Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change my filter?

Monthly. Setting a reminder on your calendar or phone or pairing it up with a monthly activity like receiving you electric or gas bill is a great reminder. Make sure to turn the unit off before opening the service panel and removing the filter. If you have a reusable filter, you can rinse it in the sink or with the garden hose. The filter should be completely dry before reinstalling it and turning on the unit.

What temperature should I set my thermostat at?

Setting your thermostat to the highest comfortable temperature in the summer and lowest comfortable temperature in the winter for you is the best way to save on your electric bill. The normal ranges for cooling and heating are 75-80 degrees and 68-72 degrees respectively.

How can I lower my energy bills?

Here are some of the many ways you can lower those bills:

• Find a comfortable temperature on your thermostat and leave it there. Adjusting your thermostat too often can make the unit run more than necessary and raise your energy consumption. Only adjust the thermostat if you are leaving for an extended time. The US Department of Energy recommends adjusting no more than 7-10 degrees. Castle Cooling personally recommends for more than 5 degrees to maximize efficiency.
• Install a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats allow you to set temperatures for when you are at work, in the evenings, and weekends. The ability to preprogram the temperature to have your house comfortable anytime will greatly reduce the amount of times you adjust your thermostat. The US Department of Energy estimates an average savings of 10% a year on cooling and heating costs by using a programmable thermostat.
• Check the seals on your windows and doors. Improper seals can cause air to escape or humidity to enter the home, making it warmer and requiring more work from your unit.

Should I close the vents and registers in rooms I am not using?

Contrary to popular belief, closing vents in unused rooms in your home is actually not a good idea – it makes your system work harder. Modern systems are designed and placed based on the size of your house, so closing a vent can cause an imbalance and make your unit work harder.