People are becoming more aware of the many ways they can save precious dollars on energy costs. Becoming your own advocate and educating yourself is your best defense. There are many ways to practice energy efficiency in your Jacksonville, FL home.
Teaching Kids and Family Members about Energy Values
If you are seriously interested in practicing energy efficiency in your Jacksonville, FL home, start by explaining to your kids the benefits of saving the family money.
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Demonstrate the importance of keeping doors and windows closed, turning lights off when they are not needed, as well as turning the TV and radio off when they’re not watching or listening.
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Explain to them that they are helping you save money for the family’s vacation or something else that you know would spark their interests.
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Set goals for reducing monthly energy usage, and reward them for making it happen. You might consider small weekly or monthly rewards for complying with these practices to encourage them to be a part of the family’s savings.
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Help them to understand that the thermostat in your home is your responsibility and that no one else should be adjusting it unless asked to, especially when they are home alone.
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Stress to them that this factor alone can cause your HVAC unit to work harder and cost much more in the long run.
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Show them how to use the ceiling fans to generate a cooling airflow throughout your home without adjusting the AC.
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Most cities charge you sewage fees on outdoor water regardless of whether it goes into the sewer or not, so keep this in mind when your family is participating in outdoor water activities.
Air-Conditioning Ductwork
In your Jacksonville home, it is very important to remember to have your ductwork cleaned. Because of the humid, moist climate in this area, mold can grow inside your ductwork causing innumerable health risks for your family. Anyone with asthma, allergy problems, or any kind of respiratory problems is at high risk in regards to this mold. Regular ductwork cleaning will eliminate this risk and secure your family’s good health.
Important AC Tips to Remember
If your air conditioner is old, consider buying a newer energy-efficient model, preferably one with an Energy Star rating. Among the many things to keep in mind about your use of summertime air conditioning, these are a few common practices that you should remember to do:
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Change your air filter regularly: Depending on the type of filter your HVAC system uses, your HVAC contractor can help you determine how often this change is needed.
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Running your AC: A programmable thermostat is the best way to run your HVAC system with the best energy efficiency. You can set this to raise your AC temperature while you are gone or sleeping, and lower it during your at-home hours.
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Saving on your AC: Using your programmable thermostat to cool down the home shortly before you arrive home fosters energy and cost savings.
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Ceiling fans: A good practice to remember is to maximize energy efficiency by making your fans blow downward (counterclockwise) during the summer months, and upward (clockwise) during the winter months. Turn fans off when you leave the room.
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Outside air: When the temperatures outside are cooler (such as, in the evening) and you prefer to open windows and doors for fresh air, be sure to turn your AC off.
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Routine maintenance: Make sure that you have your HVAC company check your system annually for regular maintenance needed.
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AC temperature: To handle Florida summertime temperatures, set your daytime AC temperature as high as is comfortable for your family. Keep in mind that the smaller the difference between inside and outside temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be.
Seal All Leaks and Cracks
Use caulking and weather stripping around all windows and doors and consider adding additional insulation to your attic and other needed areas of your home. Seek professional advice to find the best way to do this effectively for the highest energy efficiency possible.
Other Ways to Save
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Reduce hot water temperatures from 140 degrees to 120 degrees.
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Clean your dryer lint filter before each use.
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Adjust the amount of water flow into your washer, especially when using hot water. Use cold water on your rinse cycle.
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Run your pool filter 6 hours per day during the summer and 4 hours per day during the winter
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Replace high-flow shower heads to energy-efficient, low-flow heads.
All in all, use common sense in regards to your use of AC in your Jacksonville, FL home. Utilizing the many tips in this blog will help you to save additional dollars for things that your family will enjoy doing together.
