My thermostat is equipped with a two position
setting for the fan, "automatic" and "on". Where
should I set it?
The two positions are usually used in conjunction
with a central air cleaning system. The normal
setting is on "automatic" and the fan`s cycle will
be controlled by the temperature in the room.
However, if your home is equipped with an air
cleaner (media or electronic) or you wish to keep a
continuous flow of air, switch the setting to "on".
Remember, central air cleaning devices only work
when the furnace is circulating air. If you wish to
get the most from your air cleaner, you should keep
the setting to "on".
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I see the arrow on my furnace filter but I`m not
sure how to correctly position it? What should I do?
The arrow should point in the same direction as the
air flow. In most cases, it will point towards the
furnace and should fit between the return air part
of the system and the furnace. The filter screens
out the dust and other impurities before the air is
warmed in your furnace and then distributed through
the duct system.
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Set the Thermostat
The most economical operation of your system comes
from setting the thermostat properly. Set the
thermostat at the highest summer setting or the
lowest winter setting at which you are comfortable.
Typical settings are 78 degrees for summer cooling
and 68 degrees for winter heating. When cooling,
your operating costs increase from 3% to 8% for each
degree your thermostat is lowered. When heating,
your operating costs increase similarly for each
degree your thermostat is raised.
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Keep the Air Filter Clean
The easiest way to ensure your system operates
efficiently and economically is by keeping the air
filter clean. There are several types of air filters
and several possible locations for the air filter.
Ask your service technician next time he`s out at
your home to show you where your air filter is
located and which type of filter to use. If you have
allergies, you should look at a pleated allergy
filter or a media or electronic style air cleaner.
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Keep Doors and Windows Closed
Close all doors and windows to the outside. This
will reduce the heating load in winter and the
cooling load in summer. Your system will operate
more economically as a result.
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Keep Vents and Grilles Unobstructed
Arrange your furniture and drapes so that all output
vents and intake grilles are free from obstruction.
This will reduce the cooling and heating load on
your system for more economical operation.
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Avoid Excess Use of Exhaust Fans
Excessive use of kitchen or bathroom exhaust fans
will make your system work harder. This will
increase energy consumption and costs. Keep costs in
check by making wise use of exhaust fans.
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Control Direct Sunlight
Let the sun in during the winter. In winter, direct
sunlight reduces the load on your heating system.
Open window shades and awnings to increase direct
sunlight and lower the heating load.
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Keep Heat Away from the Thermostat
Make sure no heat-generating appliances are near
your thermostat. These include lamps, TV`s, stereo
and computer equipment.
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Keep An Air Tight House
Ensure maximum retention of heated or cooled air by adding insulation
to outside walls and to the attic. Seal cracks and
use storm doors and/or insulated doors to prevent
air leaks. Some recommended R-values for Rochester,
NY are as follows:
Attic/Ceiling = R49 (12-18" of insulation)
Walls = R13 (3 1/2" of insulation)
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Department of Energy
You can increase the comfort of your home while
reducing your heating and cooling needs by up to 30%
by investing just a few hundred dollars in proper
insulation and weatherization products. Also heating
and cooling your home uses more energy and drains
more energy dollars than any other system in your
home. Typically 44% your utility bill goes for
heating and cooling.
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Weatherization
Warm air leaking into your home during the summer
and out of your home during the winter can waste a
substantial portion of your energy dollars. One of
the quickest dollar-saving tasks you can do is
caulk, seal and weatherstrip all seams, cracks and
openings to the outside. You can save 10% or more on
your energy bill by reducing the air leaks in your
home.
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Fireplaces
When you cozy up next to a crackling fire on a cold
winter day, you probably don`t realize that your
wood-burning brick or masonry fireplace is one of
the most inefficient heat sources you can possibly
use. It literally sends your energy dollars right up
the chimney along with volumes of warm air. A
roaring fire can exhaust as much as 24,000 cubic
feet of air per hour to the outside, which must be
replaced by cold air coming into the house from the
outside. Your heating system must warm up this air,
which is then exhausted through your chimney. If you
use your conventional fireplace while your central
heating system is on, these tips can help reduce
energy losses.
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