1. Close drapes, blinds and shades to help retain heat at night or during unoccupied periods.
2. Check the settings on the room air conditioner. Make sure the "fresh air" vent on the air conditioner is closed so you are not cooling outside air.
3. Set the thermostat as high as comfortably possible in the summer. The less difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower the overall cooling bill will be. Between 1 and 2% of summer cooling costs can be saved for every degree Fahrenheit the thermostat is raised.
4. Set the thermostat as low as comfortably possible in the winter. The less difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall heating bill will be.
5. Set the temperature lower in the winter when your home is unoccupied. Use a programmable thermostat to automatically lower and raise the temperature according to your settings.
6. In the winter, reverse your ceiling fan motor so that the blades push air up toward the ceiling, where hot air normally rises. The fan will drive the warm air back down around the edges of the room, which can result in more even heating. Better heat circulation will help combat the problem of sweating windows that some homes experience in the wintertime because of condensation on the glass.
7. Examine your duct system for air leaks. Look for sections that should be joined, but have separated, and then look for obvious holes. Consider hiring a contractor to test the ducts and repair leaks and restrictions. Leaking ductwork accounts for more than 20%-30% of heating costs in an average Massachusetts home.
8. Close drapes, blinds and shades to keep sun's rays out of the home during the warmer months.

1. Remove and clean room air conditioner filters monthly. Dirty filters reduce the efficiency of the air conditioner.
2. Clean furnace filters monthly. Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy use. Keep the furnace clean, lubricated and properly adjusted to save up to 5% of heating costs.
3. Call 1-978-249-0077 and we can send a licensed technician to your home for a free estimate.

Hohengasser Plumbing & Hydronics works hard to help you when there's a breakdown. We know how annoying and expensive they can be. But here's a list of simple maintenance tips to help prevent costly repairs.
In General
* Fix leaky faucets promptly. In addition to wasting about 20 gallons of water a day, a leak can ruin your faucet set.
* Do not use caustic liquid drain openers on a drain that is completely clogged. It can severely damage your pipes.
* Periodically drain several gallons of water from your water heater. This removes sediment from the bottom of the tank to increase heating efficiency and prolong tank life.
* Wrap outdoor or crawl space pipes with electric heat tape or insulation to prevent freezing.

In Your Kitchen & Bath
* Do not rinse fats or cooking oils down the drain. Liquid fats solidify in the cold drains pipes and create clogs.
* To extend the life of your garbage disposal: use plenty of cold water when running; don't overload; never dispose of bones, corn husks, or stringy fibrous material; never use a caustic drain opener; always use tongs or pliers to free objects from the disposal - don't use your hands.
* Running ice through disposal helps to clean blades
* Check under sinks for moisture or small leaks. Leaks under sinks should be repaired quickly to avoid damage to cabinets and floors.
* Use a strainer in bathroom drains. This will prevent hair and soap pieces from clogging drains.
* Make sure overflow holes on tubs and vanity are clear and open to prevent water damage to floors and ceilings.

© Hohengasser Plumbing & Hydronics 2007-08 | Phone: 978-249-0077
Home | About | What is Hydronics? | Products We Use | Conservation Tips | Photo Gallery | Contact