Get Comfortable With Your Thermostat

Get Comfortable With Your Thermostat

Your thermostat might be small but it’s a crucial part of your home’s comfort. We often recommend you reach out when you need a new thermostat as different models aren’t always interchangeable, and we can get you a higher quality version at one of our supply houses.

Programmable Models: You’ll be able to predefine your home’s temperature for specific days and times throughout the week. This function makes it equally as effective as a smart thermostat in enhancing your home’s energy efficiency. For example, if your family is away at work and school from Monday to Friday, a programmable thermostat can be set to automatically adjust the temperature, preventing your heating and cooling system from running unnecessarily when nobody is home.

Smart Models: In comparison, a smart thermostat offers a level of intuitiveness in regulating your home’s heating and cooling. These thermostats will learn from your temperature adjustments and are accessible through a dedicated app. They can also assist in accurately tracking and managing your home’s energy consumption data so you can monitor and assess your HVAC system’s efficiency.

If you’re interested in upgrading your home’s thermostat, schedule an appointment with one of our technicians. We’ll review your current models, make suggestions based on your needs and get you on our installation calendar.

Tips to Help Save you Energy This Summer

Tips to Help Save You Energy This Summer

As the temperatures rise and the summer heat sets in, finding ways to save energy becomes crucial. Not only does it help reduce our carbon footprint, but it also contributes to lower energy bills! Here are some tips that will make a significant difference in your energy consumption while keeping you cool this summer.

Use a programmable thermostat:

Set your thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature when you're not at home, which can help reduce energy consumption and save money on your energy bills. Not sure how to switch? Give us a call at 203.227.5181 to schedule an appointment with one of our electricians.

Keep your home well-insulated:

Make sure your home is well-insulated to prevent cool air from escaping and warm air from entering. This can help reduce the workload on your air conditioning system and save energy.

Use fans:

Use ceiling fans or portable fans to circulate air throughout your home. This can help reduce the temperature and make you feel cooler without having to rely solely on your air conditioning system.

Close blinds and curtains:

Close blinds and curtains during the hottest part of the day to block out the sun and keep your home cooler.

Use energy-efficient lighting:

Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs, which use less energy and produce less heat.

Use appliances wisely:

Use appliances such as the dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer during off-peak hours when energy rates are lower. This can help reduce your energy bills and save energy.

Grilling outdoors:

Cook outdoors on the grill instead of using the oven or stove. This can help keep your home cooler and reduce the workload on your air conditioning system.

Avoid using heat-generating appliances:

Using the oven or dryer during the hottest part of the day can make your home feel warmer and cause your air conditioning system to work harder.

Our top priority this summer is to keep you and your family cool and comfortable.

call 203.227.5181 to schedule an appointment with a member of our team.

Introducing Gault Electric Services

Introducing Gault Electrical Services

You spoke and we listened!

We are excited to announce that our team of skilled electricians that you have come to know from our generator division are now available for electrical repairs and upgrades at your home. Do you have an outlet that needs to be installed? Or maybe a light fixture you want replaced or a service upgrade? We make it easy and hassle-free with the same ‘we’ll be right over’ service you are accustomed to from Gault Energy & Home Solutions.

To schedule an appointment or learn more, call 203.227.5181 or visit GaultEnergy.com/Electric

Energy Efficiency Dos and Don'ts

Energy Efficiency Dos and Don’ts

Energy efficiency is the name of the game this year. With the state encouraging homeowners to convert their HVAC systems to electric even with higher than ever electric rates, we’ve decided to instead focus on bringing those electric bills down by using your system more efficiently.

Follow along throughout the year as we share more Efficiency Dos and Don’ts on the Gault blog and don’t miss our High Efficiency Savings in May!

15 Ways to Save Energy This Winter

15 Ways to Save Energy This Winter

It’s not only cold in the winter, but it can be costly! This season, we’ve compiled some of our favorite tips to save money and energy while avoiding any unnecessary time spent cold.

1. Schedule your annual tune up

Don’t be caught by surprise when you turn your heating equipment back on! Your tune up is a great preventative step to ensure that your equipment is running smoothly and is ready for the season.

2. Eliminate air leaks/drafts

One way that cold air can seep into your home is through doors, windows, attics, and basements. To prevent drafts, you can install weatherstrips to stop the cold air from getting in!

3. Turn your ceiling fans clockwise

Fans may keep you cool during the warm months, but they can help your home’s energy efficiency as the weather changes. By turning your fan clockwise, you can create an updraft moving the warm air downward into the rest of the room.

4. Switch to a smart thermostat

Jump on the technology bandwagon! A smart thermostat allows you to preset your temperatures, so it turns down or up automatically based on your schedule.

5. Don’t forget your fireplace

There’s something special about a fire on a cold night, but when it’s not in use, make sure you close the damper. Warm air circulating through your home can escape through the chimney.

6. Let the sunshine in

The sun is a great source of free heat on bright sunny days!! But as we know, windows and doors are a way for that warm air to slip through the cracks. Consider getting insulated curtains to keep some of that free heat in overnight.

7. Close doors and vents in unused rooms

Maybe you’re an empty nester or maybe you only use a few rooms during the work week – either way, if you close doors and vents in rooms that aren’t in use, you’ll redirect the warm air to the spaces you’re in and use less heat overall.

8. Adjust your water heater

It takes a lot of energy to heat water – in fact, it’s the second highest source of energy usage. If you set your water heater to a couple of degrees cooler, it will save you money and you’ll still enjoy all the hot water you like.

9. Switch to energy efficient light bulbs

LED lights are known as the most energy efficient lighting. They may cost you more up front but over time they will save you money; they use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer.

10. Leave your oven door slightly open after using it

On a busy day in the kitchen, you probably notice how warm it gets as your oven gives off heat. Don’t let that heat go to waste! Leave your oven door open just a bit to have some extra heat flow when you’re done cooking.

11. Insulate your pipes

Pipes are out of sight, out of mind but they are so important bringing hot water to faucets, showers, and other appliances. Depending on how far the water has to travel, your pipes can be the cause of heat loss. Insulated pipes raise the water temperature, improves your hot water heater’s efficiency and will lead to energy savings over time.

12. Unplug unused electronics

Just because your TV, lamp, and air fryer are “off” when plugged in doesn’t mean they aren’t using energy. These are examples of “energy vampires” because they are taking energy when you don’t know it. Save energy by unplugging items when not in use.

13. Place rugs on hardwood floors

Rugs aren’t just to make your home look cool and fun. They also add a layer of insulation that keeps your feet off a chilly hardwood floor.

14. Set your holiday lights to a timer

Don’t be silly and keep your holiday lights on all night long - that is another giant energy waster! A smart plug or basic timer for your outlets is an easy solution to save energy and money. To be honest, we also forget to shut them off before bed!

15. Turn down the thermostat & bundle up

Knocking down your thermostat a degree or two can save you over the course of the heating season, sometimes up to 10% on your fuel usage.

Hint: When finding a temperature that you find comfortable, consider putting on a sweatshirt, sweatpants, and use an extra blanket at night.

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WE’RE HERE FOR YOU!

Please contact us at 203-227-5181 or info@gaultenergy.com if you’d like to schedule an appointment with one of our Technicians or Comfort Specialists.

13 Summer HVAC Tips

13 Summer HVAC Tips for YOU!

The hottest time of the year is finally here which means enjoying the warm weather, having fun outdoors, and wanting to return to a cool home. Here are 13 ways to ensure your HVAC system is running efficiently and cost effectively:

1. Change your filters

Your AC system collects dirt, dust, and other matter which can reduce efficiency, decrease your indoor air quality, and deteriorate your system. It is important to check, clean, and change your air filters for your system to work to the best of its ability.

2.  Inspect your ducts and vents

Dirty vents and ducts can lower the quality of the air circulating through your home and reduce your equipment efficiency. We recommend keeping your vents wide open for optimal airflow and having your ductwork professionally cleaned. 

3.  Clean the outdoor areas

Your exterior AC condenser needs a good once over; clear at least a 2-foot perimeter from leaves, branches, and other debris that may impede on the unit’s ability to perform.

4.  Improve your cooling power

Programmable thermostats allow you to have more control over the temperature inside your home and a smart thermostat can be managed from your smartphone.

5. Shop energy efficient

Invest in energy-efficient accessories like window coverings and appliances so your cooling equipment doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your home cool.

6. Check the electrical

Every AC system has a wiring system that needs to be checked occasionally. Ensure that the wiring has no scorching and if it does, you should set up an appointment with one of our technicians ASAP!

7.  Clean Condenser Coils

Cleaning your condenser coils is another way to make sure that your AC system is running smoothly. All you have to do is turn off the power and spray the coils with water to remove any dirt and debris!

8. Listen for noise

As your AC unit is running, do you hear any grinding, hissing, rapid vibration, or other strange noises? If you hear any unusual noises, give us a call to schedule a technician to come find out the cause!

9. Check for leaks

Visually check the drain lines from your AC system and ductwork for any leaks, holes, or tears. If you see any cause for concern, call us right away to send a technician out.

10. Consider an upgrade

If you have an older unit (greater than 15 years old or an R22 unit), you are at risk for a break down that won’t be fun in the middle of summer. Upgraded systems are more energy efficient and will help you save money in the long run!

11. Maximize air flow with fans

Positioning fans like ceiling fans, tabletop fans, and floor fans throughout your home can make a huge difference in your overall comfort while helping your AC system not work so hard on hot days.

12. Reduce Heat from other appliances

Avoid using heat from large appliances; for example, instead of using your oven consider using your grill or move your clothes outside to dry on a line rather than the dryer.

13. Schedule a professional tune up

Give your AC system some TLC to make sure your home stays cool all summer long.

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WE’RE HERE FOR YOU!

Please contact us at 203-227-5181 or info@gaultenergy.com if you’d like to schedule an appointment with one of our Technicians or Comfort Specialists.

Get To Know Your Home

Get to Know Your Home

If you’re one of the many that moved into a new home over the last year, whether a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, it is always important to get acquainted with the systems in your home. Here are some of the basics.:

Is my heating system a furnace or a boiler?

Well, boilers use hot water (think boiling water) to heat your home through radiant flooring or radiators. Furnaces, on the other hand, use warm air or ‘forced air’ that is blown through duct work and vents to heat the home. Then, there is hydro-air which is a boiler that converts hot water to warm air.

Do I need to know how to turn my heating system off?

Yes! In case of emergency… locate your Emergency Switch, main water shut-off valve, and electrical panel. The emergency switch is usually located as you enter the basement and should have a red switch plate. This switch shuts off the burner in your heating system, the component that houses the unit’s combustion. Watch our how-to video here!

What are the important components of my propane tank?

Make sure you locate your propane gauge and shut off valve under the top cover of your tank. The gauge is read as a percentage of volume you have in your tank. Remember, since propane is stored as a liquid under pressure, a tank reading of 80% is considered full to ensure the propane has room to expand as temperatures fluctuate throughout the day. Watch our how-to video here!

It’s my first time in an oil heated home, help!

We know an oil heated home can sometimes seem intimidating, but it’s really pretty easy. We deliver fuel from the exterior of your home through a fill pipe connected directly into your oil tank. To make it even easier, our computer system calculates when you need a delivery based on a weather metric (degree days) and the efficiency of your heating system.

How does my central AC work?

There are two main components of your central AC system. The outside condenser unit(s) takes heat from inside the home, transfers it through a refrigerant and deposits it outside, leaving the inside cool. The air handler(s), located inside the home, is what circulates the cool air through your home. The air handler also houses your air filter.

Care For Your Equipment

Care For Your Equipment

Did you know that as much as half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling? That's why it's imperative to take care of your equipment and ensure that it is running at its maximum efficiency. Here are some easy things that you can do to help your equipment help you!

1. Receive Regular Maintenance 

Just like how a tune-up for your car can improve your gas mileage, yearly maintenance on your HVAC equipment can improve the efficiency and your comfort.

2. Change Your Air Filter

A dirty air filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder and thus less efficient.

3. Program Your Thermostat

So many of us have smart thermostats but don't actually program them! According to Energy Star a programmable thermostat can save you over $180 every year in energy costs. If you don't have one, give us a call. 

4. Upgrade

If your heating system is 15 - 20 years old and if your AC is 10 - 15 years old, it's time to have one of our Comfort Specialist's do an analysis of your system. It could be doing more harm than good from an efficiency standpoint.

Don't miss our special savings on a new central AC system through July 15, 2018! Click here to learn more.