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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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Fall: A Great Time to Tune-Up your Home’s Efficiency

September 12, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Summer is gone and the days at the lake have ended. The leaves are starting to fall off the trees and the preparation for cooler temperatures begin. The change of seasons in Minnesota is our cue to prepare for what’s ahead. September and October are a great time to start doing some tasks that will help prepare your home and HVAC for energy efficient winter months.

Home Efficiency To-Do List:

  • autumn HVAC maintenanceConsider an Energy Audit – Not only is an energy audit the “green” thing to do, it can also save you money. By identifying potential leaks in your home, an energy auditor can provide you with some simple and affordable improvements. Some utility companies and local governments may offer free or discounted audits, so ask around.
  • Get an Annual HVAC Tune-Up- By scheduling a tune-up of your HVAC equipment annually, and changing your air filters quarterly; you can reduce the chance of equipment breakdown and energy waste. Taking care of the HVAC equipment will reduce expensive and urgent maintenance and keep it running at peak performance.
  • Replace Older Equipment – If your furnace is more than 10 years old or does not seem to be keeping up, set up a time for an HVAC professional to evaluate it. Consider replacing your furnace with an Energy Efficient model, and you may see a significant drop in your annual heating bill. It is important to hire an HVAC professional to install the equipment, as improper installation can reduce a systems energy efficiency by up to 30% according to Energy Star.

Once you have sealed up some of the air leaks in your home, and know that your HVAC equipment is ready for the upcoming winter, you can feel prepared and ready to enjoy the Minnesota autumn and upcoming winter.

 

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Cooling Tips for the End of Summer

August 29, 2012 By Leave a Comment

This weekend, we celebrate Labor Day weekend. Campers are being packed away, kids are headed back to school, and soon the hot summer temperatures will turn into the cool crisp feeling of fall. In Minnesota, we know that the change of seasons also brings a change in temperatures. Many of us plan and prepare for the upcoming season so that our family and home is ready.

Here are a few tips that will help you be energy efficient with your cooling needs now, and next cooling season:

Use your ceiling fans
Ceiling fans are great to use all year long, but especially in between the heating and cooling seasons to help moderate temperatures. Here are some more tips to increase your home’s autumn air flow.

Close curtains and/or blindsMinnesota summer to fall
Once you decide to turn you’re A/C off for the season, you may find that the warmth of the sun can really heat up a room. Keep the blinds or curtains shut during peak hours to maintain cooler temps.

Keep your air conditioner clear 
As the leaves fall and the autumn wind blows, you may find that leaves, twigs, or debris get stuck around your air conditioning unit. Make sure it is clean and clear of bulky bushes or shrubs that may cause obstructions.

Change your air filter 
When you change your air filter frequently, your A/C unit will run more efficiently, decreasing your cooling costs, and minimizing maintenance problems down the road.

Think ahead
The heating season is not far off. If you have been putting off getting your furnace repaired or replaced, consider doing it now instead of when you are forced to in the dead of the winter. A routine annual maintenance plan for your furnace and/or air conditioner will keep the unit running in optimum efficiency year after year.

Now you have an idea of what you need to do to keep cool and save money as we move into the autumn season. By using simple solutions like ceiling fans and curtains, as well as proactively thinking ahead to the next cooling season, you will be set for a great Minnesota autumn and the return of the next summer’s cooling season.

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How to Read the Energy Guide Label on your Furnace

March 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment

When you are shopping for a furnace, heat pump, air conditioner or other appliance, always look for the bright yellow and black Energy Guide label. These labels help explain how energy efficient the furnace or air conditioner is, and how it compares to others. Being aware of energy efficiency will help you make a wise HVAC buying decision. A more energy efficient furnace will cost more upfront versus but will likely save you money in the long run.

Understanding the Energy Guide Label

Energy Guide label for furnace

On the upper left hand side, you will see a description of what the item is (i.e. Furnace- Natural Gas).

Often on the upper right hand side, you will see the manufacturer and model number (i.e. Carrier Corporation).

Inside the box, you will see a comparison of the energy efficiency range of the equipment you are looking at and similar models. The type of measurements will vary depending on what type of equipment you are looking at.

For instance, the Energy Guide label pictured here has the least efficient model is 78 AFUE, the most efficient is 96.6 AFUE, and this model ranks at 95 AFUE for direct vent up flow, with slightly lower UFAE’s for down flow and horizontal vent flow. The AFUE rating is the percentage of fuel that is turned into usable heat. So for instance, a 95 AFUE furnace just loses 5% of its energy as exhaust. Older furnaces can have an AFUE as low as the 68-72.

Measures of Efficiency for Heating & Cooling

  • UFAE- Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency is a measure of energy efficiency for furnaces and boilers that are fueled by natural gas.
  • SEER – Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is the seasonal measure of energy efficiency for air conditioners and heat pumps when cooling.
  • HSPF – Heating Seasonal Performance Factor is the seasonal measure of energy efficiency for heat pumps when heating.

The higher the UFAE, SEER, or HSPF rating, the more efficient the heating or cooling system.

If you have questions about choosing the right heating or cooling equipment for your home or have a commercial HVAC project, please contact Chappell Central at 320-235-2151.

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Christmas Safety & Energy Efficiency

December 8, 2011 By 2 Comments

With Christmas around the corner, and the Minnesota heating season in full swing, we would like to share some Holiday safety tips for your home. We also have a few ideas to keep your monthly electricity and heating bills down by keeping your Christmas decorations energy efficient.

Fireplaces

Lighting up your fireplace can be a great way to save energy on your heating bill during the holidays.  Just keep in mind some common-sense safety tips.

  • Before lighting the fire, make sure that the area is clear from Christmas decorations, presents, curtains, greens, or anything that could ignite.
  • Make sure the flue is open and keep a screen in front of the fire while it is burning.
  • Keep all wrapping paper and evergreens out of the fireplace.

Christmas TreesChristmas fire safety

According to the National Fire Protection Asc., Christmas tree fires are not common, however when they occur they are likely to be serious. A heat source too close to the Christmas tree starts one of every five (20%) of these fires.

  • Before you buy a fresh tree, make sure the needles are green and the wood is not dry.
  • Place the tree in a location away from heating sources like furnace vents, fireplaces or radiators.  Heated rooms will dry out your tree faster, which can be a fire hazard.
  • Water your tree often to decrease its flammability.
  • Never use lighted candles in your Christmas tree. As always, keep lighted candles out of reach to young children.
  • If you buy an artificial tree, ensure that it is “Fire Resistant”.
  • Decorate your tree with only non–combustible or flame-resistant materials.

Christmas Lights

The colorful lights in and on our houses add to the fun feelings of Christmas. But the lights can short-out so take precautions.

  • Make sure the lights you use outside are certified for “outdoor use”.
  • If you have second-hand lights or older lights, inspect them closely for frayed wires, broken sockets, or loose connections.  If you see any damage, recycle them.
  • Don’t leave the Christmas lights on when you leave the house.  Make a habit of turning them off (or purchase a timer) when you leave or go to bed, just as you would any other lights in your home. Leaving your Christmas lights on for 6 hours or less of daily use is a good goal to keep your energy bill down as well.
  • The newer LED lights are a safer and more energy efficient choice because they use 90% less electricity then regular lights and do not run as hot.
  • Make sure the circuit you are plugging your lights in isn’t overloaded.

Always have an eye out for safety, not just during the holidays but year round.  Eliminate any potentially dangerous items around candles, fireplaces, or electrical connections.  As always, have an emergency plan for safety in case a fire breaks out in your home.

Energy Efficiency Bonus: To save some money with your heating bill, turn your thermostat down when you have extra guests.  Extra bodies in your house will create some extra warmth!

Have a warm and cozy Christmas Season,

from everyone at Chappell Central.

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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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