A HVAC system that’s taken care of can use much less energy than one that is not. Routinely having your HVAC system serviced can improve efficiency and help save you money in utility costs. Luckily, there’s even more you can do to increase your property’s energy efficiency. Here are some simple actions you can take take to improve your Eastland home.
- Close up any leaks around your windows and doors. Even miniscule cracks can let heat or cool air disappear from your house. Add caulk or weatherstripping anywhere you find leaks.
- Use your windows. If it’s cooler after dark, turn off your air conditioning and open the windows. In the morning, shut the windows and your curtains or blinds to trap the cooler air and to prevent heat gain through the windows.
- Insulate your walls and attic. Insulation is generally equated with keeping your home comfortable in the colder months, but it also helps you out in the warmer season. Heat is constantly looking for cooler spaces—like your house. Sufficient insulation keeps heat from going through your attic and walls.
- Have your ducts cleaned. Air moves easier through your home when your ducts are open. That makes your air conditioner’s job easier.
- Check to see 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. Correctly sealing and insulating ducts is even more important if they are in the attic, a vented crawlspace or any other unconditioned area.
- Install a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats make managing your home comfort and efficiency pretty much effortless. You can automatically move 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 lower-than-usual 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 impacted. You’ll end up costing yourself more in energy.
- Turn 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 small 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 average setting for eight hours a day. Using a ceiling fan in partnership 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 putting lamps, tvs or other heat generating appliances near your thermostat, it can cause your air conditioner to run for an extended time 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 J & J Air Conditioning 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 J & J Air Conditioning at 254-355-3833. Our experts 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.