Category: Heating

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AC Heating HVAC Tips and Advice

Should You Turn Your AC Off When You Leave Home?

Your air conditioner is typically one of the biggest power usages in a home- if not the biggest. Because of this, some people try to only use the AC when they’re actually at home. Other schools of thought say that constantly rebooting your air conditioning unit is inefficient for the machine, ultimately costing more money when you turn your AC off and on every time you leave. So what is the best cost-effective strategy when it comes to leaving your home for large stretches of time?

Does Turning Your AC Off Save Money?

When it comes to leaving your home empty all day, many people think that running an AC unit throughout their absence would be a waste of power. However, this is entirely dependent on the target temperature, as well as a few other factors such as the amount of sun coming through your windows, the weather outside, or whether ceiling fans are running. 

Your AC unit doesn’t necessarily work harder to keep your home at a cool temperature throughout the day. Instead, it works longer. When it runs all day, your AC simply regulates the temperature as needed, and when it’s turned on after being inactive all day it runs until the temperature is brought down all at once. 

If you’re going to be gone for many hours- say, leaving in the morning and returning after sundown- then your air conditioning unit will probably work just as much keeping your home at a steady temperature by running off and on all day as it would running for a long period of time to cool it down all at once when you come back. So, unless you’re going to be gone for multiple days, the difference between the two options is probably going to be pretty insignificant.

Alternatives to Turning the AC Off

A great way to get the best of both worlds is to turn your unit to a slightly higher temperature rather than turning the AC off completely. This will keep the temperature from getting too high while it’s unattended, but it won’t be running as long as it would be to maintain the temperature you prefer to enjoy when you’re home.

Especially if you live somewhere hot and humid, having the AC on at least a little throughout the day will be beneficial to the interior of your home, as AC units dry out the air as well as cool it down. It will also keep your home from needing too long to bring its temperature back down when you return.

Programable Thermostat

Using a programable thermostat will help you manage your temperature without having to remember to set it every day. Some thermostats even let you plan the temperature for the coming week, allowing you to control the temperature while you’re out of town. When you return home, your house or apartment will be able to readjust to a comfortable temperature quickly.

Of course, if you live in an area with a very mild climate, being gone for multiple days might not raise your home’s interior temperature too high. If you think you’ll be satisfied while waiting for your air conditioner to catch back up to the normal expectation, then you can probably comfortably get away with turning your AC off for a few days.

Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating Can Help

Give Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating a call if your energy expenses continue to rise after you’ve tried our suggestions. It’s possible that your air conditioner needs to be repaired or replaced to function properly. Our staff will assess your present HVAC issue and recommend a customized solution that meets your needs–all while staying inside your budget!

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AC Heating HVAC HVAC Upgrades Tips and Advice

How to Create and Stay Within Your Air Conditioner Budget 

Whether your old air conditioner broke down and you need a replacement, or your current energy bills are through the roof, Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating has some tips for staying within your air conditioner budget. We deal with these systems for a living. Therefore, we have all the lifehacks to help homeowners manage their HVAC expenses. We also offer affordable repairs, replacements, and maintenance. You can count on us whenever you have an air conditioner problem.

How to Replace Your Old Air Conditioner Within Your Budget

Every household has different needs, and a lot of it is dictated by the amount of money that is present. There is a perfect air conditioner for every home–you just need experts that can analyze your current situation. Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating can offer that! We will evaluate your needs and provide a personalized solution. 

We have some tips for figuring out your air conditioner budget. How much can you afford? Calculate your income, expenses, needs, wants, and figure out how much money you can put aside for this investment.  Air conditioners can range anywhere from $3,500 to $7,600. Some units may seem very expensive, but you have to keep in mind that they may significantly decrease your energy costs. More expensive models usually have higher efficiency and save you a lot of money in the long run. These are all factors to consider.

How to Reduce Current Energy Costs

Let’s say your AC unit works fine, but your energy bill is surpassing your air conditioner budget. There are quite a bit of tricks to reduce your bills, and we are here to share these secrets with you. 

Use Ceiling Fan

Although this seems like an obvious solution, many people forget about their ceiling fans. They have an instant impact on your comfort and they are much more cost-effective than blasting your air conditioner in the middle of the summer. These fans can make you feel anywhere from 3 to 8 degrees cooler. 

Get a Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats are one of the best HVAC creations yet. These allow you to fully control your home’s temperature without constantly having to remember to turn it up or down. We recommend programming the thermostat to turn off your air conditioning unit when you are asleep or when you are away at work. Then, you can have it start up right before you get home or wake up. This will significantly reduce your energy costs while keeping your comfort in mind.

Clean Air Filters Regularly

How else can you stay within your air conditioner budget? Maintenance! Keeping your air filters clean is a great solution. Air filters should be replaced every 90 days. If you are a pet owner, we recommend replacing them every month. These filters can get clogged with debris, dander, and other dust. This results in your air conditioner having to work harder and use more energy in order to cool down your home.

Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating Is Here to Help

If your energy costs still don’t reduce after trying our tricks, give our team a call. It’s possible that your AC unit needs a repair or replacement in order to work efficiently. Our team will analyze your current HVAC situation, and we’ll suggest a personalized solution for your needs–while staying within your budget of course!

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AC Heating HVAC HVAC Upgrades Tips and Advice

Improve Your Restaurant’s HVAC System

Do you want to improve your restaurant’s air quality? Are all of the foods’ odors overwhelming in the kitchen and your employees need a breath of fresh air? Or are your energy bills increasing over time and do you need a better HVAC solution? Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating has been providing commercial HVAC services in the Dallas-Fort Worth area since 1975. From installing commercial split-system heat pumps and air conditioners to repairing indoor air filtration systems, we do it all. If you are thinking about improving your restaurant’s HVAC system, give us a call today.

What Does a Restaurant’s HVAC System Consist Of?

A restaurant’s HVAC system refers to the commercial air conditioning, ventilation, and heating system. The HVAC system controls your restaurant’s temperature and promotes proper air ventilation and circulation in a space. Some systems have a thermostat for managing the temperature and other systems include the make-up air devices for replacing air exhausted by kitchen hoods. Here are additional parts:

  • A furnace for heat
  • Ductwork for circulating hot and cold air
  • Ventilators for promoting air circulation

Your HVAC system needs to get maintained regularly to ensure that it is working properly year-round. 

Why Should You Invest in Your Restaurant’s HVAC System?

Many people don’t notice their HVAC system until it stops working. This system is the unsung hero of commercial and residential spaces. Your restaurant’s HVAC system is critical to maintaining good air quality, creating a comfortable environment for your customers, and improving working conditions in the kitchen. 

Improve Air Ventilation and Air Filtration

Due to the pandemic, there is an increasing demand for restaurant cleaning and ventilation. You should invest in an HVAC system that works efficiently and follows the new demand and standards. HVAC systems work together to create a safe and comfortable environment for your staff and your customers. Air filtration systems help remove airborne contaminants and pollutants. This keeps mold, bacteria, and viruses away.

Restrict Odors

Although we are sure your restaurant cooks up some delicious dishes, you don’t want the odors of several platters dominating the fresh air. Customers don’t usually want to leave a restaurant smelling like they just came from one. Exhaust hoods and make-up air units prevent the odors from escaping the kitchen and entering the dining area. That way, your guests can enjoy their meals without worrying about smelling like fried onions afterward.

Reduce Energy Loss

If you notice your energy bills are skyrocketing, your HVAC system might be having some problems. These systems are designed to efficiently control air temperature. However, if they are experiencing issues, the efficiency lowers and they require more energy to perform. Get one of our professionals at Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating to inspect your system and determine the best course of action.

Get in Touch With Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating

If you are planning on improving your restaurant’s HVAC system, get in touch with our experts today. Our team has decades of experience in the HVAC industry, and we are only a call away!

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Heating HVAC HVAC Upgrades Tips and Advice

4 Ways to Help Your Heating System Finish Strong This Winter

Your heating system does a lot of work during Texas’s winters, especially this year. With two big winter storms that slammed us one after the other, your heater could use a break. Not to mention, your wallet might need one too. Ellis Air Conditioning & Heating is here to give you some tips for finishing this winter off strong. With these life hacks, you will enjoy your heating system without breaking the bank.

Program Your Thermostat

You have probably heard this before, but you might have postponed this task. Programming your thermostat is a big game-changer in the HVAC world, but most people don’t want to take the time to learn how to program it. It can be a little tricky, but with a few trials and errors, you should be able to figure it out. If not, it’s worth calling the manufacturer.

When you program your thermostat, keep the temperature cool when you are away from home and when you are sleeping. There’s no need to have the heater running if no one is there or awake to enjoy it. Cutting back on this extra heating will make a noticeable difference in your next energy bill. That’s why we recommend taking the time to figure out and program your thermostat.

Eliminate Drafts

Drafts are the areas in your home where cold air from the outside is entering the inside. This air cools down your home, which means your heating system needs to work harder to keep your home at a desirable temperature. This makes your energy costs go up because it’s causing extra strain on the system to warm your home. 

Eliminating drafts is simple. Start by adding caulk or weatherstripping around doors and windows, and wherever you feel drafts or see daylight through the frame. Make sure air isn’t escaping or entering through your fireplace either.

Use Your Ceiling Fans

If you have ceiling fans installed, you can take advantage of them during the winter too! Ceiling fans can augment the performance of your heating system. You simply need to turn the fan clockwise and have it run at the lowest speed. As the fan turns, it will pull cool air up from the ground and force heated air from the ceiling to come down where you can feel it.

Change the Filters Regularly

During the winter months, change the filters on your furnace monthly. That’s because your system is working constantly, so it needs to be maintained more often too. Once these cold months are over, you only need to change the filters once every three months.

Ellis Air Conditioning & Heating Is Here To Help

If your heating system isn’t performing efficiently, get in touch with Ellis Air Conditioning & Heating right away. Our team has many years of experience in the HVAC industry and we have solved all types of problems. We can repair, replace, install, or maintain your HVAC system year-round. Give us a call today to get started.

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AC Heating HVAC HVAC Upgrades Tips and Advice

7 Intriguing Facts You Didn’t Know About Your Air Conditioner

An air conditioner: something we take for granted until it stops working. But apart from it keeping your home or business at a comfortable temperature, an air conditioner is pretty darn cool. Air conditioners have made a huge impact on history, and they are to thank for Texas having the population that it does nowadays. Let’s take a look at some intriguing facts about your ac unit that you probably didn’t know about.

Influenced Modern Medicine

Modern medicine is created in laboratories with temperature-sensitive tools and equipment. The room needs to be at a controlled temperature too. Therefore, we wouldn’t have medicine that fights the common cold to cancer if it weren’t for air conditioners. Can you imagine scientists needing to rely on open windows and cool air to create all the medication that exists today? It would’ve taken thousands of years to perfect it.

First President to Own an AC Unit: Herbert Hoover 

How did presidents run an entire country without AC in the summer? Who knows! But former President Herbert Hoover wasn’t having it. He invested $30,000 on an AC unit not too long after the stock market crashed in 1929.

Summer Vacation Was Born

Did you look forward to those long summer breaks while growing up? You can thank your AC unit for those marvelous days. Before the existence of air conditioners, classrooms were way too hot for students to stay focused and sit for 8 hours straight during the burning summer. Hence, summer vacations become a norm and exist even to this day.

Movie Theatres Were the Coolest

In the early 1900s, air conditioning technology became more popular and movie theatre owners invested in these systems. They wanted to get people to come to the movies during the hottest and stickiest days of the year. Their plan worked. Most people did not have AC units, so they would come to the movies as an escape from their hot homes. 

Influenced Where People Live

Imagine living in a hot place like Texas during the scorching summers without any AC units to cool you down. Could you survive? Well, thanks to air conditioners, people have a way to survive during these heatwaves. When air conditioning units became popular, the population in hot states increased significantly.

Ice Was AC Units’ Biggest Competitor

Before AC units existed, people would use big ice blocks to keep things nice and comfortable and their produce fresh. When air conditioners were invented, their output ratings were measured based on how much ice was needed to have the same cooling effect.

Your Air Conditioner Helps You Battle Allergies

Air conditioners are known to remove allergens and other small particles from the indoor air. This helps you fight asthma or any other allergies you may have.

Ellis Air Conditioning & Heating Is Here for You

If you didn’t know this already, air conditioners are pretty cool. They keep your home at a desirable temperature and play a large influence in modern medicine. However, if your HVAC system stops working properly, get in touch with Ellis Air Conditioning & Heating. We service all of the Dallas-Fort Worth areas and we are only a call away!

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Heating Tips and Advice

Winter HVAC: 6 Reasons to Keep Ceiling Fans On When It’s Cold

Winter HVAC Tips For Dallas Homeowners During Cold Snaps

Running ceiling fans in the winter can seem counterintuitive to what you’re hoping to accomplish. After all, virtually no one comes in from 20-degree weather and looks forward to getting blasted in the face by a cold stream of air. 

However, ceiling fans do more than just cool us off during the summer. And as you’re about to see, it can make a heck of a lot of sense to crank it on as the temperatures fall. Keep reading for more winter HVAC tips from Dallas’ best– Ellis AC.

Warm Air Distribution

Warm air rises. Cold air falls. Presumably, you’re going to be running your heater during the winter. Running your ceiling fan on a low setting in the clockwise position helps to evenly distribute that warm air to the rest of the room. This allows you to feel warmth wherever you may be sitting or standing without the “cool breeze” effect your fan gives you during the summer months.

Minimize Central Heating Costs

Thankfully, you don’t have to use central heating as much if you run the ceiling fan in the manner prescribed above. The clockwise position creates a downdraft that lifts the cool air up and replaces it with the warmth coming out of your vents. As a result, you find yourself not having to constantly run the heater to enjoy the fruits of your winter HVAC system.

Lower Fuel Heating Costs

Less time running the heater means less fuel burned to stay warm. With the rising cost of living, especially for the expensive fuels used to heat your home, any steps you can take to minimize the impact on your household budget is worth taking.  

Improve Air Quality

A room with good circulation keeps dust particles and allergens from collecting in one area. Furthermore, air filters don’t attract as much gunk and buildup. That means cleaner air in the room as well. 

Lower the Risk of Illnesses

Allergies, viruses, bacteria growth. All these factors can create health issues throughout your home, and most of them come from poor circulation, ventilation, and improper use of energy inside the home. Clean air, warmth, good circulation – these factors can help you avoid the downside of winter or at least mitigate its effects. 

Best Winter HVAC Techniques for Running a Ceiling Fan in Winter

Now you know the benefits of running a ceiling fan in winter. It’s time to learn some specific techniques and buying decisions that you can make to ensure the best possible outcomes. There are three specific steps you can take. 

Choose Fans With High CFM

CFM (or cubic feet per minute) is a measurement frequently associated with ceiling fans. It is a measurement that describes the airflow efficiency of the fan. High CFM equals efficient airflow. For a ceiling fan to do its job, regardless of season, you want the CFM to be at least 75. The higher, the better! 

Set Blades to Rotate Clockwise

Direction switches accompany every ceiling fan. If you feel that “cool breeze” effect from your ceiling fan, then it’s turning in a counterclockwise motion. This isn’t what you want for distributing the heat and sucking out the cold. 

So, before you turn your ceiling fan on in winter, leave it off for a moment and switch the directional switch to the opposite side. This will reverse the fan clockwise, thus creating the downdraft effect. From there, run it on its lowest setting to ensure the air is distributed rather than generated. 

Dust Blades Weekly to Limit Exposure to Allergens

Dust will eventually collect on your fan blades. Over time, that can create the distribution of allergens along with heat. Keep the hay fever to a minimum! 

Instead of letting the dust accumulate, make time each week to dust your fan blades. You can do this with the use of a step ladder or by using a Swiffer to reach those out-of-the-way places. You may not get it all, but every little bit helps. 

Ellis AC– DFW Winter HVAC Specialists

We hope you come away from this article understanding how ceiling fans in winter can actually be helpful. They’re able to save you money, provide clean air quality, and ensure that you have enough warmth to last all season. 


As you’re testing it out, don’t forget about your heater either. Winters seem to be getting tougher each year, and it’s in your best interest to ensure your unit is working well all year long. Consider reaching out to Ellis Air Conditioning & Heating if it’s been a while since your last service. Contact us today if your home is in or near Dallas, Irving, Cedar Hill, or the surrounding areas.

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AC Heating HVAC HVAC Upgrades Tips and Advice

How to Stop Your Air Conditioner from Freezing Up

Air conditioners are crucial for staying comfortable during warm months, but a frozen AC can disrupt your home’s cooling and lead to costly repairs. Understanding why this happens and how to prevent it can save you time, money, and discomfort. In this post, we’ll explore common causes of AC freeze-ups and provide actionable tips to keep your system running smoothly.

Common Causes of a Frozen Air Conditioner

1. Dirty Air Filters

A clogged air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to drop in temperature and freeze. This is one of the most common causes of AC freeze-ups. Regularly replacing or cleaning your air filters ensures proper airflow and prevents this issue.

2. Blocked or Closed Vents

When vents are obstructed or closed, it disrupts air circulation and creates pressure imbalances in your system, which can cause freezing. Ensure all vents are open and free from obstructions like furniture or debris.

3. Faulty Blower Fan

The blower fan circulates air through your system, and if it’s malfunctioning, it can reduce airflow and cause the evaporator coil to freeze. Routine maintenance can help identify and resolve this issue before it leads to bigger problems.

4. Low Refrigerant Levels

Insufficient refrigerant lowers pressure in your AC system, leading to a temperature drop and freezing on the evaporator coil. Low refrigerant often signals a leak, which requires a professional inspection and recharging.

5. Running Your AC in Cool Temperatures

Using your air conditioner when outdoor temperatures are below 60°F can cause freezing. In such conditions, the refrigerant in your system may not circulate properly, leading to ice buildup.

Preventive Measures to Stop Your AC from Freezing

1. Replace or Clean Air Filters Regularly

Check your air filters every 1-3 months and replace them if they’re dirty. Clean filters ensure proper airflow, reduce strain on your system, and prevent freezing.

2. Keep Vents Open and Clear

Make sure all vents are unobstructed to promote healthy airflow. Rearrange furniture and remove any items blocking vents to allow your system to distribute cool air effectively.

3. Schedule Routine Maintenance

Professional inspections are key to identifying potential problems before they escalate. A technician can detect issues like faulty blower fans or refrigerant leaks and ensure your system operates efficiently.

4. Monitor Outdoor Temperatures

Avoid running your air conditioner when outdoor temperatures dip below 60°F. If you still need cooling during cooler weather, consider using fans instead of your AC.

Why Preventing AC Freezing Is Important

A frozen air conditioner isn’t just inconvenient—it can cause long-term damage to your system, increase energy costs, and leave your home uncomfortable. By addressing common issues and implementing preventive measures, you can keep your AC running smoothly and extend its lifespan.

Need Help with Your AC? Call Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating

If your air conditioner has frozen during these cold winter months, or your heater stops working, give Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating a call immediately. At Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating, we provide professional maintenance, repairs, and advice to keep your home comfortable all year round. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services!

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AC Heating HVAC HVAC Upgrades Tips and Advice

5 Reasons Why Your AC Unit Is Running But Not Cooling

There’s nothing worse than turning on your AC unit during a hot summer day, but discovering that it’s not working. How will you survive the heat now? There’s no need to worry, Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating is only a call away. We can repair, replace, or maintain your HVAC system year-round. If your AC unit is running, but not cooling your space, your unit might need a repair. Here are 5 reasons why your AC unit isn’t functioning properly.

Thermostat Isn’t Set Properly

Before you freak out about your AC unit not working, make sure you check the thermostat. First things first, make sure that the thermostat is set to “cool.” Then, check the temperature setting to see if anyone made an adjustment. If your thermostat is set to “off,” turn on the heat first before setting it to cool. Check your registers to see if cool air is blowing out now.

Dirty Air Filter

Many AC units have air filters in or around the indoor air handler unit. These filters catch dirt, dust, and other airborne particles. It prevents these particles from entering the unit and keeps the components inside the system clean. This, in return, will keep the air in your home clean as well. However, if you have a dirty air filter, then the airborne particles will block airflow and reduce cooling to your home. If the air filter isn’t changed, it can even shut off your system completely.

Refrigerant Leak

In order for your AC unit to cool, you need a refrigerant. It is a chemical that flows through the system’s indoor and outdoor coil. It changes from liquid to gaseous form and draws heat energy and humidity from the indoor air and releases it outdoors. If you have a refrigerant leak, then your AC unit may not cool your home.

Condenser Unit Is Blocked

Most AC units come with an outdoor condenser unit. There is a large outdoor coil that wraps around the outside of the unit. The coil includes a series of metal fins that are tightly together. If your AC unit is running but not cooling, the condenser coil might be clogged or blocked. Airborne debris, grass, and dirt can build up within the fins, which clogs the coil as a result.

This leads to less energy efficiency and a lack of cool air from the registers. You can try to clean the coil by vacuuming it with a brush attachment. However, if your system still doesn’t cool, get in touch with Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating.

Heat Pump Is Damaged

A heat pump is like an air conditioner, but it contains the ability to cool and heat your property. It works similarly to a condenser unit, and it can also get clogged by dirt, debris, grass, etc.

Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating Is Here For You

If your AC unit is running but not cooling your property, get in touch with Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating today. We service all of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, and there isn’t a problem that we haven’t seen and fixed.

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Heating HVAC Tips and Advice

How to Save Costs on Your Energy Bill During These Winter Storms in Texas

Do you want to save costs on your energy bill? Electricity is already pretty pricey in the state of Texas, due to insulation issues. However, these cold winter months are a different breed. With the giant winter storm last February, people’s electricity bills went through the roof. This February, we have experienced two winter storms and there’s most likely more to come. How do you avoid spending hundreds of dollars on your next electricity bills? Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating has listed a couple of tips to help you save costs on your energy bill. 

Common Areas of Heat Loss

In order to save costs on your energy bill, you need to know how to prevent heat loss in your house. Certain areas of your home allow the heated air to escape and cold air to seep in. Crevices and cracks are some examples, as well as windows, doors, fireplaces, roofs, walls, and power outlets. You can lose up to one quart of your home’s heat through these small openings.

Close Unused Rooms

If there are rooms in your home that you don’t use, close the doors. There is no need to heat up the rooms that no one is occupying. You should also close off the vents in those unused rooms, so that warm air from the ducts doesn’t travel to them. Tuck a towel at the base of the door for the most effective sealing.

Wear Warm Clothes

A great way to save costs on your energy bill is to bundle up at home. Use your sweaters and long-sleeved t-shirts to stay warm. The more clothes you wear, the less you need to crank up the heat in the winter. A pair of fuzzy socks will keep your feet warm, and the rest of your body warm as well.

Use the Sun’s Rays

Although the sun is scarce throughout the winter, it does occasionally show up. Use the sun’s rays to heat up your home. Open up the shades, curtains, or blinds during the day and keep them closed at night.

Turn the Thermostat Down

Just by lowering the thermostat a couple of degrees makes a huge difference. Did you know that lowering it by 10 degrees can help you save up to 10% annually? That’s right. So be generous with the degrees you lower and bundle up! The best times to lower your thermostat are right before you go to bed and right before you leave to work. There is no need to have the heater on when no one is home or when you are sleeping.

Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating Has Your Back

If your heating system breaks down in the middle of these winter storms, get in touch with Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating. Our team has been providing HVAC solutions to the Dallas-Fort Worth area since 1975. There isn’t a problem we haven’t seen and fixed. Our experts are also on call for regular maintenance and complete replacements. Let us repair your heating system quickly, so you can ride out these winter storms comfortably in your home.

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Heating HVAC Tips and Advice

The Most Energy-Efficient Way to Run Your Furnace

Installing energy-efficient systems and equipment into your house is a step in the right direction towards sustainability. It’s an honorable task to lighten your home’s carbon footprint. In fact, in a study published by Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, residential energy use accounts for a whopping 20% of total greenhouse gas emissions in the USA. That’s quite a bit! 

As you explore energy-efficient options for your home, it’s important to also include maintenance plans to keep everything running at full capacity. 

Today, we’re going to focus on how to run your furnace as efficiently as possible. These are all things you can do at home– but if you ever need the support of a professional, reach out to your Central Texas team at Ellis AC for support.

The Most Energy-Efficient Way to Run Your Furnace

Clear the Air Vents

Do a quick inspection of your home. Have you renovated or moved furniture around since the last time you ran your furnace? It’s common for furniture, heavy curtains, or even toys to block the heating vents. The first step is to remove any blockages to your home’s vents. 

Additionally, it’s important to dust regularly to avoid buildup. 

Next, it’s important that you don’t keep the doors in your home closed for extended periods of time unless sleeping at night. By closing off certain rooms, you block airflow and offset your home’s air pressure. Your furnace will need to work overtime to rebalance the air pressure– meaning its system is working harder, using more energy, and driving up your energy bill. 

Change Furnace Filter

Dirt, pollen, dust, and pet hair can all get trapped in your air filter. This buildup can cause your furnace to work extra hard to produce the same amount of heat, and push it through the filter. This can cause your home’s furnace to prematurely break down. 

In more serious cases, clogged filters can push the heat exchangers to crack. When heat exchangers are damaged, they can allow toxic carbon monoxide to escape into your home. 

Instead of wondering what’s floating around in your home’s air, we recommend inspecting your filters every month. Additionally, we suggest changing dirty filters out every three months. Or, if you have a family member with respiratory issues, it’s even better to change out the filter once a month. This will ensure that the air is clean and passes easily through your vents. 

Clean Out the Furnace

Once a year, we recommend grabbing a vacuum with a long extender and heading over to your furnace. Remove the access panels, and clear out any debris or dust that’s gathered around your furnace. This small act will set your furnace up for success in the long run 

Lower the Temperature

As difficult as it may be to consider, it might be best to lower your home’s temperature for a bit. But not to worry– you can plan this out ahead of time. 

Instead of keeping your home warm and toasty all day (keeping energy costs high) consider turning back your thermostat 7-10 degrees while you’re out running errands or at night before bed. By turning the heat down for 8 hours per day, it can save you up to 10% per year on your heating bill. 

If you do decide to turn the heat down while you’re home, we recommend grabbing a blanket or a few extra layers to keep yourself warm. 

Schedule Heat Pump Maintenance

We recommend having one of our trained technicians come out and inspect your furnace once during the fall before the snow falls, and again in the spring. It’s much simpler and more cost-effective to have us perform routine maintenance on your furnace than it is to completely replace it in the middle of winter.

Ellis AC & Heating

To sum things up, to have an energy-efficient furnace, it’s important to perform routine maintenance. These simple steps should keep your furnace running smoothly all year long. If you need additional support or have any questions about your furnace, contact one of our specialists at Ellis AC & Heating today. We’re happy to help take care of any of your furnace, AC, or related needs. Give us a call at (972) 544-5609.