AC-Appliance Pros
Energy Savings
Energy Information
Independent Studies Indicate:
"Consumers could save #30 per month by cleaning and servicing
regularly. Without proper air filtration, air flow can be reduced
by over 30% and the capacity can be reduced by over 12%."
Louisiana State University
"A 12 SEER unit could degrade to a 6 SEER rating if it
is not properly maintained. This would double the energy cost!"
Honeywell
Insulation
1. Make sure your home is properly insulated. This is the single
most important step in conserving energy. Thermal insulation
should be specified in terms of thermal resistance (R-values).
R-30 (10J is recommended for ceilings, R-11 (3 1/2") for
exterior walls and floors over unheated areas. In colder climates,
consider additional insulation.
2. Infiltration of humid outside air is your heating and cooling
system's worst enemy - it could account for 15 to 30% of air
conditioning energy requirements. Find the places where air can
sneak into the home and plug them up with caulking, weatherstripping
or plastic. Also weatherstrip and caulk around all entrance doors
and windows.
3. Cut heat transfer through your windows by 40 to 50% with
double glazing (two panes of glass separated by a sealed air
space).
4. Use wood or metal-frame storm windows even if single-glazed
windows are high quality. The extra layer of glass and the layer
of still air will cut heat transfer considerably.
5. Install storm doors at all entrances to your house.
6. Keep all windows and doors closed
7. Remember that by increasing the glass area, you increase
the amount of heat added in summer and lost in winter.
8. Keep the overhead door of an attached garage closed. This
will block cold winds from infiltrating the connecting door between
the house and garage.
9. Make sure fireplaces have tight-fitting dampers which can
be closed when the fireplace is not in use.
10. Invest in a humidifier to conserve energy in wintertime.
The air in your home won't be as dry, so you stay comfortable
at a lower temperature setting.
Heating
11. Locate the thermostat on an inside wall away from windows
and doors.
12. Set the thermostat as low as comfort permits. Each degree
over 68°F can add 3% to the amount of energy needed for heating.
13. People generate heat. So lower the thermostat a degree or
two when expecting a large group of guests. Otherwise your home
may be wastefully overheated.
Cooling
14. When possible, locate any window air conditioning units on
the north or shady side of the house.
15. Set the thermostat as high as comfort will permit.
16. Make sure attics are adequately ventilated to relieve heat
build-up. If necessary, improve airflow by adding or enlarging
vents.
17. When building a new house or renovating an old shingles to
reflect more of the sun's heat.
18. During moderate weather, don't use the air conditioner unnecessarily.
19. Draw blinds or drapes to block the sunlight during the hottest
part of the day.
20. Install awnings over windows exposed to direct sunlight.
21. In the cooling season, don't run kitchen and bath exhaust
fans longer than necessary.
22. Don't place lamps, TV sets or other heat-producing devices
beneath a wall-mounted thermostat. Rising heat from the equipment
may cause the air conditioner system to overcool your house.
Water heating
23. Keep your water heating system properly maintained. Once
or twice a year, drain a bucket of water out of the bottom of
the tank as it may be full of sediment.
24. Add an extra layer of protection with a water heater insulation
kit. It will keep the heat from being lost through the walls
of your tank.
25. Locate water heaters as close to the points of hot water
as possible. (The longer the supply pipe, the more heat lost.)
26. Repair leaky faucets promptly. A steady drip of water can
waste many gallons per month and the energy used to heat it.
27. Running water is wasted water. When you shave, use a sink
stopper. When you hand wash dishes, use a dishpan.
Clean and check
28. It is recommended that an annual "clean and check"
be performed on heating/air conditioning equipment. Call your
local Trane service professional for details.
If you don't know which firm to call, ask if the contractor
is a member of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA).
consumers can call (972)247-5383 or 1-800-260-8041 to confirm
the contractor is a member or to locate a contractor who subscribes
to the organization's code or ethics.
©2007 AC-Appliance Pros All Rights Reserved
1701 North Greenville Ave. Suite 606
Richardson, Texas 75081
972-664-0055
TACL B00027067E
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