Then & Now: Celebrating our 160th Anniversary!

Then & Now:
Celebrating our 160th Anniversary!

To celebrate our storied past, look out for our special Then & Now photo series in our bulletins, emails and on social media throughout the year!

Before 1900

Selling building supplies has always been a core part of our business. Leonard Gault purchased a local lumber business just before 1900 and today, our Gault Stone & Landscape Supplies business has two locations: our beautiful Westport showroom and a stone yard in Bethel.

1929

Real estate development has been part of the Gault family of companies for well over 100 years. One of our most well-known projects is Saugatack Center, a mixed-use development on the Saugatuck River in Westport. The site was purchased in 1929 and originally used for docking coal and sand barges and later was home to our office and a fuel storage tank.

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1936

Since launching heating oil in 1936, things have changed a lot! From deliverymen carrying 5 gallon cans into homes to the sophisticated trucks you see on the road today, we currently deliver Bioheat to all our customers.

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1956

In 1956 Gault expanded into service and installation in order to better serve our oil customers. Today, we have over 50 technicians and installers who are on call 24/7 to keep our customers up and running.

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Late 1980’s

A multi-generational family-owned company is a rare thing these days but from Robert Gault in 1863 to Sam Gault in 2023, family has been the foundation to our growth and success. Pictured in the late 1980’s, generations 3, 4, and 5 - Howard, Bill, and Sam; and in 2023, generations 4, 5, 6 – Megan, Brendan, Sam, Bill, Meredith, and Jim at our recent team picnic.

160 Acts of Gault

As a way to say thank you to our customers, communities and the organizations that support us every day, our team will be performing 160 Acts of Gault throughout the year.

From our Spring volunteer project all the way to our holiday toy drive and annual support of Make-A-Wish Connecticut, we’ll be celebrating acts both big and small!

To follow along, visit our special 160th Anniversary page at GaultFamilyCo.com/160 or follow #ActsOfGault on social.

And, if you witness one of our team members perform a special Act of Gault, please share it with us at info@gaultfamilyco.com!

A Note from Sam: Reflecting on 160 Years

It’s hard to believe that this month marks 10 years since we gathered community leaders together to kick off a yearlong celebration of our milestone 150th anniversary. A lot has changed in a decade - we have expanded our product lines and grown our team immensely in order to serve our customers better, weathered some uncertain times with Covid and a nasty 2020 storm, and I’ve definitely gotten a little grayer!

But I can also say that more has stayed the same: our mission of delivering a ‘personalized customer experience’ in everything we do, treating our team like family, and supporting the communities in which we do business.

One other thing that has grown in the last decade…our family! We have fourth, fifth and sixth generation family members working in the business and generation seven has officially started visiting or crawling around our office!

For many a family business, it is rare to survive beyond three generations, so I am often asked what the “secret” is and truthfully, there isn’t one. I just know that it takes a village! From the time my great-great grandfather started a hauling business in 1863 to now, it’s been the people working for Gault who have defined the quality of the company and allowed us to continually evolve.

In our 160th year, I’m grateful for the loyalty of our customers, our community and the commitment of our team. I encourage you to follow along at GaultFamilyCo.com/160 and on Instagram and Facebook as we celebrate this very special anniversary!

Cheers to many great years ahead!

Sam

Full of Gratitude & New Energy

We’re coming out of the holiday season full of gratitude and new energy for the year ahead!

In November, we continued our tradition of passing out turkeys to employees; this year, that meant over 5,000lbs of turkey! December brought our company wide Toy Drive to benefit children in the communities we serve. Our collection box was full in just a few days thanks to the generosity of our employees, as were three others by the end of the week!

Our team really blew me away in 2022: working tirelessly to serve our customers daily and improving our safety record across the board – a huge accomplishment considering we handle thousands of service calls, deliveries and transactions.

I’m energized to be kicking off 2023 with some exciting investments back into the company that will not only benefit our team but improve the way we service our customers:

• This winter, we’re moving into a new HVAC warehouse to improve our operations and parts management.

• We’re growing our HVAC installation and service department, expanding generator and propane service, and reinvesting in our Stone & Landscape Supplies division (be sure to visit our stone showroom to start planning your spring projects now!).

• And, with our vision of being a one-stop shop for our customers, we will be launching into electrical upgrades and repairs in 2023; some of you may have already met our amazing team of electricians if you’ve had equipment installed at your home.

• Our internal learning program, Gault University, has expanded and is hitting the ground running with new training and development programs to help our team members grow professionally as well as be able to serve you better.

Cheers to a happy and healthy new year!

No Heat? Let's Start Over!

No Heat? Let’s Start Over!

Losing heat in January is a homeowner’s worst nightmare. But many times, your heating system shuts itself off because it needs a quick reset. Follow our Heating Restart Checklist to quickly get up and running again.

1. Make sure your thermostats are in heat mode and set above room temperature.

2. Check the gauge on your oil or propane tank to ensure that you are not out of fuel.

3. Check your electrical breaker to make sure it is not turned off.

4. Check that the heating system burner switches are in the ON position. The switches are located at the top of the basement stairs or outside of the utility or mechanical room, and on the heating system itself.

Once you’ve verified that all of the switches are on, you can try to reset your furnace or boiler:

1. To reset your system, locate the red reset button on the heating system itself. The button is located towards the bottom of the unit.

2. Press and hold down the reset button for 5 seconds and then release.

3. The system should start automatically within 10 seconds.

If you’ve completed these steps and your heat still isn’t turning on…

Then it’s time to bring in the professionals! Please call us at 203.227.5181 to schedule an appointment with one of our Technicians.

Taking The Lead With Biofuel

Taking The Lead With Biofuel

Perhaps tracking the happenings in the Connecticut State Legislature isn’t top on your list of hobbies but in our industry, we keep a close eye on how proposed and passed legislation will impact our customers.

As part of the state’s Global Warming Solutions Act, home heating oil (Bioheat) is to be blended with higher levels of low carbon fuels like biodiesel to benefit consumers and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and 80% by 2050. Even with the positive environmental impact from biofuels, many in Hartford are still pushing for an electrification only model, but let’s see how it stacks up against Bioheat:

NOT CLEAN

Did you know power plants run on natural gas and coal? Both of these fuel sources emit greenhouse gases like methane and carbon. In fact, power plants are the biggest producer of methane gas, and carbon emissions continue to skyrocket every year.

With Bioheat: Carbon emissions are actually reduced by up to 74% compared to the home heating oil of the past. This means an immediate reduction in greenhouse gases.

OLD GRID

Our power grid is not in the best shape. From insufficient capacity for our current use to sparking fires from lines in disrepair, it’s hard to imagine adding more strain to this system. As it is, blackouts and lengthy power outages have become the norm.

With Bioheat: Some of the strain on the electric grid is reduced when heating your home with Bioheat, especially in New England where the ISO declared in 2021 that the region is at heightened risk for winter outages.

NO RETURN

The economics of converting a home to electric heat pumps is simply cost prohibitive for most Americans. Consider this: the number of heat pumps you’ll need is about the same as the number of window AC units you would need in the summer. The equipment installation alone costs $7,000 to $15,000 for just one heat pump, let alone multiple and don’t forget about the significant increase in your electric bill!

With Bioheat: Keeping and maintaining your Bioheat heating equipment is a minor expense in the long run, especially as higher blends of biodiesel help clean your system for greater efficiency and longer equipment lifespans.

MONOPOLY

There aren’t many options for utility companies in the area and with electricity, we’re putting all our eggs in one basket. Without competition, prices rise, quality declines, and service becomes unreliable.

With Bioheat: Freedom of choice! Home heating oil has a deep connection to entrepreneurship, small businesses, family-owned ventures and community building. These values not only let you choose your home energy provider but support your local economy with jobs as well.

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To learn more about Bioheat and the impact of electrification in Connecticut, visit gaultenergy.com/bioheat.

Sources: American Energy Coalition; CEMA; Center for Climate and Energy Solutions

Fast Facts: Bioheat & the Environment

Fast Facts: Bioheat & the Environment

You’re not the only one who thinks about climate change and the environment! In fact, reducing greenhouse gases is a major mission for our industry. As Connecticut continues to adopt higher blends of renewable Bioheat, here are some fast facts that should answer your questions about its impact on the environment.

• Every gallon of Bioheat reduces greenhouse gas emissions on average 79%.

• The carbon emissions from producing biodiesel are considered recycled carbon since it’s reabsorbed by the plants that are used to create biodiesel. Traditional carbon produced from petroleum does not get reabsorbed for decades.

• The industry adoption of Bioheat significantly reduces the amount of petroleum used in CT.

• Biodiesel is made from discarded renewable organic sources and uses the byproducts from the processing of soybeans and canola.

• According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the California Air Resource Board, biodiesel reduces Greenhouse Gas emissions by up to 69 to 88% compared to traditional heating oil or diesel fuel.

• Bioheat is the only fuel currently on the market that will continue to reduce its carbon footprint annually as it evolves to a B100 blend.

• The average Bioheat blend in CT is 7% - what does this mean: The state’s carbon emissions are reduced by over 365,000 metric tons which is like removing 80,000 cars from the road.

• The carbon footprint of a home that uses heating oil decreases as Bioheat blends increase, so much so that converting to electric heat will lead to an increase in that home’s carbon footprint.

Avoid the Cold with Gault

Avoid the Cold with Gault Energy!

It’s not only cold in the winter, but it can be costly! This season, we’ve compiled some of our favorite tips to save money and energy while avoiding any unnecessary time spent cold.

Consider your heating equipment

No one likes to be surprised by aging, poorly maintained or failing heating equipment! If your heat was struggling to keep up last winter, there’s no time to wait… schedule an appointment with one of our Comfort Specialists to review your equipment options and enjoy savings through November 30th.

And don’t forget, it takes a lot of energy to heat water – in fact, it’s the second highest source of energy usage. If you set your water heater to a couple of degrees cooler, it will save you some money on your energy bill and you’ll still enjoy all the hot water you like.

stop air leaks and drafts in their tracks

There are lots of places where cold air can seep into your home: doors, windows, attics, basements, and fireplaces. To prevent drafts, consider installing weather strips where possible to stop the cold air from getting in. We know there’s something special about a fire on a cold night, but when it’s not in use, make sure you close the damper. Warm air circulating through your home can escape through the chimney and make your heating system work harder.

temperature control is a must

There are lots of ways to impact the temperature in your home and save money. A smart thermostat will let you preset your preferred temperatures, so it turns down or up automatically based on your schedule. Knocking down your thermostat a degree or two can save you over the course of the heating season, sometimes up to 10% on your fuel usage. And you might be surprised to hear it but turning your ceiling fan clockwise will create an updraft, moving warm air downward into the rest of the room.

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Are you interested in more tips?

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @GaultEnergy where we share more great energy saving ideas for holiday lights, home décor, and more! And don’t forget to take advantage of our fall Heating System savings below!

TLC for your Bioheat Tank

TLC for your Bioheat Tank

Just like we remind you to maintain your heating equipment, your Bioheat Heating Oil tank needs just as much care and consideration.

Tank life cycle:

Some tanks last for 10 years; some for 70 years! At every heating tune up, our technicians visually inspect your tank for any indication that a new tank might be in your future. Here are some of the telltale signs:

benefits of a new tank:

The material and design of tanks has come a long way in recent years and with the cleanliness of fuel today, a brand-new tank will not only last a very long time, but it will also actually help your heating equipment run more efficiently.

Replacing a tank is quick and easy – we are in and out in one day!

So, if you think it might be time to replace your tank or would like us to come inspect it, give us a call at 203.227.5181 or visit GaultEnergy.com/Oil-Tank to receive 10% off the purchase and installation of a Bioheat Heating Oil Tank from now until December 31, 2022.  

Leaky tank? we’re here to help!

A leaking tank left ignored can lead to large environmental cleanups and potential 6-digit remediation costs! If you suspect a leaky tank, it’s important that you…

Don’t Delay!

It might be tempting to bid out the project or get multiple opinions but basements, especially those with sump pumps, can become contaminated quickly. Similarly, if the fuel is left for too long, it can leach into the slab and foundation walls of your home, leading to stains and strong odors.

Call Gault!

We work with trusted licensed remediation contactors that have experience with mitigation and DEEP inspection regulations. When brought in immediately, they can help reduce your overall expense and environmental impact. After cleanup is complete, we work to get you back up and running with a new tank, schedule a delivery and ensure the system is properly back online.

Are you traveling south for winter?

Are You Traveling South for Winter?

If you have a seasonal home or you’re taking advantage of some great travel deals, it is important to proactively prepare and protect your home when away for an extended period of time this winter.

Maintain your heat: No matter how you heat your home, maintaining your heat to a certain level is critical. 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 in freezing conditions. Flooding, freeze-ups and ice dams leads to millions in insurance claims annually. 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!

A REMARKABLE FALL!

A Remarkable Fall!

As you might guess this is one of our favorite and busiest times of year. But every fall we try to bring the team together across all departments to reconnect. This year we were able to make that happen thanks to an evening at the Remarkable Theater and our partnership with Make-A-Wish Connecticut.

If you haven’t heard of it, the Remarkable opened a few years ago to bring the drive-in movie experience back to the area while advocating for the disability community by providing meaningful employment. We’re proud to be one of the sponsors for this worthwhile mission.

To make the night even more special, we granted our fourth wish to Make-A-Wish wish kid Gianna. Gianna’s wish is to go to Hawaii where she headed this fall! We also unveiled our brand new Make-A-Wish propane truck so keep an eye out for it on the road!

So you can say… we’ve had a REMARKABLE fall! Stay warm and healthy as we head into the holiday season.

15 Ways to Save Energy This Winter

15 Ways to Save Energy This Winter

It’s not only cold in the winter, but it can be costly! This season, we’ve compiled some of our favorite tips to save money and energy while avoiding any unnecessary time spent cold.

1. Schedule your annual tune up

Don’t be caught by surprise when you turn your heating equipment back on! Your tune up is a great preventative step to ensure that your equipment is running smoothly and is ready for the season.

2. Eliminate air leaks/drafts

One way that cold air can seep into your home is through doors, windows, attics, and basements. To prevent drafts, you can install weatherstrips to stop the cold air from getting in!

3. Turn your ceiling fans clockwise

Fans may keep you cool during the warm months, but they can help your home’s energy efficiency as the weather changes. By turning your fan clockwise, you can create an updraft moving the warm air downward into the rest of the room.

4. Switch to a smart thermostat

Jump on the technology bandwagon! A smart thermostat allows you to preset your temperatures, so it turns down or up automatically based on your schedule.

5. Don’t forget your fireplace

There’s something special about a fire on a cold night, but when it’s not in use, make sure you close the damper. Warm air circulating through your home can escape through the chimney.

6. Let the sunshine in

The sun is a great source of free heat on bright sunny days!! But as we know, windows and doors are a way for that warm air to slip through the cracks. Consider getting insulated curtains to keep some of that free heat in overnight.

7. Close doors and vents in unused rooms

Maybe you’re an empty nester or maybe you only use a few rooms during the work week – either way, if you close doors and vents in rooms that aren’t in use, you’ll redirect the warm air to the spaces you’re in and use less heat overall.

8. Adjust your water heater

It takes a lot of energy to heat water – in fact, it’s the second highest source of energy usage. If you set your water heater to a couple of degrees cooler, it will save you money and you’ll still enjoy all the hot water you like.

9. Switch to energy efficient light bulbs

LED lights are known as the most energy efficient lighting. They may cost you more up front but over time they will save you money; they use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer.

10. Leave your oven door slightly open after using it

On a busy day in the kitchen, you probably notice how warm it gets as your oven gives off heat. Don’t let that heat go to waste! Leave your oven door open just a bit to have some extra heat flow when you’re done cooking.

11. Insulate your pipes

Pipes are out of sight, out of mind but they are so important bringing hot water to faucets, showers, and other appliances. Depending on how far the water has to travel, your pipes can be the cause of heat loss. Insulated pipes raise the water temperature, improves your hot water heater’s efficiency and will lead to energy savings over time.

12. Unplug unused electronics

Just because your TV, lamp, and air fryer are “off” when plugged in doesn’t mean they aren’t using energy. These are examples of “energy vampires” because they are taking energy when you don’t know it. Save energy by unplugging items when not in use.

13. Place rugs on hardwood floors

Rugs aren’t just to make your home look cool and fun. They also add a layer of insulation that keeps your feet off a chilly hardwood floor.

14. Set your holiday lights to a timer

Don’t be silly and keep your holiday lights on all night long - that is another giant energy waster! A smart plug or basic timer for your outlets is an easy solution to save energy and money. To be honest, we also forget to shut them off before bed!

15. Turn down the thermostat & bundle up

Knocking down your thermostat a degree or two can save you over the course of the heating season, sometimes up to 10% on your fuel usage.

Hint: When finding a temperature that you find comfortable, consider putting on a sweatshirt, sweatpants, and use an extra blanket at night.

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WE’RE HERE FOR YOU!

Please contact us at 203-227-5181 or info@gaultenergy.com if you’d like to schedule an appointment with one of our Technicians or Comfort Specialists.

Bringing you Comfort

Bringing You Comfort

With over 100 years of combined expertise, our team of Comfort Specialists have one common goal - to keep your family and home comfortable. During a consultation appointment at your home, they will review your needs, the size and placement of the equipment and what is required for the installation. Followed up by a formal quote as well as an installation timeline, they will provide you options to suit your needs and budget. If you’re interested in replacing any HVAC equipment in your home, our team is waiting for your call!

Chris Bianco

Over 25 years in the business and 6 years at Gault keeps Chris in demand with customer appointments for all types of HVAC equipment.

Fun Fact: I’m a new grandfather to a beautiful baby girl!

Mike Formato

Mike returned to Gault last year as a Comfort Specialist after spending 7 years with us earlier in his 27-year career.

Fun Fact: I love hanging out at the beach with my wife and playing with my 3 kids and dog.

Rob Capri

Rob’s focus on customer satisfaction continues after 30+ years in the industry and his 21st year at Gault.

Fun Fact: I actually started out in this business as a technician!

George Guidera

With 3.5 years at Gault and 30 years in the field, George covers all types of home comfort equipment.

Fun Fact: I’m truly concerned about the environment and preserving open space.

Budget For Winter

Budget For Winter

Have you considered exploring your payment options?

We offer two payment programs that can work for everyone!

Auto-Pay

We automatically charge your payment information on file to save you time and ensure you never miss a due date.

The Gault Advantage:

Protect yourself from winter bill spikes by making monthly payments towards your heating deliveries. We calculate the monthly amount based on your estimated usage and periodically adjust it through the year. Sign up by September 30!

For more information on payments options or to sign up for The Gault Advantage plan, contact Customer Care at 203.227.5181 or info@gaultenergy.com.

3 Ways To Save This Winter

Chris, Service Technician

Three Ways To Save This Winter

In today’s world, everyone has savings on their mind. As we head into the winter months, we have a few simple suggestions for how you can save on your heating costs and still stay warm and cozy!

Conservation

Programmable and smart thermostats can make a big difference in your home energy use. You can track and manage your home’s temperature, schedule changes in the settings based on time of day and even set up geofencing to automatically adjust the thermostat when you’re a certain distance from home. According to the EPA, you can save about $180 a year just by programming your thermostat properly.

Insurance

Purchase one of our Heating Protection Plans now and save on costly repairs later. Regular maintenance can keep your equipment running efficiently, more cost effectively and extend its life. Our plans include an annual Precision Tune-Up and 15% off and repairs.

Efficiency

Save up to 40% on the fuel you use this winter with a new heating system. Replacing your repair-ridden furnace or boiler or even upgrading from an older inefficient model can make a big impact on your home’s energy bills. Over the life of this new high efficiency equipment, you’ll see big savings - and our fall savings doesn’t hurt either!

There are also other ways to stay warm this winter like closing doors to unused rooms or ensuring that doors and windows are closed tightly but switching your focus this fall to Conservation, Insurance, and Efficiency will ensure you reduce your energy use and lower your bills.

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CONTACT US TODAY!

Call 203.227.5181 to schedule an appointment with a Technician or one of our Comfort Specialists to let us help you stay warm all season long. 

See-ya Summer!

See-Ya Summer!

Whether you called this spring to make sure your air conditioning was ready for the season or we heard from you on a hot summer day, our team fielded a lot of questions about R22/Freon, a refrigerant that has been used in air conditioning units for decades . Since 2010, the EPA has been phasing out R22/Freon to reduce the impact this chemical has on the environment.

If you have an air conditioning unit that uses R22/Freon, your system faces frequent repairs or you didn’t stay as comfortable as you would have liked this summer, it’s time to consider your options for a new system.

Don’t Wait for spring to come back around

Set up an appointment now with one of our Comfort Specialists to evaluate your current equipment and needs. When the first heat wave hits next year, you’ll be glad you did. And, take advantage of our end of season savings on a new air conditioning system!

A Market Update

A Fall Market Update

As we head into the winter months, energy prices are on the minds of homeowners both locally and throughout the country. For the last six months, we have all been impacted by high gasoline prices, escalating food prices, and general inflation of consumer goods, as a result of COVID, supply chain issues, war, and global energy market changes.

In the wake of Russia invading Ukraine, we experienced an immediate impact on the heating oil and diesel fuel markets resulting in dramatic price increases for these energy products. We took immediate action to try to mitigate risk for our customers by postponing many deliveries and suspended offering our price programs. We have worked tirelessly since that day to communicate with our suppliers and industry leaders to navigate the market and monitor our delivery schedules to the benefit of our valued customers.

The good news is, we have seen a steady decline in prices since its peak due primarily to removing the “fear factor” of the lack of supply from the market due to the war. Historically, when we see price spikes due to geopolitical events, we also see price declines when the dust settles a bit and the market absorbs the news. Because of these factors, we are now reopening enrollment of our Cap, Fixed, and Pre-buy oil pricing programs to our customers. What else is good news… the propane market has been extremely steady so if you are a propane user, the impact has been minimal.

A couple of comments that I can provide about heating oil pricing programs based on my 40 years in this industry: do what makes you comfortable and stick to what got you here! Trying to guess where this market will lead tends not to work, so if you normally enroll in the Cap or Fixed program, do that. Or if you normally float, do that. Continue with the program you’re comfortable with and is within your risk tolerance. Whatever program you choose, rest assured that we will support you and compliment that with the best 24-hour service to meet your heating and cooling needs.

Thank you for your loyalty and enjoy the rest of your Summer!

Sam Gault
Gault Family Companies
President

13 Summer HVAC Tips

13 Summer HVAC Tips for YOU!

The hottest time of the year is finally here which means enjoying the warm weather, having fun outdoors, and wanting to return to a cool home. Here are 13 ways to ensure your HVAC system is running efficiently and cost effectively:

1. Change your filters

Your AC system collects dirt, dust, and other matter which can reduce efficiency, decrease your indoor air quality, and deteriorate your system. It is important to check, clean, and change your air filters for your system to work to the best of its ability.

2.  Inspect your ducts and vents

Dirty vents and ducts can lower the quality of the air circulating through your home and reduce your equipment efficiency. We recommend keeping your vents wide open for optimal airflow and having your ductwork professionally cleaned. 

3.  Clean the outdoor areas

Your exterior AC condenser needs a good once over; clear at least a 2-foot perimeter from leaves, branches, and other debris that may impede on the unit’s ability to perform.

4.  Improve your cooling power

Programmable thermostats allow you to have more control over the temperature inside your home and a smart thermostat can be managed from your smartphone.

5. Shop energy efficient

Invest in energy-efficient accessories like window coverings and appliances so your cooling equipment doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your home cool.

6. Check the electrical

Every AC system has a wiring system that needs to be checked occasionally. Ensure that the wiring has no scorching and if it does, you should set up an appointment with one of our technicians ASAP!

7.  Clean Condenser Coils

Cleaning your condenser coils is another way to make sure that your AC system is running smoothly. All you have to do is turn off the power and spray the coils with water to remove any dirt and debris!

8. Listen for noise

As your AC unit is running, do you hear any grinding, hissing, rapid vibration, or other strange noises? If you hear any unusual noises, give us a call to schedule a technician to come find out the cause!

9. Check for leaks

Visually check the drain lines from your AC system and ductwork for any leaks, holes, or tears. If you see any cause for concern, call us right away to send a technician out.

10. Consider an upgrade

If you have an older unit (greater than 15 years old or an R22 unit), you are at risk for a break down that won’t be fun in the middle of summer. Upgraded systems are more energy efficient and will help you save money in the long run!

11. Maximize air flow with fans

Positioning fans like ceiling fans, tabletop fans, and floor fans throughout your home can make a huge difference in your overall comfort while helping your AC system not work so hard on hot days.

12. Reduce Heat from other appliances

Avoid using heat from large appliances; for example, instead of using your oven consider using your grill or move your clothes outside to dry on a line rather than the dryer.

13. Schedule a professional tune up

Give your AC system some TLC to make sure your home stays cool all summer long.

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WE’RE HERE FOR YOU!

Please contact us at 203-227-5181 or info@gaultenergy.com if you’d like to schedule an appointment with one of our Technicians or Comfort Specialists.

Powering Through Hurricane Season

Powering through Hurricane Season

Hurricanes are in the forecast and even when they’re not expected to make landfall here in Connecticut, it’s always important that you plan ahead. Last year, over 1 billion hours were lost to power outages affecting almost 52 million customers.

Keep your generator maintained

Your generator should be set to automatically ‘exercise’ once a week. These 5-10 minutes of run time act as a system check to make sure your generator is ready to go when you need it. In addition, annual maintenance by a certified technician is important to keep your equipment in top shape; learn about our maintenance plans at gaultenergy.com/generators.

plan for your generator in advance

Generators are frequently thought of during a power outage, but don’t wait until you’ve lost power to give us a call. Our Comfort Specialists will guide you through our turn-key generator solution from calculating the power you need, selecting the best location and managing your installation.

keep synthetic 5w-30 oil on hand

If your generator is serviced by Gault, we use Synthetic 5W-30 oil in your generator. Keep oil with other emergency supplies in the event it needs to be added during an extended power outage. It can be purchased at a car parts store or any major gas station.

visit and save gaultenergy.com/storm

We’ve compiled resources, tips, and videos to help you weather a storm, from how to check the level of propane in your tank to generator best practices during an outage.

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Meet josh - our generator expert

Since joining Gault in 2014, Josh has reinvented our generator practice and is a critical part of our storm response plans. His prior experience as an electrician gives Josh an expert view of each generator project’s installation and usage needs. You might be surprised to know that before he became an electrician, Josh went to school for audio recording; he maintains a strong passion for music and recording and continues to pursue it as a hobby.

If you’re interested in adding a generator to your home’s energy portfolio, give us a call at 203.227.5181 or visit GaultEnergy.com/generator-info.

Is Ductless AC Right for Your Home?

Is Ductless AC Right for Your Home?

There are no ifs ands or buts about it – everyone wants to stay cool in the summer. And while central air conditioning and window units are the most common, these cooling solutions might not be the best fit for your home. One energy efficient alternative you should consider are ductless mini split air conditioners.

How do they work?

Ductless air conditioners have an outdoor condenser and an indoor air handler that is mounted to the wall. Also called a ductless heat pump, during the summer the unit takes the warm air from inside your home and deposits it outside to leave your home cool. These systems are a great option for older homes, additions or other areas of the home without ductwork, and homes with non-ducted heating systems like hot water or radiators.

How efficient are they?

One benefit of ductless air conditioners is their flexibility in zoning. Because they operate independently from other cooling systems in your home, you can more effectively manage the temperature. Also, they are not subject to energy loss that typically occurs from unmaintained ductwork in a central AC system.

If you think a ductless mini split air conditioner is right for your home, give us a call at 203.227.5181 to schedule an appointment with one of our Comfort Specialists or learn more at GaultEnergy.com/ductless.