In Utah, your HVAC is a real workhorse. It keeps you warm and cozy during bone-chilling winters, cool during those hot summers and handles extreme temperature changes like a pro. Every region has unique weather, seasons and storm threats that cause HVAC systems to work overtime. However, the climate in Utah is different than — for example — the climate in Hawaii. In the tropics, homeowners likely use their A/C year-round and may not even have a heating component. In Utah, your HVAC needs may change on a daily basis.

Moving through each season, it’s easy to see why routine inspections and maintenance for your HVAC system are critical. In the winter, snowfall and freezing temperatures have you setting your thermostat to toasty. Whether you have a furnace or boiler, ensuring your heating system is maintained and energy-efficient is critical. Some Utah homeowners upgrade to radiant heat, trapping heat closer to the floor (where you need it) and avoiding the sometimes dry heat that forced air provides.

Heating Things Up

Spring in Utah can vary quite a bit. One day could mimic winter, the next summer, and those kinds of temperature shifts can wreak havoc on your utility bill. To maximize your HVAC’s efficiency, choose a moderate temperature everyone in the household can enjoy and adjust other aspects accordingly. Slip on fuzzy socks when it’s colder and shorts when it’s warmer. Make use of natural sun and cross breezes when you can, and schedule your baking for cooler days.

Utah summers can be a force to be reckoned with, especially since so many residents take advantage of the stunning outdoors. Of course, after an epic hike or cycling session, nothing is as delectable as coming home to a cool house. Marry your HVAC system with smart-home technology so you can keep temperatures moderate while you’re away and turn up the A/C when you’re on your way home. Getting the A/C component of your HVAC system checked in the spring is the best way to ensure longevity and efficiency.

Back-to-School Rules

Finally, autumn in Utah can mean Indian summers or Jack Frost rolling into town early. Now is the perfect time for a full HVAC inspection. Make sure your A/C is ready to go for next year, but also that your heating system is up for another chilly winter. Small repairs, parts replacements and maybe even considering a furnace/boiler upgrade can make the colder months a little more bearable. Plus, autumn is prime time to check your ventilation system, swap out filters and make sure no allergens or debris are in the mix.

Taking care of your HVAC system is a year-round task, but you can kick back and leave it to the professionals. Call Sandy Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule your autumn HVAC inspection and to get ready for cooler weather in comfort.

It’s never too early or too late for air conditioner installation. It may be August, but there’s no telling if this will be an Indian summer or not. Maybe you powered through a dreadfully hot summer, committed to not upping your utility bills — but now you just can’t take the heat another day. Maybe your old air conditioner gave up for good a few days ago, and you tried to finish the summer without replacing it, but that’s proving impossible. Heatstroke kills many Americans every year, and it doesn’t have to be a heat wave that does the job. Air conditioners are critical not just for comfort, but for health.

Installing an A/C system in August has many upsides, starting with price. Most businesses make their big air conditioner-based bucks in May, June and even July. However, by August most people who are going to buy air conditioners this year have done so. Stores are in back-to-school/getting-ready-for-winter mode and you might be able to score a great deal on an HVAC system or window unit. Shop around, and ask your local HVAC professional about any unbelievable deals.

Timing Is Everything

August is surprisingly a month in which HVAC contractors have a more flexible schedule. They’ve already taken care of the A/C installation seasonal rush, most homeowners don’t plan so far ahead that the month is filled with furnace or boiler installations, and the big service calls are usually urgent A/C repairs. In other words, you can probably get installation quickly this time of year.

However, while you’re getting your new A/C installed, double up your appointment and have your entire HVAC system inspected. You might be relying heavily on your A/C right now, but soon enough you’ll be heating things up. Going into cooler months with a well-maintained furnace or boiler – and ventilation system – ensures you’ll be comfortable with reasonable utility bills in the winter months.

A Cool End to Summer

There’s no glory to be had in sweating out a summer in the alleged comforts of your own home. Air conditioning isn’t a luxury in many parts of the country, including Utah, it’s a necessity. Go with an Energy Stara model, and you may even get a tax credit come April. Check with your CPA for the IRS’ latest regulations on energy-efficient appliances.

Now that it’s come down to the wire, it’s tempting to grab the first A/C deal you see. However, still do your research and choose a model that fits your needs, budget and home. Call Sandy Heating & Air Conditioning to get an expert opinion, and air conditioner installation that’s fast, professional and will ensure you enjoy a cool end to your summer.

Balancing your heating and cooling needs in between summer and autumn can seem like a fool’s game. Too hot during the day? Too cold at night? The transition season can have you putting your HVAC system into overdrive, which can result in excessive energy consumption, more stress on your HVAC system and higher utility bills. It’s only a few weeks, but those seasons that run both hot and cold can really put a burden on your energy budget.

Luckily, best practices can optimize your HVAC system regardless of how drastically the temperature swings. Transition seasons are the best time to schedule a heating and cooling inspection. Your A/C system just ran a marathon during the summer season and might need a few repairs and tweaks to ensure it’s in stellar shape for next summer. Your furnace or boiler has been taking a break, and (especially if you skipped your spring inspection) might not be in its best condition for the cooler months ahead. Get a professional on board, but make sure your household is committed to energy savings, too.

House Rules

Agree to a set temperature all day, which for many people can be in the upper 60s. If that’s not far from regular indoor temperatures without an HVAC system, you might be able to leave the settings 24/7 even when you’re at work. This will stop you from cranking the heat or A/C as soon as you walk in the door. An even better option is marrying smart technology with your HVAC, which allows you to program the thermostat so it is at your preferred setting when you arrive home.

It’s also critical to make sure vents are clean and clear. Unfortunately, many home builders put vents in inconvenient places, like right below windows where drapes and furniture can cover them. For both heating and cooling, you need clean vents and filters. Filters should be swapped at least every six months, and perhaps more often, depending on your usage.

How Low Can You Go?

Ideally, you’re aiming for a similar energy bill throughout the year. However, if you notice utility spikes heading into autumn, you’re not alone. To keep cool during an Indian summer, optimize cross breezes whenever possible and give your A/C a break. Snack on cold treats, dress in lighter clothing when indoors and utilize blinds to filter out sunlight that can heat up a room.

If it’s cranking the heat that has you in trouble, bundle up. Bake more, which can naturally heat a home (and your family, from the belly out). Optimize sunlight, which brightens rooms, gives you a little extra vitamin D and can help keep homes warm.

Upgrading your insulation, doors and windows can also drastically reduce energy consumption and help out your entire HVAC system.

For more tips, contact Sandy Heating & Air Conditioning during this transitional season and enjoy an optimized heating and cooling solution.