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Post by misty on Sept 20, 2007 17:06:54 GMT -6
Set your thermostat comfortably low in the winter and comfortably high in the summer.
Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120° F.
Check all duct work for air leaks and repair where appropriate. Air ducts should be cleaned monthly.
Check all electrical systems for loose connections or poor motor conditions.
During the winter, ceiling fans should be set to draw air toward the ceiling.
Install draperies with thermal reflective liners
Use adequate amount of insulation in ceilings, exterior and basement walls, flooring and crawl spaces.
Beware of energy vultures: plugged in appliances, computers, radios, clocks and other items that are on around the clock.
Weather stripping on outside entrances typically lasts less than two years. Placing a brush-type of weather stripping that does not affect the operation of the door and that provides a good seal from the outside cold weather will pay handsome dividends.
Save energy by cleaning heating and cooling coils regularly. Also change filters regularly.
Air conditioners, where possible, should be out of the sun and away from heat loads.
Use timers or sensing devices to ensure that air-conditioners or heaters are not in operation longer than required.
Keep all doors and windows closed during hot weather. When possible, keep all shades, blinds or draperies closed in guestrooms during hot weather. During cooler months, keep shades, blinds or draperies open.
Weather-strip and seal around all doors and windows.
Remove obstructions (furniture, drapes) that restrict air flow from heating, cooling units.
Flush the water heaters every six to 12 months to eliminate sludge on the bottom of the tank.
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Post by Tumbleweed on Sept 20, 2007 18:26:44 GMT -6
Oh those are great tips Misty. I know I've got furniture obstructing my air flow and have been meaning to try to find a different way to arrange my furniture. Thanks.
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Post by laurapalmer on Sept 28, 2007 20:37:35 GMT -6
We have solar panels up on our roof, that helps heat up the hot water in the winter time. ;D There is also a special plan you can sign up for thru your electric company if you have these solar panels on your roof.
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Post by Tumbleweed on Oct 1, 2007 10:30:21 GMT -6
I have all these dreams for my house.....my garage is eventually going to need a new roof (not part of my dream, ROTFL) and plus I want to add on to the garage to make it a 2 car garage (dream) with a different entrance(dream) so it is more easily accessible from the alley....anyway...I dream of putting solar panels on the roof.
I'm not sure if my city has that plan where if you generate more energy than you need they will reroute it and pay you for it or give you credit. I never looked into it as it is just a dream right now.
But I did do some research, however, on the cost of solar panels and about "wind power". Seems they are working on a wind turbin design that is geared to use in the city. (You know not so tall)
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Post by laurapalmer on Oct 2, 2007 12:26:46 GMT -6
Where I live in NJ, they give you a percentage off your electric for having the solar panels. Check into it. It doesn't hurt. The ones on my home, were already here when we purchased the home almost 6yrs (OMG) ago! I cannot believe we've been here 6 yrs.
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Post by Tumbleweed on Oct 6, 2007 0:16:32 GMT -6
I will check into it just because I'm curious now.
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Post by smcartor on Oct 17, 2007 0:39:03 GMT -6
I have been doing some research into various energy programs. A good place to start looking for state specific informations is, www.eere.energy.gov/state_energy_program Click on the topic that interests you...then click on the state on the next page. I'm hoping to find specific info. on how to change a residence into a zero energy home.
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Post by Tumbleweed on Oct 17, 2007 14:59:54 GMT -6
Cool, I checked out that link. I'll have to do some more looking but if you find anything interesting I hope you post it.
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Post by cactuspatch on Dec 1, 2007 20:42:49 GMT -6
How do you flush a water heater?
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Post by cactuspatch on Dec 1, 2007 20:51:32 GMT -6
Speaking of energy savings. I've been talking to Fred about getting a tank less water heater. It's suppose to save a decent amount of money. I've heard the water heater is suppose to be one of the biggest energy zappers in the home. I have a friend who had one of these put on her home here in the desert. Anyone heard anything about these. Here's a website I found. hotwaterheater.com/whole-house.htm
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Post by smcartor on Dec 1, 2007 20:59:10 GMT -6
Hey cactuspatch! You have to push down the handle on the water tank. Oops...my mistake thats for the toilet.
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Post by Tumbleweed on Dec 2, 2007 15:40:55 GMT -6
How do you flush a water heater? Catuspatch, Thanks for asking this question. It reminded me that I REALLY need to flush my water heater. I made a special thread on how to do it. I've done it quite a few times in my old life. You can read it here
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Post by Tumbleweed on Dec 2, 2007 15:55:07 GMT -6
Speaking of energy savings. I've been talking to Fred about getting a tank less water heater. It's suppose to save a decent amount of money. I've heard the water heater is suppose to be one of the biggest energy zappers in the home. I have a friend who had one of these put on her home here in the desert. Anyone heard anything about these. Here's a website I found. hotwaterheater.com/whole-house.htmI wanted one of these so bad because one cannot take a shower in this house while someone else flushes the toilet or runs water because if they do you will be doing some fast jumping back and screaming. But I'm afraid I've heard some negative stuff about them. The base unit is all fine and good. It is the little ones that fine adjust at the specific locations. Two of my friends got a set up like this and had to replace the shower one and the kitchen one within 3 years because of mineral build up. They work wonderful while they are working but long term saving money I'm not so sure. Now mind you, my friends got theirs way back when they first came out so they may have improved them since then. One of my friends went back to the conventional water heater. Your Uncle O says, no way...don't get them for the exact same reasons. I still want one though if I can ever afford it....someday. LOL I don't know ...replace a couple units every 3 year verses scalded legs. Might be worth it.
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Nigel
Junior Member
SPRINGFIELD ~ Somewhere South of CLEVELAND
Posts: 83
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Post by Nigel on Mar 17, 2008 9:53:26 GMT -6
We received our water/sewage bill for last month and I wasn't sure why it was so high & then 'Duh', the whole house dehumidifier was running all the time the furnace was, which was like All the Time. Even though it was pretty low (probaly 2 out of seven) it just wasn't low enough, so now it's OFF. If anybody complains, that's just Tough Beans . . .
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Post by Tumbleweed on Mar 17, 2008 14:42:17 GMT -6
Oh gosh, I usually run a humidifier in the winter. In the summer I didn't used do anything but since I have Mom here I have to keep the humidity level around 40-45 or she starts having trouble breathing. I'm surprised your family didn't shrivel up into prunes with the dehumidifier going. :-*Maybe you meant humidifier??? By the way, are you happy with your whole house "(de)humidifier? I don't have one and was just wondering. I would like to have one because in the summer I'm emtying water and winter I'm adding water. Big pain because I always forget to do it.
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