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November 2019, there were dozens of Floridians that were about to have their utilities cut off because their payments were overdue. Thankfully, one businessman in the area, Mike Esmond, understood how it felt to be without heating and air. So, Mr. Esmond issued a check for $4,300 to cover overdue utility bills for 36 residents whose water and gas bills were past due and about to be disconnected.
Mr. Esmond is being generous again in 2020 by issuing a check for $7,600 for overdue balances for 114 Floridians that aren’t able to heat their residences during the holiday season. Such wonderful generosity stems from his own times of trouble when Mr. Esmond experienced his own hardships. The hard times inspired him to do good for his community that was hit by hard times due to Hurricane Sally.
The hurricane severely damaged the bridge connecting Pensacola to the Gulf Breeze. Today, the bridge is still shut down for repairs. The local economy has further been strained by the pandemic and caused many local businesses to remain shuttered.
Per Joanne Oliver, the long-time utility billing supervisor of Gulf Breeze, in her 20 years of customer service she has never seen such incredible generosity as displayed by Mr. Esmond. Mr. Esmond has said he felt inspired to donate funds in 2019 when he viewed his utility bill and noticed the due date of December 26th.
Tough Times Can Encourage Inspiration
He had a flashback to a time when he was broke in the winter of 1983. He couldn’t afford to pay for his water or gas service and had both utilities shut off during the holidays. At the time he had three young daughters and the temperatures were sinking to 6 degrees. Their home looked like a winter wonderland on the inside with frost and ice. Mr. Esmond speaks from experience when he says he has lived during tough times when he had no money to care for his family.
Mr. Esmond took that experience and turned it around now that he is more fortunate. He has come to the rescue of people that haven’t been able to pay their bills. He doesn’t want to see anyone suffer the fate he suffered around Christmas time. He also mentioned he felt as if times are even tougher for families in Gulf Breeze due to the pandemic and because many homes are still in need of roof repairs due to Hurricane Sally.
Per Ms. Oliver, the city has mailed cards to the 114 residents that Mr. Esmond helped, notifying them of paid overdue balances. What does next year hold for Gulf Breeze families? That largely depends on how the community is able to economically bounce back. Mr. Esmond has said he would be there to help again in 2021 for families who needed it.
What You Can Do to Keep Your HVAC and Furnace Working Better Longer
There are a few things you can do to cut your heating and cooling costs. One is maintaining HVAC system maintenance. Maintenance is one of the most integral aspects of keeping a heating and cooling system running smoothly. The longer a system is used the more worn parts and dust tends to lower the efficiency. You will need new HVAC products such as filters to ensure your system stays clean and energy-efficient.
Scheduling HVAC system maintenance will most definitely improve the function of the system and the lifetime by up to 48%. That’s also helpful in preventing up to 15% of yearly losses in heating and cooling efficiency. Overall, HVAC system maintenance keeps heating and cooling costs lower for your home. Routine maintenance inspections can pinpoint problems before they cause any discomfort in your home or an increased spike in your bills.
Start with an HVAC Inspection
HVAC system maintenance should always start with a thorough inspection from experts in the HVAC industry. You should hire HVAC contractors to inspect, clean, and repair your system at least once a year. It is ideal to have the air conditioning checked in the spring and the heating checked in the fall.
HVAC Maintenance Is the Key
The Key to keeping your cooling system in great condition longer, is HVAC system maintenance. It is one of the easiest ways to improve and uphold energy efficiency and prevent repairs in the future. An on-going check-up simply makes sure that your cooling system will last much longer, keep energy bills reasonable, performs correctly, and overall gives the best efficiency.
What exactly does an HVAC system maintenance check include? It starts with a thorough examination of your air conditioner to determine its condition. Experienced technicians will check outdoor and indoor components including motors, internal parts, and belts. Coolant levels will also be measured so any coolant that has been lost will be replaced. There are quite a few services included in HVAC system maintenance.
- Other HVAC System Maintenance Check Points Include:
- Overall Visual Inspection
- Circuits
- Safety Controls
- Drain Lines
- Clean the Condensate Pump
- Valves and Caps
- Electrical Components
- Clean or Replace Air Filters
- Check and Recalibrate the Thermostat
- Clean the Indoor and Outdoor Coils
- Adjustments for Peak Efficiency
When Is It Time for HVAC Services and Repairs?
Once HVAC system maintenance has been performed, you will know more about any necessary repairs your system may require. Repairs may be obvious if a certain part of your cooling system is not functioning properly. There are some noticeable signs such as the system not being able to keep your home as cool as it used to, or you’ve noticed an increase in your utility bills. The system may be running longer, but it’s not effectively cooling your home.
While it may be easy to recognize there is something wrong with your HVAC system, some repairs aren’t noticeable until it’s too late. HVAC system maintenance is your best option when it comes to detecting repairs and ensuring they are handled before you or your family are in any discomfort. Make an appointment for HVAC system maintenance with top heating and air companies that offer affordable HVAC services from certified and trained techs.
When Is the Last Time You Had Your Furnace Inspected?
HVAC system maintenance will keep your home cool while making sure that the HVAC unit is running efficiently. What about your furnace? When is the last time you’ve had heating maintenance performed? Most people don’t think about heating service until it’s too late. Maintenance for a furnace is more than just replacing a filter and switching the thermostat on.
Homeowners need to have a full furnace inspection performed. There is more to keeping a furnace functional that can save up to thousands of dollars in repair costs. A furnace in need of repair can also cause water damage, especially if your pipes have ever frozen. Frozen pipes can cause a furnace to quit. This is bad news if you are away for the holidays and don’t catch it.
A Furnace Inspection Includes:
- Inspect and Clean the Wheel, Housing, and Blower Motor
- Lubricate the Blower Motor
- Check Belts and Replace Them if Needed
- Check and Clean the Combustion Blower
- Check for Gas Leaks in Gas Furnaces
- Check Evaporator Coil
- Inspect Condensate Pan and Lines and Drain
- Check Ignition and Safety Controls and Adjust if Needed
- Inspect Burner and Clean
- Completely Inspect the Heat Exchanger or Heat Elements
- Check All Electrical Systems
- Check the Flue System for a Good Connection
- Inspect for Corrosion
- Check Ductwork for Leaks
- Inspect and Replace Air Filters as Needed
- Detect Unusual Odors and Find the Source
- Review Heat Pumps While System Is Running
- Inspect the Vent System
- Check System Pressures Both the Manifold and High and Low Sides
Inspecting your furnace is more than just switching it off and on to ensure it is generating heat. It is especially critical to know exactly how well a furnace is operating. You don’t want your only heating element to shut down in the middle of a cold winter. It’s inconvenient and could cost you more money than just repairs if you’ve suffered from water damage.
Avoid Costly Repairs with Furnace Maintenance
Preventative furnace maintenance is one of the most cost-effective methods that help you avoid expensive repairs. Hire an expert heating contractor to perform heating maintenance. You can expect an HVAC tech to thoroughly check the exterior of your furnace and ventilation system. They will look for any signs of wear and tear and perform necessary maintenance. This also includes cleaning and checking for any unnecessary power usage.
HVAC techs will also take the time to thoroughly check the thermostat. Maintenance also includes turning on the furnace and monitoring it while functioning. This will ensure that all of the components are performing correctly. Your furnace will also be tested for carbon monoxide leaks as part of a trustworthy maintenance routine. There should be no leaks in any piping or ventilation.
Keep Your Furnace Operating Efficiently with Repairs
Keeping your furnace running effectively and efficiently is especially important during the winter. You need to be able to warm your entire home so you and your family stay healthy and comfortable. The only way to do this is by keeping the unit repaired as needed. Many experts have noted that typical furnace problems stem from the lack of maintenance and heating repair.
An expert HVAC contractor can provide furnace repairs that ensure the longevity of your system. Once you have had your furnace repaired, speak to HVAC contractors about annual maintenance as well as tune-up services too. Taking action when it comes to furnace care will ensure it keeps running well. It could also keep you from paying for a new heating installation before the lifetime of your furnace has been reached.
There Are Other Ways to Lower Your Heating and Cooling Costs
Did you know that quality roofing can keep your heating and cooling costs down? Simply put, a new roof saves energy. If you currently have an older home and haven’t had the roof replaced, you could be forcing your HVAC unit to work that much harder all year. In the end, that’s going to cost more money when you have to constantly repair an overworked HVAC system and pay higher energy bills.
Older roofs were built with what is now outdated roofing materials as well as outdated building technology. That makes them less energy-efficient with the ability to put more of a strain on heating and cooling systems. While loose windows, drafty doors, and bad insulation are also culprits of higher energy expenses, an outdated roof that needs to be replaced is at the top of the list.
When a roof ages, it becomes less effective since it has been breaking down over the years. Humidity levels and temperatures start to seep in and can make a home’s internal environment uncomfortable. A new roof can keep this from happening.
How Can a New Roof Cut Energy Costs?
Once you have determined that a new roof will save on your energy costs, you need to learn more about how they are built and what materials are more energy-efficient. You don’t want to have just any new roof installed. Below is a list of imperative roof characteristics you may want to include when having an energy-efficient roof installed.
Important Roof Characteristics Include:
- Roof Ventilation
- Solar Reflection
- Shingle Color
- Energy Star Ratings
- Modernized Shingles
Choose the Correct Roof
It takes careful research as well as planning to find the right energy-efficient roof for your home. Keep some factors in consideration including the location of your home, roofing material options, and your budget. Work closely with a local roofing company so you can get great advice concerning the best options for your home. Try to think about all of your options in advance. Updating the energy efficiency of your roof will keep your home in better condition while reducing energy bills.