Money Saving Energy Tips

Save Energy – Save Money

Would you be surprised to learn that heating and cooling your home accounts for almost 50% of your energy consumption? The annual average energy bill for a single family home is $2,200! This is why we at Bob & Ed’s Heating & Air Conditioning want to help you learn how to take a whole-home approach to energy-efficiency with our money saving energy tips.

Right in your own home, you have the power to save money and energy. Whether you take simple no-cost steps or make larger investments to create a more efficient home, you’ll be decreasing your monthly expenses and helping the environment!

NO-COST TIPS:

• Turn off lights, electronics & appliances when not in use.
• Turn power strips off when not in use.
• Unplug electronics when on vacation.
• Keep lights & lighting fixtures clean. (dirt absorbs light)
• Clean filters monthly.
• Keep all windows & doors closed when heating or cooling your home.
• Set your water heater to 120 degrees.
• Eliminate trapped air from hot water heater twice a season.
• Turn off exhaust fans within 20 minutes after you are done using them.
• Close chimney dampers.

In the Kitchen

• Vacuum your refrigerator & freezer coils (underneath & in the back) twice a year.
• Keep the seals (gaskets) on refrigerators & freezers clean.
• Keep your freezer as full as possible. (you can place containers or plastic bottles filled with water in empty spaces)
• Make sure food is cool & covered before it goes into the refrigerator.
• Use energy saver option on your dishwasher, allowing dishes to air dry.
• Set dishwasher water temperature to 120 degrees.
• Only operate dishwasher when it is fully loaded.
• Limit the use of the ?rinse hold? setting on your dishwasher.
• Keep reflectors underneath stovetop burners clean.
• Place lids tightly on pans to speed cooking time.
• Use pots & pans that fit the burners.
• Keep oven burners clean.
• Use glass or ceramic pans in your oven. (you can turn down the temperature 25 degrees & foods will cook just as quickly)
• Keep oven door closed while baking.
• Cook with small appliances.
• Use microwave. (shortens cooking time)

In the Laundry Room

• Only operate washer & dryer when they are fully loaded.
• Air dry clothes.
• Use cold or warm wash & the cold rinse settings on your washing machine.

In the Bathroom

• Take a short shower instead of a bath.

With Heating & Air

• Keep the area around your heating & cooling unit clean and free of obstructions to maintain airflow.
• Keep air supply & return registers clean & unobstructed.
• Keep thermostat clear of heat.
• Keep unit out of the sun.

In the Summertime

• Set thermostat to 78-80 degrees when home and 5-10 degrees warmer at night or when not at home.
• Use fans.
• Open windows at night.
• Close window coverings during the day to keep heat out.
• Use heat producing appliances as late in the evening as possible.
• Barbeque outdoors when practical.
• Use pool trippers to reduce the time your swimming pool pump runs. (8-12 hours a day is plenty)
• Cover pool to keep water heated.

During Winter

• Set thermostat to 68 degrees when home and to 55-68 degrees when not at home.
• Use space heaters.
• Use fireplace.
• Open window coverings on the sunny side of your home to take advantage of free heat from the sun.
• Close window coverings on cloudy days or right after the sun sets.

LOW-COST TIPS:

• Use compact fluorescent bulbs instead of incandescent ones.
• Caulk windows and doors.
• Weather-strip doors.
• Install a hot water heater blanket.
• Install hot water pipe insulation.
• Install electrical outlet and switch plate insulation.
• Plant trees and shrubs on the south and west side of your home.
• Fix leaky faucets.
• Install low-flow shower heads & faucets.
• Replace filters monthly.
• Spray filters with a light coating of lemon furniture polish or vegetable oil cooking spray to help trap dirt in the filter.
• Install programmable thermostats.
• Schedule regular maintenance on your heating & cooling system.
• Schedule regular cleaning of your home’s vents and ducts.
• Plug electronics into power strips.

ADDED-COST TIPS:

• Install floor and ceiling insulation.
• Ventilate your attic.
• Replace inefficient and single pane windows with energy-efficient multi-pane, thermally-broken, vinyl-framed windows.
• Replace appliances with energy-efficient appliances.
• Testing & sealing of duct work.
• Replace coils.
• Install ceiling fans in all bedrooms and family room.
• Install window screens or films.
• Add a solar heater for the water in your swimming pool.
• Replace your furnace with a 90% or greater Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rated unit.
• Replace your air conditioner with a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER).
• Replace water heater with a new gas water heater that has an Energy Factor (EF) rating of .62 or better.
• Replace washer with a front-loading washer.