Top 3 Energy Guzzlers

Saving energy isn’t just good for the planet, it’s good for your wallet! But energy guzzlers like your air conditioning system can cost hundreds to operate each month. Fortunately, there are lots of ways you can cut energy costs without much effort. Read on to learn the three biggest energy guzzlers in your home and how you can save.

Energy Guzzler #1 - Air Conditioner

It costs homeowners in the United States $11 billion to power their air conditioners annually. In South Florida, the average home’s air conditioning system accounts for 50 percent or more of the monthly electric bill.

Reduce Cooling Costs By:

• Cleaning and replacing AC filters once a month

• Shading your outdoor air conditioning unit without blocking airflow

• Finding and sealing cracks, gaps, and leaks in your air ducts and checking insulation

• Closing blinds and installing tint on sun-exposed windows to prevent solar heat gain

• Using and setting a programmable thermostat, which could save up to 10% on your annual cooling cost

• Using a ceiling fan so you can raise the thermostat by about three degrees without impacting your comfort

• Using bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans (if vented outside) to help remove heat and humidity from your home

We Recommend Performing Regular Preventive AC Maintenance to Ensure Your AC System Functions as Efficiently as Possible.

Energy Guzzler #2 - Water Heater

The average household uses over 300 gallons of water a day. On average, water heaters are usually the second largest expense in your home, accounting for 14-18 percent of your electric bill.

Reduce Water Heating Costs By:

• Using less hot water and fixing leaks

• Installing low-flow faucets and shower heads

• Purchasing a more efficient model

• Buying ENERGY STAR appliances such as dishwashers and clothes washers

• Setting the water heater to 120 degrees

• Following the manufacturer’s recommendations for insulating your water heater tank and pipes

Energy Guzzler #3 - Refrigerator and Freezer

The average home refrigerator with a freezer can account for 12-18 percent of your electricity use. For every cold storage appliance, estimate $20 more a month.

Reduce Refrigeration and Freezing Costs By:

• Keeping your refrigerator full without blocking airflow (a full refrigerator has less air to cool)

• Allowing hot foods to cool before storing in the refrigerator and covering any food that will release moisture

• Consider replacing old refrigerators or freezers with newer, more efficient models (a pre-1986 fridge can use 75 percent more energy than a modern, energy-efficient model)

• Cleaning coils every three months because dusty coils restrict cooling efficiency

Learn More Ways to Save at Sansone

Your air conditioning system shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg to operate. At Sansone, we’re always offering home and business owners ways to cut their energy costs — whether through convenient maintenance services or our blog. If you’re in need of any HVAC help, contact us today!