As Operations Manager here at Wolfe Plumbing, I felt that it would benefit our readers if I were to give a brief “Tip of the Week.” This week's tip will be titled Save Energy, Save Money.
Today's utility cost are on the rise and are at the highest they have ever been. Now is the time to save energy and money and, at the same time, increase your comfort at home. Here are some simple ways that you can Save Energy, Save Money:
Programmable Thermostat: There are many different options in programmable thermostats that can save you big money –up to 33%–on your annual heating and cooling costs. By installing a programmable thermostat, you can have the temperature programed in your home to automatically change to energy-saving mode. This is convenient for when you are home, sleeping or away–you can have a different temperature setting for each!
Heat Manager (Economizer) Control: This microprocessor control is a fuel-saving device for hot water (hydronic) heating, forced air (furnace) and central air-conditioning systems. This patented process reduces fuel consumption by 10% to 20%. This control reduces wear on parts, flue emissions and electrical usage when installed on any new or existing gas or oil heating and cooling unit. You will save energy and money by allowing your system to run more efficiently. The economizer control determines the demand for heat or cool air/water by using an easily-installed strap-on temperature sensor that monitors your system's out-flow temperature and the rate that this temperature is changing. In other words, it uses leftover heat from the last time the system was run before creating a flame. 
High Efficiency Equipment: If your heating and cooling equipment is more than ten-years old, not keeping your house comfortable, performing inefficiently or needs upgrading, consider replacing it with a high-efficiency unit. A high-performance, high-efficiency unit delivers more comfort than older models while using less energy and saving you more money. Any equipment rated at 90% AFUE and is 15 or 16 seer could cut your annual energy bill by nearly $200.
Change Your Filter And Seal Your Home: Check your filter every month, especially during heavy-use months (winter and summer). If the filter looks dirty after a month, change it. At a minimum, you filter should be changed every three months. A dirty filter will slow down air flow, make the system work harder to keep you warm or cool (wasting energy) and could lead to expensive maintenance and/or early system failure. Purchasing an electrostatic air filter (washable air filter) aids in reducing costs by keeping your heating and cooling equipment cleaner, so they operate at the highest capacity possible. Electrostatic air filters create their own electrostatic charge, so it does not add to your electrical cost and removes up to 93% of airborne contaminates.
But before you invest in a new heating and cooling system, make sure that you have addressed the big air leaks in your house and in the duct system. Ducts that move air to-and-from a forced-air furnace, central air conditioner, or heat pump are often big energy wasters. Sealing your ducts can improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system by, as much as, 20 percent — and sometimes much more! Focus first on sealing ducts that run through the attic, crawlspace, unheated basement or garage. Use duct sealant (mastic) or metal-backed UL approved (look for the red letters!)foil tape to seal the seams and connections of ducts. After sealing the ducts in those spaces, wrap the ducts in insulation to keep them from getting hot in the summer or cold in the winter.
Call your friendly professional at Go Green Express Home Services anytime–24/7–for friendly and reliable service.
Frankie Sylvester
Operations Manager
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Tags: Air-Conditioning, Heating, thermostat, tip of the week
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