Heating and Cooling

Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the hardest ones to figure out. But with a just a little effort, these energy savers could pay for themselves several times.

You've probably read ads or received sales calls about the "huge" energy savings created. The savings claimed may be exaggerated for a typical retrofit situation.

Some are things you can do right now, but others will take a little planning or time.

Ceiling fans can cut your electric bills year-round, but before you run out and buy one for every room, it’s important to understand how fans can help you save energy. If you install a ceiling fan and don’t adjust your thermostat settings accordingly, you may be more comfortable – but you also could be increasing your monthly electric bills.

 Follow these steps from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to save as much as 20 percent on your summer cooling costs.

At this time every year – when folks first fire up their furnaces – the phones start ringing at local electric cooperative offices across the state. Many of the calls are from members wanting to know if a portable electric space heater can help reduce their utility costs for the upcoming heating season. The answer is maybe.

Making a few minor changes in your daily habits can help you reduce your need for air-conditioning and add to energy savings during the dog days of summer. Try incorporating several of these tips into your daily routine.

Because heat pumps use the most efficient electric heating and cooling technology, they’re an excellent choice if your home needs a heating, ventilation and air conditioning upgrade. While an electric resistance heater is about 100-percent efficient – meaning all the electricity that goes into it is used to generate heat – today’s heat pumps can claim efficiencies of 200 to 400 percent.

The advent of air-conditioning replaced these time-tested methods of staying cool during summertime temperature spikes. But with quick relief from stifling heat also came higher electric bills. Now, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that 9 percent of Americans’ household energy costs are dedicated to cooling – and that number probably is a little higher for many Iowans. But you don’t have to sacrifice comfort and convenience to save on your bill. All it takes is smart planning, a little elbow grease and dedication to beating the heat – and high power bills.

Setting back the thermostat on your central furnace or heat pump during cold-weather months will save energy and money. The key is finding a temperature at which you and your family are comfortable.