Giannone Offers Philly Residents Crucial Winter Energy Savings Advice

"As the winter season arrives, homeowners everywhere will begin to cringe with the expectation of higher energy bills," said Joseph Giannone, owner of Joseph Giannone Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. "However, there are steps people can take to reduce the impact that the colder weather will have on your energy usage and your bank account. Homeowners tend to associate minimizing upcoming winter energy costs with preparation alone, but that's only a part of it. Homeowners need to continue to take proactive steps and develop good habits throughout the season to fully maximize their potential savings."

Giannone gives the following advice to minimize winter energy costs:

Prep for the season – There are several ongoing housekeeping items that can keep energy costs within reason. Many modern surge protectors and outlets include timers that can be set to power down and reduce trickle usage. Make sure that any electronics not attached to timers are powered down when not in active use. The water heater for the home is one of the primary culprits of high energy consumption, and lowering it to 120 degrees will still provide an adequate amount of hot water while saving on energy usage. Finally, the sun is actually a great source of heat during the winter, and opening the shades on southern-facing windows during the day can allow natural light and energy to help keep warmth in the home.

Check for leaks – An easy and cost-effective way to potentially achieve more efficiency is simply checking the home for air leaks. Weather stripping around doors and windows may be older and beginning to deteriorate, and usually replacement is very quick, inexpensive, and not difficult to install. Make sure that the threshold underneath the door is at a proper height as well, and this can usually be fixed by way of the adjustment screws along the top of the plate.

Install a programmable thermostat – Rather than agreeing on one temperature and riding it out through the season, consider investing in a programmable thermostat. These can usually be programmed with separate day and night settings, and the homeowner can set the different temperatures around their schedule. It is often best to choose a temperature that is as low as possible but still accommodating for times when the residents are home and another that is 10 to 15 degrees lower for times when the home is vacant.

"An important part of preparing for winter is to have the home's heating system inspected and tuned up," Giannone said. "A trained technician can also uncover any necessary repairs that might be unknown to the homeowner. Even a system in great working order needs regular maintenance to provide peak performance. A maintenance visit would include changing filters, checking airflow and fan controls, checking belts and the heat exchanger for wear, and lubricating any moving parts. Doing this before the worst of winter hits can increase the system's efficiency and add to the possible savings."

For more advice on energy savings during winter, contact Giannone Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning at (215) 383-2956 or visit www.CallJG.com.

About Giannone Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning 
Joseph Giannone Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning is a family-owned and operated business providing the Philadelphia area with high-quality plumbing and HVAC service. Our team of technicians is well-trained, insured, and always guarantee you the best work possible. We always go the extra mile for our customers, even providing same-day emergency service so we can attend to any of your plumbing, air conditioning, and heating needs at any time. Located in Philadelphia, we service customers throughout the city and in the surrounding areas. For more information, call (215) 383-2956 or visit www.CallJG.com. http://www.goldmedalservice.com/

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Heather Ripley
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SOURCE Joseph Giannone Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning

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