You could be letting money go right out the window
(literally) if your home isn’t energy efficient. Here are our tips for making
your home more energy efficient this spring and beyond:
*Energy
Audit – Are you spending more on your utility bills and
feeling less comfort in your home? You may need to have an energy audit to
determine what’s causing the increased bills. Whether you do it yourself or
have a licensed contractor assess your home, it’s important to understand how
your home is working and get it on the path to energy efficiency. Here is where
to start; http://www.betterbuiltenergysavers.com/features
*Sizing
and Sealing Ducts – Do have rooms in your home that are
cooler than others in the summer? Your home may have duct leaks. As much as 20%
of the air circulating through your home can be lost to improperly sized or
installed ductwork. Find an SRP or APS approved contractor to have the ducts
sized and repaired; then submit the rebate. Not only will you save money, you
will be feeling cool in all the rooms of your home! To find rebates and tax
credits check out these sites; http://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=AZ or https://www.energystar.gov/about/federal_tax_credits
*Regular
Maintenance of A/C Unit – Consider purchasing an annual
maintenance plan from a trusted licensed HVAC company. They should offer a
complete inspection of the unit and the duct system of the home at least once a
year. This will help take care of problems before they become big costs like
replacing the unit…but when it’s time to replace there’s good news. New energy
efficiency (SEER) regulations in Arizona, require the installation of an energy
efficient system. If your unit is more than ten years old and/or you’re
spending a lot of money on maintenance, consider replacing it with a high
efficiency unit. One Company I recommend is Fresh Breeze heating and AC; http://freshbreezeac.com/
*Window
in general and Shades – A simple solution to the Arizona sun
heating your home and increasing utility bills is to have window shades
installed. They will block the sun and help keep your home at a stable
temperature. Optimal Services can help you decide on the right ones; http://optimalservicesllc.com/
*Energy
Star Appliances – Rated energy efficient by the US
government, these appliances cost more up front than their non-green
counterparts. Over time, the Energy Star will pay off. It is estimated that an
Energy Star dishwasher can save as much as $25 per year and a clothes washer as
much as $100 per year. Here is the site
to see for this great way to save money; http://www.energystar.gov/products/certified-products
*Time
of (energy) Use – In addition to having Energy Star
appliances (see #4 above), in Arizona most electric company’s offer a discount
if you agree to reduce your energy usages during peak times…leave your AC off,
don’t run major appliances during a 3 to 4 hour span. Check with your utility
company to find the best plan for you. To see how you can save money; SPR plan-http://www.srpnet.com/prices/home/tou.aspx
or APS plan https://www.aps.com/en/residential/accountservices/serviceplans/Pages/home.aspx
*Laundry –
Wash in cold or warm, avoid hot water. And let’s face it, in Arizona warm water
is hot water during the summer!
Here to a happy and energy efficient spring and beyond!
Contact
Elaine Beery at 480-570-1912 for any questions concerning this article. or Check out my website to start to find a home that is right for you in Arizona. http://www.azbuyshomes.com/
