Ways to Reduce Your Energy Costs

To Become Moore Green!

Heat & Cool Efficiently

As much as half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling. So making smart decisions about your home's heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can have a big effect on your utility bills — and your comfort. Take these steps to increase the efficiency of your heating and cooling system.

Have your air filter changed regularly

Check your filter every month, especially during heavy use months (winter and summer). If the filter looks dirty after a month, have it changed. At a minimum, you should have your filter changed every 3 months. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you warm or cool — wasting energy. A clean filter will also prevent dust and dirt from building up in the system — leading to expensive maintenance and/or early system failure.

Tune up your HVAC equipment serviced every 6 months

Just as a tune-up for your car can improve your gas mileage, a yearly tune-up of your heating and cooling system can improve efficiency and comfort.  PG&E reports a possible 10% savings on regularly maintained systems. Call Moore Mechanical to set up a Planned Maintenance Agreement.

Install a programmable thermostat

A programmable thermostat is ideal for people who are away from home during set periods of time throughout the week. A programmable thermostat can be programmed to keep your home no warmer than 68º with the furnace during winter months and no cooler than 78º with the A/C during summer months.  Through proper use of pre-programmed settings, a programmable thermostat can save you about $150 every year in energy costs.

Have your ductwork inspected for leaks

Ducts that move air to-and-from a forced air furnace, central air conditioner, or heat pump are often big energy wasters. Sealing and insulating ducts can improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system by as much as 20 percent — and sometimes much more.

Consider installing ENERGY STAR qualified heating and cooling equipment

If your HVAC equipment is more than 10 years old or not keeping your house comfortable, you should have it looked at by Moore Mechanical. If it is not performing efficiently or needs upgrading, consider replacing it with a unit that has earned the ENERGY STAR. These high-efficiency heating and cooling units can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs. But before you invest in a new HVAC system, make sure that you have addressed the big air leaks in your house and the duct system.

Install a Mini Split system for your home.

The main advantages of mini splits are their small size and flexibility for zoning or heating and cooling individual rooms. Many models can have as many as four indoor air handling units (for four zones or rooms) connected to one outdoor unit. Since each of the zones will have its own thermostat, you only need to condition that place when someone is there. This will save energy and money.

Replace old tank style water heaters

Install a new ultra efficient tankless water heater and you'll save energy and thus, money. These on-demand systems require no pilot light. Furthermore, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, operating costs could be up to 50% lower since there is no re-heating of water as with traditional water heaters.

Install a Zoning System into your home