Money & Energy Saving Tips
Maintenance - Keep your heating & air
conditioning equipment filter clean. It takes more energy and can
raise your electric or fuel bill considerably when dirty. Filters
should checked every 30 days. According to Honeywell, 90% or more of
airborne particles get past the typical "dime store filters", up to
50% of these particles are captured by the indoor coil. Dirty coils
increase operation cost dramatically over time. With a typical throw
away 5-7% efficient filter, operation cost of a heat pump could
increase almost 10% after 5 years, over 35% in 15 years, and 49% over
20 years!
Maintenance programs for your HVAC can put
money back into your pocket. Up to 80% of all compressor failures are
caused by something other than the compressor. When small inexpensive
items found defective can be corrected, studies have shown homeowners
who are on regular maintenance programs pay for fewer compressor
failures and emergency repairs.
Ducts - A faulty, leaky duct system
can increase your home's heating and cooling costs by as much as 40%.
A study conducted by Lakeland Electric & Water Utility and the Florida
Solar Energy Center reported that 10% duct leakage was found to
increase cooling demand by 23% and heating demand by up to 37%. Leaky
ductwork not only effects operating costs, it can also cause indoor
air quality problems.
Air Quality - A properly humidified
home can help rectify problems caused by dry air. In many cases where
excessive dryness has been diagnosed as the cause of these
aggravations doctors have prescribed humidification. In fact, properly
humidified air during the winter season allows you to set the
thermostat lower and still be comfortable. Obviously this saves you
money. Correct humidity levels protect furniture, trim, and doors from
damage by shrinkage and reduces loss of moisture from carpets and
draperies.
Electrical Outlets - Non-gasketed
electric outlets may be a big energy waster in your home. You can
purchase these gaskets at a local hardware store.
Weather-stripping - Check to ensure
your home is properly weather stripped and caulked. Infiltration of
air around windows and doors is a major cause of excessive energy
consumption in home and businesses today.
Thermostats - New programmable
thermostats can replace your older thermostat and save you money. The
thermostat can be automatically programmed to raise or lower the set
points at bedtime and again in the morning. A heat pump must have a
thermostat that is designed specifically for that heat pump system. |