Heating and Cooling Tips

How to Save Energy

How to save energy in the summer.

• Insulation is vitally important for summer cooling. Attics in some homes can reach 140 degrees F. An attic with fiberglass batts or blown-in mineral wool could save up to 40% in energy costs in the operating of cooling equipment.
  
• Keep windows and outside doors closed to keep the cool air inside the house.
  
• Turn off unused lights: they produce heat which must be removed by the cooling system.
  
• Clean or replace filters. Clogged filters cause the system to work harder and are less efficient.
  
• Attic fans cut cooling costs. An attic fan will reduce heat transmitted through the ceiling, thereby easing cooling requirements.
  
• Draw drapes and curtains when it gets very hot, this will reduce the demands on the cooling system.
  
• To keep your house cooler, shade window areas from direct sunlight. Use awnings or plans that shield windows.
  
• Major appliances such as dishwashers and dryers should be used in the cooler times of day.
  
• Set the thermostat to off position when away from the house for 24 hours or more.
  
• Do not over cool. Maintain as high a temperature setting as comfort permits.
  
• Set thermostat higher than normal, if you are to be away from your home for a substantial part of the day.
  
• The size of your air-conditioning system is vitally important. An oversized system will turn on and off too often minimizing efficiency and an undersized unit will operate almost continuously decreasing the life of the equipment as well as failing to cool effectively.
  
• Shield outdoor air-conditioning equipment from direct sunlight. However, be sure the air flow is not too restricted.

 

How to Stay Warm

Limit the loss of expensive heated air to the outside.

• Use kitchen, bath and other ventilating fans sparingly. In just one hour, these fans can blow away a house full of warm air. Turn fans off as soon as they have done their job.
  
  
• Keep fireplace dampers tightly closed until you prepare to light a fire. An open damper in a 48-inch square fireplace can let as much as 8 percent of our heat escape out the chimney. When using your fireplace, limit the amount of heated air drawn from the rest of the house. Open dampers in the bottom of the firebox if provided, or open the closest window about 1 inch and close any doors leading into the room. This will allow air in for the fire while reducing heat loss from the rest of the house.
  
  
• Draft-proof windows, doors and other air leaks. Begin by picking a cold, windy day to test your windows and doors for air-tightness. Make sure there is no air coming from registers near the windows and you'll be able to find many leaks simply by feeling around frames and sashes with your hand. Or you can make a simple "draft detector" by clipping a piece of tissue paper or light plastic to a coat hanger. Hold the coat hanger in front of a suspected crack; any movement of the paper will indicate an air leak that needs caulking and/or weather-stripping. Caulking and weather-stripping are reasonably easy, so you may be able to save money by doing the job yourself. Materials will cost less than $100 for an average house having 12 windows and 2 doors. Savings in annual energy costs could be as much as 10 percent, so draft-proofing your home can pay for itself very quickly. In addition, reducing air leaks to a minimum may also allow you to lower the thermostat on your heating system without causing discomfort.

 

How to Stay Cool

Solar heat gain makes your home much warmer. Here are some easy ways to limit how much the sun heats your home.

Close shades, drapes, blinds and other window treatments to block the sun's heat. If you're wondering which window treatments work best, here's a quick summary:

• Opaque roller shades block 80 percent of the sun's heat.
  
• White venetian blinds block 45 to 50 percent of the sun's heat.
  
• Awnings, sunscreens or overhangs reduce heat gain up to 90 percent.

If some windows don't need to be opened, leave on storm windows or plastic window coverings for extra insulation Plant trees for energy savings and summer cooling. You can save up to 25 percent on summer cooling bills, and be more comfortable at the same time. Shade west and east windows. This stops the sun from beating down on your home's roof, walls and windows in the morning and afternoon. Don't plant to the south! Any energy you save during summer will be offset by added heating costs during winter. That's because trees planted on the south block the sun's warmth during winter.

 

Your Old Radiator Heat or New Radiant Heat

Radiant floor heating is one of the most desired "add-ons" for both new and old homes. By installing PEX pipe in the floor of tiled baths, kitchens and basements, these traditionally cold area's can be warm and toasty. The water can be heated by an efficient boiler or a water heater. Radiant floor heating offers the most comfortable and energy efficient method to deliver warmth, especially in homes with high ceilings.

Top Ten Reasons to Have Radiant Heating Installed by
David White Services, Inc.

• Comfort- like sunshine, a constant source of warmth.
  
• Energy Efficient- lower water temperatures providing even heat.
  
• Quiet- no fan noise or snap, crackle and pop of baseboard.
  
• Dust Free- no forced air movement, less allergic exposure.
  
• Warm Floors- no one likes cold tile.
  
• Easy to Control- room by room control through thermostats and zoning.
  
• Heats Rooms with High Ceiling Areas- In forced air systems, heat goes up.
  
• Easy to Install- installation of pipe goes quickly.
  
• Less Fatigue- standing on warm floors takes less energy from your body.
  
• Drafty Rooms Seem Warmer- much like standing in the sun on a breezy day.