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Listed below are some tips and suggestions you can use to save money on your utility bills, heating and air conditioning equipment, and service. For other answers to your questions concerning new products, energy efficiency ratings, savings on your utility bills, repair or replacement service, consult Lavco, your Rheem Team Top Contractor. |
The most economical operation of your system comes from setting the thermostat properly. Set the thermostat at the highest summer setting or the lowest winter setting at which you are comfortable. Typical settings are 78 degrees for summer cooling and 70 degrees for winter heating. When cooling, your operating costs increase from 3% to 8% for each degree your thermostat is lowered. When heating, your operating costs increase for each degree your thermostat is raised. |
Set the Thermostat |
The easiest way to ensure your system operates efficiently and economically is by keeping the air filter clean. There are several types of air filters and several possible locations for the air filter. Ask your Rheem Team Top Contractor where your air filter is located and which type of filter to use. |
Keep the Filter Clean |
Close all doors and windows to the outside. This will reduce the heating load in winter and the cooling load in summer. Your system will operate more economically as a result. |
Keep Doors and Windows Closed |
Arrange your furniture and drapes so that all output vents and intake grilles are free from obstruction. This will reduce the cooling and heating load on your system, providing more economical operation. |
Keep Vents and Grilles Unobstructed |
Excessive use of kitchen or bathroom exhaust fans will make your system work harder. This will increase energy consumption and costs. Keep costs in check by making wise use of exhaust fans. |
Avoid Excessive Use of Exhaust Fans |
Generally, it is best to set your indoor fan to AUTO. This costs less and provides better humidity control in the summer. However, if you desire to operate your system with constant air circulation, ask for advice from your Rheem Team Top Contractor. |
Use the AUTO Setting |
Let the sun in during winter. Keep the sun out during summer. In summer, direct sunlight increases the load on your cooling system. Use of window shades and awnings will reduce the amount of direct sunlight and lower the cooling load. In winter, direct sunlight reduces the load on your heating system. Open window shades and awnings to increase direct sunlight and lower the heating load. |
Control Direct Sunlight |
The condenser coil (the unit outside your house) should be kept clean to ensure efficient operation. If the condenser coil becomes restricted by dirt, lint, paper, grass clippings, leaves, or other debris, system efficiency will deteriorate. Use a garden hose to keep the condenser coil clean. |
Keep the Condenser Coil Clean |
Be sure all air ducts are well-insulated. Ducts should also be sealed with a vapor barrier. |
Insulate Air Ducts |
Ensure maximum retention of heated or cooled air by adding insulation to outside walls and to the attic. Seal cracks and use storm doors and/or insulated doors to prevent air leaks. |
Keep an Air Tight House |
Be sure your clothes dryer is vented to the outside. Also ensure that your clothes dryer is vented away from your outdoor unit. |
Properly Vent Clothes Dryer |
Make sure no heat-generating appliances are near your thermostat. These include lamps, TVs, stereo and computer equipment. |
Keep Heat Away from the Thermostat |
Money Saving Tips |
6953 State Hwy. 21 East | Bryan, TX. 77808 | Office: (979) 778-2756 | Fax: (979) 778-2755 | Email: lavco@lavco.com |
As a homeowner contemplating the replacement or installation of a new air conditioning and heating system we are sure you have lots of questions about which manufacturer to use as well as some of the technical terms used in the HVAC industry. This section is designed to help you with this terminology. |
FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions) |
SEER is most commonly used to measure the efficiency of a central air conditioner. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the system. SEER measures how efficiently a cooling system will operate over an entire season. In technical terms, SEER is a measure of equipment the total cooling of a central air conditioner or heat pump (in Btu) during the normal cooling season as compared to the total electric energy input (in watt-hours) consumed during the same period |
SEER Rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) |
EER is a measure of how efficiently a cooling system will operate when the outdoor temperature is at a specific level (95oF). The higher the EER, the more efficient the system. In technical terms, EER is the steady-state rate of heat energy removal (i.e. cooling capacity) by the product measured in Btuh divided by the steady-state rate of energy input to the product measured in watts. This ratio is expressed in Btuh/watt. |
EER Rating (Energy Efficiency Ratio) |
Both SEER and EER are included in the ENERGY STAR specification because each rating indicates the energy efficiency of the product under different operating modes. SEER rating more accurately reflects overall system efficiency on a seasonal basis and EER reflects the system’s energy efficiency at peak day operations. Both ratings are important when choosing a product. |
Heating and cooling costs the average homeowner about $1,000 a year — nearly half the home's total energy bill. If your central air conditioning unit is more than 12 years old, replacing it with an ENERGY STAR qualified model could cut your cooling costs by 30 percent. Earning the ENERGY STAR means products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. ENERGY STAR qualified central air conditioners have a higher seasonal efficiency rating (SEER) than standard models, which makes them about 14% more efficient than standard models. Remember, saving energy prevents pollution. By choosing ENERGY STAR and taking steps to optimize the performance of your cooling equipment, you are helping to prevent global warming and promoting cleaner air while enhancing the comfort of your home. You may also be interested to know: |
Energy Star |
Though these products can be more expensive to purchase up front, the cost difference will be paid back over time through lower energy bills. When buying new equipment, it is important to get a quality installation. Make sure you get a contractor who can do the job right. You can get better performance out of your cooling equipment by sealing your home and making sure your ducts don't leak. EPA offers additional suggestions for improving the performance of your cooling system as well as general home improvement advice. |
office: (979)778.2756 | fax: (979)778.2755 |