How to Benefit From a Whole-House Fan

You can lower your cooling-related energy bills by up to 90 percent by operating a whole-house fan whenever it’s cooler outdoors than inside your home, and when outdoor temperatures don’t exceed 85 degrees. Here’s how to use the fan as a complement to the A/C during the warmer months:

• In the late spring, early fall and on milder summer days, open your windows and run the fan all night, then close up the house during the day and you may not need the A/C at all.
• In the summer, run the fan for a half-hour early in the morning and again after dark to clear out stifling hot air and reduce the A/C’s work load during the day.

Not only can this type of ventilation save on energy costs, it also cools down the attic so it can help extend the life of your roof. Since it gives the air conditioner a break, a whole-house fan can also help prolong its service life. Best of all, it’s a greener home cooling alternative that reduces your carbon footprint.

Fan Installation Considerations

To ensure you choose the right size and type of fan, hire an experienced HVAC contractor to handle the installation. A pro can also ensure proper placement and attic ventilation so the fan operates efficiently and issues with air quality and combustion fume backdrafts are prevented. Since whole-house fans can introduce outdoor allergens like pollen and dust into the home, they’re not a good choice for allergy sufferers.

To learn whether a whole-house fan is a good choice for your Grosse Pointe or Auburn Hills home, contact the experts at Aladdin Heating & Cooling.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Warren, Michigan about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about whole-house fans and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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1. Use your ceiling fan. When the weather warms, a fan in its forward direction will cool you directly by creating a wind chill effect. Just remember that ceiling fans only cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when you leave the room.
2. Install a programmable thermostat. When you’re out of the house for school or work, and when you’re tucked in bed, you don’t need the house at a temperature comfortable for activity. A programmable thermostat can remember to set the temperature for you when you come and go.
3. Change out your air filters. Spring is pollen season, and that can clog up your HVAC system’s air filters faster than usual. Keep the filters clean in order to keep air circulating without impediment.
4. Know your passive solar heating. If you’ve got west- and north-facing windows, you may want to use curtains to keep out the evening sun. Or you could plant trees to shade your windows, reducing your need for cooling when the weather gets hot.
5. Check your home sealing and insulation. Temperature changes can cause materials to degrade, so if you’ve caulked and weatherstripped your doors and windows or added insulation to ductwork and pipes, you should check it again when the seasons change.

If you want to learn more about how you can create an energy efficient home in Oak Park, Warren and surrounding communities, visit us at Aladdin Heating & Cooling.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Warren, Michigan about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about energy efficiency and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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• Buying an efficient appliance – any efficient appliance. Whether it’s on sale, refurbished, or secondhand, picking up an energy-efficient furnace or A/C can seem like a good idea. Energy-efficient appliances can save you a good chunk of change, but only when they’re sized to fit your home. An over-sized furnace or A/C can cause noticeable temperature swings in your home and cost you more money than an appropriately-sized traditional unit.
• Cranking the thermostat to change the temperature faster. If you’re try to warm or cool your home faster, cranking your thermostat past the desired setting may seem satisfying. But it won’t actually make your HVAC system deliver conditioned air any faster. It can, however, make your system work harder to maintain a temperature you don’t actually need.
• Leaving lights on to avoid the energy spike of turning them on. If you look at the amount of lights, computers and other electronics used in your home, you may notice a spike right when they turn on, which then settles into a lower baseline. The spike does exist – but it’s not as large as you might think, and it’s not enough to worry about. Turning electronics off still saves energy, initial spike or no.
• When you’re buying new, get ready to spend extra money. If you’re in the market for a new house, you might think that an energy-efficient home will cost more. Actually, because efficient homes can use smaller appliances and may be eligible for tax credits and other incentives, you might not have to pay extra.

If you’re looking for expert guidance in home energy solutions in the Warren, Tro, and Greater Detroit Metro area, contact Aladdin Heating & Cooling today!

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Warren, Michigan about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about home energy solutions and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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When replacing their furnace, many people focus on the cost of the unit rather than the cost of operation over time. A new electric furnace may cost less than half of what a high-efficiency gas furnace costs. And another attractive feature is that most electric units are rated at 95 to 100 percent for annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE), while gas models have to meet a minimum of 78 percent. While most gas furnaces are far higher than the minimum in efficiency, many people believe they’ll be more expensive to operate.

Heating is often measured in British thermal units (BTUs), while electricity usage is measured in kilowatt hours (kWh). To heat an average home in a moderate climate, it takes roughly 100 million BTUs per year and 1 kWh to generate 3,412 BTUs of heat, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. With the average price of electricity in Michigan reaching 14.13 cents/kWh, that would mean it would cost roughly $4,100 per year to heat using electricity. When compared to gas prices, which tend to be much lower, the initial savings on an electric unit can quickly be spent on operation.

Are you thinking of purchasing a new furnace for your home? Aladdin Heating & Cooling has been serving the Southeast Michigan area since 1945. Let us help you choose the best furnace for your home comfort and budget needs.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Warren, Michigan about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about furnaces and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Block Drafts

One of the best ways to block drafts around windows is to cover them with heavy curtains. An old quilt or blanket can substitute for a heavy-material curtain if you don’t have one available. This extra layer of material can block drafts and help rooms retain more heat.

Keep Thermostat Settings Low

Turn your thermostat down at night and when you’re away from home. Maximum savings occur when your thermostat is at the lower setting for eight hours or more. To stay warm, you can add an extra blanket or wear an oversize sweatshirt. You’ll hardly notice the difference in temperature, but you’ll definitely notice the savings on your next heat bill.

Seal Air Leaks

Air leaks allow heated air inside your home to escape through small cracks and gaps around uninsulated windows and doors. You can seal these leaks with weatherstripping, silicone caulking and foam insulation.

Turn Lights Off

The best way to save energy is to turn off lights and appliances when they’re not in use. It also helps to get in the habit of turning off the lights when you leave a room. You can also replace incandescent bulbs with Energy Star compact florescent bulbs.

Insulate Your Water Heater

Insulation is another important factor if you’re trying to save money and retain heat. Make sure to check insulation levels and to wrap pipes and your water heater for maximum savings. Blanket insulation and wrapping your water heater with insulation helps it work more efficiently and use less energy to keep water hot.

There you have it — some cost-cutting ideas for lowering energy consumption during the winter. A few simple home energy-saving tips for the winter can help reduce energy costs without sacrificing comfort.

For more energy-saving tips or for help with any heating and cooling issues, contact Aladdin Heating & Cooling. We’ve been serving the residents of Farmington and Oak Park for 65 years.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Warren, Michigan about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about energy-saving tips and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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• Use your ceiling fans – Warm air naturally rises towards the ceiling. To push it back down, set your ceiling fan’s blades to turn clockwise and run the fan at the lowest speed.
• Adjust your thermostat – Turning your heat down 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours a day could cut your heating bill by around 10 percent. Lower the thermostat before you go to work or bed. For convenience, install a programmable thermostat that will adjust temperatures automatically.
• Humidify your home – Dry air saps moisture from your skin, creating an evaporative cooling effect. If you have dry skin and eyes during the winter and your indoor humidity is below 40 percent, consider installing a whole-house humidifier.
• Keep heat in – Sealing air leaks and adding sufficient insulation can save you up to 10 percent on annual energy bills. First, caulk and weatherstrip draft sources, such as windows, doors and wiring penetrations. Then, add insulation to your attic and crawlspace or basement. If your floors and walls are cold, contact a heating and cooling expert for a professional energy audit to asses the insulation in these areas.
• Care for your heating system – Have your furnace or heat pump professionally inspected annually. Your technician can tune up components to help them run more efficiently. Changing your filter on schedule also keeps your system efficient.
• Upgrade your windows – Upgrade to Energy Star-qualified windows and save as much as 15 percent on your heating and cooling bills. If replacing your windows isn’t an option, install storm windows or apply heavy plastic sheeting to your windows. Heavy drapes also help keep cold air out.

For help putting any of these energy saving tips into action, contact Aladdin Heating & Cooling anywhere in the Troy, Rochester, Sterling Heights and Lake Orion area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Warren, Michigan about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about energy saving tips and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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• If you aren’t using it, turn it off. Both children and adults are often guilty of leaving electronics running when they aren’t in use. Help your kids learn to turn off the television, computer, or video game system as soon as they’re finished with it.
• Take shorter showers. We all know that showers use less water and energy than baths, but it’s important to keep the showers quick. Extra water heating costs can add up, so remind your children not to linger too long with the water running.
• Try to have fun without electricity. Kids are great at finding creative ways to occupy themselves outside or indoors. Unplug the electronics, and challenge your children to use their imaginations for entertainment. Keep some board games, books or other easy, energy-free tasks on hand for the times when they’re feeling a bit stubborn.
• Flip the switch when you leave the room. Many of us leave lights on when we move to another room, assuming that someone else will turn them off, or that we’ll be right back. Turning lights off is an easy task for children, and, after a bit of reminding, you may find that your kids are the ones turning lights off when you forget.

Contact Aladdin Heating & Cooling for more energy-saving basics for the whole family. We’ve been serving Grosse Pointe, Farmington, Detroit, and the surrounding area for more than 65 years.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Warren, Michigan about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about energy savings and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Heat gain is a major problem for homeowners, but they often have no idea it’s happening at all. Don’t assume your inflated bill is nature’s fault, but don’t fall for summer cooling myths either. Take charge with these wise tips.

Make It Cooler Indoors

Believe it or not, a simple coat of paint can prevent up to 19 percent of your home’s summertime heat gain. Darker colors attract sunlight and absorb heat, so pick lighter shades. Other indoor heat sources include:

• Incandescent lighting
• TVs
• Washers and dryers
• Body heat
• Stovetops and ovens
• Dishwasher

Heat gain isn’t as problematic when your air conditioner doesn’t have to do double duty to maintain a comfortable temperature. Avoid using major appliances or hosting parties during the hottest times of day (e.g., between 1 and 4 P.M. during a typical Lake Orion summer).

Treat Your Windows Right

Windows cause almost half of the average home’s heat gain. Take these steps to get your windows summer-ready:

• Add shade indoors (heavy drapes, tinting) and outdoors (shrubs, awnings)
• Close drapes and blinds during the day
• Re-caulk frames
• Check weather stripping for cracks

In Royal Oak and Troy, Beaumont Hospital partnered with MI Home Energy, making the harshest seasons a little easier with energy audit discounts for their employees and patients. Schedule your own inspection to make sure your home’s unique energy needs are met. For example, booster fans increase airflow on the top half of a second-story home, and if you have an attic, ventilating and insulating it properly will prevent a sauna effect.

For more information about preventing heat gain with an energy-efficient HVAC system, contact us at Aladdin Heating & Cooling. We work hard to keep families comfortable throughout Southeast Michigan.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Warren, Michigan about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about heat gain and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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You may feel like you’ve heard it too many times, but sealing your house remains one of the most important things you can do to lower your high energy bills. If you aren’t sure how to find air leaks in your home, consider scheduling a home energy evaluation. You can hire a professional inspector to visit your home and determine where you’re experiencing heat loss and wasting energy.

Once your audit is finished, you’ll get some advice on where to seal and insulate. You can use spray foam, caulk or weatherstripping material to seal any gaps or holes around outlets, door frames and windows. Be sure to add insulation to any areas of the walls or the attic that aren’t filled. If your windows seem particularly drafty, try using plastic sheeting to seal them. You can find weatherization kits at your local hardware store that will contain everything you need for this project.

Another important factor in reducing your heating costs is changing your heating habits. Decreasing the heat needed in your house can make a big difference in your heating bills, even if you only lower the thermostat by one or two degrees. If you want to make this process even easier, try investing in a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats can keep track of your schedule, turning the heat down when you’re at work or asleep, and heating the house up just before you return or wake up.

For more information on lowering your high energy bills in the Grosse Pointe, Farmington and Detroit areas, contact Aladdin Heating and Cooling. We’ve been serving the Southeastern Michigan area for more than 65 years.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Warren, Michigan about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about energy bills and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Heating equipment. Gas furnaces and boilers have efficiency ratings that describe how well they convert the fuel they use for heat. Expressed as a percentage, the minimum AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) must be 80 or higher. This means that the furnace or boiler converts 80 percent of the fuel it uses to heat, while the other 20 percent is wasted.

Heating system technology has improved to the point where systems can now convert nearly all the fuel they use to usable heat for your home, like condensing furnaces whose efficiency is as high as 98 percent. These systems use a second heat exchanger that removes the heat from the water vapor that gas creates. Investing in energy-saving equipment like condensing furnaces makes sense in this climate, since the heating season is long and intense.

Cooling systems. Central heat pumps and air conditioners carry SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) ratings that start at 13 and go into the 20s. Heat pumps have an additional rating called the HSPF (heating season performance factor) whose minimum is 7.7. A heat pump can cool and heat your home, but in our region, it’s a bit challenging to use a heat pump throughout the winter unless it’s equipped with an intelligent recovery thermostat to regulate the heating function.

Regardless of the kind of equipment you choose, you’ll get the most efficiency and system life if your contractor uses Manual J to size the system carefully. Oversized and undersized systems drive up energy bills and tend to have shorter system life than those that are precisely sized for your home.

For more information about energy-saving equipment, contact the pros at Aladdin Heating & Cooling, providing trusted HVAC services for Detroit, Troy and Sterling Heights homeowners for more than 65 years.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Warren, Michigan about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about energy saving equipment and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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