Many homeowners here in the Yuma area have seen the bright blue Energy Star label with its white star. It’s found on energy-efficient home comfort products such as heating systems, air conditioners, lighting fixtures, doors, windows and more. Energy Star was created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. The mission of the program is to help consumers preserve the environment, lower carbon emissions, and save money by educating them about energy-efficient products and conservation methods.
To help local residents learn the best ways to save energy and lower their energy bills, Energy Star has provided a handy
online tool known as the Home Energy Yardstick. It guides homeowners through simple steps that show how their energy use stacks up against other local households. Homeowners can get an analysis of their energy usage and a list of tips to help them reduce their home energy needs, without sacrificing comfort. The advice provided is customized for the local region by zip code and estimates the amount of energy (as a percentage) that can be saved with the recommended home upgrades.
Here’s what you need to use the Yardstick:
- Monthly utility bills for the past year or an annual summary from the energy company
- The square footage of your home
- The number of persons in the household
- The types of energy used in your house, for instance natural gas, propane, electricity, wood, etc.
If you’d like a professional energy evaluation of your home (for more personalized results) talk to your local HVAC contractor. A home comfort expert can assess your family’s energy use with specially designed tools. He’ll provide a prioritized list of energy upgrades that will help you achieve reduce energy use and waste – and save money. Your contractor can take care of much of that list for you if you like, or you may choose to take some of the items on as DIY projects.
For expert energy-saving advice and help with your HVAC issues, contact the professionals at Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company. Visit our website to learn more or just give us a call.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about energy yardstick and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Hansberger Refrigeration & Electric Co services the Yuma area in Arizona. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!
Energy star image via Shutterstock
