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HEATING & COOLING -
Heating & Cooling Savings (continued)
k. Installing a new, highly energy efficient furnace or heating/cooling system may significantly reduce your heating and air conditioning bills. Whether this makes sense depends on the relative efficiency of your present system compared to new system alternatives, and your willingness and capability to make a large investment. Compare SEER, AFUE and other energy use ratings of potential new systems, and consult with a qualified heating contractor to determine if a new system makes sense, and that the new system is sized properly for your home.
2. Additional tips for saving on heating.
a. Keep your garage door shut in the winter to help prevent heat from escaping from your house.
b. If you have a fireplace vented to the outside, make sure the flue is closed to
prevent heat from escaping, and that the seal on the damper seals tightly. Consider
installing glass fireplace doors to keep the heat in the house. When you do use
the fireplace, turn your heat down significantly or it will just go up the chimney.
Also, consider installing a heat-
c. When cooking with your oven, open the oven door after you are done to let the heat help heat the house.
d. You can use the heat from your clothes dryer to help heat and humidify the house in the winter by installing a device called a Heat Saver on your dryer’s vent line. It has a flap that you can open or close, depending on the season, so in the winter you can blow warm moist air into your house instead of outside. In the summer you blow the air outside. But only install this on electric dryers because of possible fumes from gas dryers.
e. Consider using space heaters that are economical to only heat the room you are using. But make sure to use them safely.
f. Use area rugs on cold floors. If your feet are warm your body will not feel as cold.
g. Turn off your furnace pilot light in the summer .
3. Additional tips for saving on cooling.
a. Make sure any lights, appliances, electronics and tools that are not being used are turned off when using your air conditioner, so the heat generated by these items does not make your air conditioner work harder. Also, when air conditioning consider using your main oven less by using toaster ovens, microwaves and cooking outside to reduce the heat generated. Using the air dry setting on your dishwasher will also produce less heat.
b. Make sure lamps, electronics and appliances are not near your thermostat. The heat from these items can cause your air conditioner to run longer than necessary.
c. Consider shading your windows that receive sun exposure with retractable awnings or reflective window film to reduce heat produced by the sun. This will also help reduce fading of furniture and carpets.
d. Instead of always using your air conditioner to cool your house, consider turning
the air conditioner off and opening windows if it is not too hot outside. Open windows
on opposite sides of the house to improve air circulation. Placing a window fan
in one or more windows to draw in cool air can be particularly effective. Or put
the fan on the basement steps to blow cooler basement air up the steps. Also, consider
installing a whole-
e. If possible, do not install air conditioners where they will be in direct sunlight. This is particularly important for room air conditioners. And make sure weeds and shrubs are trimmed and kept away from air conditioners and heat pumps.
f. Plant shade trees, particularly on the west and south sides of your house, to reduce the heat of the sun.
Weatherizing your home is essential to help control heating and cooling costs. Whether you are heating or cooling, you do not want your energy “going out the door.” Any savings generated from employing the tips noted above will quickly dissipate if your home is not properly weatherized. Follow the tips below to maximize your heating and cooling savings.
1. Conduct an energy audit to determine where your home needs weatherizing. Before
you can effectively weatherize your home, you need to determine just where energy
losses are occurring. You can conduct this audit yourself, use an independent energy
auditor or many utility companies will conduct free or low-
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