Eldridge July 2017

GREEN CORNER
Tip of the Month - “Get to know your HVAC system”
Summer is here, which means energy costs tend to rise (as temperatures
climb!). Here are some energy saving tips from https://energy.gov.
• LOWER your thermostat temperature in the winter
and RAISE it in the summer:
During the winter, you can save energy by setting your thermostat to 68
degrees when you’re at home and awake and using lower settings when
you’re away or asleep. This will help your furnace not to run continuously.
In the summer, on the other hand, set your thermostat to 78 degrees if
you can and use ceiling or portable fans. Fans move the air and make
the room feel four to six degrees cooler and use much less energy than
the air conditioner. Remember, setting your thermostat to a lower temperature
than normal will not cool your home faster!
• Choose the RIGHT thermostat:
Choosing the right energy star qualified programmable thermostat can
deliver savings without sacrificing comfort. A programmable thermostat
helps your house to never get too cold or too hot. When properly
programmed, these thermostats can save up to 15% in cooling costs.
If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, don’t worry! You can
manually adjust the temperature on your air conditioner to the recommended
temperatures.
• CLEAN or REPLACE your HVAC system’s air filter:
Air filters remove dust and allergens from the air before returning it to
your rooms through your A/C unit, so it is a critical component of the
system. Unfortunately, they can often become clogged with dust and
debris and eventually block the free flow of air, reducing the system’s
efficiency. Remember that dirty filters are the number one reason most
HVAC systems begin to operate inefficiently.
A dirty air filter uses more energy than a new clean one, which means a
higher electricity bill for you. By keeping your air filter clean and in good
condition, it is estimated that you can save up to 15% on utility costs. It is
recommended that you check your filter’s condition and change it once
a month, especially if you run your unit six months a year to year-round,
if you have pets or if you have a large family. More activity means more
household dust, dirt and debris.
• INSPECT your HVAC system:
Make sure you service your unit at least once a year and head off costly
problems. This sort of evaluation is best left to the professional, unless
the homeowner has had the appropriate training. A furnace/HVAC unit
contains moving parts so it is important that belts are not cracked,
ventilation ductwork is not cracked or rusted and components, such as
coils and fans are adequately lubricated.
With a clean, inspected A/C system you will preserve energy, lowering
your utility bills and cooling your home efficiently.
Lakes of Eldridge | July 20177
“The Smart Choice”
832-867-2107
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