Maintaining a home is no easy task, but efficiency can save you up to 25% on energy costs over time. There are simple solutions that can help you cut costs without spending a penny. The basic idea here is not to pay for energy that you’re not using. Timers on thermostats or water heaters, for example, can be surprisingly effective in reducing costs.
Try keeping your house at 55-68 degrees when unoccupied and 68 when you’re home. Water heaters should be turned down to the lowest setting when you’re away and kept on 120 degrees or the “Normal” setting when you’re home. Also, don’t let your heat go to waste; make sure that weather sealing and seams around windows, doors and vents are gap free.
In terms of electricity, replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs can save you up to 75% on lighting costs. Try waiting until after 7pm to use major appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines, and offer your water heater a break by giving your clothes a cold-water wash. Not to worry, they’ll still get clean!
If you’re looking for a more substantial cut in energy costs, now is a great time to invest in new equipment. The Keystone Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) is granting loans and financing options to Pennsylvanians, and Allentown residents are eligible for special rates. The Allentown Energy Conservation Program is granting low interest (and, in many cases, unsecured) loans of $1,000 to $15,000 for Energy Star certified home improvements. You don’t have to jump through hoops to qualify either. Eligibility is based on only a few simple factors: maximum household income cannot exceed $150,000, applicants must be current on all taxes and fees, and all work must be completed by a Keystone Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) approved contractor. Check out www.keystonehelp.com for more information, and then call us to get the ball rolling.
As always, Burkholder’s HVAC is here to help you with any service, maintenance or upgrade questions. Call us at (610) 816-6889 or click here to contact us for more information.
