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  • W.C. Eshenaur & Son, Inc.

Blog / Air Conditioning

Smart Thermostats vs. Programmable Thermostats

When the seasons start to change from winter to spring, homeowners in Central Pennsylvania start planning for home improvement projects that can help increase the efficiency of their homes. If you are looking for an easy way to upgrade your home without a major renovation, consider updating your thermostat. Smart thermostats and programmable thermostats are helpful little devices that can deliver big benefits. All it takes is a quick installation from your local HVAC technician, and you’ll start to use less energy, save more on utility bills, and enjoy better home comfort.

The Difference between a Programmable Thermostat and a Smart Thermostat

So, what exactly is the difference between a programmable thermostat and a smart thermostat? Here’s a quick breakdown to explain which is which, and help you make the best choice for your Central Pennsylvania home.

Programmable Thermostats

Programmable thermostats can be set to automatically raise or lower the temperature inside your home. Setting the temperature to lower the heat or A/C when you are out of the house or at night before you go to sleep can seriously help cut your energy costs. Most programmable thermostats can be set to adjust day by day, so you can preset your thermostat based on your weekday or weekend schedules.

Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats, also known as Wi-Fi thermostats, have the same energy-saving advantages of programmable thermostats with advanced features. Smart thermostats are compatible with Wi-Fi and can be controlled from an app on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. This means you can check and change your home’s temperature while you are at work or traveling, in just a few clicks!

Should I Add a Smart Thermostat to My Home?

Better Year-Round Comfort

Smart thermostats are built for your convenience. Their pre-programmed settings are designed to match your schedule and adjust temperatures accordingly. Once you schedule your preferred settings, your home’s temperature is automatically regulated just the way you like it.

Lower Energy Bills

No matter the weather, saving on household spending is always a good idea. With just one investment and installation, your family can benefit from reduced heating and cooling bills for years to come.

Serious Energy Savings

Raising and lowering temperatures by a few degrees during different times of the day can add up to significant energy savings. When your oil boiler, propane furnace, or central air conditioning systems are working more efficiently, valuable energy is put to good use and your HVAC equipment will be less likely to overwork.

Complete Convenience

Wi-Fi capabilities eliminate the worry of forgetting to adjust the thermostat before leaving the house for work, a night out, or an extended vacation. Simply log into the easy-to-use app on your smartphone to make the adjustments you need.

Upgrade My Thermostat Today

So, are you ready to make the switch? W.C. Eshenaur & Son, Inc. is pleased to install a variety of smart thermostats and programmable thermostats for homeowners in our Central Pennsylvania service area. Simply contact us online or call (717) 236-5031 to get a quote on a new smart thermostat or programmable thermostat today.
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When to replace an HVAC air filter. WC Eshenaur and Son in PA.

How Often Should You Replace Air Filters in Your System?

Keeping your home comfortable here in Central Pennsylvania means paying attention to the little things that keep your HVAC system running right. One of the simplest yet most important tasks is staying on top of your A/C air filter replacement schedule. A clean filter helps everything work better and protects your system as well as your lungs. Why Your A/C Air Filter Replacement Schedule Matters more Your HVAC system pulls air from inside your house, conditions it, and pushes it back out through the ducts. The air filter is there to catch dust, pollen, pet dander, and other particles before they circulate into the air you're breathing or reach the equipment to block it up. When you let a filter get too dirty, the system has to work harder to move the same amount of air. That extra effort raises your energy bills and puts more wear on the blower motor and other parts. A clogged filter can also make indoor air quality worse instead of better. You might notice more dust on surfaces or family members sneezing more often if you're not changing those filters at the right intervals. Different Filter Types and Their Lifespans Not all filters are the same. Basic 1-inch fiberglass filters are cheap, but they only last about 30 days in most homes, and while they can catch larger particles, they do let finer ones through. Pleated filters, which are more common now, do a better job and usually need changing every one to three months. Thicker filters, like four-inch or five-inch media filters, can go six to 12 months because they hold more; they do cost more upfront, though. Finally, you can get very high-efficiency filters with higher MERV ratings to trap the very smallest particles. This is really great for air quality, but these filters can restrict airflow if your system isn't designed for them. Always check what your manufacturer recommends for your specific unit or call us to make sure the filter you want to use works with your system. Factors That Affect How Often You Should Change Filters Households with multiple pets always need more frequent changes because fur and dander load up the filter. Smokers or people who cook a lot with oils see the same issue. Larger families or homes with lots of foot traffic tend to bring in more dirt from outside, and that can also mean you'll need to change things more often. Seasonal Considerations in Central PA In winter, when your furnace runs more, you'll need to check the filters more often because cold, dry air tends to stir up dust. In summer, air conditioning pulls in humidity and pollen, and this is also a key time for checking your filter. Spring and fall are good times for deeper maintenance. Staying proactive with your air filters is one of the smartest, lowest-cost things you can do for your HVAC system and your own respiratory health. If you're not sure where to start or want help picking the right filters for your setup, call W.C. Eshenaur & Son Inc. today. We're family-owned and operated and have been serving all of Central PA since 1928.

Professional HVAC Maintenance in Harrisburg PA

How Often Should You Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance?

When was the last time you had a professional examine and maintain your home's HVAC system? While it might not seem that important, regular HVAC maintenance is a key element to system upkeep, performance, and efficiency. At W.C. Eshenaur & Son, Inc., we offer comprehensive HVAC services for Harrisburg, PA, residents, including professional system maintenance. How Often Should You Schedule HVAC Maintenance? more The main goal of having professional HVAC system maintenance is preventative. A comprehensive inspection can identify potential issues before they become an expensive repair or even a total system breakdown. Every system has variables that can impact how frequently preventive maintenance is necessary. We usually recommend HVAC service twice per year, right before peak usage: once in the spring and again in the fall. However, homeowners with pets, high dust levels, poor air quality, or older systems may benefit from more frequent service appointments. Tailored HVAC System Maintenance Plans for Homeowners in Harrisburg, PA We offer personalized maintenance plans for our customers no matter what kind of HVAC system is in their home. Our professionals will examine every aspect of your home's HVAC system, performing services such as: Cleaning ducts and coils Inspecting for damage or leaks Replacing filters Testing system function and efficiency Calibrating system components Ensuring safe performance Benefits of Regular HVAC System Maintenance Even if your home's HVAC system seems to run just fine, scheduling regular service and maintenance is still important. Think of it as a short-term investment that provides long-term benefits, a few of which we'll discuss below. Increases System Performance and Prevents Breakdowns Regular HVAC inspections, maintenance, and servicing keep your system running efficiently and at peak performance. Systems with dirty filters, clogged ducts, or poorly functioning components have to work much harder to heat or cool your home. This increase in stress can result in mechanical failure or even a complete breakdown. Periodical tune-ups prevent these issues and keep your home comfortable all year round. Ultimately, this extends the lifespan of your HVAC system over the long run. Improves Energy Efficiency and Air Quality Cleaning air ducts and other mechanical components is essential to maintaining HVAC systems. According to a January 2025 study, regular cleaning of HVAC fans and blowers lowered energy consumption between 41% and 60%. It also reduced fluctuations in pressure, resulting in higher system efficiency and increased airflow. Cleaner air ducts also improve indoor air quality, removing the presence of dust, dirt, pet dander, spores, and other airborne contaminants. Reduces Energy Costs With your HVAC system functioning properly and sustaining top-notch performance, the increase in efficiency offers one of the best benefits of all: lower energy costs. Inflation has resulted in rising costs all across the board, and that includes utilities. Even a small reduction in energy costs each month can add up to serious annual savings. Keeping your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter is a piece of cake when you schedule regular HVAC system maintenance. Our team of friendly, reliable professionals offers tailored service plans for our customers, ensuring we meet their every need. Call W.C. Eshenaur & Sons, Inc., now to book an appointment at (717) 236-5031 with the company trusted by families in Harrisburg and all of central PA.

Is an A/C Maintenance Plan Really Worth It in PA?

You protect your Pennsylvania home, your car, and your family’s health with preventative insurance measures. Why not protect your cooling system during summer? After all, your home’s A/C equipment plays a major role in keeping your family comfortable all season long. A maintenance plan from W.C. Eshenaur & Son, Inc. is the best way to protect your air conditioning equipment – and your wallet! Valuable benefits, like an annual tune-up, are included to keep your A/C running smoothly. In the event of a breakdown, you can rest easy knowing that you have access to the best service at the best rates to get your equipment fixed in no time. Benefits of an A/C Maintenance Plan When the most uncomfortable days of summer arrive, you want your air conditioning system operating at peak performance. A/C Maintenance Plans come with many benefits, but the greatest is that they help you save on your seasonal cooling costs. In the middle of summer, an unexpected A/C breakdown can ruin a good day. Plus, high energy costs can quickly and unexpectedly drain the household budget. With an A/C Maintenance Plan, you’ll enjoy: Reduced risk of unexpected breakdowns Improved system operating efficiency Longer equipment lifespan Greater peace of mind knowing your system is covered Special discounts on parts Priority service from trained professionals What an A/C Maintenance Plan Includes At W.C. Eshenaur & Son, Inc., our air conditioning maintenance plan comes with: 16-Point System Tune-Up Priority Service 15% Discount on Parts And our ductless mini-split plan comes with: Perform one visit per year 16-Point System Tune-Up Priority Service 15% Discount on Parts Related Post: The Benefit of a Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump for Your Home Enroll in an A/C Maintenance Plan with W.C. Eshenaur & Son, Inc. If you’re wondering whether an A/C Maintenance Plan is worth it, we think the answer is a definite yes! Enroll in an A/C maintenance plan today for total peace of mind. Whether you own a central air conditioner or a ductless mini-split, an A/C Maintenance Plan will give you great benefits all season long. Our A/C and ductless mini-split A/C plans are designed to deliver the utmost value so that you get the best service and perks. Enroll in a plan today by simply contacting us! We look forward to serving you.