There are many things you can do on Earth Day like participating in local programs that aim to clean up our natural resources. Here’s some ways to be Earth-friendly all year long. Especially check out #4!
http://www.thedailygreen.com/going-green/latest/green-tips-10-easiest?click=nav
Many people include saving money on their list of New Year Resolutions but it’s never an easy task. Here’s a few HVAC ways to save a little money.
1. Install a new high-efficiency system: Cost $3000-$6000
Installing a high-efficiency system will cut your energy costs and save money on your utility bills. It’s a large up-front investment but you will see the savings right away. While you will see the most return on a higher-efficiency model, any increase in efficiency will make a difference. Check out this calculator for estimate savings in heating or cooling:
http://www.armstrongair.com/calculator.html
*High-efficiency equipment is also eligible for federal tax credits and NIPSCO rebates in 2011
2. Install a programmable thermostat: Cost $100-$800
A programmable thermostat can regulate the temperature in your house to keep it comfortable without using excess energy. People who are away from home all day can set it up to be at lower temperatures during the day and then warm the house up when they’re close to coming home. Check out this link from Energy Star on programmable thermostats for more information:
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.showProductGroup&pgw_code=TH
*Programmable thermostats qualify for a $20 rebate through NIPSCO in 2011
3. Preventative Maintenance: Cost $75-$150
No matter what the efficiency rating is on your equipment it will always be more efficient if it’s clean and running smoothly. This is the least expensive option but it can have as much of an impact on your utility bills as replacing or upgrading equipment. Not only can keeping your equipment running efficiently cut down energy costs but it can also save you money on repairs. Here’s a link to what we include in our preventative maintenance service:
Between now and December 31st we are offering Jackson Systems T-21-P programmable thermostats installed for $125. These thermostats qualify for a $20 rebate through NIPSCO which would make your final cost $105.
This is a great deal! Check out the features of this thermostat:
http://jacksonsystems.com/search/category/260
For more information on the NIPSCO rebate:
http://www.nipsco.com/en/save-energy/residential/appliance-rebate-program.aspx
From the Alliance to Save Energy:
“The idea behind a programmable thermostat is simple: why heat or cool your house when there’s nobody around to enjoy it? Programmable thermostats allow you to lower the thermostat in the winter and raise it in the summer during the day when you are at work or at night while you’re sleeping - without having to remember to manually set it each time. You can even set the thermostat to turn the heating or cooling back on shortly before you return from work or wake up, so that you can come home or wake up to a comfortable house.”
An energy audit will let you know how efficiently your house is running and where you can make changes to increase your efficiency and savings. Some changes are simple, like changing old incandescent light bulbs to the new CFL bulbs. Other may require more effect like sealing a drafty window or replace inefficient equipment.
Finding out how efficiently your house is running can save hundreds of dollars per year. It’s a great way to see return on investment in your home. Don’t be complacent if you are on a budget plan. Simple changes can lower your energy costs which will lower your budget plan payments… a difference you can see quickly!
Here’s a good place to start:
http://www.aceee.org/consumer/home-energy-checklist
Here’s the information to schedule a home energy audit for our area through NIPSCO:
http://www.nipsco.com/save-energy/residential/Home_Energy_Audit.aspx
Make some simple, inexpensive changes and schedule an energy audit today and start saving!
We talk a lot about being efficient and saving energy. Sometimes we have a personal choice about how efficient we want to be and sometimes the government regulates this for us. Until the 80’s the average efficiency of an air conditioner unit was 6 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio)*. The average unit in the 90’s was 10 SEER and as of 2006, the minimum efficiency is 13 SEER.
Higher efficiency equipment will cost more upfront; however, it will save you money over the life of the equipment. We agree with the old phrase “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” but if you find yourself in the position where you need to replace your cooling equipment, maybe you should considering upgrading to a higher efficiency.
The average life of cooling equipment is 10-15 years. By upgrade to 16 SEER from 13 SEER you can save hundreds of dollars each year in your energy costs.
Check out this link to compare equipment efficiencies and see if upgrading your equipment is a good option for you.
http://www.armstrongair.com/knowledge-center/calculator.html
*The Department of Energy defines SEER as the total cooling in BTU’s divided by the watts consumed. A higher SEER indicates a more energy efficient system.
These no-cost options can translate into a visible reduce in your utilities bills or at least keep them lower than the normal increase that most people see in the summertime!
Stay cool!
Do you find you run out of hot water often? Or do you have a garden tub that you cannot fill completely with water that is warm enough? If you answered yes to either question, a tankless water heater may be a great option for you!
Tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand and can be used for a variety of purposes. These units are innovative and energy efficient and will soon become more common in residential and commercial settings. They are small units that take up less space than the traditional 40 or 50 gallon water heaters. They are available in gas, electric, and condensing units.
Tankless water heaters are perfect for big families, homes with luxury bathrooms, and vacation homes because they provide on demand hot water that can accommodate any hot water request.
Some of the benefits to going tankless include:
For more information on tank vs. tankless water heating, check out this link:
http://www.rheem.com/products/tankless_water_heaters/tankless_vs_tank/
Deckard Mechanical focuses on saving you money by being more efficient anytime we can. From time to time when we come across tips we will share them with you.
Green Energy Tip:
Lower water heater temperature. If you have a traditional tank water heater, some simple adjustments can save real money since heating water accounts for 15% of energy use in a typical home. Turn the thermostat down to 120F. Most water heaters are set at 140F but the temperature difference could reduce your water heating costs by 5% and 25 kilowatt hours of electricity. (Source White-Rodgers)
Deckard Mechanical can help you with this adjustment. We are happy to talk you through it over the phone or we can stop out and make the adjustment. Give us a call at 260-458-4028 if you’re interested in making this slight change to save some money.
