AC-Appliance Pros
Energy Savings
Selection & Operation
Cooling Equipment
Selection: One of the largest users of electricity
in a home is its cooling equipment. Because of that it is important
to select high efficiency equipment. Air conditioning equipment
is rated by EER (Energy Efficiency Ration)/SEER (Seasonal Energy
Efficiency Ration)> The higher the EER/SEER, the more efficient
it is and the fewer kWh it will use annually. All equipment manufactured
after 1991 must have at least a 10 EER/SEER, but there are many
units still in service that have lower EER/SEER ratings. This
will affect the number of kWh used and therefore, their cost
of operation.
The purpose of cooling equipment is to reduce temperature
and to remove humidity from inside the structure. Both are important
for the residents to fell comfortable, therefore it is important
that the unit be the right size. Since there is no one "rule
of thumb" that is correct for every structure, this calculation
needs to be made by a qualified heating and cooling contractor
before the unit is purchased.
Heat Pump
A heat pump is a unit that cools in summer and heats in winter.
During hot weather it operates exactly like an air conditioner,
the refrigerant in the unit absorbs heat from inside the house
and pumps it outdoors. In winter, the flow of refrigerant is
reversed to absorb free heat from outside air (or water) and
pumps it inside. The most common form of heat pump is one that
uses air as its heat source. Air source heat pumps are at their
peak efficiency when the outside temperature is above 45°F.
A water source heat pump uses water as the heat source. This
water source can be a well, a pond or a water-filled pipe buried
in the earth. This type of system is sometimes called a geothermal
heat pump. The heat pump is an extremely efficient heating device
because it provides more energy for heating than it consumes.
Electric Resistance Heating
This type of heating uses resistance elements to generate
heat which is then circulated by a fan and duct system. Resistance
heating can be a primary source of heat or provide supplemental
or back up heating for a heat pump.
Operation: In general, thermostat settings on air conditioning
and heating equipment should be kept as high as possible in summer
and as low as possible in winter. This setting will make a difference
in controlling the size of an electric bill. However, it is recommended
that a heat pump be set at 70°F for winter operation. This
setting will insure maximum comfort and efficiency.
Summer air conditioning settings of 78°F or above are
recommended. Your cooling energy bill increases about 8% for
each degree below 78°F.
Fan settings on both heating and cooling equipment should
be left on the "automatic" setting. Heat pumps should
be operated in the "heat pump" mode, not on emergency
heat, since the heat pump is designed to use back up or emergency
heat when the temperature calls for it.
If you plan to be away all day or for an extended period of
time, you may want to change the thermostat setting or turn off
the unit. A programmable thermostat may assist you in managing
your energy usage.
Maintenance: A seasonal checkup by a qualified serviceman
is recommended. This will insure the maximum benefit from heating
and cooling dollars.
Monthly inspection of the filter is also important - clean
or change it as needed.
Keep outside condensing unit free of leaves and debris.
Water Heater
Selection: New units have good insulation and are more
energy efficient than units installed before 1990. If the water
heater is older, wrap with an insulation jacket designed to reduce
heat loss and save energy especially if the water heater is located
in an unconditioned area. Follow manufacturer's instructions.
Operation: Maintain a temperature setting as low as
possible (140°F for dishwasher).
Turn off the breaker before lowering thermostat.
If the dishwasher has a water heating device that will heat
the water inside the dishwasher, turn down the water heater thermostat
to 120°F.
When there is no danger of freezing water pipes, turn off
the water heater breaker if you go away for a week or longer.
Install specially designed low flow shower heads to save water
and save on the cost of heating the water.
Maintenance: Repair leaky hot water faucets. One drop
a second can add up to over 100 gallons a month.
Refrigerator/Freezer
Selection: Almost all of today's refrigerators use
less energy than those made previously. These units are built
with extra-thick foam insulation providing a more energy efficient
operation.
Select a unit that has an "energy saver" switch.
Heaters inside the refrigerator are sometimes used to warm portions
of the cabinet exterior to prevent condensation under humid condition.
Turning the energy saver switch to off when heat is not needed
can save energy and cost of operation.
Rollers under the cabinet will make it easier to clean under
and behind the refrigerator.
Operation: Choose a temperature setting in a refrigerator
between 36°F to 38°F; choose a setting between 0°F
to 5°F in a freezer.
Turn off "energy saver" switch if moisture forms
on cabinet around gasket.
If a refrigerator or freezer is used in an unconditioned space
(the garage, for example) the unit will use more energy than
it would in a conditioned space.
Maintenance: Keep coils on the back and bottom of refrigerator/freezer
clean for optimum efficiency.
Defrost manual refrigerators/freezers regularly; allow no
more than 1/4" of frost to accumulate.
Replace worn door gaskets.
Try to limit door openings and length of time they are open,
especially in hot, humid weather.
Keep the freezer full for peak performance.
Range
Selection: Since the electric range accounts for about
3.2% of energy usage, select the size and style of range (or
oven and cooktop) that meets the cooking needs and space requirements.
Choose from a variety of options, methods of cleaning, controls
and other features.
Operation: Preheat oven 8-10 minutes - only for baked
goods.
Avoid opening oven door when baking to prevent 20% heat loss.
Use range and other heat producing appliances during cooler
parts of the day.
Use flat-bottomed utensils that fit the surface unit
Start cooking on HIGH, then reduce to LOW when food begins
to cook.
Turn surface units off to complete cooking on BONUS heat.
Using a electric oven for heating the room is very inefficient.
Maintenance: The cleaning cycle on a self cleaning
oven costs about 40 cents per cleaning.
Never use oven cleaning products on continuous or self-cleaning
oven surfaces.
Microwave
Selection: The choice of wattage, features and style
of oven depends on the intended use, individual preferences and
budget limitation.
Operation: Using the microwave to defrost, cook or
warm foods can help keep the kitchen cool.
Microwave cooking can save energy up to 75% over conventional
cooking.
Maintenance: Do not use scouring powder or scouring
pads which can scratch liner.
Clean exterior and interior regularly.
Dishwasher
Selection: Look for energy saving features and wash
systems, dispensers and rack positions to meet family needs.
Operation: Choose correct cycle for amount of food
soil on dishes.
Use only dishwasher detergent, never laundry or hand washing
detergent.
Operate dishwasher with full loads only.
Run hot water at sink before starting dishwasher to assure
the cycle starts with adequate hot water.
Maintenance: Clean dishwasher screen or strainer regularly
(if equipped with one).
Disposer
Operate with cold running water.
Turn off disposer then turn off cold water.
Laundry Equipment
Selection: Laundry will account for about 5.1% of energy
usage, so select equipment with energy efficient features, cycles
and combinations that allow flexible laundry plans.
Operation: Wash with cold or warm water whenever possible
and rinse in cold water.
Wash full loads whenever possible.
Remove garments from dryer as soon as it stops to avoid wrinkling.
Maintenance: Clean dryer filter before each load. Be
sure dryer is vented to outside.
Lighting
Selection: Use low-wattage bulbs where you can. The
lower the wattage, the less energy the bulb uses. As replacement
lamps are needed, consider energy saver alternatives. Use fluorescent
lights where possible. They produce about 2 1/2 times more light
per watt than incandescent bulbs. Many new high-efficiency light
sources are available to replace incandescent lights.
Operation: Turn off lights that are not being used.
They add heat to the room and unnecessarily consume energy.
Use timers or photo-electric controls to automate security
lighting.
Maintenance: Keep fixtures clean for maximum light.
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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