlspaces, and the jousts in your floorboards. Be sure to seal any gaps around your windows or doors.

Looking to Save More? Call Us Today

Maintenance inspections will keep you safe from unexpected repairs. They also protect your heating equipment from hidden mechanical issues that drive up your York, PA , utility bills. If you need HVAC service, call Comfortable Design at 717-252-2078 or request service online today.

The post How to Lower Your Winter Heating Bill first appeared on Comfortable Design Inc. and is written by Comfortable Design .

Why Do I Need a Humidifier in the Fall?

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 00:21:00 GMT

Fall is a beautiful time of the year—but it comes with a drop in humidity levels. If you’re concerned about the humidity change and want to enhance your comfort inside your Lancaster home, installing a humidifier is an excellent option.

According to ENERGY STAR®, 17.2 million households in the United States use a humidifier —install one in your home and join all these other households who have been maximizing their indoor comfort.

Even with a heating , ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, your home could fail to maintain an ideal level of humidity. Lower humidity levels can lead to health issues like exacerbated lung and upper respiratory problems. It can also cause wood floors and furniture to crack and warp.

Here at Comfortable Design Inc , we want you to be healthy, safe, and comfortable inside your Pennsylvania home. Our experts are here to inform you of the many benefits humidifiers offer, as well as the additional ways you can better manage the levels of humidity in your home, so they always remain within the recommended range of 30 to 50 percent.

Benefits of Using a Humidifier in Your Home

Installing a humidifier inside your home provides you with the following benefits:

Types of Humidifiers

The two main types of humidifiers are whole-home humidifiers and portable humidifiers.

Whole-home humidifiers are directly attached to your HVAC system. Water vapor goes into your air ducts, allowing for moist air to circulate throughout your Lancaster home. Doing so controls humidity in each area of your home instead of just targeting a single room or section.

If you are looking to increase humidity in a specific area, consider a portable humidifier. You can move the portable version throughout your home to wherever you want to better manage the level of humidity.

Not sure whether a whole-home humidifier or portable humidifier will suit you best? Speak with our Comfortable Design Inc professionals—we can discuss your humidity goals and recommend the best product to match your specific needs and the needs of your home.

Additional Ways to Control Indoor Humidity Levels

Some other actions you can take to ensure your humidity levels remain within the appropriate range include:

Contact Our Experts to Address Your Humidity Concerns

Our Comfortable Design Inc professionals are here to handle all of your heating, cooling, and indoor air quality needs. We can provide expert humidifier installation for your Lancaster, PA home. Call us at 717-252-2078 or request service online today.

The post Why Do I Need a Humidifier in the Fall? first appeared on Comfortable Design Inc. and is written by Comfortable Design .