 |
 |
 |
|
Energy IQ  We rely on energy more every day, and every day the cost of that energy increases. It's important to understand where your energy dollars go and what you can do in your home to control your costs. Lighting Use compact flourescent lights where possible. They consume as much as 70% less energy and last 10 times longer than incandescent lights. Air Filtration Seal air leaks hidden behind soffits over cabinets, bath fixtures, dropped ceilings, as well as chases for flues and ductwork. Attic access openings and whole house fans are also common bypasses. Appliances Install energy efficient appliances. Look for the Energy Star label. Windows Install LoE2 windows to reduce the amount of heat and UV rays entering your home. Look for these minimum standards:
Position your home so most of the glass faces north and south. In our climate, solar heat gained through exposed glass is a major cause of increased energy usage. Plant deciduous trees on the east and west side. Heating and Cooling Ensure heating and cooling equipment and ducts are properly sized using a Manual J load calculation. It is important to hire a qualified, experienced HVAC contractor who knows how to install heat pumps. If the unit is too small it will run too much and your home will seldom feel comfortable. Oversized equipment uses unnecessary energy, makes more noise in your home and wears out sooner than properly sized units. Seal all ductwork properly with mastic. Make sure the ducts are not touching creating a collection of moisture. Install a programmable thermostat. Energy efficient heat pumps perform well in the warm Louisiana climate, When comparing the amount of fuel consumed to heat your home, a heat pump produces 3 to 4 times more heat than a gas furnace. |
