Heat & Cool Efficiently

As much as half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling. So making smart decisions about your home's heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can have a big effect on your utility bills and your comfort. Take these steps to increase the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. For more information, see our Guide to Energy Efficient Heating & Cooling.

Change your air filter regularly

Check your filter every month, especially during heavy use months (winter and summer). If the filter looks dirty after a month, change it. At a minimum, change the filter every 3 months. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you warm or cool, wasting energy. A clean filter will also prevent dust and dirt from building up in the system, leading to expensive maintenance and/or early system failure.

Tune up your HVAC equipment yearly

Just as a tune-up for your car can improve your gas mileage, a yearly tune-up of your heating and cooling system can improve efficiency and comfort. Learn more:

Maintain your Equipment: A Checklist

Finding the right contractor: 10 tips

Install a programmable thermostat

A programmable thermostat is ideal for people who are away from home during set periods of time throughout the week. Through proper use of pre-programmed settings, a programmable thermostat can save you about $180 every year in energy costs.

Seal your heating and cooling ducts

Ducts that move air to-and-from a forced air furnace, central air conditioner, or heat pump are often big energy wasters. Sealing and insulating ducts can improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system by as much as 20 percent and sometimes much more.

Focus first on sealing ducts that run through the attic, crawlspace, unheated basement, or garage. Use duct sealant (mastic) or metal-backed (foil) tape to seal the seams and connections of ducts. After sealing the ducts in those spaces, wrap them in insulation to keep them from getting hot in the summer or cold in the winter. Next, look to seal any other ducts that you can access in the heated or cooled part of the house. See our See our Duct Sealing brochure for more information. for more information.

Consider installing ENERGY STAR qualified heating and cooling equipment

If your HVAC equipment is more than 10 years old or not keeping your house comfortable, have it evaluated by a professional HVAC contractor. If it is not performing efficiently or needs upgrading, consider replacing it with a unit that has earned the ENERGY STAR. Depending on where you live, replacing your old heating and cooling equipment with ENERGY STAR qualified equipment can cut your annual energy bill by nearly $200. But before you invest in a new HVAC system, make sure that you have addressed the big air leaks in your house and the duct system. Sometimes, these are the real sources of problems rather than your HVAC equipment.

Ask about Proper Installation of your new equipment

Replacing your old heating and cooling equipment with new, energy-efficient models is a great start. But to make sure that you get the best performance, the new equipment must be properly installed. In fact, improper installation can reduce system efficiency by up to 30 percent, costing you more on your utility bills and possibly shortening the equipment's life. Learn more.

 

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. Visit the International Window Film Association for more information. (save 5-10 percent)

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 percent 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)

Check out the "Flex Your Power" website at:
www.fypower.com for more information about incentives and places to purchase energy-efficiency appliances.

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)

Source: www.consumerenergycenter.org / tips

3 Tips To Help You Save Money This Summer

Have You Asked The Evenflow Guy?

 

Winter has come and gone, spring is upon us and as you prepare to de-clutter your home, ridding your abode of excess, this would also be a great time to for a HVAC tune-up. HVAC is an acronym for heating, ventilation and air conditioning all of which can take a beating during the changing of the seasons.

Summer is here, we spoke with some HVAC repair professionals who were willing to offer homeowners some tips regarding getting their homes ready for warmer weather.

Filter Replacement, Clean Blades & Duct Inspection

 

This is an easy one, solvable by a quick trip to your local hardware store. Filters should be changed once a year or more, depending on use. If your filters are dirty and clogged, restricting the flow of air, a simple replacement will not only keep hot or cold air from being lost in the vents, but will also keep your unit from overworking and overheating, which could result in a hefty repair bill.

Also make sure to check your outdoor unit to make sure there is little to no build-up on your fans blades. Excess dirt or gunk and can down bog your exterior unit down, leaving it lumpish and prone to giving out during warm summer months. Make sure to also keep an eye on it in winter as frost or ice can have a similar effect.

Lastly, should you experience ventilation problems, checking your duct work would be an optimum place to begin. The same way a puncture wound in a hose would decrease water pressure, a crushed or disconnected air duct will decrease air flow, while overworking your unit and raising your electric bill.

Rely On Your Eyes And Ears

 

While the average homeowner does not possess the expertise of a long-time HVAC repair technician, the simple task of paying attention to what you see or hear can help clue you in if there is something wrong.

When your compressor kicks on are there any noticeably strange sounds? Does your unit sound like it is struggling to keep up with basic tasks? Are you paying attention to your thermostat and if it is a modern digital unit, do you have an understanding regarding how all aspects of it work? Taking care of what is in your control can keep bigger issues from arising. Make sure to do so as the seasons change.

Pay Attention To Refrigerant

 

While you might not fully understand how your units compressor works, some basic issues with the refrigeration system can be noticeable with the naked eye.

Most obvious would be a build-up of dirt or dust on the coils, the condensation lines not functioning properly or coils and pipes freezing up, which is usually the culprit when running your A/C yet hot air blows out.

Remember, as a renter or homeowner, a vast knowledge of your HVAC system is not expected, but a basic understanding and some troubleshooting can not only help keep your home warmer in winter and cooler during summer, it can also keep your unit running smoothly, efficiently and can save you money in the long run.