<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>AHR Mechanical Cooling and Heating Services &#187; Energy Tips</title>
	<atom:link href="http://safeandtrustedac.com/category/energy-tips/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://safeandtrustedac.com</link>
	<description>Your home comfort specialists!</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:40:33 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4</generator>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
			<item>
		<title>How can I be comfortable and still save money on my utility bill?</title>
		<link>http://safeandtrustedac.com/how-can-i-be-comfortable-and-still-save-money-on-my-utility-bill</link>
		<comments>http://safeandtrustedac.com/how-can-i-be-comfortable-and-still-save-money-on-my-utility-bill#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:40:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michael Jagoda</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Energy Tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://safeandtrustedac.com/?p=155</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Keep all windows and doors closed when air conditioning equipment is running. Close shades and window coverings on the sunny side of the house to block the sun&#8217;s summer rays and lower the heat being transferred into the home.  In summer, set your thermostat to the cooling mode and to a temperature that is comfortable. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span><em>Keep all windows and doors closed when air conditioning equipment is running. Close shades and window coverings on the sunny side of the house to block the sun&#8217;s summer rays and lower the heat being transferred into the home.  In summer, set your thermostat to the cooling mode and to a temperature that is comfortable. The average resident is comfortable at a setting of 78 to 80 degrees. For every degree that you lower your thermostat below 78 degrees you increase your electric consumption by 2% to 5%.  When cooling your home, setting the variable speed fan to the &#8220;on&#8221; position will cause the indoor fan to run continuous with very little energy consumption, thus providing uninterrupted circulation of air between cycles. Many users are able to set their thermostat a few degrees warmer with this movement of air. Ceiling fans can also be used to move air and allow us to leave our thermostat at a higher setting. Programmable thermostats can be used to automatically raise and lower temperatures as needed when away or sleeping. <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Do not turn your air conditioner off during the day when you are away from home</span>. Raising the temperature to 82 or 83 degrees while away is a better solution to saving energy. This will use less energy and still allow for the air conditioner to recover when you lower the thermostat to your desired comfort level when you return home in the evening. Do moisture-producing chores (such as laundry, running the dishwasher) and chores that require heat (baking, cooking) in the early morning or at night when it&#8217;s cooler. Also, chores that involve exercise, such as cleaning floors, windows, etc. raise your body temperature and should be done when outside temperatures are cooler if it is an option. Sufficient insulation can be an economical way of reducing your electric bill while increasing the overall comfort of your home. If you need an insulation professional referral, please contact us. A well ventilated attic will decrease the heat build up and can lower your air conditioning usage. Your outdoor coil should be kept clean and free from debris. Finally, routine maintenance keeps your equipment running at its best. Small repairs that may be performed during these regular visits will increase efficiency as well as avoid costly and unwanted larger emergency repairs.</em><br />
</span></p>
<hr />
<p><small>&copy; Michael Jagoda for <a href="http://safeandtrustedac.com">AHR Mechanical Cooling and Heating Services</a>, 2009. |
<a href="http://safeandtrustedac.com/how-can-i-be-comfortable-and-still-save-money-on-my-utility-bill">Permalink</a> |
<a href="http://safeandtrustedac.com/how-can-i-be-comfortable-and-still-save-money-on-my-utility-bill#comments">No comment</a> |
Add to
<a href="http://del.icio.us/post?url=http://safeandtrustedac.com/how-can-i-be-comfortable-and-still-save-money-on-my-utility-bill&amp;title=How can I be comfortable and still save money on my utility bill?">del.icio.us</a>
<br/>
Post tags: <br/>
</small></p>
<p><small>Feed enhanced by <a href='http://planetozh.com/blog/my-projects/wordpress-plugin-better-feed-rss/'>Better Feed</a> from  <a href='http://planetozh.com/blog/'>Ozh</a></small></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://safeandtrustedac.com/how-can-i-be-comfortable-and-still-save-money-on-my-utility-bill/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Michael&#8217;s daughter Noelle has something to share&#8230;.:)</title>
		<link>http://safeandtrustedac.com/michaels-daughter-noelle-has-something-to-share</link>
		<comments>http://safeandtrustedac.com/michaels-daughter-noelle-has-something-to-share#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2009 20:39:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michael Jagoda</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Energy Tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://safeandtrustedac.com/?p=144</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[My daddy Michael works at AHR Mechanical!  My name is Noelle, I am 10 years old, and I wanted to tell everyone about my dog&#8230;
My dog Goose, he chews everything he can get his paws on! For example, he ate almost all our furniture down to the wooden frame! So, we got him a gate [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>My daddy Michael works at AHR Mechanical!  My name is Noelle, I am 10 years old, and I wanted to tell everyone about my dog&#8230;</p>
<p>My dog Goose, he chews everything he can get his paws on! For example, he ate almost all our furniture down to the wooden frame! So, we got him a gate so he can not get in our living room. He took a chunk out of our new purple couch! So we had to cover the arm of the</p>
<p>couch with my birthday present, my purple blanket my gramma made for me! But Goose is a very dorky dog.For example, he drinks out of  our indoor water fountain. But, he  is very slobbery. After we take him for a run, he drinks out of the fountain and pours the water all over our tile floor and lays down in the mess. It is all over our kitchion floor, and believe me, our kitchion is sorta big. Tats my story!</p>
<p>Love,</p>
<p>Noelle</p>
<hr />
<p><small>&copy; Michael Jagoda for <a href="http://safeandtrustedac.com">AHR Mechanical Cooling and Heating Services</a>, 2009. |
<a href="http://safeandtrustedac.com/michaels-daughter-noelle-has-something-to-share">Permalink</a> |
<a href="http://safeandtrustedac.com/michaels-daughter-noelle-has-something-to-share#comments">No comment</a> |
Add to
<a href="http://del.icio.us/post?url=http://safeandtrustedac.com/michaels-daughter-noelle-has-something-to-share&amp;title=Michael&#8217;s daughter Noelle has something to share&#8230;.:)">del.icio.us</a>
<br/>
Post tags: <br/>
</small></p>
<p><small>Feed enhanced by <a href='http://planetozh.com/blog/my-projects/wordpress-plugin-better-feed-rss/'>Better Feed</a> from  <a href='http://planetozh.com/blog/'>Ozh</a></small></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://safeandtrustedac.com/michaels-daughter-noelle-has-something-to-share/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>APS Residential AC Rebate Program</title>
		<link>http://safeandtrustedac.com/aps-residential-ac-rebate-program</link>
		<comments>http://safeandtrustedac.com/aps-residential-ac-rebate-program#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:21:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michael Jagoda</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Energy Tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://safeandtrustedac.com/?p=95</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The APS Residential Air Conditioner (AC) Rebate Program* offers rebates to APS residential customers who replace their existing heat pump or AC unit with a new high-efficiency system.
To qualify for a rebate the equipment must be installed by an  APS Qualified Contractor in accordance with APS&#8217; Quality Installation standards. Efficiency requirements and rebate amounts are shown [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="color: #000000;">The APS Residential Air Conditioner (AC) Rebate Program* offers rebates to APS residential customers who replace their existing heat pump or AC unit with a new high-efficiency system.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>To qualify for a rebate the equipment must be installed by an </strong> </span><a href="http://safeandtrustedac.com/aps_services/residential/waystosave/ResWaystoSave_19.html?source=acrebate"><strong><span style="color: #000000;">APS Qualified Contractor</span></strong></a><span style="color: #000000;"><strong> in accordance with APS&#8217; Quality Installation standards.</strong> Efficiency requirements and rebate amounts are shown below.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">AHR Mechancial is a qualified contractor and has received the &#8220;Outstanding Customer Service Award&#8221; from the Arizona Heat Pump Council for the last 9 years!!!</span></p>
<p align="center"><strong><span style="color: #000000;">Residential AC Rebates</span></strong></p>
<p align="center"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p>
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="400" align="center">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="2">
<p align="center"><span style="color: #000000;"> <strong>Minimum Efficiency Levels**</strong></span></p>
</td>
<td rowspan="2">
<p align="center"><strong><span style="color: #000000;">APS Quality Installation Required for Rebate?</span></strong></p>
</td>
<td rowspan="2">
<p align="center"><strong><span style="color: #000000;"> APS Rebate Amount</span></strong></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center"><strong><span style="color: #000000;"> SEER</span></strong></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center"><strong><span style="color: #000000;"> EER</span></strong></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center"><span style="color: #000000;">13</span></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center"><span style="color: #000000;">10.8</span></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center"><span style="color: #000000;">Yes</span></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center"><strong><span style="color: #000000;">$175</span></strong></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center"><span style="color: #000000;"> 14 &#8211; 16</span></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center"><span style="color: #000000;">10.8</span></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center"><span style="color: #000000;">Yes</span></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center"><span style="color: #000000;"> <strong>$425</strong></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center"><span style="color: #000000;"> 17 and above</span></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center"><span style="color: #000000;">10.8</span></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center"><span style="color: #000000;">Yes</span></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center"><strong><span style="color: #000000;"> $525</span></strong></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p align="left"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>APS Quality Installation Standards:</strong><br />
</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Sizing Calculation</strong> &#8212; A sizing calculation (Manual J) ensures your equipment is the right size for you home. Bigger isn&#8217;t necessarily better. Studies show that over half of home heat pumps and AC units are oversized &#8211; often by as much as 60 to 80 percent.  Smaller units generally have a lower purchase price. Oversized cooling units often don&#8217;t run long enough to reach their rated efficiency level and turn on and off more frequently which can lead to higher maintenance costs.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Airflow and Refrigeration Charge Check</strong> &#8212; Ensuring the equipment is installed with the proper airflow and refrigeration charge will save you money. Improperly installed AC systems waste energy. An analysis of 75,000 field tests revealed that over 75 percent of installed cooling equipment fails to meet manufacturer specifications for airflow and refrigerant charge.</span></li>
</ul>
<p align="left"><span style="color: #000000;"><img src="http://safeandtrustedac.com/_files/images/SpacerGrey.gif" border="0" alt="" width="450" height="1" /></span></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #000000;">Benefits of purchasing a new high efficiency AC system with a Quality Installation from <span style="color: #ff0000;">AHR</span> Mechanical:</span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li>
<div><span style="color: #000000;">Save money on your energy bills &#8211; new electric heat pumps and AC units are about 40 to 50 percent more efficient than units installed 15 years ago.</span></div>
</li>
<li>
<div><span style="color: #000000;">Peace and quiet &#8211; today&#8217;s AC equipment is typically quieter than older units.</span></div>
</li>
<li>
<div><span style="color: #000000;">Home resale value &#8211; A new high efficiency AC unit can help improve the resale value of your home.</span></div>
</li>
<li>
<div><span style="color: #000000;">Benefits to the environment &#8211; saving energy helps to preserve our natural resources and reduces pollution.</span></div>
</li>
<li>
<div><span style="color: #000000;">Increase your comfort &#8212; A properly sized and installed unit offers better humidity and temperature control in your home which increases your comfort.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">Please Call today to set up a free in home consulation from our staff at <strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">AHR</span> Mechanical:  480-991-2353</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><img src="http://safeandtrustedac.com/_files/images/SpacerGrey.gif" border="0" alt="" width="450" height="1" /></span></p>
<hr />
<p><small>&copy; Michael Jagoda for <a href="http://safeandtrustedac.com">AHR Mechanical Cooling and Heating Services</a>, 2009. |
<a href="http://safeandtrustedac.com/aps-residential-ac-rebate-program">Permalink</a> |
<a href="http://safeandtrustedac.com/aps-residential-ac-rebate-program#comments">No comment</a> |
Add to
<a href="http://del.icio.us/post?url=http://safeandtrustedac.com/aps-residential-ac-rebate-program&amp;title=APS Residential AC Rebate Program">del.icio.us</a>
<br/>
Post tags: <br/>
</small></p>
<p><small>Feed enhanced by <a href='http://planetozh.com/blog/my-projects/wordpress-plugin-better-feed-rss/'>Better Feed</a> from  <a href='http://planetozh.com/blog/'>Ozh</a></small></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://safeandtrustedac.com/aps-residential-ac-rebate-program/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Trane Energy Tax Credit Summary</title>
		<link>http://safeandtrustedac.com/trane-energy-tax-credit-summary</link>
		<comments>http://safeandtrustedac.com/trane-energy-tax-credit-summary#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:11:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michael Jagoda</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Energy Tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://safeandtrustedac.com/?p=92</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The 2009-2010 Energy Tax Credit and You
With the passage of President Obama’s Economic Stimulus Bill, homeowners may be eligible for a tax credit if they purchase certain types of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, water heating equipment, or make other energy-related improvements to their homes between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010.
As [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h4><span style="color: #000000;">The 2009-2010 Energy Tax Credit and You</span></h4>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">With the passage of President Obama’s Economic Stimulus Bill, homeowners may be eligible for a tax credit if they purchase certain types of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, water heating equipment, or make other energy-related improvements to their homes between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">As a leader in enabling homeowners to take control of their own energy management, Trane already offers systems that may help you save up to 60 percent on your energy bill.<sup>1</sup> To add to that savings, Trane offers many products that are eligible under this new energy tax credit law. Depending on the type of system or product purchased, it is possible to qualify for a tax credit of up to $1,500 on your 2009 or 2010 income tax return. Read on to learn how the government’s new tax credit program works, which Trane products qualify, and how to apply for a tax credit.</span></p>
<h4><span style="color: #000000;">How did the tax credit come about?</span></h4>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (also known as the Economic Stimulus Bill) into law. This legislation combines spending and tax incentives designed to get the American economy moving again by investing in our nation’s roads and energy infrastructure, and by providing incentives for increasing the efficiency and performance of America’s homes and commercial buildings.</span></p>
<h4><span style="color: #000000;">Which products are eligible?</span></h4>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">Some — but not all — of Trane’s products may qualify for the tax credit. </span><a href="http://safeandtrustedac.com/Residential/Trane-Owners/Tax-Stimulus-2009"><span style="color: #000000;">Click here</span></a><span style="color: #000000;"> to find a listing of the specific products that qualify, as well as print off your tax certification. In addition, you’ll find the government’s summary of Energy Star products that are eligible for HVAC credits. As always, you can also contact AHR Mechanical to help you determine product model numbers if necessary.</span></p>
<h4><span style="color: #000000;">How do I apply for a tax credit?</span></h4>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">For qualified improvements, homeowners may be able to claim tax credits equal to 30 percent of the installed costs (up to $1,500). The new tax credits are retroactive to January 1, 2009 and expire on December 31, 2010. The $1,500 limit is for all improvements made during the two-year term, rather than $1,500 each year.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">The tax credit applies as a direct reduction of taxes owed. In the past, IRS has directed taxpayers to use Form 5695 (the Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit). It is expected that the IRS will produce new rules related to the recently enacted stimulus legislation, giving taxpayers further guidance on claiming tax credits. To fully understand how the new tax credit may apply to you and what you can do to obtain one, you should consult with a tax professional for advice on tax preparation, as this tax credit is subject to IRS regulations.</span></p>
<h4><span style="color: #000000;">How do I learn more about Trane’s energy efficient products?</span></h4>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">Trane is committed to providing your family with a system that is tailored to your specific needs. </span><a href="http://safeandtrustedac.com/Residential/Getting-Started/Matched-Systems"></a><span style="color: #000000;">Find out more information about Trane </span><a href="http://safeandtrustedac.com/Residential/Getting-Started/Matched-Systems"><span style="color: #000000;">matched systems</span></a><span style="color: #000000;"> that are designed to give you the best performance for your heating and cooling dollars.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: italic; font-size: smaller;"><span style="color: #000000;"><sup>1 </sup>Potential energy reduction comparing an 8-SEER system to a 20-SEER system. Actual energy savings vary based on lifestyle, system settings, maintenance, climate and installation</span></p>
<hr />
<p><small>&copy; Michael Jagoda for <a href="http://safeandtrustedac.com">AHR Mechanical Cooling and Heating Services</a>, 2009. |
<a href="http://safeandtrustedac.com/trane-energy-tax-credit-summary">Permalink</a> |
<a href="http://safeandtrustedac.com/trane-energy-tax-credit-summary#comments">No comment</a> |
Add to
<a href="http://del.icio.us/post?url=http://safeandtrustedac.com/trane-energy-tax-credit-summary&amp;title=Trane Energy Tax Credit Summary">del.icio.us</a>
<br/>
Post tags: <br/>
</small></p>
<p><small>Feed enhanced by <a href='http://planetozh.com/blog/my-projects/wordpress-plugin-better-feed-rss/'>Better Feed</a> from  <a href='http://planetozh.com/blog/'>Ozh</a></small></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://safeandtrustedac.com/trane-energy-tax-credit-summary/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Save Energy and Money Today</title>
		<link>http://safeandtrustedac.com/save-energy-and-money-today</link>
		<comments>http://safeandtrustedac.com/save-energy-and-money-today#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 24 Aug 2009 19:07:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michael Smalley</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Energy Tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://safeandtrustedac.com/?p=26</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Did you know that the typical U.S. family spends about $1,900 a year on home utility bills? Unfortunately, a large portion of that energy is wasted. ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Did you know that the typical U.S. family spends about $1,900 a year on home utility bills? Unfortunately, a large portion of that energy is wasted. And each year, electricity generated by fossil fuels for a single home puts more carbon dioxide into the air than two average cars. And as for the road, transportation accounts for 67% of all U.S. oil consumption. The good news is that there is a lot you can do to save energy and money at home and in your car. Start making small changes today (see sidebar). To cut your energy use up to 25%, see the Long-Term Savings Tips throughout this booklet.</p>
<p>The key to achieving these savings in your home is a whole-house energy efficiency plan. To take a whole-house approach, view your home as an energy system with interdependent parts. For example, your heating system is not just a furnace—it&#8217;s a heat-delivery system that starts at the furnace and delivers heat throughout your home using a network of ducts. Even a top-of-the-line, energy-efficient furnace will waste a lot of fuel if the ducts, walls, attic, windows, and doors are not properly sealed and insulated. Taking a whole-house approach to saving energy ensures that dollars you invest to save energy are spent wisely.</p>
<p>Energy-efficient improvements not only make your home more comfortable, they can yield long-term financial rewards. Reduced utility bills more than make up for the higher price of energy-efficient appliances and improvements over their lifetimes. In addition, your home could bring in a higher price when you sell.</p>
<hr />
<p><small>&copy; Michael Smalley for <a href="http://safeandtrustedac.com">AHR Mechanical Cooling and Heating Services</a>, 2009. |
<a href="http://safeandtrustedac.com/save-energy-and-money-today">Permalink</a> |
<a href="http://safeandtrustedac.com/save-energy-and-money-today#comments">One comment</a> |
Add to
<a href="http://del.icio.us/post?url=http://safeandtrustedac.com/save-energy-and-money-today&amp;title=Save Energy and Money Today">del.icio.us</a>
<br/>
Post tags: <br/>
</small></p>
<p><small>Feed enhanced by <a href='http://planetozh.com/blog/my-projects/wordpress-plugin-better-feed-rss/'>Better Feed</a> from  <a href='http://planetozh.com/blog/'>Ozh</a></small></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://safeandtrustedac.com/save-energy-and-money-today/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Summertime Energy Tips!</title>
		<link>http://safeandtrustedac.com/summertime-energy-tips</link>
		<comments>http://safeandtrustedac.com/summertime-energy-tips#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:14:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michael Smalley</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Energy Tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://safeandtrustedac.com/?p=18</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[These tips are designed to help you choose effective ways to reduce your energy bills. Some measures may not be relevant depending on climate, the age of your home and appliances, and past improvements made to your home.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>SUMMERTIME ENERGY-SAVING TIPS<br />
These tips are designed to help you choose effective ways to reduce your energy bills. Some measures may not be relevant depending on climate, the age of your home and appliances, and past improvements made to your home.</p>
<p>The savings numbers are based on your total summer electric bill. Equipment mentioned must be electric powered for estimates to be accurate.</p>
<p>Also check out our What To Do Before It Gets TOO HOT! page.</p>
<p>FAST AND FREE</p>
<p>The average home spends about $1,900 a year on energy costs. But you can lower your energy bills and help save the environment at the same time!</p>
<p>Be a speedy chef</p>
<p>Nothing is more energy efficient for cooking than your microwave. It uses two-thirds less energy than your stove.<br />
Push a button to wash your dishes</p>
<p>Surprise! Your dishwasher uses less water than washing dishes by hand. Then let dishes air-dry to save even more!<br />
Fill up the fridge</p>
<p>Having lots of food in your fridge keeps it from warming up too fast when the door is open. So your fridge doesn&#8217;t have to work as hard to stay cool.</p>
<p>Cutting back unnecessary energy use is an easy way to reduce energy consumption while saving money. Here are some additional suggestions you can do at home, at absolutely no cost to you.</p>
<p>Turn up your thermostat</p>
<p>Set your thermostat to 78 degrees when you are home and 85 degrees or off when you are away. Using ceiling or room fans allows you to set the thermostat higher because the air movement will cool the room. Always take into account health considerations and be sure to drink plenty of fluids in warm weather. (Save: 1 &#8211; 3 percent per degree, for each degree the thermostat is set above 72 degrees)</p>
<p>Use your appliances wisely</p>
<p>To help prevent electricity outages, avoid running your appliances during peak hours, &#8212; from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. &#8212; or anytime an electricity emergency is declared.</p>
<p>Do your laundry efficiently by using the warm or cold water setting for washing your clothes. Always use cold water to rinse clothes. (Save: 4 percent)</p>
<p>Line dry clothes whenever you can. (Save up to 5 percent)</p>
<p>When you need to use the dryer, run full loads, use the moisture-sensing setting, and clean the clothes dryer lint trap after each use. (save: 0.5 percent)</p>
<p>Conserve energy by running your dishwasher only when it is fully loaded, and turn off the dry cycle and air dry dishes instead. (save: 1 percent)<br />
Operating swimming pool filters and cleaning sweeps efficiently</p>
<p>Reduce the operating time of your pool filter and automatic cleaning sweep to fourto five hours, and only during off-peak time. (Save: 1-2 percent per hour of reduction)<br />
Eliminate wasted energy</p>
<p>Turn off appliances, lights and equipment when not in use. (Save: 2%)</p>
<p>Unplug electronic devices and chargers when they aren&#8217;t in use-most new electronics use electricity even when switched &#8220;off.&#8221; Turn computers and printers off at the power strip. (Save: 1-2 percent)</p>
<p>Unplug or recycle that spare refrigerator in the garage if you don&#8217;t really need it. This will save you up to $150 per year! (Save: 10-20 percent)</p>
<p>INEXPENSIVE ENERGY SOLUTIONS</p>
<p>Make a quick trip to your local hardware store to purchase inexpensive energy-saving tools and equipment.</p>
<p>Replace air conditioner filters</p>
<p>Dirty filters restrict airflow and can cause the system to run longer, increasing energy use. Replace filters monthly for maximum benefit. (Save: 1-2 percent)</p>
<p>Plug your home&#8217;s leaks</p>
<p>Weather-strip, seal, and caulk leaky doors and windows and install foam gaskets behind outlet covers. (Save: up to 2 percent)</p>
<p>Choose ENERGY STAR® products</p>
<p>Buy ENERGY STAR® certified table lamps and light fixtures, and replace your incandescent light bulbs that are used more than two hours per day with ENERGY STAR® compact fluorescent bulbs. For example, install compact fluorescent bulbs in your porch light if you leave it on overnight. (Savings: for each bulb you&#8217;ll save 0.2 percent for each hour the bulb operates on a typical day. Therefore, replacing an incandescent bulb that burns 10 hours per day will save 2 percent)</p>
<p>Buy ENERGY STAR® certified torchieres. (Save: up to 1 percent for each hour/day that it&#8217;s on)</p>
<p>Install an ENERGY STAR® programmable thermostat. (Save: 1-3 percent)</p>
<p>GOOD ENERGY SAVING INVESTMENTS</p>
<p>Planning to do some remodeling soon? Time to replace old appliances? Consider these energy efficiency suggestions when you make purchases.</p>
<p>Install a whole house fan</p>
<p>A whole house fan is permanently installed in your attic and draws cool air into your home through the windows while forcing hot air out through your attic vents. Use after sundown when the outside temperature drops below 80 degrees, and in the early morning to cool your house and help reduce your air conditioning use. (Save: up to 5 percent)</p>
<p>Install window shading</p>
<p>Install patio covers, awnings, and solar window screens to shade your home from the sun. For additional future savings, use strategically planted trees, shrubs and vines to shade your home. (Save: 5 percent)</p>
<p>Solar control window films applied to existing glass in windows and doors is an effective method to reduce peak demand during hot months and conserve energy anytime air conditioning might be required. In addition to the energy management benefits, the use of these films can also reduce exposure to ultraviolet radiation and reduce glare. Vist the International Window Film Association for more information. (save 5-10 percent)</p>
<p>Invest in a new air-conditioning unit</p>
<p>If your air conditioner is on the way out, buy an ENERGY STAR® air conditioner. (Save: up to 10 percent)</p>
<p>Seal your ducts</p>
<p>Leaking ductwork accounts for 25 percent of cooling costs in an average home, so have your ducts tested and have any leaks or restrictions repaired by a qualified contractor. Note: duct cleaning is not the same as duct sealing. As of October 1, 2005, if you install a new central air conditioner or furnace, your ducts will have to be inspected. (Save: 10 -20 percent)</p>
<p>Replace your refrigerator with an ENERGY STAR® model</p>
<p>Refrigerators with a top or bottom freezer design can save you an additional 2-3% on your bill compared to a side-by-side design. (Save: 10 percent)</p>
<p>Increase attic insulation</p>
<p>If existing insulation level is R-19 or less, consider insulating your attic to at least R-30. (Save: 10 percent)</p>
<p>Install ENERGY STAR® windows</p>
<p>If your windows are due for replacement, ENERGY STAR® windows can make your house more comfortable year-round. (Save: up to 10 percent)</p>
<hr />
<p><small>&copy; Michael Smalley for <a href="http://safeandtrustedac.com">AHR Mechanical Cooling and Heating Services</a>, 2009. |
<a href="http://safeandtrustedac.com/summertime-energy-tips">Permalink</a> |
<a href="http://safeandtrustedac.com/summertime-energy-tips#comments">No comment</a> |
Add to
<a href="http://del.icio.us/post?url=http://safeandtrustedac.com/summertime-energy-tips&amp;title=Summertime Energy Tips!">del.icio.us</a>
<br/>
Post tags: <br/>
</small></p>
<p><small>Feed enhanced by <a href='http://planetozh.com/blog/my-projects/wordpress-plugin-better-feed-rss/'>Better Feed</a> from  <a href='http://planetozh.com/blog/'>Ozh</a></small></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://safeandtrustedac.com/summertime-energy-tips/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>
