Money
Saving Tips
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 questions concerning new products, energy efficiency
ratings, savings on your utility bills, repair or replacement services,
your Rheem Team dealer can answer all of your heating and air questions.
Set
the thermostat
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.
Keep
the air filter clean
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
service contractor where your air filter is located and which type
of filter to use.
Keep
doors and windows closed
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 vents and grilles unobstructed
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 for more economical operation.
Avoid
excessive use of exhaust fans
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.
Use
the AUTO setting
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 service contractor.
Control direct sunlight
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.
Keep the condenser coil clean
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.
Insulate air ducts
Be
sure all air ducts are well insulated. Ducts also should be sealed
with a vapor barrier.
Keep
an air-tight house
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.
Properly
vent clothes dryers
Be
sure your clothes dryer is vented to the outside. Also ensure that your
clothes dryer is vented away from your outdoor unit.
Keep
heat away from the thermostat
Make sure no heat-generating appliances are near your thermostat. These
include lamps, TVs, stereo and computer equipment.
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