How can I make my house more energy efficient?

Shutdown the Computers

Today, everyone in the family may have a computer, and those are the biggest energy users, especially if you still have desktop style computers. You know those cool looking screen savers? They aren’t help your energy costs, so turn off computer monitors when not in use and especially at night. If you have laptops, turn them off when not in use.  

The Right Lighting

As you replace burned out lightbulbs, replace them with LED bulbs. Because they use one-fourth the energy of the standard lightbulb, they are more  energy efficient, and they last longer. 

Eliminate the Power Vampires

There are devices that even when they are turned off, they are still drawing energy. Those devices include the microwave, printers, scanners, and televisions. Even cell phone chargers are pulling energy when they aren’t plugged into a phone. You can tell what is using electricity by touch – if it’s warm, it’s using electricity. 

Go With Power Strips

One way to kill the power vampires is plug things into a power strip. Then you can turn off those vampires with one switch. 

Turn The Lights Off

Yes, this can be the summer energy vampire because kids don’t seem to grasp what leaving lights on can do to the energy bills. You can find videos online that explain it in simple terms. Sneak a video in the next family movie night. Set an example too!  Make sure you’re turning off lights when you leave a room. Actions speak louder than words. 

Lock Box the Thermostat

Yes, we’re talking about like they have in restaurants and probably at your office. To have an energy efficient air conditioner system, purchase a clear acrylic lock box and place it over the thermostat. Nobody but mom and dad can adjust the thermostat. If you have a smart thermostat, make sure you have a password on the system that your kids don’t have so they can’t use their smart phone to lower the thermostat. 

What are 7 ways that you can reduce your own personal consumption of energy?

Electrical energy costs, and yet every month, we’re still in shock when we open that electricity bill. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has found that Americans are spending more than $4,000 a year on our electricity and other utilities every year. Here, we have 8 energy efficient tips for your home that are easy and painless, and along with our earlier mentioned tips, can save you money: 

• The Thermostat: The Department of Energy recommends turning the thermostat down in the winter and up in the summer. Their suggested setting is 68 in the winter and 78 in the summer. Then again, you could install a programmable thermostat that will adjust that temperature up or down in time for you to get home and be comfortable,  making energy efficient air conditioner and heater.  
• Ceiling Fans: For some reason, all these home remodeling shows are getting rid of ceiling fans, and that is a huge mistake when it comes to having energy efficient air conditioners. The DOE and their Energy Star program have found that by having a ceiling fan blowing counter-clockwise during the summer, it pulls the hot air up and away from you. Reverse that spin in the winter and push the warm air down where you need it. 
• Your Appliances: As you replace your appliances, go with an Energy Star certified replacement. From washers & dryers to refrigerators & freezers, the dishwashers and more, that Energy Star label is your friend when it comes to energy efficiency, including energy efficient air conditioners. 
• Conserve Water: As you replace faucets and other water using fixtures in your home, replace them with low-flow style. This includes all the faucets, the shower, and the tub. When you’re washing dishes or brushing your teeth, don’t leave water running.   Every drop and stream  of water you can save not only saves you money but contributes conserving a valuable resource.
• Seal and Insulate: A home that is well-insulated will give you the best energy efficient air conditioner and heating system. Check the attic and if you see the floor of the attic, you need more insulation. 
• The Filters: Keep a routine of changing or cleaning the filter of your HVAC or window units. An energy efficient air conditioner can’t do its job with a dirty filter. Don’t forget to empty the clothes dryer filter after each laundry load too. Small things add up and make a big difference.
• Keep Doors Closed: Don’t stand in front of the frig with the door open for more than 30 seconds and teach the kids the same. When you’re not using your fireplace, keep the damper closed and during the hot part of the day, close the blinds and curtains. 
• The Surroundings: By strategically placing trees around your home, you’ll help that energy efficient air conditioner and heating system. A large deciduous tree planted in the right place will reduce your cooling expense by one-fourth. During the winter, trees on the north side of your home will give you a windbreak from those northerners. 

At what temperature AC consumes less power?

During the winter, if you have your thermostat set at 72 degrees normally, gradually lower it to 68 degrees. Just those 5 degrees difference can save you as much as 3% on your energy bill. The same is true with making an energy efficient air conditioner but go up gradually 5 degrees to a warmer setting.

Is it cheaper to run your AC all day?

In general, yes, it is cheaper to leave your air conditioner on all day during the hottest part of the summer. What is not cheaper or efficient is leave it on full blast. This will not only use more electricity but wear your air conditioner out faster too. 

These are each an energy efficient air conditioner unit, some using the heat pump method. Each of these will have their usage cost expectations that you should take into consideration. Call 478-960-5825 today for your energy efficient hvac installation in Bonaire and Warner Robins, GA.