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4.2 CUT THE COST OF HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
See end notes in Chapter 17.
4.2.1
Raise The Temperature Of Your Air Conditioner To 78
You'll
save about 5% for every degree you raise the AC over 70 degrees. I've found a higher
temperature is actually more comfortable in the south because it is not such a shock to my
system when I go outside into a hot muggy afternoon. We feel just fine at a moderately
cool temperature and the power bills are quite reasonable too.
Savings
= $40% (if thermostat set at 78 instead of 70 degrees)
4.2.2
Lower The Setting On Your Hot Water Heater
Many
heaters come preset to 140 degrees. You can comfortably reduce that to 120 degrees or even
110 degrees. Ask at your local hardware store for instructions. If you have a dishwasher
with a booster that will heat the water to sterilize your dishes, use it when you lower
the temperature.
Savings
= $50-$100 per year, approx.
4.2.3
Turn The Heat Down An Hour Before You Go To Bed Or When You Go
Out
Most
people turn the heat down when they go to bed. Instead do it about an hour before hand.
The house will keep the heat for more than an hour, and you will be quite
comfortable.
Savings
= 5% approx.
4.2.4
Windows Rob You Of Heat
In
cold weather, close blinds, drapes, curtains on all windows at dusk. Doing this will help
prevent heat from escaping through the windows. You'll save about $5 per
window.
Heat
pours out of windows in the winter; any barrier will save you money. Surprisingly, almost
anything will help, even Venetian blinds or large pieces of cloth. Glass is very thin and
has a small insulating value (R-value).
In
summer you need to cover any windows that the sun shines on directly since this creates a
greenhouse effect.
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