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Electricity is an important part
of our lives. The computer you're using right now would be worthless
without it. In fact, electricity is so easy to take for granted, we
sometimes overlook the fact that we're still in the driver's seat when
it comes to controlling the amount we use.
Here are some of the most proven
ways to control your energy use:
Thermostat setting – 68 and
78 are numbers to remember
In the summer, keep your thermostat set at 78 degrees Fahrenheit. In
the winter, the recommended setting is 68 degrees Fahrenheit. For each
degree below the recommended setting in the summer – or above the
recommended setting in the winter – energy consumption increases by
about six to eight percent. Consider a programmable thermostat that
raises or lowers the temperature by about five degrees when your home is
unoccupied.
Keep air conditioning filters
clean
Check your filters every month. A filter clogged with dust and lint
won't operate as efficiently – plus, you're more likely to have service
problems with the unit.
Schedule a tour of your
ductwork
If you've never inspected your ductwork, make plans to tour the attic –
preferably before the weather gets too hot or cold. Look for leaks
where the air duct attaches to the air conditioning unit and where ducts
are joined together. You can seal duct joints with special duct tape.
Supply ducts should be insulated and vapor sealed when located in a
space that is unconditioned.
And while you're in the attic
. . .
Proper attic ventilation will help remove unwanted heat in the summer
and unwanted moisture all year long. Make sure you have eave vents used
in conjunction with ridge, gable or roof vents.
Take time to caulk and roll
(with a roll of weather-stripping, of course)
One of the least expensive and most effective things you can do to
prevent energy waste is to seal cracks around doors and windows. Make
sure there is full weather-stripping around doors, windows and the attic
stairway opening. Use caulk to seal small cracks around windows.
Plant a tree or two or three
Homes with numerous windows should use blinds, solar screens, shades,
draperies or awnings to block direct sunlight. If you have many windows
on the west side of your house, consider planting trees or shrubs to
block the sun's rays. Remember, all heat buildup in your home has to be
removed by the air conditioners.
Shopping for a new air
conditioner? Check its rating
Manufacturers are required to publish efficiencies based on the SEER –
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. We recommend a minimum SEER of 14.0
for central air conditioners and heat pumps.
Insulation is the key
On a chilly night, a blanket helps keep you warm by trapping a layer of
heated air next to you. Insulation works the same way, only in the
summer, it works in reverse by keeping heat outside the home. If your
home is not insulated – or doesn't have the proper level of insulation
for your climate – you can reduce the amount of energy needed to heat
and cool your home by adding insulation. Insulation is available in
blankets, batts or pouring or blowing wool. Obviously, the best time to
insulate a home is when it is being constructed or remodeled.
Fire away at energy loss
A fireplace is an attractive addition to any home, but it can be a real
energy waster if you forget to close the damper when it isn't being
used. A glass door for your fireplace will also help prevent energy
loss.
Stay out of hot water with
these tips
Anywhere from 14 to 20 percent of the total energy used in a home is
used in heating water. To make sure that energy isn't being wasted,
make sure your faucets aren't leaking. Also, showers generally use less
hot water than baths. Your main unit should be set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have a separate water heater for the
bathroom, keep it set at 110 to 120 degrees to save energy. If your
water heater is located in an unconditioned area, install an insulation
blanket around it. These blankets can cut energy for heating water by
up to 10 percent.
Calculating the Cost of
Running an Appliance
Most
appliances and other electrical equipment have a nameplate that
indicates the power requirements.
To calculate the wattage for
any appliance, use the formulas below:
For single phase equipment (any
residential equipment):
Watts = volts x amps
For three phase equipment (found in some commercial and most industrial
equipment):
Watts = volts x amps x 1.732
(1.732 is the square root of 3)
To determine the cost of
running an appliance, use these formulas:
Wattage x Hours Used / 1000 =
kWh
KWh x cost of electricity =
cost
Additional Energy Tips
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