Energy Saving Tips
12 Important Energy Saving Tips
You can keep your summer and winter electric bills at their lowest by following these simple steps.
2. Insulation.
3. Let it breathe.
4. Maintenance.
5. Efficiency.
6. Don't forget your ducts.
7. Attic ventilation.
8. Air leaks.
9. In the shade.
10. Turn it on.
11. Lower is better.
12. Up the chimney.
1. Thermostat setting.
You can save money on your bill this summer if you turn up your thermostat to 80 degrees or higher throughout the day. As a rule, raising the temperature just 5 degrees will reduce your cooling costs by 15 to 25% percent.
Lowering your thermostat during winter months by as little as one degree can reduce your electricity bill 1-3%. Most energy experts recommend setting the thermostat to 68° F or less, and several degrees cooler overnight. Make sure you lower your thermostat if you are leaving the house for any period of time -- much less energy is required to heat the house up when you return than to keep it heated while you are away.
Consider purchasing a programmable thermostat. You can automatically raise or lower the thermostat during the summer and winter months when no one is home. This energy-saving measure could save you as much as 20% on your energy costs and recover your investment in the first year.
2. Insulation.
Insulation is designed to keep heat out during the summer and to keep heat in during the winter. Adequate insulation can more than pay for itself in just a few years, in money saved on air-conditioning and heating operation.
3. Let it breathe.
Dirty filters cause unnecessary strain and can lead to equipment breakdowns. Heating and air-conditioning servicemen say about half of their trouble calls are traced to dirty filters. We suggest changing or cleaning your filters at least once a month, preferably every two weeks, for best results.
4. Maintenance.
Have your unit checked and cleaned each year to insure maximum efficiency and long life. Have the coils checked and cleaned if dirty, and check the refrigerant for charge and belts for wear and adjustments.
5. Efficiency.
If your unit is 10 years old or older a new, properly sized, high efficiency system should be installed.
6. Don't forget your ducts.
You can save 5% or more on your heating and air-conditioning costs by having your duct system checked for air leaks and for adequate insulation.
7. Attic ventilation.
Attic temperatures sometimes rise up to 140 degrees during the summer months. Good attic ventilation will lower the temperature and reduce cooling requirements inside your home.
8. Air leaks.
You can save up to 10% on heating and air-conditioning costs with a well-sealed house. Seal leaks around doors, windows, outlets, switch plates, and plumbing outlets. Weather stripping will make your home more comfortable, too.
9. In the shade.
If your house has a lot of windows, particularly on the east and west sides, you can save money by shading the glass with awnings, solar screens or shutters. Trees and shrubs that shade your home also help to reduce the air-conditioning workload. Venetian blinds or drapes are helpful as well.
10. Turn it on.
By using kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans to remove excess heat and moisture, you can save each month on your overall cooling bill.
11. Lower is better.
You can save money on your water heating bill by setting the temperature control at a moderate 140 degrees, or as low as needed, and still have plenty of hot water.
12. Up the chimney.
If you close your fireplace damper during the summer and winter (when not in use), you save on both your cooling and heating bills. Installation of a glass fireplace screen will also help prevent air from going up the chimney.
