When you turn on the air conditioner, you can almost feel the surge as your electric meter starts to spin faster – as well as feel your body temperature rise when you imagine next month’s bill.

Across the southern USA, AC is at or near the top of the list for home electricity consumption. Rather than spending money on electric bills, most rational people would rather reduce energy consumption and apply the savings to the OTHER list that might include things like a vacation, college, retirement savings, a new car…

Adding up the bills

The electric company charges by the kilowatt (or kill-a-wallet as some might say). So the more kilowatts used, the higher the bill.

Consider that a typical central AC system uses about 3.5 kilowatts of electricity per hour and a medium window unit uses about .9 kilowatts per hour.

According to the government’s Energy Star program, homeowners in Arizona pay about $212 to run a standard room air conditioner for about 1,000 hours over the summer period. Those cooling their entire home with central AC pay roughly $484. Southern California residents could expect similar bills – and some would consider such bills conservative.

The energy-focused, non-profit Alliance to Save Energy looked at the big picture across the nation and projected average annual household heating and cooling costs to rise to about $1,200. Hotter portions of the country usually pay significantly more, particularly in AC costs.

According to Michael Bluejay, an expert on home electricity use, “air conditioning uses more electricity than anything else — 16% of total electricity used. In warmer regions AC can be 60-70% of your summer electric bill.”

So, the need to make equipment and home as efficient as possible is obvious to all who value their hard-earned cash. Saving even a modest 10% on a conservative $1,200 annual bill means $120 in your pocket instead of the utility company’s. If the annual bill is a not-unusual $3,000, you save $300.

Keeping your air conditioner and other electricity-consuming appliances (yes, clean that dust from your refrigerator’s coils) in peak operating condition will help keep bills as low as possible.

Cost of neglecting maintenance

Since AC can be such a major portion of your bill, you can’t afford to neglect regular tune ups. For each year of routine maintenance you skip, your air conditioner loses about 5% of its efficiency. This means even an efficient Energy Star-rated unit will soon become an energy glutton without attention.

Other social and environmental costs of poor maintenance range from requiring power producers to generate more electricity (which often contributes to more green house gases and the need to build additional power stations) to creating more demand that invariably raises the cost of fuel, such as oil and natural gas, used to power many electricity generating plants.

Ideas for reducing AC costs

• Top of the list: Keep your air conditioner tuned up! A professional inspection is inexpensive and can quickly pay for itself. Regular maintenance that might include services such as balancing the refrigerant level, changing filters, straightening bent cooling fins and sealing air ducts promote efficient operation. Efficiency = Savings. According to the government’s Energy Star program, returning an unmaintained AC system to peak efficiency could cut up to $20 off a monthly electricity bill.
• Keep your home naturally cooler with simple steps such as closing window shades to block direct sunlight, switching to cool-running fluorescent light bulbs and running heat-generating appliances (clothes dryer, oven, etc.) in the cooler morning and evening hours. And, seal your home against air leaks around windows and doors with weather stripping – cheap and effective.
• When no one is going to be home, turn up the thermostat. If you have a programmable thermostat, set it to kick in at cooler temps just before people return. If you don’t have one, get one, because you could save about $180 annually in cooling and heating costs.
• Use fans. They consume less juice than AC, create moving air that cools people, and enable you to set the AC a couple of degrees higher or so.
• If your air conditioner is old, consider replacing it with one of today’s efficient models.

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Your bottom line is the bottom line

You have better things to spend your money on than electric bills. Making sure your air conditioner and other appliances are running at peak efficiency is simply part of a smart lifestyle.

A little AC maintenance can save a lot of money

It’s easy to think of your home’s air conditioner as “set it and forget it.”

Not true.

Even though they are generally sturdy devices built for long use, regular AC maintenance is the key to efficient operation and long life. Just as a car tune up maintains top gas mileage, so it is with your AC. Give it some love and attention BEFORE each cooling season begins, and it will reward you with peak operating efficiency and increased comfort over many years of service.

The penalties for letting maintenance slide? In addition to a loss of cooling efficiency that results in higher electricity bills, you’re looking at possible higher repair costs and even early replacement. In terms of cooling efficiency:

For each year of routine maintenance you skip, your air conditioner loses about 5% of its efficiency.

So, the self effort or professional cost of an annual tune-up can be recovered very quickly in savings on electric bills, repairs and replacement costs. Franklin’s “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” rings true again. Read the rest of this entry »

Even when shipshape, an older refrigerator is one of the biggest energy gobblers in a home and if the door gasket is shot it gobbles even more. A cracked or warped gasket allows cold air to escape to the outside where it condenses and turns into drips that leak back into box or onto the floor. Old gaskets are unsightly, unsanitary, and messy, prone to harbor mold as well as food spills.

* To test the gasket run your hand around it feeling for cold air, look for mold on the gasket, check for a light leak by placing a flashlight in the box and closing the door, or close half of a dollar bill in the door and gently pull it out. If there is a drag on the bill your gasket is fine.

A worn refrigerator gasket isn’t the end of the world, or the refrigerator. If your appliance was manufactured prior to 1998 there might be a quick payback from buying a new one but it is a big investment and for $100 or less you can return your ‘fridge almost to its original efficiency.

Installing a Refrigerator Gasket

Universal gaskets are available we recommend that you purchase one specific to your refrigerator. You can find one on-line or at major appliance dealers. Installing a gasket is a bit tricky and you may appreciate an extra set of hands but few skills or tools are required.

Soften the gasket by soaking in hot water until it is pliable. Make sure the refrigerator is level or take off the door and place it flat on the floor. The gasket conceals screws that hold a retainer in place so fold back the gasket and use a nut driver starting at the top outside corner of the door to loosen the screws along the top and side. Do not remove the screws as they also hold parts of the door in place. Pull the old gasket out then push the new gasket under the retainer and tighten the screws. Repeat for the bottom and other side. A thin coating of petroleum jelly along the hinge side of the gasket will reduce the drag when opening the door.

Make sure that the door is hanging level, not sagging (this is where the extra set of hands is good) then test the gasket’s integrity with the lighted flashlight. If there are gaps between the gasket and the frame loosen the screws and twist the door a little. It might be necessary to do this several times if the door is warped.

Now your refrigerator is almost as good as new and you may even find that perishables last longer and your utility bill drops a tiny bit. Make sure to apply some simple energy saving tips to your refrigerator as well to help you save more money.

Point-of-Use Water Heaters; Perfect for Hot Tubs & Long Showers

The hot tub isn’t really hot, the shower doesn’t stay that way nearly long enough, and you can make the bed and sort the laundry in the time it takes warm water to reach the bathroom sink. Even if your hot water heater is running efficiently and is an adequate size to meet most household needs, it might still need a little help.

A point-of-use tankless hot water heater is a great solution for occasional hot water shortfalls. These “on demand” appliances are perfect where there are either sporadic or extraordinarily high requirements for hot water; a spa or hot tub, a bathroom used by a marathon shower fanatic, or to speed up delivery to a sink, tub, or laundry located a distance from the main household water heater.

A flow switch operates the heating unit so it turns on when a hot water faucet is opened, eliminating stand-by heating losses. These heaters consume very little energy on their own, but since the main hot water heater continues to do its thing while the point-of-use unit is operating don’t expect overall energy savings. You will, however, save the water usually wasted while waiting for the hot stuff which could reduce water and in some cases sewer bills.

Many of the top manufacturers of hot water heaters make electric point-of-service units in several sizes and capacities. The amount of hot water produced varies by model and ranges from about .5 gallons per minute (gpm) to around 1.75 gpm with a temperature rise of 45° from the point where the water enters the heater. Manufacturers recommend the installation of flow controls and faucet aerators to increase the efficiency of the small tankless units.

The heaters are compact enough (around 12” high x 6” wide x 3” deep) to mount under the sink or in a closet near the water supply and are available with voltage requirements from 110/120 to 208/240. The larger the volume of water per minute needed or the greater the temperature rise the higher the voltage that will be required.

Point-of-use tankless hot water heaters cost in the range of $165 to $265 not including installation, but sometimes you just can’t put a price on a long, hot shower. Find a local San Diego plumber today to schedule an appointment for your hot water heater. Also, make sure to read through our Top 10 Water Heater Tips to help you get started yourself!

Motion-sensing lights that turn on when a car pulls into the driveway or a trick-or-treater skips down the front walk and go out a few minutes later have been used outdoors for years. They are cheap, easy to install, and are a great home accessory for safety, security and energy conservation reasons.

So why don’t we use them inside? Every family has a member who routinely fails to turn off the lights when he leaves a room or one who is too tiny to reach the switch. Stumbling around in a dark hall, especially near a stairwell, or an unfamiliar room is dangerous and they are a God-send for the handicapped or anyone whose hands are full. Read the rest of this entry »

As a homeowner, you know that nothing lasts forever. You constantly need to be away of your common household items that regularly need to be replaced in your home for best performance. Doing so may actually save you money as well as avoid any major problems that can occur down the road.

So how long do you need to check and replace common household items? Browse through the list below and make notes so you know when you need to do it yourself.
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Want to know what to look for in an electrician? As a homeowner, you’re responsible for all home electrical repairs. It is your responsibility that you protect yourself and those who live with you. The following electrician checklist should help provide you with valuable information about how to hire an electrician.
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Simple rules you have to follow for home plumbing

Plumbing is a learned skill, and often mistakes are made because the home handyman does not have the knowledge of the proper tools, compounds or pipe for the job. All plumbing systems get clogs eventually and a lot of time can be saved on a plumbing job if you follow a few simple rules.

You can fix the plumbing problem and learn how to repair plumbing problems yourself if you have the right tools, know the technique, and you are prepared to do it. The tools aren’t all that expensive, and sometimes can be rented, but if after a few attempts you can’t get the clog loose, call a San Diego professional plumber.
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Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) may be the biggest user of energy in your home or building - about 42% of your total energy bill. To trim those bills remember to turn it off when not needed; run it less; and make it more efficient. HVAC is sometimes referred to as climate control becauseit provides heating, cooling, humidity control, filtration, fresh air, building pressure control, and comfort control.

Did you know that in San Diego that HVAC systems have a significant effect on the health, comfort, and productivity of occupants?

Everything from room and water temperature to air and food quality is dependent on HVAC systems working reliably and efficiently. Issues like user discomfort, improper ventilation, and poor indoor air quality are linked to HVAC system design and operation and can be improved by better mechanical and ventilation systems.

You need to be sure your HVAC systems perform properly, reliably, and efficiently. 1800AnyTyme offers superior HVAC in San Diego - heating and cooling is our specialty. Give us a call today.

You regularly need to perform water heater maintenance in your home because hot water heating is typically the third largest energy expense in a home, after space heating and cooling. Typical water heater life is 10-15 years, less for gas heaters. In addition, a water heater is a relatively expensive appliance, and it operates under very severe conditions (high temperatures, and cycling on and off). Corrosion is the primary cause of premature tank failure so make sure to follow a solid water heater maintenance plan.

• Tanks should be flushed at least annually.
• Pressure gauges and relief valves should be checked four times a year.
• For glass-lined tanks, replace sacrificial anodes every 2-3 years, or if 6 in. of the core wire is exposed.
• Check combustion chamber and flue for rust and corrosion.
• Limit hot water to maximum 140°F and provide separate heating capability for school kitchens.
• Verify that mixing valves deliver a maximum of 110°F water to fixtures.
• Install timers on water heaters to turn off during unoccupied periods
• Draining a bucket of water will remove sediment from the tank bottom that could corrode the unit and reduce its heating efficiency. Drain and refill hot-water heater once a year to keep it fully functional.
• Check all the pipe connections and valves for leaks once a month. On gas models, be sure the vent pipe is properly installed and there are no obstructions.
• Routine flushes and replacement of anodes can extend the life of the tank – they can last 20 to 40 years with routine maintenance.

Contact you local San Diego HVAC technician for help with any water heater maintenance.

Some plumbing problems are a nightmare for any homeowner. It generally implies there will follow an extensive mess and a handsome bill to follow. Only you will be able to fix the problem of money, but you can get assistance quickly to solve your common plumbing problems. For most plumbing problems, there is always a temporary fix to prevent any additional damage.
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Spring and summertime are the finest times for projects that bring the outdoors in and the indoors out. Nowadays patio furniture is quite fashionable and a lot of pieces are attractive enough to use indoors. The cost tags are every bit as astonishing in regard to outdoor furnishings, but as compared to indoor furniture, these pieces are a dependable value.

Bring Outdoors In

You are able to bring outdoor pieces in, particularly if you use them in a casual space. They’ll work great for a sun room, a playroom or game room, and even a family room. A few people still use modern patio furniture in kitchens. The additional benefit is that most outside furnishings are very baby friendly. They’re constructed to stand up to the elements, so they can certainly stand up to children.

Wrought iron pieces also work well indoors. A small-scale iron table from the garden adds a good deal of appeal to a space with its worn finish. To make it feel more like an indoor piece, cover the top with a piece of glass. Rather than buying costly, customized cut glass, search for an additional large picture frame at a thrift store or yard sale and use the glass from it as a table topper.

Take Indoors Out

Indoor pieces can be utilized outside even as effectively. A lot of people have built up their homes to include outdoor living spaces, and you can as well. Apply interior pieces outdoors to create a comfortable, homey area to relax or entertain.

If you’ve a metallic futon and you’re set up to replace it, do not do away with it. Store the mattress and use it when guests visit or children have friends overnight. Simply pull it out of the closet, sneak a contour sheet on it, and you’ve an instant guest bed.

Carry the frame outside to the terrace. Buy patio furniture cushions to substitute the mattress. You are able to buy separate cushions at home improvement centers and super centers, which will cost you far less than purchasing brand-new patio furniture.

Anybody designing to apply pre-engineered metal buildings requires an exhaustive knowledge of precipitation loads and pertinent structural applications. In that respect usually there are a few of old-school bozos who’d not advocate or construct steel buildings. Their position initiates by an incorrect apprehension of steel buildings. Furthermore, they have old thoughts and stereotypes of what a steel building appears like when finished.

One unsupportive thought from these people is that construction codes for any structure won’t constitute fulfilled since the product plant isn’t in the equivalent surface area and won’t recognize how to abide by the engineer building it. The mistaken statement makes a confused assumption that a building maker always travels nationwide and not being familiar with building code regulations for a distinct location where the preassembled, pre-engineered construction is to be freighted. An incapable steel building builder is an illustration of one that will not be in business for very long.

The primary advantage is in the safety that a steel building can provide. Even now, a lot of institutional buildings are still being built employing wood framing. The trouble with wood framing is that when a fire touches inside the walls of a wood-framed building, it may be hard to eradicate. Nevertheless, since metal doesn’t burn, it won’t fuel a fire like wood. It’s a great deal easier to control a fire in a metal building - even to an exclusive room. This implies that your personnel, important documents or gear could be more safe and sound in a metal building.

Selecting steel in the building of your outdoor building constitutes a smart decision. Establishments nationwide are utilizing steel in their conceptions since they acknowledge they are cost-effectiveness and superior lastingness. Accept no risks with your real estate investment. Make the option that will lengthen the lifetime of your steel building.

Lighting accounts for 20% to 25% of all electricity consumed in the United States. An average household dedicates 5% to 10% of its energy budget to lighting, while commercial establishments consume 20% to 30% of their total energy just for lighting.

In a typical residential or commercial lighting installation, 50% or more of the energy efficiency is wasted by obsolete equipment, inadequate maintenance, or inefficient use.

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There is nothing like beautiful San Diego weather. Any time of the year is great for visiting and enjoying the perfect climate. San Diego enjoys their beautiful weather year round with an average daily temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius). With the warmest month of the year being August with an average maximum temperature of 77.5 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s likely most homes can get away with not having an air conditioning in San Diego.

However, San Diego has a variety of weather conditions which will make home owners want to install an air conditioner. Usually in about an hours drive, you can experience all four different San Diego micro-climates - coastal, inland valleys, mountains and desert.

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