EXPERT TIPS FROM THE PROS AT SERVICETECH HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING ON HOW YOU CAN SAVE MONEY AT HOME
Did you know as much as half the energy consumed in your home goes to heating and cooling?
If you haven’t replaced your HVAC system with a high-efficiency, ENERGY STAR® qualified model, you’re probably spending significantly more on home utility bills—up to 20% more if your heat pump or air conditioner is more than 10 years old, and up to 15% more if your furnace is more than 15 years old.
Here are a few more steps you can take to increase energy efficiency and
savings in your home:
Close the envelope
Insulating and sealing the exterior of your home, often referred to as the “envelope", can help keep air from leaking into the home from the outside, or vice versa, helping you to save up to $200 per year on home heating and cooling costs.
Seal the ducts
Sealing around ducts can save up to $190 per year in urban areas, and as much as $120 if you’re near the lake.
Install a programmable thermostat
An ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostat can save you up to $100 per year.
Add a power strip to areas with high-traffic devices
Using a power strip in home offices or entertainment areas can help you save up to $100 annually on your utility bill.
Replace old windows
Installing new, ENERGY STAR windows in place of old windows can save you between $150-500 in annual energy costs.
Install a new shower head
A new 2.5 gallon-per-minute shower head can help you tuck away an extra $145 a year in electricity costs, in addition to saving you 5 gallons of water per shower.
Add a ventilation fan
Installing a ventilation fan to control moisture, mold and mildew growth in the bathroom can save you up to 60% more energy than standard models when using an ENERGY STAR qualified model.
Replace incandescent light bulbs
Substituting CFL bulbs for just five of your highest-use fixtures can save up to $70 per year on home utility bills.
Replace old appliances with new, high-efficiency models
For the greatest savings, choose ENERGY STAR approved models: They’re up to 40% more efficient than standard models. Here’s a breakdown of how much you’ll save by replacing your home appliances with an ENERGY STAR approved model:
· Dishwasher
Save up to $40 per year on utility bills when replacing a 1994 or older model.
· Refrigerator
Save 20% per year on home energy costs. Unplugging an extra refrigerator in the basement or garage can equate to an additional $300-700 per year.
· Washing Machine
See approximately 30% in energy savings per year compared to standard washers. Full-sized washers save 10-20 gallons of water per load.
· Clothes Dryer
Save more than $135 a year if your dryer is over 10 years old.
· Water Heater
Save up to $80 per year on gas bills; larger families will see even more savings.
Did You Know Just One Tune-Up With ServiceTech Heating & Air Conditioning For The Season Can Save You Money In The Long Run And Keep Your System Running At It’s Peak Efficiency?
· Have your air conditioning system tuned-up for the season. This will help ensure your A/C will run at peak efficiency. Operating at peak efficiency will save money because the system doesn’t have to work as hard to do its job.
· Replace your furnace or air handler filters on a regular basis. Lack of regular filter changes and maintenance is the leading cause of system breakdowns and costly repair bills.
· If you disconnected the power to your central air conditioning system in the winter, wait 24-hours after turning power back on to the system to run it. Your compressor needs that time to warm-up
· Keep the thermostat constant. Continuously adjusting the thermostat can be very inefficient. You can, however, raise the thermostat 2-3 degrees during the day while you’re away to save money. For every degree you raise the setting, you can expect to cut energy consumption by up to 3.5%.
· Flip the fan switch on your thermostat into the “fan on” mode when cooling the house. This process will ensure that air is always being stirred to prevent hot and cold pockets from forming.
· Set air vents on the second floor to receive approximately 75 percent of the conditioned air. This will help even out the temperatures from the first to the second floor of the home.
· Install awnings or plant trees that will shade southern facing windows. This keeps the hottest rays of the sun from shining directly into the house.
· Replace older windows with more efficient low-E glass. These windows help reduce the effect of the suns warming rays. Also, keep storm windows closed. The above 3 tips will reduce the heat load gain on your home which means your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard to keep the home at a comfortable temperature. This saves money and extends the life of the system.
· Install and attic fan to help ventilate some of the hot air out of the attic. Attics can reach temperatures of 140-150 degrees and this build of warm air can make the upstairs of a home warmer than it needs to be. This makes the air conditioner work harder to do its job. It costs you more to cool your home and the life of the system can be decreased.
Fall and Winter Energy Savings and Heating Efficiency Tips
Practical ideas from ServiceTech on how to be more comfortable and save money during the fall, winter and heating seasons.
· Set your thermostat properly or invest in a programmable thermostat. The most economical operation of your system comes from setting the thermostat properly. Set the thermostat at the highest summer setting or the lowest winter setting at which you are comfortable. Typical settings are 78 degrees for summer cooling and 68 degrees for winter heating. When cooling, your operating costs increase from 3% to 8% for each degree your thermostat is lowered. When heating, your operating costs increase similarly for each degree your thermostat is raised.
· Keep the air filter clean. The easiest way to ensure your system operates efficiently and economically is by keeping the air filter clean. There are several types of air filters and several possible locations for the air filter. Ask your service technician next time he’s out at your home to show you where your air filter is located and which type of filter to use. If you have allergies, you should look at a pleated allergy filter or a media or
electronic style air cleaner.
· Keep doors and windows closed. Close all doors and windows to the outside. This will reduce the heating load in the winter and the cooling load in the summer. Your system will operate more economically as a result.
· Make sure vents and grills are unobstructed. Arrange your furniture and drapes so that all output vents and intake grilles are free from obstruction. This will reduce the cooling and heating load on your system for more economical operation.
· Avoid excessive use of exhaust fans. Excessive use of kitchen or bathroom exhaust fans will make your system work harder. This will increase energy consumption and costs. Keep costs in check by making wise use of exhaust fans.
If you haven’t replaced your HVAC system with a high-efficiency, ENERGY STAR® qualified model, you’re probably spending significantly more on home utility bills—up to 20% more if your heat pump or air conditioner is more than 10 years old, and up to 15% more if your furnace is more than 15 years old.
Here are a few more steps you can take to increase energy efficiency and
savings in your home:
Close the envelope
Insulating and sealing the exterior of your home, often referred to as the “envelope", can help keep air from leaking into the home from the outside, or vice versa, helping you to save up to $200 per year on home heating and cooling costs.
Seal the ducts
Sealing around ducts can save up to $190 per year in urban areas, and as much as $120 if you’re near the lake.
Install a programmable thermostat
An ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostat can save you up to $100 per year.
Add a power strip to areas with high-traffic devices
Using a power strip in home offices or entertainment areas can help you save up to $100 annually on your utility bill.
Replace old windows
Installing new, ENERGY STAR windows in place of old windows can save you between $150-500 in annual energy costs.
Install a new shower head
A new 2.5 gallon-per-minute shower head can help you tuck away an extra $145 a year in electricity costs, in addition to saving you 5 gallons of water per shower.
Add a ventilation fan
Installing a ventilation fan to control moisture, mold and mildew growth in the bathroom can save you up to 60% more energy than standard models when using an ENERGY STAR qualified model.
Replace incandescent light bulbs
Substituting CFL bulbs for just five of your highest-use fixtures can save up to $70 per year on home utility bills.
Replace old appliances with new, high-efficiency models
For the greatest savings, choose ENERGY STAR approved models: They’re up to 40% more efficient than standard models. Here’s a breakdown of how much you’ll save by replacing your home appliances with an ENERGY STAR approved model:
· Dishwasher
Save up to $40 per year on utility bills when replacing a 1994 or older model.
· Refrigerator
Save 20% per year on home energy costs. Unplugging an extra refrigerator in the basement or garage can equate to an additional $300-700 per year.
· Washing Machine
See approximately 30% in energy savings per year compared to standard washers. Full-sized washers save 10-20 gallons of water per load.
· Clothes Dryer
Save more than $135 a year if your dryer is over 10 years old.
· Water Heater
Save up to $80 per year on gas bills; larger families will see even more savings.
Did You Know Just One Tune-Up With ServiceTech Heating & Air Conditioning For The Season Can Save You Money In The Long Run And Keep Your System Running At It’s Peak Efficiency?
· Have your air conditioning system tuned-up for the season. This will help ensure your A/C will run at peak efficiency. Operating at peak efficiency will save money because the system doesn’t have to work as hard to do its job.
· Replace your furnace or air handler filters on a regular basis. Lack of regular filter changes and maintenance is the leading cause of system breakdowns and costly repair bills.
· If you disconnected the power to your central air conditioning system in the winter, wait 24-hours after turning power back on to the system to run it. Your compressor needs that time to warm-up
· Keep the thermostat constant. Continuously adjusting the thermostat can be very inefficient. You can, however, raise the thermostat 2-3 degrees during the day while you’re away to save money. For every degree you raise the setting, you can expect to cut energy consumption by up to 3.5%.
· Flip the fan switch on your thermostat into the “fan on” mode when cooling the house. This process will ensure that air is always being stirred to prevent hot and cold pockets from forming.
· Set air vents on the second floor to receive approximately 75 percent of the conditioned air. This will help even out the temperatures from the first to the second floor of the home.
· Install awnings or plant trees that will shade southern facing windows. This keeps the hottest rays of the sun from shining directly into the house.
· Replace older windows with more efficient low-E glass. These windows help reduce the effect of the suns warming rays. Also, keep storm windows closed. The above 3 tips will reduce the heat load gain on your home which means your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard to keep the home at a comfortable temperature. This saves money and extends the life of the system.
· Install and attic fan to help ventilate some of the hot air out of the attic. Attics can reach temperatures of 140-150 degrees and this build of warm air can make the upstairs of a home warmer than it needs to be. This makes the air conditioner work harder to do its job. It costs you more to cool your home and the life of the system can be decreased.
Fall and Winter Energy Savings and Heating Efficiency Tips
Practical ideas from ServiceTech on how to be more comfortable and save money during the fall, winter and heating seasons.
· Set your thermostat properly or invest in a programmable thermostat. The most economical operation of your system comes from setting the thermostat properly. Set the thermostat at the highest summer setting or the lowest winter setting at which you are comfortable. Typical settings are 78 degrees for summer cooling and 68 degrees for winter heating. When cooling, your operating costs increase from 3% to 8% for each degree your thermostat is lowered. When heating, your operating costs increase similarly for each degree your thermostat is raised.
· Keep the air filter clean. The easiest way to ensure your system operates efficiently and economically is by keeping the air filter clean. There are several types of air filters and several possible locations for the air filter. Ask your service technician next time he’s out at your home to show you where your air filter is located and which type of filter to use. If you have allergies, you should look at a pleated allergy filter or a media or
electronic style air cleaner.
· Keep doors and windows closed. Close all doors and windows to the outside. This will reduce the heating load in the winter and the cooling load in the summer. Your system will operate more economically as a result.
· Make sure vents and grills are unobstructed. Arrange your furniture and drapes so that all output vents and intake grilles are free from obstruction. This will reduce the cooling and heating load on your system for more economical operation.
· Avoid excessive use of exhaust fans. Excessive use of kitchen or bathroom exhaust fans will make your system work harder. This will increase energy consumption and costs. Keep costs in check by making wise use of exhaust fans.