Customer Newsletter, August 2008
Energy Wise Tip: Heat and Cool Your Home Efficiently
Today's energy costs are rising, and there is something you can do about it. For some homes, up to 50 percent of the energy used is for heating and cooling. Fortunately, you have an option to minimize this expense.
WHAT IS A HEAT PUMP?
When you drive by a house, you can't tell if the heating/cooling equipment is a heat pump or an air conditioner - they look the same, are connected to the furnace the same, and perform the same in the summer in terms of cooling and efficiency. However, heat pumps are able to also heat in the winter and deliver 200-300 percent efficiency.
WHY DOES THIS MATTER?
Because for 70 percent of the winter the heat pump is able to heat the home by itself. When it gets really cold, the thermostat senses the heat
pump needs help, and it cycles the electric or gas furnace with it to heat the home. All this is done automatically-just simply set the thermostat to "heat."
WHY SHOULD YOU CARE?
Based on today's electric and fossil fuel costs,= an average home can save $300-$400 a year in heating costs because the heat pump is so efficient. For a majority of the winter you are heating your home with a system that is 200-300 percent efficient rather than the normal 80-95 percent efficiency of a fossil fuel furnace.
REBATES
Check with your local electric provider, there will be NEW rebates available for customers wanting
to put in a high efficient heat pump - ENERGY STAR® rated 14 SEER and higher.
There are very few cases where it makes sense from homeowners' standpoint to install a
central air conditioner outside rather than a heat pump. They both do exactly the same thing in
the summer - but the heat pump provides big savings during the winter. You owe it to yourself
to make an informed decision regarding your home's heating and cooling system because it is
one that will be with you for a long while.
If you would like to learn more about how an energy efficient heat pump can make your home more energy efficient, contact Sam Reinke at Southern Power District.
Visit our Energy Wise Page for an archive of tips!
Other stories you'll find inside this edition:
- Engage in Important Dialogue with Officials
Pressure is mounting in Congress to do something about climate change. And while political debates in Washington, DC may seem far away, the outcome will have a direct impact on Southern Power District, and on you--the customer. More>>>
- How to Clean Up a Broken CFL
Many of our customers have asked questions about the mercury inside CFLs, and specifically, what safety measures should be taken when they are broken. More>>>
- What if Your Car or Equipment Comes in Contact with a Power Line?
If your car or farming equipment comes in contact with a power line, a state of panic may set in. More>>>
- Recipe Box: Chicken & Spinach Manicotti
Recipe>>>
