What Type Of Water Heater Is Most Energy Efficient?

Water heating accounts for about 20% of a typical American household’s monthly energy bills. When it’s time to replace your old water heater, it pays to select the most energy-efficient unit that fits into your budget and has the right capacity for your needs. Use these tips to choose the most energy-efficient water heater for your South Hill, WA, home. Consider the Efficiency of Water Heater Power Sources Water heaters can be operated with solar, geothermal, electricity, natural gas, propane, or heating oil. Solar power and geothermal water heaters use a minimal amount of fossil fuels, so they’re an environmentally-friendly choice. Natural gas and propane are the most energy-efficient fossil fuel sources of power for water heaters. Electricity follows behind natural gas and propane when it comes to the energy efficiency of the power source. Heating oil is the least-efficient source of power for a water heater. You’ll also need to consider the availability and feasibility of the power source. Solar power may not be a cost-effective investment in South Hill, and geothermal may have a long payoff period. Natural gas may not be available in all locations. Propane and heating oil have variable prices. Propane and heating oil also...

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How to Locate Cold Air Leaks in Your Home

Most homes have leaks in them that can let in cold air during the winter. These leaks can cool down your house and drive up your winter energy bills. At in Puyallup, WA, we believe that it’s important to find and fix these leaks so that you can stay comfortable and save money in the long run. We’d be happy to assess the source of any potential cold air leaks in your residence. Use Your Hands The skin on your hands can be used to find some of the larger air leaks in your home. Choose a cold day when the inside of your house is warm. Run your hand around the edges of any doors or windows that open to the exterior of your home. If you feel any cold air, it’s likely an air leak. You can also use your hand to check air vents, fans, and electrical outlets. Light a Candle A flickering candle flame is an excellent indicator of an air leak. After turning off your central heating system, light a candle and move it along any electrical outlets, baseboards, or phone jacks. Use an Air Leak Detector For a more accurate assessment of air leaks,...

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Do You Need Aeroseal Duct Sealing?

Have you heard people claiming that aeroseal duct sealing drastically cuts energy bills and improves efficiency? This might sound too good to be true, but the reality is that this new technique can be quite helpful in some situations. Here are some things you should know before you decide whether or not you need aeroseal duct sealing. What Is Aeroseal Duct Sealing? To figure out whether or not you need this process, it is important to understand it. Aeroseal is a type of duct sealing created by the United States Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency. It involves placing a special sealing machine and sealant particles in a duct system to keep your hot or cold air from leaking out before it can get into your home. Does Aeroseal Duct Sealing Really Work? HVAC experts estimate that the average house loses roughly 30 percent of its temperature-controlled air through duct leaks. However, if you get to help you seal the ducts in your Puyallup home, you may get up over a 90 percent reduction in air leaks. This all combines to create a more evenly cooled and heated home, lower utility bills, better air quality, and an HVAC unit...

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3 Tips to Boost the Energy Efficiency of Your HVAC System

Homeowners in Puyallup and the Tacoma area depend on their heating and cooling systems for year-round comfort. Did you know your indoor temperature system requires your assistance to remain energy-efficient? When it comes to economical operation, stand-alone heaters and air conditioners have the same needs as packaged or central systems. Your HVAC system can maintain superior levels of efficiency and continue to save you money when you follow a few simple tips. 1. Keep Vents and Ducts Clean Nothing slows down the power of your comfort system faster than dirty vents and ducts. That’s because the dirt buildup can block the flow of air throughout your home. Annual cleaning can improve the flow of air and prevent the system from overworking to keep you comfortable. Inspecting your ductwork will help you locate any leaks or incorrectly sealed connection points. Catching a leak can save you money and put a stop to a decline in energy efficiency. 2. Clean or Replace the Filter Filters that aren’t kept clean can be a major cause of system malfunction. They can even reduce efficiency. Your unit must work harder to produce the right air temperature and flow when a filter isn’t routinely cleaned or...

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