Home Energy Savings

As the weather heats up, are you are looking for ways to cool down your home? Here are a few tips from engineers with the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

Set thermostats at 76°F (24°C) or above when the house is occupied during the day and a few degrees higher at night. In hot and humid climates the nighttime setting should be adjusted to keep humidity at a comfortable level. Programmable thermostats can do this automatically and easily. They are inexpensive, reliable and easy to install. Installing ceiling fans, especially in hot and humid climates, allow occupants to set the thermostat higher thus reducing the time the air conditioner is on. Natural ventilation in arid or temperate climates is an effective energy saver. Windows should be opened and closed to take advantage of the upward movement of warm air and cross ventilation of the room, especially at night.

Ventilation

Use window draperies or shades to your advantage. In hot climates close the drapes or shades on the east, south, and west windows during the day to prevent the sun’s energy from heating the room unnecessarily. The shade or drapery material should be reflective on the side facing the window. In cold climates consider insulated drapes or shades.

Use kitchen, bath and other ventilating fans wisely. In just one hour, these fans can pull out a houseful of cooled air. Turn fans off as soon as they have done the job. During the summer, fans often bring in excessive moisture. You may want to install a timer switch instead of a manual switch to limit the unnecessary operation of an exhaust fan.

Select energy-efficient equipment when buying heating and cooling equipment. Your heating, ventilating and airconditioning (HVAC) contractor should be able to give you energy fact sheets for different types, models and designs to help compare energy usage. Look for high seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER), high annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) ratings and heating seasonal performance factors (HSPF). The national minimums are 13 SEER for air conditioners and 78 percent AFUE for furnaces as of Jan. 23, 2006. Central air conditioners with SEERs of 16 and above are available.

Air Ducts

Have air ducts checked for leaks. Look for sections that should be joined but have separated and also for holes. If you use duct tape to repair and seal your ducts, use tape with the Underwriter’s Lab logo so it doesn’t degrade, crack or lose its bond with age. Remember that insulating ducts in the basement will make the basement colder in the winter and warmer in the summer. If both the ducts and the

basement walls are un-insulated, consider insulating both. Call your HVAC contractor to help you assess the need for additional insulation and to insulate and repair all ducts, if needed.

Make sure vents are not obstructed by furniture, appliances or other objects so that air can flow freely. This maximizes efficiency of the system and helps distribute cool air throughout the room.

Clean or change furnace filters once a month or two, and have the system maintained according to manufacturer’s instructions. Dirty filters, coils and fans reduce airflow throughout the system, which decreases performance and can damage your system.

Insulate

Insulate. ASHRAE recommends, depending on climate zone (hot, temperate, cold), between R-30 and R-52 in the attic space (R-13 and R-38 for cathedral or flat roofs), R-13 and R-21 for walls, and between R-13 and R-30 in floors over unconditioned spaces. Adding insulation to your attic is easiest and least expensive. Insulation can be blown into wall cavities, especially in older homes with little wall insulation. If siding is to be replaced, take the opportunity to add a layer of exterior insulation.

Caulk

Don’t forget to look outside for opportunities to cool inside. Cut back landscaping that is too close to the outdoor unit because it may block airflow that is necessary for the air conditioner’s efficiency.

Caulk, install weather stripping or use spray-in foams around windows and doors, on exterior walls, or between cooled and unconditioned spaces (garages, basements, crawl spaces, attics) to keep conditioned air in.

Shading from overhangs, awnings, exterior shades, shade screens, and bushes and trees can reduce unwanted heat gain to the house, especially on east and west windows.