Donald P. Dick Air Conditioning Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Energy Star’

Here’s What You Need to Know About the EnergyGuide Label

Thursday, July 23rd, 2015

Here's What You Need to Know About the EnergyGuide LabelThe bright yellow EnergyGuide label is a familiar sight on various types of major appliances. Manufacturers are required by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to place them on items like heat pumps, air conditioners, furnaces and boilers. If you’re planning to upgrade your home’s HVAC equipment, understanding how to use the labels can help you compare different models and brands to find the most energy-efficient option.

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Energy-Saving Tips to Boost Your Home’s Efficiency This Spring

Thursday, April 2nd, 2015

Energy-Saving Tips to Boost Your Home's Efficiency This SpringHome efficiency is more important than ever, and now is the time to act. Efficiency improvements and upgrades not only save energy dollars, but also reduce your home’s carbon footprint for a healthier environment and cleaner natural resources. Put your efficiency resources to good use this spring, and enjoy the benefits throughout the summer and year-round.

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What’s the Best Type of Insulation for My Attic?

Thursday, January 8th, 2015

What's the Best Type of Insulation for My Attic?A properly insulated attic not only improves energy performance, but it also helps your home maintain a comfortable temperature all year-round. Energy Star states that central California homes should add R25 to R38 insulation in attics that are already insulated and R30 to R60 insulation in uninsulated attics. The best type of insulation for your attic depends on the type of insulation already in it, its age and your home’s sun exposure.

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Switching Over to a Mercury-Free Thermostat is Important for Your Home

Tuesday, October 21st, 2014

Switching Over to a Mercury-Free Thermostat is Important for Your HomeMercury is commonly known as a toxic element, but many people don’t realize that the mercury in their thermometers can be a major hazard when not disposed of properly. Each year, thousands of pounds of mercury are haphazardly dumped into landfills, demolition dumps and incinerators, creating a significant threat for the environment and human health. The federal EPA estimates that 21 tons of mercury had been used in the production of thermostats as of 2004. Mercury poisoning in humans can cause:

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10 Pointers for Locating a Reputable HVAC Professional

Tuesday, May 13th, 2014

10 Pointers for Locating a Reputable HVAC ProfessionalYour home’s cooling and heating systems are essential for your comfort and greatly affect long-term energy costs. A reputable HVAC professional can make all the difference in both. HVAC equipment may be the most complex systems you have in your home, and expertise is critical to get the best performance from it. So how do you find a reputable HVAC professional:

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Energy-Efficient HVAC Equipment: What You Should Know

Thursday, December 5th, 2013

Energy-Efficient HVAC Equipment: What You Should KnowHere in the greater Fresno area, our semi-arid climate – hot, dry summers with mild, moderately wet winters – typically demands more of A/C equipment than of heating appliances. That said, our coldest months (December and January) see average lows drop to the high 30s. Having an economic heating system, then, is an important consideration to many homeowners, and Energy Star certified appliances are your best bet for energy-efficient HVAC equipment. 

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Really Going Green: 10 Tips for Your Home

Tuesday, December 3rd, 2013

Here are 10 easy ways that you can get on the path toward going green in your San Joaquin Valley home.

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Holiday Energy Savings: Don’t Overlook These Easy Ways to Stretch Your Budget

Thursday, November 7th, 2013

Holiday Energy Savings: Don't Overlook These Easy Ways to Stretch Your BudgetThe holiday season can be an expensive time of year for homeowners. Holiday spending can add up, but don’t spend your dollars on excessive energy use rather than holiday cheer. Follow these easy steps this season to stretch your holiday budget:

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Energy Vampires: A Year-Round Drain

Thursday, September 27th, 2012

Energy Vampires: A Year-Round DrainEvery year, ordinary household electrical devices cost Americans at least $3 billion in wasted electricity. Many devices create a constant energy drain, even when they’re turned off. Learn how to detect these energy vampires and stop them before they put another hole in your wallet.

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How To Read That Yellow EnergyGuide Label

Tuesday, September 25th, 2012

How To Read That Yellow EnergyGuide LabelWe all know that when driving, yellow means yield. In the case of shopping for HVAC appliances, yellow means take a second to read the EnergyGuide label before you decide on a product. If you want to save some green, it helps tremendously to understand the EnergyGuide label and what it can mean for your energy bills.

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