A HVAC system that’s well-managed can use lower energy amounts than one that is not. Regularly having your HVAC system serviced can improve performance and help save you money in utility costs. Thankfully, there’s even more you can do to increase your property’s energy efficiency. Here are some painless actions you can take take to improve your Derby home.
- Seal any leaks around your windows and doors. Even small cracks can let heat or cool air disappear from 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 catch the cooler air and to avoid heat gain through the windows.
- Insulate your walls and attic. Insulation is normally connected to keeping your home warm in the colder months, but it also helps you out in the summer. Heat is constantly looking for cooler places—like your rooms. Sufficient insulation prevents heat from moving through your attic and walls.
- Have your ducts cleaned. Air flows easier through your home when your ducts are uncluttered. That makes your air conditioner’s job easier.
- Check to see your ducts are correctly sealed to prevent 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 vital 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 pretty much effortless. You can automatically move your temperature when you’re away from home or when you’re sleeping while avoiding discomfort because your home’s temperature will get back 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. You might think it will cool your home faster, but the time it takes to cool won’t be impacted. You’ll just cost yourself more in energy.
- Make your thermostat as high as comfortably possible in the summer. To help keep your cooling bill inexpensive, make sure the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures is as little as possible. According to the Department of Energy, you can save as much as 10% annually 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 close to 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 Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning for an check up. It may be time to replace it with ENERGY STAR®-qualified equipment that can reduce your annual energy bill by more than $115, according to energystar.gov.
If you’re interested in improving your home’s energy efficiency, call Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning at 203-772-8319. 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.