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Heating and Cooling
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Air Conditioning Compressor: If
you install your air conditioning compressor in a shady spot, it will
work more efficiently. Allow plenty of room for air flow around the air
conditioning compressor for most efficient operation.
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Change Furnace Filters: Changing
your furnace filters every other month in the cold season helps your
system work more efficiently thereby saving you on energy.
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Charge Air Conditioner: Your
air conditioner accounts for the majority of our energy bills during
the hot summer months. Be sure your air conditioner is fully charged
with earth friendly coolant and replace filters often to insure it
operates efficiently.
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Close the Doors: Closing the doors and shutting the vents and blinds in any rooms you don’t use very often is a smart energy saving idea.
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Early Morning Breeze: Instead
of switching on your air conditioning, open up your home during the
cool morning hours to help drop the temperature, then close up tightly
by mid-morning to trap in the cool air. You'll find you can delay or
avoid using your air conditioner by a few hours.
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Electric Space Heater: A
small UAL approved electric space heater is an efficient way to
supplement room heating. Instead of turning on the house heater, put on a
sweater and place a small heater under your desk to keep your feet
warm.
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Energy-Efficient Model: Sometimes
bigger is not better. When considering the purchase of an air
conditioner, select a size that is appropriate to the room or the home
you are trying to cool. Be sure to select an Energy Star model or
research to find the most energy-efficient model.
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Furnace Energy Rating: When
installing a new furnace, check the energy rating and choose a
high-efficiency unit for maximum energy savings. It will pay for itself
in about 7 years.
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Heat Pump System: Cranking
up the thermostat on a heat pump system may turn on the back-up
resistance heating strips - adding greatly to your electric bill. As
needed, work at turning up your thermostat in small increments.
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Heat Resistant Radiator Reflectors: To reflect more heat into the room, place heat resistant radiator reflectors between the exterior walls and the radiators.
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Home Appliances: Major
appliances add extra heat to your home and in summer, tend to make your
air conditioner work harder. Plan to operate them in the morning or
evening when it’s cooler outside. Plan the types of meal preparation you
choose to coincide with the weather conditions. Winter is a great time
for bakes casseroles as any excess oven heat can be used to help warm
your home.
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Hot Water Radiators: Remember to bleed air from hot water radiators a couple of times each season to make them work more efficiently.
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Install Heat Pump: If
your home is heated electrically and you live in a moderate climate
like Southern California, consider installing a heat pump to save 30 to
40 percent on your heating costs. Some utilities will perform a free
inspection and even help you finance a number of energy saving upgrades
to your home with your payments typically offset by your energy savings.
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Insulated Doors: Cheap doors can be a source of heat loss during the winter. Consider investing in modern insulated doors and sealing systems.
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Morning Sun Rays: The
sun is a great source of energy when trying to heat your home on cold
winter mornings. Open your blinds and curtains early in the day to let
the morning sun rays help to naturally warm your home.
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Programmable Thermostat: Installing
a programmable thermostat that will automatically adjust the
temperature according to your schedule will pay for itself in less than a
year.
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Small Thermostat Adjustments: Adjust
the thermostat only in small degree changes - your home won’t heat or
cool any faster by cranking up or down the thermostat. By the time
you’re overly uncomfortable one way or the other, you’ve already wasted
needless energy.
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Solar Panels: Investigate
the addition of solar panels to power your home and warm your pool. An
audit by a professional installation company will reveal how much you
can expect to save each month on your energy bill. Check with your tax
preparer as there are also tax incentives to be enjoyed by modernizing
your home.
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Space Heating: When
cold, consider leaving the heater off. Put on a sweater or wrap up in a
blanket. Space heating and cooling accounts for about 45 percent of
your utility bill and offers the greatest opportunity to save on energy
costs
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Switch Off AC Vents: Save 8 – 10% on your energy bills by switching off the AC vents in empty rooms.
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Tarp Cover: During
the off season, you might also want to consider covering your central
air conditioner with a tarp to help keep it clean. Check with the
manufacturer for maintenance recommendations.
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Tidy up the Drapes: Keep
furniture and drapes away from the HVAC air supply and return air ducts
to help increase the energy efficiency of your heating and cooling
system.
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Turn Down Furnace at Night: Add
an extra blanket for warmth and turn down the furnace while sleeping.
You'll sleep better and appreciate the savings to your energy bill.
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Turn Off AC: Leaving for a day or two? Be sure to switch off your AC an hour before leaving your home.
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Use Individual Thermostats: Try to use individual thermostats to switch off and regulate AC.
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Ventilating Fans: Use
ventilating fans in your kitchen, bath and utility area prudently. In
just one hour of use, they can pull out a houseful of warm air. Either
set a timer or install timer switches to insure the automatically turn
off on their own after a few minutes.
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Weather Stripping: During the winter, consider removing any window air conditioners and seal the windows with caulk and weather stripping.
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Window Blinds: Blinds
can provide an efficient barrier for reducing or trapping heat. In
summer, be sure to close your blinds especially in cooled rooms during
sunny days. In winter, open your blinds in the early morning to let in
the warm sunny rays.
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Work in Warmer Conditions: Prepare
yourself to become accustomed to living or working in warmer or cooler
conditions without aid from electric or gas appliances.
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