Energy Savings Tip – Replacing Air Filters Monthly Saves 5%
An important maintenance task that will ensure the efficiency of your heating and heat pump systems at home and work is to routinely replace or clean filters. Clogged, dirty filters block normal air flow and reduce a system’s energy efficiency. With normal air flow obstructed, air that bypasses the filter may carry dirt directly into the heating coil and impair the coil’s heat-absorbing capacity. Keeping the filter clean can lower your annual energy consumption by 5%.
Some types of filters are reusable; others must be replaced. They are available in a variety of types and efficiencies. Clean or replace your system’s filter or filters every month. The cost of the filter and a few minutes of your time monthly will result in a payback of the annual investment within three to four months.
Energy Price Projection – March 2012
Natural Gas pricing is at a twelve year low. The reason is the slow economic growth and a mild winter. Storage is at record highs and production has not been stopped in order for the drillers to keep well lease rights in place. The secondary result is electricity prices are also at record lows.
Gasoline and fossil fuels are just the opposite. USA Today reported “gasoline prices are the highest for this time of the year” and could go over $4.00 per gallon in April 2012. With tensions continuing to rise in the Middle East, natural gas and electricity pricing could be impacted by mid-summer 2012.
The members of the Chamber Energy Purchasing Cooperative with contracts ending in 2012 and 2013 are being contracted to extend the contracts to 2016 at rates equal to or lower than the current contract. Call the Chamber for additional details while market rates are still low.
Energy Currents is prepared by CQI Associates, Energy and Environmental Management Consultants to the Chamber. For additional customer support or information contract Melissa Anderson, Managing Principal at 410-740-0667 or by email at melissa@cqiassociates.com.