Best energy efficiency auditors near Long Beach, MS

The number one culprit of high energy bills is older appliances, especially fridges and freezers that are left on all the time. These two appliances tend to last a long time, which is good, but it also means that newer models are usually significantly more energy-efficient due to upgraded technology. The second most common reason for a high bill is heating and air conditioning.

Setting your AC unit to 78 degrees can, indeed, help you save energy. In fact, according to experts, every degree you turn the unit up could save you between 1% and 3% on your energy bills. That said, turning your unit off entirely while you’re out might actually be less efficient than keeping it on at a higher temperature. Why? The unit will need to work extra hard to cool the house back off again after all those hot hours. 

A good SEER rating for an HVAC system is typically between 15 and 20. However, minimum requirements vary by location; HVAC systems in northern states must have at least a 14 SEER rating, while those in southern states need a minimum of 15. For the highest possible efficiency, look for units with a SEER rating of 21 or higher. It's important to remember that a SEER rating represents the maximum efficiency a unit can achieve, not the level at which it will operate at all times.

The answer is a resounding yes, as dishwashers save significant water and energy compared to washing dishes by hand. The difference is so drastic in fact that those who use energy-efficient dishwashers can expect savings of over $450 per year. This is because dishwashers use less water, they wash at a higher temperature than a hand rinse, and you don’t need to rinse them after washing. New dishwashers use around 4 gallons per load, whereas washing by hand can use up to 2 gallons per minute.