What's Inside for June 2008

Suggestion on Thermostat Settings
HVAC Summer Checkup?
Saving Money in the Kitchen
1, 2, 3 babies join the MHH Family
Contact Us
Suggestions and HOW TO for your Thermostat this summer!
 


We all know the costs of energy are rising, and saving our natural resources is on everyone's mind.  So, this month we wanted to focus our attention on the #1 bill during the summer - our HVAC bills.  Did you know that during the summer, your HVAC may account to 1/2 of your electric bill?

As of 2005, Monte Hewett Home began building EarthCraft certified homes, and as of March 2007 MHH homes were also certified ENERGY STAR; and thus, you made a great energy saving purchase with your new home.  But, properly setting your thermostats can also save energy, money, and the environment.  Here are a couple of quick tips for setting that automated thermostat:

  • The recommend setting for summers in Atlanta is 78 degrees.  You can immediately increase or decrease you bill from 3 to 5 percent for every degree you adjust your thermostat.

  • While at work, adjust your thermostat higher, but no more than 5 degrees!!

  • CLEAN YOUR AIR FILTERS - dirty filters restrict air flow, and can cause damage to your HVAC unit.

  • Remember that you ceiling fans should be running CLOCKWISE during the summer to bring the cool air down.  Proper use of ceiling fans can change the room temperature by 1 to 2 degrees.

  • Plant a tree or two on sunny area's of the home.  While a tree won't make an immediate impact, shading your home from the summer sun can definitely make long-term impacts, and improve the environment.

  • Purchase a dehumidifier, reducing the moisture in the air can help rooms to feel cooler, and these units have less of an energy demand.
   
HVAC Checkup....
 


Need a checkup?  It's important to do proper maintenance of your HVAC unit.  Don't wait til it's too late.  Here are Monte Hewett Homes HVAC vendors.  When you call, let them know you live in a Monte Hewett Home. For a list of all our important vendors, visit the HO Resource Center on our website.


Precision Air
770-445-0870
Custom Air
770-614-5110
Air Performance
770-831-2550

HVAC System Check

  • Have a HVAC professional do a routine-check before the summer heat waves arrive.
  • Vacuum return and/or supply air vents if they are dirty.
  • Replace the furnace filter. Make future replacements as needed or directed by your furnace manufacturer. Selecting a filter with a higher Merv rating will improve your air quality.
  • Reprogram your thermostat settings for Spring/Summer. Recommendations are to set the temperature no lower than 78 degrees in the summer.
  • If your thermostat uses batteries now may be the time to replace them.
Keeping cool in the kitchen during the summer.
 


One area of the home you wouldn't think could raise the temperature in your home is the kitchen.  But during the summer, watching your habits in the kitchen can save you some money!

  • When possible, cook lots of dishes together.  This will use less energy and reduce the heat output into your home

  • Using the oven causes additional heat.  Try the range or better yet, the microwave or a slow cooker during the summer months.  Outdoor grilling can also help keep the heat out of the kitchen!

  • If using the oven for baking, keep the door closed.  Each time you open the oven door 20% of the heat is let into the room.

  • Refrigerators run non-stop.  You must maintain frequently.  Be sure to vacuum behind and clean the dust out of the coils to ensure your fridge is working at maximum capacity.

  • Make sure your refrigerator door seals are airtight. Check it by closing a piece of paper in the door, half in and half out. If you can pull the paper out easily, you may need to make some adjustments or replace the seal.

  • Dishwashers are great, but make sure it's full before running, and try to run your dishwasher at night to avoid adding heat to your home.  You can also save money by turning off the drying cycle if you don't need the dishes immediately.

Not one, not two, but THREE new members of the Monte Hewett family
 

Monte Hewett Homes would like to welcome not one, not two, but three little ones to our family.  Leane Kok and Jeanne Anne Baughman, homeowners in our Rivers Edge community, gave birth to 3 boys this summer.  We wish them all the best!

Riley Urban - 7.5lbs
Lucas Aidan - 7.1lbs
James Andries - 5.8lbs

 

 

Earn an easy $1000 from Monte Hewett Homes

 With Monte Hewett's Referral Program, homeowners can refer family and friends to ANY Monte Hewett Homes community.  For each home closed, you can earn a $1000 in cash as our thank you!**
Contact Us Today!
  For general information:  info@montehewetthomes.com
For Warranty related issues:  cs@montehewetthomes.com

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**MHH Referral Program Rules
  1. Completed referral card must be presented to on-site sales associate on first visit
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