July 2016

We talk a lot about energy efficiency, that is because the average homeowner spends about $2,200 on utility bills. You can keep those costs under control by following these simple energy savings tips this summer: Get regular maintenance done on your air conditioner.  Maintain your air conditioner to prevent future problems and unwanted costs… A well maintained air conditioner will operate more efficiently and use less energy. And a regular maintenance program will extend the life of your equipment. Replace your air conditioner filters this summer.  Dirty filters restrict air flow and can cause your system to run longer, increasing your energy use.  Replace the filter once a month for maximum benefit. If you have central air conditioning, keep your thermostat at 78 degrees.  You can also save approximately an additional six to seven percent off your cooling costs for each degree above 78.  Install a programmable thermostat to make the job easier. Don’t forget to close your blinds, drapes and shades during the hottest part of the day.  This keeps the strong sunlight from heating your home. What says summer better than burgers and hot dogs?  Instead of using your oven or stove, which can generate heat on an already hot day, fire ups the outdoor grill for cooking. Nothing is more energy efficient for cooking than your microwave. It uses two-thirds less energy than your stove. Did you know your dishwasher uses less water than washing by hand?  Conserve energy by running your dishwasher only when it is…

Summer’s here and you probably have already cranked up your air conditioning to cope with unseasonably hot days.Soon you’ll notice a spike in your monthly electrical bill.  This time of year we get a lot of questions about energy efficiency. Here are some tips from our highly trained team of professional service technicians. The first thing you should do is to conduct a home energy assessment (sometimes referred to as an energy audit) to find out how your home uses energy and determine the best ways to cut energy use and costs. Some homes feel like walking into a freezer. You are entitled to control your home’s climate to your personal comfort level. Just realize that each degree of temperature represents about 3% of energy consumption.  Thus, if you raise the thermostat setting from 70 to 75, you will save about 15% on your energy bill. Seal gaps and cracks in your attic and basement and around windows and doors, and make sure your home insulation levels meet or exceed your local codes. Look for the Energy Star label when you're shopping for home items. More than 40 product categories feature the label, including major appliances and light fixtures. Get a tax credit  while you're saving energy dollars. You can receive up to $500 when You purchase a new ENERGY STAR certified electric heat pump water heater between January 1 and December 31, 2016. Ceiling fans are a great way to conserve electricity year-round. They are economical and efficient, and they use about the same amount...