Money Saving Tips

TIPS FOR BETTER EFFICIENCY:

1 - Set thermostat at one temperature. Constant adjusting can cause higher utility costs. If using your thermostat as a setback type, limit the setbacks to twice a day such as when you are at work and when you are sleeping. Only setback the thermostat 6% of desired temperature (approximately five degrees).

In heating, try not to set the thermostat below 65 degrees or above 75 degrees. Below 65 degrees a heat pump just won't put out enough heat and above 75 degrees is using too much energy. In cooling, try not to set the thermostat below 70 degrees. Besides higher utility costs, this can cause the indoor coil to freeze and cause condensation in the house.

2 - Keep coils clean. If they get dirty you can use a heavy duty degreaser and hose them down. Just turn the unit off first.

3 - Don't stack things on top of the unit. If the fan is on the top the air-flow cannot be restricted. Do not put your rolled-up garden hose or landscaping products on the unit. We see this all the time.

4 - When mowing the lawn, direct the mower away from the unit. A coil blocked with grass clippings and debris drastically reduces the efficiency.

5 - When using a weed whacker be careful near the unit. Debris can damage the coil, flatten the aluminum fins, and cut the thermostat wires; shorting out the transformer. We see this all the time and it is an expensive repair bill.

COMMON SENSE TIPS:

1 - Don't plant prickly bushes like roses or holly around the unit. No one will want to service it.

2 - Don't grow a garden or plant exotic flowers around the outdoor unit and expect the service technician to tip-toe around everything.

3 - When planting shrubs don't block the access panels or the coil. Plan to keep 18 to 30 inches around the unit. Don't forget to plan for the growth of the shrubs five, ten, even fifteen years down the road.

4 - Many people like to completely hide the outdoor unit behind shrubs. If you do this don't be surprised if the technician refuses to service the unit. Please have some consideration and leave a path wide enough to accommodate the tech and his tools and room to work.

5 - Having crushed stone around the unit is best. It allows for good drainage, keeps the unit level and from sinking, keeps the coils clean from washed-up grass and dirt and also keeps the service technicians shoes clean. This will also keep your floors and carpeting clean.

6 - If building a fence around the unit allow for room to service, even replace the unit. If any major repairs need to be made, the service man may need access to all sides on the unit. Don't expect the service tech to have to jump or climb over a fence. The unit needs to be serviced regularly. Install a gate that can be easily opened. We constantly see fences with out gates and the customer expects the tech to unbolt the fence and then re-install it when he is finished. Very Inconsiderate.

HEAT PUMPS ONLY:

1 - Keep snow, ice, and leaves away from the outdoor unit. this includes the top, sides, and bottom.

2 - Make it a habit to look at the outdoor heat pump during the winter months for signs of excessive ice or snow build-up on or around the heat pump. Especially after bad weather.

If the unit is covered in ice or snow it must be removed for it to work properly. Turn the thermostat to Emergency heat or off and remove the snow and ice. You can pour warm or hot water over the unit to melt the snow and ice. Even cold water from a hose will help. Do not use any sharp objects to pick or knock the ice off the coils of the heat pump. This could cause severe damage and personal injury. Once the unit is clear of snow and ice turn the thermostat back to normal heating. If the unit ices up again, call for service.

3 - Do not let the outdoor unit sit underneath a leaking gutter. In the winter months, water will drip on the top of the unit and freeze solid. This will restrict the air flow and cause the whole unit to freeze-up.

4 - Heat Pumps should be elevated 4 to 8 inches above ground level to keep coils clear of snow and ice and to allow for proper drainage. Contact our Service Department if you would like your unit raised.

AIR CONDITIONERS ONLY:

1 - Cover the outdoor unit including top and sides in the fall and winter when the air conditioner is not in use. Great for areas with lots of trees where falling branches can damage the unit. Also keeps heavy ice from bending the fan blades and hale from damaging the coil.

Caution, this is for air conditioners only, not heat pumps and make sure the unit is off. Do not attempt to run the air conditioning with the outdoor unit covered. Also remember to remove the cover in Spring before turning on the air.

Saving Energy!!!

WINDOWS

Do you know that up to 25% of your heat can go out the window?

Here's what you can do:

Use caulking and weatherstripping to stop much of the heated air from escaping.
Replace single-thickness windows with thermal-type double thickness windows.
Install storm windows and doors to provide additional insurance against heat loss.
Add window insulation kits which uses double-sided tape, clear plastic and a hair dryer.

INSULATION

Are you aware that an un insulated attic can raise your heating and cooling costs?

Here's what you can do:

Install R-30 insulation in the ceiling(attic).
Install R-19 insulation in the floor joists(basement).
Install R-13 insulation in the walls.
Install R-11 insulation on the basement walls.

LIGHTING

Did you know that compact fluorescent light bulbs use one-fourth the wattage and provide the same amount of soft light as incandescent bulbs?

Here's what you can do:

Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent ones.
Use lower wattage bulbs for small areas like hallways and vestibules.
Get in the habit of turning out the lights when you leave a room.

APPLIANCES

Do you know that the biggest user of energy on the home is your heating and cooling system?

To conserve energy and cut down on energy waste here's what you can do:

Upgrade older equipment with higher efficiency furnaces, central air conditioners and heat pumps.
Make sure that your heating and/or cooling equipment is properly sized for your home. Operating a unit that is too small or too large is very inefficient. Your heating and air conditioning contractor can determine the best size unit for your home.
Check your heating system to see that it is running efficiently. Have your dealer inspect the system before the winter months. Be sure to change the filters regularly — at least every three months.
If you replace your central air conditioner, make sure that the contractor replaces the indoor coil as well as the outside condensing unit. Otherwise, your system won't perform at its promised efficiency.
Install electric ceiling fans to boost the efficiency of room air conditioners in the summer and to circulate warm air away from the ceiling in the winter.
Be sure to clean or replace filters of all equipment regularly. Clogged filters make appliances work harder, so they use more energy to do the same job.
Help lower your energy requirements by wearing appropriate clothing in your home; lightweight clothing in the summer and warmer clothing in the winter.
Check the efficiency ratings mandated by the Department of Energy when you shop for new equipment so you can make sure you're getting high-efficiency equipment. Ratings will be prominently displayed on the yellow hang tag required by law to be on each new unit sold.

BONUS TIPS:

1 - Consider purchasing a set-back thermostat. It can cut your utility costs by 9 to 30%.

2 - By using a central humidifier during the heating season, not only will you be more comfortable but you can lower your thermostat by 2 degrees and feel just as warm while saving money on your heating costs.

3 - If your heating and air conditioning system is over 12 years old, consider replacement. Newer units are much more efficient. They also come with better warranties so no expensive repair bills to worry about.

ADDITIONAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY INFORMATION:

1 - Central Air Conditioner efficiency is measured by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The higher the SEER the more efficient the unit. Units with a SEER of 12 or above are considered high-efficiency; 17 is the highest available.

2 - Furnace efficiency is measured by the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. The colder the climate and the higher the local utility rates, the higher the AFUE you should get. Furnaces with AFUE ratings of 90% percent and above are considered high-efficiency; 96.6% is the highest available.

3 - Heat pump cooling efficiency is measured by a SEER rating; a heat pump's heating efficiency is measured as the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF). A heat pump with a SEER of 12 or higher and an HSPF of at least 8 is considered high-efficiency.

4 - Room Air Conditioner efficiency is measured by the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER), which is the BTU/hr output divided by the watts of electricity the unit uses. It basically tells you how much heat you get out of the unit compared to how much electricity you put into it. The higher the EER, the less the electricity the air conditioner will use

For more energy-efficiency tips, homeowners can call the DOE at 1-800-DOE-3732 to order a free, 36-page Energy Savers booklet or visit the Energy Savers Web site at http://www.eren.doe.gov/consumerinfo/energy_savers.

The Energy Savers campaign, developed by the Energy Department in partnership with Owens Corning, provides Americans with more than 100 easy and practical energy-efficiency tips and projects.

ATTENTION CONSUMERS:

MONEY-SAVING TIPS:

Listed below are some tips and suggestions you can use to save money on your utility bills, heating and air conditioning equipment and service.

Set the thermostat:

The most economical operation of your system comes from setting the thermostat properly. Set the thermostat at the highest summer setting or the lowest winter setting at which you are comfortable. Typical settings are 78 degrees for summer cooling and 70 degrees for winter heating. When cooling, your operating costs increase from 3% to 8% for each degree your thermostat is lowered. When heating, your operating costs increase for each degree your thermostat is raised.

Keep the air filter clean:

The easiest way to ensure your system operates efficiently and economically is by keeping the air filter clean. There are several types of air filters and several possible locations for the air filter. Ask your service contractor where your air filter is located and which type of filter to use.

Keep doors and windows closed:

Close all doors and windows to the outside. This will reduce the heating load in winter and the cooling load in summer. Your system will operate more economically as a result.

Keep vents and grilles unobstructed:

Arrange your furniture and drapes so that all output vents and intake grilles are free from obstruction. This will reduce the cooling and heating load on your system for more economical operation.

Avoid excessive use of exhaust fans:

Excessive use of kitchen or bathroom exhaust fans will make your system work harder. This will increase energy consumption and costs. Keep costs in check by making wise use of exhaust fans.

Use the AUTO setting:

Generally, it is best to set your indoor fan to AUTO. This costs less and provides better humidity control in the summer. However, if you desire to operate your system with constant air circulation, ask for advice from your service contractor.

Control direct sunlight:

Let the sun in during winter. Keep the sun out during summer. In summer, direct sunlight increases the load on your cooling system. Use of window shades and awnings will reduce the amount of direct sunlight and lower the cooling load. In winter, direct sunlight reduces the load on your heating system. Open window shades and awnings to increase direct sunlight and lower the heating load.

Keep the condenser coil clean:

The condenser coil (the unit outside your house) should be kept clean to ensure efficient operation. If the condenser coil becomes restricted by dirt, lint, paper, grass clippings, leaves, or other debris, system efficiency will deteriorate.

Insulate air ducts:

Be sure all air ducts are well insulated. Ducts also should be sealed with a vapor barrier.

Keep an air-tight house:

Ensure maximum retention of heated or cooled air by adding insulation to outside walls and to the attic. Seal cracks and use storm doors and/or insulated doors to prevent air leaks.

Properly vent clothes dryers:

Be sure your clothes dryer is vented to the outside. Also ensure that your clothes dryer is vented away from your outdoor unit.

Keep heat away from the thermostat:

Make sure no heat-generating appliances are near your thermostat. These include lamps, TVs, stereo and computer equipment.