Deckard Mechanical

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:

http://www.deckardmechanical.com/node/7

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.

During the summertime we use a lot of energy to cool down. Here are a few free tips that will reduce your energy usage and costs when it’s hot outside!

• Use timers for landscaping lights, sprinklers, and pool pumps.
• Reduce your water heater temperature to 120-degrees during the summer.
• Take shorter showers.
• Keeping drapes and blinds closed during the day to reduce the heat inside the house.
• Install a programmable thermostat to reduce your energy usage when you are away from home.
• Hang your clothes out to dry instead of running the dryer, especially those beach towels.
• Use appliances later in the evening. 
• Use cold water instead of hot water for the washing machine.
• Keeping the freezer and refrigerator full.
• Let warm food cool on the counter first before putting it away.
• Keep your refrigerator coils and your dryer vent hose clean will help these appliances run more efficiently.
• Use the microwave instead of the stove when possible.
• Turn off appliances and light when they are not is use.

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!