How to Get the Most Out of Your Trane Heating And Cooling Systems

September 28, 2016

COOLING SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

• Set the thermostat as high as comfort will permit.
• Make sure attics are adequately ventilated to relieve heat buildup. If necessary, improve airflow by adding or enlarging vents.
• When building a new house or renovating an old one, choose light-colored roof shingles to reflect more of the sun's heat.
• During moderate weather, don't use the air conditioner unnecessarily.
• Draw blinds or drapes to block the sunlight during the hottest part of the day.
• Install awnings over windows exposed to direct sunlight.
• In the cooling season, don't run kitchen and bath exhaust fans longer than necessary.
• Don't place lamps, TV sets or other heat-producing devices beneath a wall-mounted thermostat. Rising heat from that equipment may cause the air conditioning system to overcool your house.

HEATING & FURNACE MAINTENANCE

• Locate the thermostat on an inside wall away from windows and doors.
• Set the thermostat as low as comfort permits. Each degree over 68°F can add 3% to the amount of energy needed for heating.
• People generate heat. So lower the thermostat a degree or two when expecting a large group of guests.

INSULATION

• Make sure your home is properly insulated. This is the single most important step in conserving energy. Thermal insulation should be specified in terms of thermal resistance (R-values). R-30 (10") is recommended for ceilings, and R-11 (3-1/2”) for exterior walls and floors over unheated areas. In colder climates, consider additional insulation.
• Infiltration of humid outside air is your heating and air conditioning system's worst enemy—it could account for 15% to 30% of air conditioning energy requirements. Find the places where air can sneak into the home and plug them with caulking, weather-stripping or plastic. Also, weather-strip and caulk around all entrance doors and windows.
• Cut heat transfer through your windows by 40% to 50% with double-glazing (two panes of glass separated by a sealed air space) and low-e glass.
• Use wood- or metal-frame storm windows even if single-glazed windows are high quality. The extra layer of glass and the layer of still air will cut heat transfer considerably.
• Install storm doors at all entrances to your house.
• Keep all windows and doors closed.
• Remember that by increasing the glass area, you increase the amount of heat added in summer and lost in winter.
• Make sure fireplaces have tight-fitting dampers, which can be closed when the fireplace is not in use. Invest in a humidifier to conserve energy in winter. The air in your home won't be as dry, so you stay comfortable at a lower temperature setting.