Throughout the year in Indianapolis and across Central Indiana, the temperature will fluctuate from hot and humid in the summer to frigid and below-freezing in the winter. If you’re constantly adjusting and cranking the temperature on your thermostat, it will lead to higher-than-expected utility bills and overall frustration and discomfort.

Finding ways to keep your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter will help you deal with the extremes, but it’s still important to know the best temperature for your home.

There is a lot of conflicting information out there about the best thermostat setting for winter and summer that will keep you comfortable and lower your electricity bill. One of the best and most trusted sources of information regarding the proper thermostat settings is the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

Keep reading to learn more about what temperature to set the thermostat at for every season.

Recommended Thermostat Settings in the Winter

Although the wind chill might make it frigid outside, it should not be cold inside your house. Even if the temperature drops to single digits, you can rely on your furnace or other heating system to keep your home comfortable.

In the winter, the DOE recommends keeping your thermostat at 68 degrees Fahrenheit while you are awake and at your house. This temperature not only keeps your house warm but should also help prevent your pipes from freezing.

However, to help save money and be more energy efficient, it’s an option to adjust the temperature depending on where you are and what you’re doing. Specifically, the DOE suggests turning the temperature on the thermostat down while you’re sleeping or out of the house.

Even by lowering the thermostat by seven to ten degrees for eight hours a day, you can see up to a ten percent decrease in your annual heating expenses. This figures out to be as much as one percent for each degree lowered.

It’s important to remember that percentage change goes both ways. If you’re freezing in your house when the thermostat is set to 68 degrees Fahrenheit, you can expect a one percent increase in your heating bill.

Recommended Thermostat Temperatures for the Summer

Summers in Indiana can be brutally hot. But, like your heat, you should hesitate before cranking your air conditioner to try to cool your house down faster. This will only waste energy and put extra stress on your appliances, which over time, can decrease its operational efficiency. Plus, it’s not proven to be effective in cooling your home down any faster.

During the summer, the biggest challenge is finding the right temperature that balances your comfort with saving money and energy.

That is why the DOE recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you are home during the summer. While this might make your house a little warmer than you’re used to, it does help reduce the cost of your energy bill significantly.

When you leave during the summer, do not be afraid to crank up your thermostat setting between 85 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit. The DOE estimates this can help you save as much as ten percent on cooling costs annually.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Spring and Fall

During the fall and spring, you’re less likely to experience the extreme temperatures and conditions associated with winter and summer. However, the weather can still be unpredictable, which can make setting your thermostat a little tricky.

If you have a programmable thermostat, we recommend the following thermostat settings during the spring and fall:

• During warmer periods, set the thermostat to 78 degrees during the day, and 86 degrees if you leave the house.
• During cooler times, set the thermostat to 68 degrees while you’re at home and awake, but lower it to 65 degrees when you’re asleep. You can even lower it further to 60 degrees when you leave the house.

Even with a programmable thermostat, it is best to place the device on “auto” mode during the spring and fall. This allows you to set the desired temperature as the weather changes and makes it easier to lower your energy bill.

Why You Should Adjust the Temperature When You Leave the House

One of the keys to maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home while saving money and being energy efficient is to lower the temperature on the thermostat when you leave the house.

Our team of HVAC professionals recommends the “8 is Great” rule, which states:

Adjust your temperature by eight degrees when you know you’re leaving the house for at least two hours. For example, if your thermostat is set at 68 degrees Fahrenheit while at home during the winter, turn it down to 60 degrees Fahrenheit before heading out to work, school, or running errands.

Some people find it difficult to remember to adjust the thermostat as they’re running out the door. Others forget to turn it back once they arrive home and soon find themselves freezing or sweating.

This is where a programmable thermostat comes in handy. It allows you to automate the process. With a programmable thermostat, you have the ability to just set the times and temperature settings you want without having to think about it ever again. This is especially helpful if you have a set schedule.

For example, you leave the house for work every day at 8:00 a.m. and return by 5:00 p.m. You can program the thermostat to adjust during the hours you are away while ensuring it’s back to your preferred temperature before you get back home.

Whether it’s learning the best temperature settings, or which programmable thermostat is right for you, Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about your home’s heating and cooling system so you can stay comfortable no matter the season.

With a “3-season room,” you have the perfect place to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors with your loved ones. 

In the spring and summer, you can sit out with a book or open up a few of the windows to enjoy the breeze. You can watch the beauty of a thunderstorm while staying safe and dry. Then, in the fall, you can sit with a sweater and a cup of coffee and watch the leaves change colors.

However, one of the most challenging parts of maintaining your three-season room is controlling the temperature.

Without insulation, your room is just about useless in the winter. The cold may be too intense for you to stand without bundling up too much. In the summer, you may not want to open the windows because of allergies or the extreme heat. Even in the spring and fall, the fluctuating temperatures can make it difficult to maintain comfort.

Enter a ductless mini-split system. Sometimes called a ductless heating and cooling system, mini splits are the perfect answer for maintaining the temperature and comfort of your three-season room. You can almost turn your three-season room into a four-season room.

What Is a Ductless Mini Split System?

These versatile systems offer flexible heating and cooling options for individual rooms in your home, including your three-season room. 

A ductless mini-split is made up of two main pieces:

1. The outdoor compressor, which includes a condensing coil.
2. An indoor air-handling unit, which is typically mounted on a wall.

Other than a three-season room, you’ll also find mini splits are common in garages, master bedrooms, and room additions. Like regular AC and heating systems, ductless systems need regular maintenance and service.

What Are the Benefits of a Ductless Mini Split?

There are a few benefits to having mini-splits installed in your home. A few of these are outlined below. 

They Always Keep the Perfect Temperature

As the name implies, mini splits are completely independent heating and cooling systems from the rest of your home. This unique setup allows for total control and finding the perfect temperature. 

A little hot in the summer? Crank up the cooling. Chilly fall evening, but still want to enjoy the outdoors? Turn on the heater. This control even gives you the ability to spend some comfortable winter afternoons in your three-season room.

They Are Cost-Effective and Energy-Efficient 

Since the mini-split is controlled separately and only when you want it, you don’t have to worry about the mini-split driving up your energy bill.

Instead of cranking the central AC in hopes of cooling off the room and draining the cool air in the house, just fire up the mini-split as you need it.

They Are Quiet While in Use

A mini-split is not like a normal fan that is constantly whirring. After all, you want to enjoy your three-season room in peace and quiet without the constant, loud buzzing of a fan. 

A ductless mini-split is relatively quiet and will provide that sense of tranquility you want. It is also small, compact, and on the wall. That means no maneuvering around a bulky box fan or tripping over cords.

They Are Easy to Install

Another benefit of using a mini-split in your three-season room is how easy the installation process is. With traditional heating and cooling systems, extensive ductwork and space-consuming central units are required. 

Ductless mini-split systems, on the other hand, only have a few components (outdoor unit, indoor unit, and conduit that connects them). Overall, this saves homeowners time, money, and hassle during installation. 

They Improve Air Quality 

Not only do these systems provide cost-effective temperature control, but they also help improve the air quality in your Indianapolis home. Since there is no ductwork that can become clogged and dirty over time, there is a smaller chance of dust, allergens, or other debris accumulating inside the ducts and causing respiratory issues.

Plus, many ductless mini-split systems have air filtration systems that can trap and remove harmful particles from the air, such as dust, mold, and bacteria.

Ready to upgrade your three-season room or thinking about putting one in in time for summer? Take advantage of the temperature comfort and control that only a ductless mini split can provide.

Call your friends at Chapman to help get the installation process started. We carry top-of-the-line heating and cooling products built to battle the extreme and spastic Indiana heat and cold.

The temperatures are rising and that means summer is on its way! With warmer weather on the horizon it’s time to think about setting your thermostat for summer. These tips will help you save money this summer and make your home more energy efficient.

During the summer months it’s best to set your thermostat between 75 and 78 degrees, or turn it off when you are out of your house for long periods of time. A higher interior temperature will slow the flow of heat into your house, saving energy on air conditioning. And who doesn’t want that?

To help you deal with your thermostat running at a higher temperature, we suggest utilizing ceiling or room fans. To keep your energy bills low, turn off all of the lights during the day while you are out of the house and keep the shades drawn to prevent direct sunlight from heating up your home. On the weekends, open up the windows if the weather permits to keep some fresh air blowing through your home. This will help reduce your electric bill significantly by reducing your electric use during the day, all while keeping your home cool.

Another simple way to lower your energy bill during the summer is to make sure you electronic devices are unplugged and turned off if you are not using them. Many electronic devices will continue to use power even when they are not in use. Is your laptop or tablet turned off, but still connected to the charger that’s plugged into the wall? Simply unplug the appliances that are not in use or don’t need to be charged to cut down your energy bill.

Programmable thermostats help you manage your home temperature settings by creating a schedule. You will save money all summer long. You’ll want to program your thermostat to be warmer while you are away at work and cooler when you return home in the evening. For more information about programmable thermostats click here. Interested and upgrading to a programmable thermostat? Give your friends at Chapman a call at 317-291-4909 or visit our website today!

Have your air conditioner inspected by one of our Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing, contractors today!

If you live in an older home in central Indiana, you might be dreading the summertime. Homes constructed before central heating and cooling systems became popular are not designed for the network of air ducts newer HVAC systems require. Remodeling an older home to accommodate ductwork may not be practical if city codes or homeowner associations limit the changes that can be made to the home’s historical architectural style. So what do you do? Don’t sweat it. A duct free heating and cooling system is the answer to beating the summer heat.

First, you’re probably wondering what a duct free system is and how it works. Like any standard heating and cooling system, a ductless unit has both an indoor and outdoor component. The outdoor unit contains the compressor and condenser. The indoor unit consists of the evaporator (the component in the cooling system that extracts heat from air) and the fan that blows the cooled air into your home.

Individual units are installed into each room in your home to help your control the temperature. Because ductless systems let you control each room’s environment, the entire household won’t be disturbed when a unit cycles on or off. Ductless systems are adaptable to almost any comfort need and any home’s design and configurations.

The elimination of ductwork substantially raises a ductless system’s energy efficiency. Because the heat pumps used in ductless systems move heat rather than generate it, they’re far more energy efficient that conventional heaters like furnaces and boilers. Ductless systems include controls for each individual air handler. Most systems come with remote controls that let you adjust temperatures without leaving the comfort of your couch.

If you’re living in an older home, it’s time to say goodbye to those unsightly and outdated window units and upgrade to a duct-free heating and cooling system. They are easy to install, energy efficient and quiet. What’s not to love? Don’t spend another summer suffering through boiling temperatures and an old HVAC system. Call your friends at Chapman and we’ll get you feeling cool and comfortable in no time. For more information about duct free systems call 317-291-4909 today!

Looking for ductless air conditioner contact Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing, today

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INDIANAPOLIS, July 3, 2014 , Chapman Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc., a local HVAC company in Indianapolis, donated and installed a new heating and cooling system to the Humane Society for Hamilton County’s dog intake area, where all of the dogs first arrive and might stay for several days before there is room to move them into the kennel.

Chapman Heating and Air Conditioning is a corporate partner of the Hamilton County Humane Society and its efforts to find animals good homes. As part of Chapman’s commitment to the organization they have donated and installed a brand new HVAC system for the intake area. It is critical to have an A/C unit in the area because the temperature can often exceed 90 degrees in the summer. The warmer temperatures make it unbearably hot for the animals, as well as the people who care for them.

For over 30 years, Chapman Heating and Air Conditioning has provided high quality, reliable service to families throughout central Indiana. They have grown to become the largest independent Bryant dealer in the Indianapolis area, offering a full range of topnotch heating and air conditioning products and equipment.

The new system was installed on Friday, June 12, 2014. Jeff Chapman, owner of Chapman Heating and Air Conditioning, expressed his admiration for the entire staff at the Humane Society for Hamilton County. Chapman said, As the proud new parent of a pup that I adopted from the Humane Society, I know how important it is to give these animals a safe place to stay while they wait to be adopted. The Humane Society for Hamilton County does so many great things for the community that it’s our pleasure along with Scott Plumbing to donate a new HVAC system.

Scott Plumbing is a sister company of Chapman Heating and Air Conditioning. They are also close neighbors with the Humane Society for Hamilton County in Noblesville.

Both businesses look to continue their partnership with the Humane Society for Hamilton County in a combined effort to help serve the greater Indianapolis community.

For more information about Chapman Heating and Air Conditioning, call 317-291-4909 or visit www.chapmanoxydev.wpenginepowered.com.

For more information about the Humane Society for Hamilton County, call 317-773-4974 or visit www.hamiltonhumane.com.

Give Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing, to provide air conditioning services for your home today

Indianapolis has had a rough winter. The temperatures have been below freezing and the snow looks like it will never melt. As these cold temperatures continue to hang around, your energy bill will only increase. A zoned heating and cooling system is a great option that will help you save money without having to sacrifice comfort.

What is Zoning?

Zoning provides optimum comfort with increased energy savings by dividing your home into areas with similar heating and cooling needs. It independently controls the temperature in each are. Multiple light switches independently control lighting in different rooms, well zoning is very similar. Multiple zone thermostats or sensors control temperature in different areas of the home.

Installation is simple. Zone controls can be installed in homes with forced-air systems, mini-split systems or radiant heat systems. An ideal time to consider zoning is when you are replacing your HVAC system.

Why Do I Need Zoning?

Zoning your home creates a space that is comfortable and enjoyable. If your home is more than one level or has large, open areas you need zoning. Don’t waste money heating areas that are rarely used. Zoning allows you to reduce the heating and cooling in an unused part of your home which will substantially reduce your energy bill. This is perfect if you have finished rooms in your basement or attic that your family members don’t spend a lot of time in. How often are you eating dinner in your dining room, or having someone sleep in your guest bedroom? Zoning the temperature in these rooms is an opportunity to save you a lot of money.

Is there a daily argument between family members about the house being too hot or too cold? Zoning eliminates the frustrating thermostat war. Everyone can live comfortably without fighting over the thermostat.

Beware of the cheaper and older portable space heaters. They can be dangerous. You should never leave a space heater on unattended. They should also only be used for short periods of time. Do not let children play near space heaters and make sure you have a properly functioning smoke detector.

Be smart with your money this winter. Don’t let high energy bills continue to cause you frustration. Zoning your home allows you to tailor your energy to your lifestyle. It will save you money and make your home much more comfortable. For more information about how to install a zoning system in your home, contact Chapman Heating and Cooling.

Looking for home heating system installation contact Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing, today

Indianapolis has faced one of the harshest winters this year. We have encountered negative temperatures and more than enough snow and ice. So how has this affected your energy bill? Was your bill through the roof? You’re not alone. There are many causes for high energy bills, and here are some reasons yours might be more than you expected.

Common Causes

• Broken or unused appliances , A leaky water heater or faulty thermostat can lead to a shockingly high energy bill. Don’t leave damaged appliances unattended. Many electronic devices will continue to use power even when they are not in use. Is your laptop or tablet turned off, but still connected to the charger that’s plugged into the wall? Is your guest bedroom TV plugged but no one is using it? Simply unplug the appliances that are not in use or don’t need to be charged to cut down your energy bill.
• Increase in occupants , Did you have a lot of guests stay in your home? Did some of your kids come home from college? This can cause a spike in your energy bill. More people in the home means more showers, laundry and dish washing. All of these activities can impact your energy bill.
• Leaving the lights on , This seems like a no brainer, but how often have you left the lights in the kitchen on even though you’re not in the room? It’s more common than you think. Do you really need to keep that hallway light on upstairs when the whole family is downstairs? No. Turning off lights in areas of the home you’re not occupying with help you save more money and become more energy efficient.
• Change in seasons , This might also seem like common sense, but the more you crank the heat on the thermostat, the higher your energy bill is going to be. There are plenty of ways to cut down your use of heat in the winter, you just have to be conscious of the temperature you’re leaving your thermostat on when you’re not at home. Turning the temperature down before you leave for work is a great way to lower your energy bill.

There are plenty of ways to save money and keep your energy bill down during the winter months. Make sure you are being conscious of any broken or unused appliances, turning your lights off when you leave the room and keeping the thermostat at a steady temperature. For more information about how to cut down on energy costs, visit our website today.

Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing, your source for qualified hvac repair and installation

Cold temperatures lead to a decrease in the amount of moisture in the air. The lack of moisture not only causes itchy, dry skin, but it also takes a toll on the inside of your home. Have you noticed the paint on your walls start to chip, is your wallpaper peeling or are your hardwood floors starting to crack? Is your furniture looking a little worse for wear? These are all side effects of dry winter air combined with blasting the heat inside your home. A whole home humidifier is a simple solution.

Signs of Damage

• Cracks or splits in hardwood flooring or walls
• Wood flooring or doors show gaps
• Joints on cabinet doors or wood paneling have widened
• Loose chair legs and arms

Why a Whole Home Humidifier?

A whole home humidifier is a better solution to your problems than portable humidifiers because portable humidifiers can only humidify one or two rooms. You most likely have wood furniture in more than one room of your home so you’ll need optimum protection and a whole home humidifier gives you that. If you invested a reasonable amount of money in your wooden tables, chairs, bed frames and dressers you want those pieces of furniture to last a long time.

A whole home humidifier is less noisy and requires a lot less supervision than portable humidifiers. Portable humidifiers also need to be filled multiple times a day and cleaned every few hours. No one has time for that. A whole home humidifier reaches every room in your house with equal, even comfort. That means all of your furniture in every room in your home will be protected from the dry, winter air. It draws water from your pipes so there is need to refill or clean it. A whole home humidifier saves you time, money and extends the life of your furniture.

Extra Tips

Besides installing a whole home humidifier you can also use some of the following tips to save your furniture and keep your home looking great all winter long.

• Use high quality furniture oil. Always put the oil on the rag and not directly on the wood and rub the piece thoroughly. Do this once every six months to keep your wood furniture in tip-top condition.
• Move your furniture out of direct sunlight.
• Move your furniture away from heating vents. It’s best to keep your furniture 3-5 inches away from the wall. This allows the heat to circulate without directly blowing on your furniture which will cause it to dry out and crack.

The winter weather has done enough damage to roads and vehicles, so don’t let it ruin your home decor and furnishings. A whole home humidifier can help extend the life of your furniture and keep your home looking brand new all winter long. Call Chapman Heating and Air Conditioning today to schedule an appointment today!

Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing, carries a full line of high efficiency furnaces. Contact us to recommend the best services to your home

After that crazy snow storm and cold snap here in Indianapolis, we all appreciate just how important our furnaces are. Without them humming away, things can get unpleasant in a hurry. So to make sure your furnace is always in tip-top shape, there is one critical thing you must do. Even if you do nothing else for your furnace (except scheduling your annual heating check, of course), make sure that you regularly change your filter.

How often you need to change your filter depends. Some filters need changed once every month. Some can go three, six or even a full 12 months before they need to be replaced. Still others have washable, reusable filters. Check your manufacturer’s instructions to be sure, but change your filter as directed. Here’s why it’s so critical to the health of your furnace and your home:

Dirty Filters Strain Your Furnace

A filter is the gateway between your furnace and the rest of your home. All heated air must pass through that furnace before it reaches your ductwork. When your furnace gets clogged with dust, dirt and other particles, there isn’t as much room for air to flow through. That means the air has to be pushed harder to reach its destination, which in turn means the entire system has to work harder to shove it through the filter. The end result is a higher energy bill and more wear-and-tear on your furnace. In some extreme cases, it can cause your furnace to overheat and even fail entirely. The small investment of buying new filters is always less expensive than buying a whole new furnace.

Dirty Filters Strain Your Lungs

Besides helping your furnace work better, filters help you work better. They screen out dust, pollen and pet hair that can cause allergies, make asthma worse and are just unpleasant to be around. When your filter is clogged, pieces of those allergens can be pushed through into your living space. If you or your children have allergies or other breathing problems, a dirty filter can make breathing much, much more difficult.

If you’re not sure how to change your filter or what sort of replacement filters you need, check with the literature on your furnace, or call us. We’ll be happy to help you take this one crucial step to furnace health.

Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing, carries a full line of high efficiency furnaces. Contact us to recommend the best services to your home