Heating, Cooling and HVAC

.Natural Gas and Oil Furnace Systems–Have a professional assess your needs and recommend the type and size of system you should purchase. Size is one of the most important factors affecting the efficiency of these systems. Too large a system costs more and operates inefficiently. Bigger is not always better. They have advanced technology to deliver 15 percent higher efficiency than standard new furnaces available today.

Central Air-to-Air Heat Pumps--If you live in a cool climate, look for a heat pump with a high HSPF*. Contact a professional for advice on purchasing air-to-air heat pumps.

Central Air Conditioners–Look for units — that have a SEER* rating of 12 or above. Contact a professional for advice on sizing a central air system.

Clothes Washers–Look for features that help cut water use: automatic water level controls, “suds saver” features, spin cycle adjustment, and large capacity.

Room Air Conditioners–Buy a correctly sized and energy efficient unit. The higher the EER*, the more efficient the unit. If the room is very sunny, increase capacity by 10%. For a kitchen unit, increase the capacity by up to 4,000 Btus per hour.

Area in square feet
to be cooled………………… Btu/hour
………………………………(on average)
100 to 150…………………… 5,000
150 to 250…………………… 6,000
250 to 300…………………… 7,000
300 to 350…………………… 8,000
350 to 400…………………… 9,000
400 to 450………………….. 10,000
450 to 550………………….. 12,000
550 to 700………………….. 14,000
700 to 1,000………………… 18,000

TVs, VCRs & TV/VCR Combination Units, Home Audio Equipment & DVD Equipment–Home electronics still use energy when turned off in order to maintain features like remote control and channel memory.

Windows–Look for Those windows have features that reduce heat loss in colder climates as well as heat gain in warmer climates. The NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) also provides a label that means a window is rated and certified for both U-factor and Solar Heat Gain. The lower the number, the greater the energy benefits.

Residential Lighting–Look for lighting fixtures and compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). They meet quality and reliability guidelines. Energy-efficient CFLs use up to 75 percent less energy and last up to 10 times longer.

Dishwashers–Look for features that will reduce water use, such as booster heaters and smart controls. Ask how many gallons of water the dishwasher uses during different cycles. Dishwashers that use the least amount of water will cost the least to operate.

Refrigerators and Freezers–Refrigerators with freezers on top are more efficient than side-by-side units. Look for an “energy saver” switch on models with the freezer on top. When purchasing a frost-free refrigerator, buy one with an energy-efficient option.

Home office equipment--When office equipment sits idle for long periods of time during the day and night, it can waste energy. Office equipment, such as computers and monitors, that have earned the help eliminate wasted energy through power management features.

Cordless Phones–Look for those cordless phones, answering machines, and cordless phone/answering machine combination units that perform much more efficiently than conventional units through “smart”chargers and switch-mode power supply circuits, and use about one-third of the energy.

Programmable Thermostats--A programmable thermostat allows you to preset different temperature programs to meet your comfort needs efficiently during different times of the day or week. .

Insulation–The proper type and level of insulation for your home increases comfort and reduces energy costs. Installing insulation properly is also important.

Ceiling fans–They can increase your comfort range by creating a cool breeze on warm days. Hang your fan so that its blades are at least one foot below the ceiling, seven feet above the floor, and two feet from the nearest wall.

Dehumidifiers--models that provide enhanced moisture removal as well as quiet operation, reliability and durability.

Explanation: Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE*) and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF*) are measures of heating efficiency. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER*) and Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER*) are measures of cooling efficiency. The higher the efficiency level for any particular product, the more energy it will save

Click to see 10 Simple Ways To Cut Home Energy Cost and Other Ways To Save Energy Dollars

Sources:http://www.buyenergyefficient.org/