Tag: hvac

The Benefits of Smart Thermostats for Homeowners: Saving Money with Smart Technology

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The Benefits of Smart Thermostats for Homeowners: Saving Money with Smart Technology

As energy costs continue to rise, homeowners are increasingly seeking ways to reduce their utility bills and improve energy efficiency. One of the most effective solutions is the adoption of smart thermostats. These devices offer a range of benefits that can lead to significant cost savings and a more comfortable home environment. In this article, we’ll explore how smart thermostats can help homeowners save money and why they are a valuable addition to any home.

What is a Smart Thermostat?

A smart thermostat is a Wi-Fi-enabled device that allows homeowners to control their heating and cooling systems remotely via a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Unlike traditional thermostats, smart thermostats can learn your schedule, preferences, and routines, optimizing the heating and cooling of your home for maximum efficiency and comfort.

Key Benefits of Smart Thermostats

1. Energy Savings

The primary benefit of smart thermostats is their ability to save energy. By learning your habits and adjusting the temperature accordingly, these devices ensure that your HVAC system operates only when necessary. For instance, a smart thermostat can lower the temperature when you’re away from home and start heating or cooling before you return, ensuring comfort without wasting energy.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can save up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by simply adjusting their thermostats by 7-10 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 hours a day. Smart thermostats make this process seamless, automatically making these adjustments based on your daily routines.

2. Cost Savings

Energy savings directly translate into cost savings. By reducing the amount of energy your HVAC system uses, you lower your utility bills. Many smart thermostat manufacturers claim that their devices can save homeowners between 10-15% on their heating and cooling costs. Over time, these savings can add up significantly, making the initial investment in a smart thermostat well worth it.

3. Remote Access and Control

One of the standout features of smart thermostats is the ability to control them remotely. Whether you’re at work, on vacation, or simply in another room, you can adjust your home’s temperature with ease using a smartphone app. This remote access ensures that you never waste energy heating or cooling an empty house.

4. Learning Capabilities

Smart thermostats are equipped with learning algorithms that adapt to your schedule and preferences. They can detect when you typically leave and return home, and adjust the temperature settings accordingly. Over time, the thermostat becomes more efficient at managing your home’s climate, further enhancing energy and cost savings.

5. Integration with Other Smart Devices

Many smart thermostats can integrate with other smart home devices, such as smart plugs, lights, and security systems. This integration allows for more comprehensive home automation and energy management. For example, you can set up routines where your thermostat adjusts the temperature based on whether your smart security system detects that you’re home or away.

6. Energy Usage Reports

Smart thermostats often come with energy usage reports that provide insights into your heating and cooling patterns. These reports can help you understand how and when you use energy, enabling you to make informed decisions about further optimizing your energy use. Some smart thermostats even offer tips and suggestions on how to save more energy based on your usage patterns. Having this data can help when you are trying to calculate your utility bills.

How to Maximize Savings with a Smart Thermostat

To fully benefit from a smart thermostat, consider the following tips:

  • Set Realistic Temperature Goals: Aim for modest temperature adjustments that you can maintain consistently. Even small changes can lead to significant savings over time.
  • Utilize Scheduling Features: Take advantage of the scheduling capabilities of your smart thermostat to ensure your HVAC system runs only when needed.
  • Monitor and Adjust: Regularly review your energy usage reports and adjust your settings as necessary to maximize efficiency.
  • Integrate with Other Devices: If possible, integrate your smart thermostat with other smart home devices for enhanced control and automation.

Conclusion

Smart thermostats are a powerful tool for homeowners looking to save money and reduce their energy consumption. By leveraging advanced technology and learning algorithms, these devices optimize your home’s climate control, ensuring comfort while minimizing energy waste. The initial investment in a smart thermostat can pay off quickly through lower utility bills and improved energy efficiency. As energy costs continue to rise, smart thermostats represent a smart choice for any homeowner committed to saving money and living more sustainably.

By adopting smart thermostats, homeowners can enjoy significant cost savings, enhanced comfort, and a more energy-efficient home. Explore the range of options available and consider making the switch to smart technology today.

Ductless Heating and Cooling Systems

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Ductless heating and cooling systems are an alternative to traditional central heating and air conditioning systems. What are they? Are ductless heating and cooling systems better than the traditional central heating and air conditioning systems? Can ductless air conditioning systems save you money on your power bill? Keep reading to find out.

What are Ductless Heating and Cooling Systems?

What is a ductless air conditioning unit? Ductless air conditioning units, also known as ductless mini split systems, are smaller self-contained air conditioning units that are meant to keep a space climate controlled. I say climate controlled because there are also ductless heat pump models as well. I will also refer to these systems as ductless heat pump, ductless air conditioners and ductless mini split systems, remember that they are all the same thing. Ductless mini split systems contain an evaporator that is mounted inside that also house the fan that blows the cool air or warm air into the space that it is keeping warm or cool. There are coolant lines attached to the evaporator that run outside to the condenser.

The units typically come with a remote control so that you can choose the setting that you want from the ground. They have built in thermostats that allow you to choose the temperature that is right for you. Ductless air conditioners also allow you to choose the fan speed. So, if you are hot and you want to feel more air rushing past you, you can do that. You can also use the unit as nothing more than a fan. If, for instance, it is already cool in the house but you just want a breeze you can use the fan setting.

Additional Features of Ductless Heating and Cooling Systems

Another feature that ductless mini split systems offer is a dehumidifier setting. This is good if you live in a humid climate. It is also good to prevent the growth of mold. Also, often times just by removing the moisture from the air you will feel cooler.

With all of these features, are ductless air conditioners better than the traditional central HVAC unit? That depends. Ductless A/C units are zone heating and cooling units. This means that if you like your bedroom to be 65 degrees while you sleep at night but you do not want to pay to keep your entire house at 65 degrees then a ductless solution could be right for you. One of the biggest advantages of the ductless heat pump system is that you do not have to run duct-work. This means that if you are remodeling and you have a tiny crawl space and you are looking to add some sort of air conditioning to replace your window units a ductless heat pump could be a better option than a traditional central system.

Saving Money with Ductless Heating and Cooling

Can a ductless mini split system save you money? This is the ultimate question and if used properly the answer is yes. Ductless air conditioners are efficient and being able to control one room at a time means that you do not have to have one central unit that is sized to heat and cool your entire house. You can have individual units that run only when you need them too. One thing to remember about most A/C systems is that they basically know one speed and that is on.

There are some systems out there that are more advanced that do not use as much power when it is not needed but the majority know one speed. This means that when they are on they are using x amount of power as long as they are on. They will use x amount of power for x number of hours to keep your entire home comfortable. But if you have a room such as an office or guest bedroom that is rarely used, why heat and cool it? You can use smaller units that use less power when they are running. So if employed correctly you will use less power and save money.

If you are interested in ductless heating and cooling then check out the links below.







Water Stoves

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So you like the idea of heating with wood because you have endless supply of it or you just don’t want to pay the power company or the gas company any more than you have to. You know that your home heating system can be the number one consumer of electricity during the winter months and that you are tired of seeing your electric meter spin so fast you think it is coming of its bearings. You want to lower your power bill and have the most energy efficient home but still be comfortable. If this is you continue reading. A water stove can do all of these things for you, and if you are not afraid to do a little work you can lower your power bill and slow down that pesky electric meter.

Water stoves are a wonderful alternative to heating with a fireplace or using a wood stove. They can provide heat more evenly than any space heater or baseboard heater and they can do it all while burning practically anything. Are they the perfect heating source? Maybe, maybe not depending on your perspective. What can they do for you?

Water stoves can be installed alongside existing central heating and air systems. They use a heating coil that can be placed in the air handler and you and your guests are none the wiser. The heat coming from the water stove is dispersed just like your central heating and air is. It is controlled by a thermostat just like your normal heat is.





Another thing that water stoves can do is supply all of your hot water. They can totally replace your conventional hot water system or be used in conjunction with it with your conventional system being used as a backup. Many users have reported that they have seemingly endless hot water. This means that gone are the days when company comes over and you let them all take showers first because you know that there will be no hot water left and you end up taking a cold shower. No more! And let’s remember that the water is being heated by wood. Remember also that your water heater is typically number two on the electricity consumption list behind your heat.

A water stove is installed away from your house so that you do not have to smell the smoke created by it. Here lies the biggest con. The biggest con is that the water stove is away from the house. This means that if it is raining or if it is snowing you will need to go out in the weather to load wood into the water stove to keep it running. However, there are models that can use oil and gas as a backup and if you get one of these models you will not need to go out in the weather.

Also to be noted is the fact that you can use solar water heater panels to heat the water. This means that as long as you have good direct sun that you will not even need to build a fire! Many users of water stoves say that this is the way to go if you get a water stove. Many people do not even build fires everyday in the summertime because the heat from the solar water heater panels do all of the work for them! So, is a water stove right for you? Let me tell you the story of a friend of mine.

A friend of mine grew up heating with a wood stove. He grew up in a very small house and always knew that he wanted a bigger one. He also know what it was like to wake up cold because the fire in the wood stove had burned out overnight. But, he still wanted to heat with wood because he lives on a property with an abundance of free wood. Cutting, splitting and stacking wood has been a part of his life since he was a small boy. So, he builds his house on the same property as his family. His house was close to 5,000 square feet! That’s right 5,000! So, after the first couple of months of the winter I asked him how his water stove was working out and what he was using it for. He said that it was working great and that he was heating his entire house and heating his water with it. So the next question was, how much is your power bill? He told me that it was about $40. I could not believe it even though I know how all of the systems work and what causes your power bill to be high or low. But to me, that is the proof that I needed to know that one day I will install a water stove.

If you are thinking about getting a water stove, rest assured that they can lower your power bill. Make sure that you have it installed by a licensed professional.









Wood Stoves: Advantages, Drawbacks, and Essential Tips For Home Heating

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Wood stoves were once a very popular way to heat your home. One of the advantages that a wood stove offers over a fireplace is that it uses less wood. This means that if you are buying wood that you will be buying less. Or, if you are cutting and splitting your own wood you will be cutting and splitting less and saving yourself time as well. Wood stoves can be an excellent alternative to electric and gas furnaces if you are willing to do the work. Here I will list some advantages and disadvantages of wood stoves.

Advantages of Wood Stoves

  1. Efficient Fuel Usage: Wood stoves use less wood compared to fireplaces. Their design allows better regulation of oxygen flow using dampers, resulting in efficient combustion. This translates to lower costs if you purchase wood and less effort if you cut and split it yourself.
  2. Heat Retention: Wood stoves, often made of cast iron, retain heat effectively. Unlike fireplaces, where much heat escapes through the chimney, wood stoves keep warmth inside the house.
  3. Heat Distribution: Some wood stoves come with fans that disperse heat throughout the room, ensuring even warmth.
  4. Cooking Capability: Wood stoves can double as cooking surfaces. In emergencies or power outages, you can prepare meals on them.

Disadvantages of Wood Stoves

  1. Safety Concerns: Any indoor fire poses risks. Wood stoves can be hot to the touch, and improper use may lead to burns or smoke inhalation. Chimneys and flues must also be cleaned regularly to prevent creosote buildup, which could lead to chimney fires.
  2. Installation Challenges: Installing a wood stove requires creating a vent hole in your house’s side. Proper installation by a skilled person is crucial to avoid hazards.
  3. Wood Collection: Owning a wood stove means sourcing dry firewood. Dry wood burns hotter and longer, so maintaining a good supply is essential. Green or wet wood burns inefficiently, produces more smoke, and can lead to creosote buildup.
  4. Temperature Regulation: It can be tricky to maintain a consistent temperature with a wood stove. You’ll need to adjust the wood supply based on weather conditions.
  5. Indoor Dryness: Wood stoves tend to reduce indoor humidity. Some people place a pot of water on the stove to add moisture, but caution is necessary due to boiling water and steam risks.

Alternatives

If you love the idea of heating with wood but want a system with greater efficiency and convenience, consider exploring water stoves, which use a boiler system to distribute heat throughout your home. They combine the charm of wood heating with modern heating technology, and I’ll cover them in more detail in an upcoming post.

For those considering a wood stove, choose a model that suits your space and needs. Look for EPA-certified stoves for better efficiency and lower emissions, and always follow safety guidelines.

Conclusion

Wood stoves offer a compelling mix of efficiency, cost savings, and sustainability, making them a great option for heating your home if you’re willing to put in the effort required for proper use and maintenance. While they come with some challenges, such as safety precautions and sourcing dry firewood, their advantages—like efficient fuel usage, heat retention, and even the ability to cook during emergencies—make them a versatile and reliable heating solution.

If you’re considering a wood stove, take time to evaluate your space, heating needs, and lifestyle to ensure it’s the right fit. With proper care, a wood stove can provide years of warmth and comfort while reducing your reliance on traditional energy sources. Whether as a primary heat source or a backup during power outages, a wood stove is an investment in both your home and your self-reliance.

Stay safe, stay warm, and enjoy the cozy benefits of wood heating!




Heating with a Fireplace

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A cozy living room with a lit wood-burning fireplace surrounded by a rustic brick mantel. The room features warm, ambient lighting, a comfortable armchair with a blanket draped over it, and a small coffee table holding a cup of hot chocolate and an open book. A window shows a snowy winter scene outside, emphasizing the contrast between the warmth inside and the cold outdoors. The overall mood is inviting and serene, perfect for a winter evening.

Why Wood-Burning Fireplaces Are Not a Feasible Heating Option

There is nothing quite like sitting next to a warm crackling fire in the fireplace, drinking hot chocolate, and reading a book or watching a relaxing television show while the cold wind outside beats against the house. But is a wood-burning fireplace a feasible and cost-effective way to heat your home during those long winter months? The short answer is no! Here’s why.

The Challenges of Heating with a Wood-Burning Fireplace

While sitting beside a wood-burning fireplace can be one of the most enjoyable winter experiences, using it as your primary heat source can lead to inefficiency and discomfort.

  1. Heat Loss Through the Chimney:
    • Fireplaces rely on chimneys to evacuate smoke and provide airflow. Unfortunately, this also means much of the heat escapes up the chimney instead of staying in your home.
  2. Cold Air Infiltration:
    • To sustain the fire, air is drawn from inside your home, pulling cold air through cracks around windows and doors. This cools other rooms in your house, making it difficult to maintain a consistent temperature.
  3. Thermostat Misreadings:
    • If your thermostat is near the fireplace, it may detect the localized heat and cause your central heating system to shut off, leaving the rest of your home cold.
  4. Uneven Heating:
    • The room with the fireplace may stay warm, but other areas will remain chilly, especially during cold nights.

Considerations for Using a Fireplace

If you enjoy the ambiance of a fireplace, consider the following tips to retain heat:

  • Seal Air Gaps: Minimize drafts by sealing windows and doors.
  • Install Glass Doors: Consult a professional to install heat-resistant glass doors for better efficiency.
  • Crack a Window: Open a window slightly in the room with the fireplace to control airflow and reduce drafts in other areas.
  • Focus on Insulation: Ensure your home is well-insulated, especially in the attic, to keep heat from escaping.

Related Reading

Conclusion

Heating an entire home with a wood-burning fireplace is not practical or efficient. While it can provide cozy moments, it’s best used occasionally alongside other heating methods to save energy and maintain comfort. Always prioritize safety when using your fireplace, and remember: a well-insulated home makes all the difference.


How Much Does It Cost to Run a Space Heater?

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An infographic-style image depicting an electric space heater in a cozy room with labeled features such as '1200-2000 watts,' 'Cost: $0.15 - $0.26 per hour,' and safety tips like 'Keep flammable objects away,' 'Use a sturdy outlet,' and 'Automatic shut-off.' The room is warm and inviting, showing a person using the heater responsibly while sitting in a small, tidy space. Include icons for energy efficiency and safety, with a clean and modern design.

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Space Heater?

Electric space heaters are a popular option for heating small spaces like bedrooms, bathrooms, or even additions to homes. They are also used as a backup heating source during emergencies, such as when central HVAC systems or furnaces fail. However, many people wonder, “How much does it cost to run a space heater?” and “Are they an efficient choice for heating?” This guide will break down the costs, energy usage, and safety precautions associated with electric space heaters to help you decide if they’re the right option for your needs.

The Cost of Running a Space Heater

The operating cost of a space heater depends on its wattage and how long you use it. Most electric space heaters use between 1,200 and 2,000 watts of power. Here’s a breakdown:

  • 1200-watt heater: Consumes 1.2 kWh (kilowatt-hours) per hour, costing approximately $0.15/hour at an average electricity rate of $0.13 per kWh.
  • 2000-watt heater: Consumes 2.0 kWh per hour, costing approximately $0.26/hour.

If you run a 1,200-watt heater for 8 hours a day, your monthly cost would be:

  • $0.15/hour × 8 hours/day × 30 days = $36 per month.

For households using multiple heaters in several rooms, these costs can add up quickly. For example, running five heaters for 8 hours daily could cost $180 or more per month.

How Many Watts Do Space Heaters Use?

Understanding wattage is crucial to estimate costs and ensure your home’s electrical system can handle the load. Most space heaters range from 750 watts (low setting) to 2,000 watts (high setting). You can find this information on the product label or user manual. Multiply the wattage by the number of hours used and your electricity rate to calculate the total cost.

Benefits of Electric Space Heaters

  1. Affordable Initial Cost: Electric space heaters are budget-friendly, with prices starting as low as $15. This makes them a great option for emergencies or temporary heating needs.
  2. Portability: These heaters are lightweight and easy to move, making them ideal for heating specific rooms or taking on trips to cabins.
  3. Effective Heating: Modern space heaters provide efficient warmth, often equipped with built-in fans to circulate air evenly.

Drawbacks of Electric Space Heaters

  1. High Operating Costs: As highlighted above, running space heaters for extended periods can be expensive, especially if you’re using multiple units.
  2. Safety Concerns: Space heaters are a common cause of house fires. Even newer models with tip-over and overheat protection require careful use.

Space Heater Safety Tips

To minimize risks, follow these safety precautions:

  • Keep Combustibles Away: Maintain a safe distance between the heater and flammable materials like paper, clothes, or curtains.
  • Inspect Outlets: Plug heaters into sturdy, well-maintained outlets to avoid overheating. Avoid using extension cords or power strips.
  • Automatic Shut-Off: Choose models with safety features like tip-over and overheat shut-offs.
  • Supervise Use: Never leave children unattended around space heaters and turn them off when leaving the room or going to bed.
  • Thermostat: Look for units with thermostats. These types of units will turn off once the space gets to the desired temperature instead of constantly running.

Alternatives to Space Heaters

If you’re looking for a more permanent and energy-efficient solution, consider other heating options:

These options may have a higher upfront cost but often save money in the long run compared to the ongoing expense of space heaters.

Final Thoughts

Electric space heaters can be an effective short-term solution for heating small areas, but their high operating costs and safety risks make them less ideal for long-term use. Always consider energy usage, follow safety guidelines, and explore alternative heating solutions if you need a more sustainable option.

For more energy-saving tips and detailed guides, visit LearnMetering.com.





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Baseboard Heaters

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Electric baseboard heaters can provide an excellent way to keep you warm during those freezing cold months when you are longing for spring. They also offer many advantages to homeowners as well as investment property owners. However, be advised that along with the advantages that electric baseboard heaters provide there are also some disadvantages that you should be aware of as well. First, we’ll try to answer what are electric baseboard heaters and how do they work? Then we’ll see if we can answer the question, how much electricity does a baseboard heater use.

Electric baseboard heaters are one type of electric resistance heater that is installed on the wall along the floor. They have metal fins inside that heat the air as the air moves past the metal fins. As the cool air falls and goes through the metal fins, the cool air is heated and rises and this is how the room is heated. Electric baseboard heaters are normally installed beneath window both to take advantage of any falling cool air from the window and because windows are located on outside walls where heat may be lost due to low or no insulation.

Electric baseboard heaters can be cheap to install because they do not require any ducts to be used like in a central HVAC system. This keeps costs to a minimum when building an edition that would be difficult to heat or when remodeling an investment property. Electric baseboard heaters can also be a good option if you live in a climate that does not see very many cold days. They can be a good option versus installing a heat pump.

Electric baseboard heaters allow you to heat different areas of your home or office independently of one another. This can be advantageous for those who live in families or work in offices where one person is cold all of the time and the other person is always freezing. This can also be advantageous if you live in a large home and only want or need to heat your bedroom at night and do not want to pay to heat the entire home. For example, you could set your main thermostat on 65 degrees and in your bedroom have a baseboard heater set to 70 degrees. This way you can be warm in your bedroom at night.








For all of the advantages that electric baseboard heaters provide there are also disadvantages as well. The main disadvantage being electricity usage. Many people ask how much electricity electric baseboard heaters use. Do baseboard heaters use a lot of electricity? Typically electric baseboard heaters consume about 250 watts per foot. This means that if you have a 6 foot electric baseboard heater installed in your bedroom that it would consume about 1500 watts (250 watts per foot x 6 feet). Many people will tell you that baseboard heaters are efficient. And in regard to the amount of electricity that is turned into heat they would be correct. Because they are resistance type heaters they convert nearly 100% of the electricity into heat. However, do not be fooled. Heat pumps are more effective at keeping your power bill low than electric baseboard heaters are.

How much electricity does a baseboard heater use? Let’s do an example of how much a small home with only electric baseboard heaters could cost. For the example let’s say that the house if 1,000 square feet with 3 rooms and one bathroom. Each room has one 6 foot baseboard heater, the bathroom has a 2 foot heater and the living has two 6 foot heaters. So we have 5, 6 foot heaters and one 2 foot heater for a total of 32 feet of baseboard heaters. Remember from before that the average watts per foot is 250 watts. So 32 x 250 = 8,000 watts. So for every hour that the baseboard heater is on you will use 8,000 watts of power. Now let’s say that they run for 8 hours per day for 30 days. 8 hours x 8,000 watts x 30 days = 1,920,000 watthours. If we divide that by 1,000 we get the kilowatt hours which is what you are billed on and that equals 1,920 kilowatt hours. Now if we multiply that times say $0.10 we get $192.00 just to run your baseboard heaters to heat your home.

So, the biggest disadvantage is the usage of the electric baseboard heaters. Do they put off good heat? Yes. Are the cheap and easy to install? Yes. Are they expensive to run? Yes. There is one alternative and it is the electric hydronic baseboard heater. They use a liquid inside that is heated and radiates the heat in the room longer than the metal fins do. This means that they may run less often than regular electric baseboard heaters. But be aware that they also use the same wattage when they are running.

If you want to know more about baseboard heaters, check out How Baseboard Heaters Work.




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5 tips to saving energy when on vacation

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So you are ready to go on a long vacation and you are worried about your electric bill being high when you get back and you want to know if there is anything you can do to keep you bill low when you get back. Well, there are a few things that you can do to ensure that your electric bill is not through the roof. Most of these tips even work well if you are only going out of town for the weekend as well.

1. Turn off the water heater.

That’s right. An electric water heater is one of the largest consumers of electricity in your home next to the A/C. For a normal family, a water heater can account for as much as 25% of the electricity that is consumed in your home. To put it another way, they can easily uses 300 kwh per month which can equal $30 or more. Let’s understand why we would want to turn off our water heaters while we are out of town. The water heater has a thermostat inside just like the A/C does. What that means is the water heater will be keeping the water at that temperature regardless of whether you are in your home or you are one vacation. One argument that I always hear from people is that they want to be able to take a shower as soon as they get home from vacation and they do not want to be waiting on the water to get hot. Well, let me put your mind at ease. Most water heaters have about a 30 minute recovery. This means that it takes the water heater about 30 minutes to be full of hot water again. So, walk in from you vacation, turn the water heater back on and then unload your car and get ready to take your shower. By this time the water should be nice and hot for you to take a shower. The next question is, “how do I turn it off?” The most convenient way is in the breaker box. Find the breaker labeled as water heater and turn it off. Alternatively, there should be a disconnect at the water heater. You can pull this disconnect and this will turn off the water heater as well. I would only use the second method if you are comfortable dealing with electricity because it could be dangerous.

I want to note that I would not turn the water heater off if you live in a climate that freezes and it is the winter time when you will be gone. This is only recommended during the times when temperatures are above freezing.

2. Turn off the A/C

The A/C is the largest consumer of electricity in the home and because of this, you do not want to overlook it when you leave for vacation. Now, if you are hardcore, depending on the time of year, you will just turn off the A/C when you leave for vacation and turn it back on when you come home. But, if it is in the middle of summer you may want to ensure that the house is not an oven when you get back. My recommendation is to turn the thermostat up to at the very least 80 degrees in the summer time when you leave, higher if you think you can stand it. If you are going on  vacation in the winter time you will want to turn the thermostat down to at least 60 degrees. This will ensure that your A/C or heat are not running constantly while you are gone trying to keep your couch comfortable.







3. Unplug, unplug, unplug!

In this day in age when you turn your lights off at night you can just about still see everything because of all the lights from your devices that are still on. The lights may be from computers, television, gaming systems, microwaves, etc. Whatever the lights are coming from, they are drawing electricity to be kept on. Unplugging things that are not necessary to be on while you are gone, such as your wireless router (if you have networked security cameras you may need to leave that on). All of these little things do not use very much on their own but collectively they do add to your bill. Remember that nothing is free!

4. Turn off lights

This sounds like a no-brainer but many people forget to turn their lights off when they leave. Often times they will get home from vacation only to discover that they light in their bedroom or bathroom had been left on. Do a once over before you walk out the door and make sure that the lights are off. If you are going to leave a light on for security reasons, look at getting a timer so that it does not run all the time. Or, put in an LED bulb in that particular light fixture.

5. Turn off the water

I know this does not appear to have anything to do with electricity but if something happens while you are gone, such as a busted water line or a leaking toilet, you will be in for a big water bill. If the water line breaks and it is a hot water line and you have forgotten to turn off the water heater, it will constantly run trying to heat the water. Check the weather because this is only recommended during warmer temperatures.

6. Bonus!

If you are hardcore like me and you do not care if you have to reset your clocks when you get back then this tip is for you. When I go out of town on vacation, as long as it is not a time where we are having freezing temperatures, I just go and turn off my main breaker. If your main breaker is off, your electric meter will not turn while you are gone. This is how my power bills during the summer when I have been on vacation have been as low as $40 when the base charge takes up $20 of that $40.

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Five ways to Cool your house without A/C

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The weather can be hard to cope and during the summer time many people struggle with high power bills because their A/C runs constantly. Here I want to offer five ways to cool your house without using your A/C.

1. Use blinds

One of the most effective ways how to cool your house without using A/C is by not letting any sunlight into our home to begin with. Heat is transferred three ways. It is transferred by conduction, which is when you touch something, convection, which is when heat is transferred by air (think convection oven), and by radiation. So, think about when you are cold and your go out and stand in the sun to warm up. This is radiation and this is what we are trying to stop by closing our blinds. If we can stop the sunlight from entering our homes then we do not have to cool them back down. Try to use blinds that do not allow any sunlight to come into your home when they are closed. This is the first way that we can combat the heat and keep our homes cool without using A/C.

2. Use curtains

This is basically the same as number one above except that curtains, when used in conjunction with blinds can make a huge difference in blocking the sunlight that enters your home. And, the thicker they are the better. Think about taking a blanket outside and blocking sunlight versus a sheet. The blanket will not let any light through while the sheet will allow some light to pass through. When the light passes through the heat is passing through as well. This is the second way that you can keep your house cool without using the A/C.

3. Use fans

By using fans we move the air around us. We can perceive a three degree difference in temperature just because the air is moving. Think about a cool spring day. As long as you are out in the sun and the wind is not blowing you are warm. But, once the wind starts blowing you need to go and get your jacket. Using fans has the same effect. Ceiling fans do a good job of mixing the air. However, to move hot air out of your house you will want to use a box fan. If you open the windows on one side of the house and place a box fan in a window on the other side of the house you will be surprised at how well this cools off the house. Even better is to use two box fans. One pushing the hot air out of the house and the other pulling the cool air into the house. Do this and your house will be cool in no time. A note that I would like to make about using the box fans is this, do it at night. If you try to do this during the day you will be pulling hot air into your house. Make sure that you wait to do this until the air outside is cooler than the air inside the house.








4. Open the windows

This may sound simple and not effective, but this can be very effective especially during spring. Opening the windows allows the air to flow naturally in and out of your house. This natural movement of air moving past your body can actually make you feel like it is cooler than it is. This is because sometimes there is more moisture in the air outside the house than inside. When our bodies are in this moist air we often feel like the air around us is cooler than it actually is. So, go ahead and open those windows! And again, this works best when the temperature outside the house is cooler than the temperature inside the house.

5. Open the doors

Opening the doors is something that we typically forget that we can do. We often think that if we just leave the door open some random person will just walk in our house. But, if we utilize this huge opening and allow it to be used just like a window we will be able to reap the rewards of using the opening just like the window!

If you put these tips to use, you will be well on your way to keeping your house cool without using the A/C! If you have a window unit check out our Top 5 Tips for Using Window Units. If your like this article be sure to visit our Facebook page and like it to keep up to date with all of our articles!










Top 5 tips for using window units

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Introduction

When summer approaches we all want to beat the heat and the way that some of us go about it is to use window air conditioning unit. These unit do their job and they do it well but there are a few things that we can do to help them cool our homes more efficiently. Using a window unit can be a cost-effective way to stay cool, but to maximize efficiency and savings, it’s crucial to use them correctly. Here are the top five tips to help you get the most out of your window unit and help create a more Energy Efficient Home.

1. Check the rating.

Window units are typically rated by the number of BTU’s they can produce. However, most of us, do not have a clue what a BTU is and so the manufacturer’s of window units will typically tell you how many square feet the unit will cool. To find your square footage measure how big your room is and multiply the length times the width. You will want to make sure that you get a unit as close to your square footage as possible.

Most of the time it is better to go over just a little if you will be cooling an area with a kitchen or if you have high ceilings. You want to make sure the rating is close because if it is too small it will run constantly and not cool very efficiently therefore making your power bill higher. If it is too large the room could feel a bit moist since part of the job of the window unit is to dry the air as well.

2. Use fans and Curtains.

That is right. Use fans to help mix the air in the room that you are using the window unit. This will help you be more comfortable instead of having one area that is hot and one that is cold. Another thing that the fans do as well is give the perception that it is cooler than it is. Moving air in the home can give us the perception that it is up to 3 degrees cooler than is. This means that we can set the thermostat to a higher temperature so that it does not run as much.

During the hottest parts of the day, close your curtains or blinds to block out sunlight. This helps keep the room cooler and reduces the load on your window unit. Reflective or blackout curtains are especially effective in maintaining a lower indoor temperature.

3. Use the thermostat.

This is very important but it also depends on the room that you are cooling. If you have one big window unit in the living room that you are using to cool the entire house then you want to find a temperature that is comfortable and set the thermostat and leave it. Now, if you are using a window unit in your bedroom you can set that thermostat higher when you are not in there so that it will not run all day to cool a room that you are not using.

Set your window unit to a comfortable but efficient temperature, typically around 78°F (25°C). Using a programmable thermostat can help maintain this setting consistently, saving energy when the room is not in use. Avoid setting the temperature too low, as this increases energy consumption.

4. Keep the filter clean.

Keeping the filter clean on your window unit can help save you energy when you are using it. When the filter is dirty the window unit has to work harder to move the air. This in turn means that it will take longer to cool the space that you are trying to cool. I know that when I am hot I do not like to wait any longer than I have to to be cool. This will also help your window unit last longer and operate more efficient. Because the filter will be clean and the motor will not have to work as hard, the window unit will last longer.

5. Seal the air gaps.

Ensure there are no gaps around your window unit to prevent cool air from escaping and warm air from entering. Use foam strips or caulking to seal any gaps. This simple step can reduce energy loss and increase the unit’s efficiency.
This sometimes seems like a no brainer but I cannot tell you how many times I have had someone complain about their power bill only to find out that they are using a window unit. When I go inside to inspect I see air gaps everywhere. The fan on the window unit not only blows cold air but it sucks air in as well. This air has to come from somewhere and it is going to take the path of least resistance and if that means that it is going to come from around the door where you can see outside then so be it. Go to the hardware store and buy some insulation and some weatherstripping to keep out the drafts. Even tape can help on old drafty windows. Another problem area to address many times is the attic access.

These may be stairs or just an access hole. Many times the seal around these holes is not very good and lots of hot air can come from your attic. If you are not sure where to start with weathersripping and insulation, look at your windows and doors and if you can see daylight (I am not talking about through your glass window panes for you wise guys out there) you can bet that cold air is escaping and hot air is coming in. You can also crawl up in your attic and see if there is insulation. If there is no insulation, start here. You will see a dramatic improvement.

6. *Bonus Tip* Choose the Right Location.

Place your window unit in a central location where air can flow freely. Avoid areas with direct sunlight, as this forces the unit to work harder. Installing it in a shaded or less sunny window can improve efficiency by up to 10%.

By following these tips, you can enhance the performance of your window unit, save on energy costs, and enjoy a cooler living space throughout the summer. Remember, efficiency is key to comfort and savings. You will be suprised how much better your window unit works after you follow these tips!

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