Energy Saving Tips
If you’re looking to install a new furnace, be sure to research Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings. This rating represents the seasonal average efficiency. While the national minimum is 78%, there are ENERGY STAR labelled models with AFUE ratings of 90%. A 90% AFUE for a gas furnace means it outputs 90 BTUs of useful heat for 100 BTUs of Natural Gas input. For air conditioning, SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) is the cooling output during an average cooling season divided by the total electric energy input. The acceptable minimum is 13 for central air, but 15 SEER models are available.
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To protect your home from severe weather conditions, insulate walls, attics and crawl spaces. Make certain windows and doors close tightly, and seal cracks around ducts and even light fixtures. To allow fresh air during the warmer seasons, install screens in windows and doors. Close draperies to prevent sunlight from heating your home in summer and open draperies in the winter to take advantage of the sun’s heat. Make sure to remove air conditioners from windows during winter to prevent drafts. Run your ceiling fans in reverse during winter to push warm air from the ceiling downward. Utilize fans in the summer to assist your A/C, but take the time to turn them off before leaving the room.
Take a walk around both the inside and outside of your home and take the top to bottom approach. Start at the roof and work your way down, considering possible areas where you may be losing air or taking in drafts. Sometimes an energy solution is as simple as a bit of insulation or caulk. For bigger savings, you might want to consider replacing windows or a new heating & cooling system. Call Browns Plumbing and we’ll be happy to discuss your many options for improving home energy consumption and comfort levels.