SUMMERTIME ENERGY-SAVING TIPS

These tips are designed to help you choose effective ways to reduce your energy bills. Some measures may not be relevant depending on climate, the age of your home and appliances, and past improvements made to your home.

The savings numbers are based on your total summer electric bill. Equipment mentioned must be electric powered for estimates to be accurate.

FAST AND FREE

The average home spends about $1,900 a year on energy costs. But you can lower your energy bills and help save the environment at the same time!

Be a speedy chef

Nothing is more energy efficient for cooking than your microwave. It uses two-thirds less energy than your stove.

Push a button to wash your dishes

Surprise! Your dishwasher uses less water than washing dishes by hand. Then let dishes air-dry to save even more!

Fill up the fridge

Having lots of food in your fridge keeps it from warming up too fast when the door is open. So your fridge doesn't have to work as hard to stay cool.

Cutting back unnecessary energy use is an easy way to reduce energy consumption while saving money. Here are some additional suggestions you can do at home, at absolutely no cost to you.

Turn up your thermostat

Set your thermostat to 78 degrees when you are home and 85 degrees or off when you are away. Using ceiling or room fans allows you to set the thermostat higher because the air movement will cool the room. Always take into account health considerations and be sure to drink plenty of fluids in warm weather. (Save: 1 - 3 percent per degree, for each degree the thermostat is set above 72 degrees)

Use your appliances wisely

To help prevent electricity outages, avoid running your appliances during peak hours, -- from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. -- or anytime an electricity emergency is declared.

Do your laundry efficiently by using the warm or cold water setting for washing your clothes. Always use cold water to rinse clothes. (Save: 4 percent)

Line dry clothes whenever you can. (Save up to 5 percent)

When you need to use the dryer, run full loads, use the moisture-sensing setting, and clean the clothes dryer lint trap after each use. (save: 0.5 percent)

Conserve energy by running your dishwasher only when it is fully loaded, and turn off the dry cycle and air dry dishes instead. (save: 1 percent)

Operating swimming pool filters and cleaning sweeps efficiently

Reduce the operating time of your pool filter and automatic cleaning sweep to fourto five hours, and only during off-peak time. (Save: 1-2 percent per hour of reduction)

Eliminate wasted energy

Turn off appliances, lights and equipment when not in use. (Save: 2%)

Unplug electronic devices and chargers when they aren't in use-most new electronics use electricity even when switched "off." Turn computers and printers off at the power strip. (Save: 1-2 percent)

Unplug or recycle that spare refrigerator in the garage if you don't really need it. This will save you up to $150 per year! (Save: 10-20 percent)

INEXPENSIVE ENERGY SOLUTIONS

Make a quick trip to your local hardware store to purchase inexpensive energy-saving tools and equipment.

Replace air conditioner filters

Dirty filters restrict airflow and can cause the system to run longer, increasing energy use. Replace filters monthly for maximum benefit. (Save: 1-2 percent)

Plug your home's leaks

Weather-strip, seal, and caulk leaky doors and windows and install foam gaskets behind outlet covers. (Save: up to 2 percent)

Choose ENERGY STAR products

Buy ENERGY STAR certified table lamps and light fixtures, and replace your incandescent light bulbs that are used more than two hours per day with ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent bulbs. For example, install compact fluorescent bulbs in your porch light if you leave it on overnight. (Savings: for each bulb you'll save 0.2 percent for each hour the bulb operates on a typical day. Therefore, replacing an incandescent bulb that burns 10 hours per day will save 2 percent)

Buy ENERGY STAR certified torchieres. (Save: up to 1 percent for each hour/day that it's on)

Install an ENERGY STAR programmable thermostat. (Save: 1-3 percent)

GOOD ENERGY SAVING INVESTMENTS

Planning to do some remodeling soon? Time to replace old appliances? Consider these energy efficiency suggestions when you make purchases.

Install a whole house fan

A whole house fan is permanently installed in your attic and draws cool air into your home through the windows while forcing hot air out through your attic vents. Use after sundown when the outside temperature drops below 80 degrees, and in the early morning to cool your house and help reduce your air conditioning use. (Save: up to 5 percent)

Install window shading

Install patio covers, awnings, and solar window screens to shade your home from the sun. For additional future savings, use strategically planted trees, shrubs and vines to shade your home. (Save: 5 percent)

Solar control window films applied to existing glass in windows and doors is an effective method to reduce peak demand during hot months and conserve energy anytime air conditioning might be required. In addition to the energy management benefits, the use of these films can also reduce exposure to ultraviolet radiation and reduce glare.

Invest in a new air-conditioning unit

If your air conditioner is on the way out, buy an ENERGY STAR air conditioner. (Save: up to 10 percent)

Seal your ducts

Leaking ductwork accounts for 25 percent of cooling costs in an average home, so have your ducts tested and have any leaks or restrictions repaired by a qualified contractor. Note: duct cleaning is not the same as duct sealing. As of October 1, 2005, if you install a new central air conditioner or furnace, your ducts will have to be inspected. (Save: 10 -20 percent)

Replace your refrigerator with an ENERGY STAR model

Refrigerators with a top or bottom freezer design can save you an additional 2-3% on your bill compared to a side-by-side design. (Save: 10 percent)

Increase attic insulation

If existing insulation level is R-19 or less, consider insulating your attic to at least R-30. (Save: 10 percent)

Install ENERGY STAR windows

If your windows are due for replacement, ENERGY STAR windows can make your house more comfortable year-round. (Save: up to 10 percent)


For more information visit www.evenflowmechanical.com

Residential Customers

Appliance Tips

• ENERGY STAR      Remember that every appliance or electronic device has two price tags: what you pay to take it home and what you pay for the energy it uses. Look for items with the ENERGY STAR label, because they use up to 50 percent less energy than standard models, and the savings will show up in lower bills.
• Thermostat            During cold days and nights, set your heating thermostat to no higher than 60 degrees.
• Insulation  Insulate your home and caulk/weather-strip around doors and windows to reduce both cooling and heating costs. Taking these steps will pay for themselves as time goes by.
• Conservation        Consider unplugging consumer electronics when they are not in use. (Even when turned off, CD players in the U.S. consume enough energy in one year to power the Las Vegas Strip for six months.)
• Insulate Pipes       Insulate your hot water piping from the water heater to the wall or ceiling pipe penetration. Wrap the tank in an insulating blanket if the water heater's energy factor is less than 0.59. Remember to follow the installation instructions.
• Refrigerator           Dirty coils on the back or bottom front of your refrigerator can make it work harder than necessary. Check and clean the coils regularly, especially during the summer. See your appliance owner's manual for maintenance instructions.
• Nonessential Appliances     Use nonessential appliances such as clothes washers and dryers during off-peak hours (before noon or after 6:00 P.M.).
• TVs         ENERGY STAR qualified televisions are on average, over 40 percent more energy efficient than standard models. The label can be found on everything from standard TVs to HD-ready TVs, to the largest flat-screen LCD and plasma models.
• Consumer Electronics         Consumer electric products are responsible for approximately 15 percent of household electricity use. Devices still use energy when they're switched off to power features such as clock displays and remote controls – in fact, the average U.S. household spends $100 each year to power devices while they are in “standby” mode. Products that have earned the ENERGY STAR label use less energy to perform these functions, while providing the same performance and features as conventional models.
• Pool Pumps            Run swimming pool equipment for the minimum amount of time, and during off-peak hours (before noon or after 6:00 P.M.).

Lighting Tips

• Switch to CFLs     Replace lights and lamps with energy-efficient ENERGY STAR® qualified compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs, which last up to 10 times longer and use up to 75% less electricity.
• Read more general lighting tips...

Cooling Tips

• A Set Comfort Level             Set your air conditioning thermostat to 78° Fahrenheit, a comfortable temperature for most people. Keeping your A/C at a constant temperature could cut your energy costs by as much as 30%.

For more information visit www.evenflowmechanical.com

A residential central air conditioner has two main parts, the condensing unit installed outside of the home and the evaporator installed inside the ductwork.  For an air conditioner to work up to specs or to work at all, these two components must be properly matched.  Each condenser works properly with only a limited number of evaporator models.  Each of the matches has a unique identifier, the ARI reference number.  Think of the ARI reference number as the marriage certificate for the components of your heat pump.  It is that simple!

For more information visit www.evenflowmechanical.com

Cut your air conditioning costs with these energy-saving steps.

Cooling your home in the warmer months is just as important as heating it in the colder months, and sometimes can be nearly as expensive. According to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, nearly 5% of ALL electricity produced in the United States is used on air conditioning homes, costing an astounding $15 billion annually!

So, just how do we save energy without sacrificing comfort?

Cool efficiently.

One way to do this is to upgrade to newer energy-efficient equipment. Replacing a 10 -year-old or older AC unit with a newer unit will result in at least a 15% gain in efficiency – and up to 50% if you choose an ENERGY STAR® qualified one. Note that this applies to both central AC and window units. Ready to take this step and save?

Size your AC properly for the space to be cooled. Many people think a larger unit will cool better, but actually an oversized AC unit cycles on and off more often and this results in less effective dehumidification of the space. A properly-sized unit will be more efficient, and it will keep the space at a constant room temperature and at a comfortable humidity level.

Place it right.

Where you put your AC matters.

Try to install the unit in a shaded spot on your home's north or east side because direct sunshine on the unit's outdoor heat exchanger decreases efficiency. Plant trees and shrubs to shade air-conditioning units, but do not block the air flow. A unit operating in the shade uses as much as 10% less electricity than one operating in the sun.

Maintain your AC.

Do not make your AC work harder than it has to. Good AC maintenance starts with cleaning the filter regularly. Try getting on a monthly schedule for cleaning and change the filter at least every three months. A dirty filter will slow air flow and decrease efficiency by as much as 30% since the system has to work harder to keep you cool. Ready to take this step and save?

Help your AC work better.

Close the blinds or shades during the hot midday hours when the sun is beating onto your home. Otherwise your AC will expend a lot of energy countering those really strong midday rays. Additionally, consider turning on fans while the AC is on. Because fans increase air circulation, you can turn up the temperature on your AC thermostat but use less power to keep cool.

For even more efficiency, seal the spaces around windows, doors and electrical and plumbing penetrations, thereby minimizing the hot air that sneaks into your house. (And remember, always keep your doors and windows closed when the AC is on.)

Reduce the Space Cooled.

Don't waste money and energy by cooling unnecessary rooms. Make sure your AC is not cooling empty rooms. Also, when the AC is on, don’t leave doors open around the house. Get in the habit of closing doors when you leave a room. Ready to take this step and save?

Ceiling fans are an AC’s best friend

If you raise your thermostat by only two degrees and use your ceiling fan, you can lower air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the cooling season. Use fans (with the fan blades tilted downward) instead of your AC to create a cool breeze instead of cold, conditioned air. And remember: Ceiling fans cool only people, not the room; so when you leave the room, turn off the ceiling fan.

Turn it off when you’re not using it.

Don’t run the AC when no one’s at home. It is a myth that if you go out for part of the day, it’s better to keep your AC running because then, when you get home, your AC won’t have to work harder to quickly cool a warm house. The truth is that, even for a quick errand like a trip to the grocery store, you will save a lot of energy by turning off the AC and then turning it back on when you get home.

Are you leaving your AC on at a very cool setting all day while you're at work to keep Spot or Fluffy cool? Pets can still be comfortable even if you turn the temperature up a few degrees. Try it when you're home to see how they respond, and always make sure they have plenty of fresh water.

Program it.

If you have central AC, consider a programmable thermostat to help you keep your home at the right cooling level at different points in the day. They’re inexpensive and easy to install.

For more information visit www.evenflowmechanical.com