Combining Energy Conservation and Efficiency: A Look at the Savings
Keeping a lid on energy bills is always on the radar screen for homeowners this time of year. Keep reading to learn how energy conservation leads to using energy more efficiently for nice savings and enjoying greater comfort this season and next.
Energy Conservation and Energy Efficiency
Not everyone knows it, but there is a big difference between energy conservation and energy efficiency. You are conserving energy when you cut back on a service to save money on energy bills. An example would be turning back the thermostat more than usual during comfort and setback periods.
Energy efficiency has more to do with the design of home systems that drive energy savings without a loss in performance. For instance, a modulating furnace adjusts heat and airflow output to maximize efficiency. You may save more energy with a high-efficiency furnace compared to an old fixed-stage furnace, and enjoy greater comfort.
Take a look at some of the potential savings by employing conservation and efficiency strategies.
Water heating: Turn back the water heater temperature to 120 degrees. Your water heater will last longer, and you’ll take a bite out of the water heating bill, which can account for 17 percent of the energy budget. Use cold water at the tap and for clothes washing more often to conserve hot water.
HVAC filter: Check your air filter each month during heavy usage. A clogged air filter may increase heating and cooling costs by 15 percent. Use a mid-efficiency filter rather than a disposable fiberglass. You’ll protect your HVAC system for better performance.
Lighting: Inventory your home’s lighting. If you’re still using incandescent lighting, switch to light-emitting diode (LED) and compact fluorescent (CFL). You can save up to 75 percent on your light bill, and CFLs and LEDs last up to 10 to 25 times longer. Conserve energy by installing dimmer switches. Older dimmer switches didn’t work well with LEDs. New devices are designed for compatibility. Check the packaging.
For more information about energy conservation and energy efficiency tips for your home, please contact Air-Pro Mechanical at 804-355-7767.
