WWW.QNS.COM RIDGEWOOD TIMES SEPTEMBER 13, 2018 17
AT HOME
Energy savers that make ‘cents’
A home that operates effi ciently
isn't just better for the environment.
Ensuring your home
systems are as effi cient as possible can
also help reduce the fi nancial burden
of maintaining your home throughout
the year.
These tips from Gary White with
JCPenney Home Services can serve as
areas of focus for lowering your energy
bills and lessening your appliances'
negative impact on the environment.
Water Heaters
The cost of heating water for bathing,
laundry and kitchen use is a common
home energy drain, so it's an area
that deserves attention when you're
looking to upgrade for effi ciency. To
reduce energy use from your hot water
heater, try taking shorter showers
and switching to cold water for some
washing machine wash and rinse
cycles. Other options include turning
down the thermostat on your heater,
adding insulation or purchasing a
newer, more effi cient model.
HEATING AND COOLING
According to the U.S. Department
of Energy, as much as 40 percent of a
home's energy expenses come from
the heating, ventilation and air conditioning
(HVAC) system, also known as
the heating and cooling system. Like
appliances and other mechanical
features of your home, over time, the
heating and cooling system becomes
less effi cient. Regular seasonal service
like appropriately changing out the
air fi lter can help ensure your system
performs at its best, but once its life
expectancy has passed, a new unit is
usually the more cost-eff ective solution
in the long run.
Understanding your options is important
because these systems represent
a meaningful investment. There
are a lot of potentially overwhelming
options and you want to be sure you
get the right system for your home. A
consultation with an expert, such as
those you can fi nd at JCPenney Home
Services, can help you determine the
proper size and functions necessary
to effectively manage your home's
climate, as well as assist in exploring
the latest technologies and products.
For example, heat pumps, which were
once reserved for more moderate climates,
are now a cost-effi cient solution
for homes where temperatures dip
lower.
Another option that is relatively new
but growing in popularity is known
as a mini-split system. These systems
let you customize the temperature
settings in various spaces, enhancing
personal comfort and allowing you to
focus your energy use on the parts of
your home that need it most. Learn
more about these and other energy-effi
cient heating and cooling solutions
at jcpenneyhomeservices.com.
THERMOSTATS
While servicing or replacing an
HVAC system may be the obvious
change when it comes to conserving
energy, you can also see reductions by
using an upgraded thermostat, such as
a "smart" or connected model. These
devices can help you monitor the temperature
setting in your home while
maximizing effi ciency. For example, a
connected thermostat that's synced to
your smartphone may allow you to adjust
temperature settings when away
from home. This way, if you forget
to bump the air conditioner up a few
degrees while you're gone more than
a few hours, you can log-in remotely
and set an appropriate temperature.
WEATHERPROOFING
A great deal of energy is lost
through cracks, holes and faulty seals.
Take time to assess all windows, doors
and openings for air leaks, adding
caulking or weather stripping where
needed. Don't overlook culprits like
openings around lighting and plumbing
fi xtures, switch plates and other
electrical elements. Also assess potential
losses from the fi replace, attic,
garage and crawl spaces, where it's
common that less attention is given
to thorough sealing, and determine
whether additional insulation can
help contain energy.
Courtesy Family Features
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
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