If you’ve researched your HVAC options, you may know that geothermal cooling and heating systems are some of the most efficient systems on the market. But you might not be aware that they’re some of the most environmentally friendly, as well. Continue reading “Geothermal Cooling and Heating: What’s Good for You Is Good for the Planet, Too”
Tag: saving energy
Cutting Your Home Energy Bills Down to Size: Strategic Steps You Can Take Right Now
When it comes to managing your household, every penny counts, especially with energy bills. Continue reading “Cutting Your Home Energy Bills Down to Size: Strategic Steps You Can Take Right Now”
Modulating Furnaces: Green, Eco-Friendly, Efficient and Comfortable
Unlike standard furnaces that start and stop, leaving drastic temperature changes in your home, a modulating furnace operates constantly to monitor the temperature in your home. Continue reading “Modulating Furnaces: Green, Eco-Friendly, Efficient and Comfortable”
Home Energy Savings as Simple as Understanding Your Gas Bill
Becoming well informed about your gas bill can actually help you increase your monthly home energy savings.
Gas company costs to the customer
Many homeowners may not realize that the gas provider purchases fuel from an outside source. This cost is typically 50 percent of the average customer bill. Interestingly enough, most companies pass this cost directly on to the consumer, without a price increase. Gas companies make a profit from their delivery fees and service charges.
The cost of gas can fluctuate monthly and seasonally, depending on the current fuel rate. This can be similar to the change in gas prices at your local gas pump. Your gas bill may show an average of these price fluctuations throughout the year, keeping the monthly cost basically the same.
Gas usage terminology
It’s worth your while and you can improve your home energy savings if you understand how gas consumption is expressed on your bill. The quantity of energy used in the Long Island area is measured in therms. Without sounding too technical, this term is a short abbreviation for thermal unit. It reflects the consumption of BTUs, or British thermal units, where one therm is equivalent to 100,000 BTUs. Other costs appear on your bill reflecting various fees and charges. These costs are set by the company and the customer has no control over them.
Lowering gas costs for better home energy savings
One area you do have control over is the amount of gas your home consumes. The first step toward lowering costs is to have an energy audit performed. You can also pay attention to the BTU rating assigned to your appliances. The higher the BTU number, the higher the amount of energy it consumes per hour, which means higher gas consumption. Consider purchasing certified energy-efficient appliances. Energy and cost savings can be expected and are well worth the investment.
For more information about boosting home energy savings, contact the professionals at T.F. O’Brien Cooling & Heating. We’ve been proudly serving homeowners in Long Island since 1934.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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What’s Even More Coveted Than The Energy Star Logo? The Most Efficient Label
Sooner or later, you’re going to need to shop around for new heating and cooling equipment for your Long Island home. There are many choices out there, but luckily, you can count on the Energy Star logo to point you to the models that are most energy efficient. But is this logo enough for all consumers? Energy Star doesn’t seem to think so, which is one reason they’ve created the new “Most Efficient” program. Continue reading “What’s Even More Coveted Than The Energy Star Logo? The Most Efficient Label”
As Of May 2013, New Requirements for Furnace Efficiency
New AFUE requirements soon will be in place that dictate new minimum requirements for furnace efficiency. Continue reading “As Of May 2013, New Requirements for Furnace Efficiency”
Smart Investments That Promise Long-Term Home Energy Savings
When you make investments in your home that lead to long-term home energy savings, you’ll be rewarded with lower energy bills year-round. Unlike other kinds of investments, there’s no risk when you spend some time and money to increase your home’s energy efficiency. Continue reading “Smart Investments That Promise Long-Term Home Energy Savings”
With A Little Effort, You Can Reduce High Energy Bills
Life on Long Island is expensive enough without having to worry about out-of-control energy costs. But you don’t have to make major home improvements or sacrifice comfort to reduce high energy bills. Just a few small steps can cut your energy costs in a big way. Continue reading “With A Little Effort, You Can Reduce High Energy Bills”
Energy Vampires: Take Care, Or They Could Overpower Your Long Island Home
They’re called “energy vampires” for a reason, and they fittingly strike most often in the middle of the night. Continue reading “Energy Vampires: Take Care, Or They Could Overpower Your Long Island Home”
Ventilation And Insulation: Rx For The Long Island Attic That’s Spiking A Temp
If your home comfort and your wallet have seemed a bit under the weather this summer, you may be surprised to learn that your attic may be to blame. Adequate ventilation and insulation will allow you to improve your air conditioner’s efficiency and lower your spending. Continue reading “Ventilation And Insulation: Rx For The Long Island Attic That’s Spiking A Temp”