If your current air conditioning system is over 10-15 years old, the chances are, it’s costing you more and more in servicing and repairs each year, and it’s likely to be having a detrimental effect on the environment.

Replacing an inefficient or mechanically unsound system with a new, up-to-date model will often recoup the considerable outlay on previous systems within three years.

While it can be argued that a brand-new system – such as a forced air furnace – will cost you more in up-front costs (i.e. unit purchase, installation and implementation), they will cost you a lot less in running costs over the period of time you have it for. Ultimately, it doesn’t necessarily matter what system you have as long as it’s run efficiently and you maintain a regular service plan. Make sure you change the furnace filter (equal to your blower’s capacity) between two and six times a year (dependant on usage) and clean your ducts regularly to avoid the build up of mould and bacteria, leaving your home much less susceptible to airborne diseases and dramatically improving the longevity of your machine.

Five Easy Ways To Save
The price of oil has risen dramatically in the last 12-18 months and there appears to be no end in sight. Most, if not all energy providers are putting their costs up, and for most people, this coming winter will be the most expensive yet in terms of heating your house.

1. There are a number of ways you can reduce your heating costs – chief among these is to make sure your heating and cooling systems are regularly checked and are functioning at their optimum levels. Inefficient systems waste money – it’s as simple as that. If you haven’t had a check for at least a year, make an appointment to have one done.
2. Walk around your house and check for draughts. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) continually report that draughty, poorly insulated homes are one of the major causes of energy waste.
3. Install a programmable thermostat. It can change the temperature to suit your needs. Wake up warm, but then turn it off or low when you’re out at work all day.
4. Insulate your water heater making sure the heat stays where you want it to be. It’s also worth thinking about weather-stripping and caulking (sealing) your doors and windows, preventing heat escaping through the gaps you can’t even see.
5. Turning your thermostat down by even a few degrees (which will hardly be noticeable to you) can save you a good amount of money each year. Lower temperatures at night are also a better aid to sleep.