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ATTENTION CONSUMERS:
MONEY-SAVING TIPS:
Listed below are some tips and suggestions you can use to save money on your utility bills, heating and air conditioning equipment and service.
Set the thermostat:
The most economical operation of your system comes from setting the thermostat
properly. Set the thermostat at the highest summer setting or the lowest
winter setting at which you are comfortable. Typical settings are 78 degrees
for summer cooling and 70 degrees for winter heating. When cooling, your
operating costs increase from 3% to 8% for each degree your thermostat
is lowered. When heating, your operating costs increase for each degree
your thermostat is raised.
Keep the air filter clean:
The easiest way to ensure your system operates efficiently and economically
is by keeping the air filter clean. There are several types of air filters
and several possible locations for the air filter. Ask your service contractor
where your air filter is located and which type of filter to use.
Keep doors and windows closed:
Close all doors and windows to the outside. This will reduce the heating
load in winter and the cooling load in summer. Your system will operate
more economically as a result.
Keep vents and grilles unobstructed:
Arrange your furniture and drapes so that all output vents and intake
grilles are free from obstruction. This will reduce the cooling and heating
load on your system for more economical operation.
Avoid excessive use of exhaust fans:
Excessive use of kitchen or bathroom exhaust fans will make your system
work harder. This will increase energy consumption and costs. Keep costs
in check by making wise use of exhaust fans.
Use the AUTO setting:
Generally, it is best to set your indoor fan to AUTO. This costs less
and provides better humidity control in the summer. However, if you desire
to operate your system with constant air circulation, ask for advice from
your service contractor.
Control direct sunlight:
Let the sun in during winter. Keep the sun out during summer. In summer,
direct sunlight increases the load on your cooling system. Use of window
shades and awnings will reduce the amount of direct sunlight and lower
the cooling load. In winter, direct sunlight reduces the load on your
heating system. Open window shades and awnings to increase direct sunlight
and lower the heating load.
Keep the condenser coil clean:
The condenser coil (the unit outside your house) should be kept clean
to ensure efficient operation. If the condenser coil becomes restricted
by dirt, lint, paper, grass clippings, leaves, or other debris, system
efficiency will deteriorate. Use a garden hose to keep the condenser coil
clean.
Insulate air ducts:
Be sure all air ducts are well insulated. Ducts also should be sealed
with a vapor barrier.
Keep an air-tight house:
Ensure maximum retention of heated or cooled air by adding insulation
to outside walls and to the attic. Seal cracks and use storm doors and/or
insulated doors to prevent air leaks.
Properly vent clothes dryers:
Be sure your clothes dryer is vented to the outside. Also ensure that
your clothes dryer is vented away from your outdoor unit.
Keep heat away from the thermostat:
Make sure no heat-generating appliances are near your thermostat. These
include lamps, TVs, stereo and computer equipment.
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