Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. Unconditioned air, humidity, noise and dust belong outside. FIREPLACES Fireplaces provide a nice setting and pleasant atmosphere, however, fireplaces require a great deal of air for combustion and create a strong updraft through the chimney. Be sure the fireplace damper is shut when the fire is completely extinguished, and the fireplace is not in use. EXHAUST FANS Kitchen, bath and utility exhaust fans are a necessity, however, keep in mind that they also remove conditioned air from the house. Their use should be kept at a minimum in order to reduce heating/cooling costs. OTHER HOME APPLIANCES Keep in mind that washers, dryers, ovens and other home appliances can add heat and humidity to your home. For example, you might consider washing and drying cloths in the morning over evening in the cooling months to avoid adding heat to your home air during peak cooling hours. Venting your cloths dryer to the outside will help keep from adding heat and humidity to the inside air. THERMOSTAT ADJUSTING Your thermostat is a precision instrument, designed to automatically control your heating and cooling system. For best results select a comfortable setting and do not change the thermostat except when absolutely necessary. NIGHT SETBACK While night setback thermostats have been popular fuel saving devices for oil, gas and electric furnaces, they may not save fuel on conventional heat and pump systems. Keep in mind that the heat pump produces an average of 2.5 times as much heat with a KW of electricity as does a resistance electric auxiliary heater at 45°F. When night setback is used, the temperature is normally allowed to drop 10 to 15°F at night. Standard night setback thermostats will operate the heat pump and auxiliary electric resistance heat to restore temperature to normal, in the morning. Thus it can cost more KW to restore heat than was saved by night setback. This depends on both the power rates and other local factors. (Consult your local power company on electric rates and demand metering.) Lennox does offer a night setback thermostat, Flexstat ™, that works economically in heat pump applications. This thermostat is designed for heat pump use and is the best way to enjoy night setback cost savings. It will operate the heat pump and only minimum required amounts of electric resistance heat when restoring temperature to normal in the morning. OUTDOOR THERMOSTAT Outdoor thermostats are available for use with supplement electric heaters. These thermostats divide the control of the heaters and are pre-set to operate only the portion of electric heat needed at any given outdoor temperature. DEMAND METERS Some power companies use demand meters and your peak demand helps determine your electric rate. Outdoor thermostats properly adjust for your installation can hold unnecessary resistance auxiliary heat off the line except when absolutely needed. |
