Energy Saving Tips

JOIN THE FIGHT AGAINST GLOBAL WARMING

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Energy Star we spend thousands of dollars each year on energy bills, with nearly half of this going to heating and cooling costs. See graph below.

Tips for Saving Energy Costs and Ways to Go Green!!

  • Heating and cooling accounts for almost 50% of your utility bill. If the unit is more than 10 years old, you should consider replacing your system with one of the newer, energy-efficient units. A new unit would greatly reduce your energy consumption, especially if the existing equipment is in poor condition. When replacing your heater or central air conditioning system, DelFera provides a variety of Energy Star qualified equipment that will help save on your utility bills.
  • Choose Energy Star qualified products: TV, DVD player, clothes washer and dryer, dishwasher, refrigerator, home computer, monitor, fax and printer.
  • Use kitchen, bath and other ventilating fans sparingly to limit the loss of expensive heated or cooled air to the outside.
  • Caulking and weather stripping are reasonably easy, so draft –proof windows, doors and other air leaks.
  • Set or program your thermostat to save energy while asleep or away from home. Lower your thermostat in the winter. For each degree you turn down your thermostat, you’ll save about 3 percent on your heating bills. Keep your thermostat at or above 70 degrees F in the summer.
  • Have your heating and cooling equipment tuned-up annually. If you have a forced-air furnace, check your filters and replace them as needed. Generally, you should change them about once every month or two, especially during periods of high usage. Call or schedule on-line to have your system professionally tuned –up.
  • Seal obvious duct leaks and repair disconnections in your homes duct system. Check your ductwork for dirt streaks, especially near seams. These indicate air leaks, and they should be sealed with duct mastic. Insulate any ducts or pipes that travel through unheated spaces.
  • Energy lighting accounts for about 10% of your electric bill. Examine the wattage size of the light bulbs in your house. You may have 100-watt (or larger) bulbs where 60 or 75 watts would do. You should also consider compact fluorescent lamps for areas where lights are on for hours at a time. Your electric utility may offer rebates or other incentives for purchasing energy-efficient lamps.
  • Buy Energy Star light bulbs. Buy Energy Star qualified holiday lights.

A/C Energy Saving Tip

“On” Or “Auto” Which AC Setting Costs Less?

With the cooling season quickly approaching and appointments booking fast for air conditioner maintenance all throughout Delaware County, it is time to think about warmer weather. In the Northeast, the spring and summer months are precious and seem to be gone too soon, so we have to take advantage of them while they are here. Don’t blow your entertainment money by wastefully using your air conditioner. Today, we are addressing a common, but important question. Which uses less money, the “ON” or “AUTO” setting on the thermostat?

Thermostat Settings: On Or AUTO

The “ON” setting will, as you might expect, activate your air conditioner to run constantly and cool your home indefinitely. As a result, the “ON” setting has the potential to be vastly more expensive if left on for an extended period of time.

However, this does not mean “AUTO” will be as efficient as possible. The “AUTO” setting will activate your air conditioner any time the internal thermometer reads higher than your set temperature. So, a temperature set very low will still run your air conditioner longer than necessary. The best thing you can do to conserve is to use the “AUTO” function at a reasonable temperature and turn the unit off completely when out of the home, asleep, or on mild days.

Don’t Forget To Schedule Your Clean And Check!

Simply put, a clean air conditioner runs more efficiently than one that has not yet had its annual Delfera A/C Tune-Up! So, the best way to conserve some cash this spring and summer is to start the season off right with a tune-up! Extend your system’s lifespan and ensure a breakdown-free summer with a Delfera Tune-Up!