Tips for reducing energy cost
Reducing energy cost
Energy costs are increasing dramatically. Here are a few inexpensive energy-efficient measures, you can use to reduce your energy bills by 10 to 50 percent and at the same time save energy and reduce air pollution.
Control Indoor Temperatures:
You can save as much as 10 percent a year on your heating and cooling bills by simply turning your thermostat back 10-15 percent for eight hours every day. Reduce daytime home heating temperatures in winter to 68 degrees F or lower.
Many of the following tips lead to energy efficiency in summer as well as in winter.
- When you leave the house for more than four hours set the thermostat back to 60 degrees.
- When you go on vacation, set the thermostat back to 55 degrees.
- Reduce nighttime temperature 5 to 8 degrees or more.
- During the day, open draperies and roll up shades on windows that face south, east, and west to receive direct heat from the sun in winter.
- Place furniture so that it does not block heat registers or outlets.
Control Air Leaks: Energy lost through air leaks can be decreased.
- Caulk cracks around doors, windows, foundation, and the fireplace.
- Close door of attached garage in winter.
- Close the flue when fireplace is not in use.
- Weatherstrip doors and windows.
- Lock your windows so they seal tighter.
- Use kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans only when necessary.
- Seal unused doors and rooms.
- Insulate ceilings, walls, floors and basement walls adequately.
- Install storm windows and doors.
- Use plastic tightly sealed to the inside of window frames.
- Select a heating system properly sized for house.
- Seal leaks in ductwork.
- Insulated all ducts in exposed areas.
- Maintain heating and cooling equipment in good operating condition.
- Keep air filters clean to make it easier for forced air systems to operate.
- Arrange with heating/cooling dealer for yearly maintenance.
Manage Your Equipment Wisely
- Reduce the amount of hot water used.
- Insulate hot water pipes.
- Maintain a setting of 110-120 degrees F on water heater thermostat. Refer to your owner’s manual for proper setting. If in doubt, test the temperature of water coming from the tap. Note: If your dishwasher does not have a booster heating element, keep water heater temperature at 140 degrees F.
Repair leaky faucets, especially hot water leaks.
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Outstanding experience from start to finish. Neil was on time, professional, and very personable when he came the same day to assess my needs and provide an on-the-spot estimate. He didn't try and pre...
Extremely pleased with the quick and professional service we received today! Our 14-year-old AC unit went out last night, i called this morning and a technician came out this afternoon. The fix was re...
Sherlock continues to be there for my family when we need them the most. I had a new HVAC system installed May of 2019, since then the service techs have come in for their seasonal inspections and I c...
Anthony, came to inspect the plumbing in my house as well as to drain and refill the water heater. I found him to be very informative and helpful, as well as professional and friendly. I was really ve...
Our water heater started leaking and a call to Sherlock was met with a same day response. Neil came out to explain our options of tank/tankless, gas/electric. He walked us through the pros and cons of...
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Jared was our inspector and he showed up on time with a 30 min courtesy call. He was efficient and gave us an honest opinion of what was working and what needed to be repaired or replaced or serviced ...
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There is a reason this place has nothing but five stars. They earn it! I have had no AC in the house and was procrastinating on getting it fixed due to the cost and lack of need most of the year. I wa...
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Just had an ACHP service done yesterday on the two units in my home. Their service rep was Jared Pratt. This guy was great! He took the time to do it right and to explain to me (every step of the way)...
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Buying HVAC for an entire house is not an investment to be undertaken without some research. It's probably going to cost more than $15K and will require a crew of techs working in your house for sever...
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If my wife and I could give 6 stars we would! Carlos, Jojo and Joe installed our new HVAC system today, 31st October 2016. Started the day at 8AM and ending roughly around 615PM. I was impressed by th...
Called Sherlock based on reviews here, as we've had less than stellar experiences with other local area HVAC companies. They scheduled an appointment within a couple days, the guy who came out could n...
Been using Sherlock for a couple years. Jared and Eric came out for the yearly check/tune-up. Both were super friendly, informative, timely, and put on shoe protectors whenever they came in the house!...