6 Tips to Cooling and Heating Your Home Efficiently
June 30th, 2009
Categories:Home Ownership
Summer’s here and I thought it would be fitting to write about heating and cooling your home efficiently… however, those of you in Arizona using the heater this time of year, should probably seek some help… that or close the freezer and fridge already!
The average home uses half of their energy to heat and cool the home. With such a big portion of the energy bill going towards heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC), it pays to take sometime to make the home more efficient when it comes to heating and cooling.
6 Tips to Cooling and Heating Your Home Efficiently
- Change your air filter regularly
- Get an annual HVAC tune up
- Install a programmable thermostat
- Seal your heating and cooling ducts
- Consider installing Energy Star qualified equipment
- Ask about proper installation of your new equipment
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Change Your Air Filter Regularly
Check the filter once a month to see if it is dirty and needs to be replaced. At a minimum replace the filter once every three months. Reason: A dirty air filter will reduce the air flow and make the AC unit work harder to accomplish the same goal, which equals more money.
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Get an Annual HVAC Tune Up
Hire a qualified contractor to look at your HVAC equipment every year to make sure its operating properly. For those of you with home warranties, be sure to document the services, most home warranty companies will want proof of maintenance in the event the unit needs to be replaced.
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Install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat can save you about $180 a year in reduced energy costs. Not to mention those with programmable thermostats can tell you how nice it is to never have to worry about constantly adjusting and messing with the thermostat when they go to work, leave for vacation, etc.
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Seal Your Heating and Cooling Ducts
By getting someone (or yourself) to seal up/tape the HVAC ducts, you can improve your system’s efficiency by as much as 20%. Think of it this way, if you need to seal the ducts that badly, then the attic is probably being air conditioned as well and you have no reason not to jump up there and take care of it!
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Install Energy Star Heating and Cooling Equipment
If your HVAC equipment is more than 10 years old, or simply not keeping your home comfortable, have it properly evaluated and talk with the technician about the benefits of upgrading to a more efficient unit. Don’t forget to ask about the current tax breaks and rebate programs in place to help cover the cost of the new unit.
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Ask About Proper Installation of Your New Equipment
While it may seem insignificant to ask about proper installation, keep in mind an improper installation of a new unit can reduce the system’s efficiency up to 30%. In some cases that defeats the purpose of buying and installing the new unit. Energy Star has set guidelines for proper installation.
Energy Star’s guidelines include:
- Proper Sizing of Equipment
- Sealing the Ducts
- Proper Refrigerant Charge
- Optimizing Air Flow
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Here are some resources to help you reduce your utility bills and save money this summer.
Downloads
- Guide to Energy Efficient Heating and Cooling.pdf
- Do It Your Self – Insulating and Sealing Instructions.pdf
- Duct Sealing Brochure.pdf
Websites
- EnergyStar.gov
- HVAC Maintenance Checklist
- 10 Tips for Hiring a Heating and Cooling Contractor
- Home Energy Yardstick
- Duct Sealing
- APS – Duct Repair and AC Upgrade Rebates
- SRP – Energy Saving Advice
Related posts:
- Top 10 Ways for Renters to Reduce Energy Costs
- Draining Dollars from Water Heating Bills
- The Basics of Owning a Green Home in Arizona
- Home Previewing Tips
- Got SRP? Expect to Pay More in November
pls i looking for oil bath air filter used to filter air for hospitals because we lived in dusty aera .
regards