Author: Degree Heating & Cooling

5 Common Problems that Could Mean You Need AC Repair for Your Newington, CT Home

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It’s hot outside and you’re looking forward to escaping the sticky, humid weather and enjoying the cool comfort of the AC system in your Newington, CT home. But, when you enter your home, it’s noticeably warmer than it should be. Upon further inspection, you realize that your air conditioning system isn’t working properly. What can be the cause of this, and how do you know if you need repairs?

According to the Department of Energy, the most common air conditioning issue is simply improper operation. They suggest that when your AC is running, be sure to shut all your windows and doors. Check your fuses and circuit breakers. Make sure your thermostat is set at an appropriate temperature. If all is well, then you may need AC repair for your Newington, CT home. The DOE cites five common air conditioner problems that could potentially be the culprit:

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Your system is leaking refrigerant. If the refrigerant level in the AC in your Newington, CT home is low, chances are you have a leak. Not only can a refrigerant leak make your system less effective and efficient; it can also be harmful to the environment. You can’t just refill it; once there is a leak in the system, you need to get it repaired by a professional. Your technician will fix the leak, test to make sure the repair is effective, and charge the system with the right type and amount of refrigerant.

Your system has not been properly maintained. If you don’t choose annual maintenance for your AC system, you should – without it, the coils and filters in your system will become dirty. This means your air conditioning system will not work as it should, and parts like compressors and fans may fail early.

Drainage might be the issue. During times of high humidity, your AC system might not drain properly. Check the condensate drain to ensure it isn’t clogged and is draining properly.

You may have an electric control failure. If the AC system in your Newington, CT home was oversized when you purchased it, you might have problems with it turning on and off frequently. When this happens, compressor and fan controls can wear out. Other electrical problems include wire and terminal corrosion. Your technician will check your electrical connections and contacts.

The problem could be your sensor. If you have a room air conditioning system, the problem could be your sensor, which makes your AC cycle constantly or erratically. Your sensor should be near the evaporator coil but not touching it. It can be adjusted by carefully bending the wire that holds it in place. If you’re not comfortable doing that yourself, you should call for professional AC repair.

If you think you may need AC repair for your Newington, CT home, you should know you can count on the professionals at Degree Heating & Cooling to help. Just give us a call at (860) 633-6122 and we’ll be more than happy to assist you with your air conditioning repair needs.

Do You Need to Replace or Repair the AC in Your Cromwell, CT Home? Here are 5 Signs

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As cold as our winters may get here in Cromwell, CT, you can rest assured that our summers will get equally as hot. Living in our climate means that, in order to enjoy year-round comfort, it’s likely we’ll need both heating and air conditioning to see us through the seasons. When the summer heat climbs into the 90s, you want to be certain that your AC system is working properly. Aside from an out-and-out breakdown, there are definite indicators that your system may be headed for a breakdown. Angieslist.com highlights some telltale signs that your AC is in need of repair – or replacement.

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  • Not cool, man: A straightforward sign that AC repair is needed for your Cromwell, CT home is that it simply is not cooling. Depending on the type of unit you have installed, the climate, and the frequency of use, if your AC has been well-maintained and serviced on a regular basis, you can count on it living somewhere between 10 and 15 years. If it’s older than that, and not cooling your home, you probably need to consider repairs or, possibly, replacement.
  • Big bills. Have your utility bills been outrageous so far this summer? If higher than usual, you might want to consider an energy audit. If your AC system hasn’t been maintained in a while, you’ll probably want that looked at as well. That way, you can rule out your AC being the culprit – and if it is, get the needed repairs made to get it working efficiently again.
  • What’s that smell? If the AC system in your Cromwell, CT home is giving off strange odors, is noisy, or is emitting moisture where it shouldn’t, repairs may be in order. Smells can be caused by dirt or debris in the unit – have a professional come in and give your unit a cleaning and change the filter, and odors should go away. Loudness can mean that a fan isn’t operating properly, or that a part inside the unit has loosened. If you have moisture inside your home – think clammy – the AC unit is not handling the humid air as well as it should.
  • You’re hot and you’re cold. When an air conditioning unit is working the way it should be, it provides consistent cooling. If that’s not happening, your unit is probably not working as it should. Are some rooms cold and other rooms not cool at all? If this is the case, you’ll want a professional to look at your unit.
  • High maintenance. Honestly, your AC system is not as high maintenance as you might think. It only needs a yearly check-up and tune-up to stay in good shape. Occasionally, you might need an additional service or small repair. But, if you’re calling your HVAC dealer multiple times a year (and spending a lot of money), AC repair for your Cromwell, CT home might not be the answer… you likely need to consider replacement.

At Degree Heating & Cooling, , we strive to provide customer satisfaction and improve your comfort. When you need air conditioning repair for your Cromwell, CT home, you can count on us to meet your needs. Just give us a call at (860) 633-6122, and we’ll be happy to help with your AC repair.

Considering Ductless AC for your Wethersfield, CT Home? Here are 5 Benefits

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Ductless air conditioning is not new, but more and more people are choosing it to keep their home cool all summer long. If you’ve been considering ductless AC for your Wethersfield, CT home, no doubt you have some questions when it comes to whether it’s the right choice for you and your family. Air conditioning – whether ductless or traditional – is a significant investment, so you’ll want to learn as much as you can about the system you want to install before you purchase.

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First, it’s important to understand what, exactly, ductless air conditioning is. Simply put, it’s home cooling that does not require ductwork, or any additional ductwork. It’s great for homes that are older, homes that use radiant heat, or spaces within the home where ductwork is either impractical or impossible (such as an addition, a converted garage or a sunroom.) And, not only can ductless AC benefit your Wethersfield, CT home in the summer; often, ductless systems have heating capabilities, too, so you can count on year-round comfort from your ductless system. So, now that you have an idea of what ductless is, what about some of the benefits? Here are five reasons why ductless AC is a great choice for your home.

Ductless AC requires minimal installation construction: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, ductless systems are often easier to install than other AC systems. They explain that generally hookup between the indoor and outdoor units require only a 3” hole, as compared to the extensive ductwork that would be necessary to accommodate a traditional system. When you choose a ductless AC system for your Wethersfield, CT home, you won’t have a huge construction mess or long wait time.

Ductless AC provides optimal comfort for your home: Because ductless systems are meant to provide targeted comfort, you have better control over your system. Split systems where you have more than one ductless unit in your home can each be controlled individually, so rooms are cooled based on occupancy.

Ductless AC is energy efficient: According to ENERGY STAR, heating and cooling costs on average $875 yearly, which is close to half of the home’s annual energy bill. When you replace the old system in your Wethersfield, CT home with an ENERGY STAR certified ductless AC system, you could cut cooling and heating costs by 30 percent.

Ductless AC blends into your living space seamlessly: No matter what your home décor, your ductless air conditioning unit will provide you with unobtrusive cooling. Ductless units can easily be mounted on the wall or in the ceiling. Units are sleek and attractive, and won’t obstruct your outside view like a window unit would.

Ductless AC is quiet: Ductless AC provides your Wethersfield, CT home with quiet cooling. Many brands operate at around the same decibel as a whisper, so you won’t have to worry about the loud, obtrusive noise you would expect from a window air conditioning unit – all you’ll experience is better comfort.

If you’re ready to enjoy the cool comfort of ductless AC in your Wethersfield, CT home, count on Degree Heating & Cooling. We can help you take advantage of all the benefits a ductless air conditioning system has to offer. Simply give us a call at 860-633-6122, and one of our friendly associates will be happy to assist you with your ductless AC needs.

Three Reasons to Install Air Conditioning in Your Cromwell, CT Home with Degree

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Have you been sweating through too many summers without air conditioning in your Cromwell, CT home? Or have you been dealing with an old, inefficient air conditioner that doesn’t do its job keeping you cool and zaps you in the wallet every month on your energy bills? Then maybe it’s time to consider installing new air conditioning in your home. When you work with Degree Heating & Cooling, we’ll provide you with the best air conditioning systems on the market, installed professionally and with your comfort in mind.

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Still not sure if the time is right for air conditioning? Here are three reasons you may want to consider installing air conditioning in your Cromwell, CT home:

  • Your Family’s Comfort & Health – Many people consider air conditioning a luxury, and it certainly is nice to sit comfortably in a cool house when the temperatures outside are sweltering. But for some people, having an air conditioned home is much more than a creature comfort – it’s a matter of personal health. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website, people that are 65 years and older, infants, children and people with health conditions are the most prone to heat stress and for them, “air conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death.” So, if you live with an elderly family member, a baby or child, or someone with an illness, air conditioning for your Cromwell, CT home is important.
  • Potential Energy Savings – If your home’s central air conditioning system is older, the chances are it isn’t operating at its best efficiency. Regular AC maintenance helps, but there’s no way around it – like any other type of machinery, as the air conditioning in your Cromwell, CT home ages, it becomes less and less efficient. Energy.gov advises that choosing an ENERGY STAR®-qualified system offers you a higher energy efficiency rating – about 15 percent more than standard models. In fact, they indicate that today’s best air conditioning systems use up to 50 percent less energy to produce the same amount of cooling as their 1970s counterparts. They suggest that even if your current AC is only 10 years old, you still may expect to save 20 to 40 percent of your cooling costs by installing a new, energy-efficient system.
  • Quality Installation – When you spend the money to have a new air conditioning system installed, you not only want the best system for your budget, but you also want to make sure it’s being installed by qualified personnel. That can mean looking for the NATE symbol when you hire a contractor to install new air conditioning in your Cromwell, CT home. NATE certification means that technicians have passed rigorous tests developed by a committee of industry experts from across the nation. At Degree Heating & Cooling, many of our technicians are NATE certified, providing you with a better quality of service for you and your home comfort system.

When you decide to install new air conditioning, Degree Heating & Cooling can help. We provide expert service and installation for air conditioning throughout Cromwell, CT. Simply call us at  (860) 633-6122 and we will be happy to provide you with further information, answer any questions you may have, or schedule an appointment.

A High Efficiency Carrier® Furnace for Your Glastonbury, CT Home is Ideal

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When the time comes to replace the furnace in your Glastonbury, CT home, you might find what’s available nowadays to be very surprising. According to the Department of Energy, most furnaces last from 15 to 30 years, and if you have an aging furnace, the chances are pretty good it isn’t exactly providing your home with a very high level of energy efficiency. In fact, the Department of Energy suggests that older furnace systems often have efficiencies in the range of 56 percent to 70 percent – and that means a good deal of the energy you’re paying for isn’t being used to heat your home. So what can you do to increase your home comfort and decrease your energy bills? Consider a high-efficiency furnace installation as an option.

Technology Meets Higher Fuel Standards

Today’s high-efficiency furnaces are better than ever, with efficiency ratings starting at 80 percent and going all the way up to 98.3 percent. In fact, modern high efficiency furnaces can save up to 50 percent in operating costs compared to a 10-year-old furnace. When you have a properly installed high efficiency furnace in your home, you can count on a potential increase in your home’s energy efficiency and a decrease in your utility bills – and that can save you money in the long run. What’s more, many of the high efficiency systems available on the market today are eligible for rebates from the manufacturer and your energy company.

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When you choose us to install a high efficiency furnace in your Glastonbury, CT home, you’ll be pleased with the service we provide you. We pride ourselves on being experts in the field of home comfort. By working with us on your installation, you’ll receive:

  • A free, in-home consultation with one of our gas furnace specialists
  • Assistance in selecting an energy-efficient gas furnace that meets your needs
  • Properly sized equipment unique to your home
  • Convenient payment options
  • Full factory warranties on equipment and labor

As a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer, we’ll provide you with the very best, most efficient Carrier high efficiency furnaces. All Carrier products are rigorously tested beyond industry standards, and are tested in real-world applications. That means your Carrier furnace hasn’t just been tested in the confines of a laboratory; it’s been tested in a home environment, so they know it will work to keep you and your family warm.

We believe in providing our customers with not only expert installation of their high efficiency furnace system, but also in continuing to meet their needs after the sale. That’s why when you work with us for the heating needs of your Glastonbury, CT home we’ll provide you with the services you need after installation. Those services include both furnace repair and maintenance, with maintenance programs available to ensure long life and efficiency for your furnace.

Our aim is to provide customer satisfaction and improve your home comfort. Degree Heating & Cooling wants to provide your high efficiency gas furnace. Simply call us at (860) 633-6122, and we’ll be more than happy to assist you with your high efficiency gas furnace installation.

Why Choose a Full-Service Furnace Contractor for Your Glastonbury, CT Home?

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It isn’t always easy to know how to choose the right furnace contractor for your Glastonbury, CT home. You want someone who can help you make the most of the system you already own, as well as someone who can provide you with a replacement when the time comes to get a new furnace. You also need someone who knows the ropes when it comes to home heating – according to Angie’s List, it’s of the utmost importance that you hire a furnace contractor who is properly trained to deal with safety issues that can arise with your furnace, so you and your family can stay safe.

Licensed Furnace Experts

At Degree Heating & Cooling, we know furnace contractors come and go, and that can cause confusion as to which businesses are legitimate, and which are fly-by-night. When you’re looking for a contractor, you’ll want someone who’s been in business for a while, has an established client base, and offers multiple service options. At Degree, we’ve been helping people in the Glastonbury, CT area stay comfortable for more than 30 years, and we have numerous testimonials from customers we’ve helped over the years. Plus, we won’t just install a new furnace in your home and then leave you to your own devices – we offer service after the sale, and furnace repair should you need it.

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You should know that even if you didn’t buy your furnace from us, we can help you with any maintenance or repairs you might need for your Glastonbury, CT home, and that if you need a new furnace, we offer high quality Carrier® equipment. Choose from the services we offer below:

Furnace Installation in Glastonbury, CT: If you’re looking for a quality, reliable furnace installation for your Glastonbury, CT home, then look no further than Degree Heating & Cooling. At Degree, we’re proud of our technicians who not only provide you with expert furnace installation, but also respect you and your home.

High-Efficiency Furnaces in Glastonbury, CT: Today’s furnaces are better than ever, some with efficiency ratings all the way to 96.6 percent. Some high efficiency furnaces can save up to 50 percent in operating costs compared to a 10-year old furnace. Your home’s energy use will decrease – and so will your energy bills.

Furnace Maintenance in Glastonbury, CT: When you regularly maintain the furnace in your Glastonbury, CT home, you’re helping to prevent small issues from becoming large ones, as well as ensuring optimal performance of your home comfort system. For your convenience, we provide annual service agreements.

Furnace Repair in Glastonbury, CT: If your furnace is in need of repair, don’t wait – call the experts at Degree Heating & Cooling. We know there’s nothing more inconvenient, or more uncomfortable, than having your furnace break down on the coldest night of the year. That’s why we provide professional furnace repair.

At Degree Heating & Cooling, it’s our top priority provide customer satisfaction and improve your comfort. Whether you need repair, maintenance or a brand new furnace installation for your Glastonbury, CT home, count on us for professional results. Simply call us at (860) 633-6122, and we’ll be more than happy to assist you with your furnace needs.

Do You Use a Boiler to Heat Your Glastonbury, CT Home? Here’s What You Should Know

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Many people in the Glastonbury, CT area use boilers to heat their homes, but that doesn’t mean they understand how boilers work. While you don’t need to be an expert in your home’s boiler system, it helps to know some of the basics about your boiler, and how the right boiler contractor can help. At Degree Heating & Cooling, we offer a number of services that will help you keep your boiler up and running perfectly. But before we tell you what we do, let’s talk a little bit about your home’s boiler system.

First of all, how does my home’s boiler work?

When you have a boiler installed in your Glastonbury, CT home, you should know there are a couple of different types of boilers – steam and hot water. The steam is distributed through pipes to radiators, and hot water is distributed to baseboard radiators or radiant floor systems. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, steam boilers work at a higher temperature than hot water boilers, making them less efficient. That being said, there are high-efficiency versions of all types of boilers currently available, like the boiler systems we install at Degree Heating & Cooling.

How efficient are today’s boilers?

You will find that modern boilers are much, much more efficient than those of even 15 years ago. And, the Department of Energy has set standards over the last few years that dictate to manufacturers what minimum efficiencies can be. Currently, no boilers installed in the Glastonbury, CT area can be less than 80 percent efficient. The high-efficiency boilers we offer are between 90 and 98.5 percent efficient – this means that the majority of heat produced by them is used to keep your home comfortable.

What should I do if I want my boiler to last longer?

The best way to keep your boiler running safely and efficiently is by getting your boiler serviced on an annual basis. Your technician will inspect your boiler to make sure it’s structurally sound and in proper working order. They’ll make sure there are no carbon monoxide leaks and that boiler pressure is optimal. They’ll make any small repairs to your system before they become larger ones, and make sure your system is operating at an efficient level.

If I need a new boiler, what can you do to help me choose?

At Degree Heating & Cooling, we help our customers in Glastonbury, CT get the best in home comfort products and services. When you choose to install your new boiler system with us, you’ll receive:

  • A free in-home consultation with one of our boiler system specialists
  • Assistance in selecting an energy-efficient boiler system that meets your needs
  • Properly sized equipment unique to your home
  • Convenient payment options
  • Full factory warranties on equipment and labor

But we don’t just install your boiler for you. At Degree Heating & Cooling, it’s important to us that we’re able to help you, no matter what your boiler need may be. That’s why we strive to provide our customers with complete boiler services, including boiler maintenance and repair.

Our boiler maintenance program will help you enjoy longer equipment life, lower utility bills, reduction in repairs, a more comfortable indoor environment and a protection of your investment. When you trust us to repair the boiler in your Glastonbury, NY home, we’ll provide you with expert repair on all makes and models of boilers, 24/7 availability, emergency repair services and preventive maintenance programs like the one described above that will help reduce service emergencies.

To learn more about how we can help with your boiler needs, whether you need installation, maintenance or repair, call Degree Heating & Cooling at (860) 633-6122 and we will be happy to assist you with the boiler needs of your Glastonbury, CT home.

How a Full-Service Contractor Can Help With Heating Your Glastonbury, CT Home

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Quality Heating Services for Residents and Businesses From Licensed Experts

When your looking for a full-service HVAC contractor to help you with the heating needs of your Glastonbury, CT home, it might be confusing. There are a lot of businesses out there who claim to know all about home heating, but when it comes down to it, they might only be willing to install a new system rather than help you make the most of the one you have. Or, they might not have the right credentials to meet your needs effectively, efficiently and above all, safely. According to ENERGY STAR, there are a few things to look for when hiring a heating contractor.

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First of all, you’ll want to ask for referrals. Who do your friends, colleagues and family use? And, are they rated highly by organizations like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Angie’s List? At Degree Heating & Cooling, we have achieved an A+ rating from the BBB and have belonged to Angie’s List since 2007. But when it comes right down to it, we’re most proud of what our customers have to say about us. Read their reviews here.

Another factor is, does the contractor provide the customer with special offers and incentives? Everyone wants to be able to save money when it comes to high-ticket items like heaters. At Degree, we’re pleased to offer our customers a free in-home comfort evaluation, as well as exciting rebates on heating equipment for your Glastonbury, CT home – like saving up to $2000 on a new system! Find out more about our special offers.

You’ll also want to check into the length of time the selected heating contractor has been in business. Like anything else, there are HVAC contractors who are fly-by-night, lacking the proper training and licensing, who set up shop one month and are gone the next. You need a heating contractor who has been around for a while – Degree, for instance, has been helping people in the Glastonbury, CT area for more than 30 years.

Quality Heating Products and Installation

Finally, you’ll want to examine what types of products and services the heating contractor provides. You’ll want them to provide you with brands that are known industry-wide for their reliability, durability and efficiency. And, you’ll want them to offer you with a wide range of services, so no matter what the heater in your Glastonbury, CT home requires, they can help. At Degree, we proudly offer quality home comfort equipment from Carrier® – in fact, we’re a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer, offering you a complete listing of heating services, including heater installation, heater repair and heater maintenance.

There are many factors you as a homeowner should take into consideration when you’re choosing the right contractor for your Glastonbury, CT home’s heating needs – but making the right choice is really as easy as calling Degree Heating & Cooling. We’ll do whatever it takes to provide you with the best heating products and services on the market, and we’ll do so in a timely, professional and courteous manner. We promise that you’ll be completely satisfied with the heating products and services we provide.

Degree Heating & Cooling strives to provide customer satisfaction and improve your comfort. Whether you need to repair, replace or maintain the heating system in your home, you can trust us to meet your needs. Call Degree Heating & Cooling at (860) 633-6122, and one of our friendly associates will be happy to assist you with your heating needs.

When You Need HVAC Services in Connecticut, Degree Can Help

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HVAC service in CT At Degree Heating & Cooling, , there’s nothing more important to us than making sure the people of Connecticut enjoy the best possible home comfort all year long, no matter what season it is. Our focus is on our customers, which is why we strive to serve such a large area of Connecticut. We want to make getting HVAC services as easy as possible, for as many people as possible. We also know that with so many different makes and models of AC systems, boilers and furnaces on the market, you might be concerned about finding a contractor with the experience to handle and resolve any problem you might be having. When you choose Degree Heating & Cooling to help, you can rest assured you’ll be getting the service you deserve.

For your convenience, we’re pleased to offer our complete listing of HVAC services to people living in the Glastonbury, Wethersfield, Rocky Hill, Newington and Cromwell, CT areas. With 30 years of experience, our highly trained home comfort specialists are able to maintain and repair any type of heating or cooling system, and install a wide variety of equipment brands and types. And, if you need commercial HVAC services for your business or organization, we can help with that as well. Our skilled commercial HVAC technicians will quickly be able to diagnose any repair your business’s heating or cooling system might require.

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When you choose to work with us, you’ll have access to a wide range of services for your Connecticut home or business, whether you’re located in the Cromwell, Newington, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield or Glastonbury areas. We’re pleased to offer:

  • Heating: Choose Degree to help you get the heating system maintenance, repair, installation, and ductless heating solutions you need, so that you and your family can stay warm and cozy all winter long in your Connecticut home.
  • Air Conditioning: Whether you need air conditioning repair or maintenance, or if you need a brand new air conditioning system or ductless system, Degree provides AC services for Glastonbury, Wethersfield, Rocky Hill, Newington and Cromwell, CT and the surrounding areas.
  • Boilers: At Degree Heating & Cooling, we offer the maintenance and repair you need to ensure the current boiler system in your Connecticut home is running at full steam ahead, as well as new boiler installation for when you need a replacement.
  • Gas Furnaces: Need a new gas furnace installation? Or repairs and maintenance on your current furnace? No problem – for more than two decades, Degree has been helping people in the Cromwell, Newington, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield or Glastonbury areas get the furnace services they need to stay comfortable.
  • Commercial: You rely on us for home HVAC services, but did you know we can help your Connecticut business or organization with comfort solutions as well? We offer businesses and organizations commercial chiller, boiler, rooftop and refrigeration installation and repair services.

When you choose us for your HVAC needs, you should know we’re qualified professionals. We are factory authorized dealers and the trusted service company for many manufacturers including Carrier, Mitsubishi, Scotsman, Hoshizaki and more, and are rated A+ by the Connecticut Better Business Bureau. Our team members attend professional training classes throughout the year, and many of our technicians are NATE-certified. NATE is the only certification program supported by the entire industry. Our Factory Authorized Carrier dealer status requires us to track customer satisfaction through a third-party system and we have a 96 percent total satisfaction rating.

At Degree Heating & Cooling, it’s our top priority to provide customers living in Cromwell, Newington, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield or Glastonbury CT areas customer satisfaction, and improve their comfort. Whether you need residential or commercial repair, maintenance or installation, count on us for professional results. Call Degree Heating & Cooling at (860) 633-6122, and one of our friendly associates will be happy to assist you with your needs.

Tips for Maximum Efficiency and Comfort in Your Home

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Outside Insulation and Environment That Will Help Your Heating and Cooling

Whatever the season, you want to keep your comfortable air inside the house. That means caulking and weather stripping doors and windows, around chimneys and flues, and anywhere else inside air can escape. Be sure to check for cracked or broken shingles, crumbling grout, and worn or torn vapor barriers, too.

Inspect the exterior of your home once or twice a year. A good way to remember is to do it when you have your regular, professional HVAC check-up because heating and cooling will be on your mind anyway.

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If you’re building a new home or replacing windows, invest in vinyl- or wood-clad insulated (thermopane) windows and storm windows and doors. Then keep them closed whenever the heat or air conditioning is on!

Keep vegetation and debris well away from the outdoor unit of your system. They can block air flow, which forces the system to work harder to produce the same level of comfort. You’ll spend more now … and in a few years, when the equipment fails prematurely and you have to replace it.

However, use vegetation to keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. For example, plant a row of trees on the side of your home the wind usually comes from. They’ll act as wind blocks. Because deciduous trees lose their leaves in the winter, they’ll let in the sun’s light and warmth in winter; in the summer, they provide cooling shade. Do, however, be careful about how close you plant anything to the house, and take into account that trees and shrubs grow. They can block light, and in some areas of the country become highways for such pests as carpenter ants. A local landscape architect, reputable garden center, or the state or county extension agency can help with plant selection and placement.

Home Interiors Energy Saving Tips

Set the thermostat at the highest comfortable level in the summer and the lowest comfortable level in the winter. A change in one degree changes energy consumption by about 4%. Humidifiers and dehumidifiers can make a huge difference in how the temperature feels.

Install a programmable thermostat. It will automatically adjust the temperature at night or when you’re not going to be home for a long period of time.

Lights are a source of indoor heat, a problem in the summer. Wherever possible, replace incandescent bulbs and fixtures with compact fluorescents. They use a lot less energy, produce less heat, and last longer. Today’s fluorescents aren’t like those of only a few years ago – you can choose a warm, yellow light similar to incandescent light. You can use them in table lamps, ceiling fixtures (including ceiling fan fixtures), torchieres, and for indoor and outdoor lighting. Some can be used with dimmer switches, too. Avoid halogen lamps. The light is clear and bright, but they create more heat.

In the summer, keep drapes and blinds closed on the sunny side of the house during the day. In the winter, open them to take advantage of solar heat but close them at night to help block cold air (even if you have insulated windows).

Insulate attics, crawl spaces, basements, and walls to the “R” value recommended for your area. Your HVAC contractor can tell you how much you need. Don’t forget to insulate ductwork in un-conditioned space.

Use a gas fireplace or put glass doors on a wood-burning fireplace. (Be sure to check with the manufacturer first – some small fireboxes with zero-clearance flues cannot be outfitted with glass doors.) Keep the damper closed whenever you’re not using the fireplace.

In the summer, do your household chores during the coolest part of the day if possible. Cooking, laundry, washing dishes, and heavier work such as vacuuming are examples. Check to see if your electric utility offers time-of-day pricing. That could save you even more money.

HVAC System Tips

Check filters regularly and clean or replace them when needed. Your HVAC technician will tell you how often that’s likely to be based on the manufacturer’s recommendations and local air quality conditions.

Make sure room vents are working properly. Close them at least part-way in rooms you’re not using. Never block them with furniture, pictures, or window coverings.

Consider a zoned system if your home has two or more stories or is very large. A programmable thermostat in each zone can save energy and money.

Then sit back, relax, and enjoy year-round comfort!

© Air Conditioning Contractors of America Association, , www.acca.org. Reprinted with permission.