Enery Savings

Saving Energy In Your Home Starts Here

bradwaye — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 22:12:04 +0000

Saving Energy In Your Home Starts Here

bradwaye Mon, 01/10/2022 - 17:12

What makes an ENERGY STAR system?

ENERGY STAR is a widely recognized and trusted label on products that meet strict requirements set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. To qualify for ENERGY STAR, heating and cooling units must meet or exceed specific efficiency ratings.

Did you know?

Heating and cooling can account for nearly half of the energy used in your home, according to Energystar.gov, so it’s important to invest in an energy efficient system.

ENERGY STAR Air Conditioners	ENERGY STAR Furnaces
ENERGY STAR certified central air conditioners have higher Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings, making them more than 15 percent more efficient than standard models.	ENERGY STAR certified furnaces have higher Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings and higher efficiency blower motors, making certified gas furnaces, on average, more than 10 percent more efficient than standard models.

Upgrading your heating and cooling system isn’t the only way you can be energy efficient at home. When shopping for dishwashers, washing machines, dryers and refrigerators you should also check for the ENERGY STAR logo.

Did you know?

Washing machines that meet the ENERGY STAR standard use technology to cut energy consumption by up to 25% and water consumption by up to 45% compared to conventional washers.

Install the right heating and cooling system for your home

What happens if your air conditioner or heating system isn’t the right size for your home?

Temperatures might be uneven across the house.
Units might not run long enough to properly control indoor humidity levels.
You may have more maintenance problems over time.

A vital step to getting a more efficient matched system for your home is to have us conduct a load calculation. With a proper load calculation for the right-sized system, you’ll get improved comfort with great efficiency. A basic load calculation takes into account your home’s foundation, roof color, insulation, window type and square footage.

Building Your Energy Efficient Dream Home

bradwaye — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 22:10:30 +0000

Building Your Energy Efficient Dream Home

bradwaye Mon, 01/10/2022 - 17:10

Enery Savings

Customize your modern home with energy saving appliances.

Modern living room and kitchen in small apartment

While older homes have their charm, building a new house is a unique opportunity to customize building materials, layouts and add-ons that can make your home more energy efficient.

When shopping for the fixtures and appliances you’ll be installing in your new home, make sure to think about both the initial and long-term cost. Less efficient appliances may be cheaper up front, but be more expensive when lifetime energy usage is taken into account.

Consider these energy efficient fixtures and appliances for your home

Programmable thermostats: A programmable thermostat can be set to change the target temperature throughout the day to account for times when your family is at work, school or sleeping. If you’re looking for more, consider a remote thermostat, like the ComfortLink™ II which can be paired with the Nexia™ system and your smartphone, tablet or desktop computer to control your HVAC system from anywhere.
Low-flow water fixtures: Low-flow shower heads, toilets and other water fixtures can help reduce manage your water usage. Ask your plumber for recommendations that will provide the right balance of comfort and efficiency for you.
Tankless water heaters: Tankless water heaters instantly heat up water as you need it, which is more efficient than keeping a tank of water hot all the time. While tankless water heaters can reduce your energy bill, they are currently more expensive than traditional water heaters. If you’re considering a tankless system, do some research to make sure the long-term energy savings will make up for the difference in price.
Efficient appliances: When shopping for appliances like stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines and dryers, make sure to consider the estimated annual energy usage of each. Look for ENERGY STAR certified products to keep gas and electric costs down and minimize the total lifetime cost of your appliances.

9 Ways to Save Energy This Summer

bradwaye — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 22:06:24 +0000

9 Ways to Save Energy This Summer

bradwaye Mon, 01/10/2022 - 17:06

Enery Savings

Tips to keep your electric bill chill

The heat is on! It’s time to make a game plan for saving energy this summer and avoiding skyrocketing electricity bills. Here are a variety of ways you can offset the season’s rising temperatures.

1. Fan Yourself

Buying stand, box or ceiling fans is a small investment that can reduce your energy costs. Using fans to help cool your home means you can raise the thermostat setting by 4 degrees without reducing your comfort level. Just remember to turn off the fans when you’re not in the room. They aren’t intended to cool the space — just the people in the space, via the wind chill effect.

Photo by Octav Cado

2. Optimize Your Thermostat Setting

According to the Department of Energy, setting your thermostat at 78 degrees in the summer can save you up to 10% in energy costs each year. If 78 degrees is too warm for you, you can adjust it a bit lower to be comfortable. Just remember that for every degree you raise your thermostat above 72 degrees, you save up to 3% of your cooling expenses.

Consider getting a programmable thermostat, so you can program a warmer setting when you’re not home and automatically start cooling your home right before you get back. If you’re into technology, try a wireless remote thermostat, like the ComfortLink™ II, that can be paired with the Nexia™ system and your smartphone, tablet or desktop computer to control your air conditioner from wherever you are.

3. Upgrade Your Air Conditioner and Appliances

If you’re ready to take your summer energy savings to the next level, go for a system upgrade. Heating and cooling uses nearly half of the energy in your home, so investing in an energy efficient system is a smart move that will save you money in the long run.

When you’re upgrading your air conditioner, look for Energy Star certified systems that have a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings. They’ll be 15% more efficient than other models. While you’re going green, think about upgrading your entire home with Energy Star appliances. At the very least, schedule seasonal maintenance for your air conditioner and other systems, so they’re working their best.

4. Go Low Flow

In the summer, water usage usually increases — whether it’s watering your lawn or taking more post-swim showers. Keep outdoor watering costs down by only watering grass and plants in the early morning or at dusk, so the water doesn’t evaporate in the summer heat. Another secret to having an energy efficient home is installing low-flow water fixtures. These work well on shower heads, toilets and even your outdoor sprinkler.

5. Wash with Cold Water

Here’s a quick summertime money saver. Change up your laundry routine by only washing and rinsing your clothes with cold water. If you do it year round, it could save you around $200 annually.

6. Close the Blinds & Check Your Seals

Kicking up the AC isn’t the only way to keep your home cooler in the hot summer months. Take a quick walk around the house and close all the blinds and curtains. This will keep your rooms from heating up too much and being super hard to cool with your air conditioner or fan. Another tip to keep warm air outside is to add weather stripping to your doors and windows.

7. Keep Your Fridge Cool

Your refrigerator and freezer are essential to keeping your lemonade and popsicles cold all summer long. So, here are few tips to save on your energy bill by maintaining your refrigerator properly. Set the thermostat between 35 and 38 degrees for the refrigerator and between 0 and 5 degrees for the freezer. Check the door seal and vacuum the coils. Make sure your fridge is always full of food (or even just jugs of water), so there’s less air space for it to have to cool.

8. Relax and Unplug

Keep your electronics from sucking up all your summer energy by unplugging your chargers, TV, computer and other small electronics when you’re not using them. It’s an easy way to save up to $100 a year, according to the Department of Energy.

9. Dine Out

Whether you’re grilling a great meal or treating yourself to dinner at your favorite restaurant, steering clear of your kitchen in the summer can reduce your energy bill. Using kitchen appliances can raise the temperature by 10 degrees. Not only will you reduce the energy you use to run those appliances, but you’ll also save on air conditioning costs to cool down your home.

Now that you’ve got a variety of energy-saving ideas that range from new habits to efficient upgrades, challenge yourself to see if you can lower your energy costs this summer. Then use those savings for a weekend vacation in the fall!

Prepping Your Home for Vacation

bradwaye — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 22:04:13 +0000

Prepping Your Home for Vacation

bradwaye Mon, 01/10/2022 - 17:04

Enery Savings

Your must-do vacation checklist for take-off

It might take a little extra work to get your home ready for vacation, but you’ll be able to relax more once you’re at your destination. Consider this your checklist for peace-of-mind while you’re getting away.

Don’t Leave Any Clues for Thieves

Vacation season is prime time for criminals to make a visit. Take a few precautions to make your home look lived-in while you’re away.

Park at least one car in the driveway, so it looks like someone’s at home
Hold all mail and packages or ask a neighbor to bring in your deliveries
Bring in your spare keys
Put your lights on a timer to mimic your family’s typical schedule
Mow your lawn and trim hedges
Set up smart locks for helpful neighbors and pet sitters
Play it safe and don’t mention your travel plans on social media

Pre-Clean Your House

Nobody wants to come home to a stinky situation. Keep your vacation vibe going by taking time to tidy up before you head out. That way you can come home and rest, instead of cleaning up a mess.

Clean out the refrigerator and freezer (before you take out the trash!)
Take out the trash — check every room
Vacuum, dust and wipe down counters and sinks
Make your bed, so you can sink right in when you get back

Set Everything to Energy-Saving Mode

If you’re gone for 3 days or more, take a vacation from your electric bill by dialing back your energy usage.

Set thermostats up to 85 degrees in the summer and as low as 55 degrees in the winter. If you have pets staying at home while you’re gone, choose a setting that will still keep them comfortable.
If you use smart home automation, turn your thermostat off completely so it won’t turn on every time your neighbor brings in the mail. Again, if you have pets staying in the house, keep the thermostat on and set at a comfortable temperature.
Unplug small electronics, especially chargers, which continually draw electricity and can increase your electric bill.
Close blinds and curtains to keep your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Then your air conditioner and heater won’t have to work too hard while you’re on vacation.
Put the water heater on vacation mode if it has that option, so it operates more efficiently and gets a well-deserved break (like you!)

Checked everything off? Then you’re all set. Enjoy your vacation and relax knowing you’ll come back to happy home and lower energy bill.

Does ENERGY STAR Qualified Matter When I Shop for New Appliances?

bradwaye — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 21:59:58 +0000

Does ENERGY STAR Qualified Matter When I Shop for New Appliances?

bradwaye Mon, 01/10/2022 - 16:59

Enery Savings

See how energy efficient appliances can save you money in the long run

The answer is yes — for several reasons. Here’s when ENERGY STAR qualified appliances matter most.

Replacing Really Old Appliances

Getting rid of a 3-year-old dishwasher might not be worth the higher price tag for ENERGY STAR qualified appliances. But if your appliances are at the end of their life, definitely look for the ENERGY STAR label.

New, energy-efficient appliances can help you save money on energy bills over the next 10-20 years. And saving even a little on your energy bill goes a long way when you consider that refrigerators last an average of 12 years, washing machines about 11 years and HVAC systems around 15-20 years.

When you see the ENERGY STAR logo qualified on a product, it means that the product meets specific standards for energy efficiency that often exceed the federal minimum standards. You should also check out the yellow EnergyGuide label on appliances. This gives you detailed information about the annual energy consumption and operating cost, so you can comparison shop.

Building a New House

Start off on the right foot and go green with an ENERGY STAR home. If you’re building your energy efficient dream home, using ENERGY STAR as a guide to make decisions that can help you save money on energy costs. Plus, you’ll save even more because you’re getting a whole house full of new, energy efficient appliances!

When comparing the energy usage for each appliance in your home, you can see exactly where choosing ENERGY STAR qualified products can have the biggest impact. Here’s a quick look at the top 10 appliances in homes and how much energy they use, as reported by Connect4Climate:

Heating & Cooling	47%
Water Heater	14%
Washer & Dryer	13%
Lighting	12%
Refrigerator	4%
Oven	4%
TV, Cable, DVD	3%
Dishwasher	2%
Computer	1%

Trying to Save Energy and the Environment

You’ll feel good about buying ENERGY STAR qualified appliances if saving the planet is your top priority. ENERGY STAR was started in 1992 as part of the federal Clean Air Act. It’s a voluntary program run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with the goal of identifying and promoting energy-efficient products and buildings to consumers, so they can reduce energy consumption and pollution.

ENERGY STAR helps Americans save billions of kilowatt hours of electricity each year and reduces millions of metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions. Buying ENERGY STAR products is a great way to go green and help protect your environment.

Ready to start shopping?

There are a lot of high-quality energy efficient products that can save energy in your home. That’s why the experts at ENERGY STAR created a helpful guide to shopping for ENERGY STAR qualified appliances, as well other eco-friendly items for your home. Their guide covers everything from kitchen appliances to heating and air conditioning to light bulbs.

5 Tips for Keeping Your Dog Cool at Home

bradwaye — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 21:58:24 +0000

5 Tips for Keeping Your Dog Cool at Home

bradwaye Mon, 01/10/2022 - 16:58

Enery Savings

Energy-saving ideas to keep your pets comfortable this summer

The dog days of summer are here. Which can be hard on your AC unit and your pets. Keeping your pup cool during the hottest months doesn’t have to be a hassle though. With some careful planning, an HVAC tune-up and a few fun pet products, you and Fido can beat the heat without breaking the bank.

5 Ways to Keep Pets Cool

Turn off fans, lights and electronics

Turn off the ceiling fan. Fans cool humans by evaporating the sweat on our skin. But because dogs don’t sweat, the air flow from a fan isn’t going to make much of a difference for them in the summer. So, leave the fan off to save money and energy.

Turn off the lights. Natural light isn’t just for Instagram filters. Pets love it too. The SPCA of Texas says if dogs are home without you, natural light is best light for them. Plus, turning the lights off causes less heat output, which helps keeps your AC from working overtime.

Turn off the TV. Leaving your TV on all day can drive up energy costs by raising indoor temperatures and making your pet more active during the day when they should be resting.

Get with the program(mable) thermostat

Setting your thermostat to 78 degrees helps cut back on energy costs in the summer. Since regular body temperature for dogs is 3-4 degrees higher than humans, turning the thermostat up won’t adversely affect them. A programmable or smart thermostat will keep your temps on track. The Trane ComfortLink™ II XL1050 thermostat allows you to program and adjust temperatures from the house or on-the-go.

Check for leaks

Your AC could be running on overdrive without you even knowing, especially if cool air is escaping from doors, windows or air ducts. Adding weather stripping to doors and windows that have gaps in them can keep hot air out. Check to see where plumbing and electrical wiring is coming into your home to make sure there are no big openings.

Throw some shade

Keep the blinds closed during the hottest parts of the day or while you’re at work. This helps keep unwanted heat from coming in via the greenhouse effect your windows can produce. For those of us who didn’t pay attention in 8th grade science this means sunlight and heat enter, but can’t escape. Which makes your house hotter. Close the drapes, or if you have blinds, tilt the slats upward to help reflect light away from your house.

Be routinely high maintenance

Check your air filters once a month, especially in the summer, to make sure they are clear from dust and debris. A clogged filter can cause your AC to work overtime. Switching out your filters is a smart way to conserve your energy bill and keep your HVAC working smoothly. On top of monthly air filter checks, having your HVAC cleaned and inspected by a Trane Comfort Specialist helps keep things running smoothly all summer long.

7 Ways To Lower Your Heating Bill Right Now | Trane Topics

bradwaye — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 21:56:34 +0000

7 Ways To Lower Your Heating Bill Right Now | Trane Topics

bradwaye Mon, 01/10/2022 - 16:56

Enery Savings

Keep your house cozy without breaking the bank this fall and winter

Want to lower your energy costs? Of course, who doesn’t? We’ve pulled together a list of easy energy-saving ideas from simple tips where you’ll see a difference right away to energy-efficient home upgrades that pay off year over year.

According to Energy Star, in the average American household, almost half of the annual energy bill goes to heating and cooling – more than $900 a year. Following these money saving tips can really add up and have a big impact on your family budget.

7 ways to lower your heating bill right now

Open your curtains and blinds
Check your insulation
Seal your doors and windows
Set your thermostat correctly for winter
Create climate zones
Run your ceiling fan clockwise in winter (really!)
Upgrade to a high-efficient HVAC system

Take a closer look at our list and learn how you can put these ideas into practice in your home today.

Open your curtains and blinds

Even on the coldest days, direct sunlight will generate heat when it hits a window. So, on sunny days, let the sun shine in. Best of all – it’s free! Pro tip: open the blinds or curtains to let direct sunlight in and close them up once the sun moves away. Your blinds and curtains act as a secondary insulator and help keep cold air from seeping in.

Check your insulation

If your attic or crawlspace isn’t properly insulated, your heating system has to work harder to keep your home at a consistently comfortable temperature. The more it works, the more it costs you. Foam insulation can settle after a year. Homes built in the 70’s or earlier should be checked out as insulation quality has come a long way since then. If you live up north where it gets really cold, try adding extra insulation to your garage door, it can make a big difference.

Seal your doors and windows

You don’t need to be Mr. or Mrs. DIY to check the seals of your doors and windows and replace cracked or worn weather strips. Be sure to seal all cracks, holes, and gaps around windows to prevent air leaks.

Set your thermostat correctly for winter

Ok, so there really isn’t one perfect temperature to keep your home at during the winter. To get max efficiency out of your heating system all you have to do is use the built-in energy-saving functionality most of today’s thermostats have.

Programmable thermostats. Programmable thermostats allow you to set a variety of temperature preferences during the day for each day of the week. A good guideline for winter is to set it to about 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) when you’re home and lower it (about 10-12 degrees Fahrenheit or 6-8 degrees Celsius) at night or when you’re away. As great as programmable thermostats are – they only work if you use them properly. If you constantly adjust the temperature – you’ll end up spending more, not less, on your energy bill.

Smart thermostats. If you haven’t already, consider upgrading to a connected, smart home thermostat. Truth is, even though they can, most people don’t use their programmable thermostat properly. Smart thermostats take the human element out of it. These next-gen thermostats do more than just keep your home warm and cozy all winter (which they do very well), they learn your patterns and automatically adjust the temperature for max efficiency and energy savings. You can program them remotely, get real-time performance alerts and even hide that digital display with a screensaver of your choice. When connected, you can control lights, locks, and several other smart home appliances. Check out the Trane ComfortLink™ II XL1050 or ask us to recommend the best thermostat for your home.

Create climate zones

The idea here is simple: direct more warm air to the rooms you use most. The DIY way to do this is to close the vents in the rooms you don’t use often. This forces your heating system to direct more warm air to where you want it. Take this concept to the next level by having an HVAC professional install a climate zone system, like the Trane ComfortLink™ II Zoning System. Trane uses exclusive motorized modulating dampers inside your ductwork to open and close in partial increments. That means heated or cooled air is directed where it’s needed, providing maximum comfort where you want it most.

Run your ceiling fan clockwise in winter (really!)

Fans aren’t just for keeping you cool in the summer. Ceiling fans do a great job of circulating warm air that rises to the top of the room and distributing it throughout the house.

Upgrade to a high-efficient HVAC system

If your home heating and cooling system is over ten years old, it’s not going to have the energy efficient SEER rating that is now standard. The majority of systems installed prior to 2006 are 10 SEER or lower. You can save up to 62% in energy costs with a more efficient system.

What temperature should I set my thermostat to in the winter to save money?

bradwaye — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 21:54:52 +0000

What temperature should I set my thermostat to in the winter to save money?

bradwaye Mon, 01/10/2022 - 16:54

Enery Savings

Find out the best temperature to heat your home and more ways your thermostat can help save you money this winter.

Constantly battling with your significant other over what temperature to heat your home? Good news, we’ve found an ideal temperature that keeps things cozy and saves energy too.

Set your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter

According to ENERGY STAR, setting your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) when you’re home is the ideal balance of comfort and energy efficiency. So why is 68 degrees the magic number? The energy saving key is lowering the temperature (about 10-12 degrees Fahrenheit or 6-8 degrees Celsius) at night or when you’re away.

Don’t turn that dial!

You can save as much as 10% a year in heating and cooling costs by turning back thermostats 7 – 10 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours a day. Constantly raising or lowering the temperature throughout the day or forgetting to set it to the proper temperature can actually cost you more over time.

Where you place your thermostat matters

Knowing the ideal home temperature and using your thermostat correctly won’t matter if you place it in the wrong part of your home. An interior wall, ideally near the center of the house is the best place for your thermostat. Also, keep in mind which rooms people use most since these are the rooms where you want the temperature to be the most comfortable.

5 areas to avoid when placing your thermostat

Areas in direct sunlight
Locations above air vents
Kitchens
Hallways
Near doors or windows

Upgrade your thermostat to save

Today’s more energy efficient heating and cooling systems can deliver whole home comfort while using less energy. But to get the most out of them, it’s best to pair them with an updated thermostat. While you can manually set your thermostat daily, programmable or “smart” thermostats can help you achieve energy savings, especially when you’re away from home.

PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTATS
Programmable thermostats allow you to set a variety of temperature preferences during the day for each day of the week. As great as programmable thermostats are – they only work if you use them properly. If you constantly adjust the temperature (or your significant other does) you’ll end up spending more, not less, on your energy bill.

SMART THERMOSTATS
Why not take the human element out of it and upgrade to a connected, smart home thermostat. These next-gen thermostats do more than just keep your home warm and cozy all winter (which they do very well), they learn your patterns and automatically adjust the temperature for max efficiency and energy savings. You can program them remotely, get real-time performance alerts and even hide the digital display with a screen saver of your choice. When connected, you can control lights, locks and several other smart home appliances. Check out the Trane ComfortLink™ II XL1050 or ask us to recommend the best thermostat for your home.

Invest in an energy efficient furnace or heat pump

Even when you’re setting your thermostat lower at night and while you’re away, you may not see your electric bill go down if your system isn’t running efficiently. Start small by reaching out to an HVAC expert and have them check out your unit to make sure it’s operating at its best. Small things like leaky air ducts, poor insulation or old filters can affect efficiency. If an HVAC upgrade is the right move for you, here’s what you need to know. A newer Energy Star certified system that has a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) or Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) rating will be 15% more efficient than older, less energy-conscious models. Newer systems can also improve your comfort, since they typically feature multiple or variable heating stages. This type of heating system will keep your home consistently warm and reduce temperature swings. It also runs longer without the starts and stops that use excess energy – which can help lower your energy bill.

5 ways you can save on a new air conditioner

bradwaye — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 21:52:25 +0000

5 ways you can save on a new air conditioner

bradwaye Mon, 01/10/2022 - 16:52

Enery Savings

Follow these tips to save money on a new home HVAC system

A new HVAC system is a major home investment for sure, but luckily, there are several ways smart homeowners can save money both on the initial purchase and in the months and years to come.

Getty Images: Kwanchai Lerttanapunyaporn / EyeEm

1. Special offers and promotions

Depending on the time of year and where you are,we will be able to offer you several ways to save money, including rebates, special financing options and more.

2. Special financing

A new HVAC system is truly a long-term investment for your home. In order to help with the upfront costs, Trane offers financing options for those who choose to use it.

3. Tax credits

Finally some good tax news! Trane offers many products that are eligible for residential energy credits. Some of our most popular systems are our most energy-efficient. The good news for you is that you can save on your monthly energy bill as well as apply for immediate tax credits on qualified products. Trane offers a wide variety of products that qualify and the tax credits are offered on the federal, state and local levels. So chances are when you purchase a new HVAC system, you’re going to be eligible for some kind of tax credit.

4. Eco rebates

Certain high-efficiency products may also be eligible for an eco-rebate. These rebates are sponsored by your local energy company and are typically used as an incentive for consumers to use less energy per household by purchasing more energy-efficient appliances. See which Trane products qualify for an eco rebate in your area when shopping for a new HVAC system.

5. Buy an energy-efficient air conditioner

This seems obvious, but buying a more energy-efficient air conditioner will have the biggest influence in your costs over time. According to the Department of Energy, over half of your home energy use goes to heating and cooling. If your current system is ten years old or more, you may be able to save up to over $500 a year if you upgrade to a more energy-efficient system**. Energy saving features to think about when looking to purchase a new air conditioner include SEER rating, cooling stages and Energy Star^® qualification.

Why isn’t my air conditioner working?

bradwaye — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 21:49:49 +0000

Why isn’t my air conditioner working?

bradwaye Mon, 01/10/2022 - 16:49

Enery Savings

Prepare for warmer weather with answers to the most common cooling system questions.

Spring is here and summer is just around the corner. Depending on where you live, temperatures are already reaching the 80’s – so having an air conditioner you can count on is key. What should you do if yours doesn’t work? We’ve got troubleshooting tips for this and more common cooling questions.

Why isn’t my air conditioner working?

ANSWER: Your thermostat is not calibrated properly or set too high
Before calling a dealer, make sure your thermostat is set to cool. Especially at the beginning of a new season, your thermostat may still be in heating mode. Try setting the temperature 2 to 4 degrees below room temperature.

ANSWER: The circuit breaker might have been tripped
Try resetting it.

ANSWER: Clean or replace your filters
Sometimes filters can get clogged and keep cool air from circulating. That’s why we recommend routinely checking and cleaning or replacing your filters as needed. You can use the owner’s manual to find where your air filters are located in your unit.

Why is my A/C blowing warm air?

ANSWER: You’re low on freon
If your air conditioner is running properly, you shouldn’t have to replace freon. However, refrigerant leaks can happen over time, and at $75-$100 a pound, you don’t want to wait to find the source of the leak. You’ll need an expert to evaluate your system, repair the cause of the leak and restore your freon level. Don’t let a dishonest dealer fill your freon level and leave – you’ll just have to pay to refill it again soon.

Why does my A/C smell like feet?

ANSWER: You’ve probably got a mold and bacteria build up
Dirty sock syndrome is that moldy odor you get when you turn on your air conditioner for the first time of the season. It’s caused by mold and bacteria on your evaporator coil or other areas of your HVAC system. If the smell lingers after repeated use we recommend having your evaporator coil cleaned by a professional. Other steps you can take to remove musty odors include:

Check your filters
Clean the drain pan
Check your ductwork

Why is it hot upstairs and cold downstairs?

ANSWER: Your air conditioner can’t keep up. Create climate zones
The DIY way to do this is to close a few (not all) vents on the first floor. This forces your cooling system to direct more air upstairs. Take this concept to the next level by having an HVAC professional install a climate zone system, like the Trane ComfortLink™ II Zoning System. In this system, heated or cooled air is directed where it’s needed most. If the problem continues, you may not have the right size air conditioner for your home and should consider installing a new air conditioner or one of our ductless systems to cool a single room.

Why is the air flow so low?

ANSWER: Clean or replace your filters
Over time, dust and dirt will collect on the filter screen. There could also be a blockage in your air ducts. If this is the case, you’ll need your local Trane Comfort Specialist™ to inspect the ductwork.

Why is my utility bill so high?

ANSWER: Your system is running too much
If you have your thermostat set to a temperature drastically cooler than the outside air temperature, your system has to work harder to maintain that temperature. This can result in a higher than normal utility bill. Try adjusting your thermostat to a more moderate temperature.

ANSWER: Your air conditioner is not energy efficient
If your air conditioner is over 10 years old or has a SEER rating of 10 or less, you’re probably spending more than you should each month in energy costs. Today’s energy-efficient air conditioners have energy saving features that allow them to cool your home while running on less energy – which can save you money each month.

Enery Savings

Saving Energy In Your Home Starts Here

Did you know?

Did you know?

Install the right heating and cooling system for your home

Building Your Energy Efficient Dream Home

Consider these energy efficient fixtures and appliances for your home

9 Ways to Save Energy This Summer

1. Fan Yourself

2. Optimize Your Thermostat Setting

3. Upgrade Your Air Conditioner and Appliances

4. Go Low Flow

5. Wash with Cold Water

6. Close the Blinds & Check Your Seals

7. Keep Your Fridge Cool

8. Relax and Unplug

9. Dine Out

Prepping Your Home for Vacation

Don’t Leave Any Clues for Thieves

Pre-Clean Your House

Set Everything to Energy-Saving Mode

Does ENERGY STAR Qualified Matter When I Shop for New Appliances?

Replacing Really Old Appliances

Building a New House

Trying to Save Energy and the Environment

Ready to start shopping?

5 Tips for Keeping Your Dog Cool at Home

5 Ways to Keep Pets Cool

Turn off fans, lights and electronics

Get with the program(mable) thermostat

Check for leaks

Throw some shade

Be routinely high maintenance

7 Ways To Lower Your Heating Bill Right Now | Trane Topics

Open your curtains and blinds

Check your insulation

Seal your doors and windows

Set your thermostat correctly for winter

Create climate zones

Run your ceiling fan clockwise in winter (really!)

Upgrade to a high-efficient HVAC system

What temperature should I set my thermostat to in the winter to save money?

Set your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter

Don’t turn that dial!

Where you place your thermostat matters

5 areas to avoid when placing your thermostat

Upgrade your thermostat to save

Invest in an energy efficient furnace or heat pump

5 ways you can save on a new air conditioner

Follow these tips to save money on a new home HVAC system

1. Special offers and promotions

2. Special financing

3. Tax credits

4. Eco rebates

5. Buy an energy-efficient air conditioner

Why isn’t my air conditioner working?

Prepare for warmer weather with answers to the most common cooling system questions.

Why isn’t my air conditioner working?

Why is my A/C blowing warm air?

Why does my A/C smell like feet?

Why is it hot upstairs and cold downstairs?

Why is the air flow so low?

Why is my utility bill so high?