• Avoid Problems with HVAC
• Improving Indoor Air Quality
• Decrease Your Energy Bill While Cooling Your Home
• Energy & Cost Efficient Changes to Your HVAC
• Purchasing An Energy Efficient HVAC System
• Air Conditioning – Definition and History
• How Air Conditioners Work
• HVAC – Heating, Ventilation, and AC
• Alen Corporation - History and Products
• Air Fresheners Don't Freshen
• Make Your Home Safe with Better Ventilation
• FEMA Trailer Residents Fighting Mold
• Humid Areas at High Risk for Mold
• Relieve Stress By Removing Clutter
• Toxicity in Office Affects Indoor Air Quality
• Using Candles Safely
• Wet Weather Breeds Mold

Tips for Efficient Energy Use in the Home

As the cost of oil continues to rise, consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the impending cooler weather and what it might cost to heat their homes. Although warmth is essential, rising energy costs are making more and more homeowners consider alternatives to conventional heating and look for ways to conserve energy while still keeping their house comfortable.

Local governments like the City of Frederick in Maryland, are also working to lower energy costs. Frederick officials received grants and participated in programs with the U.S. Department of Energy to create a Weatherization Assistance Program for the city. City planners have made improvements to the Frederick’s shelter, food bank, and Transitional Apartments, creating opportunities to maximize energy use.

The city is taking cares to regulate thermostats in the buildings so that they are not heating areas that are not being used. According to Frederick’s facilities director, Patrick Keegin, HVAC systems are the biggest user of energy and the regulation of thermostats will help offset energy costs of this system. He also said that they plan on monitoring buildings to minimize light usage during off hours.

Frederick officials recommend residents use solar powered equipment and chargers whenever possible and insulate hot water heaters and pipes to minimize heat loss. Adjusting thermostats and water heaters to the lowest possible comfortable temperature is another way to save energy. When determining air temperature, Frederick officials suggest setting the temperature and refraining from changing it, as homes tend to use more energy to adjust the temperature than they do to maintain it.

Another energy saver tip is to fix leaks and use less water. Water pumps use energy to transport water throughout the home and leaks or long showers can use more energy than expected.

Energy efficient fixtures and light bulbs help to save energy as well and some of Frederick’s facilities have changed their bulbs and fixtures to save on rising costs. Some of these same facilities, like the wastewater treatment plant, are changing their motor control equipment to variable frequency drivers.

These same industry officials recommend consumers properly insulate their residences, replace windows and doors to prevent drafts, use energy efficient light fixtures and bulbs, use solar power when possible, and optimize HVAC systems and central air. By combining a variety of energy saving techniques, consumers will see energy savings over the coming months.

In fact, filling in and preventing drafts and leaks from windows, doors, basements, attics, and crawl spaces can save consumers up to 10% off of their usual energy bill. According to Allegheny Power, proper insulation is the best way to conserve energy and adding attic insulation is both cost-effective and easy. Attics should have between 6 to 10 inches of insulation.

Allegheny also recommends either replacing windows with double-pane windows or adding storm windows for additional insulation. Proper caulk around windows and doors can also help homes better retain heat and Allegheny suggests keeping the fireplace flu closed when it’s not in use.

Other suggestions by Allegheny include:

• Keep garage doors shut and all vestibule doors closed to minimize heat loss
• Close hot-air registers and radiator valves closed in rooms that are not used
• Only use kitchen and bath exhaust fans when needed
• Check the furnace filter regularly and clean it or replace it as needed.