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Commercial HVAC Suffolk, VA
Heating and Cooling Your Home
Produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy
Heating and cooling systems are some of the most important investments
you'll ever make in your home. Whether you're buying a new house,
renovating an old one or making an emergency purchase because "old
faithful" finally conked out, there's a lot riding on the choices
you make: Your comfort and safety are at stake, but so is your wallet.
Americans typically spend about 46 cents of every dollar they pay
in utility bills for "space conditioning." You can lower
those costs by selecting the most energy-efficient equipment that
meets your needs and fits your budget.
The EnergyGuide label on home heating and cooling equipment is intended
to help you do just that. These labels provide a "snapshot" of
the more in-depth energy efficiency and usage information that manufacturers
are required to provide with their products -- generally through
a fact sheet or industry association directory.
Why should I care about energy efficiency?
The total cost of an appliance has three components -- the purchase
price, the cost of repairs and maintenance, and the cost to operate
it. The more energy efficient an appliance is, the less it costs
to run and the lower your utility bills. Using less energy is good
for the environment, too; it can reduce air pollution and help conserve
natural resources.
Is there really that much of a difference among the various models
on the market?
All products must meet minimum energy efficiency standards set by
the Department of Energy. But many products beat the standard, use
even less energy and cost less to run.
What makes one system more efficient than another?
Most of the differences are on the inside -- in the motors, compressors,
pumps and valves. So even if two models look the same from the outside,
these less-obvious features can mean a big difference in your monthly
utility bills.
How can I be sure energy efficiency claims are not just sales hype?
Manufacturers must use standard tests developed by the Department
of Energy to prove the efficiency of their products. Many have these
tests performed by independent laboratories. The test results are
reported on the EnergyGuide labels, and through fact sheets provided
by the manufacturers or in industry association directories.
Tips for Lowering Your Monthly Energy Bill
Being an energy-smart consumer means getting the most from the
energy you use.
•
Shade your room air conditioner from direct sun. This will reduce
its workload. Clean the filters monthly and replace as necessary
to save energy and reduce dust and pollen in the air. Lower the
setting when you go out to reduce operating costs.
•
Vacuum air vents, baseboard heaters and radiators regularly to
remove dust that reduces heating efficiency. Move furniture, carpet
or curtains that restrict their operation. If your baseboard heaters
have movable deflectors or vents, open them in the winter and close
them in the summer.
•
Schedule annual tune-ups for your heat pump, furnace or boiler.
Check to see if your utility company provides this service.
•
Hire a professional to seal and insulate leaky ducts, and to ensure
that the airflow distribution system serving your heating or cooling
equipment is operating at peak efficiency.
•
Check your attic, attic stairway, attached garage walls and basement
to ensure that you have proper insulation between conditioned and
unconditioned spaces.
•
Open your foundation vents each spring if your home has a crawl
space under it. Close the vents in the winter.
•
Prune back shrubs that may block airflow to your air conditioner
or heat pump.
•
Consider installing ceiling fans. The air circulation promotes
cooling in the summer and heating efficiency in the winter on!
Also see:
HEPA Filters
Air Conditioners and Maintaining Your Air
Conditioner
Furnace & Boiler Information and Replacing or Maintaining
Your Furnace or Boiler
Maintaining Proper HVAC Ventilation
Humidifiers, Humidity and Dehumidification
Click here for a free
confidential quotation
Or give us a call today at (757) 333-3114.
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