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10 Ways to Save Energy in your Home (Part2)

October 25, 2012 By 1 Comment

As part of October’s Energy Awareness month, we are continuing to talk about how to save energy in your home.  In our previous post, we discussed the appliances you use day-to-day like your water heater, washer and dryer, and dishwasher.  This week, we are going to give you five more ways to be more aware of the energy you are using, and make your home more efficient, with a focus on your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.

Saving Energy with your Home’s HVAC Systems

For the first 5 energy saving tips, go here.  

6.)  Central Air Conditioning
Have an annual tune-up on your air conditioner to check the thermostat, refrigerant, filters, and more. Use a 7-day programmable thermostat to control air usage for times when it is needed.

7.)  Use or Block the Sunprogrammable thermostat HVAC
Awnings, shutters or window film can reduce solar heat gain in your home in the summer. Open and close drapes as needed during any season to utilize the sun’s heat, or block cool drafts from leaky windows.

8.) Room Air Conditioning
If you have to use a room or window air conditioner, position revolving fans and ceiling fans to spread the cooled air. Keep heat emitting TV sets, lamps, or sunlight away from the air conditioner when possible.

9.)  Heating
Get a programmable thermostat and program it at 68 degrees or lower to match your comfort level and schedule. An annual tune-up on your furnace to check filters, ducts, and more can improve efficiency and reduce the chance of breakdowns. If you know that your furnace is nearing the end of it’s lifecycle, you may need to make the difficult decision of replacing or repairing the furnace.  Be aware that high efficiency furnaces will be required in Minnesota after May 1, 2013.

10.)  Minimize Drafts
Air leaks around your home can cause loss of heat. Use weather stripping and caulking to seal doors, windows, and other openings. Even outlets and switches on exterior walls can let your warm air escape.

Think about how much money you can save if you implement just a few of these energy saving changes.  Contact Chappell Central Inc. at 320-235-2151 if we can help you with any of your heating or cooling concerns.

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10 Ways to Save Energy in your Home (Part1)

October 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Since October is Energy Awareness Month, we are going to give you 10 tips for conserving energy in your home while helping the environment and saving you money. This week, we are starting with how you can be more energy efficient in the day-to-day tasks that you do, such as laundry, computer and entertainment time, and cooking.

Saving Energy Around the Home

1.) Laundry
Try washing and rinsing your clothes in cold water to save on heating the water. A dryer uses an immense amount of energy, so try line drying outside (as the season allows) or dry consecutive loads of clothes to utilize the already-warm dryer. Avoid mixing heavy towels or blankets with lightweight items.

2.) Electronics
Turn off home electronics and computers when they are not in use. Many electronics are still using energy in standby mode (also known as vampire power) when they are plugged in. When buying new electronics, opt for the energy efficient models with the Energy Star label.energy efficient lightbulb

3.) Lighting
Look around your house and try to identify 5-10 lights that you use the most often, that you can change to Energy Star lighting, such as the compact fluorescent light bulbs.  The fluorescent bulbs last 6-10 times longer than traditional bulbs and use up to 2/3 less energy. Use task lighting, lighter paint colors, and natural daylight whenever you can.

4.) Kitchen
Avoid soaking or pre-washing dishes in the automatic dishwasher when possible to save on dishwasher usage. Many dishwashers have an “energy saver” button that can be selected for each wash to avoid using heat to dry the dishes. An energy efficient dishwasher, oven, and refrigerator/freezer will save you money in the long run when you look at the overall cost of operation.

5.) Water Heater
You may be surprised how turning down the temperature setting on your water heater can save you money and still serve your family’s needs (typically 120-125 degrees is sufficient). Water saving shower heads and faucets can also drastically reduce the amount of hot water used.

Click here for five more ways to make your home more energy efficient, with a focus on your homes HVAC systems – heating, ventilation, and air conditioning in your home.

Do you feel that your family has a good understanding of energy awareness?  How else are you trying to save energy, reduce your monthly bills, and help the environment?

 

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Power Down for Energy Awareness Month

October 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment

October is Energy Awareness month, and let’s face it, energy is something that many of us take for granted from day-to-day.  We usually don’t think too much about the energy we are using until a storm or power outage temporarily reminds us how much we depend on it.


The History of Energy AwarenessEnergy Awareness Month
The U.S. started raising energy awareness in 1981 with American Energy Week.  In 1986 the US Department of Energy made it a month-long observance, and President Barack Obama proclaimed October 2009 National Energy Awareness Month to shine new light on energy awareness activities, stating, “During National Energy Awareness Month, we recognize the contributions of individuals, organizations, and companies that are committed to advancing energy innovation and efficiency, and we promote the importance of a clean energy economy to our Nation.”

So, what are YOU doing this month to promote energy efficiency? 

What habits are you forming now that will make a difference in the future?

One of the key things that you can do to help conserve energy is to use Energy Star products.  Energy Star helps save money and the environment through energy efficient products and practices. The collective efforts of all of us add up.  According to Energy Star, Americans saved enough energy in 2010 to avoid greenhouse emissions equivalent to 33 million cars – while saving $18 billion on utility bills.

Another simple thing you can do for your home or business is get a programmable thermostat installed.  So for instance, in a home setting, while you are gone to work, you can turn your heat down.  For a business or facility setting, you would want to set up the HVAC schedules to match when your facility is occupied during the day.

Finally, just remember to turn it off or unplug it when not in use!  This is a great thing that kids can help with too!  Whether it is the lights, TV, computer monitor, cell phone chargers, or whatever – If it is not in use, make it a habit to turn off the power.

Here are checklists that outline more ideas for conserving energy:
Facility Energy Checklist
Home Energy Checklist
Office Energy Checklist

What are you doing now that saves energy?  What are you going to start doing that will make a difference in the future?

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