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Author:
Scott Ethridge

In an effort to help consumers in the Atlanta area combat high utility bills, RS Andrews provides this consumer awareness release to advise homeowners on seven ways that they can conserve energy to save money each summer.

Tip Number One: Set the temperature on your thermostat a little higher. Most people can be comfortable with a setting of 77-79 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, you will save on average 6-8% of your cooling costs for each degree above 77 degrees.

Tip Number Two: If you are leaving for the day, turn up your thermostat a couple of degrees. Do not turn your air conditioning system off unless you will be gone for an extended period of time because your system works best when it can maintain a steady temperature, instead of making large adjustments. For this situation, a programmable thermostat combines convenience with energy conservation. You don’t even have to remember to turn up the temperature before you leave for work. The programmable thermostat can be programmed to automatically adjust during the day while you are not home. Before coming home, your thermostat can then be programmed to return to your comfortable room temperature.

Tip Number Three: Clean or change all filters on your heating and air conditioning system. This needs to be done every thirty days. A clogged and dirty filter can cause airflow problems and could result in a system breakdown.

Tip Number Four: Annual service and maintenance of your HVAC system can reduce the operating costs as much as 20%, extend the life of your system, and enhance the quality of your indoor air.

Tip Number Five: If you have never had your air ducts inspected or cleaned, it is a good idea to have a professional HVAC company take a look to see what is hidden in your ductwork. Your system’s ductwork can harbor dirt, debris, construction materials, small toys, and other items that get dropped in to the vents that can obstruct airflow. Having your ductwork professionally cleaned can improve the efficiency of your system by protecting your system from dirt and debris build up.

Tip Number Six: Use ceiling fans or portable fans to help supplement your air conditioning. A fan can make you feel three to five degrees cooler so you can set your thermostat a few degrees higher and save on energy costs. Use fans in occupied rooms since fans cool people, not rooms. Be sure to turn your fans off in unoccupied rooms.

Tip Number Seven: When investing in a new air conditioning system, consider the most efficient cooling systems. Choose systems that include energy saving features, like fan only options, change filter indicators, and automatic timers.

RS Andrews, founded in 1965, employs 55 expert technicians specially trained in customer service. For more information, call RS Andrews at 770-454-1800 or go to http://www.rsandrews.com

Scott Ethridge is a senior air conditioning consultant with R.S. Andrews in Atlanta, Georgia.

A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to HVAC... The Importance of Maintaining Your Air Conditioner The summer has finally hit and now you are spending more time indoors with the air conditioner on. You have the thermostat set on 75 degrees and are feeling pretty good until you realize that its getting hotter inside. Before you know it, it is 90 degrees in your house and you are calling the air conditioning repair company. Problem is that it is the busy season and they may not be able to get to you for a week. What a disaster. The sad thing is that this could have probably all been prevented with a little maintenance. To have a smooth running HVAC system, you need to have a program of regular maintenance. Before every cooling season, have an air conditioning service come check your system. It is usually a minimum charge and can save you hundreds of dollars by catching problems early. It will also prevent the aggravation of having no air conditioning. In a normal A/C service check, the company will perform the following tests. They will check the condensing unit's coils, the compressor, the belts, operating pressures, operating temperatures and the Freon level. They will typically oil any components that need oil such as the fan and condenser. The cost of the service is usually fairly cheap and most companies will also run specials in the spring. Keep an eye out for a sale flyer. There are also things that you yourself can do to help maintain your homes HVAC system. The most important thing of course is to change your air filter often. They only cost a buck or two and protect not only your air quality but also keep dirt from clogging your AC coils. Replace them at least once a month. Another simple thing you can do is to hose off your outside AC compressor. At least once a month, take a hose and rinse off the unit to clear it of dirt, dust, grass clippings and...