Are energy efficient appliances worth the investment? That’s the million dollar question. Well, maybe not a million dollars, but certainly something worth considering if you are planning on investing in new appliances any time soon. As more consumers take actions to “go green,” many companies are offering products that are more environmentally-friendly, including home appliances that reduce your energy use, such as refrigerators and washing machines. However, with all the hype around this trend, it can be hard to determine if these appliances are actually worth the investment when it comes to energy consumption and saving on your monthly bill. Below, we’ll cover a few different aspects to consider when purchasing energy efficient appliances to help you determine whether or not it is worth it. Are Energy-Saving Appliances Worth the Investment? Most energy-saving appliances come at a premium price, which can leave many homeowners wondering if the investment is really worth the savings that come […]
How is HVAC Energy Efficiency Measured?
If you’re in the market for a new HVAC system, it might be hard to navigate all the confusing terminology and acronyms to find out which system is right for you. Most homeowners are concerned about energy efficiency as they want to keep their monthly energy bills low. However, it can be hard to understand energy efficiency ratings if you don’t know the terminology or how these ratings are determined. In this post, we’ll talk more about how HVAC energy efficiency is measured and what you should look for when buying a new HVAC system. What is SEER and EER? SEER indicates the electrical input that is required to run your air conditioner over an average cooling season as compared to how much cooling the system generates. This rating is based on an average temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit. EER is tested based on higher operating temperatures of about 95 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. EER […]
3 Common Misconceptions About Energy Efficiency
We all have some pre-conceived notions in our heads about what it means to be energy-efficient. Whether you are picturing someone who lives off the grid or envisioning a smart house full of the latest technological gadgets to measure energy usage, the truth is that energy efficiency can be pretty simple. We know that saving money is important to homeowners in Lake Elsinore, and that’s why we’ve decided to shine a light on the truth about energy efficiency. Below, we’ve take on three of the biggest energy efficiency myths and gone into a bit more detail about why these common misconceptions just aren’t accurate. 3 Energy Efficiency Myths (And Why They’re Wrong) Though there are a lot of myths out there about home HVAC and energy usage, perhaps one of the biggest areas of confusion is energy efficiency. Here are three of the top common misconceptions about energy efficiency and why they’re not quite right: Being […]
Save Money this Holiday Season with These Tips for Home Comfort
The holiday season is upon us, and along with celebrating, many homeowners are also considering how their heating bill may rise during the colder months. As a holiday gift to our readers, we’re giving away some great tips that will help you save money on energy bills this season. These simple ideas are easy to implement and can go a long way in keeping your home energy costs down. Tip Number 1: Be sure that your home is free of any drafts or outdoor elements by caulking and weather stripping your doors and windows. If possible, also hang heavy drapes over extra drafty areas to keep the cold air out and the warm air from escaping. Tip Number 2: Even though fireplaces are a popular go-to for warming up a home, many experts agree that fireplaces can cause a house to actually lose more heat than it adds. So, enjoy your fireplace on special occasions, […]
Can I Close AC Vents in Unused Rooms to Save Money?
If you usually use only a few rooms in your home, you may think that closing off a few vents will save money. In reality, closing off vents will not reduce the amount of work your air conditioner needs to do. In fact, it may cause your AC unit to work harder. The Role of Vents in Home Air Distribution Supply vents allow cooled air from the air conditioner to circulate throughout the home. Many supply vents are registers with levered handles, allowing homeowners to open and close them as needed. When you close one of these registers, the amount of air flowing through your ductwork does not decrease. Instead, air will hit the slats of the register. Air may escape through the cracks in the register, redirect to other vents, or leak from the ductwork. Closing Air Vents Increases Pressure on the System When you close air vents and redirect air throughout the ventilation […]
