Making Cents of Energy - HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric

More Info On Energy Efficiency Ratings and SEER

Below are (S)EER values for several common household products.

• Central Air Conditioners. SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) is the measure of efficiency. The higher the number the more energy efficient the unit is. When it comes to a central air conditioner, look for a unit with a SEER of 12 or more.

• Room Air Conditioners. EER (Energy efficiency rating) is the measure. Here again the higher the number the more energy efficient the unit is. However, an important consideration in choosing a room air conditioner (besides energy efficiency) is matching the size of the room with the size of the air conditioning unit. An undersized unit (no matter how energy efficient) will run constantly and use extra energy. As a gauge, a 9,000 British Thermal Unit (BTU) air conditioner will effectively cool an area of 350 to 400 square feet.

• Washing Machines. EF (energy factor) Indicates the number of complete cycles a washer will operate while using one kilowatt-hour of electricity. The current federal standard for energy efficient washers is an EF of 1.18, while Energy Star washers require an EF of 2.5.

 

• Dishwashers. EF (energy factor) once again is the unit of measurement, and indicates the number of complete cycles a dishwasher will complete while using one-kilowatt hour of electricity. Dishwashers that qualify for the Energy Star label have an EF of 0.52 or greater.

• Refrigerators and freezers. The label indicates the number of kilowatt-hours of electricity the appliance will use in one year of operation; the smaller the number, the more efficient the appliance.

Tips & Warnings

While important, energy efficiency is only one way to determine the correct appliance for your home. Also look for appliances sized correctly for your family and include energy saving features such as a washing machine with a cold water rinse option or a dishwasher with air drying rather than heated drying.

Energy efficient appliances can often pay for themselves in a short time based on their energy savings over older inefficient appliances.

According to the US Department of Energy, in 2006, Americans with the help of Energy Star conserved enough electricity to power 10 Million homes while saving $6 Billion.

Understanding Energy Efficiency Ratings (EER)

Do you know anything about Energy Efficiency Ratings?  If not, take a look...

Energy Efficiency Ratings are very interesting. In 1992 the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced ENERGY STAR as a voluntary labeling program designed to identify and promote energy-efficient products to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Computers and monitors were the first labeled products. Through 1995, EPA expanded the label to additional office equipment products and residential heating and cooling equipment. In 1996, EPA partnered with the US Department of Energy for particular product categories. The ENERGY STAR label is now on major appliances, office equipment, lighting, home electronics, and more. EPA has also extended the label to cover new homes and commercial and industrial buildings.

There are different energy efficiency ratings for different types of products.

The efficiency of air conditioners is often rated by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) which is defined by the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute in its standard ARI 210=240, Performance Rating of Unitary Air-Conditioning and Air-Source Heat Pump Equipment.  The higher the SEER rating of a unit, the more energy efficient it is. The SEER rating is the Btu of cooling output during a typical cooling-season divided by the total electric energy input in watt-hours during the same period.

Stay tuned for more information about the SEER for common household products.

Related articles

Green Appliance Tips

HVAC System Efficiency Reduced By Leaky Ductwork

Home Heating Adjustments and Some Lesser-Known Energy Saving Tips

There are countless “little” ways you can save energy and resources around your home. You may already be on top of many of them. But just in case, here are a few more things to be aware of that could have a positive impact on your electricity, heating and cooling and water usage costs.

Heating

If you have a fireplace, you may use it in the wintertime as a main heat source or to supplement your HVAC system. But remember to keep the “damper” in your fireplace’s flue closed when the fireplace is not in use. Many homeowners forget to close this little door or flap that allows fumes and smoke to leave the house through the chimney. When left open, cold air will inevitably seep into the home.

Water

Water is a valuable resource. Many homeowners have taken measures to conserve it, such as having aerators installed on faucets. Some families even use water filters to produce water for drinking instead of having to purchase plastic bottles of water. But something as simple as collecting rainwater for watering gardens and plants or taking showers instead of baths can enable you to save hundreds of gallons of water each year.

Electricity

You may have already taken electricity-saving steps such as replacing traditional light bulbs around your home with energy-efficient bulbs. But pay special attention to the little things in the area of electricity, such as not leaving phone chargers plugged in for longer than they are needed. Also turn off appliances such as computers and TVs at the surge protection device level when they are not in use.

Attending to the “small stuff” with the electrical units around your home will pay off in both energy and cash savings over time.

(Photo by 401(K) 2013)

Choosing Energy-Efficient Windows

So you’ve made the decision to purchase energy-efficient windows. Congratulations! You’re on your way to a noticeable decrease in your utility bills and improved home comfort. But first, you have to make the initial investment and decide which type of energy-efficient windows to buy. Keep in mind the following considerations when shopping for energy-efficient windows.

Energy performance ratings

When shopping for new windows, energy performance ratings are very important, as you must select windows with ratings appropriate for your home’s design and climate. For example, south-facing windows need a higher solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) rating and a higher visible transmittance (VT) rating than north-facing windows. Other important energy performance ratings include U-factor, light-to-solar gain (LSG), and air leakage.

Window design

The design or style of window, i.e., how it opens and shuts, also affects a window’s energy efficiency and particularly its air leakage rate. Available styles of energy-efficient windows include casement, awning, fixed, hopper, single- and double-sliding, and single-and double- sliding. Frame material is another important part of energy-efficient window design, primarily affecting the window’s U-factor.

Window technologies

Energy-efficient windows use various technologies to achieve their ratings, and consideration should be given to which technologies you want your new windows to have, depending on your budget and the advice of a professional. These technologies include double panes, heat-absorbing tints, low-emissivity (low-e) coatings and glazings, gas fills, and reflective metal coatings.

Installation

In addition to the cost of the window itself, you will have to pay to have your new energy-efficient windows installed. Since improperly installed windows will not be energy efficient, it is essential to have a professional install the windows rather than attempting to install them yourself. Energy-efficient windows need to be installed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and air-sealed during installation in order to perform properly.

After installation, your new windows should be ready to use and enjoy! For added privacy and energy efficiency, adorn your new windows with energy-efficient window treatments, such as draperies, shutters, or blinds.

(Photo by Bryn Pinzgauer)

Reducing Energy Use in an Apartment

If you own a home and notice a spike in your energy bill, there are always adjustments you can make to the house to save energy and money. Often, those changes are permanent, adding caulk to windows and doors, or adding insulation to walls and attics. What about apartment renters? Below are some temporary things you can do to keep your apartment comfortable while saving energy.

Start by turning off the lights. It’s something you’ve probably heard all of your life, but most people don’t actually do it. If you live alone, you’d be surprised at how little you actually need the lights turned on.

Use temporary seals. You can seal your windows using a kit from a hardware store. The kit will come with a set of plastic sheets to cover your windows, and you simply seal them onto the windows using the heat from a blow dryer.

There are also draft guards you can purchase to place under any door or window that will create a seal, keeping unwanted air outside. Both of these options will keep your furnace and air conditioner from working harder then it has to.

Change the way you cook. If you cook dinner every night on your stove or in the oven, you’re using a lot of energy. Consider cooking a few meals at once and freezing them so you can leave the oven off for a while. If you have a crockpot, those use less energy than an oven or the microwave, and are a great cooking option to save energy.

Take a look at your laundry. A dryer can take a toll on your energy bill, so make sure you’re only running the dryer when you have a full load to dry. Be sure to clean the lint trap after each use so it doesn’t have to work harder.

***

Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

Heat Pump Systems Can Help to Keep Energy Costs Down

Heating and cooling systems account for most of the energy usage in homes. It’s not uncommon for an HVAC system to be responsible for over 50 percent of a home’s overall energy costs.

With an ever-increasing emphasis on energy efficiency these days, combined with steadily rising utility costs, homeowners throughout the land are seeking energy-saving alternatives, especially in the area of heating and cooling. Many homeowners have turned to heat pump systems to replace or supplement their existing HVAC systems.

A Look at Heat Pumps and their Pros and Cons

Heat pumps come in a variety of different types and configurations. The two most widely-used are air source and geothermal heat pumps.

Heat pumps work on the principle of heat transfer, taking heat from one location and moving it to another. Air source heat pumps use outdoor air, which is heated up and directed into a home. A geothermal heat pump performs the same function by using the ground or water as its source. The heating process can also be reversed in both of these systems in order to cool a home when the weather warms up.

Since these systems are built to transfer heat instead of produce it and because they use a relatively minimal amount of electricity to operate, the use of heat pumps as opposed to conventional HVAC systems can result in significant energy and cost savings. However, in certain situations there are some known deficiencies.

In colder climates where temperatures consistently fall below 40 degrees, heat pumps often lose their effectiveness and must at some point switch over to a much less efficient electrical heating element. This is why in such climates heat pumps are often used to supplement standard HVAC equipment, where energy efficiency from a home heating perspective can be maximized for at least for part of a cold-weather season. Heat pumps built especially for this purpose are called “duel fuel” or “hybrid” heat pumps. This is also why heat-pump-only systems work best in moderate climates.

Geothermal heat pumps are generally preferred over air source systems, although they are more expensive to install. But regardless of the type of system a homeowner may choose, a heat pump will greatly increase a home’s heating and cooling efficiencies and will pay for itself over time. Consult with your local heating and air representative for more details on the benefits of heat pump systems and what type of configuration would best meet the needs of your home.

***

Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

Where to Insulate Your Home

From the roof to the foundation, your home needs to be properly insulated in order to achieve optimal energy efficiency. Make sure the following areas of your home are insulated and that the proper insulation type and insulation method are used.

Slab – An insulated concrete slab makes a home easier to heat, so it is important to insulate the slab when building a new home. However, insulating a slab in an existing home is difficult. For an existing uninsulated slab, it is recommended to insulate only the exterior edge of the slab, usually with foam board.

Crawlspace – The method of crawlspace insulation depends on whether the crawlspace is ventilated or unventilated. With airtight, unventilated crawlspaces, the best approach is to insulate the foundation walls instead of the floor between the crawlspace in the house.  With ventilated crawlspaces, insulation should be installed underneath the floor.

Basement – Basement insulation can be installed on walls; this method is preferred over ceiling insulation. With existing homes, this insulation should be added to the interior of the basement walls, while with new homes, it is better to install insulation on the exterior of the basement walls.

Floors above garages – This is necessary if the garage is unheated. Besides providing warmth, insulating floors above unheated garages also minimizes the risk of air contaminants from the garage entering conditioned spaces. Make sure you seal off any air leaks from the garage, and then install an air barrier to prevent cold air from the garage from compromising the sub-floor insulation.

Exterior walls – According to the Department of Energy, sprayed foam or loose-fill insulation can be added to exterior walls without causing much disturbance in an existing home. When remodeling, blanket insulation options may be preferred, while numerous types of insulation are available for new construction.

Cathedral ceilings – Foil-faced batt insulation is typically used to insulate cathedral ceilings. Additionally, a vent baffle should be installed to maintain the ventilation channel between the roof decking and the insulation.

Attic – Attics are usually insulated with batt or loose-fill insulation, with loose-fill being less expensive to install and providing better coverage if properly installed. Other types of insulation can also be used. Attic air leaks from the roof or other places should be sealed before installing insulation in the attic.

Air Ducts – Finally, it is a good idea to insulate your home’s air ducts – particularly the ducts in unheated spaces like the attic and crawlspace. This helps you avoid expensive energy losses.

While insulating your home is important, you should not attempt insulation jobs yourself; instead, enlist the services of a competent contractor.

***

Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

8 Easy Ways to Cut Your Energy Bill

As energy costs have risen over the years, so too have household utility bills. Utility bills can be especially high during the winter, when the heater is on much of the time. However, there are some relatively simple things you can do to reduce your energy expenditures. Some of these things help more than others, but every little bit counts!

1. Take shorter showers. Showers represent most of a family’s hot water use. Depending on how big your family is and how often they take showers, you might be able to reduce water heating costs by 50 percent by cutting shower time from 30 minutes to 10 minutes.
2. Turn down the thermostat and water heater. Turning down the thermostat just 1 or 2 degrees can result in substantial energy savings for your household of as much as $180 per year. Similarly, turning your water heater down from 140 degrees to 120 degrees can reduce your water heating costs by up to 10 percent.
3. Install a programmable thermostat. Can’t remember to turn down that thermostat? Install a programmable thermostat that will turn dial down the temperature for you at night and when you’re away from the home.
4. Fix drafty windows. Do this with caulking or weatherization kits, or have new energy-efficient windows installed. Although new windows can be expensive upfront, they will eventually pay for themselves by lowering your heating and cooling costs.
5. Increase insulation. Improving the insulation in your walls, baseboards, attic and other areas can pay off in big energy savings – reducing your heating costs by as much as 20 percent.
6. Replace old appliances with energy-efficient models. Savings will be especially pronounced if you replace an old, inefficient refrigerator, washer or dryer. Look for ENERGY STAR-certified models.
7. Replace incandescent light bulbs. Compact fluorescent light bulbs, or CFLs, may cost more than standard incandescent bulbs, but they last years longer and use much less energy. LED bulbs are another energy-efficient option.
8. Replace your furnace – or at least clean it! If your furnace is 15 years old or older, you may be able to save as much as $200 per year by replacing it with a smaller, energy-efficient model. It is also important to have your furnace serviced annually and the filter changed every few months in order to keep it operating at peak efficiency.

To schedule a furnace servicing or discuss the installation of energy-saving appliances like a programmable thermostat or new furnace, contact Thompson Electrical, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. We’ll help you shave down that high energy bill in no time!

***

Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

Do Energy-Efficient Bulbs Produce Less Light?

Many people assume that energy saving light bulbs mean low lighting, so dim in fact, that it’s difficult to see. Some say energy efficient lighting produces a different color in the room, such as orange or yellow, instead of white light. Does it?

Traditional light bulbs, also known as incandescent bulbs, do produce a glow that’s different from energy-saving LED lighting. However, LED light bulbs come in white hues including warm white or soft white, which will emit a light that’s very close to that of an incandescent bulb.

There are also energy saving light bulbs in colors such as cool white or pure white, which are a brighter white and less ambient. These are better for workplaces. An LED bulb called “daylight” is a bulb that’s good for artists, or workers who need to match colors, as it shows a color in its truest form.

When it comes to the amount of light produced, take a look at the packaging. Sometimes, the box for an energy-efficient bulb will say “80-watt equivalent” but when you take it home, it’s not bright enough. The fact is watts, measures the electricity used from a traditional bulb, and LED bulbs are measured in Lumens. In both cases, it’s easy for companies to make large claims about their products.

The number in lumens is much higher than in watts, for example a 25 watt bulb is equal to 200-225 lumens (40 watts equals 350-400, 60 watts equals 650-700, 100 watts equals 1,200-1,300 lumens).

When energy efficient bulbs first hit the market, many users complained that it took too long for the bulbs to reach their full brightness, or that they flickered often. Fluorescent bulbs might take a little bit of time to reach their full lighting potential however, LED light bulbs reach their full brightness just as fast as traditional light bulbs.

***

Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

 

(Photo via Flickr)

Home Plumbing Repairs: Don’t Let Leaky Faucets Drain your Dollars Away

The faucet in your bathroom or kitchen sink has been dripping for weeks, or maybe longer. Each time you encounter this relatively minor plumbing problem, you tell yourself that you must get around to fixing it, but you continue to procrastinate. But what if you saw dollars and cents leaking from this faucet instead of water? Would that give you more incentive to repair it immediately?

Drips Turn into Gallons

A little water dripping from a faucet may not seem like much, but there is a cumulative effect here, which will inevitably send your hard-earned dollars directly down the drain. Let’s say that your faucet drips once every two seconds. With the average drop of water from a faucet estimated to be roughly ¼ milliliter, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), that’s just below three gallons of water per day that is being wasted.

In most areas around the country, a gallon of water costs a little less than one cent. But having a faucet that drips or leaks rather heavily will cause those pennies to add up, especially if you have multiple leaky faucets in your home. Additionally, faucets that are left to leak for long periods of time can eventually cause damage to pipes, fittings, sink basins and cabinetry.

Leaks Can Be Fixed DIY-Style

If you have even minor experience with do-it-yourself plumbing repairs, or are not afraid to at least give it a try, fixing a leaky faucet shouldn’t be much of a problem. Leaks are often caused by worn washers, seals or O-rings, which can easily be replaced. These parts can be picked up at your local plumbing supply outlet.

There are plenty of resources available to help guide you through the process of addressing a faucet leak; the library, the internet or possibly an experienced friend, to name a few. You’ll need a few adjustable wrenches and maybe some WD-40, and of course you’ll need to shut off the water supply before taking your faucet apart. In many of these situations, homeowners can have their leaky faucet fixed in less than an hour.

If you are not comfortable performing repairs to your plumbing equipment on your own, leaky faucets are typically a quick and reasonably-priced fix for plumbers. Aside from the costs and potential damage associated with faucet leaks, although we so often take it for granted, water is a valuable resource … so the less of it we waste the better off we will all be!

***

Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

 

(Photo via Flickr)