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Utility cost
Yaofeng:
Y We live in central Jersey. The house is built in 1971, 2,400 sq ft Y four bedroom split. Gas furnace is original. Central AC about 15 Y year old. We set the thermostat at 82 degrees F during summer for Y cooling. In winter, we set it to 72 degrees F during the day and turn Y it down to 59 degrees F after 12. My attic has at least R30 Y insulation. Y Y We pay PSE&G $212 a month on equal payment, gas and electric. Y Y I'd like to get you guys' opinion whether to update my furnace to a Y more energy efficient one, in light of the looming sky rocketing Y energy cost. A good indication would be what a comparable size brand Y new home pays PSE&G in the same area. I agree a more current furnace would give you a savings. Also find out if PSE&G is offering rebates (the contractor you are purchasing your furnace and/or central air conditioning from should provide this information). With the age of both appliances I would suggest replacing both; if not financially possible now allow for the upgrade shortly (i.e. next spring or the following spring). Be sure to tell the representative of any problems such as the living room is aways cold, the bathroom is too hot; replacement of a section of duct or balancing the system should solve these problems. Comparing what a similar home has for HVAC may or may not be give you what you need: each home has differences affecting what equipment is needed. Someone suggested a programmable thermostat: I agree, but let the contractor do the installation as part of the package. (The old one here had something like a 6ø 'knee' -- allowing a heck of a swing in temperature before would kick on and off -- the new electronic thermostat can be set for a 1ø knee -- keeps the temperature much more even.) Other things to help reduce energy: check outlets and switches for leaks. When there is a decent breeze outside feel for air movement by the boxes. If there is there are foam plates that go under the covers available at hardware stores and department -- usually come as a 'kit' of several switch and outlets. - ¯ barry.martinþATþthesafebbs.zeppole.com ® * Some suffer some insanity; I enjoy it! --- þ RoseReader 2.52á P003186 þ The Safe BBS þ Bettendorf, IA 563-359-1971 --- þ RIMEGate(tm)/RGXMod V1.13 at BBSWORLD * |
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