National Warranty manual

C E N T U R Y C OMM U N I T I E S H OM E OWN E R M A N UA L

ENERGY AND WATER CONSERVATION Good planning and thoughtful everyday habits can save significant amounts of energy and water. In the process of conserving, you also save money as an additional benefit. Keep these hints in mind as you select and use your home’s features: Heating and Cooling • Maintain all your home’s systems in clean and good working order to prevent maintenance issues and maximize efficiency. Schedule heat and air conditioning systems inspection a minimum of once every year. • Keep filters clean and replace them regularly. • Learn how to use your thermostat for comfort and efficient energy use. • If you have a zoned system, think through operating schedules and temperature settings to maximize comfort and minimize energy consumption. • During cold days, open window coverings to allow the sun to warm your home. Close them when the sun begins to set. • Limit the use of your fireplace in extremely cold or windy weather. • During the winter, humidifying the air in your home allows the air to retain more heat and is a general health benefit. Note: If condensation develops on your windows, you have taken a good thing too far and need to lower the setting on the humidifier. • Ceiling fans cost little to operate and the moving air allows you to feel comfortable at temperatures several degrees higher. • On hot days, close all windows and the window coverings on windows facing the sun to minimize solar heating and reduce demands on your air conditioner. • Keep the garage overhead doors closed. • Plan landscaping elements that support efficient energy use: −− Deciduous trees provide shade during the summer and permit solar warming in winter. −− Evergreen trees and shrubs can create a windbreak and reduce heating costs. −− Position trees to shade the roof and still allow good air flow around the home. −− Plant shrubs and trees to shade the air conditioner without obstructing air flow around the unit.

PA G E 4 . 6

C E N T U R Y C OMM U N I T I E S