How to Cut Heating and Cooling Costs without Cutting Comfort SAVE MONEY & STAY ON BUDGET

(ARA) -- Heating and cooling systems account for 56 percent of energy used in a typical home, making it the largest energy expense for most households, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Making smarter decisions about your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system can help you save money on your monthly utility bills.

American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning has developed several tips for cutting your heating and cooling costs without cutting comfort.

Install a programmable thermostat.

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Controlling energy costs starts with your thermostat. During winter months, you can save nearly 3 percent of heating costs for each degree your thermostat is lowered. In the summer, cooling costs are cut up to 6 percent per each degree you raise the thermostat. A programmable thermostat will automatically adjust temperatures throughout the day, ensuring greater energy efficiency and enhanced comfort. Some thermostat models even allow homeowners to pre-program desired temperatures for specific times of day. You can save costs by easily adjusting the heating and cooling settings for when times when you’re waking up, leaving for work, sleeping or going on vacation.

Upgrade to variable speed heating or cooling.

Depending on your comfort needs and where you live, you can choose from a variable speed furnace or air handler. Both work with the outdoor unit to ensure the greatest energy efficiency and consistent comfort throughout your home. "Variable speed" refers to how a furnace or air handler's indoor blower motor runs. A two-stage, variable speed furnace or air handler operates at an energy-saving lower speed and a higher speed, when needed, for more consistent air circulation. With steadier, variable speeds, these indoor units don’t have to turn on and off as frequently, which reduces temperature swings and may help to lower your heating bills.

Consider a hybrid system.

Hybrid HVAC systems bring together two different fuel sources, typically a gas furnace and an electric heat pump, for more efficient heating and cooling. A hybrid system is calibrated to automatically switch between the furnace and heat pump depending on which offers the most economical power for your heating or cooling needs at any given time. Cost savings can be significant. In fact, American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning’s Heritage Hybrid comfort system can deliver up to 50 percent savings over a comparable 10-year old system.

Check your filter every month.

It is especially important to check your filter during heavier usage periods such as winter and summer and, at a minimum, change the filter every three months. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you warm or cool -- wasting energy. A clean filter will also prevent dust and dirt buildup in your system. Some programmable thermostats will even remind you when to check your filters.

Get the best energy efficiency ratings.

Your heating and cooling system's components should have the highest possible energy efficiency ratings. The higher the rating, the more efficient the product and lower your energy bills can be. Make sure your components meet the following minimums:

* Furnaces: Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings of 80 or higher

* Heat pumps: Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) ratings of 7 or higher

* Air conditioners: Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings of 13 or higher

By following these few easy tips, you and your family can cut energy costs and enjoy cleaner and more comfortable air all year long. For more information on how to cut your home’s energy costs without sacrificing comfort or to locate an independent American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning dealer near you, visit www.americanstandardair.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

The Manual for
Manufactured Home Repair & Upgrade

"Every winter my roof leaked... We even had a couple manufactured home repairmen out to seal it. Nothing worked and this went on for 5 years," said Maureen of Elko, Nevada. "Then last summer I ordered The Manual and it suggested I use neoprene to seal the leak. Since then I've had no leaks at all!"

Maureen is referring to The Manual for Manufactured/Mobile Home Repair and Upgrade by Mark Bower. Most just dub it The Manual. Bower owns and operates Aberdeen Mobile Home Repair in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

Maureen isn't alone. Hundreds of others have written to Bower sharing similar stories of how The Manual has solved their problems. Esther of St. Louis, Missouri, writes, "We had squeaky floors in the living room and without The Manual, I would have had my husband tear out the floors and put in new ones. What a lifesaver!"

Bower enjoys the letters he receives regarding his manual. "I wrote this manual from experience," says Bower. "I'm not just some guy with his feet up on the desk - I'm out in the field every day doing what I write. "

Tom of Lansing, Michigan, followed the simple instructions on installing a shut-off valve and saved $75 on a service call. Mary of Churdan, Iowa, writes to say she uses the manual to keep the repair guys she hires honest, "When I had my home releveled, I sent two different contractors packing because I knew they weren't doing the job right. This manual has literally saved me hundreds of dollars!"

Bower has updated his manual. More information was added regarding additions and porches. "We added details on attaching porches so they don't leak even if they shift with the seasons. " says Bower. With high energy prices now upon us, Bower says he's also included a section on building a solar heating panel. "Find an old sliding glass door and you can build one for under $100," says Bower who built two panels for his own 1800 square foot manufactured home. "You'd be surprised at how much heat they create when the sun is shining. "

David of Lake McConaughy, Nebraska, says The Manual should be called, The Mobile Home Bible. Dave writes, "I wish I had your manual when we had our 1965 Star. It would have saved me WEEKS of work!"

Vicki of Ocala, Florida, bought Bower's manual because it had instructions for installing a metal roofover. "My son and husband had the roof up in 2 days from start to finish," says Vicki. "The 4 inch overhang is awesome - no more water running down the siding. Great roof, great instructions, I love it!"

The Manual also helped Pam from Duluth, Minnesota, replace her skirting and repair her underbelly. "It gave me the courage to tackle these projects," writes Pam. " I saved a lot of money by being able to do it myself. "

Bower says many manufactured home owners are do-it-yourselfers, and he's glad to be able to provide them a tool, The Manual, to help them do more.

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The Guide to
Manufactured Housing Repair On-Line

The MH Parts Store On-Line MH Parts may not be very pretty... but when you need them you just can't do with out them. Don't run all over town to assemble the things you need for that home renovation or repair. Order from our on-line parts store. Everything you need is here from doors, windows, screens, plumbing and electric parts, bath and kitchen fixtures, roof and ceiling components, and more.... even set-up materials, The Part Store's Owner/Managers, keep it simple, they just provide you with the best possible products available.

The Manual for Manufactured Home Repair & Upgrade If your looking for a book that covers all facets of manufactured home repair, you've found it! This is the only book of its type, available to the public, that we have been able to find. As you would expect from the title, The repair and upgrade techniques described in this manual are specific to manufactured homes. This book will answer almost every question on manufactured home repair that we have ever heard. Not only does this book show you how to repair and maintain your home, but also great methods for upgrading it.

Finance Your MH Renovation/Repair There are many loan programs available to MH Owners. Secure the money you need to renovate, upgrade, or even expand your MH. One stop shopping. select your loan preferences and we will forward your request for loan information to as many as a dozen participating manufactured housing finance offices.

Skirting For The 21 Century Manufactured Home System-1 is what skirting should be- 100% solid concrete. System-1 is not an imitation or a look alike – it is the original concrete skirting system that resists the elements from the summer heat of Texas to the harsh winters of Minnesota. System-1 is built to last and is designed to stay put for years of dependable service. Stop chasing your skirting down the street and look at just some of the benefits System-1 concrete skirting provides you.

Manufactured Housing Yellow Pages / SERVICE COMPANIES The Yellow Pages is an ever expanding data base that is growing into one of the richest resources in the world for locating and contacting companies that participate in, or offer services to, the manufactured housing industry.

The Mobile Home Expert The business of installing and servicing manufactured homes is rapidly moving away from the world of the one pick-up, one jack, local set up and repair guys and into the world of certified tradesmen, and licensed contractors. The modern manufactured home is greeted with stiff compliance codes regulating construction, warranty and installation. As more and more local agencies get involved in the inspection of installations it gets more and more difficult to know what the rules of the game are, especially if your operating in more than one jurisdiction. Consult with R.T. Bonney, who has participated in all phases of the industry over the past 30 Years He can provide solutions for the modern problems of operating most types of manufactured housing business.

Floor Repair Info Kit includes a 25 minute VHS video about repairing the floor in your manufactured home, and a booklet on floor repair. Price:$25.95 - Shipping & Handling:$3.90