MILWAUKEE, Sept. 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- There's no doubt that heating and cooling your home is the largest energy expense in your home. In fact, according to the Department of Energy, heating and cooling accounts for about 56 percent of the energy used in a typical U.S. home, which makes efforts to reduce energy costs that much more important. As you prepare for the heating season ahead, the experts at the Luxaire® brand of heating and air conditioning recommend the following:
- Perform regular maintenance. Clean air filters, seal any duct leaks, make sure registers are clear of obstructions and check your insulation. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports improper insulation can reduce system efficiency by as much as 30 percent.
- Hire a qualified technician to inspect and service your home comfort system. The technician will make sure your system is working properly and at peak efficiency. As a rule of thumb, heat pumps and oil-fired furnaces need annual tune-ups, while gas-fired equipment can be serviced every other year.
- Consider replacing an older, inefficient furnace or heat pump. A knowledgeable technician will be able to recommend a new, more efficient replacement system, such as ENERGY STAR®-qualified equipment that can help save you money on energy bills. Efficiency is measured as annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces and heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) for heat pumps. The higher the AFUE or HSPF, the more efficient the unit and the less energy it requires to heat your home.
- Adjust your thermostat. By lowering it just a few degrees in cooler temperatures, you can help your heating system work less to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
- Think about installing a programmable thermostat. Programming your thermostat to accommodate your family's time away from home and sleeping schedule will help to ensure that your system is operating only when you need it.
- Learn more. To learn more about efficient products that can help you conserve energy and save money, or to find a heating and cooling contractor near you, visit www.luxaire.com.
Luxaire® products from Johnson Controls include high-performance residential central air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces and accessories and light-commercial, packaged heating and cooling systems marketed through a network of distributors and delivered to home- and building-owners through independent Luxaire heating and air conditioning contractors. For more information about Luxaire, visit www.luxaire.com.
Johnson Controls
Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 170,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and interior systems for automobiles. Our commitment to sustainability dates back to our roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through our growth strategies and by increasing market share we are committed to delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful. In 2014, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #12 company in its annual "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com or follow @johnsoncontrols on Twitter.
Please Direct Reader Inquiries to:
Steve Hoffins
Director of Marketing – Unitary Products
Johnson Controls
507 E. Michigan St.
Milwaukee, WI 53202
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SOURCE Johnson Controls
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