Chances are you burn a lot of energy in your home to keep warm. One way you can stay comfortable without running up bills is to heat smart. That means having your heating system serviced every year, sealing ductwork and buying a programmable thermostat. If your system’s more than 12 years old, you may also want to consider installing an ENERGY STAR^® product, which delivers higher efficiency than standard systems available today.

A long hot summer can mean big headaches if you’re not careful about conserving energy. One way you can cut costs without losing your cool is to set the thermostat higher whenever you leave home. (A programmable model makes this easy.) Another smart idea is to check your filter monthly and replace it if necessary. When buying a new air-conditioner, look for an ENERGY STAR^® model, which runs more efficiently than standard systems.

If you’re concerned about your health, you probably watch what you eat. There’s no doubt good nutrition is important. But it’s also a smart idea to pay attention to what you breathe. That means thinking about the products you use and the potential impacts they have on your home environment. It also means taking precautions to avoid problems.

One easy step you can take to keep the air clean is to invest in an air-purification system. Regular dusting and vacuuming, as well as washing of linens, can also go a long way to improve the quality of

There are several factors that can cause system freezing. Most need to be corrected by your local Lennox Dealer.

One thing you can do to prevent or correct this problem is to make sure the filter is clean or replaced. You can check to see if airflow is restricted.

Dirty filter

After replacing or cleaning the filter, you can speed up the thawing process by turning the system off and turning on the fan. If you have a heat pump system, you can try turning the system to heating mode until the ice has melted. After the ice has melted, switch the system settings back to normal. If the system refreezes, contact your local Lennox Dealer to correct the problem.

Low refrigerant

In some cases, freezing is caused by a leak in the refrigerant lines. Weak solder joints, friction from piping rubbing or vibrating against an object, open valves or loose fittings are all factors that can cause leaks. When determining whether to have the system repaired or replaced, the age of the system and the nature and location of the leak are important considerations.

Dirty evaporator coil

Over time, the evaporator coil will become dirty. When this happens, you will begin to lose airflow, slowly enough that you probably would not realize it until it freezes up or cooling performance is compromised. At this point, you will need to contact your local Lennox Dealer to correct the problem.

Defective blower motor or relay

A blower motor not running at the proper speed or not running at all is another factor that can cause freezing. Motor operation may be intermittent, starting at full speed and slowing down after it heats up. Or, a relay could cause it to start one time and not the next. In either case, you will need to contact your local Lennox Dealer to correct the problem.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels such as wood, natural gas, gasoline, diesel, kerosene, coal and charcoal. It is caused by lack of oxygen or a disruption in the burning process.

Household appliances such as your furnace, water heater, stove, space heaters, charcoal grill and gas dryer can be sources of carbon monoxide, especially if they are not in good working condition or have been installed improperly. Vehicle exhaust fumes from attached garages, as well as improperly operating fireplaces, also can become carbon monoxide hazards, particularly if your home is well-sealed for energy efficiency.

There are several measures you can take to reduce your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Because vehicles are a major cause of carbon monoxide poisoning, always back your car out of the garage to let it warm up. Never leave it running in the confined space of a garage, particularly if the garage is attached to the home. The same holds true for lawn mowers or snowmobiles. Never use ovens or grills for heating devices.

Home heating systems represent only 5% of potential carbon monoxide sources. Though the amount of carbon monoxide produced is not substantial, it is important to schedule annual maintenance visits by a qualified technician to make sure all combustion appliances are operating properly and all chimneys and vents are free from obstruction.

Many everyday household items contribute to poor indoor air quality. Compounds found in carpeting, furniture, upholstery and drapery fabric consistently emit gas or fumes. Other sources of pollutants can include, but are not limited to, cleaning agents, paints and personal care products.

Also, newer homes that are tightly sealed for energy efficiency tend to limit air circulation, which can contribute to a buildup of contaminants. Likewise, things like weather stripping and storm doors keep stale air in and fresh air out.