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Helpful Tips
Below are some tips
and suggestions you can use to save money on
your utility bills, heating and air conditioning
equipment, and service.
Set the
thermostat
The most economical
operation of your system comes from setting
the thermostat properly. Set the thermostat
at the highest summer setting or the lowest
winter setting at which you are comfortable.
Typical settings are 78 degrees for summer cooling
and 70 degrees for winter heating. When cooling,
your operating costs increase from 3% to 8%
for each degree your thermostat is lowered.
When heating, your operating costs increase
for each degree your thermostat is raised.
Keep the
air filter clean
The easiest way to
ensure your system operates efficiently and
economically is by keeping the air filter clean.
There are several types of air filters and several
possible locations for the air filter. Ask your
Rheem Team dealer where your air filter is located
and which type of filter to use.
Keep doors
and windows closed
Close all doors and
windows to the outside. This will reduce the
heating load in winter and the cooling load
in summer. Your system will operate more economically
as a result.
Keep vents
and grilles unobstructed
Arrange your furniture
and drapes so that all output vents and intake
grilles are free from obstruction. This will
reduce the cooling and heating load on your
system, providing more economical operation.
Avoid excessive
use of exhaust fans
Excessive use of
kitchen or bathroom exhaust fans will make your
system work harder. This will increase energy
consumption and costs. Keep costs in check by
making wise use of exhaust fans.
Use the
AUTO setting
Generally, it is
best to set your indoor fan to AUTO. This costs
less and provides better humidity control in
the summer. However, if you desire to operate
your system with constant air circulation, ask
for advice from your Rheem Team dealer.
Control
direct sunlight
Let the sun in during
winter. Keep the sun out during summer. In summer,
direct sunlight increases the load on your cooling
system. Use of window shades and awnings will
reduce the amount of direct sunlight and lower
the cooling load. In winter, direct sunlight
reduces the load on your heating system. Open
window shades and awnings to increase direct
sunlight and lower the heating load.
Keep the
condenser coil clean
The condenser coil
(the unit outside your house) should be kept
clean to ensure efficient operation. If the
condenser coil becomes restricted by dirt, lint,
paper, grass clippings, leaves, or other debris,
system efficiency will deteriorate. Use a garden
hose to keep the condenser coil clean.
Insulate
air ducts
Be sure all air ducts
are well-insulated. Ducts should also be sealed
with a vapor barrier.
Keep an
air tight house
Ensure maximum retention
of heated or cooled air by adding insulation
to outside walls and to the attic. Seal cracks
and use storm doors and/or insulated doors to
prevent air leaks.
Properly
vent clothes dryers
Be sure your clothes
dryer is vented to the outside. Also ensure
that your clothes dryer is vented away from
your outdoor unit.
Keep heat
away from the thermostat
Make sure no heat-generating
appliances are near your thermostat. These include
lamps, TVs, stereo and computer equipment.
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