Energy Saving Tips
Turn It Off
If you are not using it then turn it off. It's that easy! Leaving computers, interior lights, exterior lights, TVs, and other appliances on when you are not using them wastes energy. These wasteful habits can lead to costly energy bills.Buy a Programmable Thermostat
This sounds like common sense, but most homes are using outdated thermostats that can't be programmed. Programmable Thermostats can cost as little as $50 and as much at $150 each. A programmable thermostat is one of the cheapest upgrades you can make to your house and once installed and programmed it will quickly pay for its self.Program Your Programmable Thermostat
This may seem like common sense, but most people that have programmable thermostats don't program them or they have them setup incorrectly. The key with programmable thermostats is to save energy when you are not home. This is accomplished by having your house wormer or cooler when you are not there. Adjusting the temperature in your house by one degree will save between 3% and 5% on your Heating / Air Conditioning bill. Adjusting the temperature in your house by 5 degrees when you are not home could save you 25% an hour. That may not sound like much, but if you are not home for 8 hour a day that's 25% you could save for eight hours a day. Over the period of a winter or summer saving can add up quickly!Maintain Your Appliances
Maintaining your appliances will insure they are operating properly and insure they are working at their peak efficiency. It's recommended that your heating system be services in the fall, before the heating season. Your Air Conditioner should be services at the start of the cooling season. Most repair men encourage you to service both appliances at the same time. I don't recommend this because Freon can leak over the winter months and reduce the efficiency of your air conditioning system. When getting your air conditioner services it's best to wait till the exterior temperature is consistently in the upper 70's. This will increase the repair man's ability to properly evaluate the unit. When having your unit services make sure your repair man replaces all air filters.Change Your Air Filters
It's recommended that your Central Air Conditioner / Central Heating system filters be changed ever month. Doing so will make sure the system is functioning at its peak efficiency, help improved the air quality in your home, and help reduce air born allergies.For pricing on air filters by the case go to www.theairfilterstore.com
Wash Your Cloths In Cold Water
Most people think that washing their cloths in worm water makes them cleaner and helps get stains out. In today's day and age that's no longer true! Prior to the early nineties this may have been true, but today's laundry detergents are more efficient at cleaning clothes and they no longer need warm water to make them work at peak efficiency. By using cold water to wash your laundry you will help retain your clothes original color, help your clothes last longer, and help you save on your energy bill.These helpful tips are only the beginning. An extensive list of energy saving tips will be provided when you get a Home Energy Audit. For more information on getting an Energy Audit, Contacts 411 Inspection Services at 201-530-1553.
