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First Steps Toward Green Energy

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Changing Out Dirty Air Filters

Pleated air filters A dirty HVAC filter restricts air flow from the handler making the fan motor work harder and HVAC unit run longer. A clean filter can reduce heating/cooling costs by 1%-2%.
  • The standard fiberglass filters are good for only one month. You can upgrade to a pleated air filter which are designed for three months. The best way to go is the electrostatic filter which will last as long as your HVAC unit. You still have to clean off the metal plates with a mild soap and water solution periodically.

    • Shade your AC Condenser

    The AC condenser pulls the heat from inside and releases it outside via the condenser. Shading the condenser reduces ambient air temperature as well as any solar gain from direct sun light. This reduces the load on the unit allowing it to run more efficient saving 5%-10% or more on your cooling cost.
  • If it is practical, have the condenser placed on the north side of the building.
  • Use landscaping to shade the condenser, keep at least two foot clearance between any shrubbery and the unit to allow for adequate air circulation.
  • Screen the unit with a trellis

    • Programmable Thermostat

    ENERGY STAR programable thermostat Install an Energy Star rated programmable thermostat. This is a D.I.Y. project that can be completed in less than one hour. They cost $30-$100 and can save up to 15% on heating and cooling bills.

    A good thermostat will let you program the unit at least 4 times on any given day. For example Monday-Friday you might want to set the HVAC to different temps during the day, evening and then again at night. On the weekends you could have it on all day then turn it off at night. The idea is to run the heating/cooling when you need it, not when no one will benefit from the energy used.

    One feature most people do not think about is the accuracy to the set point of the thermostat. Lower cost thermostats can have as much as a +/- 5 degree accuracy, this makes the HVAC unit run longer than necessary plus making it uncomfortable. The lower your delta in your thermostat the more efficient the HVAC unit will be, given the same variables.

    All ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostats include:
  • Four default program periods per day, allowing you to save money while you're away or sleeping
  • +/- 2 degree accuracy to keep the temperature at an even level, keeping you comfortable


    • ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostats typically come with:
  • Digital, backlit displays
  • Touch pad screen programming
  • Voice and/or phone programming
  • Hold/Vacation features
  • Indicators which tell you when it’s time to change air filters
  • Indicators that signal malfunctioning of heating/cooling systems
  • Adaptive Recovery/ Smart Recovery features - control features that senses the amount of time it will take to reach the next set-point temperature, and reach desired temperatures by the set time

    • Tune up your Heating and Cooling system

    ENERGY STAR air conditioning units Just as tuning up a car can yield better gas mileage, keeping your HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, & Air Conditioning) system/s in tune will keep the equipment running at its greatest efficiency, and will also extend the life of the components.

    Tuning up heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment; especially the newer, more complicated systems, should be attempted only by service people who have the training and the equipment to do the work. How often should you call for service? For oil-fired systems, the recommended interval is a year. Gas-fired furnaces and boilers and air-conditioning systems should be checked at least every two years.


    Keep watching this site for More information on:

  • Energy efficient light bulbs
  • Timers
  • Motion detector
  • Dimmers
  • Tank less Water Heater
  • Water Heater Insulation Wrap
  • 120° Water Heater temp
  • Insulate first three feet of inlet and outlet on water heater
  • Install Heat Traps on a Water Heater Tank for Energy Savings
  • Task Lighting
  • Tube Sky Lights
  • Landscaping
  • Energy Star Appliances
  • Phantom Energy usage
  • Power Strips
  • Insulation
  • Stop air leeks
  • Programmable Thermostat
  • Windows
  • Energy Audit
  • Consider "cool" exterior finishes
  • Solar Attic Fans
  • Ceiling Fans
  • Changing Out Dirty Air Filters
  • Shade your AC Condenser
  • Window Coverings
  • Turn pilot lights off on unused fireplaces
  • Low flow shower heads
  • Faucet Aerators
  • Clean Dryer vents
  • Washer, use cold or warm

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