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Energy Saving Tips To Lower Your Heating and Cooling Bills |
• Clean or replace filters on a monthly basis. Dirty filters block the airflow which causes your unit to use more energy because of longer operation needed to maintain a comfortable temperature. Dirty filters cause costly repairs and premature equipment failure.
• Investing in a high efficiency air cleaner or filter (90% or greater) can help your unit run at peak efficiency by keeping your indoor coil clean. Dust, pollen and other airborne particles that pass through your disposable filter, which is only 5-15% efficient in removing these pollutants, become trapped on your coil as your unit runs. The dirtier your coil is, the more your unit has to operate. You also breathe cleaner air, providing you with a healthier living environment.
• Keep you outdoor unit cleat of debris such as leaves, grass, shrubbery, and even dog hair. These items prevent the air from circulation over the outdoor coil, causing your compressor to work harder. These obstructions reduce the efficiency of operation and can lead to premature compressor failure.
• Set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature and refrain from additional adjustments or “jiggling”. Heat pumps are designed to be set at one temperature during the winter and left there to prevent the auxiliary heat strips from coning on unnecessarily. By setting the thermostat back, gas furnaces can also reduce operating costs. In addition , turning the unit off and on manually at the thermostat is usually much less efficient. You may also save additionally by having a programmable thermostat installed which can save you as much as 30% on you energy costs.
• Make sure your home is well insulated. Also attempt to locate and seal any cracks or crevices that may allow outside air to enter. Other energy saving suggestions include keeping your blinds closed during the summer, install storm doors , keep fireplace dampers closed when not in use, and keep the overhead garage door closed.
• Be sure to keep your floor registers and return air grilles free from obstructions by item such as rugs, curtains, or furniture.
• If you have a gas furnace with a standing pilot, turn your pilot light our during the summer months. A qualified service technician can relight your pilot light in the fall, or you may do so by following the simple directions in your owner's manual or on your furnace.
• Today's equipment is made for efficient operation. In order to maintain this level of operation, annual maintenance checks as recommended by the manufacturer should be performed, even equipment as new as a year old.
Did you know that approximately 44% of the average American utility bill is dedicated to heating and cooling the home?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, approximately 44% of the utility bill for a typical family household is for heating and cooling a home. Heating and cooling is the largest energy user and in some cases energy waster in a home.
Maintaining the duct system in your home can save you money in the end. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “Your duct system, a branching network of tubes in the walls, floors, and ceilings, carries the air from your furnace and central air conditioner to each room. Ducts are made of sheet metal, fiber glass, or other materials.
Unfortunately, many duct systems are poorly insulated or not insulated properly. Ducts that leak heated air into unheated spaces can add hundreds of dollars a year to your heating and cooling bills. Insulating ducts that are in unconditioned spaces is usually very cost effective. If you are buying a new duct system, consider one that comes with insulation already installed.
Sealing your ducts to prevent leaks is even more important if the ducts are located in an unconditioned area such as an attic or vented crawl space. If the supply ducts are leaking, heated or cooled air can be forced out unsealed joints and lost. In addition, unconditioned air can be drawn into return ducts through unsealed joints. In the summer, hot attic air can be drawn in, increasing the load on the air conditioner. In the winter, your furnace will have to work longer to keep your house comfortable. Either way, your energy losses cost you money.
Although minor duct repairs are easy to accomplish, ducts in unconditioned spaces should be sealed and insulated by qualified professionals using the appropriate sealing materials. Here are a few simple tips to help with minor duct repairs:
• Check your ducts for air leaks. First look for sections that should be joined but have separated, and then look for obvious holes.
• If you use duct tape to repair and seal your ducts, look for tape with the Underwriters Laboratories logo to avoid tape that degrades, cracks, and loses its bond with age.
• Remember that insulating ducts in the basement will make the basement colder. If both the ducts and the basement walls are uninsulated, consider insulating both.
• If your basement has been converted to a living area, install both supply and return registers in the basement rooms.
• Be sure a well-sealed vapor barrier exists on the outside of the insulation on cooling ducts to prevent moisture buildup.
• Get a professional to help you insulate and repair all ducts.
For more information on checking your home’s duct system, please contact a licensed professional.
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