The sun is our greatest source of power here on Earth.  What’s more, the sun is an unlimited resource—that is to say, it’s never going to run out (at least not for a long, long time.)  And it’s free.  And it doesn’t create pollution.

There are lots of good reasons to switch to solar power, including those listed above.  However, you may have questions about how solar power works, and if it’s really as effective and efficient as they claim.  Switching to solar energy can initially cost quite a bit (though you’ll often get a large portion of that cost back in government tax credits and energy rebates,) so you want to make sure that you’re making a good investment.

Here are three commonly asked questions about solar energy and their answers:

Q:  Can I really save money by switching to solar power?  After all, the upfront costs for panels and installation are usually fairly high.

A: Yes, installing solar panels can save you money—especially in the long-term.  Solar energy often drastically reduces home energy bills—and since solar panels can power your home for decades, the long-term savings can be immense.  Additionally, a significant portion of the cost you pay upfront will be returned in the form of government tax credits and energy rebates.

Q: How much maintenance do solar power systems need, and how long will they last?

A: Solar power systems are quite durable, and require little maintenance or repairs.  Additionally, a solar panel can last for decades (25+ years) at nearly full efficiency.

Q: Will a solar heating system affect the value of my home?

A: Yes, installing a home solar heating system will affect the resale value of your home.  Fortunately, the effect is positive, and even a small solar system can increase the resale price by thousands of dollars.

Installing a solar heating system for your home can be a great investment, and one that saves you money.  If you have any more questions about solar power systems, contact the Utah solar heating experts.   We are here to answer any questions you may have!

-Tim Crain

Too hot or too cold? Energy bills going up? House covered in dust? Furnaces can cause a whole multitude of problems. Here are three common furnace issues and the possible reasons for them:

1. Furnace turns on and off frequently. This is known as “short cycling” and could have any number of causes. Usually, however, it is caused by interference from dirty thermostat components or an incorrectly set heat anticipator – a part of your thermostat that tells your furnace burners when to turn off.
2. Furnace produces no heat. This could also be caused by dirty thermostat components. Often, however, it comes from a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. Other causes include loose wires, an open connection, or a bad thermostat battery.
3. Furnace either does not reach or exceeds temperature. This may once again be the result of an incorrectly set heat anticipator, and may also be caused by a thermostat that has been mounted crooked.
4. Furnace consistently doesn’t produce enough heat. Often, this is simply caused by a dirty air filter, dirty gas burners, or a blockage in the flow of air to the combustion chamber.

If your furnace is giving you headaches, contact Hartman Heating, your Utah heating experts. We do everything we can to make the repair process as easy for use as possible, including free consulting and 2/47 emergency service. Each of our technicians is certified and factory-trained to service all of the major furnace brands.

As Utah furnace specialists, we’ve learned all the tricks to saving money on heating bills throughout the winter. Many families face financial hardship during the winter because of the expense of heating, but this doesn’t need to be the case. In fact, there are many simple ways that you can cut down on your energy expenses without sacrificing comfort or very much time.

1. Make sure your attic is properly insulated. Most of your home’s heat escapes through the roof. If your attic is insulated, you’ll hold onto the heat that you’re paying for.
2. Insulate any pipes running along exterior walls to keep your water warmer. A pipe insulator, which costs less than five dollars, will also help keep your pipes from freezing during the winter.
3. Use weather stripping on your windows.
4. Use your oven’s heat. Immediately after baking, leave the oven door slightly open to let its heat permeate throughout the house.
5. Harness shower power. After showering, instead of opening a window to let the steam out, open the door to let the hot steam warm up the house.
6. Turn down – but don’t turn off – the furnace while you’re not at home. The energy required to get the furnace started back up actually exceeds the energy saved by turning it off completely.

For optimal energy savings, consider purchasing a new, energy-efficient furnace from the Utah furnace installation pros.

Since Utah is the second driest state in the nation, it stands to reason that many deal with symptoms of dryness as we move into the colder, drier autumn and winter months. Dry, cracked and bleeding skin, damaged wooden furniture, sinus headaches, and dry throat are just a few among the many evils that come with the dry weather. There are a few very helpful ways to combat the dry air, however:

1. Moisturize. Naturally, using a moisturizer recommended by your dermatologist goes a long way toward keeping your skin moist. For extra moisture, moisturize immediately after getting out of the bath or shower when your skin is slightly damp – this helps to lock in that extra bit of moisture.
2. Drink more. Staying well-hydrated on the inside will help you stay well-hydrated on the outside as well. The majority of Americans are chronically dehydrated, meaning they almost never drink the recommended daily amount of water. You should be drinking about a half-gallon of water each day.
3. Shower the right way. Instead of taking long, hot showers in the cold winter months, try taking shorter showers with warm water. Also use mild, moisturizing soap.
4. Use a humidifier. A humidifier will moisten the air of your entire home, counteracting allergies and other symptoms of dryness. It will also help keep your wooden furniture moist, which makes it last much longer.

To have a humidifier installed in your home or for autumn and winter energy-saving tips, contact Utah’s furnace specialists.