Six Steps to an Energy-Efficient Home
Most heating and cooling technicians agree that a typical household HVAC system is a significant player in your monthly energy usage. Fortunately, there are several simple steps you can incorporate into your daily life to lower your energy consumption and reduce your monthly energy costs without sacrificing comfort in your home.
Do you need some inspiration on how to get started? Read on for a list of helpful hints you can use immediately to conserve energy and see real savings on your next energy bill:
Rethink your indoor temperature
Here is a fun (and useful!) fact: You can save up to 1% for each degree that you adjust your thermostat closer to the outdoor temperature! If you are afraid that this will cause you to shiver or sweat, try this tactic while you are away from home for minimal impact on your comfort.
Consider a programmable thermostat
Think back to the previous suggestion to adjust your thermostat while you are away from home. On top of everything else going on in your busy life, you might be wondering how you will remember to do this simple task before stepping out the door. A programmable thermostat might be your answer! A programmable thermostat allows you to “set it and forget it.” It can be set to automatically raise or lower the indoor temperature, based on your preferences.
Replace your air filter
Replacing your air filter is an important, yet often forgotten home maintenance task. When your air filter is dirty, your HVAC system will need to work harder to deliver warm or cold air throughout your home. This causes an increase in energy usage and monthly energy costs, not to mention excessive wear on your HVAC’s hardworking components. Inspect your air filters monthly and promptly clean or replace them when they appear dirty.
Eliminate drafts
Do you feel a breeze? When it comes to reducing energy consumption, addressing drafts in your home is a no-brainer. Drafts are commonly found around windows, but any crack or gap can be a culprit. Fortunately, drafts are a cinch to solve. Place a rolled-up towel over the area to prevent airflow through the crack. If that doesn’t do the trick, fill an old sock with sand, tie it securely and place your small sandbag over the pesky draft.
Keep up with preventative maintenance
Treat your HVAC to a yearly preventative maintenance visit. During this appointment, your technician will clean and lubricate your HVAC’s components, and inspect your system for necessary repairs. Annual preventative maintenance visits go a long way in maintaining the efficiency of your unit, reducing energy consumption, monthly energy bills and repair costs incurred by a less-than-optimal HVAC system.
Consider an upgrade
As the years go by, we learn more about how to create an energy-efficient home. If your current HVAC system is over ten years old, consider replacing it with a newer model with features proven to reduce energy usage.
