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Save Energy; Save Money

Tribune photo by SCOTT ISKOWITZ

One TECO customer says this special thermostat, which regulates electric consumption in nonpeak times, saved $300 in a year.

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By ANGIE HICKS

Special to the Tribune

Published: July 23, 2008

Updated: 07/23/2008 01:12 pm

Ruth Campagna's Redington Beach home has four air conditioning units. When two needed replacing recently, she opted to cover them with an annual service contract.

"Regular maintenance is a must to maintain efficiency and prolong the life of the equipment," she says. "I also think you get a better service rate if you're a regular customer, because the contractor knows your equipment and setup."

Campagna also had a programmable thermostat installed for every unit.

"We set the living areas for 75 and 76 degrees, and our sleep zone at 74. Obviously the higher the setting, the lower your energy bill."

In today's economy, nearly everyone is looking for ways to cut costs, and home maintenance is often sacrificed first. But homeowners who go that route often end up shelling out big bucks for replacements or repairs that could have been avoided.
Major appliances will lose about 5 percent of their original efficiency each year of operation unless they're regularly maintained. Yet, in a nationwide poll, nearly 50 percent of Angie's List members said they don't have their air conditioner serviced as often as they should, and 20 percent don't replace their filters on time.

That's cash right out the door. The biggest energy hogs in your house are air conditioners, refrigerators and water heaters. Run those devices at top efficiency and you'll save without breaking a sweat.

Air conditioner

•Get a programmable thermostat. They cost about $125, but will save you money by adjusting the temperature automatically when you're gone or asleep.

•Inspect your air filter every other month.

•Shade your air conditioner. Air in a shaded space is cooler so the unit will have an easier time cooling the air before pumping it into your house.

Refrigerators

•Clean the condenser coils at least annually and regularly defrost manual-defrost refrigerators and freezers.

•Check door seals to ensure they're airtight. Recommended temperature settings are 37 degrees to 40 degrees Fahrenheit and 5 degrees Fahrenheit for the freezer. Stand-alone freezers should be kept at 0.

•Refrigerators should last about 15 years. If yours is more than 6 years old and repairs will cost more than half its original cost, get a newer, more energy efficient model.

Water heater

•Lower your water heater base temperature to 120 degrees. Drain a quart of water from your water heater tank every three months to remove sediment that slows down heat transfer and lowers its efficiency.

•Use low-flow faucets and shower heads to decrease the amount of water and energy used.

Need a few more money-saving ideas?

Moving

Schedule movers for mid-week instead of the weekend to get a better rate.

Pest control

July is the height of insect season and a good time to look for signs of termites and other pests. It's also the best time to schedule a professional exterminator.

Landscaping

Plant trees and shrubs on the east and west sides of your house to shield the rays of the sun and cut down on cooling costs. Trees alone can add 3 percent to 7 percent to the value of your home.

Angie Hicks is the founder and director of marketing for Angie's List ( www.angieslist.com), a compilation of member-rated service providers

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