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Learn more about how to save on heating and cooling with these tips. Not only will it mean your home is more efficient, you will save money on your energy bills.
Q. How well is my home insulated?
A. If you can see your ceiling joists, you need to increase the amount of insulation in your attic. Attic insulation should have at least an R-30 rating.
Download information about insulation.
Tri-County Electric Attic Insulation
Tri-County Electric Wall Insulation
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And don’t forget the hidden drafty areas that let air conditioned air outside during the summer and let heated air out during the winter.
Trii-County Electric Air-Sealing Facts
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Q. How tight are my windows? Are they single pane?
A. Single pane windows should be replaced with double pane, Low E windows with a U value between .30 & .39.
Q. How efficient is my central heat & air conditioning unit?
A. Units that are 10-15 years old aren’t very energy efficient. In the cooling mode, energy efficiency is based on the unit’s SEER or EER. Anything greater than 10 is good, 12 is better. As of January 2006, the minimum requirement is a SEER 13. In the heating mode, look for the HSPF for heat pumps or COPS for geothermal systems. The higher the number, the more you will save.
Learn how to make sure your ducts are properly sealed by clicking here: Tri-County Electric Duct Sealing
Listen to Audio: Duct Sealing Tips
Q. Am I throwing money out the window?
Summer – Heat from the sun through your windows adds to the cooling load of your home. Close drapes in East/West facing windows to block out high heat.
Winter – The sun sits lower in the sky during winter months. Heat gained through South facing windows is an advantage to warming your home. Windows that don’t receive sunlight will lose heat unless drapes are closed.
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Heating and Cooling Money-Saving Tips
- Set your thermostat at 78 degrees or higher in the summer and 68 degrees or lower in the winter.
- Get your heating and air conditioning unit serviced every year.
- Clean or replace air filters monthly.
- Invest in a programmable thermostat.
- Use a ceiling fan to circulate air down in the summer months.
- Seal up leaks by weather-stripping doors and caulking windows.
- Close the fireplace damper when you aren’t using it.
- Landscaping can provide shade to your home and significantly reduce your cooling costs.
Perform a self audit with Powerful Money Saving Tips. Listen to audio: Powerful Money Saving Tips