A HVAC system that’s taken care of can use lower energy amounts than one that is not. Consistently having your HVAC system serviced can improve performance and help save you money in energy costs. Fortunately, there’s even more you can do to boost your house’s energy efficiency. Here are some painless steps you can take to improve your Erie home.
- Secure any leaks around your windows and doors. Even miniscule cracks can let heat or cool air leave your house. Add caulk or weatherstripping every place you find leaks.
- Use your windows. If it’s cooler at night, turn off your AC and open the windows. In the morning, shut the windows and your curtains or blinds to trap the cooler air and to stop heat gain through the windows.
- Insulate your walls and attic. Insulation is normally equated with keeping your home cozy in the cold season, but it also helps you out in the summer. Heat is constantly working toward cooler locations—like your house. Sufficient insulation stops heat from moving through your attic and walls.
- Have your ducts cleaned. Air flows easier through your home when your ducts are clear. That makes your air conditioner’s job simpler.
- Make sure your ducts are properly sealed to stop air leaks and insulate them if necessary. You’re losing valuable heated or cooled air if your ducts have leaks. Properly sealing and insulating ducts is even more crucial if they are in the attic, a vented crawlspace or any other unconditioned room.
- Install a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats make managing your home comfort and efficiency simple. You can automatically adjust your temperature when you’re not at home or when you’re sleeping while avoiding discomfort because your home’s temperature will return to normal when needed.
- If you choose not to use a programmable thermostat, avoid setting your thermostat at a chillier setting when you turn on your air conditioner. It might seem it will cool your home quicker, but the time it takes to cool won’t be affected. You’ll only cost yourself more in energy.
- Set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible in the summer. To help keep your cooling bill low, make sure the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures is as close as possible. According to the Department of Energy, you can save as much as 10% each year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7° to 10°F from its usual setting for eight hours a day. Using a ceiling fan in conjunction with your air conditioner can let you raise your thermostat a little more. You can raise your setting by about 4°F without negatively affecting your comfort.
- Limit heat-generating appliances near your thermostat. If you’re placing lamps, tvs or other heat generating appliances near your thermostat, it can cause your air conditioner to run longer than needed because it senses heat from these appliances and thinks your home needs cooling.
- Invest in new, energy-efficient equipment. If your HVAC equipment is more than 10 years old or not keeping up with your home-comfort needs, call Patterson & Stirling Inc for an evaluation. It could be time to replace it with ENERGY STAR®-qualified equipment that can lower your annual energy bill by more than $115, according to energystar.gov.
If you’re interested in improving your home’s energy efficiency, call Patterson & Stirling Inc at 814-308-0416. Our team can help you think about solutions, energy-efficient equipment or schedule a regular maintenance appointment. You can also schedule your appointment online using our online scheduler.