Energy Advisor

What uses the most energy in my home?

4-9-2010

As you begin making a to-do list of spring projects, don’t overlook opportunities to improve the energy efficiency of your home.

The largest energy consumer in most homes is the heating and cooling system.  The second largest consumer is usually the water heater.  From there you can go down the list of appliances found in the average home like the clothes dryer, refrigerators and freezers.

Improvements or changes focused on these components can provide you with good results in decreasing your home’s energy usage.

One of the simplest ways to reduce the energy consumption in your home is to eliminate unneeded additional appliances or electronics found in your home.  The additional refrigerator or freezer most people have in their garage or basement could be eliminated to save $20, $30, $40 or more per month depending on the size, age, condition and number of additional appliances being used in the home.

If your project list includes the replacement of your heating and cooling system, give me a call for advice on the questions to ask when speaking with contractors or an explanation of efficiency ratings for various heating and cooling systems.If your project list is focused on simpler items such as caulking or air sealing around your home, I can also give you some helpful tips and advice for getting the most out of your projects.

I am here to help all Central Indiana Power members identify ways to improve the energy efficiency of their homes and businesses either by offering tips and information or by conducting on-site energy audits.  The best part is it’s FREE to all Central Indiana Power members.

Rebate updates

5-18-2010

Central Indiana Power continues to offer rebate programs to help you improve the energy efficiency of your home.

In addition to the Air Source Heat Pump and Geothermal Heat Pump rebates, Central Indiana Power is offering a $50 rebate for purchasing qualified energy star rated clothes washers.  Eligibility requirements are available from the rebate page.

If you have been considering eliminating your second refrigerator, Central Indiana Power is about to offer you the perfect opportunity.  Beginning in June, Central Indiana Power will be offering to remove your second refrigerator from your residence and pay you a $35 bounty.  Additional program details will be available soon. 

Rebate Program Expiration

6-9-2010

Did you install a rebate eligible Air Source Heat Pump or Geothermal Heat Pump system before December 31, 2009?

The opportunity to apply for a rebate under the terms of Central Indiana Power’s previous rebate program are about to expire.

A qualifying system installed between July 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009 may still be eligible for a rebate. 

The rebate request must be submitted before July 1, 2010.

Contact me at 317-477-2218 or couch@cipower.com for a rebate request form or additional information.

Air Conditioning Maintenance

6-24-2010

Is your air conditioning system ready for summer?  Proper maintenance can help ensure your system runs reliably and efficiently.

An air conditioning system should be professionally serviced each year to make sure the system is functioning properly.  One of the most important factors in proper AC system operation is refrigerant line pressure.  The refrigerant line pressure can affect the efficiency and overall ability of your air conditioning system to properly cool your home or business.

You should also maintain a clearing around the outside compressor free from obstructions or vegetation to allow adequate air circulation around the unit.  Keep the cooling fins free from dirt and debris by gently hosing or brushing any obstructions away.  These fins are fragile and important to proper operation of the system so be sure to use caution when cleaning these fins.

The air filter should be cleaned or replaced each month to allow adequate air flow between the return and supply ductwork.  A restriction in air flow can decrease efficiency and possible damage your system.  All return and supply ductwork in attics and crawlspaces should be inspected for leaks or damage and repaired as needed.  Leaks in supply or return ductwork will decrease your systems ability to adequately cool your home or business.

An air conditioning system helps control humidity within the conditioned areas of the structure.  Turning the system on and off each day or changing the thermostat settings multiple times each day can actually decrease the systems ability to maintain air temperature and humidity levels in the structure.  If you are experiencing elevated humidity levels within the conditioned spaces and the system is running, there may be a malfunction with the AC system that should be professionally inspected and repaired.

Poor air sealing or insulation can also affect an AC systems ability to control air temperature and humidity within the structure.  If you are unsure about the air sealing or insulation in your home or business, contact me at 317-477-2218 or couch@cipower.com to schedule a FREE energy audit.

Swimming Pool Pumps

8-3-2010

I have received several inquiries lately about the cost of operating pool and pond pumps.  This is certainly a good place to look for energy saving opportunities because the cost of operating these pumps can be surprising.

Most pools and ponds have pumps running 24 hours a day 7 days a week.  When maintaining a swimming pool, this is typically the best way to keep the water filtered and the water chemistry balanced.  This is also a good way to keep the water in a pond from becoming stagnant.  However, a great deal of energy can be saved by reducing the hours of operation for these pumps.

A 1hp pump will cost almost $51 / month to operate at Central Indiana Power’s current residential rate.  A lot of in ground swimming pools have 2hp pumps so the cost of operating those pumps is over $100 / month.  The daily hours of operation for most of these pumps can be reduced to save energy without adversely affecting water quality.

I would suggest beginning to reduce the hours of operation by a couple of hours each day while monitoring water quality.  Most likely the daily hours of operation of most pumps can be reduced by at least 1/3 and still maintain water quality.

Keep in mind, every pool or pond is different and the acceptable amount of daily operating hours will vary.  Weather will also be a factor in your ability to limit operating hours for your pump.  Reducing the daily hours of operation for your pump may increase the time you spend monitoring your water quality, however, the potential energy savings in definitely worth the trouble.

For additional energy saving suggestions for your home or business, contact me at 317-477-2218 or couch@cipower.com.