There are many things you can do to keep your energy costs down. We have compiled some of the most things you can do to make sure you are using your energy wisely.
Check air conditioner/heat settings
Programmable thermostats are also a good idea for people who leave the house during the day in the summer and can tolerate a higher thermostat setting for their heat pump or air conditioner while they are away. By setting your thermostat back 3-5 degrees, you can save anywhere from 6-15 percent in cooling costs.
Keep air conditioner/heat on “auto” position to save energy
Adjusting your thermostat can bring substantial savings. During the winter, lowering your thermostat from 72 degrees to 68 degrees can decrease your heating costs by up to 15 percent. During the summer, raising your thermostat from 72 degrees to 79 degrees can decrease cooling costs by up to 18 percent.
If you want the most economical operation, set it on auto. If you want a stable, more even temperature and more comfort, set it on run.
Leaving the fan to run all the time mixes the air better and maintains a more even temperature throughout the house, but it costs more. If you can set the temperature up two degrees with the fan running all the time it's about a break even on the cost compared to running it on auto at two degrees cooler. If you have ceiling fans, you can get the same effect for less money by using them to distribute the air and running the air conditioner on auto.
Check air conditioner/heat pump filter, change monthly
Dramatically reduce allergens in your home and increase the life of your cooling system by keeping your air filter clean. A dirty filter on a heat pump can use excess auxiliary heat and drive up your electric bill.
Dirt is the biggest enemy of your air conditioner! Giving your air conditioning system a good electrostatic air filter is the best thing you can do for the unit. A good air filter will extend the life of your air conditioner and parts such as the blower assembly, cooling coil, and other inner parts. They will stay cleaner, which in turn helps the unit operate more efficiently and last longer.
HVAC system performance
If you are in the market to replace your heat pump or AC unit, you may want to contact an APS Qualified Contractor. APS Qualified Contractors are licensed, bonded and insured members of the Arizona Heat Pump Council, and are committed to a rigorous continuing education program for their service technicians.
If you are in need of an immediate contractor referral, call the APS Energy Answer Line during normal business hours at (602) 371-3636, or (888) 890-9730. If you have a few days to wait for a reply, you can request an APS Qualified Contractor Referral by sending e-mail to the Arizona Electric League.
Check for duct leaks to save money
You can save money by fixing the duct leaks.
Make sure the baffle plate is in place
For those homes that have evaporative cooling, be sure to insert the baffle plate in the cooler which will isolate the cooler. If you are not sure what to look for, the baffle plate looks like a flat cookie sheet. If you do not insert it properly, you will draw hot outside air through the evaporative cooler when the heat pump is operating. All evaporative cooler vents should be closed and sealed when you switch to the heat pump for maximum efficiency.
Keep the damper on your fireplace closed when not in use
If your home has a fireplace, keep the damper closed tightly when there is no fire burning. Since heat rises, an open damper will allow heat and cool air to escape from your home causing the units to run more often to maintain a set temperature.
An open damper (or poorly sealed damper) can draw more air than needed for the combustion, and in turn will draw air up the chimney. As the large volume of air goes out the chimney, warm air from other areas will follow up the chimney as well. Whether you are in the heating or cooling season, it is important to understand the energy loss that can occur.
Sealing and insulation
A thorough job of caulking, weather stripping and insulating can significantly reduce your heating and cooling bills and make you much more comfortable. Some things you make want to consider:
- Caulk your home’s doors and windows.
- Weather strip doors to unheated/uncooled areas of your home such as the garage, crawl space and attic.
- Wrap the air conditioning ducts with R-8 insulation and seal the seams with mastic. You can reduce your cooling cost by as much as 10 percent by insulating and tightening up ducts.
- Repair leaky faucets. This is especially important for hot water faucets.
While it is important to seal leaks that you can see around doors and windows, don't forget the leaks you can't see. There can be leaks in your AC /heating system air ducts that can have a bigger impact on your energy costs.
Energy-efficient water heating
Find ways to become more energy-efficient when heating your water.
Use timers and adjust to correct run times
A timer simply turns an appliance on and off and saves money by reducing its run time or shifting its run time. If you are on a time-of-use rate, using a timer on the water heater to have the heating elements operate during less expensive off-peak hours, you can save money on your electric bill.
Check the run time on your pool and make sure you are running it during off peak hours. We have given you a few samples of items that could be on a timer.
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Device
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Daily run time
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Savings
per month
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Pool pump, 1 hp
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8 hours instead of 24 hours
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$72
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Block heater, 1,500 watts
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2 hours instead of 12 hours
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$45
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Quartz floodlight, 500 watts
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4 hours instead of 12 hours
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$12
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Where to place a freezer or second refrigerator
While most people keep freezers in the garage for convenience and space issues, the garage is the wrong place to keep a freezer. A significant amount of energy is consumed in rooms with temperatures at or above 90 degrees, resulting in increased electricity bills simply due to your freezer working harder in an unconditioned space.
If you must put your freezer in the garage, try investing in a chest freezer. They use less energy than the upright models due to less thermal spillage and better insulation.
Efficient appliances save money
The major appliances in your home -- refrigerator, washer, and dishwasher -- account for a big portion of your monthly electric bill. If one of these major appliances is old, or not functioning to their full capacity, you will be spending a lot more on energy costs than you should. You should have your appliances checked regularly to make sure they are working to full capacity.
Keep in mind if you purchase a new appliance to replace a model that is 12 years or older, it will use less than half the energy, in turn saving you money.
In order to maximize energy efficiency, always look for the Energy Star® designation when purchasing new appliances.
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