As power costs continue to rise, families are looking for the best way to decrease their energy consumption. During summer months, the air conditioner has the largest effect on a home's power bill. During these hot months, the unit may use as much as 90% of the electricity consumed in a home. Thus, making a very small changes to the energy consumed makes a significant change on the power costs.
Many consumers make the mistake of turning on the AC unit in the spring and leaving it on until fall arrives. This mistake can be costly. Such consumers miss the advantage offered by natural ventilation in many locations. If the humidity is low and outside temperatures comfortable, turn off the AC and open windows for some fresh air. Just be sure they are all closed before starting the unit again.
A programmable thermostat allows the unit to be set to a higher temperature in the day when everyone is away. The thermostat then steps temperatures down to your comfort level before you arrive home from work. Home occupants stay comfortable in their home but save energy and money.
Appliances that use hot water or create heat increase the AC load. Try to use such appliances at night when the load is lower or when natural ventilation can disperse the heat. During the summer months, a clothes line for drying clothing can save energy by reducing heat produced by a dryer and the energy needed to operate the appliance.
Fans, when used properly can reduce one's energy consumption. Whether permanently attached to the ceiling or a portable model, fans can make one more comfortable when the thermostat is set at 78 degrees. Each degree one is able to increase the thermostat setting results in a savings of up to 5% of energy consumption.
Replace filters at least once a month during the cooling season. Filters that become dirty enough to impede the air flow can result in permanent damage to the unit. Condensers should be professionally cleaned each year. Keeping them clean makes them more efficient at heat transfer.
The air duct system should also be checked for leaks. Regardless of the efficiency of the system, it will use additional energy if the ducts leak. Have them sealed and insulated in order to reduce consumption of energy by 10 to 15%. Take time to check window and door seals to prevent infiltration of hot air.
If the home does not meet the current recommendations for insulation, have more added. Reducing the need to operate the unit is the best way to reduce costs as well as energy consumption. In addition, if you have older, inefficient appliances or extra refrigerators operating in the home, get rid of them as they can increase the cooling load.
There are many areas where living without an air conditioner is miserable during the warm, humid days of summer. Even there, it is possible to reduce the energy the unit consumes. By reducing the run time for the unit, it is possible to reduce the electricity that it will consume in keeping home occupants comfortable.
Many consumers make the mistake of turning on the AC unit in the spring and leaving it on until fall arrives. This mistake can be costly. Such consumers miss the advantage offered by natural ventilation in many locations. If the humidity is low and outside temperatures comfortable, turn off the AC and open windows for some fresh air. Just be sure they are all closed before starting the unit again.
A programmable thermostat allows the unit to be set to a higher temperature in the day when everyone is away. The thermostat then steps temperatures down to your comfort level before you arrive home from work. Home occupants stay comfortable in their home but save energy and money.
Appliances that use hot water or create heat increase the AC load. Try to use such appliances at night when the load is lower or when natural ventilation can disperse the heat. During the summer months, a clothes line for drying clothing can save energy by reducing heat produced by a dryer and the energy needed to operate the appliance.
Fans, when used properly can reduce one's energy consumption. Whether permanently attached to the ceiling or a portable model, fans can make one more comfortable when the thermostat is set at 78 degrees. Each degree one is able to increase the thermostat setting results in a savings of up to 5% of energy consumption.
Replace filters at least once a month during the cooling season. Filters that become dirty enough to impede the air flow can result in permanent damage to the unit. Condensers should be professionally cleaned each year. Keeping them clean makes them more efficient at heat transfer.
The air duct system should also be checked for leaks. Regardless of the efficiency of the system, it will use additional energy if the ducts leak. Have them sealed and insulated in order to reduce consumption of energy by 10 to 15%. Take time to check window and door seals to prevent infiltration of hot air.
If the home does not meet the current recommendations for insulation, have more added. Reducing the need to operate the unit is the best way to reduce costs as well as energy consumption. In addition, if you have older, inefficient appliances or extra refrigerators operating in the home, get rid of them as they can increase the cooling load.
There are many areas where living without an air conditioner is miserable during the warm, humid days of summer. Even there, it is possible to reduce the energy the unit consumes. By reducing the run time for the unit, it is possible to reduce the electricity that it will consume in keeping home occupants comfortable.
About the Author:
When you would like information about the best air conditioner devices, visit the web pages here online. You can see details about products and models at http://www.climateworksottawa.ca now.
No comments:
Post a Comment