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Save on Cooling Bills this Summer

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Save on Cooling Bills this Summer

Since nearly half of your energy bills go toward heating and cooling your home, you should make sure you’re getting your money’s worth. If you’re paying to cool and heat rooms you don’t even use, you’re wasting money every month.

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We’d like to tell you about options that can reduce your energy bills this summer in Northern Virginia.

Adding Zoning to Your Existing HVAC System

It doesn’t make sense to control your entire home’s temperature with just one thermostat. A zoning system allows you to control the temperature in every room or (zone) of your home by placing a thermostat in each zone and an automatic damper in the duct controlling airflow to that zone. This is a great option if all of your bedrooms are on the second floor, or if you have some rooms that are used for special occasions like a guest room or sunroom. You can save up to 30% on your monthly utility bill by not having to pay to cool rooms you’re not using. In most cases, it only takes a day or two to install a zoning system and we don’t have to remove drywall or make big changes to your HVAC system. We simply slide dampers into your current ductwork, and then run all the tubing to the dampers and wire to the thermostats.

A Zoning System Requires Three Components

Zone Control Panel

This panel communicates between thermostats, dampers and your HVAC equipment.

Thermostats

A separate thermostat goes in each room or zone. If the temperature is too cold or too hot for your liking, it will send a signal to the control panel to bring cooler or warmer air to that room or zone.

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Dampers

These are placed in your ducts to control the airflow to certain rooms (or zones) of your home. The dampers are wired to a specific zone on the control panel, which is controlled by a specific thermostat in your home. Dampers automatically open and close depending on which thermostats are calling.

Installing a Ductless Mini-Split System

If you’re adding a room to your current home, it’s expensive to extend your existing ductwork into that room. Mini-splits have no ducting so they don’t require major construction. They simply have an outside unit and an indoor unit and only require a small hole to connect the two through the external wall. The air exchanger can be affixed to a wall, suspended from the ceiling, or mounted into drop ceilings. Floor models are also available and they d0n’t take up much space. Many ductless systems can be managed remotely using a smartphone, tablet or PC — for those times when you rush out the door and forget to turn down the thermostat. Some local utility companies offer significant rebates for the purchase of a ductless mini-split system.

Having Your Ducts Sealed

Sealing leaks and cracks in your ductwork is a guaranteed way of reducing energy costs. You’ll notice more comfortable rooms and lower bills right away, because your AC won’t have to kick on nearly as often to cool your home.

Snell Heating and Air Conditioning Can Do All of the Above

Summer in the DC area can get super hot. We’d love to help you save money on your air conditioning bills this year, so call us soon about installing a zoning system, adding a mini-split, or having your ducts sealed.

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