In order to increase your energy savings, it's important that you:
Keep the thermostat set at energy-saving temperatures for long periods of time, such as during the day when no one is home and through the night. ENERGY STAR qualified thermostats come with four pre-programmed temperature settings for typical weekday and weekend routines.
Resist the urge to override the pre-programmed settings. Every time you do, you use more energy and may end up paying more on your energy bill.
Set the "hold" button at a constant energy-saving temperature when going away for the weekend or on vacation.
Install your thermostat away from heating or cooling registers, appliances, lighting, doorways, skylights, and windows, and areas that receive direct sunlight or drafts. Interior walls are best.
If you have a heat pump, you may require a special programmable thermostat to maximize your energy savings year-round. Talk to your retailer or contractor for the details before selecting your thermostat.
Furnaces
ENERGY STAR qualified central air conditioners have a higher SEER than today's standard models. SEER, the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, measures energy efficiency. The higher the SEER, the greater the level of efficiency. Since sizing and proper installation of a central air conditioning system are critical to energy efficiency and home comfort, it is important to hire a qualified technician.
Central Air Conditioners
Electric Air-Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs): ASHPs, often used in moderate climates, use the difference between outdoor and indoor air temperatures to cool and heat your home. For example, they work in cold weather because the air is warmer than the refrigerant in the system and causes it to boil into a gas. This gas is then compressed which drives the temperature up to 120 degrees or more. This hot gas transfers heat to your home. High efficiency ASHPs use less energy than conventional models. They also come with higher HSPF ratings. HSPF, the Heating and Seasonal Performance Factor, measures the heating efficiency of heat pumps.
Geothermal Heat Pumps (GHPs): By using stable temperature conditions in the ground, GHPs cool and heat your home. In addition to providing much lower energy bills, high efficiency GHPs are quieter and include water-heating capabilities. Although initially expensive, they quickly pay back the homeowner with significant cost savings. GHPs are most often installed in new homes and require a duct system.
Heat Pumps
A boiler heats your home by burning gas or fuel oil to heat water or steam that circulates through radiators, baseboards, or radiant floor systems. Boilers do not use a duct system. Boilers that have earned the ENERGY STAR have higher AFUE ratings. AFUE, the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, is a measure of heating equipment efficiency.
How much energy you save will vary based on your use and climate, with colder regions likely saving more. Features that improve boiler efficiency include electronic ignition, which eliminates the need to have the pilot light burning all the time, and technologies that extract more heat from the same amount of fuel.
Boilers
A boiler heats your home by burning gas or fuel oil to heat water or steam that circulates through radiators, baseboards, or radiant floor systems. Boilers do not use a duct system. Boilers that have earned the ENERGY STAR have higher AFUE ratings. AFUE, the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, is a measure of heating equipment efficiency.
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