When you are comparing glazing, it may be helpful to determine if the U-or R-value is indicated for the entire window or just for the center-of-glass. A window with a high R-value based on the center-of- glass may not be as efficient as one with a lower R-value that is based on the entire window.
Energy-Efficient Appliances
The energy efficiency of similar appliances can vary significantly. It is usually more cost effective to purchase appliances with high efficiencies. Determining and comparing the energy efficiency of different models is usually easy, because federal regulations require many types of appliances to display EnergyGuide labels. A label or energy-use information in the product literature is required for furnaces, refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers,freezers, water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, room and central air conditioners, heat pumps, and fluorescent lamp ballasts. EnergyGuide labels indicate either the annual estimated cost of operating the system or a standardized energy efficiency ratio.
You can also maximize the efficiency of appliances you already own through regular maintenance and tune-ups and system upgrades. Examples of some things that you can do are: - Check air filters in heating and cooling systems monthly during the seasons they are in use and clean and replace them as necessary.
- Clean air vents, baseboards, and radiators regularly and keep them unrestricted by furniture, carpets, or drapes.
- Release trapped air from hot water radiators once or twice a season by opening the valve until nothing but water comes out.
- Follow prescribed maintenance (e.g., maintaining certain water levels in steam heat systems).
- Install an insulating jacket on your hot water heater, insulate hot water pipes, and lower the water heater temperature.
- Clean refrigerator coils yearly and maintain internal temperatures between 36 degrees F (2.2 degrees C) and 38 degrees F (33 degrees C) for the refrigerator compartment and between 0 degrees F (17.8 degrees C) and 5 degrees F (15.0 degrees C) for the freezer compartment.
- Move the refrigerator if it is currently located near the stove or dishwasher.
- Regularly defrost refrigerators that do not have a completely automatic defrost capability to eliminate ice build-up on interior coils.
- Clean dryer filters after each use or as necessary.
More complicated jobs, such as furnace tune-ups, will need to be performed periodically by a trained technician. Companies that sell oil and gas usually have trained technicians who can tune-up your furnace or boiler.
Sometimes independent companies provide this service as well. For professional service for other home appliances, you should contact the business where the appliance was purchased.
If You Need a Contractor
You may find that many improvements involving energy efficiency require a contractor for installation. While finding a quality contractor at the best price can be a little confusing, these suggestions may help along the way.
Try to limit your choices to local contractors. They are usually less expensive. Check the Yellow Pages for the type of contractor you need. Inquiring about contractors through friends and relatives can help you narrow the field.
Obtain at least three bids before signing a contract. The greater the selection, the greater the chances of finding the right contractor for the job. All terms in the bids should be similar and all details should be in writing. Depending on the job, you should have the contractors visit the site before bidding on a project.
Make sure that the contractors are licensed and have liability insurance.
Find out the contractors' previous experience and ask for references. How many jobs have they completed? Have they had any formal training in installing the specified product or system? You should also check their record with the Better Business Bureau.
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