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Saving Energy and Cutting Costs
July 9, 2010
Dear Friends,
Like so many of you, I have been following the news coming out of the Gulf about the Deepwater Horizon Spill. The images have been heartbreaking. As President Obama recently said, this disaster is our “environmental 9/11.” It is a wake-up call for our entire country that something must be done about our fossil fuel consumption.
As a nation, we must work harder to reduce our individual energy usage. Almost half the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling. By making smart decisions about your ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, you can lower your energy consumption and also save money. Here are some helpful tips for saving energy and money this summer:
Replace your air filter regularly
Check your filter every month, and if the filter looks dirty, replace it. At a minimum, replace your filter every 3 months. A dirty filter will make the system work harder to keep you warm or cool – wasting energy. A clean filter will also prevent dust and dirt from building up – leading to expensive maintenance and/or early system failure.
Tune up your HVAC equipment yearly
Just as a tune-up for your car can improve your gas mileage, a yearly tune-up of your heating and cooling system can improve efficiency and comfort.
Install a programmable thermostat
A programmable thermostat is ideal for people who are away from home at times throughout the week. This installation can save you about $180 every year in energy costs.
Install ENERGY STAR certified heating and cooling equipment
If your HVAC equipment is more than 10 years old or not keeping your house comfortable, have it evaluated by a professional HVAC contractor. Replacing your old heating and cooling equipment with ENERGY STAR qualified equipment can cut your annual energy bill by nearly $200.
If you would like more information on efficient home cooling, visit ENERGY STAR online by clicking here.
In addition, for opportunities to help the clean-up effort in the Gulf, check out this list of charitable and volunteer organizations.
I hope this information will help you find ways to save energy and money, while also reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.
As always, please continue to keep me informed about your opinions and concerns by phone at (202) 225-2731 or by email by visiting my website at www.house.gov/mcintyre.
Sincerely,
U.S. Congressman Mike McIntyre
Representing the 7th District of North Carolina |
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Lumberton, NC
500 North Cedar Street
Lumberton, NC 28358
(910) 735-0610
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Fayetteville, NC 28301
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2437 Rayburn House Office Bldg.
Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-2731
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