Tracking Electric Bills During AC Season

TRACKING ELECTRIC BILLS DURING AC SEASON

Are you keeping a close eye on your electric bills? Year over year, we’ve watched them go up each month, evaluated suppliers, and tried to keep our electric use down. If you’re already thinking about the sky-high bills you’ll receive this summer, then it might be time to upgrade the biggest electricity user in your home: your central AC system.

Yes, upgrading your central AC system is an investment, but how do you see the return on that investment? By significantly lower electric bills year over year thanks to a significant jump in your unit’s efficiency thanks to its SEER rating.

The standards for energy efficiency are set by the U.S. Department of Energy with a SEER rating assigned to every piece of cooling equipment. The higher the SEER, the greater the efficiency, the less electricity needed to cool your home.

CONSIDER THESE STATS:

If your AC was installed prior to 2006, the average SEER was 10. Now due to age, that same piece of equipment has a SEER of 7 or 8.

The minimum SEER allowed to be installed today is a 13.2. According to our Comfort Specialists, customers are upgrading to a minimum of 16 SEER the last two years.

For every increase in SEER, you should see a 4-6% decrease in your electricity costs.

And don’t forget, if your air conditioning unit is more than 10 years old, not only has the efficiency gone down but it most likely uses R22 and should be replaced in the near future. Due to its negative environmental impact, the EPA has been phasing out residential use of R22 for over a decade and it is now effectively banned - both from being produced and imported.

Call us today at 203.227.5181 or visit gaultenergy.com/ac-savings to schedule an in-home consultation with one of our Comfort Specialists and let us help you save year after year.

Your Next Luxury: At Home EV Charging Station

YOUR NEXT LUXURY:
AT HOME EV CHARGING STATION

If you’ve made the switch to an electric vehicle (EV), where you’ll get your next charge must frequently cross your mind. Charging stations are popping up in retail parking lots, at offices, schools and of course, the gas station. But if you’d rather skip the hassle of finding your local charging station, it’s time to consider installing your very own EV charger at home.

It’s Convenient:

With your own charger, you can plug in whenever you want so your EV is ready to go when you are.

It’s Private & Secure:

Maybe it’s just us, but it can be a little unnerving leaving your car at a public charging station while you pop into the grocery store.

It’s Cost Effective:

Home charging is typically more affordable than public charging, and many utility companies offer special rates for EV owners, making it even more cost-effective.

It’s In Demand:

As the demand for EVs rise, homes equipped with a charging station become more attractive to potential buyers and can enhance your property value.

It’s “Smarter”:

Home chargers come equipped with smart technology that allows you to monitor your session, set charging schedules, and even control the charger remotely.

Installing a charging station at your home might be the lifestyle upgrade you’ve been waiting for. If you’re ready to explore your installation options, our Electrical Services division is here to help! Call 203.227.5181 to set up a consultation and discover just how seamlessly an EV charger can be added to your home.

Spring Reminders & New Product Launch!

New Product Launch At Our Stone Division!

If you caught our newsletter last month, I teased some exciting news from Gault Stone & Landscape Supplies. This year, we’re launching a new product series called The Gault Collection.

During COVID and its aftermath, we saw a high demand for outdoor porcelain; our customers liked that it’s weather resistant, low maintenance, and can be extremely versatile. We decided to invest in creating our own collection of outdoor porcelains that can be paired with our most popular natural stones.

While developing the collection, our team envisioned combining the versatility of porcelain for your patios, pool surrounds and outdoor spaces with natural stone pool copings, stair treads and accents. For example, with The Gault Collection, you can enjoy the perks of a durable heat resistant porcelain pool patio with the matching natural stone pool coping and steps for a coordinated and seamless look.

Stop by our Westport and Bethel showrooms to take a look at The Gault Collection and you can read more about it at gaultstone.com/porcelain-pavers Let me know what you think - you can email me directly at asksam@gaultfamilyco.com!

Thanks
Sam

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Spring Reminders!

POOL SEASON IS FINALLY HERE!

If you heat your pool with propane, make sure you visit GaultEnergy.com/pool-open to let us know when that heater turns on! This information helps us track your deliveries to make sure your pool stays at that perfect temperature all summer long!

SPRUCE UP YOUR HOME WITH GAULT STONE & LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES!

Whether your gravel driveway needs a refresh, your planting beds could use our organic mulch, you’ve been eyeing a Gault Stacked Firepit, or you want to test out our new Gault Collection of outdoor porcelains, we can help you enjoy your outdoor living spaces all summer long. Visit GaultStone.com to get started.

Limited Time Offer from Generac!

With the start of hurricane season just around the corner, Generac is offering a FREE 7 YEAR WARRANTY for all new generators purchased before May 12, 2024. Click here to set up an appointment with our generator expert to get started with our turnkey generator installation or call our office at 203.227.5181.

HIGHER EFFICIENCY LEADS TO LOWER ELECTRIC BILLS

High Efficiency Leads To Lower Electric Bills

More so than in the past, we’re tracking our electric bills – watching them go up each month, evaluating suppliers, and trying to keep our electric use down. If you’re already thinking about the sky-high bills you’ll receive this summer, then it might be time to upgrade the biggest electricity user in your home: your central AC system.

Yes, upgrading your central AC system is an investment, but how do you see the return on that investment? With significantly lower electric bills year over year thanks to a significant jump in your unit’s efficiency thanks to its SEER rating.

The standards for energy efficiency are set by the U.S. Department of Energy with a SEER rating assigned to every piece of cooling equipment. The higher the SEER, the greater the efficiency, the less electricity needed to cool your home.

Consider these stats:

If your AC was installed prior to 2006, the average SEER was 10. Now due to age, that same piece of equipment has a SEER of 7 or 8.

The minimum SEER allowed to be installed today is a 13.2. According to our Comfort Specialists, customers are upgrading to a minimum of 16 SEER the last two years.

For every increase in SEER, you should see a 4-6% decrease in your electricity costs.

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Lower Electric Bills With New Central AC

Lower Electric Bills With New HIGH EFFICIENCY Central AC

As our cooling equipment ages, so does its efficiency (SEER) rating. The newest central air conditioning systems feature the highest SEER ratings on the market and can offer the greatest annual savings on your electric bills. If you want to explore the potential savings you’ll see with a new high-efficiency central AC system, then it’s time to meet with one of our Comfort Specialists.

Schedule an appointment at 203-227-5181 or visit gaultenergy.com/ac-savings to learn more about our limited time savings!

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The Push & Pull Of Heat Pumps

The Push & Pull Of Heat Pumps

Heat pumps have been getting a lot of buzz recently due to government rebates and the push to electrify. The name alone is a little deceiving leaving many homeowners confused. So what is a heat pump exactly and how can it be used to heat AND cool your home? Let’s break it down…

How does a heat pump work? In the summertime, a heat pump and an air conditioner are essentially the same thing: they both take heat from inside the house, transfer it through a refrigerant and deposit it outside, leaving the inside cool. In the cooler months, a heat pump can be reversed to push heat into the home.

What are some installation considerations?

• Efficiency is key when it comes to heat pumps to see savings on your electric bill and qualify for rebates.

• Versatility is a plus as heat pumps can be installed with both traditional ducting or without ducts.

• Pricing on heat pumps can run higher than more traditional heating/cooling systems, especially the higher efficiency units. And, if your home doesn’t have the electrical amperage required for a heat pump system, electrical upgrades can be an added cost.

• Back up heat for winter is necessary with a heat pump system but they work well for supplemental heat in the shoulder months.

If your air conditioning is due for an upgrade this year, then a heat pump can be an option to consider. Our Comfort Specialists are here to walk you through the options to best meet your needs and budget.

Get Comfortable With Your Thermostat

Get Comfortable With Your Thermostat

Your thermostat might be small but it’s a crucial part of your home’s comfort. We often recommend you reach out when you need a new thermostat as different models aren’t always interchangeable, and we can get you a higher quality version at one of our supply houses.

Programmable Models: You’ll be able to predefine your home’s temperature for specific days and times throughout the week. This function makes it equally as effective as a smart thermostat in enhancing your home’s energy efficiency. For example, if your family is away at work and school from Monday to Friday, a programmable thermostat can be set to automatically adjust the temperature, preventing your heating and cooling system from running unnecessarily when nobody is home.

Smart Models: In comparison, a smart thermostat offers a level of intuitiveness in regulating your home’s heating and cooling. These thermostats will learn from your temperature adjustments and are accessible through a dedicated app. They can also assist in accurately tracking and managing your home’s energy consumption data so you can monitor and assess your HVAC system’s efficiency.

If you’re interested in upgrading your home’s thermostat, schedule an appointment with one of our technicians. We’ll review your current models, make suggestions based on your needs and get you on our installation calendar.

Planning For The Season Ahead

Planning For The Season Ahead

Sure it might be a little cold still, but we’re already thinking about and planning for Spring and Summer. I surveyed a few members of our team about what they’re looking forward to most and here’s what they had to say:

I’m looking forward to finishing my rock garden project I started at the end of last summer ~ Angela, Customer Care

I’m looking forward to getting outdoors for walks and hikes, playing golf with friends, and the BBQ’s ~ Joe, Customer Care

I can’t wait to head to the beach and plan vacations ~ Dina, Office Coordinator

As for me, I’m looking forward to heading into our season on the Gault Stone & Landscape Supplies branch of our business. We just updated our Westport showroom and have some new products coming to market this Spring (more news to come!). And of course, I’m looking forward to some pool time, trips and warmer weather.

Cheers to Spring!

Sam Gault
President
Gault Family Companies

IAQ by the Numbers

IAQ By The Numbers

Cold winter days mean more time spent inside trying to stay warm. But winter also means we’re at greater risk of exposure to the various pollutants that reside inside our homes. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) can have a big impact on our health – from allergies and asthma, to respiratory issues, heart disease, and even cancer.

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• Radon

• Mold

• Dust mites

• Carbon Monoxide

• Nitrogen Dioxide

• Household scents/chemicals from paints, solvents, aerosol sprays, cleaning products, etc

• Pesticides

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• Poor ventilation

• Temperature control problems

• Humidity issues

• Construction

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• Attack the source of the pollutants

• Improve home ventilation for fresh air from outdoors

• Clean the air with help from your HVAC system

We know Indoor Air Quality can be easy to overlook but it’s vital for your family’s and home’s health. To make it a bit easier to resolve your IAQ concerns, our Comfort Specialists and Technicians are here to help evaluate your home’s system and recommend products to improve your home’s air quality.

Call 203.227.5181 to schedule your consultation today!

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Partnership with Make-A-Wish

A Ten Year Partnership with
Make-A-Wish Connecticut

As we conclude our 160th Anniversary in 2023, we’re excited to step into another milestone this year; 2024 marks a decade of our wonderful partnership with Make- A-Wish Connecticut! Over ten years, we’ve granted several wishes through fundraising, contributed beautiful stone products to their spectacular Wishing Place and spread awareness with our shiny blue propane truck!

Before the holidays, we took part in a fun project at Make-A-Wish Connecticut’s headquarters. Our team acted as elves and packed over 300 Boost Boxes that were sent to Wish Kids across Connecticut. The ‘Let It Snow’ themed boxes were meant to spread some joy and hope to kids who are waiting for their wishes to be granted. Scroll down to see a few pictures and a fun time lapse video of our team hard at work!

Cheers to a happy and healthy new year!

Sam Gault
President
Gault Family Companies

Time To Tackle Your Oil Tank

Time To Tackle Your Oil Tank

That oil tank in the basement? Out of sight, out of mind…unless you’re Gault; we always think about the state of customer oil tanks. All winter we field questions about your oil tanks and here are a few of our most frequent:

If you would like to discuss the state of your oil tank further, please call 203.227.5181 to schedule a visit from a Technician or if you’re ready to replace, our Comfort Specialists are here to help.

Heading South for Winter?

Heading South for Winter?

If you’re avoiding the New England cold and snow this year, it is important to proactively prepare and protect your home when away for an extended period of time this winter.

Maintain your heat: Make sure your heating system is working properly prior to departing and set your thermostat to 55 degrees or higher.

Monitor your home: Asking family, friends or neighbors to regularly check on your home in your absence can help prevent costly damage. Water from broken pipes can flood an empty or unoccupied home in a matter of hours, causing structural damage to the house and loss of personal property.

And don’t forget to utilize the technology already in your home while away: program your smart thermostat, set up additional alerts, and adjust the cameras on your home security system to capture potential problem areas.

Any problems, make sure we’re on your emergency contact list - our technicians are available 24/7 at 203.227.5181!

Get Plugged-In

Get Plugged-In

If you haven’t heard yet, we launched our Electrical Services division earlier this year and our Electricians have been busy! They’ve been tackling everything from your simple ‘honey do list’ items to upgrading panels and installing many EV chargers.

Installing an at-home EV charger might sound daunting, but it’s surprisingly straightforward when you have the right partner to guide you through the process. We’ll walk you through wiring options based on the location of your electrical panel and conditions of your basement; for instance, is it finished or do we have free range? We’ll do load calculations, coordinate any additional labor needed and be in and out in about half a day ensuring a swift transition to an at-home EV charging solution.

Call 203.227.5181 to set up a consultation and discover just how seamlessly an EV charger can be added to your home.

160 Acts of Gault

160 Acts In Almost 365 Days

As a way to say thank you to our customers, communities and the organizations that support us every day, our team has been performing 160 Acts of Gault throughout the year in celebration of our anniversary! We still have some more to go but below is a look at some of my favorites so far.

And as we come into the end of the year and the conclusion of our 160th Anniversary, on behalf of the entire Gault family, we want to thank all of you for your loyalty and for letting us take care of your homes.

Have a happy and healthy holiday season!

Sam

Winter Savings with a New Heating System!

Winter Savings with a New Heating System!

When thinking about ways to save this winter, it isn’t just about the price of your fuel, but the efficiency of your heating system that plays a huge role. Replacing your repair-ridden furnace or boiler or upgrading from an older inefficient model can mean big savings on your home’s energy bills – up to 40% to be exact!

For the full breakdown of savings, visit gaultenergy.com/heat-savings

how did your heating system score last year?

We want to help you stay warm and cozy. Grade your current heating system with our Home Heating High Efficiency Scorecard.

Up To $160 In Referral Credits!

Celebrate Our Anniversary With Up To $160 In Referral Credits!

I hope you’ve been following along as we celebrate our 160th Anniversary this year! Our special anniversary page at gaultfamilyco.com/160 regularly has new content – from pictures to customer testimonials and more. I encourage you to check it out!

On the occasion of our 100th anniversary in 1963, my father always talked about the flood of letters, cards and even telegrams we got from our customers and community members with praise and congratulations - it was a great source of pride for him and my grandfather.

Today, positive Google reviews, surveys and the many personal emails and phone calls I get about the great work our team does every day continues to spread positivity and pride amongst the company.

This year, we’re asking our customers to spread the word about Gault through a referral – they’re really the best compliment we can get! And for our 160th Anniversary, you’ll get a $160 credit for every referral that becomes a Gault Energy customer. Find out more at gaultenergy.com/160

Thanks for celebrating with us!

Sam Gault
President
Gault Family Companies

Don't Get Caught in Pricing Games...

Don't Get Caught in Pricing Games...

September is the unofficial start of our busy season as homeowners start calling to secure their fuel for the upcoming winter. With hundreds of companies out there trying to win your business, many companies will throw low-ball prices out to try to entice customers to switch, and that’s when the pricing game begins…

Don’t get sucked into a deal that seems too good to be true, because it probably is! Here are some things to look out for:

At Gault, we don’t play games.

In fact, we want to be as transparent as possible and educate our customers so they can make informed decisions. You won’t see a low-ball price offer from us but our customers know that our service is unmatched and our prices are fair; that’s why many of you have been with us for not just years, but decades!

If you have any questions, concerns or need help selecting the right pricing program for the upcoming season, our Customer Care team is here to help at 203.227.5181.

Recognizing the Signs: When to Replace Your Propane Tank

Recognizing the Signs: When to Replace Your Propane Tank

Propane tanks are a vital component of many households, providing a reliable source of energy for heating, cooking, and more. Over time, however, propane tanks may wear out or become less efficient, ultimately requiring replacement. Here are some of the signs that it may be time for a new propane tank in your home.

1. Age of the Tank:

Propane tanks have a limited lifespan, and ageing tanks are more prone to leaks, corrosion, and other issues that can compromise safety and performance. Consulting with one of our experienced technicians to assess the condition of your tank can help determine if replacement is necessary.

2. Corrosion and Physical Damage:

Inspect your propane tank regularly for signs of corrosion or physical damage. Look for issues like rust spots, or discoloration on the tank's surface, as well as dents, cracks, or other visible damage that may affect the tank's integrity. If you notice significant corrosion or physical damage, call 203.227.5181 to schedule an appointment with one of our technicians.

3. Inaccurate Fuel Level Readings:

Propane tanks often feature fuel level gauges to indicate how much propane is remaining. If you notice inconsistent or inaccurate readings, it may indicate a faulty gauge. A malfunctioning gauge can disrupt your ability to monitor propane usage effectively. In such cases, consulting with one of our propane professionals can help determine if the tank needs replacement or if a repair can resolve the issue.

4. Declining Propane Efficiency:

Aging tanks may struggle to maintain optimal pressure and deliver propane effectively, resulting in higher consumption and increased costs. Upgrading to a new propane tank can restore efficiency, ensuring you receive the full value from your propane supply.

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Recognizing the signs that indicate the need for propane tank replacement is crucial for maintaining a safe, efficient, and reliable propane system in your home. To set up a consultation with Gault Energy now call 203.227.5181 or fill out a form here.

Preparing For A Power Outage

Preparing For A Power Outage

Year-round, demand on the electric grid fluctuates based on usage, weather, and supply. The unpredictable nature of electricity usage can lead to outages and widespread or rolling blackouts. According to the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), almost two-thirds of the country is at an elevated risk for an outage this summer, including Connecticut.

“Every single person I spoke to knowledgeable, professional, and courteous. The work was done according to the time frame I was given at the beginning of the generator process. There was no problems at all. I was extremely impressed by the whole process.”

- Gault Customer Wilton

While we can’t control the weather, the power grid, or manmade disruptions to power lines, we can control how we prepare for an outage. Keeping flashlights and batteries, water and nonperishable food, and a first aid kit and spare medication on hand are key for storm season prep. But if you’re interested in powering parts or all of your home during an outage, then we recommend investing in a whole-home generator that’s designed to automatically turn on when needed.

We offer a turnkey solution starting with an appointment with our Generator Specialist to determine which option meets your needs.

From there, our team will guide you through the process from start to finish with our technicians, installers, and electricians on-site.

Visit gaultenergy.com/generators to learn more about our generator solutions.

Evolving Over 160 Years

A Note From Sam

Over our 160-year history, one of our sustaining principles has been to continually evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of the communities we serve. Some of our most significant evolutions include:

• Adding service and installation of equipment to our offerings in 1956 to better serve our oil customers

• Beginning delivery of propane in 2008 to create a one-stop shop for our fuel customers, and

• Launching into generator installations in 2013 after Hurricane Sandy.

Another evolution…not as significant but certainly interesting was in 1918 and 1919 when our fleet of 60 horses were rented out for funeral hearse services during the Spanish Flu epidemic. At 20 years old, my Grandfather handled up to three funerals a day when roughly 1,000 members of the Westport community contracted the disease.

In case you missed our announcement in May, our newest evolution is into Electrical Services and we have officially hit the ground running! Not only does it make sense for us to provide Electrical Services to help provide a one-stop shop for your home needs but Covid shined a light on the struggle that our customers were having finding qualified help. Over the last three years, while we have been fielding customer calls asking for recommendations for electricians, at the same time, we were bringing Electricians on staff to support our booming generator business. Our team of licensed electricians have immense experience in many facets of the trade and are ready to visit your home!

Sam Gault
President
Gault Family Companies