After becoming a homeowner, one thing became very clear to me. We all need to do what we can to save our energy use. One reason we decided to purchase an all electric home. Thus, no confusion or systems to worry about. I have issues with gas appliances as one of my close family members was almost killed by a gas leak. Most electric in this area is produced by coal or natural gas. So I use natural gas, just differently than others.
With a 33 year old home most, if not all items need updated to todays standards for efficiency. We have replaced many items which help, and are in the process of replacing the largest energy hog, our heat pump. If you’re unfamiliar with a heat pump, it’s simply an air conditioner that also works in reverse. Contrary to popular belief, there is heat in the coldest air. Utilizing that heat is the trick.
Our first sign was our electric bill. In a 2 month period, our bill increased by almost $100, no the rates didn’t increase, our usage did. We installed an expensive programmable thermostat almost immediately after moving in, and I have to say it has helped. We have it set very low. For example during “day” hours it is set for 64 degrees, and we bump it up a little bit in the evening to 67. This is the heat only mind you. We have it set for the upper 70’s for cooling.
After deciding to “price” replacements, I also did some research on heat pumps. As you would imagine, many advancements have been made in 30+ years. To my surprise, the “upper end” heat pumps are actually energy star compliant! A few even claim to use as much energy as a refrigerator. Our estimates came in between $4000 and up to $12000! Ouch…
Our old system isn’t broken, but on the verge. It’s installation is a sham at best, and it uses more energy than needed. Those are the only factors I need to say replace.
After weighing all of our options, we have decided to go with a Trane system. We found out that our existing system is essentially a Trane, and the company has an excellent reputation. They are also one of the leaders in heat pump technology.
Our unit, the XL14i is energy star compliant! We will also be purchasing an air filtration system that rivals systems I have seen in the pharmaceutical industry (it filters out 99.98% of particles 3 microns and larger!) The icing on the cake is the air handler, it has 12 speeds! It is not the best, but it is what we can do. Preliminary estimates say this unit is at least 50% more efficient than our current unit.
Due to it’s efficient use of energy, we will be recieving a tax credit and a credit from our electric company. Thanks.
If you don’t know, you can receive tax credits for many things you might be doing to your home right now. For instance, if you’re re-insulating your home, you can receive a tax credit for up to $300 for the cost of the insulation! All of this information and much more is available at the Energy Star website.
We are also using compact florescent lights as much as possible, and other little things that help.
To quote Star Trek, “The Needs of The Many Outweigh The Needs of the Few.” If we look at this when it comes to energy conservation, our world can become a much, much better place.
Many new homes have passive solutions for attic ventilation (just vents on the ridge of the roof). This may seem ok, but isn’t reliable. Ours, like many older homes have an active solution, a fan. It runs constantly in the summer, as the heat builds up inside the attic. It has a good sized motor, even though I am unsure of it’s exact energy use, I’m sure it’s not small. Our current fan is in good shape, so we are not going to replace it immediately. It’s days are numbered.
