Summer Energy Saving Tips

With your air conditioning system running around the clock this summer you may be looking for ways to conserve energy and save on your electric bill without sacrificing your comfort.

– Cook with your microwave, it uses 2/3 less energy than your oven.
– Use your dishwasher, hand washing dishes allows the water to run non-stop. Newer dishwashers have modes to conserve water suck as a “Quick” cycle.
– Load up your refrigerator, having more food in your fridge actually helps your fridge stay cool.
– Program your thermostat to raise the temperature when you are out of the home.
– Avoid using your appliances during peak hours (4pm – 6pm).
– Air dry your clothes instead of using the dryer.
– Reduce the filter run time on your pool.
– Unplug electronic devices and chargers when they aren’t being used.
– Replace your air conditioning filter once a month, a dirty filter can make your system work harder.
– Seal cracks in your doors and windows.
– Replace your old inefficient air conditioning unit.
– Install patio awnings or large trees to help shade your home
– Install an attic fan to draw cool air in.

Taken from http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/tips/summer.html

Save Energy in Your Home

With your air conditioning system running around the clock this summer you may be looking for ways to conserve energy and save on your electric bill without sacrificing your comfort. Here are some ways you can save energy around your home:

– Cook with your microwave, it uses 2/3 less energy than your oven.
– Use your dishwasher; hand washing dishes allows the water to run non-stop. Newer dishwashers have modes to conserve water such as a “Quick” cycle.
– Load up your refrigerator, having more food in your fridge actually helps it to work less at staying cool.
– Program your thermostat to raise the temperature when you are out of the home.
– Avoid using your appliances during peak hours (4pm – 6pm).
– Air dry your clothes instead of using the dryer.
– Reduce the filter run time on your pool.
– Install an attic fan to draw cool air in.
– Unplug electronic devices and chargers when they aren’t being used.
– Replace your air conditioning filter once a month, a dirty filter can make your system work harder.
– Seal cracks in your doors and windows.
– Replace your old inefficient air conditioning unit.
– Install patio awnings or large trees to help shade your home.

Call today for a quote on replacing your air conditioning system or schedule online.

Installing air conditioning in an old home is possible

Homeowners with old homes sometimes feel they are at a dead end when it comes to installing air conditioning in their home. Since old homes have thin walls there isn’t much room to install ductwork or the price for installing central air can be very expensive for homeowners’ on a budget. Russo Bros. has an option for these homeowners; the ductless unit. The ductless unit, also known as the mini-spilt system, allows for a “head” or air handler to be installed in a room and connect to an outdoor unit, similar to how a central air system works. The main difference is there is no invasive ductwork construction that needs to be done, the indoor unit simply hangs on the wall. There are options where several heads can be installed in different rooms and connect to one outdoor condenser. Since you can select the number of rooms you want to add air conditioning to you can control the costs.

mini-split-2

Conserving Water

With sprinkler season in full swing we like to remind everyone that there are ways to conserve water by using a timer and a rain sensor or a combination of both. Utilizing a timer on your system gives you the flexibility to schedule the exact days and times you want your system to run and the areas you want to irrigate. With a rain sensor the device can measure the rainfall and deactivate the timer so it won’t run while it is raining. Most rain sensors are wireless and can be placed in a hidden location at your home like on your roof towards the back of your home, or near your gutters.
For other ways to conserve water in your home please visit this helpful site.

Proper Flushing

Sometimes clogs occur even when you only flush toilet paper and waste down your drain. This is often caused by flushing too much of this material or by curious kids sneaking into the bathroom and dropping toys or other materials in. To prevent clogs, you should flush only as much toilet paper as is necessary. Do not flush large wads with one flush. These large amounts ball up so that only the outer portion dissolves, and waste and toilet paper that go down after this will build up and a clog will form. Kids must also be taught to leave the toilet alone. Not only does this prevent toys from getting flushed, but it keeps little hands from being contaminated by germs lurking on the toilet bowl.