Energy Saving Tips
The average home spends over $1,500 annually on energy bills. Heating and cooling accounts for as much as half of a home’s energy use. The EPA provides important recommendations for energy-efficient equipment, including proper sizing, quality installation and maintenance.
Maintaining Your Equipment
Dirt and neglect are the #1 causes of heating and cooling system failure. One of the most important steps you can take to prevent future problems and unwanted costs is proper maintenance. Keep your heating and cooling systems at peak performance by 1. cleaning or
replacing the air filter about once a month, and 2. having a contractor do annual pre-season check-ups.
Operating Costs
Like many other appliances, the cost of your indoor comfort system includes not only its initial price, but also the ongoing costs of operation and maintenance. This means that the cooling and heating equipment and controls that you select today will continue to impact your finances for as long as you live in your home. That's why investing in a high efficiency comfort system makes sense.
Click Here for your systems operating cost analysis.
Efficiency Ratings
A high-efficiency system means lower electric bills month after month. While a high-efficiency rated cooling and heating system may cost a little more up front compared to a less efficient system, you'll recover the price difference in a very short time. High-efficiency systems also save our energy resources. You'll have the satisfaction of helping to protect our environment. That's a savings benefit us all.
SEER RATING: Your cooling system efficiency is rated in SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). This measurement of an air conditioning or heat pump system’s energy efficiency takes into account the cooling efficiency of the system under various weather conditions. SEER is determined by dividing the total cooling provided during warm months (in BTU’s) by the total energy (watt-hours) consumed during the same period. We recommend a minimum SEER of 11.
Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is recommended for individuals and families who are away from home during set periods of time throughout the week, allowing them to use less energy without sacrificing comfort. Programmable thermostats offer the most energy-saving potential for your home and, unlike older manual thermostats, contain no mercury. Through proper use of your thermostat, you can save about $100 every year in energy costs.
- In order to increase your energy savings, it’s important that you:
Keep the thermostat set at energy-saving temperatures for long periods of time, such as during the day when no one is home and through the night. Some qualified thermostats come with four pre-programmed temperature settings for typical weekday and weekend routines.
- Resist the urge to override the pre-programmed settings. Every time you do, you use more energy and may end up paying more on your energy bill.
- Set the “hold” button at a constant energy-saving temperature when going away for the weekend or on vacation.
- Install your thermostat away from heating or cooling registers, appliances, lighting, doorways, skylights, and windows, and areas that receive direct sunlight or drafts. Interior walls are best.
